10+ Tourist & Authentic Moroccan Marrakech Things To Do

My top Marrakech things to do cover both the touristy must-dos to the more authentic experiences!

And I’ve even included some popular things in Marrakech that you can skip entirely so you can focus on the must-dos!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

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Top 10 Things To Do In Marrakech

If you’re visiting for the first time, these are the top things to do in Marrakech.

Continue reading for some extra Marrakech attractions that I didn’t have a chance to do, and even some that I wish I hadn’t!

P.S. Don’t miss a top thing to do with my complete Marrakech travel planner!

1. Stroll Through The Medina Alleys: Shop & Get Lost

Marrakech is divided into two areas: old Marrakech (the Medina) and Modern Marrakech.

the market in Marrakech. It's a covered thatched roof letting in some sunlight. Vendors are selling goods on either side of the alley, but it is packed with people the entire way down

One of the top things to do in Marrakech Morocco is to simply wander through the alleys of the markets of the Medina.

You don’t want to have a plan while walking through Marrakech, just let the alleys lead you!

You end up finding market alleys, smaller squares, shops, restaurants, hammam spas, museums …etc. the list goes on! Not to mention all the beautiful doorways you’ll walk by!

But I will warn you, mixed in with the beauty are some less than pretty areas… just know that that’s just part of the wonder of Marrakech.

Keep in mind, it’s also very easy to get lost in inside the market.

a woman's back is in the middle of the frame as she walks through the market street in marrakech. She's wearing a straw sun hat, a black tshirt, and a floral skirt. There is a roof on top of the market, that still lets in some natural sunlight. On either side of the alley are shops with vendors trying to sell their goods.

Don’t walk inside the alleyways if you have any time restraints (like catching a bus or timed activity). We made this mistake and it made us VERY nervous that we were going to be stuck inside forever and essentially miss our paid cooking class!

You should also download the Google maps offline for Marrakech before wandering off into the Medina, the connection isn’t all the great in some spots.

If you’re feeling a tad apprehensive about touring the Medina on your own, I recommend going on a guided tour first. This way, you can get your bearings and go off the main street without the risk of getting completely lost!

You’ll also realized that there’s nothing to be scared of, even if you do get lost.

the less than ideal areas of walking through the market in marrakech. you can see two alleys, but both don't look great.The fabric roof is completely ripped up, which at least lets in some natural sunlight making it feel less terrifying.

2. Visit The Main Squares: Jemaa El-Fnaa & Mellah

The main square in the Medina is Jemaa El-Fnaa.

It’s a large open space once you leave the alleys of the souk. But don’t worry, there’s still shopping, food stalls and restaurants, and even entertainment!

Although be aware that the “entertainment” involves some animals and they try to get your attention, and then your money once you look!

But you will have a wonderful view of the Koutoubia from here!

Mellah is the main square in the old Jewish Quarter of Marrakech. Mellah actually means salt, which was the main export sold at square. It’s similar to Jemaa El-Fnaa, but on a smaller scale.

Related

20 Moroccan Souvenirs To Look For In The Markets

the jemaa el-fnaa square, facing the koutoubia, you can only see the tower peaking out from behind some trees in front of it. The market isn't as busy as it could be, with open space in the centre but there are still some pop up shops on set up with green tents and umbrellas on the sides. There are also some awnings connecting to the building with their souvenirs for sale outside on the sidewalk

3. Explore Bahia Palace – Beautiful Marrakech Sights To See

Bahia means to be brilliant, so Bahia Palace is the Palace of the Brilliant.

And it’s spectacular! The tile work, wood carvings, and the attention to detail in the palace is beyond amazing.

The palace went through many changes and additions from its construction in the late 1860s until the 1960’s when it was transferred to the Moroccan Ministry of Culture. So you have Moroccan designs mixed with some French architecture and features.

Fun fact though, the palace grounds are actually 2 acres of land, but only a fraction of it is open to the public!

If you can, I recommend visiting Bahia Palace first thing when it opens to appreciate all the riads (courtyards) with out anyone!

P.S. Explore the top things to do in Marrakech on this guided tour that includes a stop at Bahia Palace.

the small riad courtyard in bahia palace, the first thing you see when you walk in, four quadrants with plans in the corner and four tiled pathways leading to the centre with a small fountain in the middle.

4. Admire The Medersa Ben Youssef

The Medersa Ben Youssef is a pristine example of a Medersa in Morocco.

A Medersa is an Islamic college, or rather, lodging house for those studying the Quran of the adjacent Ben Youssef Mosque.

There are 136 individual rooms for studying the Quran, and a chapel.

Today it’s been restored so you can see what it would have looked like in it’s heyday, and the architecture and craftsmanship is breathtaking.

Just watch out, the walk to the Medersa has some less pleasant alleyways you have to walk through.

P.S. Book this guided tour from Viator includes a stop at the Medersa Ben Youssef and Bahia Palace.

Pro Tip For Touring The Top Marrakech Attractions

Some Marrakech attractions, like Bahia Palace and the Medersa Ben Youssef, are best enjoyed with as little people as possible.

The only way to see it without anyone else is to be the first people inside when it opens. So if you have two days in Marrakech, I recommend doing each of these attractions on different days as the first thing you do in the morning.

P.S. Plan the ultimate trip to Marrakech with my digital and printable travel planner to help you stay organized (and my blog readers get an extra discount with the code ATRLOVE!).

the inner courtyard on a beautiful sunny day. You see three walls of the courtyard, and the sky beaming in a bright blue above. The sun casts a shadow on the right wall but the other two remain bright as ever. They are tiles in white and soft terracota colours. There's a large wooden doorway in the middle wall, this brings you to the chapel. Archways on the side walls lead you to the inner rooms

5. Wander Through The Kutubiyya (Koutoubia) Grounds

The Kutubiyya is the largest mosque in Marrakech.

You can wander the grounds as you wish, but to go inside the Koutoubia you must be Muslim (as is the case with all the mosques in Morocco).

But don’t discount the grounds, you have flowers and palm trees all with the soaring Kutubiyya Mosque in the background!

Plus walk around the Koutoubia to admire the unique Moroccan architecture.

6. Find The Secret Garden

You’ll find two main types of gardens in Morocco: a typical botanical garden and Islamic garden.

The aim of an Islamic garden is for rest and reflection. It often boasts a flowing water source, pathways separated by four quadrants with different fruit trees.

the view of the koutoubia tower rising in the sky from the koutoubia gardens. On the right side, is a tall tree that cuts off by the top of the image. There's a pathway leading to the koutoubia grounds, a solo man is walking in the middle. But you can see more people walking closer to the koutoubia

The Secret Garden hosts both types of gardens in one place!

The botanical garden is in plain sight. At first glance it looks like you over paid for admission to some pretty small gardens.

But on a closer look, you can find a hidden entryway into a second, secret, garden.

This is where you’ll find the Islamic garden. Here, you feel like you’re in a peaceful haven in the middle of a bustling the city.

It’s the perfect escape from the hustle of the Marrakech market. Sit in the veranda, or on one of the many benches throughout the gardens.

Make sure to also walk to the rooftop cafe for an aerial view of the garden within the city. This also makes the perfect place to stop for a delicious mint tea.

the view of the secret garden with all the highlights. A green tiled path leads you off into a covered gazebo in the centre of garden. Of to the right, there are romantic white metal garden chairs with a table and umbrella. On either side of the pathway are small trees, probably fruit trees that are out of season and flowered bushes below. Behind the veranda is a tower, that looks like it has a rooftop with a barrier.

7. Enjoy an Authentic Moroccan Meal On A Marrakech Rooftop

The rooftops of Marrakech are where it’s at!

I recommend enjoying an authentic Moroccan meal in the sky, but you can also enjoy a tea or fun cocktail!

The rooftops give you a full 360 degree view of the Medina, seeing the maze of the market below and how many mosques surround the city. We were even able to see the Atlas Mountains in the distance!

But I won’t lie, my favourite was actually spotting all the other rooftops throughout the city!

Although there are many rooftops to choose from, they might be hard to find on the ground level.

Some will have good signs pointing the way. While others you’ll be left to your own devices to find the random stairs that lead up to the right rooftop.

a top marrakech things to do: eat lunch on a rooftop in the medina. There's a table for four set up against a rooftop barrier. There are moroccan printed pillows for comfort. Behind the barrier, you can see other rooftops of marrakech and finally, the mountains in the distance.

There are also two keys times you have to be on a rooftop in Marrakech. You might be able combine them, but this also just gives you an excuse to eat on a rooftop twice…

You have to be on a rooftop during a call to prayer in Marrakech. It’s a surreal experience hearing the prayer from the nearby mosques on the loud speakers around you, ALL AT ONCE.

And you have to come here to watch the sunset, I don’t think I need to even explain why! This is one of the top Marrakech sights to see, it’s beyond stunning!

We enjoyed a delicious authentic lunch and tea at Café Guerrab near Jemaa El-Fnaa.

And for sunset we ordered some refreshing non-alcoholic cocktails from SHTATTO, the tallest rooftop in Marrakech (allegedly!).

the incredible rooftop view at sunset from shtatto rooftop. Right below are some ruined buildings, with trash bags, satellite dishes, and crumbled walls, but beyon that are a few palm trees that tower above the rooftops, at the same height as one mosque in the distance. There's a warm yellow glow to all the buildings. But far away, you see the outline of some mountains, those are still a nice shade of blue. There isn't a cloud in the sky — *Marrakech things to do: watch the sunset from a rooftop – the view from the SHTATTO rooftop*

8. Enjoy Moroccan Mint Tea (Marrakech Sights To See!)

Enjoying fresh Moroccan mint tea is an essential experience in Morocco, and Marrakech is no exception.

One of the easiest ways to enjoy mint tea is just to order it at cafe instead of a coffee.

Although you can order a mint tea anywhere in Marrakech, but the key is finding someone who will pour your first glass of tea for you, from as high up as possible.

And this task is easier said than done!

When we ordered mint tea, we were mostly left to pour it ourselves. So this might be a trial and error kind of thing, some places will do it and others won’t. But it does give you a goal in Marrakech!

The best service I found was actually at Café Majorelle (at the Jardins Majorelle). Unfortunately, you’ll need a ticket to the Jardin Majorelle to access the cafe (and for me, the gardens weren’t all that worth it… but you’ll have to continue reading to find out why!).

P.S. Are you also a tea fanatic like me? Print out my tea tasting journal to tea taste your way through Morocco (my readers get an extra discount with my code ATRLOVE at checkout)!

the best mint tea pour in marrakech at the marjorelles cafe. a man is holding train with two cups in one hand, extended below his waist. Then high above his head is his second hand hold the teapot pouring tea into the cups. You can count the droplets of tea as it falls into the cups, and you still see the steam leaving the hot tea

9. Learn How To Cook At A Moroccan Cooking Class In Marrakech

Eating Moroccan food is a crucial part of any worthy trip to Morocco. But an even better trip is one where you learn how to make some authentic Moroccan dishes yourself.

I’ve never done a cooking class while travelling before, but I did two in Marrakech and highly recommend at least one!

The Moroccan cuisine is so unique from what I’m used to, using new spice blends and techniques. Morocco isn’t about fine dining but making big meals for everyone to share (so you should also expect to share!).

I booked this cooking class through Viator. Although I did have some issues with it, I think I had incredible unlucky timing… it was Eid-Al which meant the market was closed, so we missed that portion of the tour. And the main chef wasn’t as involved as he normally is because his mother had passed away that morning…

Alternatively, you can book this cooking class, that actually has more reviews (there was no availability when I was booking).

A long table set up in a traditional moroccan house all ready for the cooking class to begin. There are folded aprons set up on the left side of the table in spots for people to stand, underneath are cutting boards. In front of the aprons is a plate filled with pinch bowls for the different spices that will be used. Next to that sits an empty bowl, and finally there are jugs of oil at the end of the table — *Top things to do in Marrakech: book a cooking class experience*

10. Day Trip To The High Atlas Mountains (With A Guide!)

I know a day trip isn’t technically one of the top things to do in Marrakech, but I do think it’s a top thing to do from Marrakech…

If you’re a serious hiker, then you’ve probably already booked a two day hike to the peak of Mount Toubkal (the second highest peak in Africa after Mount Kilimanjaro!).

But, if you aren’t a hiker, I’m here to tell you that you could still book a day trip to the High Atlas mountains (and you should!).

It’s an easy day trip from Marrakech and, let me tell you, it was the highlight of my trip!

Find a guided tour that interests you as there are a few things to actually see in the Atlas mountains.

Three yellow rocky mountains surround a valley with trees and villages in the middle. But you can also make out some village built into the rocky moutnainside, they blend in so well that they're hard to see.

For example, a very popular Marrakech attractions is to actually book a hot air ballon ride over the Atlas Mountains.

Or you can head to the Atlas Mountains to visit a local Berber village and enjoy a meal and tea, it even includes a camel ride!

I opted for a tour organized by my hotel, it was a hike along the mountains edges, through the different villages. We enjoyed an authentic Berber tagine lunch and tea under a lone tree in the valley.

The negative to this tour was that we visited during the summer, and there was a lack of shade with a very high UV.

a moroccan teapot with a filled glass with tea next to it on a table. You can see a red carpet on the ground behind it. And you can see that you are in the mountains. There isn't anothe rperson in sight, theres some greenery but on the mountains its all rocks. You can only see a sliver of the sky peaking through two mountains.

Optional Marrakech Attractions To Do

I wanted to mention two more Marrakech attractions that are typically on top things to do lists, and here’s my explanation for why they’re NOT on mine…

You might be interested in: my Marrakech travel planner complete with a top things to do checklist and more!

Jardin Majorelle & Berber Museum

The Jardin Majorelle is at the top of many lists for Marrakech things to do, but it’s not on mine at all.

I know this is a controversial opinion, but I don’t really think it’s a must-do in Marrakech.

It’s simply a garden, albeit a beautiful garden, with a striking blue building in the middle – perfect for Instagram photos. But that’s really all it is.

It’s worth doing if you find yourself with some extra time in Marrakech and if you can get tickets during the first time slot.

the iconic photo of Jardin Marjorelle in marrakech. The garden is in the foreground, with palm tree leaves hanging on the top of the image, on the left side are some of the tallest skinniest cactus and finally on the ground in the front are pebbles with more , smaller cactuses and desert plants. Behind the garden is a three tiered fountain, the two base levels are large squares, but in the middle sits a small blue painted bird fountain. Finally behind all the plants and the fountain is the blue and yellow painted house.

But if aren’t the absolute first person of the day, then the effects of the garden are almost lost. So not only do you have to book the first time slot of the day, but be the first person in line.

P.S. We booked the first time slot at 8:00 A.M. but arrived at 7:40 to be the first person in line.

I walked through the entire gardens without another person in sight, and it was magical and relaxing (except not so relaxing but I was worried about it filling up!).

I did a second loop to see what it would be like if we arrived 30 minute later… it was a completely different experience. It was already packed, with lines to wait in to get a photo or see a specific view point of the garden.

Once you’re here, I do recommend the Berber Museum, it’s inside the Jardin Majorelle. It isn’t long, but you learn more about the Berber history and see some artefacts, jewellery, and attire.

Pro Tip For Book First Time Slot Tickets For The Jardin Majorelle

If you’re still interested in visiting the Jardin Majorelle (I get it, you have to see what it’s all about), book your tickets separately if you’re planning on visiting the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent museum.

You have access to better time slots when each museum is booked separately.

When I tried to book a combined ticket for all three museums, the earliest time I could get was 11:00 A.M. But when I booked separately, I was able to book the first time slot for both the Jardin Majorelle at 8:00 A.M. and the Yves Saint Laurent at 9:30 A.M. (which p.s. it only opens at 10:00...).

the line up at the jardin marjorelle starts 40 minutes after opening. There are three groups waiting in a line to walk up some stairs into a leaf covered veranda — *Busiest Marrakech attractions…the line was 40 minutes after opening…*

Completely Skippable Marrakech Attractions:Yves Saint Laurent Museum

If you do decide to visit the Jardins Majorelle, what you DON’T want to do while you’re in the area is to go to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum UNLESS you’re a huge fashion or Yves Saint Laurent fan…

I was not only personally told this one of the top Marrakech things to do, but read reviews saying it’s for everyone not just fashion lovers. Don’t listen to anyone who says this.

This was a colossal waste of time in Marrakech…

I went through the main part of the museum in less than 5 minutes… there were about 25 gorgeous dresses to admire, but how long can you really look at them for?

They didn’t give you any additional information about how he came up with the ideas for the dresses, just simply that it was inspired by Morocco and then the material and fabrics he used (which doesn’t mean anything to me)…

If this museum was in Paris, I would tell you otherwise. But in Marrakech, there’s absolutely no reason to waste your time here. Because, let me remind you, it’s also not near anything else…

Also heads up, if you’re still interested, don’t buy tickets to the museum for 9:30 A.M., it only opens at 10:00… we stood outside for 30 minutes (and we weren’t the only ones!)…

Top Things To Do In Marrakech That I Missed

There are a few more main Marrakech attractions that I missed out on because I ran out of time.

I had the unfortunate timing of visiting during Eid-Al Adha, a main holiday in Morocco. This meant that most things to do in Marrakech were closed for a day (and some even two!).

This derailed my itinerary and I had to reschedule a few things and unfortunately miss some others.

But I still wanted to add them to my list of top things to do in Marrakech in case you were interested in any!

Bacha Coffee… You Need To Come Early!

We tried to visit Bacha Coffee THREE times!

The first time it was closed for Eid, but they didn’t update their hours on Google…

We tried again the following day but there was a huge line and we were in a bit of a rush so couldn’t wait.

We came back later that afternoon for a third attempt. The line was shorter, but the receptionist informed us it would still be a two and a half hour wait!

So this is my recommendation if you want to visit Bacha Coffee in Marrakech: either come early or add your name to the wait list before you actually want to come.

What To Do In Marrakech Morocco: Badi Palace

Badi Palace is the opposite to Bahia Palace, it’s in ruins as it dates back to 1578.

We skipped it because of it’s distance from the main Marrakech attractions and we were just too tired!

But it’s an important place to tour for some Moroccan history that isn’t all about the Instagram photo for a change!

Hammam Bath, If That’s Your Style!

I’m not one for spas on a good day, so the hammam didn’t exactly spark my interest. But of course, it is a popular experience in Morocco and Marrakech.

A hammam is a traditional Moroccan bath. They were initially public bath houses to cleanse yourself before entering a mosque.

Today, you can visit a traditional hamma, but you can also find more professional, spa-like hammams. The idea is the same but the price will vary considerably!

The outside of hammam mouassine. You wouldn't know but there's a small hanging sign off the side of the wall that has the name and Depuis since 1562. Underneath it says Pour Femmes, for women.
The sign hangs on an old pink painted wall that leads into an ever older ruined brick wall connected to it with an archway leading to a dark tunnel. The entrance to the hammam is a wood carved mosaic that's been painted white — *What to do in Marrakech morocco: experience a traditional bathhouse at Hammam Mouassine*

A hammam bath is typically made up of three rooms. Each room is an increasingly hotter to acclimate your body to the temperature and open your pours.

You also rub a black olive soap, called beldi on your body (you may have to bring your own to the more traditional hammam).

Hammam Mouassine is one of the oldest hammam in Marrakech. It’s still a very popular traditional hammam to visit today, and they now also offer spa services.

Bonus Day Trips From Marrakech

If you’re staying in Marrakech as a base city (which is what I did), there’s nothing stopping you from exploring a bit more of the surroundings on some day trips.

A Day Trip Essaouira – Near Marrakech

S popular day trip from Marrakech is to visit Essaouira.

Essaouira is completely different from Marrakech.

Not only is it along the coast, but has a blue and white motif instead the red Marrakech.

And it has strong influences from both the Portuguese and French. These two cities don’t feel as though they’re only a three hour drive from each other.

During its prime, Essaouira was a booming port town before the main exports moved to Casablanca.

the gorgeous port of essaouria morocco. Seagulls are flying all around in the sky. Below them is an old brick wall that encloses sea water and boats along the shoreline. There's a brick tower with a wall leading to the shore as well.
The boats sit on the water, there are two columns of four blue boats, they look like they could use a new paint job too. There are a bunch of ropes attached to the boats, holding them in place as the water rocks them.

It was also the largest Jewish neighbourhood in Morocco, with more synagogues in the city than mosques!

Because it is on the far side for a day trip from Marrakech, I recommend booking an organized tour for transportation to Essaouira. This way, you don’t have to worry about driving in a foreign country for six horus, which can be quite exhausting when combined with a full day of touring.

P.S. How To Pronounce Essaouira

There are a few ways to properly pronounce Essaouira.

But I had the best luck of locals understanding me when I slowly pronounced every, single, syllable. So I sounded it out like this….ESS-A-OUI-RA (oui, as in the French word for yes!).

a view of the market shops in essaouira seen through an old grey brick arhcway. The archway matches the left wall of the alley and a tower at the end of the market. The right wall is completely different, it's white and blue painted stucco, from a newer era. Along the walls are shops that have placed their goods for sale outside along the walkway. People walk through the street looking at the shops.

Agafay Desert: Dinner, Show, Sunset Camel Ride

Another very popular day trip from Marrakech is to the Agafay desert.

There are tons of activities to do here, so like the Atlas Mountains, it’s all about booking a tour that interests you the most.

The most popular tour combines a camel ride, sunset dinner, and even a quad bike ride, see it on Viator.

two camels on the side of the road in morocco. One is front is lying down with it's head raised, it's darker and more brown than the one standing behind it. They are each wearing a rope muzzle and a saddle, with a nice moroccan style rug on top for comfort

Book A Place To Stay In Marrakech

I stayed at the Club Med Marrakech La Palmeraie, and it was exactly what I was looking for – a mix of touring and relaxing without any of the stress that typical comes with travel.

But a more typical place to stay in Marrakech is in a Riad, a hotel with an open air courtyard in the middle. Sometimes there’s a pool, while other times it’s a lounge area.

Riad NayaNour has a few features that I appreciate compared to other Riads in Marrakech. For starters, the room and the courtyard pool are larger than most Riads I’ve looked at. Plus there’s also a rooftop for you to relax in the sun! If you’re a Booking.com Genius Level 2 member, you’ll also get breakfast included with your stay! See room rates and availability!

Riad Lyla is another good option in Marrakech, and it’s even more budget friendly! It offers a wonderful pool and rooftop for guests to enjoy and your booking even has a delicious breakfast included! See room rates and availability.

Or see more Riad and accommodation options on Booking.com.

the pool at the club med marrakech in morocco. It's large, and there are quite a few people in the pool and sitting on pool lounge chairs around it. There are open umbrellas on the other side of the pool in front of a large moroccan style tower. There are short palm trees all around the pool

8 pages layed out on top of each other each are a different page from the Marrakech travel guide

Complete Marrakech Travel Guide

Print out or check off on your phone as you travel through Marrakech! From the top things to do, to what food to try, and tips and advice for first time travellers all in one place!

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