Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, Morocco is a vibrant cultural hub filled with stunning traditional riads, bustling souks, and interesting eats at every turn. If you're considering a trip to Morocco, here are my top recommendations for things to do in Marrakech.

Tucked at the foot of the Atlas Mountains and shimmering under the North African sun, Marrakech (also spelled "Marrakesh" in English) is a kaleidoscope of color, culture, and old world charm.

I enjoyed visiting Marrakech recently as part of a 10 day Morocco itinerary girls' trip with a few fellow food & travel bloggers via Soul Sisters Travel.

The whole vibe here makes Marrakech a full-sensory experience. Its vibrant souks, stunning riads, and centuries-old traditions make this city definitely worth visiting.

As one of Morocco’s most captivating cities, it offers a blend of old-world charm and modern-day luxury.

Imagine sipping mint tea in a peaceful courtyard.

Or wandering through bustling markets packed high and low with colorful artisan products.

Marrakech is both timeless and trendy, offering something for every type of traveler—from the culture lover to the Instagram aficionado, and everyone in between.

🇲🇦 About Marrakech

Founded nearly a thousand years ago in 1062, Marrakech was once the imperial capital of Morocco. Its rich history is embedded in every inch of the city’s famed red-hued walls, giving it the nickname “The Red City.”

Marrakech has a history of being a powerful political, cultural, and economic hub—home to dynasties, scholars, artisans, and traders along ancient caravan routes.

Today, the city is known for its UNESCO-listed medina, grand palaces like El Badi and Bahia, intricate gardens, and the mesmerizing Jemaa el-Fnaa square—one of the liveliest public spaces in the world.

✈️ Getting to Marrakech

Marrakesh is easily accessible by air, train, or car:

• By plane: Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) welcomes direct flights from many European and Middle Eastern cities.
• By train: You can catch a train from Casablanca, Fes, or Rabat for a scenic and comfortable journey.
• By car: Renting a car is an option, but driving in Morocco can be chaotic—stick to trains or guided transfers if you're new to the region.

🚖 Getting around Marrakech

Marrakech is, for the most part, a walkable city.

The old medina is best explored on foot. Its narrow alleys and pedestrian-only lanes are filled with markets, shops, and hidden riads. Just be ready to dodge a few motorbikes and donkey carts along the way!

Here’s how to get around:

• Walking: The medina and main attractions like Jemaa el-Fnaa, Bahia Palace, and the souks are all within walking distance. Wear comfy shoes—you’ll be doing a lot of exploring!
• Taxis: There are no Uber or Lyft services in Marrakech, so taxis are your go-to for motorized transport. There are two types: petit taxis (small, for city travel) and grand taxis (larger, usually for longer distances). Always agree on a fare before you get in, or ask the driver to turn on the meter (though this doesn’t always happen).
• Ride-hailing apps: Locals use a Moroccan app called Heetch, which is similar to Uber. It can be more reliable than street taxis and shows you the price upfront.
• Horse-drawn carriages (calèches): While a bit touristy, they’re a scenic way to ride around the city, especially at sunset. Negotiate the price before you hop in.
• Public buses: There is a local bus system. However, it's not commonly used by tourists because it can be tricky to navigate if you don't speak French or Arabic.
• Trains for long-distance travel: The central train station connects Marrakesh to Casablanca, Rabat, and other major cities with clean, comfortable ONCF trains.

🇲🇦 Top 5 places to visit in Marrakech

1. Jemaa el-Fnaa

Why go: It’s the beating heart of Marrakesh—and an experience like no other.

By day, this iconic square is buzzing with snake charmers, henna artists, and juice vendors.

By night, it transforms into an open-air food court and live performance stage with storytellers, musicians, and street performers. You could spend hours people-watching from a rooftop café with mint tea in hand.

💡Pro tip: Visit at golden hour and then again after sunset. The vibe completely changes, and you’ll want to experience both.

2. Bahia Palace

Why go: It’s a jaw-dropping display of Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship.

Built in the 19th century for a grand vizier and his many wives, the Bahia Palace is a peaceful maze of tiled courtyards, fountains, and intricately carved wood and plaster. It's one of the best-preserved examples of Moroccan-Andalusian style.

💡 Pro tip: Go early in the morning before it fills with tour groups. Don’t miss the harem rooms and lush gardens!

3. Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Why go: It’s a tranquil, colorful oasis in the middle of the city.

Designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, the garden is bursting with exotic plants, cobalt-blue buildings, and serene walkways. The adjacent museum honors YSL’s connection to Morocco and showcases his iconic designs.

💡 Pro tip: Buy your tickets online in advance to skip the long lines, especially during peak seasons.

4. The Medina & Souks

The Medina is the traditional old city, while the Souks are the markets located within the Medina. I got to explore the Souks during both daytime and nighttime, and it's a magical place any time of day.

In Marrakech, the Medina is a sprawling area with over 10,000 alleyways, forming the largest pedestrian area in the world. 

The Souks, found in the Medina, offer a vast array of goods, including glassware, leather, jewelry, rugs, and kaftans, with over 3,000 stalls in the heart of Marrakech, stretching north from Jemaa el-Fnaa square. 

Why go: Shopping and wandering here is an adventure in itself! You can spend a whole day here.

The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to Marrakesh’s legendary souks—where you can shop for rugs, lanterns, spices, ceramics, leather goods, and more. It’s chaotic, colorful, and completely immersive.

💡 Pro tip: Don’t stress about getting lost. It’s part of the experience! Just keep a mental note of landmarks or use an offline map app to find your way back.

5. Ben Youssef Madrasa

Why go: It’s one of the most beautiful historical buildings in Morocco.

This 14th-century Islamic college was once one of the largest in North Africa. Its courtyard is a masterpiece of Moroccan tilework, carved cedarwood, and marble. You’ll be amazed by the symmetry and artistry in every detail.

💡 Pro tip: It recently reopened after renovations, so it’s a must-visit for photography lovers and architecture fans.

🛍️ Shopping in Marrakech

The Marrakesh souks are a shopper’s paradise—if you’re ready to haggle! I get a little stressed out in these kinds of situations, but the prices are usually so low that I didn't feel the need too haggle much here.

Lose yourself in the maze of colorful stalls and bring home:

• Handwoven Berber rugs
• Lanterns and hand-carved wood
• Leather slippers (babouches)
• Spices, teas, and argan oil
• Ceramics and hand-painted pottery

For a more curated experience, visit 33 Rue Majorelle for modern Moroccan design, or Ensemble Artisanal for fixed-price crafts from local artisans.

TIP: Watch out for motorbikes in the medina—they’ll zip by quickly, even in the narrowest of alleys!

🍽️ Where to eat in Marrakech

Fellow foodies, you’re in for a treat—Marrakesh is a culinary dream!

Whether it’s sizzling tagines, smoky grilled meats, or delicate pastries, the city feeds both your stomach and your soul.

• Nomad – A modern rooftop spot in the medina serving Moroccan dishes with a twist.
• Le Jardin – Chic garden dining in a restored riad, perfect for lunch or cocktails.
• Dar Yacout – A traditional multi-course Moroccan feast in a stunning candlelit setting.
• Street food in Jemaa el-Fnaa – Pull up a stool and try everything from harira soup to fresh-squeezed orange juice and grilled lamb brochettes.

For an authentic experience, book a cooking class at a local family home, like our group did. It was such a warm, wonderful experience that I will treasure always. It gives you a glimpse at local life in Marrakech.

What to pack for a trip to Marrakech

Depending on the time of year you visit, I found that packing these items is helpful when traveling to Marrakech:

• Lightweight clothing (linen, cotton)
• A scarf or shawl for covering shoulders
• Longer skirts and pants for covering up your lower legs
• Comfortable walking shoes - you'll be walking a lot!
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• A light jacket for evenings

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