Well butter my backside and call me a biscuit, you’re headed to Marrakech! This exotic city is gonna knock your socks off and leave your head spinning like a dreidel. But don’t let the prospect of navigating a foreign place make you more nervous than a long-tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. This here guide will help you uncover the magic of Marrakech so you can experience this jewel of Morocco like a pro.
Now before we get to the nitty gritty, let’s do a quick rundown of this here red hot city. Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco and was once an important trading capital for merchants traveling the Saharan salt trade. Today, it’s a top tourist destination thanks to its ancient walled medina, bustling souks, stunning architecture, and lively culture. Folks here speak a mix of Arabic, French, and the Berber language Tashelhit.
The city’s nickname “Red City” comes from the natural red ochre pigment of the surrounding buildings and city walls. But when you see Marrakech yourself, you’ll realize it ain’t called that for nothin’! From the earthy red walls surrounding the old medina to the vivid red fabrics sold in the souks, this city is as red as a hound dog’s hind parts.
Now come on y’all, let’s stop beating around the bush and get to exploring this here Moroccan metropolis!
Top Attractions and Things to Do
When it comes to sights and activities, Marrakech is like a box of chocolates – you never know whatcha gonna get! But here’s a list of must-do’s to help you make the most of your visit:
Wander Around the Medina
The walled medina is the heartbeat of Marrakech, chock full of winding alleyways that reveal surprises at every turn. Its labyrinthine lanes harbor historic mosques, grand palaces, local homes, hole-in-the-wall shops, and fragrant gardens. Don’t be afraid to get lost in here—getting turned around is part of the experience!
Keep your eyes peeled when explorin’ the medina’s souks (markets) for stalls brimming with rainbow-hued spices, hand-woven rugs, shiny lampware, and every handicraft imaginable. The buzz of hawkers and wafting scents of sizzling street food add to the atmosphere. Hagglin’ is the name of the game, so put on your poker face and bargain hard for the best deals.
Marvel at Jemaa el-Fnaa
If you only do one thing in Marrakech, make it a visit to Jemaa el-Fnaa. This main square transforms into a carnival-like spectacle once the sun goes down. During the day, the place is overrun by snake charmers, medicine men, henna artists, and street performers trying to make a buck.
When evening comes, Jemaa el-Fnaa turns into a giant open-air buffet with scores of food stalls serving everything from snail soup to grilled meat skewers. Storytellers, dancers, acrobats, and musicians take center stage while crowds gather for this nightly extravaganza. Don’t forget to look up—the scene is just as fascinating from the surrounding balconies.
Get Lost in the Souks
Marrakech’s souks are like Ali Baba’s cave – treasures abound! The largest is Souk Semmarine, where you can easily spend hours browsing its maze of jewelry, textile, and ceramics stalls. Souk Ableuh features rainbow pyramids of spices and traditional apothecary remedies, while Souk Cherratine sells leather bags, shoes, and jackets.
Make sure to check out Souk des Teinturiers, where cloth dyers work in this medieval dyer’s souk. Look down when walkin’ through here—the ground is awash in a spectrum of fabulous colors from the dyeing pits. Don’t be shy to walk into a workshop and strike up a conversation with the artisans—you’ll earn buckets of goodwill!
Pro tip: Wear comfy shoes, leave the valuables at your hotel, and have small change ready for souk transactions. Keep your eyes peeled for one-of-a-kind treasures!
Escape to the Majorelle Garden
Need a break from the medina’s madcap pace? Make your way to the Majorelle Garden, an oasis of serenity in the city center. These lush gardens were designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle over 40 years and feature more colors than a bag of jellybeans.
Cobalt blue accents complement splendid groves of bamboo, giant palms, cacti, and 300 species of plants. Don’t miss the bright pink villa that once belonged to Yves Saint Laurent. The gardens also house the Berber Museum, which contains fascinating artifacts from the Berber people, Morocco’s largest indigenous group.
Snap Pics at Koutoubia Mosque
No trip to Marrakech is complete without visiting the iconic 12th century Koutoubia Mosque and its landmark 253-foot minaret. Unfortunately, the mosque is closed to non-Muslims, but the surrounding gardens offer prime views for photos, especially at sunset when its rose-hued walls glow against the sky.
Be sure to arrive on time for the muezzin’s call to prayer – this melodic chanting will make your hair stand up like you stuck a finger in a socket. The mosques architecture influenced the Almohad dynasty’s great mosques in Seville, Tlemcen, and Rabat, so cue the Circle of Life and imagine walking in the ancestors’ footsteps.
Snoop Around Bahia Palace
Fancy a peek into 19th century royal digs? Then saunter over to the Bahia Palace, once home to Grand Vizier Si Moussa and his four wives and 24 (yes, 24!) children. The name Bahia means “brilliance” in Arabic, and this pad certainly lives up to it, voulez-vous.
Get ready to ooh and aah over the palace’s 149 rooms glistening with intricate marquetry, painted wood ceilings, lavish courtyards, and reflective pooling fountains. Fun fact: several scenes from 1962’s Lawrence of Arabia were shot here too. Keep your peepers peeled for the notorious Blue Room – legend says it was painted this color to ward off evil spirits.
Discover the Saadian Tombs
Want to explore a slice of 16th century Marrakech? Swing by the sacred Saadian Tombs where 60 members of the Saadian dynasty have laid their bones since the 1500s. Stepping inside the ornate mausoleum with its meringue-like minarets feels like time travel – except you don’t need a crazy-haired professor or souped-up stainless steel car.
The Hall of Twelve Columns contains the crème de la crème of Saadian royalty bejeweled from head to toe. Don’t forget to duck into the adjacent mosque—its mihrab prayer niche is resplendent with colorful Zelij tiles and Arabic script. By the way, rumor has it these tombs inspired King Tut’s digs, so there ya go!
Pro tip: This attraction often gets overlooked by tourists, so take advantage of the light crowds. And ladies, cover up those knees and shoulders out of respect please!
Walk Through the Ruins of El Badi Palace
Calling all history buffs – let your imaginations run wild at the ruins of El Badi Palace. When it was built in the 16th century by the Saadian Sultan Ahmad I al-Mansur, this joint served as the ultimate party palace with lavish pavilions, pools, and gardens for entertaining royalty like a boss.
But all good things must come to an end, and El Badi changed hands many times before finally being destroyed in 1669. Today, the crumbling red walls and vast courtyard give an idea of the palace’s former grandiosity and make a terrific backdrop for some mood-setting photographs.
Bring your thinking cap and try to envision what used to be as you let your inner architect run amok wandering the ruins. Just watch your step on those dark staircases – the hazards of aging infrastructure and all.
Visit the Menara Gardens
Need a spot for a picnic lunch or Facebook photo shoot? Make a beeline to the idyllic olive groves of Menara Gardens. These lush grounds contain a magnificent restored 12th century pool flanked by lofty mountains in the distance.
On a clear day, the snowcapped Atlas Mountains seem near enough to touch! Take a peaceful stroll around the grounds, admiring the geometric flower beds, citrus trees, and outdoor amphitheater. Stop and smell the roses at the onsite nursery – the essence of Morocco fills your nose.
Insider tip: For superb people-watching and photo ops sans crowds, head to the upper floor of the pavilion. The feline residents here are an added bonus for karma points!
Where to Stay in Marrakech
Marrakech offers tons of charming hotels known as riads equipped with picture-perfect courtyards and rooftop terraces. Some riads have jaw-dropping pools and hammams (Moroccan baths), so do your homework, folks!
Here are a few recommended places to hang your hat in Marrakech that’ll treat you right:
Riad Kniza: This traditional riad houses 11 beautiful rooms overlooking a tranquil courtyard pool fringed by banana trees. Its terrace boasts panoramic views and an honesty bar, and the riad offers cooking classes, massage, and excursions.
Location: Just 150m from Bahia Palace in the medina.
Price: Rooms from $100/night.
Riad Dar One: For an authentic Moroccan atmosphere, check into this elegant eco-friendly riad with just 8 rooms. Guests rave about the home-cooked meals, attentive service, mint tea times, and evening musical entertainment.
Location: Inside the walls of the medina near Bab Doukkala.
Price: Rooms from $120/night.
Ksar Char-Bagh: This luxurious Relais & Chateaux property was once a royal residence and features gorgeous courtyards, fountains, pools, and North African décor. Its gourmet restaurant uses homegrown organic produce.
Location: In the palm grove of Marrakech, a 10-minute drive from the medina. Free shuttle service provided.
Price: Rooms from $470/night.
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech: Live like royalty at this opulent resort with 141 rooms, pools, restaurants, spa, and stunning onsite gardens. Extras like kids clubs, cooking lessons, and private tours available.
Location: In the modern Gueliz district, a 10-minute drive from the medina. Free shuttle service provided.
Price: Rooms from $360/night.
Equity Point Marrakech Hostel: For budget travelers, this fun hostel has a pool, funky Berber tent chill-out areas, and social atmosphere. Private rooms and dorms available, plus a bar and 24-hour reception.
Location: 20-minute walk from Jemaa El Fna Square in Guéliz.
Price: Dorm beds from $15/night, private rooms from $35/night.
Pro tip: Many riads don’t have street addresses, so ask for detailed directions when booking! And penny pinchers should visit in low season between November and March for better deals.
Best Restaurants in Marrakech
Marrakech has more restaurants than fleas on a hound dog, but here’s a roundup of the most scrumptious spots to delight your palate during your visit:
Nomad: For contemporary Moroccan cuisine, Nomad’s terrace should top your list. Chef Anna uses seasonal organic ingredients to whip up amazing lamb and chicken tagines, couscous dishes, and drool-worthy desserts.
Location: In the medina near the Rahba Kedima Square.
Price Range: Main dishes $10-25.
Al Fassia: This women-run institution serves some of Marrakech’s finest traditional Moroccan fare like bessara soup, lamb mechoui, and pigeon pastilla in an elegant dining room. Go with a group to sample more items!
Location: In Gueliz district.
Price range: Set menus from $25/person.
Earth Cafe: Veggies rejoice! This laid-back vegan-friendly cafe uses local products to serve salads, mezze, tajines, pizza, smoothies and more. The mint lemonade is legendary.
Location: 2 branches in Guéliz and the medina.
Price range: Dishes $5-15.
Le Jardin Secret of the Medina: Dine al fresco amid citrus trees in a converted riad, where the French-Moroccan menu includes dishes like Moroccan cigars, chicken tagine, and creme brulee.
Location: Inside the Souk Al Mouassine in the medina.
Price range: Main dishes around $20.
Cafe Clock: This funky cafe and cooking school offers specialties like camel burgers, quinoa falafel, mourouzia tagine, and lots of vegetarian options. It hosts cool events like storytelling nights and drum workshops too.
Location: In the mellow Kasbah district.
Price Range: Main dishes $5-15.
Skybar: Dress to impress for dinner and drinks at this rooftop hangout atop the boutique hotel Les Jardins de La Medina. The sleek ambiance and Mediterranean menu attract Marrakech hipsters and celebs.
Location: Inside Les Jardins de la Medina hotel in the Hivernage district. Price Range: Main dishes around $25.
Insider tip: For cheap and cheerful local eats, head to the food stalls at Jemaa el-Fnaa or in the Souk Laksour area. Beware the tummy troubles that may follow though!
Helpful Tips for Planning Your Marrakech Trip
To make sure your maiden voyage to Marrakech goes smooth as jazz, keep these need-to-know tidbits in mind:
- Taxis and private cars are fairly affordable ways to get around, but brace yourself for some … er, creative driving. For shorter trips, consider a calèche horse carriage or electric bike.
- Dress modestly and avoid showing too much skin or PDA out of respect for local customs. To visit mosques, cover your head and limbs.
- Leave the bling and valuables in your hotel safe when sightseeing to avoid petty theft. Keep money discreetly tucked away too.
- Drink only bottled water and watch freshness dates on packaged foods. Your tummy will thank you.
- Have small dirham notes for souk transactions. Bargain politely for the best deal but don’t fight over a few dollars.
- Tipping is appreciated. Leave 10% at restaurants or round up the bill. Tip guides, drivers, hotel staff etc a few bucks.
- Learn some basic Arabic phrases. Saying “as-salaam alaikum” (hello), “shukran” (thank you) and “ana asif” (sorry) go a long way.
- Ramadan, when daily fasting occurs, takes place from late April to May. Note some restaurants may close and sightseeing is best before 2pm.
And that’s a wrap, y’all! Time to pack those bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime in Marrakech. Ya’ll come back now, ya hear?
