Marrakech city trip: 7 magical places and practical travel tips

Lieze Peeters

Email and content coordinator at A.S.Adventure

Loves travelling, running, yoga, and walking her dog

Marrakech at a glance

Marrakech is a feast for the senses. The scent of spices and orange blossom lingers in the air, mopeds weave through the streets and the medina glows in every shade of red, ochre and blue. Wander its maze of narrow alleyways and you'll discover lanterns, leather bags, ceramics and bustling food stalls around every corner. Yet amidst all the energy, you'll also find surprisingly peaceful spots: a hidden garden, an ancient palace or a rooftop café where you can take in the the city from above.

Our colleague Lieze spent three days in Marrakech. “The city is intense, but in the best possible way. One moment you're walking through a busy street, the next you've turned a corner and found yourself in a quiet garden or courtyard. I really loved that contrast.”

There's always something happening, but you’ll also find plenty of places where you can escape the bustle for a while.

The 7 best things to do in Marrakech

Experience Jemaa el Fna by day and after sunset

Two images: colourful market stall beside a walkway; palm trees and rooftops in warm evening light.

Jemaa el Fna Square is the beating heart of Marrakech. During the day, the square is relatively calm: you’ll see orange juice stalls, market vendors, and locals making their way through the medina. As the sun begins to set, everything changes. Food stalls appear, the aroma of grilled meat and fragrant spices fills the air, and musicians and street performers take over the square. That's why it's worth visiting at least twice: once during the day, when you can take it all in at your own pace, and again in the evening, when the atmosphere comes alive.

Lieze’s favourite moment? “Having a drink or dinner on a rooftop café overlooking the square. Watching the sun go down, the smoke rising from the food stalls and Marrakech slowly coming to life is unforgettable."

Wander through the souks without a plan

Two images: sacks of colourful spices and wool; shop with dried herbs and filled baskets.

Roam the narrow alleyways, watch local artisans at work, and admire colourful stacks of ceramics, leather bags, jewellery, rugs, lanterns, and spices. “Make sure you've got room in your suitcase,” Lieze laughs. “You’ll find so many beautiful things. I was especially tempted by the ceramics: cups, bowls, tagines, vases… You’ll want to take everything home.”

Compare prices and learn to haggle like a pro: decide in advance how much you're willing to pay for something. If you’re unsure, politely end the conversation and walk away. Negotiating might feel uncomfortable at first, but in Morocco it’s all part of the experience. Join in and score the most beautiful kilim rug or the tagine you've been dreaming of.

One stop you shouldn't miss is a traditional spice shop, often labelled as a herboriste. Here you'll learn all about spices, oils, teas, care products, and local remedies. Most shopkeepers are happy to let you smell, taste and ask as many questions as you like.

Find peace and quiet in El Badi Palace

Large historic fortress wall with a central arched gate at the end of a broad stone walkway.

The palace is largely in ruins, but that’s exactly what makes El Badi Palace so impressive. You walk past ancient walls, empty courtyards, sunken gardens, and immense spaces that make you wonder just how magnificent this place once must have been. Take your time and don't forget to look up: storks often nest on the high walls and towers. The combination of weathered stone, open skies, and quiet surroundings makes this place especially atmospheric.

Admire the details of Bahia Palace

Two images: passage with mosaic tiles and carved wood; courtyard with a fountain and green roof tiles.

Where El Badi feels grand and rugged, Bahia Palace is all about elegance and detail. Expect colourful mosaics, intricate wood carvings, beautifully painted ceilings, and courtyards full of geometric patterns. The palace is a wonderful stop if you want to admire Moroccan architecture up close.

Cool off in Le Jardin Secret

Two images: garden with tall cacti and palm trees; path lined with palms and colourful plant pots.

In the busy medina, Le Jardin Secret feels like a peaceful oasis. Behind the walls of this historic complex, you’ll find a quiet garden with fountains, palm trees, flowers, and shady corners. “It's the perfect place to catch your breath after a few hours of exploring the souks.”

Plan your visit to Jardin Majorelle

Blue square fountain in a lush garden with palm trees, cacti and colourful plant pots.

Located just outside the medina, Jardin Majorelle is known for its striking cobalt blue walls, towering cacti, exotic plants, and colourful details. Would you like to visit the garden? Make sure you book your entrance ticket online well in advance and choose a time slot. Couldn’t get hold of a ticket anymore? Then have a drink in the café at Jardin Majorelle: you’ll still enjoy the same colourful surroundings.

Admire Madrasa Ben Youssef

Two images: columns with colourful mosaics; ornate arch and water basin in a historic courtyard.

This former Islamic school also deserves a place on your itinerary. The courtyard with mosaics, wood carvings, and elegant arches is one of Marrakech’s best-known architectural highlights.

Sample itinerary: Marrakech in 3 days

Day 1: settle into the medina 

Check into your riad and unwind on a rooftop café
Walk through the souks
Stop for mint tea at Café des Épices
Explore Jemaa el Fna during the day
End the day with dinner or drinks on a rooftop overlooking the square

Day 2: palaces, gardens, and culture

Visit El Badi Palace in the morning
Continue to Bahia Palace
Enjoy lunch in or around the medina
Cool off at Le Jardin Secret
Keep wandering the souks or treat yourself to a hammam
Return to Jemaa el Fna in the evening

Day 3: discover more of Marrakech at your own pace

Take a taxi to Jardin Majorelle early in the morning (book in advance!)
Visit the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech
Head back to the medina for lunch
Explore Madrasa Ben Youssef
Pick up your last souvenirs and spices in the souks

Tip from Lieze: turn it into a short tour

“If you've got a little more time, combine Marrakech with a night in the Agafay Desert and a stop in Essaouira.”

In the Agafay Desert, don’t expect classic sand dunes like in the Sahara, but a vast, rocky landscape of hills, open plains, and views of the Atlas Mountains. Lieze joined a sunset quad tour during her stay. “It’s such a fun way to experience the desert. And spending the night under the stars afterwards feels like stepping into a completely different world after the buzz of Marrakech.”

From there, continue to Essaouira on Morocco's Atlantic coast. Swap the lively medina for a relaxed harbour town where sandy beaches, ancient city walls, fishing boats, and a slower pace of life await.

Two images: colourful rugs above a busy souk; people and a donkey moving through a narrow street.

Practical tips for your trip to Marrakech

Best time to travel to Marrakech

Avoid the summer months if you don’t cope well with heat because temperatures in July and August can soar, making sightseeing less enjoyable. Spring and autumn are generally the best times for a city break.

How many days do you need in Marrakech?

Plan to spend at least three days in Marrakech. That gives you enough time to visit the city's must-see sights and to enjoy a few quiet moments in a garden, café, or riad.

Getting around in Marrakech

Within the medina, you’ll be doing almost everything on foot. The streets are narrow, often busy, and sometimes only accessible to pedestrians, scooters, and carts. Comfortable shoes are therefore essential.

To reach places outside the medina, such as Jardin Majorelle or the airport, it’s best to take a taxi. Agree on the fare in advance if the driver doesn’t use a meter, or ask your riad to arrange a taxi for you.

What to pack for Marrakech

Make sure your international passport is valid for at least six months after your arrival.
Pack lightweight clothing, but also something that covers your shoulders and knees for religious or more traditional places. A long skirt or dress, linen trousers (for women or men), and a T-shirt or top that covers your shoulders.
Marrakech is a real walking city, so head out with sturdy walking sandals or hiking shoes.
Put sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle in your daypack.
Make sure you have some cash for small purchases, tips, and taxis.
Leave enough room in your suitcase for ceramics, spices, and other souvenirs.

Frequently asked questions about Marrakech

As long as you don’t go to the outskirts of the city, you have little to worry about. Travelling in Morocco as a solo female traveller can also be done safely. Do stay alert for pickpockets. Marrakech is a popular destination for a city break, but as in any busy city, it remains important to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep a close eye on your shoulder bag or anti-theft bag in the bustle of the souks and squares.

Be friendly, but confident. People may approach you with an offer to show you the way ‘for free’ - taking you to a closed attraction, or bringing you to a special shop. Don’t automatically go along with that if you didn’t ask for it yourself. Also be wary of people pretending to be guides.

When taking a taxi, agree on the fare beforehand or ask for the meter to be switched on. Shopping in the souks? Negotiate politely, but never feel pressured to buy anything. A simple “No, thank you” before walking away is perfectly acceptable.

Marrakech can be as budget-friendly or luxurious as you want it to be. You’ll find simple riads, local eateries, and affordable taxis, but also boutique hotels, extensive wellness experiences, and fine dining restaurants.

For a first city trip, a riad in the medina is a great choice: you'll be immersed in the atmosphere of Marrakech and you can reach many highlights on foot. A rooftop café is a real bonus: perfect for breakfast, a mint tea in the afternoon, or a final view over the city at sunset. Would you prefer more peace and quiet, a swimming pool, or to easily go anywhere by taxi? Then neighbourhoods outside the medina, such as Guéliz or Hivernage, are worth considering.

Start your day with an extensive Moroccan breakfast, with bread, pancakes, olives, fruit, yoghurt, and honey. Order at least one tagine: slow-cooked, fragrant, and full of intense flavours. And mint tea? Here, it's much more than a drink - it's an essential part of Moroccan culture.