Marrakech is a city that appeals to all the senses, sometimes all at once. Known as the “Red City” due to the pigment of its ancient ramparts, it is a place where medieval tradition meets a growing contemporary art scene. Beyond the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square lies a labyrinth of rose-coloured alleys, hidden courtyards, and rooftop sanctuaries just waiting to be discovered.
To truly experience the overwhelming wonder of Marrakech, look past the tourist traps and dive into the side streets where real city life unfolds.
A Guide to the Moroccan Souks
Navigating a Moroccan souk might feel a little daunting, but we promise the anticipation and excitement is all worth the treasures within. While the main streets are packed with tourists, the secret to finding the best treasures is to head deeper into the specialised quarters.
For an authentic experience, seek out Souk Cherifia. It is a smaller, more curated space where local designers blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. If the goal is to see artisans at work rather than just finished products, head to the Foundouk Ameur. These historic trading inns house workshops where metalworkers and weavers have practised their crafts for generations.
The golden rule for a guide to the Moroccan souks? If you get lost, don’t panic. Getting lost is the way to find the “Rahba Kedima” (the Spice Square), where the air is thick with the scent of cumin and star anise, and the local herbalists sell remedies for everything from insomnia to a broken heart.
What to see in Marrakech: The Hidden Palaces
When deciding what to see in Marrakech, the Bahia Palace is usually at the top of the list. However, for a quieter, more hauntingly beautiful experience, the Dar Bacha Musée des Confluences is a must. It features some of the most exquisite cedar wood carvings and zellij tilework in the country, often without the crowds.
Another secret spot is Le Jardin Secret. Located in the heart of the Medina, this restored palace complex is divided into an exotic garden and a traditional Islamic garden. It offers a rare opportunity to see how the “Hammam” and irrigation systems worked in the 19th century. For those interested in Marrakech attractions with a spiritual tilt, the Zaouia of Sidi Bel Abbas—the patron saint of the city—is a stunning architectural site where locals go to seek blessings.
Top 10 Things to Do in Marrakech
Marrakech is a city of layers, where famous monuments stand shoulder-to-shoulder with tucked-away secrets. To get a true sense of the “Red City,” a balance of both is essential. Here are the top ten experiences that capture the essence of the city:
- Koutoubia Mosque: The spiritual landmark of Marrakech. While non-Muslims cannot enter, walking through the rose gardens at the base of the minaret is a must see in Marrakech Morocco, especially as the call to prayer echoes over the city at dusk.
- Jardin Majorelle & The Yves Saint Laurent Museum: Perhaps the most famous of all Marrakech Morocco attractions. This electric-blue garden is an artistic masterpiece. Local Secret: Arrive at 8:00 AM sharp to experience the bird song before the crowds descend.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa: A stunning example of Islamic architecture. The intricate stucco work and cedar carvings in this former Quranic school are arguably the most beautiful in North Africa.
- Jemaa el-Fnaa: The heart of the city. By day, it’s a marketplace; by night, it transforms into an open-air theatre of storytellers, musicians, and food stalls.
- Bahia Palace: A 19th-century palace built to be the greatest of its time. The sun-dappled courtyards and stained-glass windows are a masterclass in Moroccan design.
- The Saadian Tombs: These royal tombs were sealed and forgotten for centuries until they were rediscovered by aerial photography in 1917. The Hall of Twelve Columns is a sight to behold.
- Explore the Tanneries: Head to the Bab Debbagh area to see the ancient process of leather dyeing. It is an intense experience for the senses, but a vital part of the city’s history.
- Take a Traditional Hammam: No visit is complete without a scrub-down in a local bathhouse. For a luxury experience, try a spa in the Medina; for an authentic one, visit a neighbourhood public hammam.
- The Rooftops of the Medina: As the sun sets, the city moves upwards. Grabbing a mint tea on a terrace overlooking the rooftops is the best way to soak in the atmosphere.
- A Hot Air Balloon Ride: For a unique perspective, take a sunrise flight over the surrounding desert and Berber villages, with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains as your backdrop.
Where to eat in Marrakech?
Knowing where to eat in Marrakech is the difference between a tourist trap and ‘the best meal of your life’. For the best street food, skip the main square at night and find the stalls in the Guéliz district or the small hole-in-the-wall shops near Bab Doukkala. Look for the vendors serving Sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts) or B’stilla (pigeon or chicken pie) to locals in the morning.
For a sit-down meal that feels like a hidden treasure, find Le Famille. It is a vegetarian garden oasis tucked behind an unassuming door in the Medina. For something truly traditional, visit a local Méchaoui alley near the spice market. Here, whole lambs are slow-roasted in underground clay ovens for hours – sublime.
Where to Stay in Marrakech: A Guide to the Neighbourhoods
Deciding where to stay in Marrakech depends on the desired pace of the trip.
Mouassine: This is one of the oldest and most prestigious quarters of the Medina. It is home to some of the most beautiful Riads (traditional courtyard houses) and is perfectly positioned for those who want to be near the souks but in a slightly more refined setting.
Kennaria: Located close to the Jemaa el-Fnaa, this area is ideal for those who want to be in the thick of the action. It is vibrant, loud, and quintessentially Marrakech.
Hivernage: For a completely different vibe, this area is home to leafy avenues and luxury villas. It is the place for those who prefer modern hotels and high-end nightlife over the ancient charm of the old city.
Sidi Ghanem: The industrial design district. Staying near here is perfect for architecture and design lovers as it’s filled with furniture showrooms, candle factories, and trendy cafes.
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This article was written in partnership with Visit Morocco.