In a nutshell
- In Marrakech, you’ll experience the real Morocco straight out of a movie: stunning palaces, the busiest markets in the country, and some of the most beautiful riads you’ll ever stay in.
- Our 3 absolute must-sees in Marrakech: Djemaa El Fna square in the evening, the jaw-dropping Medersa Ben Youssef Quranic school, and a wander through the souks of Marrakech.
- As a first-time visitor, stay in the Medina — you’ll be able to walk to almost every attraction. Our personal pick is the Riad Monriad, where we stayed ourselves — it’s one of our 15 favorite riads in Marrakech.
- At the end of this article, we share practical tips for your city trip to Marrakech — so you can hit the ground running.
The 18 Marrakech Highlights on a Map
So you know right away where our top picks for things to do in Marrakech are located, we’ve marked all 18 Marrakech highlights on a map for you. This gives you a great first overview.
Our Top 7 Marrakech Sights
Sightseeing is one of the top activities in Morocco. And especially in Marrakech, there’s seriously a lot to see.
If you’re only in the city for a short time and can only hit a few attractions in Marrakech, here are our top seven must-sees to start with.
Djemaa El Fna
What you need to know: Literally translated, Djemaa El Fna means Square of the Beheaded. But it’s been a long time since criminals were executed here. Today, Djemaa El Fna is the most popular sight in Marrakech and the pulsing heart of the city. It’s the square of street performers, storytellers, and snake charmers.
Is it worth it? Absolutely — you should head to Djemaa El Fna in the evening at least once. From our Hotel Monriad, one of the 14 most beautiful riads in Marrakech, we were able to walk there at a leisurely pace. But brace yourself for sensory overload. At every corner you’ll be pulled toward food stalls, henna tattoos will be pushed on you, and you’ll hear loud street performers everywhere.
Our tips: Café Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier offers a really great view over Djemaa El Fna. You do need to order at least a tea, though. We’d recommend skipping the food stalls. The food is decent enough, but the portions are tiny and way overpriced for what you get.
2-hour Djemaa El Fna and Medina evening tour
Note: You’ll need to pay a tip to photograph the performers. That’s totally fine — it’s their livelihood after all. It’s best to have 5 or 10 Dh ready. However, stay away from the people with dancing snakes and monkeys — that’s outright animal cruelty.
Koutoubia Mosque
What you need to know: The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque rises to the south over Djemaa El Fna square. Together, the square and the mosque stand as symbols of Marrakech. The minaret is 77 meters tall in total, making it the tallest building in the city. A great landmark to orient yourself if you happen to get lost.
Is it worth it? Definitely. The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most important things to see in Marrakech. You can walk all the way around it and admire the mosque in its full splendor. You’re not allowed to enter the mosque itself, though, as it is only accessible to Muslims.
Our tip: Every evening at sunset, Muslims pray outside in front of the mosque. It’s fascinating to watch, and tourists are welcome to observe. In the evening, the minaret is also lit up and looks particularly stunning in photos.
Medersa Ben Youssef Quranic School
What you need to know: The Medersa Ben Youssef is the largest and most important Quranic school in North Africa. Islam was taught here as far back as the 14th century. The school didn’t take on its magnificent form until the 16th century, though. The associated residential quarters housed students from rural regions until the school closed in 1960.
Is it worth it? Absolutely! The Quranic school is one of our favorite spots in Marrakech and certainly one of the most impressive cultural treasures in the city. We love the attention to detail and the beautiful tile mosaics, stucco ornaments, wood paneling, and Arabic calligraphy bands. Admission costs 50 Dh.
Our tip: The Medersa Ben Youssef is located toward the northern part of the Medina. If you’re looking for a restaurant nearby, we can highly recommend Chez Mokhtar (open in Google Maps). It’s about a 15-minute walk.
Guided combo tour of the Bahia Palace, Quranic school, and Medina
Bahia Palace
What you need to know: The Bahia Palace should be right at the top of your Marrakech itinerary. Morocco’s finest craftsmen spent 14 years completing the palace. The result speaks for itself: intricate cedar wood carvings, colorful mosaic ceilings, ornaments, and stucco work gleam at every turn. An absolute must-see.
Is it worth it? On a visit, you’ll only see a fraction of the 8,000-square-meter grounds, but it’s absolutely worth it. The lavishly decorated rooms, halls, courtyards, hammam, and gardens give you a great glimpse into the opulent lives of Morocco’s former oriental rulers. Admission costs 70 Dh.
Our tip: The Bahia Palace is one of the most popular sights in Morocco. It’s pretty much always crowded here. We strongly recommend arriving right when it opens at 9 AM.
Guided combo tour of the Bahia Palace, Quranic school, and Medina
Saadian Tombs
What you need to know: The Saadian Tombs are well worth your time in Marrakech. The highlight of the burial complex is the Hall of Twelve Columns. In the central tomb of the mausoleum lies the sarcophagus of Saadian Sultan Moulay Ahmed El Mansour — the fifth and most famous sultan of the Saadian dynasty, who led Morocco to economic and cultural prosperity.
Is it worth it? The sprawling burial complex of the Saadian dynasty’s royal family is a genuine tourist highlight. The interior is elaborately decorated and of great historical significance. Between 1557 and 1664, a total of seven sultans and 62 members of their families were buried here. Admission costs 60 Dh.
Our tip: The Saadian Tombs get especially crowded during the peak season in Morocco. Your best bet is to go right when they open in the morning or just before closing in the evening.
Guided combo tour of the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, and Medina
Bab Agnaou and the Kasbah Quarter
What you need to know: Bab means gate in Arabic. These city gates still serve as entry points into Marrakech’s Medina today. One of the most beautiful gates in the city is Bab Agnaou, the main entrance to the Kasbah quarter. The Kasbah quarter was built at the end of the 12th century for the sultan’s royal court.
Is it worth it? Totally! The Kasbah quarter in particular is a real highlight. We felt like it was a bit less overrun by tourists than other areas — especially the back alleys. Here you can take a breather, sit down for a relaxed tea or coffee at a café, and watch locals go about their daily lives.
Our tip: A cool spot for a drink is the Zeitoun Café. Up on the rooftop terrace, you get the perfect view over the Kasbah quarter.
The Souks of Marrakech
What you need to know: The souks of Marrakech are the largest in Morocco. Here you’ll find unique wood crafts, colorful fabrics, gleaming mosaic lamps, Arabic rugs, oriental spices, high-quality leather goods, beautiful ceramics, and much more. Traditionally, the souk is organized by different trades, but we felt like you could find everything everywhere.
Is it worth it? Walking through the souks is a must during your Morocco trip. You’ll probably get lost in the hustle and bustle pretty quickly — but that’s all part of it. It’s a lot of fun to browse and pick up beautiful souvenirs. Sometimes you can watch craftsmen at work right over their shoulders. An absolute standout among the best things to do in Marrakech.
Our tip: If you want to buy something, haggling is simply part of the deal. Especially in Marrakech, we found the asking prices to be pretty outrageous at times. A good rule of thumb is to pay no more than 40 percent of the asking price.
Guided group tour through the souks
More Cool Marrakech Highlights
Do you have a little more time in Marrakech before heading to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco? Or before you set off on a cool desert tour in Morocco — whether to the Erg Chebbi Desert or the Erg Chegaga Desert.
Here are four more Marrakech attractions that are well worth your time.
El Badi Palace
What you need to know: The El Badi Palace was once said to be the largest and one of the most magnificent palace complexes in North Africa. The famous Saadian Sultan Ahmed El Mansour had high-quality materials such as gold and Italian marble brought in for its construction. But as early as 1700, he had large parts of it dismantled to build a new palace in Meknès. Today, the remaining walls, towers, and old staircases are all that’s left to hint at the complex’s former scale.
Is it worth it? You’ll need a lot of imagination to picture how beautiful the El Badi Palace must once have looked, because there’s not much left of the hand-painted tiles, colorful mosaics, and fine carvings today. If you have plenty of time in Marrakech, you can visit the ruins — but honestly, 70 Dh felt a bit steep to us for what you get.
Koubba El-Baadiyn
What you need to know: The Koubba El-Baadiyn is a medieval building in the Medina and one of the few surviving examples from the Almoravid dynasty. The Almoravids founded Marrakech in 1070. The city grew rapidly, and supplying it with drinking water became a major challenge. The sultan had the Koubba built as the centerpiece of a new water system.
Is it worth it? Honestly, a look from the outside was enough for us. Only the rectangular, two-story tower of the Koubba has survived. Inside the dome you can see intricate, delicate stucco work — but you’ll find the same at many other beautiful attractions in Marrakech.
Mellah - The Jewish Quarter
What you need to know: Between the Bahia Palace and the El Badi Palace, you’ll find the city’s old Jewish quarter. At one time, the Jewish minority was confined behind walls here. Today, only a small Jewish community of around 200 people still lives in the neighborhood. Daily life in the Mellah has long since taken on an Islamic character.
Is it worth it? A stroll through the Jewish quarter is a great addition to your Marrakech itinerary if you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle. Not many tourists wander this way, which makes it a nice change of pace. While you’re here, you can discover the Jewish cemetery and the synagogue — the main sights in the Mellah.
Our tip: Right by the Place des Ferblantiers is the Mellah’s well-known spice market. The colorful spice pyramids and baskets full of fragrant herbs are impossible to miss. If you’re planning to buy spices and herbs, this is the place to do it. The prices are genuinely fair.
The Tannery Quarter in Marrakech
What you need to know: Leather is tanned in enormous vats and then dyed in vivid colors. The craftsmen work the animal hides with their bare feet and hands. The work is not only exhausting and dirty — above all, the smell is absolutely overpowering. You can best visit the tanners in the morning, when there’s the most activity. For a tip, the attendant will let you in to take photos.
Is it worth it? If you’re planning to visit Fès during your Morocco road trip, save the tanneries for there. The tannery quarter is one of the best sights in Fès and even larger and more impressive. If you’re only visiting Marrakech, though, the tannery quarter here gives you a real sense of the working conditions of the tanners.
Our tip: Buy a few sprigs of fresh mint at the market beforehand. Held under your nose, it helps take the edge off the smell.
The Best Museums in Marrakech
The museums in Marrakech are seriously interesting and not to be missed — and they’re ideal if the weather turns rainy. Here are the four best.
Maison de la Photographie
What you need to know: Between the tannery quarter and the Quranic school, you’ll find this small photography museum. Several thousand original documents, photographs, postcards, and antique signs tell the story of Morocco’s history. The centerpiece is a collection of 4,500 historical black-and-white photographs from 1870 to 1950. They depict cities and architecture in Morocco, as well as the people who lived there and their traditions.
Our tip: The wonderful rooftop terrace offers a beautiful view over the city.
Your ticket is available on-site for 50 Dh. Children under 15 get in free.
Dar Si Said Museum
What you need to know: The Dar Si Said Museum is housed in a restored 19th-century palace. Here too you’ll find elaborate mosaics, intricate wood carvings, and impressive stucco work. You’ll also discover a large collection of Berber craftsmanship from Morocco: everyday objects, fountains, weapons, musical instruments, and tools. The highlight is the ornate ceremonial hall on the upper floor.
Your ticket is available on-site. Adults pay 30 Dh, children 10 Dh.
Marrakech Museum
What you need to know: Are you an art lover? Then the Marrakech Museum won’t disappoint. Here you’ll find paintings and sculptures by contemporary international artists alongside traditional Moroccan art from the 14th to the 19th century. Architecture fans will appreciate the beautiful marble and mosaic floors. Richly decorated walls and rooms showcase the grandeur of the sultan’s era.
Your ticket is available on-site and costs 70 Dh.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
What you need to know: From 1966 until his death, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent lived in Marrakech. His fashion from that period bears the clear influence of the “Red City.” Most notably, it brought new colors into his work — hardly surprising given the sight of Marrakech’s colorful palaces and markets. The museum displays the designer’s pieces across 400 square meters: around 100 creations and thousands of accessories.
Our tip: You can easily combine the visit with the nearby Jardin Majorelle. Interestingly, many of the works on display in the museum have their origins there.
Combo ticket for the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Jardin Majorelle, and Berber Museum
The Most Beautiful Gardens in Marrakech
Marrakech is known for its beautiful gardens. Here are the three best.
About 30 kilometers from the city center is the Anima Garden. It’s one of the 8 most beautiful day trips from Marrakech — alongside trips to the Agafay Desert, Ait-Ben-Haddou, and more.
Jardin Majorelle
What you need to know: With its bold blue and yellow details and buildings set among lush, verdant flowers, the Jardin Majorelle is a popular photography subject and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Marrakech. In 1931, French painter Jacques Majorelle laid it out around his studio. He collected plants from around the world for his garden — giant bamboo, palm trees, towering cacti, and aquatic plants are all on display.
Our tip: Plan your visit early, as you need to choose a time slot when purchasing your ticket. Popular time slots fill up fast. If you book through GetYourGuide, you can still cancel up to 24 hours in advance.
Tickets for entry to the Majorelle Garden
Le Jardin Secret
What you need to know: Jardin Secret translates to Secret Garden. It refers to the grounds of one of the oldest and largest riads in Marrakech that is open to the public. Like a hidden treasure, two enchanting gardens reveal themselves behind the doors: an exotic garden with international plants and an Islamic garden.
Your ticket is available on-site and costs 100 Dh. Visitors under 24 pay 80 Dh. The tower costs an additional 30 Dh.
Menara Garden
What you need to know: Originally laid out as a fruit and olive plantation in the 19th century, the Menara Garden is today Marrakech’s public city park. The park is very popular with Moroccans as a peaceful retreat. You can also have a lovely picnic under one of the large olive trees. From the pavilion at the central water basin, you also get a beautiful view over the city. Entry to the pavilion costs 15 Dh; the park itself is free.
Our tip: The Menara Garden is located a bit outside the Medina. You can reach it from the Koutoubia Mosque with about a 40-minute walk. Just follow Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid.
Our Hotel Tips for Marrakech
For first-time visitors, we recommend staying in the Medina of Marrakech. You’ll be right in the heart of the most beautiful attractions.
Alternatively, the adjacent Kasbah quarter & Mellah are also great options. It’s quieter there and many accommodations are a bit more affordable.
Our top 3 hotel picks in Marrakech are:
More information on the neighborhoods, additional hotel recommendations, and other alternative areas to stay can be found in our dedicated articles.
General Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Marrakech so popular?
We have a pretty good idea, even if everyone’s reasons are a little different.
Marrakech is energetic and alive, the people are welcoming, the riads are incredibly beautiful, and for many travelers, Marrakech simply feels wonderfully exotic.
The oriental design, the Islamic culture, the extraordinary food, and of course the souks — a shopper’s paradise — make Marrakech a perfect travel destination just outside of Europe. And at just three to four hours by plane from most of Europe, it’s really not that far.
What's special about Marrakech?
The unique atmosphere is what makes Marrakech so special to us. On one hand, you have the buzzing energy on the streets of the Medina, and on the other, the peaceful and truly beautiful riads in Marrakech, straight out of 1001 Nights.
Above all, Moroccan style and the stunning architecture won us over. We love the colorful mosaics and the intricate decorations and carvings found in the palaces and the Quranic school.
And of course the souks in Marrakech, which are the largest in all of Morocco. You can truly find the most beautiful things here.
How many days do you need for Marrakech?
We think if you have 3 full days in Marrakech, you’ll get a really solid feel for the city and can see all the important highlights.
If you also want to visit museums and gardens, plan to stay for at least 4 days.
If you’re doing a dedicated city trip rather than a road trip, 5 days is ideal. You’ll even have time for a day trip from Marrakech into the surrounding area — pretty awesome!
How much money do you need in Marrakech?
That’s hard to answer in general terms. As a rule, you can pay for almost everything only with cash — hardly any store or restaurant accepts cards.
How much you’ll need depends heavily on what you do and buy.
Here are a few price examples:
- Admission to the Bahia Palace: 70 Dh
- Tagine at a restaurant: 60 – 100 Dh
- Orange juice on the Djemaa El Fna: 10 Dh
- A coffee or Moroccan tea: 25 Dh
On top of that, there are of course the souvenirs you might want to pick up in the souks.
Can you move around freely in Marrakech?
Yes — we’ve had experience both as a couple and alone as a woman, and found that you can move around Marrakech very freely and comfortably. We always felt very safe.
In two areas, however, your freedom is somewhat limited.
#1 Clothing: Especially as a woman, you should not dress revealingly. Always make sure your shoulders and knees are covered. Morocco is a traditional country with conservative values. Men should also stick to T-shirts and avoid overly short shorts. That said, in Marrakech especially, you’ll see plenty of tourists wearing far less.
#2 Photography: While you’re free to move around, you can’t just photograph everything at will. Many locals don’t want to be photographed or are not permitted to be, as Islam has prohibitions around images. Others will expect payment if you take their photo. Photographing military installations is strictly prohibited.
For your safety in Morocco, we also recommend not walking alone at night through remote alleyways.
What's the best way to get around Marrakech?
You have to walk through Marrakech. Only on foot can you really soak up the oriental atmosphere with all your senses.
Besides, many streets in the Medina are so narrow that there’s really no other option. Our recommendation is to spend a day or half a day exploring the sights in one neighborhood at a time.
For the longer stretches between neighborhoods, your best bet is to take a taxi. The beige so-called small taxis (“petite taxi”) operate throughout the city.
Compared to European standards, the fare is quite reasonable. But watch out: drivers tend not to turn on the meter and will try to charge an inflated price.
You need to negotiate before you get in. For a trip within the city, you shouldn’t pay more than 30 Moroccan Dirhams (Dh) — that’s less than 3 euros.
Does a city tour guide make sense in Marrakech?
While you can explore Marrakech on your own, it’s worth booking a guide to get started.
That way you’ll learn all kinds of interesting background on the attractions. Your guide will also give you a first overview of the city — which is definitely very helpful, since Marrakech can be pretty hard to navigate.
Private City Tour of Marrakech
There are also plenty of other great tours available in English, French, and Arabic. For example, this one:
