10 best things to do in Marrakesh

Known as the "Red City" as a result of its distinctive rose-hued buildings, Marrakesh is a richly rewarding destination of bustling souks, ornate palaces, hidden gardens and historic mosques. Put simply, Marrakesh is a Morocco must-visit. Inspired to visit? Keep reading to find out about the 10 best things to do in Marrakesh, including easy day trips to take from this endlessly fascinating city. 

1. Enjoy Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Among the best things to do in Morocco as a whole, Jemaa el-Fnaa square, located in the heart of Marrakesh's Medina, is an energetic hub of snake charmers, street food vendors, storytellers and musicians. 

If you fancy a break from the bustle, head up to a rooftop café for stunning views over the square — especially at sunset — to enjoy mint tea or coffee.

On the subject of sunset, while Jemaa el-Fnaa is a lively joy by day, it’s arguably more magical at night when the square glows with lanterns and the air fills with music and the aromas of food. This is also where you will find the best souks in Marrakech.

How to get there

Walk from anywhere in the Medina, or request a taxi drop-off nearby.

Best time to visit

Visit from 5-10 pm to fully soak up the square’s unique atmosphere.

Editor’s tip: as revealed in our feature on where to stay in Marrakesh, the Medina makes a great base for first-time visitors.

2. Visit Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, and designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 30s, this lush botanical garden is home to exotic plants from around the world — think cacti, bamboo groves, water lilies, palms, and bougainvillea.

A highlight here is the Majorelle Blue Villa. Once Majorelle’s home, it’s an eye-catching centerpiece of the garden.

Inside the former artist's studio, a small museum houses a fascinating collection of Berber artefacts, including jewellery, textiles and traditional clothing.

Meanwhile, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum showcases iconic creations by the legendary fashion designer who famously fell in love with Marrakesh. 

Besides the permanent collection, the museum hosts temporary exhibitions related to fashion, photography and Moroccan culture.

How to get there

Located in the New Town (Gueliz area), just outside the Medina, you can get here via a short taxi ride (10–15 minutes) from Jemaa el-Fnaa, or else a 30-minute walk.

Best time to visit

Visit in the early morning (8–10 am) to avoid crowds, and the hottest part of the day.

Short on time? Read up on how to enjoy the perfect weekend in Marrakesh, and take inspiration from an expert-curated 3 days in Marrakech itinerary.

3. Be wowed by Bahia Palace

Known for its lavish design, tranquil gardens, and stunning craftsmanship, Bahia Palace (“Palace of the Beautiful”) is a masterpiece of 19th-century Moroccan architecture. 

Built for Si Moussa and later expanded by his son Ba Ahmed, it was intended to be the most magnificent palace of its time, and still impresses today.

The Grand Courtyard (Cour d’Honneur) is the centerpiece of the palace — a vast marble courtyard framed by elegant arches and tiled colonnades. 

Be sure to take time to admire the intricate zellij tilework, carved cedarwood ceilings and stained-glass windows.

Beyond its beautiful interiors, Bahia Palace’s lush gardens invite peaceful strolls among orange trees, fragrant jasmine and ornate fountains.

How to get there

Located in the Southern Medina, you can walk here in 10-15 minutes from Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Best time to visit

Morning is best to avoid bigger tour groups, and to take advantage of the best natural light for photography.

Want more detail on when to visit? Read our guide to the best time to go to Morocco.

4. Explore souks

Wandering the best souks of Marrakesh is an essential experience — a colorful, sensory overload of spices, carpets, lanterns, leather goods, and so much more. 

A top place to start is Souk Semmarine — the grand, covered artery that leads off Jemaa el-Fnaa. Here, you can soak up the high arched ceilings and old wooden beams while shopping for rugs, kaftans and silver jewelry.

Meanwhile, Souk el Attarine is the place to come for perfumes, fragrant oils and incense, with Souk Chouari stacked with artisan workshops that are laden with wooden furniture, cedar carvings and baskets.

If you’re been longing to get yourself some traditional Moroccan slippers (babouches), don’t miss Souk Smata.

Whichever souk you’re exploring, be prepared to bargain, carry small change, and use landmarks like tall minarets and major gates to help find your way back if you get lost (which you will, but that's all part of the fun!)

Traveling beyond Marrakech? Wise up on the best markets in Morocco.

How to get there

Enter from Jemaa el-Fnaa and head north into the maze.

Best time to visit:

Hit the souks at 10 am for relaxed browsing, or late afternoon (4–6 PM) for a livelier vibe.

5. See the Saadian Tombs

Hidden for centuries, the Saadian Tombs are one of Marrakesh’s most beautiful and historically fascinating sites — a hidden royal necropolis that was only rediscovered in 1917 after being sealed off for centuries. 

Dating back to the late 16th century, they were built during the reign of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, with the Chamber of the Twelve Columns the most breath-taking room in the complex.

The chamber houses the tomb of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, stunningly set beneath intricate carved plasterwork and zellij tile mosaics.

Outside, you can stroll through the small walled garden, dotted with orange trees and quiet pathways between graves.

How to get there

The tombs can be reached via a 15-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa, near the Kasbah Mosque.

Best time to visit

Head here first thing in the morning for more peace, and the best light.

6. Explore El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace ("The Incomparable Palace") was once one of the most opulent structures in the Islamic world.

Built by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the late 16th century, it was originally decorated with gold, marble and precious stones.

While much of its grandeur was later stripped away, the remaining atmospheric ruins are a must-visit for history lovers, with vast courtyards, sunken gardens and high ramparts offering insights into old Marrakesh's imperial might.

Alongside exploring the huge sunken gardens, you can walk the ramparts for panoramic views of the Marrakesh skyline, the distant Atlas Mountains, and nearby landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque.

Also keep an eye out for the storks that nest atop the ruined walls and towers.

How to get there

El Badi is just a short walk from Bahia Palace

Best time to visit

Head here in the morning to avoid the hottest hours.

7. Enjoy a traditional hammam 

Relaxing in a traditional Moroccan hammam — a steamy, soothing bathhouse that often also offers the likes of exfoliating scrubs and massages — is one of the best things to do in Marrakesh to relax and (quite literally!) soak up local culture.

For something special, head to one of the best luxury hammams in Marrakesh.

How to get there

Many riads offer hammams, while notable public ones like Hammam de la Rose are walkable or reachable by short taxi ride.

Best time to visit

Afternoons are a great to visit a hammam for some post-sightseeing, pre-dinner relaxation.

8. Take a day trip to the Ourika Valley

Located south of Marrakesh, the Ourika Valley is one of the most popular and scenic day trips from Marrakesh. 

And the reasons? The valley offers a refreshing escape into the foothills of the Atlas Mountains — think lush greenery, Berber villages, riverside cafés, and stunning waterfalls.

As you leave the city, the landscape shifts from flat plains to winding roads surrounded by mountains, orchards and mud-brick villages, with many tours including a village stop so you can visit a Berber family's house to learn about traditional rural life while sipping mint tea.

Another highlight of tours is getting to hike to see a series of seven waterfalls at Setti Fatma. While the first is easy to reach, higher ones require moderate scrambling, so be sure to wear sturdy shoes.

How to get there

The valley is 1–1.5 hours’ drive from Marrakesh. To get here, it’s best to book a tour with a guide or take a private taxi.

Best time to visit

Morning visits are best to enjoy cooler weather, beat crowds, and maximise your time.

As for the best time of year to visit, spring and early summer come out on top, when the valley is green, and the waterfalls are more impressive.

Looking to explore further afield? Read up on getting around Morocco.

9. Pop to the Palmeraie for desert adventures

The Palmeraie (also called Palm Grove) is a vast, tranquil area just outside Marrakesh. 

Filled with thousands of date palms, desert gardens, and traditional villages, it offers the perfect mini-escape from the busy Medina, along with the chance to enjoy camel rides and quad biking.

As such, it’s definitely a top thing to do when visiting Morocco with kids, with relaxing spa experiences on hand for luxury-minded adults — the Palmeraie is home to upscale hotels.

How to get there 

Palmeraie is a 20-minute drive north from the medina, so you could easily take a taxi.

Alternatively, many organized half-day or full-day tours include hotel pickups and an activity package.

Best time to visit

Morning visits offer cooler, fresher air, while late afternoon serves glorious golden sunset light.

As for what time of time of year to head here, October to April is best as summer can be very, very hot.

Editor’s tip: for broader practical information, read our Morocco travel advice, and our Morocco travel health tips.

10. Visit coastal Essaouira

With its UNESCO-listed Medina of narrow alleys, artisan shops and galleries, taking a day-trip to the charming Atlantic coastal town of Essaouira offers a refreshing contrast to Marrakesh. 

Head to the habor for fresh seafood after exploring the medina and Skala de la Ville (fortified sea walls built by Portuguese and French engineers), ahead of hitting the beach. 

The long windswept stretch of sand invites long walks, or you could even try your hand at kitesurfing and windsurfing before heading back to the city.

Like the sound of that? Read our first-timers guide to Essaouira.

How to get there

While you can take a bus (it takes 2.5-3-hours each way), tours come recommended as they often include interesting stops on the way, such as the unlikely sight of goats perched in argan trees, and visits to argan oil cooperatives.

Best time to visit

Plan a morning departure (7–8 am) so you have plenty of time to sightsee — most tours allow for this.

While heading to Essaouira between March and May, or between September and November, is ideal (it’ll be sunny and not too windy), also note that summer here is cooler than inland Morocco, which makes it a popular beach escape destination.

Ahead of your trip, be sure to wise up on how to plan a trip to Morocco.