Your Last BordersBEST THINGS TO DO IN MARRAKECH
Marrakech is Morocco’s most famous city. The one that attracts the most tourist and the place you should definitely not miss if thinking of visiting Morocco. There are so many Marrakech must see spots that planning the perfect Marrakech itinerary could seem overwhelming. Don’t worry. With this list of the 20 best things to do in Marrakech you won’t miss any on your visit.
On this post you’ll find everything you need to pick the top things to do within and outside Marrakech Medina. Along with some additional must-try experiences to have a once in a lifetime holiday. Keep reading and select your favourite things to do in Marrakech Morrocco to tailor a perfect trip.
If you are thinking of visiting other cities in the country, check out these posts on the best things to do in Morocco and nearby cities such as Fes, Meknes, Rabat, Casablanca, etc. And follow my Instagram and Tiktok pages for additional insights on my trips and travel tips.
Best Things to do in Marrakech Medina
The word ‘Medina’ refers to the old and walled part of a Norther African town. As such, the Medina is the ancient part of the city packed with beautiful old buildings. Therefore, exploring Marrakech Medina a must when travelling to Marrakech. The following are the best things to do in Marrakech Medina.
1. Enjoy the square Jamaa El-Fnaa during the day
Jamma El-Fnaa is the main square in Marrakech Medina. The place that best reflects the hustle and bustle of this ancient city. A spot you will always remember, because anything your mind can picture happens in Jamaa El-Fnaa.
The Square is as a UNESCO Humanity Oral and Intangible Heritage known for its concentration of traditional Moroccan activities. Here you’ll find musicians, performers, storytellers, animal enchanters, cooks, henna tattoo artists, juice makers, etc.
Open your eyes, nose, and ears when approaching Jamma El-Fnaa. The Square is above all a cultural experience. A spectacle repeated daily that changes with its people and features many faces.
During the day, Jamma El-Fnaa makes the perfect spot for breakfast. Later on, when market stalls open, it becomes a great spot to buy souvenirs, drink mint tea, and chat with locals. Yet, the square is most crowded at night and you should go back to see it then.
2. Go back to Jamaa El-Fnaa at nighttime
Visiting Jamam El-Fnaa after sunset is the ultimate Marrakech must do activity. After down, The Square gets packed and reaches its liveliest time. Don’t be scared. It’s a safe and very touristic spot and it will get less overwhelming over time.
At night Jamaa El-Fnaa is full of animal enchanters, locals promoting traditional games, musicians, dancers, monkeys, snakes, drinks, and food. It’s the perfect time to get a henna tattoo, try Moroccan board games, listen to music, and sample the city’s cuisine.
The vibe at Jemaa El-Fnaa during the day and at nighttime is so different. To the point it will make you feel like you are in a different square. Make sure to visit both of its sides. And bear in mind all street performers will expect money in exchange of pictures.
3. Get lost within the Medina
One of the top things to do in Marrakech is to get lost within the Medina. To walk well past the main square and mosque to explore the tiny winding alleys. Here you can admire the colours of the old buildings, embrace the smell of the spices, sample local fruits at the markets, and chat with locals.
The narrow streets of Marrakech Medina will instantly take you back in time. Especially when the unique and magical sound of the call to prayer emerges from the city’s mosques. Each turn within the Medina can lead to a new adventure.
As long as you are aware of pickpockets and know how to go from the Square to your hotel, everything will be fine. Getting lost is part of the fun. Forget about your map and let your inner explorer take the lead. Notwithstanding, there’s plenty of guided tours of Marrakech Medina to join if you’d rather don’t get lost on your own.
4. Visit the (in)famous Marrakech tanneries
Marrakech is a hub for the production of high-quality leather goods. Leather has been traditional tanned in the city since the creation of its Medina. In these traditional tanneries, tanners treat leather with natural procedures only, which means visiting is an exciting sensorial experience.
To obtain pigments, tanners use natural ingredients. These include poppy for red, indigo for blue, henna for orange, etc. And a nasty mix of water, salt, pigeon’s dung, and cow’s urine for white. All dyes are located in stone cubes along narrow alleys, with natural leather being continually dipped in them. Consequently, tanneries are smelly. Nevertheless, visiting these (in)famous local tanneries is one of the best things to do in Marrakech.
To minimise impact on locals lives, Marrakech tanneries are located at the north end of the Medina. In a quarter called Bab Debbagh. The best way to witness the production process is from inside one of the shops surrounding the tanneries. They all have balconies overlooking the wells and let tourists in exchange of some shopping or a small tip. Vendors usually offer/sell mint leaves visitors can under their nose to compensate the tannery’s strong and disgusting smell.
If you’d like to learn more about the tanneries, consider joining a tour of Marrakech tanneries. And don’t forget you can also visit large tanneries in the city of Fes.
5. Sample the local cuisine
A trip to Morocco is, by definition, a gastro trip. Moroccan cuisine has it all to become your next favourite. This consists in a delicious mix of Mediterranean, Andalusian, Arab, Bereber, and Middle Eastern dishes. All packed with fresh and tasty grains, vegetables, and meat.
The most famous dishes are couscous, tagine, and pastilla. Along with fresh soups, salads, pastries, mint tea, and orange juice. Sampling local cuisine is certainly one of the top things to do in Marrakech. Among its many restaurants, some of my favourites are Le Foundouk, Le Jardine, and El Fenn.
Additionally, consider joining a Marrakech street food tour to discover the nicest and most hidden local gems in Marrakech’s food scene.
6. Go Shopping at the souks
Marrakech Medina is a never ending market full of stalls selling everything one might be looking for. In the souks you’ll find spices, fresh fruit, vegetables, animals, meat, bread, pastries, rugs, ceramics, pottery, arts and crafts, silver works, souvenirs… Therefore, going shopping at the souks is one of the best things to do in Marrakech.
The best souks to visit in Marrakech are: Souk Cherratine, famous for its leather goods; Souk des Teinturiers, huge in rugs and curtains; Souk Haddaniene, home of the best metalwork; and Souk des Babouche, where to find the famous colourful slippers.
Give bargaining a go and never agree to the first price a vendor suggests as you would certainly be overpaying. If the vendor doesn’t follow you when you leave their store, you have suggested an accurate price. Oh, and if you fall for something big, ask about international deliveries as most shops arrange these.
7. Admire the Koutoubia Mosque
Koutuobia Mosque is one of the most famous landmarks in Marrakech. It’s right besides Jamaa El-Fnaa square and its minaret, of over 70 metres, is visible from miles away in every direction. Therefore, visiting the Koutoubia Mosque is one of the best things to do in Marrakech.
Koutoubia Mosque, built in 1162, is the largest mosque in Marrakech. And one of the best examples of Almohad architecture in town. Muslims can freely enter the mosque, either for praying or visiting. Non-muslims can get the best glimpse to its courtyard on Fridays, as the doors are fully open during calls to prayer.
8. Explore Madrasa Ben Yousef
Madrasas are islamic schools dedicated to the teaching and learning of the Quran. There are lots of them in Marrakech yet Madrasa Ben Yousef makes one of the finest examples of Morocco’s Saadian architecture. Therefore, visiting this madrasa is one of the best things to do in Marrakech.
Madrasa Ben Yousef, opposite to the Ali Ben Youssef Mosque, was once the largest centre for islamic studies in Morocco. It could host over 900 students and once, all of them men, who lived and learnt within its beautiful walls.
The Madrasa dates from the 16th century and its main highlight is its courtyard. This breathtaking interior terrace is beautifully decorated with a shallow reflecting pool, mosaics, tiled floors, craved cedar wood, etc.
As most local mosques in Marrakech are closed to non-muslims, visiting madrassas is one of the best ways of getting an inside into the beautiful islamic designs. Madrasa Ben Yousef is open daily form 9am to 6pm and tickets are approximately $5.
9. Check out Marrakech Museum
Marrakech Museum, showcasing an interesting collection of historical objects such as antiques, ceramics, coins, jewellery, and paintings, is one of the best places to visit in Marrakech.
The museum is in the Dar Mnebhi Palace, very close to Madrasa Ben Yousef. The building is an old construction featuring a magnificent central patio, a wonderful chandelier, a private Hammam, lots of decorated bedrooms, and a kitchen. Therefore, it’s not really a museum on the history of Marrakech but a wonderful traditional building where to experience some of the city’s nice old treasures.
Marrakech Museum is open daily from 9am to 12pm and 3pm to 6pm and charges an entrance fee of about $5. Plan your visit accordingly.
10. Go back in time at the Fondouks
Fondouks, also known as caravanserais, are medieval hotels dedicated to hosting traders and their camels when on a commercial trip.
There used to be many of them in every major commercial city, such as Damascus or Bishkek, and Marrakech is no exception. Nowadays these have become nice hotels, fancy restaurants and museums. So it’s easy to visit them and you definitely should.
Foundouks used to have a ground floor with a courtier and fountain where stables for camels and horses where located. The first floor was for the kitchen and bedrooms. Both the courtyard and the staircase used to be tastefully decorated to attract guests. The most famous ones are located, of course, near Jeamma El-Fna square, in an area called El Baroudiyin.
11. Enjoy beautiful Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace or Brilliance Palace is one of the top places to visit in Marrakech. Among the many palaces in the city, this one is a highlight because of its mix of Moroccan, Andalusian, and Islamic styles.
Bahia Palace was built in the 19th centre aiming to become one of the greatest palaces of its time. It has a private Hammam, a mosque, stables, a courtyard, and over 150 rooms. All decorated with stunning craved wood works, cedar ceilings, silk panels, strained-glass, and Italian marble.
Walking around the courtyard’s fountain and imagining how life would have been in the palace back in the day is certainly one of the best things to do in Marrakech. The Palace is open from 9am to 5pm daily, with the average visit taking around 2 hours. Entrance fee is $7.
12. Drink Mint Tea at Square Rahba Kedima
Rahba Kedina, which means old square, is actually the spice hub in Marrakech. This tiny square is full of spice stalls selling the finest spices in the country and if you like them you should definitely get some here. These were as nice as the ones I got in Zanzibar’s spice farms.
Square Rahba Kedima is also the perfect place to experience Morocco’s mint tea tradition. This is Morocco’s biggest sign of hospitality. Accordingly, mint tea is offered as a welcoming gesture in Riads, shops and restaurants.
Watching local men pour the sugary mint tea is one of the best things to do in Marrakech and one that will certainly stay in your memory for a long time. One of the best places to experience this tradition is Cafe Des Espices, a well known local restaurant at Rahba Kedima Square.
13. Explore Museum Dar Si Said
Museum Dar Si Said, which currently serves as the Museum of Moroccan Arts, is a beautiful old palace in Marrakech Medina. Dar Si Said is a miniature version of its neighbour, Bahia Palace, and as such receives way fewer visitors. Therefore, if you are short in time and still would like to get an idea of how old Moroccan palaces look like, this is your spot.
The Highlights in Dar Si Said are its pooled courtyards, tiled walls, carpets, and marble structures. Likewise, the collection of jewellery, carpets, lamps, leatherwork, and pottery hosted at the museum is one of the finest in Morocco.
Bear in mind the museum is closed on Tuesdays. It opens from 10am to 6pm on any other day and the entrance fee is only $1. So this might be one of the cheapest museums to visit in Marrakech.
Best Things to do in Marrakech outside the Medina
Marrakech has well overgrown it’s medieval walls and there are many interesting spots to explore outside of the Medina. Truth is, most of Marrakech’s inhabitants live outside of the Medina. Therefore, those looking for day-to-day experiences, will love exploring outside the Medina.
14. Circle the Medina exploring its gates
Marrakech Medina is surrounded by the ramparts of Marrakech, a set of defensive walls protecting the old city. The Almoravids built these in the 12th century using a reddish stone that gave Marrakech its nickname of Red City.
One of the best things to do in Marrakech outside the Medina is walk around the ramparts enjoying the different gates and towers. The wall stretches for almost 20 kilometres and is home of over 20 gates and 200 towers.
Among these, Marrakech’s most beautiful historic gates are Bab Doukkala, Bab El-Khemis, Bab Ad-Debbagh, Bab Aylan, Bab Aghmat, Bab Er-Robb, Bab El-Makhzen, and Bab El-Arissa.
15. Drink with a view over El Badi Palace
El Badi Palace is an old palace now in ruins. It was built in the 15th century to celebrate the victory over the Portuguese and was part of the Royal palace. It was quite impressive in its best times. However,nowadays it’s mostly a beautiful patio surrounded by old walls.
Not much is left from its two monumental symmetrical pavilions that now host the Marrakech Folklore Festival every spring. Nevertheless, it makes a great place for a quick stroll. If you have the time, get a drink at neighbouring Kosybar and jump to its roof top terrace. Overlooking El Badi Palace while enjoying a drink in this bar is one of the best things to do in Marrakech.
16. Visit the Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are a royal necropolis for the Saadian sultans that ruled Morocco in the 16th century. There are over 170 tombs, all of them facing a beautiful garden, and visiting them is one of the best things to do in Marrakech.
The elaborated tombs signify the importance of sultans among their ancient society. The mausoleums’ highlight is the Chamber of the Twelve columns. This comprises a roof of painted carved cedar wood laying over twelve columns of carer marble decorated in geometric patterns and Arabic calligraphy.
17. Relax at Majorelle Gardens, Home of Yves Saint Laurent
Majorelle Gardens are the most famous gardens in Marrakech. Those you might have seen all over instagram and heard many people talking about. And they are not wrong, visiting Majorelle Gardens is one of the best things to do in Marrakech.
Also known as Jardins Majorelle, these were once the home of the landscape painter Jacques Majorelle, who the sold the place to the designer Yves Saint Laurent. The building is currently the Berber Museum and its gardens full of exotic flora from all over the world are also open to the public.
In this Villa Oasis House there’s also a museum on the designer’s work and a great restaurant. However, the queue for to visit the gardens can be long. An easy way to cut it shorter is heading to the museum first and buying a combined ticket for both for about $7.
18. Wander around the Flea Markets
The souks inside Marrakech Medina are nowadays mostly oriented to tourists. Locals tend to shop for their day-to-day needs in proper shops and at the flea markets outside the Medina. Visiting these is also one of the best things to do in Marrakech, especially if you like diving into local life when traveling.
One of the best flea markets to visit for the real Moroccan shopping experience is Souk El-Khemis. Here you’ll find everything one can need in their daily life. Including soaps, dishcloths, tools, donkeys, old phones, TVs, second hand clothing, and even toilet seats.
19. Take a break at Menara Gardens
The Menara Gardens are among the most famous garden areas in Marrakech. These are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in Marrakech for nature lovers.
These historic public gardens were established in the 12th century around a large lake. They are home to many orchards, olive trees, and varied fruit trees. There’s also a pavilion from the 19th century and a small modern amphitheater in the area.
20. Have fun at Marrakech Palmeraie
Marrakech Palmeraie is a palm oasis located at the outskirts of Marrakech. It’s home to several hundred thousand palm trees and extends over 140 km2. Here you’ll find date palm trees, olive trees, and fruit trees providing both food and shade to locals and visitors.
The vegetation creates a beautiful landscape perfect to enjoy by foot, on a quad bike, or on top of a camel. Spending a couple hours away from the city having fun at the dunes surrounding the palm trees is one of the best things to do in Marrakech. Here you can check the best tours around Marrakech Palmeraie.
Additional Best Things to do in Marrakech
In addition to visiting Marrakech’s landmarks, what will make your trip memorable is experiencing some of the country’s ancient traditions. These include bathing in a Hammam, sleeping in a Riad, joining a cooking class, or witnessing a belly dancing show.
You can read more about these activities on this post on the Best things to do in Fes. At the end of the day, these are Morocco’s must-do activities and do not change much in between cities.
Do not hesitate an indulge in some of these additional best things to do in Marrakech and all of Morocco. I’m sure you’ll love them.
Recap on the Best Things to do in Marrakech
Marrakech is among the most interesting places to visit in Morocco. There are tones of amazing things to do in the city and every Marrakech itinerary should include the top places to visit in Marrakech within and outside the Medina. This way, you’ll get the bigger picture of the city and enjoy the old and the modern sides of Marrakech.
Get ready to explore amazing palaces, mosques, gardens, squares, souks, and restaurants. Back home you’ll remember people’s stories way more than the buildings facades. So ensure your trip is balanced and make the most of every minute in Marrakech.
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