How do I begin to describe my love for Marrakech, Morocco? One of the most popular cities to visit in Morocco, it’s easy to see why so many people have fallen head over heels for this bustling paradise: every street corner tells a story, every alleyway holds a secret, and every encounter is an opportunity for adventure. You can embrace the chaos of the medina and the jam-packed souks, or relax in silence and serenity within the gardens and riads.
And let’s not forget the true magic of Marrakech, which lies in its people. The Moroccan’s unparalleled warmth and hospitality made the city feel just that much more welcoming. Even though it’s a place full of loud noises and the smell of exhaust, I couldn’t help but fall in love with Marrakech. And after discovering the magic of the city with this guide, you will too!
Other resources that might be helpful for your trip to Morocco:
- The Best Places to Visit in Morocco: 10 Day Itinerary
- Discover the Magic of Fes: Your Essential Travel Guide
- The 16 Most Instagrammable Spots in Chefchaouen
How Long to Stay in Marrakech, Morocco
My personal recommendation is 4-5 days for Marrakech. It’s definitely possible to fit Marrakech into 3 days, but I urge you to spend 4 if you can. With 4 days, you can start to really feel the heartbeat of the city, exploring places beyond just the tourist path. Marrakech has something for everyone: shopping, food, spas, luxury experiences, budget experiences, photography, beauty—the list goes on and on!
Of course, there’s basically no limit to how long you could stay in Marrakech—there are so many streets and alleys to explore, you could stay forever!
How to Get Around Marrakech, Morocco
If you are staying in the medina, or old town of Marrakech, then you can get around most places on foot. Indeed, the winding alleys of the medina are pedestrian-only (with the occasional motorbike), which means walking is your best way of getting around.
To get to and from the airport, or to other areas of Morocco, taxis are plentiful and abundant. While taxis are very affordable by the meter, it’s very unlikely that your driver will turn it on if you look like a foreigner and don’t speak Arabic. (We tried asking every taxi we ever took in Morocco to turn on the meter, and only one in our entire trip said yes.) Always remember to negotiate your price beforehand!
Where to Stay in Marrakech, Morocco
I recommend staying in the medina of Marrakech. This area is super walkable and close to most of the interesting sights in Marrakech like the souks and most of the riads. You absolutely must stay in a riad while you’re in Marrakech! A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard, often featuring a fountain or pool as a centerpiece—and it’s not just accommodation, but a cultural experience.
I’ve curated a list of the 10 best riads in Marrakech. Close your eyes and pick one from this list, and I guarantee you’ll be delighted!
What to See and Do in Marrakech, Morocco
There is an endless list of things to see and do in Marrakech, Morocco. Chaotic and busy souks with shopkeepers haggling and hawking at every turn, peaceful riads and gardens with stunning fountains, historic buildings decked out in centuries-old verdant tiles—it’s a wonder to behold. This Marrakech travel guide covers all the best!
The Spice Market: Rahba Lakdima / Place des Epices
Right in the heart of Marrakech, Morocco is the Place des Epices. This is the spice market, also called the rahba lakdima, where fragrant smells fill the air and basket of tea and powders abound.
The Place des Epices is the centerpiece of the entire market, an open square lined with shops and sellers marketing all manners of goods. Make sure to stop by the incredibly Instagrammable spice stand Herboristerie Avicienne, check out all the amazing goods, and spend a little money! There’s also a few very photogenic carpet stores next door.
It’s good practice to ask shopowners if you can take photos beforehand. Most Moroccans also don’t appreciate being photographed, so don’t take pictures of the locals without their permission.
To escape the chaos of the Place des Epices and rise above it all—literally—head to one of the popular cafe rooftops circling the plaza. The two best are Nomad Marrakech and Cafe des Epices, which are very English-friendly!
Souks of Marrakech
If you didn’t experience enough chaos at the Place des Epices, you’ll get your fill exploring the packed, colorful, and overwhelming souks of Marrakech. The souks of Marrakech are a labyrinthine network of bustling markets and narrow alleyways, absolutely jammed with traditional Moroccan crafts, spices, textiles, and more.
Colorful stalls line the narrow alleys, overflowing with handcrafted goods such as leather goods, ceramics, rugs, and intricate rugs. Skilled artisans can be seen at work, hammering metal, dyeing fabrics, and shaping pottery with techniques passed down through generations. Every stall in a souk is overflowing with detail and begging to be photographed, though you should still ask permission before taking pictures.
There are so many souks that your best bet is to get lost and simply wander. However, I did notice some routes that we kept walking again and again. If you want some structure in your souk exploration, start at Place des Epices and make your way down towards Souk Semmarine.
One of the highlights of exploring the souks is bargaining with local vendors. The shopkeepers here are used to haggling and won’t hesitate to charge you two or three times the actual price of their goods! Pick your price and have at it—and don’t be afraid to walk away if you aren’t getting the price you want.
Bacha Coffee Marrakech
Bacha Coffee is a renowned coffee house located in Marrakech, Morocco. The name of the coffee house means “pasha” or “governor” in Arabic, which reflects its commitment to providing a luxurious coffee experience. Upon entering, you are greeted by the rich aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans and the warm ambiance of the tastefully decorated interior.
Bacha Coffee also features a boutique area where you can purchase coffee beans, brewing equipment, and other coffee-related accessories to recreate the Bacha experience at home. The coffee house often hosts coffee tasting events, workshops, and educational sessions!
Ben Youssef Madrasa
The stunning Ben Youssef Madrasa deserves a rightful spot on any Marrakech travel guide. Originally founded in the 14th century, the madrasa is a historic Islamic college for subjects like Quranic interpretation, Islamic law, and theology. Additionally, the design is just incredible, with carved arches, an ablution pool, and Marrakech’s signature blue and green tiles.
You can also explore the student dormitories and classrooms upstairs, which provide a glimpse into the daily life of the scholars who used to study and live within these walls. I was surprised by how small the rooms were!
It costs 20 dirhams to enter and the madrasa is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. This location is very popular with tour groups and the interior is quite small, so it gets crowded quickly! I recommend showing up a little early—we arrived 15 minutes before opening time and they let us in warmly regardless.
🕌 Love the madrasa? Then you’ll totally fall in love with Fes, Morocco. Read my guide here.
Jardin Majorelle
Though I am personally not a huge fan of it, the Jardin Majorelle has become one of Marrakech’s most popular tourist attractions and thus deserves a spot on this list. Designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s, the garden is renowned for its vibrant colors, exotic plant species, and signature cobalt blue and yellow design.
The Jardin Majorelle features a large number of plant species, including cacti, palms, and bamboo. The striking blue villa used to be Jacques Majorelle’s residence and studio, but today houses the Berber Museum. The museum showcases a collection of artifacts celebrating the Berbers, the indigenous people of Morocco.
El Badii Palace
El Badii Palace is a historic site in the heart of Marrakech that looks totally different from anything else in the city. The palace was built in the late 16th century in the Saadian dynasty, one a symbol of grandeur and opulence. After the fall of the dynasty, El Badii Palace was partially destroyed in the 17th century and has slowly degraded into ruins, which are now lovingly and magnificently preserved.
The luxurious and grand courtyard is my favorite part of the palace—the warm stone of the pavilions and the beautiful tile work patterns on the floor are just stunning!
Entry to El Badii Palace costs 70 dirhams and the palace is open from 9 AM to 5 PM. We showed up in the morning and it was quite empty for a long time, which really allowed us to appreciate the beauty and space of the palace in solitude.
Explore Riads in Marrakech
Aside from staying in a riad, I recommend exploring other riads if you have time. There are countless beautifully designed riads all around Marrakech and they each have a unique ambiance and style! Beautifully sculpted architecture, tile patterns galore, central fountains and pools, and traditional Moroccan decor make every riad a piece of artwork come to life.
I fell in love with far too many riads to mention, but I’ve created this list of the 10 best riads in Marrakech that are guaranteed to make you swoon. The list covers popular and lesser-known riads alike, such as Riad BE Marrakech, La Sultana Marrakech, the Royal Mansour Marrakech, and more.
Because staying at a riad is such an intimate experience, most riads will not let you wander within without a reason. The best way to get access to a riad is to book a service from them, such as lunch, tea, dinner, or spa. However, if you absolutely do not want to do this but you still want to have access, you can always politely ask if it’s alright to take a look inside.
Bahia Palace
Not to be confused with the El Badii Palace, Bahia Palace is a different historic palace in Marrakech constructed in the late 19th century. The name “Bahia” means “brilliance” or “beautiful” in Arabic, reflecting the splendor of the palace. You can instantly recognize photos of this location from its massive open-air courtyard decked out in white and blue tiles.
One of the highlights of Bahia Palace is the intricately decorated apartments, which were once the private quarters of the palace’s residents. These chambers feature beautifully carved cedarwood ceilings, mosaic-tiled floors, and elaborately painted walls, providing a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of the Moroccan elite.
If you’ve explored enough riads in Marrakech, you might not be that wowed by Bahia Palace—the design is quite similar—but if going on a riad tour isn’t your thing, then definitely put this spot on your list!
Agafay Desert
Want to venture into the Moroccan desert but don’t have time to go all the way to the Sahara? The Agafay Desert is located less than an hour’s drive from Marrakech, Morocco. While it has a more rocky terrain instead of the typical sand dunes that are associated with deserts, there is no doubt that the Agafay is a rugged and barren world.
I recommend doing an Agafay Desert tour that explores the highlights of this vast geological expanse. The desert is home to several Berber villages where visitors can learn about the customs, traditions, and way of life of Morocco’s indigenous people. You can also try a camel ride, which sounds a lot more daring than it actually is!
In recent years, the Agafay Desert has also become a popular destination for luxury desert camps and glamping experiences. If you want to spend a night in the desert, luxury camps like the Scarabeo Stone Camp are your best bet to sleep under the stars, enjoying traditional Moroccan cuisine and live music the way it was always meant to be enjoyed.
