17 Best Things to Do in Marrakesh: What I Loved (and What to Skip)

Posted on May 8, 2025 | Julie J. |

Marrakesh was my first real taste of Morocco — and what a welcome it was. Intense, colorful, and buzzing with energy, the city pulls you in fast. I spent several days wandering its winding medina, sipping mint tea on rooftops, dodging motorbikes in alleys, and finding quiet corners in unexpected places.

There’s so much packed into Marrakesh: beautiful palaces, photogenic riads, chaotic souks, and peaceful gardens — but also crowds, heat, and a few tourist traps. In this guide, I’m sharing the best things to do in Marrakesh, based on what I actually saw and experienced. Some places were even more magical than I expected; others I wouldn’t go back to.

Whether you’re in Marrakesh for three days or a full week, this list will help you figure out what’s truly worth your time — and how to make the most of it.

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Best Things to Do in Marrakesh

1. Get Lost in the Medina

It’s chaotic, crowded, and completely overwhelming — but that’s part of the charm. The Marrakesh medina is a maze of alleys and souks where the scent of spices mixes with the sound of motorbikes and the occasional “bonjour.” Don’t expect to stick to a plan — just wander. You’ll stumble on carpet shops, leather workshops, rooftop cafés, and plenty of locals ready to chat (or sell you something).

Tip: Download an offline map before heading in. Even with GPS, you’ll get lost — but that’s half the fun.

2. Visit the Majorelle Garden and YSL Museum

This botanical garden, once restored by Yves Saint Laurent, is a peaceful (and photogenic) escape from the chaos of the medina. The iconic cobalt blue villa and cactus-lined paths are reason enough to visit. Right next door is the YSL Museum, which is small but beautifully curated.

Tip: Book tickets online in advance to skip the line — it’s one of the busiest attractions in the city. The garden is open every day from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM. The museum is open from 10 AM to 6:30 PM (closed on Wednesday).

3. Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Café

Sunset over Djemaa el Fna square, Marrakech

There’s something magical about Marrakesh rooftops at golden hour. Grab a mint tea or fresh juice, watch the sun dip below the skyline, and listen as the call to prayer echoes across the city. My favorite rooftop spot? Atay Café — relaxed vibes, beautiful views, and great food.

4. Explore the Bahia Palace

This 19th-century palace is a showpiece of Moroccan architecture, with intricate tile work, painted ceilings, and peaceful courtyards. It gets crowded fast, but it’s one of the few historical sites in Marrakesh where you can really soak in the design and craftsmanship.

Tip: Get there right when it opens for the quietest experience. Open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.

5. Shop the Souks (or Just Browse)

Even if you’re not in the market for a rug or leather slippers, the souks are worth exploring. You’ll find everything from handmade lamps to spices, textiles, ceramics, and Argan oil. Haggling is expected — and part of the experience.

Note: If you really want to buy something big, do your homework first. Some vendors can be pushy and prices vary wildly.

6. Visit the Saadian Tombs

Hidden behind the Kasbah Mosque, these tombs date back to the 1500s and are surprisingly beautiful. The main mausoleum, with its carved cedar ceilings and zellij tiles, is worth the short detour.

Tip: try going at opening time to avoid queuing to see the inside tombs. Open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.

7. Unwind in a Hammam

After a few dusty days in the medina, treat yourself to a traditional Moroccan hammam. You can go ultra-local at a public hammam or book a more spa-like version. I tried Les Bains de l’Alhambra — affordable and relaxing.

8. Experience Jemaa el-Fnaa Square (Once)

Yes, it’s chaotic. Yes, it’s full of snake charmers, monkeys on chains (which I don’t support), and people trying to sell you stuff. But it’s part of the Marrakesh experience. Go once, preferably at dusk when food stalls light up and the square fills with locals and tourists alike.

Skip the orange juice vendors with super bright signs — a few of them are known for switching cups or shortchanging.

9. Take a Cooking Class

If you’re into cooking, this is a great way to learn how to make tajine from scratch — and visit a local market with a guide.

I took a cooking class with Chef Khmisa. We decided on the menu and then went to the market to pick up fresh ingredients. It ended up being one of the best meals I had in Morocco.

10. Visit Le Jardin Secret

Tucked in the medina, this restored garden is a quiet retreat with gorgeous landscaping and views from the tower. It’s smaller and less famous than Majorelle, but honestly, I liked it just as much.

Open every day from 9:30 AM to 7:30 PM.

11. Wander the Ruins of El Badi Palace

Once a lavish royal complex, El Badi is now a hauntingly beautiful ruin — crumbling walls, sunken gardens, and a colony of storks that have made the ramparts their home. It’s a great place to escape the crowds, climb up for rooftop views, and imagine what the palace once looked like.

Don’t miss the underground passageways and the rooftop views across the medina. Open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM.

12. Visit the Dar Si Said Museum

If you want more context for all the stunning craftsmanship you’ll see around Morocco, this museum is a gem. Set in a former palace, it features traditional Moroccan arts — rugs, woodwork, ceramics, jewelry — all in an equally beautiful setting.

Tip: It’s quieter than other spots and makes for a great cultural detour between souk strolls.

13. Check Out the Almoravid Koubba

This small, almost hidden building near the Ben Youssef Madrasa is the only surviving structure from the Almoravid dynasty in Marrakesh (circa 12th century). While it’s not as grand as other landmarks, its simplicity and historical importance make it worth a quick visit — especially if you’re into architecture.

Note: The site is small but fascinating if you enjoy ancient engineering and water systems.

14 – Visit Madrasa Ben Youssef

One of Marrakesh’s most beautiful buildings, the Ben Youssef Madrasa is a must-see for its intricate stucco, carved cedar, and stunning zellige tilework. Once an Islamic college, it’s now open to visitors who can wander the peaceful courtyards and student dormitories. Get there early to enjoy the quiet before tour groups arrive.

Open every day from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM.

15 – Explore Dar El Bacha – Musée des Confluences

This elegant palace-turned-museum is a bit of a hidden gem. Its beautifully restored interiors and rotating exhibits on Moroccan culture, art, and religion are fascinating—but even if you’re not into museums, it’s worth visiting just to see the architecture and the serene atmosphere.

Don’t miss a coffee or pastry at the adjacent Bacha Coffee salon—it’s pricey but memorable.

Open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM – closed on Monday.

16 – Check Out the Koutoubia Mosque

Visible from much of the medina, the Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakesh’s largest and a key landmark. Non-Muslims can’t enter, but it’s still worth admiring from the outside, especially around golden hour when the minaret glows in the late sun. The gardens surrounding it make a nice, shaded break from the bustle of Jemaa el-Fnaa.

17 – Stay at a Riad

For a truly Moroccan experience, skip the big hotels and stay in a traditional riad—an intimate guesthouse tucked inside the medina, often with lush courtyards, rooftop terraces, and beautifully tiled interiors.

Riad Matham is a favorite among travelers for its iconic pool and Instagram-ready spaces, while Riad Dar One offers a quieter, stylish retreat just a short walk from the main sights. Both provide a peaceful escape from the city’s buzz and a more personal connection to local hospitality.

What to Skip in Marrakesh

Not everything in Marrakesh lives up to the hype — here are a few things I found overrated or simply not worth the time (especially if you’re on a tight schedule):

The Snake Charmers in Jemaa el-Fna

Yes, they’re iconic, but the experience is often uncomfortable. The snakes look distressed, and the charmers can be aggressive about asking for money — even if you didn’t take a photo. We ended up walking by quickly and focusing on the food stalls and street performers instead.

Souvenir Shops Around the Big Squares

Some of the most touristy shops around Jemaa el-Fna and the major squares are overpriced and filled with factory-made goods. If you’re looking for something authentic, it’s better to dive deeper into the souks or explore artisan workshops in less touristy areas like the Mellah or Kasbah districts.

Jardin Secret (if you’ve already been to Jardin Majorelle)

While beautiful, Jardin Secret can feel a bit underwhelming if you’ve already been to Jardin Majorelle. It’s smaller and less lush, and the entrance fee feels a bit steep for what you get. It’s not a “must,” unless you’re really into garden design or need a quiet break.

Guided Tannery Tours

Unless you’re very curious, these tours tend to be more of a hard-sell trap. Some guides will tell you the tour is free, then push you to buy leather goods or tip heavily. If you do want to see the tanneries, it’s best to go independently and keep your expectations low — the experience is pretty intense (strong smells, aggressive vendors).

Day Trips from Marrakesh

If you have a few extra days in Marrakesh, there are some great day trips you can take to experience a different side of Morocco — from mountains and waterfalls to desert kasbahs and seaside towns. Here are some we think are worth the effort:

The Atlas Mountains & Ourika Valley

Just over an hour from Marrakesh, the Ourika Valley offers a refreshing escape into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. You’ll pass Berber villages, local markets, and green terraced farms. There’s also a short but slippery hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls — bring good shoes!

Tip: Visit on a weekday if you can. It’s super popular with locals on weekends.

Ouzoud Waterfalls

These dramatic, multi-tiered waterfalls are about 2.5–3 hours from Marrakesh and make for a scenic day out. You can hike down to the base for amazing views (and a chance to cool off if it’s hot), take a little boat across the pool for fun photos, and maybe even spot some Barbary macaques.

Tip: The trails can get steep and slippery — wear decent shoes and bring water. Most tours include a local guide, but you can go independently too.

Aït Benhaddou & Ouarzazate (Long Day, but Doable)

This one’s a long trip (around 4 hours each way), but if you’re short on time and won’t be heading further east, it’s worth it. Aït Benhaddou is a stunning mud-brick ksar that’s been featured in movies like Gladiator and Game of Thrones. You can combine it with a quick visit to Ouarzazate and the Atlas Studios.

Tip: Be prepared for a long, winding drive through the Tizi n’Tichka Pass — motion sickness meds might help. Rent a car or book a tour.

Essaouira

This chilled-out coastal town is about 2.5 hours from Marrakesh and offers a completely different vibe. Think ocean breezes, fresh seafood, whitewashed buildings, and a slower pace. It’s a great way to balance out the intensity of the medina.

Tip: It can get very windy, so pack a light jacket even if it’s sunny.

Agafay Desert

If you’re short on time but want a taste of the desert, the Agafay Desert is just 40 minutes from the city. It’s rocky rather than sandy, but you can do camel rides, quad biking, or just hang out in a luxury camp for sunset.

Tip: If you’re planning to visit the Sahara later in your trip, you can skip this one — but it’s a good “desert-lite” experience.

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