Marrakech – Sights, Highlights & Tips

Narrow winding streets teeming with people, countless colorful shops in the souks, various sometimes indescribable scents, beautiful entrance doors, masses of loud scooters, tourists from all over the world, as well as diverse sights and a fascinating culture – that’s Marrakech.

For some, Marrakech is the true embodiment of the 1001 Nights fairy tale, while for others, it’s an overwhelming city crowded with tourists and merchants.
The effect Marrakech has on you is something you can only discover by experiencing it for yourself!

Here’s a rundown of the sights and highlights you shouldn’t miss during your stay in Marrakech.

SIGHTS IN MARRAKECH

1. DJEMAA EL-FNA

The most famous sight, or rather the heart of the city, is the bustling Djemaa el-Fna. This vast square, which has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001, offers plenty of colorful and chaotic activities, from musicians, magicians, and acrobats to a few snake charmers.
Accompanying your visit will be countless, often indefinable, smells from the variety of food stalls selling street food, dried fruits, and freshly squeezed juices.

Every visitor to Marrakech should dare to experience the square in the evening or at night. The later the day, the more crowded the market becomes.
With illuminated stalls, shouting vendors, and smoke wafting from grills, the atmosphere after sunset is particularly special.

Our tip: Around the square, there are numerous rooftop bars and restaurants (we visited Café de la Place), which you shouldn’t miss.
Enjoy a fresh mint tea while overlooking the vibrant, colorful bustle below and the beautiful sunset behind the rooftops of Djemaa el-Fna.

Important note: Pickpocketing is common on Djemaa el-Fna, so always keep a close eye on your valuables!
You can generally photograph all sights in Marrakech as long as there’s no prohibition sign. It’s a different story when it comes to people.
Many Moroccans do not want to be photographed because of their faith, and those who allow it, like performers and snake charmers on Djemaa el-Fna, expect tips for photographs.
Please avoid supporting animal performances with snakes, monkeys, or other creatures, as giving money only perpetuates their suffering.

2. MEDINA & SOUKS

To get a first impression of Marrakech, it’s best to start with a tour of the heart of the action, in the Medina.

For first-time visitors to Morocco: Medina refers to the old town or city center in Arabic, and it’s unlike any other traditional city center you may have encountered.
Medinas in Morocco, especially in Marrakech and Fès, resemble a labyrinth of seemingly endless alleyways.
A souk is a market or an entire market district made up of countless shops, typically located in the heart of the Medina.

The Medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is surrounded by a roughly 19 km long ocher-colored city wall dating back to 1122.
Keeping your bearings within the Medina is virtually impossible, even with Google Maps.
Just start walking, let yourself be swept through the maze-like alleys, and see where the journey takes you.
Before you set off, know this: leisurely strolling is almost impossible in the Medina or the souk districts.
Alongside you, many people, scooters, and merchants with large carts will also be squeezing through the narrow streets.
If you seem lost, locals may offer to show you the way to your destination. Don’t accept! This service is not out of kindness but for money.
Often, they’ll lead you not to your goal but to a family-owned souvenir shop.

The highlight of the Medina is the adjacent souks. Shop after shop offers everything from typical Moroccan souvenirs like spices, colorful scarves, leather goods, carpets, wooden figurines, tajine pots, and lamps to shoes, dried fruits, and other groceries.
‍Important: Before you decide to buy anything, haggle! Merchants usually ask tourists for at least double or triple what they’re actually willing to accept.

Our tip: If you’d prefer to explore the Medina, its sights, and the souks with a local guide, we highly recommend a guided tour.
Not only will you learn more about the Medina, souks, and local life, but guides also help you with bargaining, giving you realistic price points and assisting with negotiations.

You can book a tour here: Guided Tour of Marrakech Souks.

Shopping tip: The goods sold in the souks are handmade in workshops run by blacksmiths, saddlers, and basket weavers located outside the center.
If you visit ANIMA Garden, you’ll automatically pass the roadside workshops with their own sales. You’ll often find different items here than in the souks, and at much better prices.

3. BAHIA PALACE

The magnificent Bahia Palace, meaning “Palace of the Favorite” or “Palace of the Beautiful”, is one of the most popular sights in Marrakech.
If you’ve visited Alhambra in Granada, Spain, you’ll notice certain similarities to the Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century.

Constructed in an Andalusian-Moorish style, the Bahia Palace was the largest palace in Morocco in its time. It was commissioned by the powerful Grand Vizier Si Moussa, Vizier to Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abderrahman, and his son added a mosque and hammam to the palace after his father’s death.

A signposted path leads through the living quarters of the large and small riads, the hammam, the central marble courtyard with its open garden, and the smaller inner courtyard with a beautiful fountain.
The entire palace is adorned with intricately carved cedar wood ceilings from the Middle Atlas, beautiful mosaics, and marble imported from Carrara, Italy.

Due to its popularity, the palace is usually very crowded. We recommend arriving early to explore the Bahia Palace at your own pace.

Plan at least an hour for your visit.

The Bahia Palace is open daily from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets can be purchased onsite (often with long queues).
You can also buy a skip-the-line guided tour in advance online (recommended). Here’s the link to tickets.

4. BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a former Quranic school in the heart of the Medina and is a must-see during your sightseeing tour of Marrakech!

Founded in the mid-14th century by Abou el-Hassan, the madrasa (a Quranic school with a mosque) underwent renovations in the 16th century to become the most important religious institution in the Medina for over 400 years.
Finely crafted stucco archways and stunning hand-painted mosaics cover the walls of this Quranic school.
The highlight is the courtyard with its marble floors and large central fountain, which once served both to cool the courtyard and as a cleansing ritual for mosque visitors.

While the Ben Youssef Madrasa isn’t vast, most visitors spend at least half an hour or more soaking in the atmosphere and taking pictures of the colorful mosaics and beautiful archways.

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is open from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm from May to September, and from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from October to April.
Tickets must be purchased on-site.

5. JARDIN MAJORELLE

The most famous of Marrakech’s numerous gardens, and therefore also the most visited, is the Jardin Majorelle, a small paradise in the heart of the city.
The botanical garden is a legacy of French painter Jacques Majorelle, who built a Moorish villa with a garden in 1923 and opened it to visitors in 1947.
After his death, the villa and garden fell into disrepair until designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner bought and stylishly renovated the property in 1980.

Today, the garden features various plants from all five continents, including yucca palms, bougainvillea, bamboo, geraniums, hibiscus, cypress, and numerous cactus species.

Majorelle’s studio has been transformed into a small museum, its cobalt-blue façade making it a true eye-catcher.

Next to the garden is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which can be visited for an additional fee along with the garden.

Though Jardin Majorelle is a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city, we weren’t as impressed as we were with ANIMA Garden.
That said, if your time in Marrakech is limited or you’re unable to visit ANIMA, Jardin Majorelle is still worth seeing.

Jardin Majorelle is open from 8:00 am to 5:30 pm from May to September and from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm from October to April.
Admission is $13.50 per person, and a combination ticket for the garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum costs $27 per person.
Tickets must be purchased in advance online. Here’s the link to tickets.

6. ANIMA - ANDRÉ HELLER GARDEN

One of the newer attractions in the Marrakech area is the paradisiacal garden of André Heller, ANIMA, which opened in 2016.
Towering palm trees, ancient massive cacti, bamboo groves, rose bushes, and countless other plants await you in this impressive 3-hectare garden.
Additionally, around every corner or turn, you’ll find a new surprise—different small and large sculptures, ceramic figures, fountains, and a natural pond.
Best of all, ANIMA is far less crowded than Jardin Majorelle, allowing you to relax and truly enjoy the beautiful garden.

The perfect way to end your visit is to stop by the Paul Bowles Café.
With a snack, mint tea, or fresh orange juice, you can relax on the café’s rooftop terrace, enjoying a magnificent view of the Atlas Mountains.

ANIMA is located about a 25-minute drive from central Marrakech. There’s plenty of free parking.
If you don’t have a rental car, you can take a free shuttle bus, which departs four times a day (9:30 am, 11:30 am, 2:30 pm, and 4:30 pm) from the parking lot behind the Koutoubia Mosque.

You should plan to spend between 1.5 to 2.5 hours at the ANIMA Garden.

ANIMA Garden is open from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm from May to September and from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from October to April.
Admission is $13 per person. Here’s the link to ANIMA-Garden ticket.

7. KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE

The city’s landmark, the Koutoubia Mosque (also known as the “Mosque of Booksellers”), is the largest mosque in Marrakech and can be seen from afar.
Its impressive 77-meter-high minaret serves as an ideal point of orientation, and to ensure this, no building can be constructed taller than the minaret.

The prayer hall can accommodate up to 20,000 worshippers, though only Muslims are allowed inside. Tourists can only admire it from the outside—but this is still a highlight!

Our tip: Come at sunset when the light illuminates the Koutoubia Mosque in a beautiful glow—an excellent photo opportunity!

OTHER TIPS & INFO ABOUT MARRAKECH

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN MARRAKECH?

Marrakech is perfect for a city break, but we recommend taking your time and not staying only in Marrakech—Morocco has so much more to offer!
Generally, we’d say:

• Stay 2 to 3 nights if you want to see the city’s main attractions.
• Stay 4 nights if you also want to explore sights outside the city, such as the Agafay Desert.
• Stay 5 or more nights if you’re using Marrakech as a base for day trips to places like the Atlas Mountains or Aït-Ben-Haddou.

IS MARRAKECH TOURISTY?

The short answer is yes. The term “overtourism” probably applies to no other Moroccan city better than to Marrakech.
The city’s popularity is evident in the behavior of local vendors who try to get as much money as possible, the crowded streets, and the inflated prices in the souks.

If you’re invited for mint tea, it’s clear they want to sell you something. Be prepared for constant approaches from people trying to sell you things.
So, we can understand why some find Marrakech exhausting.

Want to take photos of the city’s sights without the crowds? Then you’ll have to wake up early (before sunrise).

FOOD & DRINK IN MARRAKECH

Tajine and couscous are the two national dishes of Morocco, and you must try them during your stay!
Tajine is a slow-cooked stew made from meat and fruit, such as lamb with plums or chicken with lemons and olives.
Couscous (usually made from semolina) consists of vegetables, meat, and broth, typically served on a large plate with various sauces.

Morocco is also known as the land of spices, with nearly every main dish seasoned with intense flavors like cumin, saffron, flat-leaf parsley, coriander, cinnamon, and ginger.

If you’re a mint tea lover, Marrakech (and Morocco in general) is the place for you! The country’s most famous and common beverage is thé à la menthe (mint tea).
The Moroccans drink their beloved tea with fresh mint leaves and a generous amount of sugar.

For something fresh and fruity, you can’t miss the freshly squeezed orange and pomegranate juices sold almost everywhere in the city.

Here are a few restaurant and café recommendations for Marrakech:

• Café des épices: A budget-friendly, down-to-earth café with a relaxed rooftop terrace overlooking Place des épices. Be sure to reserve your table in advance, as seats fill up fast.
• Nomad: Owned by the same person as Café des épices, this spot has a fantastic rooftop terrace with views stretching to the Atlas Mountains.
  You’ll also need to reserve a table in advance here.
• Atay Cafe Food: A lovely, youthful rooftop spot offering a view of the Koutoubia Mosque minaret. Traditional dishes are served with a modern twist.
• Chez Yassine: A true gem! The owner still cooks everything fresh herself at super affordable prices. Reservations are not possible, so be prepared for longer wait times during peak hours.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MARRAKECH

You can visit Marrakech year-round, so the best time to visit depends on your preferences.

The months from November to March are ideal for a city break or exploring the region around the Western Sahara, with consistently mild daytime temperatures.

Many Europeans head to Marrakech for Christmas and New Year’s due to the warmer weather, making this the high season, along with the summer months.

From April to October, coastal areas enjoy perfect weather for a dreamy beach holiday, but the high temperatures make Marrakech less ideal for a city trip during these months.

We visited during the New Year period, and we can only recommend traveling to Marrakech in the off-season.
The pleasant daytime temperatures of around 22°C, combined with the constant sunshine, made our stay in the city wonderful.

GETTING TO MARRAKECH

If you don't need to travel during peak holiday periods or weekends, flights are often quite affordable, thanks to budget airlines like Ryanair.

Airlines like Lufthansa & Eurowings also offer nearly daily flights to Marrakech. Be sure to compare flights on platforms like skyscanner.com to find the best deal.

The average flight time to Marrakech from major international airports is typically around 3.5 hours from Europe, but can vary depending on your departure location.

Most travelers can enter Morocco with a valid passport or temporary passport, and all travel documents must remain valid until the end of the trip.
A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days for citizens of many countries, but this varies depending on nationality.
For longer stays or more detailed information, check with your country's embassy or consulate.

From the airport, located about 10 kilometers away, there are several options for getting to the city center.
The cheapest option is the Airport Shuttle Bus (Line 19), with the stop located to the left after exiting the terminal.
The bus runs every 20 minutes between 6:00 am and 11:30 pm.

You can also take one of the many taxis outside the terminal, which will get you to the city center in about 15 minutes. Be sure to negotiate the fare before getting in, as taxi drivers often try to charge exorbitant prices.

Another option is to book a taxi in advance through your accommodation. The driver will wait inside the terminal with a sign and take you directly to your accommodation. If your accommodation is in a narrow alley, the driver will walk you to the door, which is especially helpful for early or late arrivals.

GETTING AROUND MARRAKECH

The city center of Marrakech, known as the Medina, can only be explored on foot.
There are hardly any real streets, just narrow and winding alleyways resembling a labyrinth.
You’ll also have to share the narrow alleys with juice sellers, scooters, and donkeys—so leisurely strolling is out of the question!

Some key sights are scattered around the Medina. So be sure to bring comfortable shoes, as you’ll appreciate them as faithful companions!

If you want to explore sights outside the city center or outer districts, we recommend taking one of the petit taxis.
We’ve detailed how to navigate taxi rides in our article, “Morocco: Tips & General Information for Your Dream Trip”.

CURRENCY & PAYMENT METHODS

The official currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MDA).

Moroccan Dirhams may not be brought into or taken out of the country.
So, we recommend exchanging money upon arrival or, better yet, withdrawing it from an ATM using your credit card, as airport exchange rates are usually worse than those in the city.

You can easily withdraw cash with common credit cards at ATMs of major banks like Attijari-wafa, BMCI, or BMCE, both at airports and in the city.
Check with your bank to see if withdrawing money in Morocco is possible and what fees may apply.

THE RIGHT ACCOMMODATION IN MARRAKECH

The range of hotels and accommodations in Marrakech is enormous and very diverse, making it difficult to choose the right one.
From budget hotels to reasonably priced mid-range hotels, luxurious all-inclusive resorts, and family-run riads, there’s something for everyone.

In addition to the number of hotels, there are also plenty of self-catering accommodations.
Platforms like Airbnb or booking.com offer a variety of apartments, vacation homes, hostels, and riads.

We spent three nights at Riad Azzar, which we can wholeheartedly recommend.

Good to know: While booking a hotel in the heart of the Medina may sound tempting, we advise against it. Why?
Because the Medina is a labyrinth of narrow alleys where even Google Maps often gets confused. Once you’re in, it’s tough to find your way out—especially at night and with all your luggage.
‍Our lovely riad was located at the edge of the Medina, and for us, it had the perfect location.

Are you planning a round trip through Morocco? Then our following posts might be of interest to you:

• Exploring Morocco: 2-Week Roadtrip – Route, Tips & Highlights
• Fès in Morocco – Sights, Highlights & Tips
• Morocco: Tips & General Information for Your Dream Trip

Enjoy browsing and planning!

USEFUL LINKS & RECOMMENDED TRAVEL GUIDES FOR YOU

• Discover the best accommodations
• Find affordable flights at skyscanner.com
• Incredible Tours across Morocco
• Find affordable rental cars at rentalcars.com
• The best Travel Guides for Morocco

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Note: This blog post contains our personal recommendations in the form of so-called affiliate links. If you book or purchase something through these links, we earn a small commission. There is absolutely no change to the price for you.