Overview
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through our link.
This is a free way to support us and allows us to continue creating even more inspiring travel guides. Thank you for supporting the love we put into Coordinotes!
Medina and souks
You can not pay a visit to Marrakech without visiting its famous medina and souks.
The medina is the historic, walled, and oldest party of the city. It is a maze of narrow, winding streets and is full of traditional architecture. Souks are the traditional markets found within the medina and are a bustling part of the local economy. Souks often specialize in certain goods, such as textiles, spices, ceramics, or jewelry, and are a great place to find traditional Moroccan goods and souvenirs.
Be prepared to haggle with merchants and to get lost in the maze-like streets of the medina. Forget Google Maps and spend some time strolling aimlessly through the small streets and experience the sights, sounds, and smells of traditional Moroccan life.
No time to read now?
Save this post on Pinterest!
Jemaa el fna
Jemaa El Fna is an iconic public square in Marrakech. As soon as you step foot into the square, you are immediately flooded with a lively atmosphere filled with music, food, and storytelling. From street performers to food vendors and local artisans, it is a great representation of Moroccan culture.
Be sure to visit Jemaa el Fna during the evening hours when the square comes alive with lights and the sounds of music and laughter. The square is a popular tourist attraction and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the best things to do in Marrakech and an unforgettable experience that you don’t want to miss!
Note: On Jemaa el Fna you see many captive animals such as snakes, monkeys and birds for entertainment and photo props. It is important to note that animal welfare concerns have been raised about the treatment of animals in Jemaa el Fna and in other similar places where animals are used for entertainment. We think all visitors should consider these concerns. And in our opinion this should not be (financially) supported in any way.
Hotels
Best places to stay in Marrakech and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Marrakech
Marrakech
Marrakech
via Booking.com
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Ben Youssef Madrasa is an impressive historical building located in the heart of Marrakech. It used to be the largest Islamic theological college in Morocco.
In the Madrasa you can explore the spacious courtyards, prayer halls, and living quarters where hundreds of students used to study religion, science, and philosophy.
It is an example of traditional Islamic architecture, with intricate tilework, ornate carvings, and beautiful geometric patterns adorning the walls, floors, and ceilings. It’s a true photographer’s paradise and a must-visit in Marrakech. In our opinion, it was the most beautiful place we visited during our trip and one of the best things to do in Marrakech.
Practical
The entrance to Ben Youssef Madrasa is 40 MAD (€ 4)
Daily open from 09:00 am until 06:00 pm
Website of Ben Youssef Madrasa
Dar el bacha
When you enter Dar el Bacha, you step into the luxurious world of Moroccan aristocracy. It is a stunning palace of Pasha Glaoui where you can see a unique combination of traditional Moroccan and European architecture, beautiful tilework, and well-crafted furnishings. You can walk through the reception halls, private quarters, and lovely gardens, and imagine yourself living like royalty. For a taste of modern luxury, be sure to stop by the chic and cozy Dar el Bacha Coffee Bar for a delicious cup of coffee or tea.
Practical
The entrance to Dar el Bacha is 60 MAD (€ 6) and on Fridays it's free for students.
Daily open from 09:00 am until 06:00 pm, except on Monday.
The cafe is open from Sunday to Thursday from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm.
Website of Dar el Bacha
Tip: With its charming surroundings and delightful menu, Dar El Bacha Coffee Bar is a popular spot for both locals and tourists. Therefore there is usually a waiting list for a drink in the cafe of about an hour. So it is best to put yourself on the list first and then discover the palace.
Bahia palace
Bahia Palace is a stunning historical palace in Marrakech, built in the late 19th century. It was not a royal palace, but it served as a residence for Si Moussa and later for Bou Ahmed. The name “Bahia” means “brilliance” or “beautiful” in Arabic, which refers to the grand appearance of this palace. Inside you will find this typical intricate tile work, called zellige, mosaics, and beautiful carved woodwork. It’s a huge palace of about 8 hectares, with numerous rooms, patios, and gardens to explore. The large courtyard is the centerpiece of Bahia Palace. When visiting this palace, you’ll get a good idea of what the lifestyle of the Moroccan elite used to be in the 19th century.
Practical
The entrance to Bahia Palace is 70 MAD (€ 7).
Daily open from 09:00 am until 05:00 pm.
Website of Bahia Palace
Hotels
Best places to stay in Marrakech and enjoy a comfortable trip.
Marrakech
Marrakech
Marrakech
via Booking.com
El badi palace
El Badi Palace, also known as “the Big Empty,” will definitely impress you with its grandeur and… well, emptiness. The palace was once a grand palace with luxurious gardens, pools, and ornate decorations. Now you can explore the expansive ruins, stroll over the massive sunken courtyard, where once stood a massive gold-roofed pavilion, and imagine what it was like to live like a sultan in the past. But beware, if you’re looking for a place to hide from your annoying travel companion, this palace might not be the best choice as there’s nowhere to hide!
Practical
The entrance to El Badi Palace is 70 MAD (€ 7).
Daily open from 09:00 am until 05:00 pm.
Website of El Badi Palace
Flight deals
Fly carefree to Marrakech at the best prices
Jardin majorelle
Jardin Majorelle is a lush oasis in the heart of bustling Marrakech! It is a lovely and colorful garden filled with exotic plants, huge cacti, trickling fountains, and remarkable blue buildings. You can take a stroll through the winding pathways, discover the hidden nooks of the garden, or take a picture in front of the iconic blue walls and impressive cacti!
Tip: Right next to the Jardin Majorelle, you can also visit the Yves Saint Laurent museum. If you want to visit both, you can buy a combi-ticket.
Practical
The entrance to Jardin Majorelle is 150 MAD (€ 15) for adults and 75 MAD (7,5) for students.
You have to buy your tickets on their website prior to your visit.
Daily open from 08:00 am until 06:00 pm.
The last entry is at 05:30 PM.
Koutoubia Mosque
When you visit Marrakech, you simply cannot miss it: the Koutoubia Mosque, located in the heart of Marrakech. This mosque has a gigantic and super beautiful minaret that towers above the whole city. For non-Muslims, the mosque can only be admired from the outside, which is certainly not a bad thing, because the outside itself is already stunning.
Le Jardin Secret
Le Jardin Secret is a hidden gem in the heart of bustling Marrakech. You can stroll through the winding pathways, search for turtles in the pond, take a rest on one of the benches, enjoy the serenity, or even read a book under the pavilion. It is a place to relax from the chaos in this bustling city.
Practical
The entrance to Jardin Majorelle is 80 MAD (€ 8) for adults and 60 MAD (€ 6) for people between 7 and 24 years old.
In February and October, Le Jardin Secret is open from 09:30 am until 06:30 pm.
From March until September, Le Jardin Secret is open from 09:30 am until 07:30 pm,
and from November until January, Le Jardin Secret is open from 09:30 until 06:00 pm.
Website of Le Jardin Secret.
Activities & Tours
Discover all activities and tours in Marrakech and reserve your spot!
Have a meal at a rooftop bar
In Marrakech, you’ll find countless incredible rooftop bars, from where you can experience the city from a whole new perspective! At these ‘hidden gems’ you can enjoy some stunning views of the city’s skyline, a unique atmosphere, and you get a chance to socialize with locals and fellow travelers. So why not grab a drink, try some typical Moroccan food, soak up the sun, and enjoy the view from above!
Go on a day trip
Not only is Marrakech a fantastic destination in its own, it’s also conveniently located near several other incredible destinations throughout Morocco. We give you a few options for day trips from Marrakech:
Atlas Mountains
Take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and head to the stunning Atlas Mountains. Here, you can hike through picturesque villages, see traditional Berber homes, and take in some breathtaking mountain views.
Ouzoud Falls
The Ouzoud waterfalls are located just a few hours from Marrakech. You can hike to the top of the falls for a panoramic view, take a dip in the refreshing pools, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the surrounding olive groves.
Ait Ben Haddou
This UNESCO World Heritage site is an ancient fortified village that has been used as a backdrop for countless films and TV shows. You can take a guided tour of the village, explore the impressive architecture, and learn about the fascinating history of the region.
We went on a day trip to Ait Ben Haddou. You can book your trip to Ait Ben Haddou here.
Activities
Discover all activities and tours in Marrakech and reserve your spot!
Practical Information
Where to stay
When you visit Marrakech, you should definitely stay in a beautiful Riad. This is a type of traditional Moroccan house or palace that typically has an interior garden or courtyard.
In addition to riads, there are also many other types of accommodation. Whether you are looking for something budget-friendly or a little more luxurious, there’s plenty of choice in Marrakech.
We stayed at Raid Dar Ten and we absolutely loved it. It is located in the middle of the medina and is only a 5-minute walk from Jemaa El Fna. But there is plenty of choice in Marrakech
Best time to visit Marrakech
In general the best time to visit Marrakech is in autumn (September – November) or early spring (March-April). During these periods temperatures will be pleasant but you can avoid extreme temperatures.
If you want to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is during the winter months from November to February. These months will also be the cheapest, but know that temperatures can drop drastically after sunset.
How many days for Marrakech
We recommend staying at least 3 days to see the highlights of Marrakech. If you want to join some tours and want to explore more places further away from the city, we’d say you should need at least 4-5 days for your Marrakech itinerary. And even more if you plan to do a Sahara Desert tour.
How to get around
Marrakech is a compact city, and many of the main attractions, such as the Medina and the souks, are located within walking distance of each other. Walking is a great way to explore the city and experience the unique bustling atmosphere of Marrakech, but be aware that the streets can be narrow and crowded, especially in the Medina.
Tip: When walking through the small and narrow streets of the medina, it is important to walk on the right side. The scooters tear through the narrow streets at high speed and it is also the best way to follow the flow of the masses.
How to get to Marrakech
Marrakech has its own international airport, so you can fly there either from abroad or domestic. You can easily grab a taxi right outside the airport, or most of the time your hotel can arrange a shuttle.
Marrakech is well-connected to other cities in Morocco by train and bus. There are several daily trains and buses to and from cities such as Casablanca, Rabat, and Fez. The train station is located in the city center and the bus station can be found a bit outside the city center.
If you want to visit more than just Marrakech in Morocco, you can also consider renting a car and driving to Marrakech. However, be aware that driving in Morocco can be challenging, especially in cities, and it's recommended to have experience driving in similar conditions. Also note that the Medina of Marrakech is car free, so you'll have to park your car outside the city center.
Tip: Don’t forget to haggle when you want to grab a taxi. A good price for a taxi to the city center of Marrakech is €12-€15 or 120-150 MAD. If you are staying in the medina, know that the taxi can’t drop you off at the door but that you will have to walk the last part.
Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
Thank you for visiting our blog
We hope you find our free travel guides and tips useful. If you want, you can support us virtually by ‘buying us a coffee‘.
Every contribution, no matter how small, is greatly appreciated and will help us continue to share our passion with you and grow this blog.
Win-Win for everyone
Did you know that, if you buy or book something through our links, we receive a small commission?
However, you still pay the same and therefore have no extra costs! So a win-win for everyone. This way, we can continue to add even more travel inspiration and tips to this blog for your next adventure. Thanks a lot!
2 Responses
I’m just back from Marrakech and your photos make me want to go bad so badly!! beautiful.
Thank you! We hope you had an amazing trip! Marrakech is always worth to go back to. 😉