If you’re visiting Marrakech, check out some of the top things to do and places to visit. Marrakech is a lively and vibrant city with a lot to offer. If you’re traveling alone, with a friend, or with a large group, there is bound to something for everyone!
Madrasa ben Youssef
The Madrasa ben Youssef is a beautiful, ancient 14th century school that has been well preserved over the years. The Madrassa is filled with brilliant tiling and astonishing stuccowork alongside the stunning wood carvings and was home to over 900 students studying science, law, and theology. The Madrasa contains 132 rooms, courtyards, and patios.
Jamae el Fena
Jamae el Fena is a magical outdoor marketplace filled with storytellers, dancers, water sellers, fortune tellers and snake charmers. As Marrakech’s main square, it’s a must-see for anyone visiting or passing through the city and is a great place to practice your bargaining skills!
Koutoubia Mosque
Koutobia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and serves as a major landmark in the city. It’s surrounded by beautiful gardens and fountains. City law states that no other mosque can be taller than Koutobia. This mosque has impressive architecture and lots of history. It is definitely worth visiting, even if you only stroll through the gardens.
Menara
The Menara Botanical Gardens are centered around a large pond filled with carp and is surrounded by orchards and olive groves. There are many different paths which offer excellent views of the city of Marrakech and Koutobia Mosque from a distance. These gardens are perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is one of the most well-preserved historical sites in Morocco. This extravagant site is surrounded by beautiful gardens filled with vegetables, date palms, olive trees, orange trees, and lemon trees. Bahia Palace is one of the most popular places to visit in Marrakech.
Majorelle Garden
Majorelle Garden is a two-and-a-half-acre botanical garden and artists paradise. It was designed by French Orientalist, Jacques Majorelle in 1923. Open every day of the year, walk along shady lanes encased with exotic plants, trees, and fresh ponds filled with water lilies and lotus flowers.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is located right next to the Majorelle Garden and showcases over 1,000 creative masterpieces that spanned the designer’s 40-year career. This museum is fascinating to all, even those who don’t consider themselves fashionistas. The pieces are beautifully presented and at the end of the exhibit lies a great gift shop.
Market (Souk)
If you’re going to visit Marrakech, visiting the Souk is a must! Whether you go during the day or in the evening, wandering around and looking at everything the market has to offer, (especially the carpets and jewelry), is truly impressive. It’s extremely diverse and filled with great deals!
Old Medina
A visit to old, historic Marrakech is definitely worthwhile. Saunter through streets with high stone walls and visit different mosques, bathhouses, communal bread ovens, water fountains, and educational institutions, all serving the local community.
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs is home to the tomb of Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi, who spared no expense and imported Italian marble, and decorative plasterwork designed with pure gold. Al Mansour’s tomb is surrounded by the tombs of his family and other important figures from his time.
Museum of Marrakech
The Museum of Marrakech is one of the best Museums in all of Morocco. Filled with modern and contemporary art, the museum is located in the old city of Marrakech. The museum takes the place of an old palace and one of the main attractions is a gigantic chandelier that resembles a UFO.
Day Trip to Ouzoud Falls
If you’re looking to take a break from the busy city of Marrakech, a day trip to Ouzoud Falls (3 hours drive) will surely be spectacular. Ouzoud Falls are one of Morocco’s most visited and photographed natural marvels. Visitors spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours hiking around the falls, enjoying the scenery, and having lunch.
Day Trip to Atlas Mountains
Filled with snow throughout the winter months, and wildflowers during the summer, a day trip to the Atlas Mountains is a great way to get a breath of fresh air, hike, mountain bike, and visit the mountainous Amazigh “Berber” villages. Whether you book a tour or go on your own, you’ll experience breathtaking views.
Day Trip to Ourika Valley
Ourika Valley is a short distance from Marrakech and can be experienced as a group or own your own. The valley is filled with cascading waterfalls, hiking trails, Amazigh “Berber” shops, and small restaurants. Another popular attraction is watching women prepare Argan oil in Berber houses.
Day Trip to Essaouira City
Essaouira is a charming and picturesque port city on the coast of Morocco. After you’ve been dropped off, watch fisherman unloading and delivering fresh fish, dine and enjoy fresh seafood, and relax on the peaceful beach before heading back into the city.
Marrakech is a great place to visit for anyone who loves to travel and experience different cultures. Whether it’s your first or fifth time visiting, there is always more to explore.
