21 Fascinating Things to Do in Marrakech Morocco

21 Fascinating Things to Do in Marrakech Morocco

1. See the Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret

Avenue Mohammed V, Marrakech, Morocco, map

The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is one of Marrakech’s most famous icons. Although it is only 77 meters high, you can view it from far away. It is an active place of worship, and non-Muslims cannot enter, but you can admire it from the outside.

See More: 21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco – Travel Tips

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2. Jemma El Fna Square →

31.6258 N, 7.9894 W, map   |   Hours: ~9AM – 1AM

This is one of the best-known squares in Africa and what most people picture when thinking of Marrakech. During the day, it’s filled with buskers, orange juice stands, and shops, and in the evening, it transforms into a massive outdoor food court.

See More: The Beautiful Colors of Marrakech at Jemaa el Fna

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3. Marrakech Souk / Marketplace →

31.6258 N, 7.9894 W, map   |   Hours: ~9AM – 1AM

Just north of the Jemaa El Fna, there is an intricate maze of alleyways filled with shops. You’ll find everything from everyday goods to handicrafts and souvenirs. Be prepared to bargain to get the best prices, which is like a sport in Morocco. We couldn’t figure out the actual hours of the marketplace, but when we returned at around 9 PM, many shops were starting to close or were closed.

See More: 25 Best Markets in the World to Put on Your Bucket List

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4. Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa

Kaat Benahid, map   |   Phone: +212 524 44 1893   |   Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM   |   Entrance Fee: 50 Dh

The Ben Youssef Medersa was founded in the 14th century and was dedicated to the teaching of Islamic scripture and law. Since its closure in 1960, it has been refurbished and reopened to the public as a historical site in the 80s.

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5. See the Saadian Tombs

Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakesh, Morocco, map   |   Hours: 8 AM – 4 PM   |   Entrance Fee: 10 Dh

No expense was spared when building this tomb. Italian Carrara marble, intricate plasterwork, and pure gold comprise the Chamber of the 12 Pillars.

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6. Explore the Ruins of the El Badi Palace

Ksibat Nhass, Marrakesh, Morocco, map   |   Hours: 8 AM – 5 PM   |   Entrance Fee: 10 Dh

El Badi Palace was built in the 16th century by Saadian King Ahmad al-Mansur, and later looted and left as ruins by his successor. From the terrace, you can see amazing views of the Atlas mountains, and storks have made their homes here.

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7. Try the Local Cuisine →

Be sure to try all the local delicacies like tagine, couscous, kebabs, and pigeon pie. Jemaa El Fna turns into a massive food market every night so that’s a great place to try some of everything. We ate tagine almost every day.

See More: 21 Moroccan Foods You Must Try in Morocco

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8. Take a Stroll in Jardin Majorelle

Rue Yves Saint Laurent, map   |   Phone: +212 524 30 1894

This 12-acre botanical garden with an electric blue villa and multiple museums is the perfect place for stunning photos and a peaceful walk. The artist Jacques Marjorelle built this property, and in the 1980s, YSL and Pierre Bourge purchased and continue to restore it. In 2017, the YSL museum opened, which we need to go back to see.

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9. Marvel at the Bahia Palace / Palais de la Bahia →

5 Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, map   |   Hours: 8 AM – 6 PM, Closed Fri   |   Entrance Fee: 30 Dh

This palace was built in the 19th century and showcases beautiful Arab and Islamic architectural styles. Take in all the intricate ceilings, colorful tiles, and beautiful lamps.

See More: The Remarkable Bahia Palace

10. Marrakech Railway Station

Hasan II Avenue, Marrakech, Morocco, map

Even if you’re not planning on using public transportation, the Marrakech Railway Station is still worth stopping by. The new building built in 2008 is truly a grand entrance to the station during the day or night.

See More: What to Pack for Morocco Spain & Portugal (15 Day Carry On)

11. Belly Dancing Dinner

Le Comptoir Darna: Avenue Echouhada, map   |   Phone: +212 524 43 7702   |   Hours: 7:30PM – 3AM

You can’t leave Marrakech without enjoying a dinner and show. Although there are many choices, Le Comptoir Darna is one of the most popular spots in town. Make a reservation ahead of time since it fills up quickly.

12. Relax at a Hammam

Hammam Dar el-Bacha: 20 Rue Fatima Zohra, map   |   Hours: Men 7AM-1PM, Women 1-9 PM   |   Entrance Fee: 10 Dh

Hammam, or public bathhouses, is a great way to experience the local culture and relax at the same time. You can go with high-end hammams and spas at La Mamounia or Selman Hotels or an authentic and thorough scrub down at Hammam Dar el-Bacha. The photo below is actually from Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca but gives you a glimpse inside one.

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13. Stay at Hotel La Mamounia

Avenue Prince Moulay Rachid, map   |   Phone: +212 524 38 8600

One of the premiere hotels in Marrakech, La Mamounia provides a luxurious stay right outside the Medina. In addition to the best service, enjoy their equally famous gardens.

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14. Stay in a Riad

If you’re looking for an authentic stay, skip the hotels in Marrakech and stay in a Riad or traditional Moroccan house within the Medina (Old City). If you’ve already booked a hotel, you can stop by to have some mint tea.

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15. Have a Glass of Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice

Orange trees grow everywhere in Marrakech, and Moroccan oranges are famous worldwide. That’s why you can find tons of orange juice stands in squares like Jemaa El Fna. A glass usually costs 5-10 Dirhams, and you can even get blood orange juice for more.

16. Take a Caleche Ride

You will have plenty of opportunities and plenty of people trying to convince you to take a ride on a horse-drawn carriage. But this isn’t just a stroll around the park; you can enter the main streets amongst the cars and traffic.

We rode through a sandstorm, which made the ride interesting.

Note—We went as part of a tour package, but looking back, it doesn’t seem like the horses were well cared for. After visiting many countries around the world, taking care of animals tends to be a low priority for many struggling financially.

17. Have a Glass of Mint Tea

Whether at your hotel or when entering a shop, there are plenty of places that will greet you with a glass of mint tea. The sweet Moroccan teas are a local favorite, and you can order them practically anywhere. We found that each place had its own recipe and that they could taste quite different. When I got home, I ordered Moroccan Mint tea from Harney and Sons.

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18. Shop at a Berber Pharmacy

Berber Pharmacies come in all shapes and sizes. Some are brightly lit shops with staff wearing white coats, and others look like they came straight out of your imagination with animals in jars and tanks. Wherever you go, you’ll see a lot of the same items: perfumes, skincare, argon oil, spices, soaps, and more.

19. Marrakech Through Museums

For a change of scenery, check out the museums. Here are the most popular ones:

Maison de la Photographie: vintage Moroccan photography dating back to 1870
Address: 46 Ahal Fés, Marrakesh, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 38 5721
Hours: 9:30 AM – 7 PM Daily
Entrance Fee: 40 Dh

Dar Si Said Museum: a collection of crafts and woodwork
Address: Riad Zitoun El-Jedid, Marrakesh, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 38 9564
Hours: 9 AM – 6:45 PM Daily
Entrance Fee: 10 Dh

Douiria Moussine: restored, petite 17th-century apartment
Address: 5 Derb El Hammam, Mouassine, Marrakesh, Morocco
Phone: +212 524 38 5721
Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM Daily
Entrance Fee: 30 Dh 

20. Ride a Camel

There are plenty of activities for thrill seekers and those looking to try something new. You can see the city via hot air balloon, go hiking and climbing, find zip lines, or go horseback or camel riding.

Note— Is it ethical to ride camels? It depends. On one hand, it helps support local communities and provides food and care to the animals. Some operators treat their animals better than others, and you will be able to notice the difference.

21. Take a Day Trip to Explore the Atlas Mountains

If you need to get away from the heat, head out of town towards the Atlas Mountains. There are small towns within the mountains that offer beautiful scenery and a much more local feel. Lalla Takerkoust (27 miles), Ourika (37 miles), and Armed (40 miles) are just a few of to check out.

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Planning Checklist

What would you want to do first in Marrakech? Would you try pigeon pie?