Things to Do in Marrakesh: Top Attractions and Experiences

Quick answer

Marrakesh is best visited from March to May or September to November when temperatures range from 22°C to 28°C. Prioritize the Medina for historical sites like Bahia Palace (70 MAD/£5.50) and Jemaa el-Fnaa, then move to Gueliz for the Jardin Majorelle (155 MAD/£12). Allow four days to cover the major landmarks and a day trip to the Atlas Mountains.

The Medina and Kasbah

Jemaa el-Fnaa

This central square functions as a market by day and an open-air food court by night. Arrive after 6:00 PM to see the transition when food stalls, numbered 1 to 100, set up. Stall 14 is known for fried fish and Stall 32 for merguez sausages. It is free to enter, but expect to pay 50–150 MAD (£4–£12) for a meal.

• Best time: Sunset for the atmosphere.
• Time to allow: 2 hours.
• Status: Essential.

Bahia Palace

Built in the late 19th century, this palace spans eight hectares and features 150 rooms, though only a portion is open to the public. Look for the floor-to-ceiling cedar wood carvings and zellij tilework in the grand courtyard. Entry is 70 MAD (£5.50). Check the official site for seasonal opening hours.

• Best time: 9:00 AM to avoid tour groups.
• Time to allow: 1 to 1.5 hours.
• Status: Essential.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

This former Islamic college, founded in the 14th century, is one of the largest in North Africa. The central courtyard features a shallow reflection pool surrounded by carved marble and stucco. The student cells on the upper floor provide a view of the intricate architecture from above. Entry is 50 MAD (£4).

• Best time: Early morning for photography.
• Time to allow: 1 hour.
• Status: Essential.

Saadian Tombs

Located near the Moulay El Yazid Mosque in the Kasbah, these tombs date to the Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur era. The Chamber of the Twelve Columns, with its Italian Carrara marble, is the primary draw. Entry is 70 MAD (£5.50).

• Best time: 9:00 AM or 4:00 PM to avoid long queues for the main chamber.
• Time to allow: 45 minutes.
• Status: Essential.

Souk Semmarine and Souk El Kebir

These are the primary market arteries. Souk Semmarine sells textiles and pottery, while branching lanes lead to specialised areas like the Souk Haddadine (blacksmiths) and Souk Cherratine (leather). Prices are rarely marked; bargaining is required.

• Best time: 10:00 AM when all stalls are open.
• Time to allow: 2–3 hours.
• Status: Essential.

Maison de la Photographie

This riad houses a private collection of Moroccan photography dating from 1870 to 1950. The rooftop terrace offers one of the highest vantage points in the Medina for a view of the Atlas Mountains. Entry is 50 MAD (£4).

• Best time: Mid-afternoon.
• Time to allow: 1 hour.
• Status: Skip if you are not interested in historical archives.

El Badi Palace

Now a ruin, this 16th-century palace was once encrusted with gold and turquoise. The sunken gardens and the 12th-century Koutoubia Minbar (prayer pulpit) are the main features. Storks frequently nest on the ramparts. Entry is 70 MAD (£5.50).

• Best time: Late afternoon for softer light on the red sandstone.
• Time to allow: 1 hour.
• Status: Skip if you have already seen Bahia Palace and are short on time.

Gueliz and Hivernage

Jardin Majorelle and Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts

Owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, these botanical gardens feature exotic plants and cobalt blue buildings. Tickets must be booked online in advance. A combined ticket for the garden and the Berber Museum is approximately 210 MAD (£16.50).

• Best time: 8:00 AM (pre-booked slot).
• Time to allow: 1.5 to 2 hours.
• Status: Essential.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Located next to Jardin Majorelle, this museum houses a collection of couture garments and accessories. The building architecture itself, featuring lace-like brickwork, is a significant draw. Entry is 135 MAD (£10.50).

• Best time: Immediately after the gardens.
• Time to allow: 1 hour.
• Status: Skip if you are not interested in fashion history.

MACAAL (Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden)

Located slightly outside the centre near the Al Maaden golf course, this museum focuses on contemporary art from across Africa. It is a 20-minute taxi ride from Jemaa el-Fnaa (approx. 50-70 MAD). Entry is 70 MAD (£5.50).

• Best time: Weekend afternoons.
• Time to allow: 1.5 hours.
• Status: Skip if you prefer traditional historical sites.

Outer Districts and Day Trips

Le Jardin Secret

Situated in the Mouassine district, this restored palace complex features an Islamic garden and an exotic garden. The irrigation system demonstrates how water was traditionally managed in the city. Entry is 100 MAD (£8).

• Best time: Midday for a quiet break from the souks.
• Time to allow: 1 hour.
• Status: Optional.

Menara Gardens

Located near the airport, these gardens feature a large central basin and olive groves. It is a popular spot for local families to picnic. Entry to the gardens is free, while the pavilion costs 70 MAD (£5.50).

• Best time: Sunset for views of the Atlas Mountains reflecting in the water.
• Time to allow: 1 hour.
• Status: Skip if you have limited time as it is further out.

Common mistakes

• Accepting unsolicited directions: In the Medina, people may offer to show you the way to a landmark or a 'tannery festival' only to demand payment or lead you to a specific shop. Politely decline and use a GPS app like Maps.me which works offline.
• Eating at the very front of Jemaa el-Fnaa: The stalls closest to the square entrances often have the most aggressive touts. Walk further in to find stalls favoured by locals.
• Forgetting to carry cash: While larger hotels and boutiques in Gueliz accept cards, the souks, small cafes, and historical sites like the Saadian Tombs are strictly cash-only (Moroccan Dirham).
• Taxis without meters: Always insist on the meter ('compteur') being turned on before the journey starts. If they refuse, agree on a price beforehand; a trip within the city should rarely exceed 30–50 MAD during the day.
• Ignoring the Friday schedule: Friday is a holy day. Many shops in the souk close at midday for prayers, and some may not reopen until late afternoon. Use this time for the major gardens which remain open.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner transforms this list into a structured day-by-day itinerary based on your pace. It calculates travel times between the Medina and Gueliz, provides current weather forecasts to help you choose between indoor museums or outdoor gardens, and generates a packing list recommending modest clothing for religious sites and comfortable walking shoes for the uneven souk floors. The tool also provides updated cost estimates in your home currency, ensuring your budget accounts for the latest entry fees at sites like Bahia Palace and Jardin Majorelle.

FAQ

Do I need to book Jardin Majorelle in advance? Yes, tickets are no longer sold at the gate. You must purchase them via the official website for a specific time slot, often several days in advance during peak season.

Is Marrakesh safe for solo travellers? Marrakesh is generally safe, but harassment in the souks can occur. Stick to well-lit main streets at night and maintain a confident posture to deter unwanted attention.

What is the best way to get from the airport to the Medina? The ALSA Airport Bus (Line 19) runs every 20-30 minutes and costs 30 MAD for a return ticket. A taxi should cost a flat rate of 70–100 MAD to the city centre, though drivers may ask for more.

How much should I tip in Marrakesh? In cafes, rounding up to the nearest 5 or 10 MAD is standard. In restaurants, a 10% tip is appreciated if a service charge is not already included.