Marrakech is the starting point of most Morocco trips, and it deserves more than one rushed day. Between the medina, the gardens and the palaces, here are the 15 experiences our guides recommend to every visitor, with practical tips to avoid the crowds.
1. Jemaa el-Fna at sunset
The huge square of Marrakech wakes up at dusk: food stalls, musicians, storytellers and orange-juice carts. Have dinner on a rooftop terrace overlooking the square, then walk through it. Agree on prices before eating or taking photos with performers.
2. The souks
North of Jemaa el-Fna, the souks are organised by trade: leather, spices, lanterns, carpets, babouches. Bargaining is expected — read our guide to shopping in Moroccan souks.
3. Koutoubia Mosque
The 12th-century minaret, 77 metres high, is the symbol of the city. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the gardens around it are beautiful at sunset.
4. Bahia Palace
A 19th-century palace with painted cedar ceilings, zellige tiles and quiet courtyards. Go early (8–9 am) to have the rooms almost to yourself.
5. Ben Youssef Madrasa
The most beautiful Islamic college in Morocco, restored and reopened with its carved stucco, marble and student cells around a central pool.
6. Saadian Tombs
Hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1917, these royal tombs hold the famous Hall of Twelve Columns.
7. Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum
The cobalt-blue garden created by Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent, with bamboo, cacti and the Berber Museum. Book tickets online — queues are long.
8. Le Jardin Secret
A restored riad garden in the middle of the medina, with a tower offering rooftop views. Quieter than Majorelle.
9. A traditional hammam
Steam, black soap and a vigorous scrub with a kessa glove. Choose a public hammam for the authentic version or a spa hammam for comfort.
10. A cooking class
Shop at the market with a local cook, then prepare tagine, salads and mint tea. One of the best-rated activities in the city.
11. Rooftop cafés
Marrakech is best seen from above. Try the terraces around Jemaa el-Fna for the classic view, or Kasbah rooftops for the Atlas skyline.
12. El Badi Palace and the storks
The ruins of a 16th-century palace, now home to nesting storks, with panoramic views from the walls.
13. Menara Gardens
An olive grove and a large basin with a pavilion, with the snow-capped Atlas behind it on clear winter days.
14. Agafay desert at sunset
45 minutes from the city, the stone desert offers camel rides, quad biking and dinner under the stars when you don’t have time for the Sahara. Compare it with the real dunes in Merzouga vs Zagora.
15. A day trip out of the city
Ourika Valley, Ouzoud Waterfalls, Essaouira or Ait Benhaddou are all doable in a day. See our best day trips from Marrakech.
How many days in Marrakech?
Two full days cover the highlights; three days let you add a hammam, a cooking class and a day trip. Most travellers then continue to the desert — see our 3-day Merzouga tour or ask us for a custom plan on WhatsApp: +212 606-957514.
Practical tips
- Most monuments open 9 am–5 pm; some close at midday on Fridays.
- Keep small change for tips and taxis.
- Wear comfortable shoes — the medina is stone and uneven.
- Download an offline map before you get lost in the souks.