Everything to do in Marrakech, by type

Palaces, monuments & museums

Which palaces and monuments should I see in Marrakech?

The Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, El Badi, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Koutoubia are the core five, all in or beside the medina and walkable in a day with an early start.

• Marrakech attractions: hours and timingWhen each sight opens, and the best time to arrive
• Ben Youssef MadrasaA 16th-century Koranic school whose courtyard is the finest single room of carved cedar, stucco and zellige in the city.
• Bahia PalaceA 19th-century vizier's palace of painted cedar ceilings and riad gardens. It's unfurnished, so you come for the craft.
• Saadian TombsThe 16th-century Saadian dynasty's mausoleum, sealed for centuries. Its Hall of Twelve Columns is viewed through a single doorway.
• El Badi PalaceThe ruin of a 16th-century palace of the Saadian sultan Ahmad al-Mansur: sunken orange gardens, vast pools, and storks nesting on the walls.
• Maison de la PhotographiePhotographs of Morocco from the early days of photography to 1960, and a rooftop terrace over the medina.
• Koutoubia Mosque & gardensThe 12th-century minaret that every other Marrakech building is measured against. Non-Muslims see it from the free gardens.
• Dar Si Said museumMoroccan weaving and carpets in a 19th-century palace
• Marrakech Museum & Almoravid KoubbaTwo medina treasures side by side
• Tiskiwin MuseumBert Flint's collection along the Marrakech-to-Timbuktu caravan route
• Contemporary art in MarrakechGalleries and museums of the modern scene

Gardens

What are the best gardens in Marrakech?

The Jardin Majorelle for its cobalt villa and cacti, Le Jardin Secret for quiet inside the medina, the Menara for the pavilion against the Atlas, and ANIMA outside the city for art among the plants.

• Jardin MajorelleThe blue garden, and the YSL museum next door
• Le Jardin SecretA restored riad estate with an Islamic garden
• Menara GardensThe reservoir and pavilion among olive groves
• ANIMA gardenAndré Heller's art garden outside the city
• All the Marrakech gardensWhich garden suits which hour

Souks, squares & quarters

Where are the souks and the best quarters to explore?

North of Jemaa el-Fnaa: the covered souks, each lane with its trade. Then the Mellah's spice square, the tanneries at Bab Debbagh, and the Sidi Ghanem design district for modern makers.

• Jemaa el-FnaaThe square by day and by night
• Jemaa el-Fnaa at nightThe food stalls from first grill to last bowl
• Medina & souks guided walkThe souks with a licensed local guide
• The Mellah & spice squareThe old Jewish quarter and Rahba Kedima
• The tanneries at Bab DebbaghWhere leather is still dyed by hand
• Sidi Ghanem design districtConcept stores and workshops
• The Marrakech districtsEvery quarter, one by one

Hammam & wellness

Where can I try a hammam in Marrakech?

Either a neighbourhood public hammam, the local way, or a spa hammam with a private scrub and massage. Our hammam guide explains both and what to bring.

• The Marrakech hammam guideThe steam-bath ritual, step by step
• Traditional hammam & spaA hammam session, booked as a tour
• Local experiencesHammam, bread, tea and the city's everyday rituals

Desert, balloon & camel

What outdoor activities are there near Marrakech?

A sunrise hot-air balloon, a camel ride in the Palmeraie, quads or buggies in the Agafay desert, and a calèche around the walls. Most go out early or late to avoid the midday heat.

• Activities by time of dayFrom the dawn balloon to the square after dark
• Sunrise hot-air balloonOver the plain at first light
• Balloon guideWhat a flight involves, and the wind
• Agafay sunset: camel, quad and dinnerAn evening in the stone desert
• Agafay quads & buggiesHow to choose a safe operator
• The Agafay desertEverything to do on the plateau
• Palmeraie camel rideA taste of the desert among the palms
• Calèche ridesThe green horse carriages around the walls
• Marrakech by night in a sidecarThe city after dark from a vintage sidecar

Food & cooking

What food experiences are there in Marrakech?

An evening street-food walk through the medina, a cooking class, and long meals in riad courtyards. Start at Mechoui Alley at midday and finish at the stalls of Jemaa el-Fnaa.

• Where to eat in MarrakechRestaurants, street food and cafés by area
• Cooking classes in MarrakechCooking schools and what a class involves
• Marrakech food tourAn evening of medina street food with a guide
• Food and diningWhat to eat in Marrakech, hour by hour

Day trips

What are the best day trips from Marrakech?

The High Atlas villages of Imlil and the Ourika valley, the coast at Essaouira, the kasbah of Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, and the Ouzoud waterfalls. Each is a full day with a driver.

• Day trips from MarrakechEvery day trip compared
• Atlas Mountains toursValleys, villages and passes
• Imlil day tripA Berber village beneath Toubkal
• Essaouira day tripThe Atlantic port and its medina
• Aït Ben Haddou & OuarzazateThe ksar beyond the High Atlas
• The Ourika valleyWaterfalls and riverside villages
• Ouzoud FallsThe waterfalls and olive groves of Ouzoud

Evenings, families & seasons

What is there to do in Marrakech in the evening?

Watch the sunset from a rooftop, eat at the Jemaa el-Fnaa stalls, then catch gnawa music in the square or a show. Festivals add film, music and comedy at set times of year.

• Sunset spotsRooftops, gardens and golden-hour views
• Marrakech at nightThings to do after dark
• Festivals & eventsThe city's big dates
• Marrakech with kidsWhat works for families
• New Year in MarrakechPlanning the end of the year in the city

How do I fit it all into a few days?

Group by area and by hour: medina sights in the cool morning, a garden or hammam at midday, the Agafay or a rooftop at sunset. Our where-to-stay guide helps you pick a base that keeps the walking short.

• Where to stay in MarrakechWhich area suits your trip
• How many days in Marrakech?How long to stay, and what fits
• All toursGuided days in and around Marrakech

What do travellers ask about things to do in Marrakech?

The top sights, how many days, the summer heat, and whether you need a guide.