A Guide to Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is such a beautiful city in Morocco and to this day, it’s one of my favorite trips. We loved the people we met here, the atmosphere, the markets, and of course the food. We will definitely be back someday but for now, this is everything you need to know for your next trip to Marrakech, Morocco.

What to Do in Marrakech

Palais el Badi

The ruins of Palais el Badi or “palace of the incomparable” still remain from the 16th century. This palace used to be decorated in turquoise, gold, and crystal and is said to have been one of the most magnificent palaces at the time.

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Entry to the palace costs 70 dirham (about 7 USD) and I’d recommend getting a local English-speaking guide if you want to learn about all of the details of the palace while you’re there. It’s incredible walking across the massive courtyard imagining what this palace once was.

Tombeaux de Saadien

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There is a large mausoleum located here called the ‘Hall of Twelve Columns’ which is where you’ll find the tombs of some of the most prestigious figures in Moroccan history. Sons of sultans, princesses, etc. The rest of the mausoleums are spread throughout a small garden between all of the buildings.

Place Jemaa el-Fna

Place Jemaa el-Fna was one of our favorite things about Marrakech. The monkeys everywhere, the snake charmers, the fresh squeezed orange juice.. we loved it all. This is also close to the Koutoubia Mosque which is the largest mosque in all of Marrakech.

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Keep in mind that if you want to take photos with the monkeys or snakes, they will expect you to pay them for the photo. The snake charmers will even toss a snake on your shoulders and ask for money before giving you a chance to say otherwise! Eek!

Medersa Ben Youssef

Medersa Ben Youssef used to be a school for students studying law and theology and up to 900 students would live here at a time. The school was transformed into a museum in the 1960s and remains one of the most popular sites in Marrakech to this day.

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The mosaic carvings and tiles here are so gorgeous. You can explore all of the rooms on the second floor, a prayer room, and the beautifully decorated courtyard below with a water basin right in the center.

For more info, click here.

Explore the Marrakech Medina

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The medina is basically just the part of the city that is inside the walls and it’s where most of the main attractions are located. Just walking around the Medina was one of my favorite things that we did in Marrakech. It’s always fun to just get lost in a new place exploring down all of the side streets and interacting with the locals.

Walking the medina is a great way to find local restaurants as well! We had to stop and try some tajine and couscous while we were here. Yum!

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Shop the Souks

Shopping the souks can be exciting but so overwhelming at the same time. If it’s your first time here I would suggest maybe hiring a guide to help you find your way around. The locals can be a bit pushy and aggressive when it comes to making a sale. A guide can help with this!

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The souks are where you’ll find all of the best souvenirs In Marrakech. All of the winding alleyways have shops that are filled with ceramics, textiles, lanterns, slippers, you name it! Don’t forget to haggle the prices while you’re shopping, they are always willing to go lower.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Le Riad Yasmine

Le Riad Yasmine is by far one of the most amazing places I have ever stayed. Everything is so beautiful here – the pool, the rooms, the rooftop. I loved it all. We were poured a cup of hot tea when we arrived and made fresh breakfast on the rooftop every morning.

This Riad is pretty famous for their iconic pool. It’s absolutely gorgeous with the green and white tiles, the plants, and the murals on the wall. And, there is even a calico kitten named Bowie that will often spend time with you by the pool!

We stayed in the ‘Merzouga Suite’ which, in my opinion, is the most gorgeous room in the whole Riad. You can book a room through Airbnb or directly on their website. Click here for a discount on your first stay by signing up for Airbnb through my link!

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Other Places to Stay in Marrakech

Luxury: La Mamounia Marrakech, Budget: Riad Sadaka.

Day Trips from Marrakech

Sahara Desert Overnight Tour from Marrakech

The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world and arguably one of the biggest attractions in Morocco. I wanted to do an overnight tour so badly while we were here but we, unfortunately, just didn’t have enough time. You can do the Sahara as a day trip or you can spend multiple nights there.

Kasbah Bab Ourika

Kasbah Bab Ourika is more than worth a trip of its own but we actually just came here for dinner one night of our trip. They arranged transportation for us at the Kasbah and picked us up at our Riad in Marrakech. When we arrived, we practically had the whole place to ourselves.

Dinner was delicious, the gardens were gorgeous, and we had amazing views of the Atlas Mountains during sunset. Coming here for dinner was great but I would definitely love to come back and spend a few days here next time.

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They not only serve great meals here but they also have beautifully decorated private pool rooms, unbeatable views of the Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley, and a spa with massages and traditional hammam treatments. They also do guided hikes through the mountains, treks to local waterfalls, and a Berber tea making experience!

For more info on Kasbah Bab Ourika, click here.

Glamping at Scarabeo Camp

Take a trip to the “Stone Desert” with Scarabeo Camp. You can enjoy traditional Moroccan foods, adventure on a quad or dune buggy, trek the mountains, or enjoy relaxing yoga or a massage. You can even go camel, donkey, or horseback riding. Let’s also not forget the stargazing opportunities with an actual astronomy professor. And, this is all with your own private tent suite in the middle of the gorgeous Agafay desert. Does camping really get any better than that?

For more info on Scarabeo Camp, click here.

Le Palmeraie Sunset Desert Camel Ride

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We did this on the last night of our trip and it was such a great way to end our time in Morocco. We went for a ride through the desert during sunset and then enjoyed mint tea, bread, and olives with a few of the locals at their home before heading back.

Tips for Traveling in Marrakech

1. Be careful when taking photos. Many of the locals do NOT want their photo taken (especially many of the women) and they will guard their faces or yell if they see you snapping photos. Some will even try to grab your phone/camera to delete the photo. Many others will expect you to give them some form of payment if you do take a photo.
2. Try the local foods. There are so many great restaurants in Marrakech but don’t forget the street foods as well! Tajine was my absolute favorite dish in Morocco. Yum!
3. Dress modestly. This is mostly for the female travelers. Unfortunately, a trip to Marrakech can come with a lot of unwanted attention from the men. As a rule of thumb, try to at least keep your shoulders and knees covered.
4. Haggle prices in the souks. Always start with your lowest price and work your way up. Don’t be afraid to say no to an offer, either. Typically once you say no to their “lowest price” and begin to walk away, the price will suddenly drop again!
5. Don’t take a “tour” or directions from a stranger. Often, if you go with them, you will just end up lost and they will demand money. Stick to trusted tour guides.

What are some of your favorite things to do in Marrakech? Share in a comment below!

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Don’t forget to check out these other posts:

• Morocco Travel Tips
• The Best Airbnb’s I’ve Stayed In
• Traveling As a Couple