Marrakech is a sensory explosion. Known as the ‘Red City’ for the pinkish-ochre hue of its ramparts and buildings, it is the beating heart of Morocco and, for many, the gateway to North Africa. There are lots of very cool things to do in Marrakech.
After years of traveling the world as a family—from the hectic cities of Southeast Asia to the bustling streets of New Delhi—we’ve learned that some cities require a certain mindset. In Marrakech, you have to be okay with getting lost, okay with the noise, and ready to find the pockets of sweet quiet that exist just behind the most unassuming wooden doors.
It is an awesome city to explore and one of those places that feels truly like a privilege to visit – albeit with a bit more a touristic twist on the century’s old surroundings!
Things To Do in Marrakech
Based on our time exploring the labyrinth of the old Medina and the vibrant new city, here are the top 10 Things To Do in Marrakech, along with the practical tips you need to survive (and love) the chaos.
1. Lose Yourself (Literally) in the Medina
The Medina is the old walled city of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to 1070 AD. It is a dizzying maze of narrow alleys with little shops, traditional Hammam and more than odd buzzing motorbike.
It is an incredible place to wander, get lost and just take it all in. One moment you are dodging a delivery cart in a dusty laneway, and the next, you turn a corner into a quiet square where kittens are lazing in the sun.
The Medina is fragrant, hot, and full of movement. We reckon the hospitality of the locals and the sheer historical weight of the walls around you make this the most atmospheric experience in the city.
2. Jemaa el-Fnaa: Things To Do in Marrakech
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the massive central square in the centre of the old city. It is the busiest and most happening of things to do in Marrakech. But it is a different beast depending on the time of day.
- By Day: The square is relatively open, filled with orange juice sellers (get the fresh juice—it’s legendary!) and not too much else going on in the heat.
- By Night: Then as the sun sets, the square transforms. Hundreds of food stalls pop up, there is smoke rising from grills all around, traditional Gnaoua music and the calls of vendors. (There are lots of those vendors calling out!).
Jemaa el-Fnaa is a must-see, though be wary of the animal handlers. You’ll see monkeys on chains and snake charmers. If that isn’t ok with you, we suggest admiring from a distance and avoiding the ethical dilemma of supporting these practices.
Also, keep a firm (but polite) “no thank you” ready for the henna ladies who may try to start a design (they will!) on your hand before you’ve agreed to a price.
3. Haggle Your Way Through the Souks
The souks (markets) of Marrakech are some of the most famous in the world.
They are organized roughly by trade.
You’ll find Souk Semmarine, the main retail artery, but we recommend venturing deeper into the specialised sections:
- Souk Haddadine: This is the traditional Blacksmiths’ Souk, where you can watch lampshades and trays being hammered into shape.
- Souk Cherratine: The Leather Souk, filled with the smell of tanned hides and rows of handmade bags.
- Souk des Teinturiers: The Dyers’ Souk, where vibrant bunches of wool hang from the rafters to dry.
Haggling is part of the culture here. Never take the first price. It’s a game—smile, be respectful, and if the price isn’t right, walk away. Often, that’s when the real price appears!
4. Ben Youssef Madrasa
The Ben Youssef Madrasa was once the largest Islamic college in North Africa. Founded in the 14th century, it once housed up to 900 students.
The central courtyard is iconic, featuring a reflecting pool and intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar wood, and delicate stucco.
It is a peaceful, symmetrical contrast to the chaos of the streets outside and a great way to understand Morocco’s Islamic history.
5. Bahia Palace: Things To Do in Marrakech
Built in the late 19th century, Bahia Palace (meaning ‘The Brilliance’) was intended to be the greatest palace of its time. It was built for Si Moussa, a former slave who rose through the ranks to become the Grand Vizier of the Sultan.
The palace spans two acres and with beautiful sun-drenched courtyards, lush gardens, and rooms with hand-painted ceilings. It is the ultimate ‘Riad’ on a massive scale.
Planning Travel to Morocco During Ramadan? Read all about it.
6. Jardin Majorelle: Things To Do in Marrakech
Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, this botanical garden is stunning with colourful buildings and iconic plants of North Africa.
It’s one of the most visited sites in Morocco, so it gets crowded.
- Tip: Tickets are online only. Don’t show up without one, as there is no ticket booth at the gate. If you have time, visit the adjacent YSL Museum to see the intersection of Moroccan culture and high fashion.
7. The Saadian Tombs
Hidden for centuries and only ‘rediscovered’ by the French in 1917 via aerial photography, the Saadian Tombs are a royal necropolis from the 16th century. The tombs house the remains of about sixty members of the Saadi Dynasty.
The highlight is the Chamber of the Twelve Columns, made of Italian Carrara marble and gilded with gold.
- Tip: The line to see this specific chamber can be over an hour long by midday. Go at 9:00 AM sharp to beat the tour groups.
8. Explore the Jewish Quarter (The Mellah)
Established in the 1550s, the Mellah was the city’s Jewish district. It has a different architectural feel than the rest of the Medina, with balconies overlooking the streets—a rarity in traditional Islamic design.
Visit the Slat Al Azama Synagogue and the sprawling, peaceful Jewish Cemetery. It’s a quieter part of the city and a great place to buy spices, as the Mellah has a long history of spice merchants and pharmacists.
9. Dine at Chez Lamine
You can’t visit Marrakech without eating your weight in tagine and couscous. For a truly local experience, head to Chez Lamine in the Medina. This is where Gordon Ramsay famously ate, and for good reason. They specialize in Lamb Mechoui (pit-roasted lamb) and Tangia—a meat dish slow-cooked in a clay urn in the embers of the local hammam’s furnace.
In the evenings, don’t be afraid of the popup stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa. While they all tell the same “funny-not-funny” jokes to lure you in, the food is generally fresh and delicious. Grab a seat on a plastic stool, order some skewers and harira soup, and soak in the atmosphere.
10. Traditional Hammam: Things To Do in Marrakech
This is one of our definite favourite things to do in Marrakech!
After a few days of navigating Marrakech and the heat of Morocco, there is nothing better than a Hammam. This is a traditional Moroccan steam bath and scrub.
You can go for a high-end spa version in a luxury Riad, or opt for a local experience like Hammam Mouassine, which has been in operation since 1562 – we absolutely recommend this!
You’ll be scrubbed with savon noir (black soap) and an exfoliating Kessa glove. It is pretty out-of-the-comfort zone for most of us! But you’ll leave feeling cleaner than you ever thought possible—and it’s a great way to participate in a daily ritual of Moroccan life.
Things To Do in Marrakech with Kids
If you’re traveling with kids (like our boys, Harry and Oscar), there are plenty of things to do in Marrakech that will appeal to them too.
- Jemaa el-Fnaa: Kids will be mesmerized by the musicians, henna artists, and acrobats. Or during the day get a fresh juice at one of the (many, many) juice stalls.
- Menara Gardens: A great spot for a family picnic by the large reflecting pool.
- Kidzo: Located in the Menara Mall, this is an indoor amusement park with rides, ice skating, and an arcade—perfect for when the kids need a break from history and culture.
- Find Sfenj: These are Moroccan donuts which are a huge hit with Oscar and Harry.
- Rooftop Escapes: Places like L’Mida or Nomad offer great views and even Kids’ Menus (mini burgers!).
- The Grills: For the ultimate finale, have dinner in the main square at the many Grills and pop-up restaurants. It is the iconic finish to your time in Marrakech and perfect (and easy) with kids.
Day Trips and Things To Do Near Marrakech
We recommend the best day from Marrakech is to the beautiful Ourika Valley.
The Ourika Valley is only about 45-60 minutes away and takes you into the High Atlas Mountains. We loved visiting the village of Setti Fatma, where you can take a short hike up to several waterfalls.
The short hike is very cool. But the best part? Lunch!
There are restaurants with tables literally sitting in the shallow parts of the river. You eat your tagine with your feet in the cool mountain water. It is stunning.
Invited to a Family Home
Lunch aside, the absolute best part for us about Ourika Valley was meeting a fabulous local guide, Mohammed who invited us to his home.
It is a humbling experience to be invited to a family home anywhere in travel – and this was a special experience.
Mohammed is an awesome guide and friendly local with all the knowledge to share and very proud of his home.
Of all the things to do in Marrakech, if you get this opportunity, we recommend it!
- Mohammed: +212 641 80 53 41
Give Mohammed a call for a fantastic experience in Setti Fatma and Ourika Valley.
Best Time to Visit?
Avoid the peak of summer (July and August) if you can. This is the heat of summer.
Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots with warm days and cool evenings.
We spent eight months travelling all over Morocco during the Winter (November to February) and spring months and recommend it as a great time to visit.
Accommodation in Marrakech
Marrakech is well known for its range of beautiful accommodation.
Here is our pick of the best range of Riads and hotels in Marrakech to choose from.
Budget Riads in Marrakech
Mid-Range Riads in Marrakech
Luxury Riads in Marrakech
Overnight Motorhome Parking in Marrakech
If you are navigating Marrakech in a motorhome, you will quickly realize that the city’s outskirts offer several traditional campsites with full hookups. However, if your goal is to be in the heart of the action—within walking distance of the Souks and the call to prayer—there is an awesome spot for overnight parking.
We have stayed each time in Morocco at the Guarded Parking lot located right next to the iconic Koutoubia Mosque.
Agreed, it lacks the greenery of a suburban campsite. But you can’t get any closer for unbeatable proximity to all the things to do in Marrakech.
Parking Et Lavage La Koutoubia
This is a dedicated, secure area that is a combined car wash and parking facility, but the rear section is specifically reserved for motorhomes and overlanders.
- Location: Avenue Hommane Al Fatouaki
- Type: Guarded Parking
- Park4Night Reference: #29651
- Cost: 150 MAD (approx. €15) for a 24-hour stay.
- Facilities: Basic toilets and rubbish bins.
The lot is gated and staffed around the clock.
You are a 5-minute walk from the main square. This allows you to experience the magic of Jemaa el-Fnaa at night and simply walk back to your van, avoiding the hassle of finding a taxi or driving in city traffic.
- Note: There are no grey or black water dump stations or electricity here. So come with your tanks empty and your batteries charged!
Read Campsites In Morocco That We Recommend.
Final Thoughts
Marrakech is a city of layers. It can be exhausting, yes, but Morocco is one of the most rewarding places we have ever travelled.
Whether you are drinking mint tea on a rooftop or bartering for a rug you didn’t know you needed, Marrakech will leave its mark on you.
There are many cultured, historic and tasty things to do in Marrakech that make it a must visit on your Morocco itinerary.
Travel Planning for Morocco & Beyond
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. It is easy to filter and sort into price and availability with all the extras you are looking for personally.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere online.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world. Everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on all the great things to do in Marrakech!
Hi! I’m Sarah. I am the self-confessed dreamer, travel-schemer and the main editor behind this blog. I love to write, and it is a dream come true to share so many experiences together and inspire others in our stories.
