Marrakech is mostly explored on foot, in the medina, but the city is much more than Jemaa el-Fna square. Between palaces, gardens, hammams, rooftop terraces and the desert 45 minutes away, the list is long, often too long for a three- or four-day stay. Our driver-guides have put together the twenty activities our clients enjoy most, with the best time of day for each, how long to allow and, where it matters, whether you need to book.
In the medina
1. Jemaa el-Fna square, twice
In the morning the square is quiet: orange juice sellers, snake charmers, water carriers in costume. In the evening it fills with grill stalls, storytellers and Gnaoua musicians. Come at both times, it is not the same place. Keep some change: a photo of a performer is paid for.
2. The souks
Behind the square, the souks are organised by trade: spices, leather, slippers, metalwork, carpets. Getting a little lost is normal, and the main lanes always lead back to Jemaa el-Fna. Bargaining is part of the game, without pressure: if the price does not suit you, smile and move on.
3. The Koutoubia and its gardens
The twelfth-century minaret is a landmark across the whole city. The mosque is not open to non-Muslims, but the neighbouring gardens give the best view of the tower, especially late in the day.
4. Bahia Palace
A nineteenth-century palace with painted cedar ceilings and courtyards covered in zellige tilework. Go at opening time: from 10 am the groups arrive and the rooms fill up.
5. Ben Youssef Madrasa
The former Koranic school, now restored, has one of the finest courtyards in the city: carved stucco, sculpted wood, a central pool. Allow about 45 minutes.
6. The Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace
Two neighbouring sites in the Kasbah district. The tombs, small and richly decorated, often have a queue. El Badi Palace, a huge ruin of rammed-earth walls and sunken orange gardens, is by contrast very quiet, with storks nesting on the ramparts.
7. The Mellah
The old Jewish quarter, with the Lazama synagogue, its cemetery and its covered market, tells another story of Marrakech. It is one of the stops on our guided tour.
8. Le Jardin Secret and the Maison de la Photographie
Two lesser-known addresses: a restored garden in the heart of the Mouassine district, and a house showing old photographs of Morocco, with a terrace on the top floor.
9. Sunset on a rooftop terrace
Many cafés around the square have a terrace. Go up an hour before sunset for the call to prayer, the light on the Koutoubia and, in winter, the snowy Atlas on clear days.
Outside the medina
10. Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
The garden with its blue walls, created by the painter Jacques Majorelle and later saved by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, is the most visited site in the city. Tickets are sold online, on the official website, with a time slot: book the day before in high season and aim for the first morning slot. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is next door.
11. Menara Gardens
A large pool, a pavilion and an olive grove, with the Atlas as a backdrop. There is not much to do, but it is a pleasant late-afternoon walk.
12. Gueliz and Hivernage
The new town, with art galleries, cafés and restaurants. Ideal for a breather after two days in the medina.
13. The Palmeraie
North of the city, a palm grove where people go quad biking or ride camels. Our guide to a camel ride in Marrakech compares the Palmeraie with the Agafay desert.
Experiences
14. A hammam
The neighbourhood hammam, simple and cheap, or one in a riad or spa, more comfortable. Either way, allow an hour and a half and plan nothing straight afterwards.
15. A cooking class
The market in the morning with the chef, then tagine, pastilla or couscous. A good family activity, or one for a rainy day.
16. A horse carriage around the walls
Carriages wait near the Koutoubia. Agree the price and the duration before you get in.
Around Marrakech
17. A sunrise hot air balloon flight
Hotel pick-up before dawn, about an hour in the air over villages and hills, then a Berber breakfast. Everything is explained in our Marrakech hot air balloon guide.
18. Sunset in the Agafay desert
Forty-five minutes from the city, a stony desert facing the Atlas: a camel ride, then dinner in a tent. See our article on dinner in the Agafay desert.
19. A day in the High Atlas
Ourika, Imlil or Ouirgane are an hour away: Berber villages, waterfalls and lunch facing the mountains. Our guide to the best day trips from Marrakech helps you choose.
20. The ocean in Essaouira
A day for the harbour, the ramparts and grilled fish. The drive is long, but the change of air is complete.
What to book ahead
| Activity | Book? | Our tip |
|---|---|---|
| Majorelle Garden | Yes, online ticket | First morning slot |
| Hot air balloon | Yes, 2 to 5 days ahead | Keep a spare day in case of wind |
| Agafay dinner | Yes, the day before | Leaves around 3.30 pm |
| Spa hammam | Yes, the day before | Best at the end of your stay |
| Guided tour | Recommended | In the morning, before the heat |
| Day trips | Yes, 1 to 3 days ahead | Early start to beat the crowds |
How many days do you need?
Two full days are enough for the medina and the gardens; three or four if you add the desert and a day in the Atlas. Our Marrakech in two days itinerary puts the visits in the right order, and if you are travelling with children, read Marrakech with kids. To choose your area, see our guide on where to stay in Marrakech.
Booking
We organise the Marrakech guided tour with an official guide, the hot air balloon flight, the Agafay sunset camel ride and dinner and every day trip from the city, with pick-up at your hotel or near your riad. When you land, our Marrakech airport transfer drops you as close as possible to where you are staying.
