Unmissable! 10 Places and Things to Visit in Marrakesh
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2024
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Introduction
Marrakesh is the center of the Moroccan tourism industry, with the majority of travelers to the country spending at least part of their trip in the city. And the majority of our Morocco tours start or end in Marrakesh, meaning if you book a Morocco tour with us, you’re able to experience it for yourself with a mix of guided sightseeing and free time. Commonly believed to be the capital (this is actually Rabat), it’s a great introduction to Moroccan culture in all of its chaotic glory. From the snake charmers and fortune tellers of Djemaa el Fna to the tropical Majorelle Gardens, in this article we’ll show you the best things to visit in Marrakesh, once described by Winston Churchill as “simply the nicest place on Earth to spend an afternoon”.
10 Unmissable Marrakech Attractions
1. Jardin Majorelle
Travelers to Marrakesh are encouraged to immerse themselves in the serene oasis of Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden that boasts a stunning array of exotic plants, vibrant colors, and tranquil water features. Originally designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle, this enchanting garden took more than 40 years to complete and is now a popular attraction, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets of Marrakesh. As well as the wide diversity of plant life, there’s a beautiful 1930s cubist villa to discover and onsite cafe where guests can enjoy a light bite and a drink surrounded by greenery. A shaded respite from the Moroccan sun!
2. Musee Yves Saint Laurent
Located just next door to the Jardin Majorelle, this museum is dedicated to the iconic French fashion designer. He loved Marrakesh so much that he purchased the Jardin Majorelle and made it his home. In his honor, the building next door now houses a rotating collection of the designer’s work, including photos, sketches, film extracts and of course some of his fashion collections. If visiting Jardin Majorelle, it makes sense to pop next door, whether you consider yourself a fashionista or not!
3. Djemaa el Fna
You’re never short of stuff to do in Marrakesh, but if you’re time-limited then this is the absolutely unmissable one! The city’s main square, Djemaa el Fna is one of the best things to visit in Marrakesh, and the beating heart of the city. The square pulsates with life, energy, and excitement. Lose yourself in the maze of vibrant stalls, street performers, and aromatic food vendors as you experience the sensory overload of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. From charismatic snake charmers to fortune tellers, tattooists and street performers, the plaza is an absolute assault on the senses. Return at sunset when the musicians arrive and the surrounding restaurants fire up their grills.
4. Koutoubia Mosque
No visit to Marrakesh is complete without admiring the iconic minaret of Koutoubia Mosque, one of the best places to visit in Marrakesh. It’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a symbol of Marrakesh's architectural splendor and religious significance. Located next to Djemaa el Fna, it’s the tallest mosque in the city and one of the oldest in the country, dating back to the year 1147. Marvel at the intricate details of its design and soak in the spiritual ambiance of this historic landmark, surrounded by lush gardens.
5. The Medina
Medina means “city” in Arabic, and the Medina in Marrakesh is the literal heart of the old city, dating back to the 11th century. This UNESCO-listed warren is best explored with a sense of adventure and a willingness to get lost! The narrow streets and colorful shops and market stores are an assault on the senses. On our group tours, you will be accompanied by a guide for at least some of your Medina exploration and are free to return solo if you wish. Beware of supposedly kindly strangers offering to show you around, they tend not to be so kind when demanding payment for their apparently generous help!
6. Bahia Palace
Travellers are transported back in time at the Bahia Palace, a breathtaking masterpiece of Moroccan architecture and design. Designed originally as the regal palace for Grand Vizier Si Moussa, it is now one of the city’s most popular visitor attractions. The King of Morocco also still uses the palace occasionally to receive foreign guests and dignitaries. Travellers can wander through its ornately decorated rooms, intricately carved ceilings, and lush gardens as you uncover the opulent lifestyle of Marrakech's elite. The Bahia Palace suffered significant damage during the September 2023 Moroccan earthquake but thanks to painstaking restoration work, it reopened just one month later in October.
7. Souks of Marrakech
An absolute must for any traveler to Marrakesh is to delve into the maze-like alleyways of Marrakesh's legendary souks, where a treasure trove of goods awaits at every turn. From intricately woven carpets to handcrafted ceramics and aromatic spices, the souks offer a vibrant glimpse into Morocco's rich artisan heritage. Although they can be overwhelming, it’s an incredible experience to lose yourself in the warren. The souks are a great place to have a go at haggling and you can browse a staggering array of handcrafted wares, traditional dress, spices and more. If travelling on a Morocco group tour with us, you can tackle the souks with the company of an expert local guide, who will be on hand to make sure you don’t get pressured into a purchase or ripped off!
8. Saadian Tombs
Another of the best things to visit in Marrakesh is this royal necropolis, hiding a storied past. This hidden gem is tucked away within the bustling city walls. Marvel at the exquisite marble carvings, intricate mosaics, and serene courtyards that adorn these ancient burial grounds, offering a poignant reminder of Marrakesh's royal legacy. Built by powerful ruler Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi, the tombs were sealed up by one of his successors in the mid-1600s and were lost to mankind until rediscovered by aerial photography in 1917.
9. El Badi Palace
Visitors can embark on a journey through time at El Badi Palace, a majestic ruin that evokes the grandeur of Morocco's imperial past. Constructed by the same sultan as the Saadian tombs, the palace was built using materials from as far away as Italy and Mali. Although now in ruins, it is still an incredible experience to explore the remnants of the palace’s once-glorious architecture, including sunken gardens, towering ramparts, and ornate pavilions.
10. Riad museum
Marrakesh teems with grand riads, a traditional Moroccan building dominated by an interior garden or courtyard, with living quarters situated around the edges. Many of Marrakesh's finest riads are today museums that offer an antidote to the chaos of the city. The Musee Boucharouite displays an array of colorful tapestries and boasts a secret rooftop cafe, whilst Musee de Mouassine exhibits lots of local artwork. But there are tens of riads to choose from, and your guide on our Morocco trips will be able to recommend a riad to visit in your free time, should you wish.Our best-selling tours visiting Marrakech
The Best Time to Visit Marrakech
The best time to visit Marrakesh is during the spring months of March to May and the autumn months of September to November. During these times, the weather is pleasantly warm with mild temperatures, making it ideal for exploring the city's vibrant streets, markets, and historical sights to see like the Jardin Majorelle and the Medina. Avoiding the scorching heat of summer and the occasional chill of winter, visitors can fully enjoy outdoor activities such as camel rides in the desert, wandering through the bustling souks, and experiencing the city's rich cultural heritage without extreme weather interruptions. We have a dedicated month by month guide on visiting the city too!
Other Highlights of Morocco
We’ve run you through the main Marrakesh points of interest, but what about the rest of Morocco? These are some of the country’s other highlights.
Volubilis
Volubilis is an ancient Roman city boasting impressive and well-preserved ruins that offer a glimpse into Morocco's rich history. Visitors can wander through the well-preserved archaeological site and marvel at its majestic temples, grand villas, and intricate mosaics.
Conclusion
Marrakesh is top of most traveler's lists when arriving in Morocco, and rightly so. There are numerous things to visit in Marrakesh, from the beautiful Jardina Majorelle to the warren of streets in the Medina and the captivating chaos of Djemaa el Fna. The majority of our Morocco tours spend at least a night or two in Marrakesh, and it is easy to bolt on a few additional days to our itineraries should you want to spend more time exploring.
