Marrakech Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Jamaa el Fna
Photo provided by Moroccan National Tourist Office
Marrakech
Morocco
Photo provided by Moroccan National Tourist Office / www.fotoseeker.com

Dazzling souks and historical palaces decorate this walled, medieval city that brims with rich cultural traditions and opulent riads.

Explore the labyrinth of centuries old souks and sample iconic Moroccan flavours in Marrakech. Fondly called the “Rose City”, and once a caravan town on the sub-Saharan trading routes, Marrakech is surrounded by deserts and the Atlas Mountains. Within pink-tinged, historical ramparts, the medieval medina buzzes with entertainers and market stalls to thrill shoppers.

Visit Marrakech and you can also bask in the luxury of traditional riad hotels and lavish hammam spas. Rooftop terraces host glamorous restaurants and the new town of Gueliz features art galleries and chic fashion stores. Within the old and new backdrops, the city hosts vibrant festivals across each year, including the Marrakech International Film Festival and Oasis Festival.

Things to do in Marrakech

Strains of music and mouth-watering aromas of food greet you at Jemaa el Fna. The heart of the Marrakech Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the square is at its liveliest from sunset with scrumptious food stalls. During the day, see henna artists, snake charmers and acrobats and venture into the themed souks branching off in all directions.

Souk Semmarine is the main thoroughfare of Jemaa el Fna and a treasure trove of souvenirs. Buy pottery and pashminas, admire jewellery and choose from seemingly endless rows of shimmering lanterns. Weave in and out of narrow lanes to find brightly coloured spices piled high among quaint silver teapots. In Souk Chouari, stop to watch artisan carpenters in action.

After the excitement of the souks, the desert landscapes of Jardin Majorelle take the pace down a notch. These botanical gardens were started by a French artist and then preserved by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, which may explain why this attraction is so popular. Be sure to book ahead and have your camera battery charged to take photos of the vivid blue villa at the heart of the grounds. While here visit the Berber Museum and nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum, with thousands of couture garments and accessories.

History and culture in Marrakech

Visit the 14th-century Ben Youssef Madrasa to see the exquisite carved wood and stone of the courtyard and explore the rooms that housed hundreds of students at the former school. Brilliant paintings and mosaics adorn the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century marvel with a courtyard coloured blue and yellow above an Italian Carrara marble floor.

While exploring Marrakech look for the remnants of the Saadian dynasty, amongst which the Saadian Tombs are among the best preserved. Explore the mausoleums and the garden chamber tombs. At Dar Si Said Museum, delve into the heritage of Berber and Moroccan carpet weaving in the former palace. The Dar El Bacha palace showcases riad architecture with colourful zellige tiles and a courtyard filled with orange trees.

One of the oldest museums in the city, the Marrakech Museum is set in the decadent Dar Mnebhi palace. Gaze at the stained-glass windows and archways of the courtyard, then admire collections of paintings and pottery. For history with spectacular views of the Atlas Mountains, spend some time meandering around the Menara Gardens. First established in the 12th century, today the gardens are a favourite with locals looking for a quiet picnic spot.

Dining and nightlife in Marrakech

Sip mint tea while sitting on the floor cushions of rooftop terraces. Choose between Moroccan tagines with succulent meats and rich sauces at traditional restaurants across Marrakech. The smoke from open grills announces dining from dusk at Jemaa el Fna, where you can savour grilled meats and fresh salad or the local delicacy of snail soup in peppery broth. Dine in the square near the stalls or watch the action from many restaurant balconies surrounding it.

Gueliz offers a thriving café culture with Parisian-style bistros and international restaurants, along with trendy bars and fine dining. It’s here that you’ll find The Royal Theatre for opera and dance performances. Check schedules at riads, restaurants and palaces for traditional Moroccan folklore shows with shimmying belly dancers and traditional music.

Getting around Marrakech

Fly into Marrakech Menara Airport, which is approximately 20 minutes by taxi from hotels surrounding the medina. Many riads and resorts offer private transfers on booking. Wear your comfortable shoes for walking around the largely pedestrianised medina. The city offers the ALSA bus network, along with scooters and bike rentals to get around outside the medina.

Book tours, rent a car or use private transfer services through travel agents for day trips to popular places including Ouzoud Falls, the Palmeraie and the Agafay Desert. Tours from Marrakech to the Sahara Desert typically span two or more days due to the driving time of about 10 hours.

Where to stay in Marrakech

Marrakech featuring a city

Medina

4/5(772 area reviews)

A noteworthy feature of Medina is its popular shops. While you're in town, be sure to stop and check out Jemaa el-Fnaa and Le Jardin Secret.

Medina
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Gueliz

4/5(133 area reviews)

Gueliz is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Majorelle Garden or Carré Eden Shopping Center.

Gueliz
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Hivernage

4/5(229 area reviews)

Hivernage is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Menara Mall and Casino de Marrakech while in the area.

Hivernage
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Annakhil

Annakhil is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Amelkis Golf Club and Museum Palmeraie while you're in town.

Annakhil
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Palmeraie

3.5/5(30 area reviews)

Get to know Palmeraie by checking out its gardens, golf courses and spas. Consider a visit to nearby sights like Musée Aman pour la Civilsation de l'Eau au Maroc or Jemaa el-Fnaa during your time in the area.

Palmeraie
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Rahba Kedima

If you're spending some time in Rahba Kedima, Jemaa el-Fnaa and Le Jardin Secret are top sights worth seeing.

Rahba Kedima
La Mamounia

La Mamounia

5 out of 5
Avenue Bab - Jdid, Marrakech
The price is £363 per night from 28 Aug to 29 Aug
£363
28 Aug - 29 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Marrakech. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (595 reviews)
"Beautiful hotel with great amenities. The service was excellent and very friendly staff all around. Highly recommend this hotel and will definitely stay there again."

Reviewed on 25 Jul 2025

La Mamounia
Palais Moulay Said & SPA

Palais Moulay Said & SPA

3 out of 5
60 Riad Zitoun Lakdim, Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi
The price is £76 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
£76
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star spa riad in Marrakech. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Jemaa el-Fnaa and Bahia Palace are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (37 reviews)
"This hotel and staff were remarkable. Had 4 day stay staff and vicinity was beautiful surrounding shopping places. Easy diner. It was a wow moment. Hotel itself and friendly staff highly recommend 10/10. Will visit again 100%."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Palais Moulay Said & SPA
Eden Andalou Aquapark & Spa

Eden Andalou Aquapark & Spa

4 out of 5
Km 4, Route d'Amezmiz, Marrakech
The price is £256 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
£256
25 Aug - 26 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Marrakech. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (269 reviews)
"The property made our honeymoon special by greeting us with rose petals and roses upon entry to our rooms at the Hotel. They accommodated us free of charge with early check in. Very friendly and helpful staff save and except the attendants at the “boutique” who were piggish with nasty attitudes. ..."

Reviewed on 28 Jul 2025

Eden Andalou Aquapark & Spa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Mogador MENZAH

Mogador MENZAH

4 out of 5
Avenue Mohamed VI, Marrakech
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Marrakech. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 2 coffee shops/cafes. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
5.8/10 (816 reviews)
"Good service and convenient location"

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Mogador MENZAH
Villa de Luxe River Palm

Villa de Luxe River Palm

4 out of 5
V324 Residence River Palm secteur 20, Marrakech
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly villa in Marrakech. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. Popular attractions Majorelle Garden and ...
Villa de Luxe River Palm
Vittoria Guest House Marrakech

Vittoria Guest House Marrakech

4 out of 5
Rue Mouatamid Ibn Abbad, Marrakech, Marrakech-Gueliz
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Marrakech. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Marrakech Plaza and Majorelle Garden are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (44 reviews)
"The property is lovely and I would recommend it clean And tidy."

Reviewed on 23 Jun 2025

Vittoria Guest House Marrakech
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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