If you wonder what to do in Marrakech, this list mixes famous sights with simple local pleasures. With plenty of history and hidden treasures, discover the unmissable things to do and see in the magical city of Marrakech.
Things to Do in Marrakech: Shop the Souks
The medina’s traditional souks stand side by side with Gueliz’s elegant brand-name boutiques. the vast array of goods available makes exploring these traditional souks exhilarating and if you find something you love, get ready to haggle for the best bargain. Shopping is often the first answer to what to do in Marrakech, so bring cash and plenty of patience.
Take a cooking class:
At the top of most people’s to-do lists when visiting a new country is trying out the local cuisine, In Marrakech, you admire the Moroccan food, you’ll learn to cook some authentic Moroccan tagines shops for ingredients at a souk and learn about the uses of different spices and herbs.
Sip on a healthy fruit juice in Jemaa el Fna:
The juice stands in the square are really worth the visit. The juices just cost about $0.50 a cup so they are super cheap but also super healthy. you can find freshly squeezed juices there made from all the fruits you can imagine.
Get Lost in the Medina:
Marrakech and its tiny back alleys are often compared to a big open-air maze where one can get lost for hours. As much as some people can dread the feeling, But lost in the streets is always a great way to discover a new city. Getting lost in these alleys is often the best answer to what to do in Marrakech on a slow afternoon.
Try a Moroccan Hammam:
The hammam – public bathhouse – is a Moroccan institution and you’ll find one in every neighborhood in Marrakech. It’s where Moroccans go for their weekly, it’s a restorative experience and it offers traditional treatments – scrubs, masques, and massages – in luxurious surroundings.
Visit Gueliz:
Gueliz is the modern face of Marrakech and it’s here you’ll find the city’s best restaurants. Its laid-back vibe makes for a refreshing change from the intensity of the medina.
The Mellah:
The Jewish quarter of Marrakech, which has undergone an extensive renovation program. Make sure to visit the Al Azama synagogue and the extraordinary Miara cemetery.
See Marrakech from Above:
Another thing you might consider if you have more than a couple of days in the city is to see Marrakech and the surrounding area from a hot air balloon. A hot air balloon ride will give you a unique bird’s eye view of the city as well as the surrounding desert, groves, and Atlas mountains.
Stay in a Beautiful Riad:
Morocco is a country that is rich in its stunning mix of architecture. In Marrakech, there is a special type of building that combines both architecture and history. They are called riads. No stay in Marrakesh would be complete without at least one night in a riad.
Walk around the ramparts of Marrakech:
Dating from as early as the 12th century, the magnificent walls that surround Marrakech’s Medina is 2 meters thick, 9 meters high and over 20km in length. a walk around parts of the wall is highly recommended to admire this magnificent structure.
Enjoy a traditional mint tea:
Moroccans are so fond of this sweet drink that they call it the “Moroccan Whiskey”. It is served with almost every meal and tastes absolutely delicious. There are many small cafes and restaurants in Marrakech where you can enjoy this traditional drink.
Watch the sunset from the Rooftop:
Rooftop terraces are plentiful all over Marrakesh with many restaurants and cafés having a rooftop sitting area. It is great to find a rooftop terrace to watch the action in Jemaa el-Fnaa and admire the beautiful sunset.
Watch Craftsmen at Work:
The souks aren’t just for shopping. The further you walk back the more frequently you’ll see workshops and not just shopfronts. Men can be seen piecing together leather shoes or carving wooden implements. Any number of other artisans will be busy too.
Marrakech Activities: Common Questions
What should you not miss in Marrakech?
Do not miss Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk, the Bahia Palace, the Majorelle Garden and a slow walk through the souks. A rooftop dinner, a hammam and a cooking class add local flavour that many short visits often skip. Book popular sights early in the day, when the lanes are much quieter and the light is softer.
What can you do in Marrakech at night?
At night, Jemaa el-Fnaa fills with grills, music and storytellers, and rooftop terraces offer views over the glowing square. Many visitors book a dinner show, a relaxing hammam or a quiet evening in a candlelit riad courtyard. Stay on lit main streets after late evening, and take a taxi back if your riad is far away.
What is there to do in Marrakech when it rains?
Rainy days are perfect for museums, palaces and the covered parts of the souks, which stay busy all day long. Try the Marrakech Museum, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Dar el Bacha coffee house for warm comfort. A cooking class or a long hammam session also turns a grey, wet afternoon into a real highlight.
Where should I stay in Marrakech?
Stay in a medina riad for atmosphere, or in Gueliz if you prefer modern hotels and much wider streets. Riads near Bab Doukkala or Riad Zitoun keep you close to the souks while still staying fairly quiet at night. Wherever you sleep, ask us what to do in Marrakech nearby, and we will share our favourite spots.
