TOP ATTRACTIONS IN MARRAKECH
- citylockma
- Aug 28, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 10
Marrakech is the ultimate city to awaken all your senses.
From the ochre buildings and colorful souks to the call to prayer echoing through the streets, the aroma of spices, the taste of authentic tagines, and the soothing feel of black soap at the hammam — every moment is an experience.
Wondering what to do in Marrakech first?
Here are the 21 best things to do in Marrakech, including top attractions, must-see landmarks, and hidden gems to make the most of your trip.
MUST SEE TOP ATTRACTIONS IN MARRAKECH
1. JEMAA EL FNA SQUARE
Cultural Visit
👛 : Free Activity
📍 : Medina District
The beating heart of the city, with a unique atmosphere at sunset.
👉🏻 Street performances (musicians, dancers, storytellers, food stalls) start around 6 PM.
2. KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
Cultural Visit
👛 : Free Activity
📍 : Medina District
The city’s most iconic landmark, visible from almost anywhere in Marrakech.
👉🏻 Entry is reserved for Muslim worshippers only. Climbing the minaret is not permitted, even for Muslim visitors.
3. THE MEDINA
Cultural Visit
👛 : Free Activity
📍 : Medina District
A UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with winding alleys, souks, and historic landmarks.
👉🏻 The Medina is a real maze to explore. Plan 2 to 3 hours for a quick visit. Having internet access can be very helpful for GPS navigation.
4. THE SOUK
Cultural Visit
👛 : Free Activity
📍 : Medina District
A maze of markets offering handicrafts, spices, clothing, and souvenirs.
👉🏻 It’s easy to get lost — look up for directional signs. Ask shopkeepers for directions rather than passersby to avoid being asked for money.
5. GUELIZ
Exploration / Shopping
👛 : Free Activity
📍 : Gueliz District
A modern area of Marrakech, perfect for shopping and stylish restaurants.
👉🏻 Gueliz is within walking distance of Jemaa el-Fna Square — about 30 minutes. Don’t miss the Cyber Park along the way, it’s free and worth a stop!
6. HIVERNAGE
Exploration / Nightlife
👛 : Free Activity
📍 : Hivernage District
A chic and trendy neighborhood, known for its luxury hotels, lounges, and nightlife.
👉🏻 Expect European — and sometimes higher — prices in this upscale area.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES & GARDENS
1. JARDIN MAJORELLE
Botanic garden
👛 : 17€ (Garden only)
📍 : Gueliz District
⏱️ : 8AM to 6:30PM
A beautiful garden with vibrant blue architecture and exotic plants, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
👉🏻 Don't forget to book online to avoid waiting and disappointment if the garden is full.
2. JARDIN SECRET
Historical garden
👛 : 10€ + 4€ for the Tower
📍 : Medina District
⏱️ : 9AM to 6/7PM depending on the period.
A peaceful oasis in the heart of the Medina with a panoramic view from the Tower.
👉🏻 Art exhibitions are included in the ticket. The Secret Garden has a café for dining.
3. LE PARC DE LA MÉNARA
Historical Park
👛 : Free Activity
📍 : Hivernage District
⏱️ : 8AM to 8PM
This historic park features a large water basin fed by an ancient irrigation system.
👉🏻 Entrance to the Ménara Park is free. If you’re walking there, don’t miss passing through M’Avenue for a more pleasant stroll.
HISTORICAL SITES & MUSEUM IN MARRAKECH
1. PALAIS DE LA BAHIA
Historic Site
👛 : 10€ (100DHS)
📍 : Medina District
⏱️ : 9AM to 5PM
A stunning 19th-century palace famous for its traditional Moroccan architecture and gardens.
👉🏻 Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace are nearby. Consider visiting them on the same day to make the most of your time!
2. PALAIS EL BADIÎ
Historic Site
👛 : 10€ (100DHS)
📍 : Medina District
⏱️ : 9AM to 5PM
Ruins of a 16th-century palace, offering a glimpse into its past grandeur and a panoramic view of the city.
👉🏻 Does the place feel familiar? It might! It’s in this courtyard that the annual Marrakech du Rire festival takes place!
3. MEDERSA BEN YOUSSEF
Historic Site
👛 : 5€ (50DHS)
📍📍 : Medina District
⏱️ : 9AM to 7PM
Former Koranic school, an astounding example of Arabo-Andalusian architecture.
👉🏻 Be sure to book in advance!
4. YVES SAINT LAURENT MUSEUM
Art and Fashion Museum
👛 : 14€ (140DHS)
📍 : Gueliz District
⏱️ : 8AM to 6:30PM
A museum dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent’s work, showcasing his creations and his connection to Marrakech.
👉🏻 The Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Majorelle Garden are next to each other. Buy your combined tickets on their website.
5. DAR EL BACHA MUSEUM
Art Museum
👛 : 7€ (70DHS)
📍 : Medina District
⏱️ : 10AM to à 6PM - Closed on Monday
Moroccan Art Museum
A museum showcasing a collection of traditional artworks and objects.
👉🏻 Don’t miss the museum’s historic café!
6. SAADIAN TOMBS
Historical Site
👛 : 10€ (100DHS)
📍 : Medina District
⏱️ : 8AM to 6:30PM
Royal Necropolis
A 16th-century royal necropolis, restored in the 20th century.
👉🏻 Expect many tourists and long waits to reach the main room. It’s best to avoid if visiting with children.
MARRAKECH MARKETS & SOUKS
A major tourist attraction, the Marrakech Souks are an exceptional showcase of Moroccan craftsmanship, which remains highly dynamic. It’s not just one, but 18 souks you’ll find in Marrakech!
1. SOUK SEMMARINE
Local Exploration
👛 : Free Activity
📍 : Medina District
The Semmarine Souk is the main one, known to tourists. It’s easily accessible from Jemaa el Fna Square.
👉🏻 Take your time to negotiate prices at the souk. Keep in mind that prices are often doubled for foreigners.
5. SOUK BAB EL KHEMIS
Local Exploration
👛 : Free Activity
📍 : Medina District
Bab El Khémis, also known as the “Thursday Gate,” gets its name from the main market that used to be held only on Thursdays.
👉🏻 Less touristy, it’s a large flea market where you can find all sorts of items, very popular with locals.
6. PLACE DES FERBLANTIERS
Local Exploration
👛 : Free Activity
📍 : Medina District
Charming and more intimate, this small square is bustling with small vendors.
👉🏻 The Place des Ferblantiers is close to the Bahia and El Badi Palaces. It’s perfect for a coffee break between visits!
UNIQUE EXPERIENCES TO TRY IN MARRAKECH
Activities are abundant in Marrakech. Here are the main attractions of the city and its surroundings to experience new adventures.
1. AGAFAY DESERT
Experiences
📍 : Agafay
⏱️ : 1h from Marrakech
The Agafay Desert, the closest to Marrakech, is a lunar desert offering various bivouacs and activities such as quad biking, cycling, and camel rides.
HOW TO GET TO THE AGAFAY DESERT? The desert is located 30 km from Marrakech. There is no fixed transfer, so you will need to book a taxi. Many bivouacs offer transfers from the city.
2. PALM GROVE
Experiences
📍 : Marrakech Palm Grove ⏱️ : 5 to 10kms from Marrakech
A natural setting just a few kilometers from the city, the Palm Grove offers activities similar to the desert: camel rides, horseback riding, quad biking, and cycling.
👉🏻 Why not visit in the late afternoon? We promise you a breathtaking sunset!
3. COOKING MAROCCAN FOOD
Experiences
👛 : Around 40€ per person
Why not bring home a timeless souvenir from Marrakech by learning to cook a Moroccan dish? Cooking classes offer a fun and authentic way to discover the local culture while recreating the flavors of your trip at home.
👉🏻 These classes often start with a market tour to buy fresh ingredients, allowing you to immerse yourself in local life before heading to the kitchen!
