Find what makes you happy anytime, anywhere
Discover the best things to do in Marrakech, Morocco. Book top-rated tours, day trips, desert experiences, and cultural activities with local guides. Instant booking. Best prices.
One of the most unforgettable experiences in Marrakech is wandering through the ancient medina at sunset, exploring the vibrant souks filled with handcrafted treasures, aromatic spices, and traditional textiles. Don’t miss climbing the Koutoubia Mosque minaret area for panoramic views of the Red City. The other essential experience is watching the mesmerizing sunset from a rooftop terrace overlooking Jemaa el-Fna square as the evening transforms into a magical spectacle of storytellers, musicians, and food vendors. Afterwards, lose yourself in the atmospheric alleys of the medina, discovering hidden riads and traditional hammams.
Tucked away in the Palmery district, Amal Women’s Training Center offers authentic cooking classes where local women teach traditional Moroccan cuisine while empowering their community. It’s a wonderful hidden experience that combines cultural learning with social impact. For art lovers, Riad Yima in the Mellah quarter showcases contemporary Moroccan artists in a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion. Le Jardin Secret offers a peaceful escape from the medina’s chaos with its traditional Islamic gardens and stunning views from the tower, yet remains largely undiscovered by tour groups.
To truly experience Marrakech and see the major attractions, you’ll need at least 4-5 days. This allows time to explore the medina thoroughly, visit the magnificent palaces and gardens, experience the vibrant souks, and enjoy the local hammam and dining scene. Adding 2-3 extra days enables you to include essential day trips like the Atlas Mountains Berber villages, the Sahara Desert experience, or the coastal charm of Essaouira.
Pastilla is Marrakech’s signature dish – a delicate pastry filled with spiced pigeon or chicken, almonds, and cinnamon, wrapped in paper-thin warqa pastry. This sweet-savory masterpiece represents centuries of Moroccan culinary artistry. Mechoui (slow-roasted lamb) is another local specialty, traditionally cooked in underground ovens for hours until incredibly tender. You can’t visit Marrakech without trying fresh tagines cooked in traditional earthenware pots – the slow-cooking method creates incredibly flavorful dishes with preserved lemons and aromatic spices. With numerous traditional restaurants in the medina, the best approach is to follow locals to their favorite spots.
Marrakech’s medina is best explored on foot, as the narrow alleys and traditional architecture create an immersive walking experience. For longer distances, petit taxis (small red taxis) are convenient and affordable for reaching attractions outside the medina. The traditional caleche (horse-drawn carriage) offers a romantic way to tour the modern Gueliz district and Majorelle Gardens. For day trips, organized tours with comfortable air-conditioned vehicles are recommended.
Marrakech is wonderful year-round, but it gets extremely hot during summer (July-August) with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. The ideal periods are March to May and September to November when temperatures are perfect for sightseeing, and the weather is ideal for desert tours and mountain excursions. The Rose Festival in May celebrates the Valley of Roses harvest with traditional music and dancing. The Marrakech International Film Festival in December brings international cinema to the city’s historic venues.
The Souks in the medina are Morocco’s most famous shopping destination, offering everything from handwoven carpets and leather goods to traditional jewelry and argan oil products. Navigate the maze-like markets for authentic crafts and antiques. Gueliz provides modern shopping with designer boutiques, art galleries, and the large Carré Eden shopping center for contemporary goods and international brands.
With incredible history and architecture, solo travelers can spend days exploring the medina’s palaces, museums, and hidden corners at their own pace. A hammam spa experience offers relaxation and cultural immersion. Group day trips to the Atlas Mountains or Sahara Desert provide opportunities to meet fellow travelers while experiencing Morocco’s diverse landscapes safely with expert guides.
Marrakech’s location provides access to diverse landscapes and experiences. The Atlas Mountains offer stunning scenery, traditional Berber villages, and hiking opportunities just 1.5 hours away. Ouzoud Waterfalls provide Morocco’s most spectacular cascades with boat trips and rainbow views. The Ourika Valley combines mountain scenery with traditional markets and authentic Berber culture in beautiful natural settings.
Morocco offers incredible diversity within day-trip distance of Marrakech. Essaouira on the Atlantic coast provides a refreshing change with its Portuguese-influenced architecture, fresh seafood, and artistic atmosphere. Ait Benhaddou showcases Morocco’s most famous kasbah, a UNESCO World Heritage site used in films like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. The Agafay Desert offers desert experiences without the long journey to the Sahara, perfect for sunset dinners and quad biking adventures.