Complete Guide to the Best Things to Do in Marrakech for First-Timers

I never thought that my time in Marrakech would continue to inspire me for years to come. When it comes to the best things to do in Marrakech, I’m sharing my ultimate travel guide to help plan your time. It’s a city that I think is best discovered by diving right into the heart of it.

The sprawling Medina of Marrakech, with its souk packed to the brim and dozens of mosques, instantly transports you to a different world. Marrakech’s brilliant architecture and way of life are a gateway to a rich cultural experience. Morocco’s well-loved city is filled with endless adventure; it’s a place that has inspired me time and time again.

Marrakech is a city that is beautiful in moments of raw emotion — something worth embracing. It’s a city that beckons a traveler to truly be immersed in another country’s tradition. Hot mint tea in a riad, rooftop views with sizzling tagine, bartering over a handmade rug, taking a left-hand turn in hopes it will return you home — all of this and more is Marrakech.

If you’re beginning to plan your time in Marrakech, know that a little bit of research and effort goes a long way. Pre-book those tours and dinner reservations, pick the right accommodation (hotel or riad), and begin to plan your trip with my guide to the best things to do in Marrakech.

Short on Time? Here Are My Top Picks for the Best Hotels and Things to Do in Marrakech:

The best place to base yourself is in the Medina for easy access to historic sights, shopping, and dining. Or, consider a resort outside the city for a luxe escape.

Hotels

1. La Mamounia ($$$$), for the best iconic luxury stay just outside the Medina
2. The Oberoi Marrakech ($$$), for the best palatial resort escape
3. Riad 72 ($$), for the best boutique design riad
4. Riad Yasmine ($$), for a jewel-box oasis you’ve seen on Instagram

Airbnbs

1. 4 Bedroom Traditional Medina Riad with Plunge Pool, for the best serene courtyard escape inside the Medina
2. 4 Bedroom Spacious Riad with Pool & Rooftop, for the best relaxing large-group base close to everything
3. 3 Bedroom Restored Medina Riad with Rooftop Terrace, for the best intimate, design-rich stay steps from the market

Things to Do

1. Take a Cooking Class at La Maison Arabe
2. Visit the Jardin Majorelle, Berber Arts Museum, and YSL Museum
3. Spend a Night Glamping in the Agafay Desert
4. Overnight in the High Atlas Mountains
5. Take a Day Trip to the Ourika Valley

Helpful Guides to Plan Your Trip

Planning a trip to Morocco? Start with my 3-day Marrakech itinerary and Morocco itinerary. Don’t miss my tips on what to wear as a female traveler and how to buy a Moroccan rug, plus my picks for the best Riads in Marrakech. For more inspiration, explore my guides to Fez, Chefchaouen, and Essaouira.

The 8 Best Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco

---

What to Know Before Visiting Marrakech

Best Time to Visit Marrakech

Marrakech is a destination that has become famed for those looking to escape winter and enjoy almost year-round sunshine. Spring (March to May) and early fall (September to November) are the best times of year to visit Marrakech. Summer temperatures can soar to more than 100 degrees F (40 degrees C), so plan to visit during the cooler months.

Travel Tip: When planning your trip, it’s a good idea to check if Ramadan falls during your visit. Ramadan, which lasts for a month, is one of the most sacred times of the year for Muslims. This can be a very special time to visit Morocco, but you’ll need to be sensitive to the fact that many people fast (no eating or drinking, even water) during daylight hours, which means that many restaurants will be closed during the day. The Medina clears out during the evening call to prayer, and it is difficult to get a taxi or book any activities until it is over. This is a great time to relax and see the glimmering city center at its stillest. After the evening call to prayer, restaurant service will pause briefly as waitstaff enjoy breaking fast together.

How Long to Stay in Marrakech

I think three full days in the Medina, followed by a night or two in the surrounding areas of Marrakech, would be ideal. I’d highly recommend splitting your stay into a traditional riad in Marrakech and a luxe resort.

How to Get to Marrakech

By Plane

As of 2025, United and Delta both offer nonstop flights from the US to Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK). RAK is a true international airport that welcomes flights from all over the world, including a particularly high number of options from Europe. If you want to add Morocco to a European trip or redeem points through the continent, this is a great option. Once you clear customs and immigration, it’s a quick 15 or 20-minute ride from the airport into the city center.

By Train From Casablanca

The Al Atlas high-speed train offers a scenic, air-conditioned journey that takes approximately 2.5 hours. Because this is the most popular route offered, it is recommended to buy tickets in advance. The train departs every two hours, and there are economy and first-class seats available.

By Car From Essaouira

Morocco’s Atlantic coast offers fantastic artsy, surf town vibes. If you choose to explore Essaouira first, you can hire a driver for the 2.5-hour drive to Marrakech.

How to Get Around Marrakech

The Medina is a walkable labyrinth, full of narrow alleyways that are only accessible via foot, motorbike, or the occasional donkey-drawn cart. Wear comfortable shoes! To get between areas farther afield, taxis and Ubers are the most efficient, comfortable option.

Language & Money

English is widely spoken in tourist areas, but Arabic and French are Morocco’s main languages. Morocco only gained independence from France in 1956. Cash can help purchase items in the souk, with plenty of ATMs readily available throughout the city.

Mobile Data and eSIMs

I recommend opting for an eSIM with Holafly, which has become my go-to international mobile data solution. Alternatively, a local SIM can be purchased at tobacco shops (noted with three white circles on a blue sign). Pick Maroc Telecom (orange packaging) and have the shop owner help you top up.

Other Helpful Tips

• Friday is considered a holy day, which will affect opening hours for some shops and attractions, especially mosques.
• The left hand is considered unclean; be sure to eat and direct with your right hand.
• Haggling is completely acceptable, so long as you intend to purchase the item. Don’t pay the first asking price!
• Be sure to ask before taking anyone’s photo. Some people will not want their photos taken, others will be more than happy, and some may ask for a few dirhams to strike a pose!
• Be mindful of how you dress; Morocco is a conservative, Muslim country. Covering up with long skirts/dresses and t-shirts is respectful, especially when visiting religious sites and during Ramadan.
• Carry toilet paper, as not all public restrooms have it available. I’d personally recommend traveling with a friend here to enjoy fully, and walking solo at night is not advised. I never felt unsafe, but was indeed more comfortable with another traveler.
• If someone comes up to you and offers to “help” you navigate the souk, you will need to give a few dirhams if you accept. Be mindful of “guides” who will offer a tour and then ask to be paid.
• Coordinate your arrival time with your riad so they can arrange for a porter to meet you at your vehicle with a cart to help transport your luggage over the cobblestone streets.
• While you will likely hear about native “Berber” people, the correct, modern-day term is Amazigh. This is basically the equivalent of “Indian” vs. “Native American” in North America.
• It’s a good idea to purchase tickets for attractions in advance and arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and the heat.

---

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Hotels

1. La Mamounia ($$$$), for an iconic luxury hotel just outside the Medina, it is a large hotel with beautiful gardens, a full spa, and beautiful pools. The rooms are spacious, stunning in design, and provide an escape in the heart of the city.
2. The Oberoi Marrakech ($$$), for a palatial resort outside the city, featuring a central water feature, sprawling gardens, and a spa. The courtyard was inspired by Madrasa Ben Youssef.
3. Riad 72 ($$), for a jewel-box boutique hotel and beautiful riad in a perfect area of the Medina, each of the rooms is unique and decorated to highlight traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. The rooftop is an idyllic space to enjoy traditional mint tea.
4. Riad Yasmine ($$), for a quaint riad in the heart of the Medina, this boutique hotel is well-appointed and incredibly cozy. It’s perfect for those looking for an intimate stay and an authentic Moroccan riad.

Airbnbs

1. 4 Bedroom Traditional Medina Riad with Plunge Pool, for the best serene courtyard escape inside the Medina
2. 4 Bedroom Spacious Riad with Pool & Rooftop, for the best relaxing large-group base close to everything
3. 3 Bedroom Restored Medina Riad with Rooftop Terrace, for the best intimate, design-rich stay steps from the market

---

Where to Eat in Marrakech

• Le Marocain (inside La Mamounia), for a fine dining experience, with a prefixed menu that explores regional cuisine. It is a splurge meal but completely worth it! Also check out the Churchill Bar inside La Mamounia, which is set in a vintage train carriage!
• Comptoir Darna, for a loud, dimly lit den of delicious food, lively music, and dance. This is fun for people watching, with no pressure to join in, and no judgment if you do! The Moroccan music and belly dance are fun to watch while enjoying inventive takes on traditional Moroccan food. The kiri cheese & truffle briouates were life-changing.
• Sahbi Sahbi, for a new star of the dining scene, this restaurant, which translates to “soulmates,” serves regional Moroccan specialties prepared by female cooks from across the country.
• El Fenn Riad, for one of the best rooftop restaurants in town. Come here for drinks and a snack at sunset with a view of the Koutoubia mosque.
• Nomad, for modern Moroccan cuisine and beautiful rooftop views
• High Tea at Royal Mansour, come for afternoon tea, which includes a variety of pastries and teas. This is a great way to explore the gorgeous grounds at the Royal Mansour hotel, which is owned by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI.
• Café D’Espices, for a casual lunch spot in Souk Semmarine with great traditional fare

---

What Exactly to Do in Marrakech

1. See Historic Islamic Architecture

• Madrasa Ben Youssef — Intricately hand-carved wood, colorful zellige tiles, and detailed sculpted plaster are hallmarks of traditional design at this 16th-century Islamic college. It was once the largest in North Africa. Built adjacent to the Ben Youssef Mosque – originally Marrakech’s main mosque – it trained Islamic scholars in Islamic law, jurisprudence, and readings of the Quran. The restoration was completed in 2022, and visitors are allowed to walk through the vestibule, prayer room, and student housing areas, among others.
• Confluences Museum (Dar El Bacha Palace) — The building was constructed in 1910 and two years later, it became the home of Thami El Glaoui, the Pasha of Marrakech. The Pasha was known for hosting lavish receptions and banquets for international guests. While the exquisite grounds would have been an ideal place for a party, today the palace’s many rooms house exhibits showcasing Moroccan culture. The orange trees in the main courtyard are especially fragrant and the chirping birds reminded me of Princess Jasmine’s palace garden in Disney’s Aladdin.
• Bahia Palace — Stained glass details, a sprawling central courtyard constructed of Italian marble, and masterful plasterwork sound like Italian Renaissance art, but at Bahia Palace, they are distinctly and unquestionably Moroccan. This 19th-century stunner was once home to the Royal Vizier Bou Ahmed, his four wives, and his harem. Used as a royal residence after Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, King Hassan II later transferred it to the custody of the Moroccan Ministry of Culture to be used as the cultural icon and tourist attraction it is today.
• Koutoubia Mosque and El Badi Palace are two other Marrakech architecture icons to visit if you have time.

2. Relax at a Hammam

Going to a hammam, or bathhouse, is a must-do when visiting Marrakech. At a more traditional public hammam, families or friends go together and help each other exfoliate using black beldi soap made from olives and an exfoliating mitt called a kessa glove. I tried a handful like Hammam Rosa Bonheur, and loved my appointment at my hotel, La Mamounia.

The treatment was a multi-step process in a beautifully tiled steam room, where my attendant bathed me, vigorously scrubbed away dead skin (seriously, I was shocked when I saw how much came off!), and then applied a clay mask and moisturizer. I have never felt fresher or cleaner than I did after my treatment. Beldi soap and a kessa glove are the perfect souvenirs to bring back for yourself or for a friend!

3. Stroll Through the Famed Jardin Majorelle

Beginning in 1922, French painter Jacques Majorelle spent four decades cultivating a garden to showcase plants from all over the world. After he died in 1962, it fell into disrepair, and developers set their sights on turning it into a hotel. In 1980, designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé purchased and restored the Jardin Majorelle to save it from developers. Today, the pristinely kept gardens are one of the most popular sites to visit and are a particularly beautiful space to walk around early in the morning, before the heat of the day and the throngs of tourists can detract from the lily ponds, cacti, and cobalt-hued buildings draped in magenta bougainvillea. There’s a can’t-miss Berber (Amazigh) museum housed in Majorelle’s former painting studio, as well as a quaint café and a well-curated boutique onsite. The YSL Museum next door is also worth a visit.

4. Learn to Cook Your Own Tagine

Hotel and cooking school La Maison Arabe is located in the heart of the Medina. There are a few options for classes, including a detailed, five-day program and an express workshop for those limited on time. I recommend doing the 3-hour class, which takes place in a specialized cooking studio where the instructor stands at the front and every participant gets their cooking station with ingredients, tools, a sink, a stovetop, and a screen to watch the instructor. During the workshop, you’ll learn about the history behind preparing Moroccan mint tea while making bread and fresh vegetable salads. Preparing a tagine — a hearty stew in a volcano-shaped clay pot — is a highlight of this experience, as is tasting the fruits of your labor on the rooftop. You’ll even get a cute cooking school certificate!

Amal is a nonprofit built as a social enterprise, where its restaurant, catering, and cooking and baking classes drive its social mission to empower underserved women through hands-on culinary training to help them achieve financial independence and live a life with dignity and fulfillment.

5. Drink Coffee at the World’s Most Beautiful Coffee House

Ensconced within the Dar al Bacha Confluences Museum, opening the door to Bacha Coffee feels like stepping straight into Wonderland. The floor is tiled like a black and white checkerboard, and pops of the brand’s bright marigold orange packaging are featured throughout the room. In the center, there is a stunning wooden bar and pastry case. The menu is broken down by flavor profile, strength, and geographic source, which is a good thing, because there are 200 types of coffee from 33 countries to choose from! The waiters are extremely knowledgeable and can recommend something to please any palate. You can order food as well. The gift shop is a wonderful place to stock up; their individual, travel-sized pour-over packets are unique and special.

6. Get Lost Shopping in The Souks

Never have I felt completely okay with getting lost as I did in the winding streets of the Medina; it was part of the experience. It’s much less stressful when you don’t have minute-by-minute plans and allow yourself to just wander. Spend hours haggling for rustic pottery, handmade rugs, and smoky spices, and people-watch at Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square (often referred to as Jemaa El Fnaa Square, where you can see the snake charmers. If you get really turned around, there’s always a guide nearby willing to redirect you, for a small price.

7. Shop Local in Gueliz

Marrakech is home to world-class boutiques offering a wide range of choices, and it’s easy to spend an afternoon in the Gueliz neighborhood browsing well-curated collections of locally sourced items. Here are a few of my favorites:

1. MORO Marrakech, concept store/restaurant/boutique hotel
2. 33 Rue Majorelle, clothing, jewelry, home goods
3. Chabi Chic, handmade ceramics
4. The Makers, handcrafted clothing
5. The Moroccans, skincare

8. Enjoy a Full Moroccan Breakfast Spread

Even if you’re more of a grab-a-coffee-and-go person, you simply must try a full breakfast at a riad (I adored the breakfast at Le Riad Yasmine). It usually starts with fresh juice, coffee, or tea. Then comes a parade of small plates, like fruit, olives, cheese, and eggs. All of this is served with several different types of breads and dips/marmalades. The highlight for me was always msemmen, a kind of pancake that I love to top with honey and fresh fruit.

---

Save This Post for Later on Pinterest