Things to See and Do in Marrakech, Morocco
From historic mosques to the labyrinth-like medina, here are the sights you don't want to miss in Marrakech.
Photo By: Alisha Bube
Photo By: Alisha Bube
Photo By: Alisha Bube
Photo By: Alisha Bube
Photo By: Alisha Bube
Photo By: Alisha Bube
Photo By: Alisha Bube
Photo By: Alisha Bube
Photo By: Alisha Bube
Photo By: Alisha Bube
About Marrakech
Silhouetted by the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a sensory overload as prayers from the mosques and bartering at the souks echo through the arid medina alleys and the aroma of leather and spice hangs in the air.
Medina
The heart of Marrakech is its medina, a labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways that weave between red sandstone walls mainly trafficked by pedestrians and bikes.
Ibn Yusuf Mosque
The Ibn Yusuf Mosque (or Ben Youssef Mosque) is the oldest mosque in Marrakesh. Its beautifully restored minaret can be seen throughout the medina quarter.
Jemaa el-Fna
This lively main square in the medina quarter is bustling all day with entertainers, food stalls and shopping.
Souk
Leave plenty of room for souvenirs in your suitcase, because it's nearly impossible to browse the rugs, leathergoods, spices and metalworks of Marrakech souks without practicing your bartering skills and making a few purchases!
Koutoubia
It’s hard to miss the towering 250-foot minaret of Koutoubia, the largest mosque in the city located in the medina quarter.
Le Jardin Secret
It's worth the small entry fee to escape the crowded medina, and meander the tranquil garden paths at Le Jardin Secret.
Botanical Gardens
If you want to venture out of city center, visit the beautiful Jardin Majorelle to the north or Agdal Gardens to the south of town.
Hammam
Your skin will never feel more fresh and clean than after a proper hammam in a steam room, deep scrubbing with black exfoliating soap.
Riad
Skip the hotel and rent a room at a riad, a traditional house with an interior courtyard.
Rooftop Views
Whether it's a patio at your riad or grabbing a bite at an open-air restaurant, some of the absolute best views of the city can be found from the rooftops of its buildings.
Delicious Cuisine
Whether you grab a bite from a food stall in the medina or find a cozy restaurant to feast in, the food in Morocco is to die for. A couple of my favorite dinner spots in Marrakech were Terrasse des Epices and Le Tanjia.
Tagine
An absolute must-order dish while in Morocco, Tagine is traditionally served in an earthenware pot and is a savory stew that includes some mix of meat, vegetables, spices, nuts or dried fruit.
Mint Tea
Sweet tea in the South has nothing on the saccharine mint tea that is served in Morocco. (Tip: Ask for the sugar cubes on the side so you can sweeten it to your liking.)
Day Trips
Want to get out of the city? Rent a car or join a tour and go visit the Atlas Mountains or Agafay Desert (much closer than the Sahara).