5 Top Things to Do in Marrakech & Much More!

Find the best things to do in Marrakech, from wandering the medina to visiting a local hammam or taking a Moroccan cooking class.

Marrakech is a city that leaves a lasting impression, not because of any single sight, but because of the immersive experience. With its maze-like medina, giant souks, and peaceful gardens, there’s always something new to discover.

To help you make the most of your time in this amazing city, here are the 5 top things to do in Marrakech.

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Top Things to Do in Marrakech

Marrakech is a magical city, and these five highlights will ensure your trip is one to remember.

1. Get Lost in the Medina

The medina is the heart of Marrakech. In essence, it’s a labyrinth of narrow alleys. Whether you have a map with you or not, getting lost in the Medina is part of the experience. As you wander, you’ll stumble upon hidden gems—boutiques selling handcrafted goods, intricately tiled courtyards, and the irresistible aroma of street food.

Don’t worry about finding your way back. Locals are always willing to help point you in the right direction, and it’s in these unplanned moments where you experience the true Marrakech.

Pro Tip: If you are lost, ask a woman or shopkeeper for directions as men and young boys will frequently want a tip for showing you the way.

Tiny alleys in Marrakech Medina — The Medina

2. Wander the Souks

The souks of Marrakech are legendary. With pristine leather and silk available at very cheap prices, shopping is one thing that draws people to Morocco. As soon as you walk into the souk you will be surrounded by all kinds of products and quoted a wide range of prices. If you are looking to buy, be prepared to haggle—it’s all part of the experience.

With dozens, if not hundreds, of vendors selling similar products, chances are good you will find something of interest at a price you like. Keep your eyes out for artists working on their craft in the side alleys throughout the Medina.

Pro Tip: To get a sense of appropriate prices, go to the fixed price Ensemble Artisanal store and check out what they’re charging. This will prepare you for some tough bargaining throughout the souk.

A busy Marrakech souk — The Souk in Marrakech

3. Explore the Main Square: Jemaa el-Fna

Jemaa el-Fna is in the center of the Marrakech medina and one of the best things to do in Marrakech. By day, the square is a busy marketplace with snake charmers, henna artists, and vendors selling fresh-squeezed orange juice. By night, it transforms into the place to be with music, dancing, and food stalls offering mouthwatering local dishes.

Be aware that the sights, the scents, and the noises may overwhelm your senses. You’ll find your eyes darting from one area to another trying to keep up with the hustle and bustle around you. Quite honestly, no visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing the sights, sounds, and flavors of Jemaa el-Fna.

Pro Tip: Beware of pickpockets in the crowds. They are very active especially in the evening when the square gets more crowded.

A busy overhead view of Jemaa el-Fin in Marrakech, the main square — Djemaa El-Fna

4. Relax at the Jardin Majorelle

Situated outside the main city walls and about a thirty minute walk from the main square, the Jardin Majorelle is one of the top places to visit in Marrakech. The appeal? The serene garden designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle is an oasis in an otherwise busy city.

This garden features not only hard to find greenery, exotic plants, and fountains, but it also offers beautiful buildings in the iconic Majorelle Blue color with intricate windows and arches to decorate them. It’s the perfect place to unwind and take a break from the crowds and noise of the city.

Entrance Fee: 165 DH – Tickets can be purchased online at the Jardin Majorelle website.

Hours: Open daily from 8:00 am – 6:30 pm. Last entry is at 6:00 pm.

Pro Tip: While the medina is generally considered the center of tourism in Marrakech and safer, the Jardin Majorelle is located right outside of Medina of Marrakech. If you’re nervous about leaving the walls of the medina, please review how to stay safe in Morocco.

5. Visit the Medersa Ben Youssef

A visit to Marrakech wouldn’t be complete without admiring its stunning architecture, and the Medersa Ben Youssef is a prime example. Built in the 14th century, this former Islamic college was once the largest of its kind in North Africa and has since earned recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The madrasa is a true showcase of Moroccan craftsmanship, with its intricate tilework, carved wooden detail, and central courtyard. As you explore, you’ll discover student quarters that, despite their simple design that feels a bit like a prison cell, feature beautifully ornate windows and doors.

Entrance Fee: 50 DH for adults. 10 DH for children under 12. – Tickets can be purchased on-site.

Hours: Open daily 9:00 am to 7:00 pm

Amazing carved wood and intricate tile architecture at Medersa Ben Youssef in Marrakech — Ben Youssef

Explore More of Marrakech

There you have it, the 5 best things to do in Marrakech, but admittedly, there are many more things to do in the city from tanners and workshops to mosques and palaces. Or you can try to track down other buildings of architectural interest.

2 Classic Marrakech Experiences to Consider

In addition to places to visit and things to do in Marrakech, there are a few tours and authentic experiences that you may – or may not – want to add to your itinerary.

1. Hammam Experience

A visit to a traditional hammam in Marrakech is a must for anyone seeking an authentic bathhouse experience. Rooted in Moroccan culture, the hammam involves a sequence of relaxation, cleansing, and exfoliation rituals.

You’ll start by steaming in a warm room, followed by an invigorating scrub with black soap and a kessa glove to remove dead skin, leaving your body feeling soft and refreshed. The experience often concludes with a soothing massage using argan oil. Want to give it a try? Check out this experience.

2. Moroccan Cooking Class

Taking a cooking class in Marrakech typically begins with a guided tour of a local market, where you’ll explore the essential spices, herbs, and produce that define Moroccan cooking. After gathering ingredients, you’ll head to a traditional kitchen, often in a riad, where an experienced chef will guide you in preparing classic dishes like tagine, couscous, or pastilla.

As you cook, you’ll learn the techniques and traditions behind Moroccan cuisine, such as slow-cooking in a clay tagine and balancing flavors with preserved lemons and spices. The class culminates in a shared meal. If you like cooking – don’t miss this experience!

Other Interesting Places in Marrakech to Visit

If you want more true sights in Marrakech, here are some additional recommended places to visit. I’d bucket them in the “nice to visit” but not “must-visits”, but you may very well disagree with me!

Bahia Palace: Explore this 19th-century palace, known for its mosaics, woodwork, and gardens. It provides a glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Moroccan royalty.

Koutoubia Mosque: Admire the largest mosque in Marrakech with its towering minaret visible from much of the city. Though non-Muslims cannot enter, the surrounding gardens are perfect for a stroll.

Saadian Tombs: Visit this hidden gem, rediscovered in 1917, where the elaborate mausoleums of the Saadian dynasty offer beautiful tilework and intricate carvings.

El Badi Palace: Wander through the ruins of this once-grand palace, built in the 16th century. Though much of it is in disrepair today, the courtyards and surviving structures provide a look at its former glory.

Le Jardin Secret: Escape to this restored garden in the medina. You’ll find some greenery and a traditional Moroccan design, all perfect for a quiet retreat from the busy city.

Maison de la Photographie: Dive into Morocco’s past through this small museum’s impressive collection of vintage photographs. They offering insights into the country’s rich history and culture.

Dar Si Said Museum: Discover Moroccan art and craftsmanship at this museum that is housed in a beautiful 19th-century palace. The collection includes textiles, jewelry, and ceramics.

Les Jardins de la Ménara: Relax in these sprawling gardens, complete with olive groves and a large reflective pool. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike to unwind.

Top Tours of Marrakech

While there is a lot to do in Marrakech, I know some would rather have a tour guide show them around to see the highlights or dive deeper into select aspects of Marrakech. Fortunately, there are a lot of tours of Marrakech available.

Here are a few to give you an idea of what’s available.

Take a Day Trip from Marrakech

The last option to get the most out of your time in Marrakech is to take a day trip to the coast, into the desert, or to the High Atlas Mountains. You can either book your tours ahead, ask your hotel if they can help you book these, or there are a number of travel agents situated throughout the Medina with signs out front advertising all of the opportunities available.

The advantage of booking ahead is of course that you can read the reviews prior to booking and you have your spot secured so you don’t need to spend time on your trip trying to figure out what you are doing.

Here are some options to get you familiar with Marrakech day trips.

Continue Planning Your Trip to Morocco

Now that you’ve discovered the top things to do in Marrakech, check out these additional blog posts to help you plan the rest of your Moroccan adventure.

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5 Top Things to Do in Marrakech & Much More!