Travel to Marrakech

Visiting the city’s main square is one of the most popular things to do during holidays in Marrakech. Enjoy a refreshing drink from the orange juice sellers and watch acrobats, musicians and snake charmers performing for tips. Cafe Glacier’s terrace is the best place to take photos of the action from different angles. Come in the late morning or early evening to avoid the heat.

Riads are traditional houses that have been converted into boutique hotels in the medina (old town). They’re the perfect place for a romantic city break in Marrakech, with Moroccan lanterns and tiled courtyards setting the mood. Enjoy a lazy afternoon on the roof terrace with mint tea and pastries while admiring Atlas Mountains views. Some riads have dipping pools, so bring your swimwear and cool off on a hot day.

Pose next to giant cacti and rest in the shade of palm trees as you explore the exotic Jardin Majorelle. Home to rare plants from across the world, this lush garden is a great place to escape the heat. Don’t leave without visiting the Pierre Berge Museum of Berber Arts for tribal costumes and jewellery. You’ll find it in the much-photographed blue villa.

The medina’s historical landmarks, lively squares and traditional riads make it the best neighbourhood to stay in Marrakech for first-timers. It’s the oldest part of the city and perfect for a day of sightseeing, rooftop dining and souvenir shopping in the souks. The narrow alleyways are best explored on foot, with architectural treasures hiding around almost every corner.

Good for: Markets, historical landmarks, boutique hotels

Home to some of the city’s most glamorous resorts, this vast palm grove is where to stay in Marrakech if you’re looking for a peaceful haven away from the bustle. Practise your swing at the golf course or enjoy a camel ride before settling in for a lazy afternoon by the pool. Hotel shuttle buses are on hand for sightseeing in the medina, which is just a few minutes away from Palmeraie.

Good for: Palm groves, luxury resorts, golf courses

The energetic Hivernage district feels like a rebellious sibling compared to the conservative old town. Hivernage evenings begin with fine dining and cocktails before moving on to casinos and nightclubs. If you’re looking for lively entertainment and five-star hotels, this is one of the best areas to stay in Marrakech.

Good for: Restaurants, nightclubs, luxury hotels

You’ll find plenty of fun things to do with family in Marrakech. Zoom down flumes at the water park at Oasiria Marrakech or head to Cyber Park to explore the lush greenery and the technology integrated into it. The kids will love seeing the city’s nesting storks perched on the ruins of El Badi Palace in the medina.

Practise your haggling skills in the souks and come away with a haul of keepsakes like leather slippers, rugs and ceramics. Not keen on bartering? Pop into Ensemble Artisanal for fixed-price souvenirs. Head to the fashion boutiques and jewellery stores on M Avenue for high-end shopping in Marrakech in the modern Gueliz district.

Museums in Marrakech are great places to learn about Morocco’s famous architecture and artisanship. Head to Marrakech Museum and admire its intricate carvings, ‘zellij’ mosaic tilework and ornate stucco embellishments. Also visit Dar El Bacha. This former palace serves as a prime example of traditional Moroccan architecture. 

Morocco is a Muslim country, so public drinking isn’t allowed, but behind closed doors the nightlife in Marrakech is abuzz. For cold beers in the medina, the Kosybar roof terrace comes with views of the Badi Palace. You can sip cocktails at the speakeasy-inspired Barometre Marrakech in Gueliz or watch belly dancers at the oriental-themed Comptoir Darna in Hivernage.

Visit the Jemaa el-Fna night market to sample delicacies like smoked sausages and snail soup, or sheep brains if you’re feeling brave. Find the best stalls where locals are eating. For more formal restaurants in Marrakech, enjoy jazz lounge drinks and tagines at La Maison Arabe or tuck into steak and spaghetti by the pool at La Trattoria.

Watching street performers in Jemaa el-Fna and exploring the spice souks are some of the best free things to do in Marrakech. You can also admire the grand Koutoubia Mosque from the outside, before cooling off by the fountains in nearby Lalla Hasna Park. Go at sunset to see the glowing orange walls of the Koutoubia minaret reflected in the water.