There’s something about Marrakech. Africa’s first official Capital of Culture is a whirlwind of excitement and energy, packed with delectable dishes and a tangible sense of importance that cannot be manufactured. Marrakech is one of the planet’s most enticing destinations; make no mistake about that, a city that aims for every one of the senses and holds nothing back in the process. The best things to do in Marrakech must be seen, heard, smelt, touched, and tasted.
Marrakech isn’t a city for dawdling, although there is something to be said for lazily wandering the souks and just taking all the action. The same is true for sunset dinners on rooftop restaurants as the sprawling city goes about its business below. The magnificent museums deserve plenty of time too, come to think about it. Okay, Marrakech isn’t for dawdling, but take your time. A contradiction? Welcome to Marrakech.
What is it? This 150-room palace was home to slave-turned-vizier Abu ‘Bou’ Ahmed, who spared no expense in its gorgeous decoration. The painted, gilded ceilings, polychrome zellige tiling, and carved stucco still have the intended effect. That’ll be “wow,” so that you know.
Why go? Bahia is roughly translated as ‘beautiful,’ and that’s not an overstatement. Escape from the heat of the midday sun to the palace’s shaded spaces and get lost in all the intricate detailing.
Worth being one of the best things to do in Marrakech
What is it? Marrakech is famous for its souks (markets), and Souk Semmarine is the biggest of them all. Rugs, leather goods, silverware, and pottery of all shapes and sizes are available in this labyrinth – try not to get lost.
Why go? If you’re looking for an actual Marrakchi experience, get stuck and do some haggling with one of the local traders. Knock them down from their opening price and come away with a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
What is it? Created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, this botanical garden is home to more cacti than you can shake a terrarium at.
Why go? Phone cameras at the ready – Jardin Majorelle is pure Instagram gold. Though you’ll see some cringe photoshoots, it’s impossible to take a bad picture here. Arrive early to avoid unwanted photo-bombers.
Worth being one of the best things to do in Marrakech
What is it? The former governor’s palace and home to the notorious Thami El Glaoui, Lord of the Atlas. Now the Musée des Confluences houses the archaeological collection of American Patty Birch and puts on shows exploring the intersection of eastern and western cultures.
Why go? Dar el Bacha is probably the most beautiful construction in the medina, vast in ambition and covered in intricate detail. Coffered cedar ceilings, geometric tiling, and stucco worked into elaborate floral motifs. Don’t miss Marrakech’s best coffee shop, Bacha Coffee House, which serves more than 40 brews in the same building.
Worth being one of the best things to do in Marrakech
What is it? Opened next door to the gardens in 2017, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent is dedicated to Yves’s couture legacy. The French designer loved spending time in Marrakech so much that he bought Jardin Majorelle in 1980. He has a permanent display of hundreds of garments spanning his 40-year career.
Why go? The YSL collection is a fantastic body of work that even non-fashionistas can appreciate. It’s housed in one of the city’s most striking buildings, alongside a beautiful garden café, bookshop, temporary exhibition hall, and auditorium.
What is it? ANIMA is a magical garden where nature & art meet. A place with hundreds of botanical influences from around the world blended together with artworks by Picasso, Haring, Rodin and more!
Why go? André Heller’s ANIMA is a magical place of sensuality, wonder, contemplation, joy, healing, and inspiration. For people of all ages who want to experience the unforgettable. Visitors may stroll along shady paths, between sumptuous trees and shrubs, blossom and fragrant wonders, pavilions and sculptures, with breathtaking views of the often snow-capped Atlas Mountains. The Garden is a sensational display of the fusion of art and nature. You have to see it to believe it!
Worth being one of the best things to do in Marrakech
What is it? One of the largest and oldest riads in the medina of Marrakech. The origins of the complex date back to the time of the Saadian dynasty, more than four hundred years ago.
Why go? The riad is part of the great tradition of the Arab-Andalusian and Moroccan palaces. Visitors can thus discover the gardens and buildings that compose it and constitute as many exceptional testimonies of the art of gardens, architecture, and hydraulic Arab.
Worth being one of the best things to do in Marrakech
What is it? The epic ruins of Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansour’s once-magnificent palace are set within sunken gardens and surrounded by epic ramparts whose decrepit towers boast panoramic views over the medina.
Why go? El Badi may be a ruin, but it offers a fascinating insight into the power and wealth of past Moroccan dynasties. Within the ruins, you’ll also find the Koutoubia’s minbar (prayer pulpit) jewel crafted by 12th-century Cordoban artisans.
Worth being one of the best things to do in Marrakech
What is it? The Madrassa Ben Youssef of Marrakech is a Historical Monument of Islamic Art built in the 16th century, but its origin is much earlier. The site is dated back to the very foundation of Marrakech, 1000 years ago!
Why go? The Madersa Ben Youssef, the largest Madrassa in Morocco, has known the Glory days of Marrakech over several Dynasties. Discover the saga of one of the most beautiful heritages of Islamic art in Marrakech.
Worth being one of the best things to do in Marrakech
What is it? The Saadian Tombs are a historic royal necropolis in Marrakesh, Morocco, located on the south side of the Kasbah Mosque, inside the royal kasbah (citadel).
Why go? Saadian Tombs are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The historic tomb complex consists of two magnificent mausoleums and is now one of the most popular sights in Marrakech.
Worth being one of the best things to do in Marrakech
What is it? The Menara is a monument of the city’s heritage but, above all, a symbol representing the greatness that Marrakech has known. Built following the order of the Almohad caliph in 1147, it was at the base only a basin of 200 meters by 150, serving to store water during the droughts. In 1869, the pavilion was built, and the gardens were planted with olive trees.
Worth being one of the best things to do in Marrakech
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I travelled through Morocco with my mother for her 60th which was a dream holiday. Younes from Marrakech Go was so fantastic. His knowledge and care were amazing. If you get the chance go to Morocco - it is like nothing you would have ever experienced and doing it through a great company like Marrakech Go just takes all the work out of it.
Great day out! Lovely to see somewhere different to Marrakech and our guide Saife was amazing. Really informative and happy to answer all our questions. Overall great tour and great value.
Maravillosa experiencia, sitios espectaculares, cumplimiento y seriedad, recomendados 100%
It was a beautiful day in Essaouira with the driver. Very organized. A special thank to them. Essaouira is a calm city, we went across old street of it , the historical port
And nice Beach.
Highly recommend :)
We traveled 8 people for 10 days with Said, which is amazing driver which you can trust on to take you any place safely and with good vibes. He had a really comfortable and large car. I really recommend on the service we definitely use it next time!
I had the best trip !! I really enjoyed it! Highly recommend them! It was very fun experience for sure I will be back again!
Our driver was very knowledgeable, and gave us a lot of info. I was very impressed and will use them again on our next trip.
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