Quick answer: the top things to do in Marrakech are Jemaa el-Fna square, the Koutoubia Mosque, the souks, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace, Dar el Bacha, Le Jardin Secret and the Jardin Majorelle. Two full days cover the essentials. With three, you can add a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or the Agafay desert.
Summary in 30 seconds
- Marrakech has two main areas: the historic medina (a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985) and the new town of Gueliz and Hivernage.
- Most monuments are less than 25 minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna.
- Entry fees checked in September 2026: Bahia Palace 100 MAD, Saadian Tombs 100 MAD, Dar el Bacha 60 MAD.
- The Jardin Majorelle recommends buying tickets online, especially in spring and autumn.
- Many sights are free: Jemaa el-Fna, the outside of the Koutoubia, the souks, the Menara and the Koutoubia gardens.
- The best time to visit is March to May and October to November.
- Since 20 September 2026 Morocco has used permanent GMT, so it gets dark earlier on the clock in autumn and winter.
- The most popular day trips are the Atlas, Ourika, Agafay, Essaouira and Ait Ben Haddou.
Why Marrakech deserves several days
Marrakech is Morocco’s most visited city, and for good reason. Within a few streets it packs palaces, mosques, gardens, colourful souks and a square that feels like an open-air theatre. It is also an hour from the Atlas Mountains and a few hours from the desert and the ocean.
However, many travellers arrive in a rush and leave feeling they missed the best parts. That is why we have put together this practical guide to the things to do in Marrakech, organised by area, with entry fees, opening hours, 1-, 2- and 3-day itineraries and tips from local guides.
To understand the city’s history and layout first, read our guide to the old and new town of Marrakech and our article on Marrakech as Morocco’s former capital.
Marrakech history in 5 minutes
Knowing the history helps you decide what to see in Marrakech and enjoy every monument more.
- 11th century – Almoravids: around 1070 they founded Marrakech as the capital of an empire reaching into Spain. They built the first walls and the khettara channels that brought in water.
- 12th century – Almohads: they built the Koutoubia and the Menara. Marrakech became one of the great capitals of the Islamic world.
- 16th century – Saadians: Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur raised El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs. It was the city’s golden age.
- 17th to 19th centuries – Alaouites: the capital moved to Meknes and Fes, but Marrakech remained a royal city. The Bahia Palace was built in the 19th century.
- 20th century – Protectorate: the new town of Gueliz appeared and Pasha El Glaoui built Dar el Bacha.
- 1985 – UNESCO: the medina joined the World Heritage list.
How Marrakech is laid out: the areas to know
| Area | What is there | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Jemaa el-Fna and Koutoubia | The great square and the city’s iconic minaret | First stroll, sunset, dinner |
| North medina (souks, Mouassine, Ben Youssef) | Souks, madrasa, Dar el Bacha, Le Jardin Secret, fondouks | Shopping, architecture, crafts |
| South medina (Kasbah and Mellah) | Bahia, El Badi, Saadian Tombs, Jewish quarter | Palaces and history |
| Gueliz and Hivernage | New town, Majorelle, restaurants, hotels | Gardens, cafés, nightlife |
| Palmeraie and Agafay | Palm groves, villas, stone desert | Camel rides, dinner shows |
Planning by area saves a lot of time. For example, a morning in the south medina and an afternoon in the north medina cover many of the top things to do in Marrakech.
Things to do in Marrakech: 20 essential sights to see
1. Jemaa el-Fna square
The beating heart of Marrakech. In the morning you find orange-juice stalls, date sellers and snake charmers. At dusk the square transforms: storytellers, Gnawa musicians and dozens of smoky food stalls with long benches appear. UNESCO recognised its cultural space as a masterpiece of oral and intangible heritage.
Tip: head up to a café terrace at sunset to watch it from above. And if someone puts a monkey or a snake on you, expect to be asked for money.
2. Koutoubia Mosque
Its 12th-century minaret, around 77 metres tall, is the city’s symbol and inspired the Giralda in Seville. Non-Muslims cannot go inside, but the exterior and surrounding gardens are lovely, especially at sunset when the stone turns pink.
3. The medina souks
North of Jemaa el-Fna begins a maze of covered lanes grouped by trade: spices, carpets, dyers, blacksmiths and woodworkers. Getting lost is part of the experience, but an offline map helps.
Tip: bargain politely and compare prices. Read our guide to the Moroccan dirham before shopping.
4. Ben Youssef Madrasa
Once one of the largest Koranic schools in North Africa, its courtyard with a pool, zellige, carved stucco and cedar wood is among Morocco’s most photographed images. After a long restoration it has reopened and is a must-see.
5. Dar el Bacha – Museum of Confluences
The former palace of Pasha Thami El Glaoui, built in 1910, is now a museum and home to the famous Bacha Coffee. It opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm, and entry costs 60 MAD for foreign visitors. Read everything in our Dar el Bacha guide.
6. Le Jardin Secret
A restored 19th-century riad with two gardens: an Islamic one with channels and symmetry, and an exotic one. Its tower offers a view over the medina. It is a good place to escape the noise of the souks.
7. Mouassine fountain and fondouks
The Mouassine district keeps a decorated 16th-century public fountain and several fondouks, old caravan inns where artisans now work. It is ideal for watching leather, metal or wood being crafted.
8. Bahia Palace
Built in the 19th century for the grand viziers, it is a sequence of courtyards, gardens and rooms with painted ceilings. Its great marble courtyard is stunning. Adult entry costs 100 MAD (September 2026). Arrive early, as it gets crowded mid-morning.
9. El Badi Palace
It was one of the most lavish palaces in the Islamic world, built by the Saadian sultan Ahmed al-Mansur in the late 16th century. Today its huge walls, pools and ruined courtyards remain, home to nesting storks. The terraces offer good views.
10. Saadian Tombs
These Saadian dynasty tombs lay hidden for centuries and were rediscovered in 1917. The Hall of Twelve Columns, with Carrara marble and gilded stucco, is a jewel. They open daily from 9 am to 4:45 pm (last entry 4:15 pm), and entry costs 100 MAD.
11. Bab Agnaou and the Kasbah Mosque
Bab Agnaou is the most beautiful gate in the walls, in carved stone, at the entrance to the Kasbah. Next to it stands the Kasbah Mosque, whose minaret is decorated with green ceramic.
12. The Mellah and Lazama Synagogue
The Mellah was Marrakech’s Jewish quarter. It still has the Lazama Synagogue, the Jewish cemetery and a spice market. It is a good way to understand the city’s historic diversity.
13. The Bab Debbagh tanneries
Leather is worked here as it was centuries ago, in open-air vats of colour. The smell is strong, and many unofficial “guides” will steer you to commission shops. If you want to go, go with an official guide.
14. The ramparts and gates
The medina is encircled by around 19 kilometres of red rammed-earth walls. Circling them by horse-drawn calèche or car, especially at sunset, is a relaxed way to see gates such as Bab Doukkala, Bab el Khemis and Bab Aghmat.
15. Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later rescued by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, it is Marrakech’s most famous garden. Its intense blue, cacti and fountains make it very photogenic. Inside is the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts, and next door the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Tip: buy your ticket online in advance. Long queues form in spring and autumn. Check the current price on the official website before you go, as it changes often.
16. Menara Gardens
A large 12th-century reservoir surrounded by olive trees, with a pavilion and the Atlas behind it on clear days. It is a calm, free walk, popular with Moroccan families.
17. The Palmeraie
North of the city stretches a large palm grove with villas, luxury hotels and golf courses. It is the place for a camel or quad ride without leaving Marrakech.
18. Gueliz and the new town
Gueliz, created during the protectorate, has wide avenues, art galleries, cafés and modern shops. It makes a good contrast with the medina and is ideal for a quieter dinner.
19. A traditional hammam
A hammam is one of the most authentic things to do in Marrakech. Choose a simple, cheap neighbourhood hammam or a spa with a massage. We explain both in our guide to the Moroccan hammam.
20. Rooftop terraces at sunset
Medina rooftops offer the best views of the city, with the Koutoubia and the Atlas beyond. Sipping mint tea on a terrace as the call to prayer rings out is a memory that stays for ever.
Museums to see in Marrakech
Beyond the palaces, Marrakech has small, beautifully kept museums. They round off a visit or fill the hottest hours of the day.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Opened in 2017 next to the Jardin Majorelle, it traces the designer’s work and his bond with Marrakech. Its brick building, inspired by the weave of fabric, is a work of architecture in itself.
Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts
Inside the Jardin Majorelle, it gathers jewellery, textiles, weapons and everyday objects of the Amazigh peoples. Learn more in our guide to Berber Morocco.
Maison de la Photographie
In the north medina, it displays historic photographs of Morocco from the late 19th century onwards. Its rooftop also has good views.
Mouassine Museum
A restored historic house with original painted murals and a music room upstairs.
Dar Si Said
A 19th-century palace now devoted to Moroccan weaving and carpets, very close to the Bahia Palace.
More things to do in Marrakech: 12 experiences beyond the monuments
Knowing what to see in Marrakech is only half the trip. The other half is living the city. These are the experiences our guides recommend most:
- Moroccan cooking class: shop in the souk and make a tagine, salads and bread with a local cook.
- Hot-air balloon at sunrise: over the Haouz villages, with the snowy Atlas in winter.
- Calèche ride: around the ramparts and out to the Menara.
- Camel or quad ride in the Palmeraie: minutes from the centre.
- Dinner under the stars in Agafay: with music and a campfire.
- Hammam and argan oil massage: to recover after the souks.
- Craft workshop: pottery, leather or polished lime with a master artisan.
- Mellah market visit: spices, dried flowers and traditional remedies.
- Tea on a rooftop at sunset: overlooking the Koutoubia.
- Photo walk in Mouassine: doors, fountains and passageways.
- Design shopping in Gueliz: Moroccan designers’ boutiques and galleries.
- Dinner show with music and dance: in the medina or the Palmeraie.
What to buy in Marrakech
- Amazigh rugs: wool, woven in the Atlas.
- Leather babouches: in every colour.
- Pierced metal lamps: light and easy to pack if taken apart.
- Argan oil: best from women’s cooperatives.
- Spices: ras el hanout, cumin, saffron.
- Ceramics and tadelakt: bowls, plates and soap dishes.
- Black soap and ghassoul: for a home hammam.
For large items, ask for shipping and keep receipts for customs. Explore Moroccan dress in our guide to traditional Moroccan clothing.
Where to eat while exploring Marrakech
Eating well is part of the experience. The medina has rooftop terraces, riads with traditional cooking and street stalls. Gueliz and Hivernage offer more modern and international restaurants.
- Try: tanjia (Marrakech’s signature dish, slow-cooked in a clay urn), tagine, Friday couscous, pastilla and harira.
- For an afternoon break: mint tea and almond pastries.
- For dinner with atmosphere: the Jemaa el-Fna stalls or a rooftop with music.
Find ideas in our restaurant Marrakech guide and our guide to traditional Moroccan dishes.
Things to do in Marrakech at night
As the sun sets, Marrakech changes rhythm. Jemaa el-Fna fills with smoke, music and food stalls. Medina terraces light up and Hivernage restaurants come alive.
- The Jemaa el-Fna food stalls: snails, harira, skewers and fresh juice.
- The illuminated Koutoubia, seen from its gardens.
- Dinner with live music in a medina riad.
- Bars and clubs in Hivernage for those who want nightlife.
Since 20 September 2026 Morocco has used permanent GMT. As a result, in autumn and winter it gets dark earlier on the clock, and the square livens up earlier than many visitors expect.
Things to do in Marrakech with kids
- Jardin Majorelle: colours, fish and easy paths.
- Menara Gardens: room to run and picnic.
- Camels in the Palmeraie: a short ride is enough for little ones.
- Jemaa el-Fna in the early evening: musicians and acrobats before the crowds.
- Le Jardin Secret: calm and safe.
- The riad or hotel pool: essential in summer.
The tanneries and narrowest souks can be tiring with young children, so plan short visits and frequent breaks.
What to do in Marrakech when it rains or is very hot
- Dar el Bacha and its coffee room.
- The Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Museum of Berber Arts.
- The Maison de la Photographie.
- The Ben Youssef Madrasa, cool thanks to its thick walls.
- A hammam or spa.
- A cooking class.
Visiting Marrakech during Ramadan
Visiting during Ramadan is possible and fascinating. Monuments stay open, though some hours are shorter, and many tourist restaurants operate normally during the day.
The magic comes at sunset: the ftour, the meal that breaks the fast, gathers families around harira, dates and sweets. Afterwards, the streets stay busy until late. It is respectful not to eat or drink openly in the street during the day. Read our guide to religion in Morocco.
Guided or independent? A comparison
| Criterion | Independent | With an official guide |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Entry fees only | Entry fees + guide |
| Finding your way | Easy to get lost | Optimised route |
| History and context | Limited | Full explanations |
| Unofficial guides and commissions | More hassle | Left in peace |
| Best for | Experienced travellers | First visits, families, short stays |
Our advice: half a day with an official guide in the medina, then explore at your own pace. If you travel with us, we include it in your programme. Compare formats in our guide to private vs group tours in Morocco.
What to see in Marrakech: entry fees and opening hours
| Sight | Adult entry | Indicative hours | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jemaa el-Fna | Free | All day; best at sunset | 1-2 h |
| Koutoubia (outside and gardens) | Free | All day | 30 min |
| Bahia Palace | 100 MAD | Morning and afternoon, daily | 1 h |
| Saadian Tombs | 100 MAD | 9 am-4:45 pm (last entry 4:15 pm) | 45 min |
| Dar el Bacha | 60 MAD | Tue-Sun, 10 am-6 pm | 45 min + café |
| Ben Youssef Madrasa | Check at the ticket desk | Daily | 45 min |
| El Badi Palace | Check at the ticket desk | Daily | 1 h |
| Le Jardin Secret | Check at the ticket desk | Daily | 45 min |
| Jardin Majorelle | Check the official website | Daily, online booking recommended | 1-2 h |
| Menara Gardens | Free | All day | 45 min |
Prices checked in September 2026 at each sight’s ticket desk or source. They can change without notice, so carry cash in dirhams and confirm at the entrance.
A medina walking route, step by step
- Koutoubia: start in its gardens in the soft morning light.
- Bab Agnaou and the Kasbah Mosque: about 15 minutes’ walk south.
- Saadian Tombs: right next to the mosque.
- El Badi Palace: 10 minutes away, via Place des Ferblantiers.
- The Mellah: the old Jewish quarter and its spice market.
- Bahia Palace: a few minutes from the Mellah.
- Jemaa el-Fna: back to the square for lunch.
In the afternoon, head north: the souks, Mouassine, Dar el Bacha, Le Jardin Secret and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. In one day you will have covered most of what to see in Marrakech inside the medina.
Free things to do in Marrakech
- Jemaa el-Fna by day and by night.
- The outside of the Koutoubia and its gardens.
- The souks and the Mouassine district.
- The ramparts and medina gates.
- The Menara Gardens.
- The Mellah and its spice market.
- A stroll through Gueliz and Avenue Mohammed V.
Marrakech itinerary: 1, 2 or 3 days
One day
- 9:00 – Bahia Palace, before the crowds.
- 10:30 – El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs.
- 12:30 – Lunch on a medina rooftop.
- 14:30 – Souks, Mouassine and Dar el Bacha.
- 16:30 – Ben Youssef Madrasa.
- 18:00 – Jemaa el-Fna at sunset and dinner.
Two days
Day 1 as above. Day 2: Jardin Majorelle first thing, Gueliz, the Menara, a hammam in the afternoon and dinner in Hivernage or the medina.
Three days
Add a day trip outside the city: the Atlas, Ourika, Agafay, Essaouira or Ait Ben Haddou. For more ideas, see our guide to Marrakech holidays.
Day trips from Marrakech
| Trip | Approx. drive | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Ourika Valley | 1 h | Waterfalls, Berber villages |
| Imlil and the High Atlas | 1 h 30 | Hiking, Toubkal views |
| Agafay desert | 40 min | Camels, quads, sunset dinner |
| Essaouira | 3 h | Seaside medina, fresh fish |
| Ait Ben Haddou | 3 h 30 | UNESCO ksar, film sets |
| Ouzoud Waterfalls | 2 h 30 | Waterfalls and monkeys |
See all options in our excursions in Morocco. Film fans will love Ait Ben Haddou: read our guide to movies filmed in Morocco.
From Marrakech to the Sahara Desert
Many travellers pair Marrakech with a desert route. In two or three days you can cross the Atlas via the Tizi n’Tichka pass, visit Ait Ben Haddou and sleep in a camp in the dunes.
- 3-day desert tour from Marrakech
- 4-day Marrakech desert tour
- Private Sahara desert tour from Marrakech
Browse every route on our tours from Marrakech page. And if you want to end by the sea, read our guide to the beaches in Morocco: Essaouira is only three hours away.
When to visit Marrakech
| Season | Weather | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| March-May | Mild | Gardens in bloom, perfect light | High season |
| June-August | Very hot | Lower prices | Often over 40 °C |
| September-November | Pleasant | Great walking weather | Earlier sunsets since the switch to GMT |
| December-February | Sunny days, cold nights | Snow-capped Atlas backdrop | Christmas and New Year crowds |
See our guide to the best time to visit Morocco.
Where to stay in Marrakech
- Medina: characterful riads, close to everything. Ideal for a first visit.
- Kasbah: quieter, near the palaces.
- Gueliz and Hivernage: modern hotels, restaurants and nightlife.
- Palmeraie: luxury resorts, pools and calm.
Practical tips for visiting Marrakech
- Start early: palaces fill up from 10:30 am.
- Carry cash: many ticket desks and stalls do not take cards.
- Use offline maps: or buy a SIM card in Morocco.
- Beware of fake guides: if someone says “the street is closed”, keep walking.
- Dress respectfully: cover shoulders and knees in the medina. See what to wear in Morocco.
- Agree prices first: for taxis, calèches and photos with square performers.
- Hire an official guide: at least for half a day in the medina.
Overall, Marrakech is safe for visitors. Read our guide on whether Morocco is safe.
Common mistakes when visiting Marrakech
- Trying to see everything in a day: the medina is intense; allow two days at least.
- Visiting palaces at midday: more queues, more heat.
- Not booking Majorelle: tickets can sell out in high season.
- Following strangers through the souks: they usually lead to commission shops.
- Forgetting the Koutoubia cannot be visited inside: only the exterior.
- Never leaving the city: the Atlas and the desert are very close.
Romantic things to do in Marrakech for couples and honeymooners
Marrakech is one of the most romantic city breaks within easy reach of Europe. These ideas work beautifully for couples:
- Stay in a riad with a courtyard, fountain and private roof terrace.
- Watch the sunrise from a hot-air balloon over the Haouz plain.
- Book a private hammam for two with an argan oil massage.
- Enjoy a candlelit dinner in the Agafay desert.
- Walk through the Koutoubia gardens at sunset.
- End the trip with a night at a Palmeraie resort.
On a longer trip, a night in a luxury camp in the Merzouga dunes is the perfect finale. We arrange it on tailor-made private routes.
The best photo spots in Marrakech
Marrakech is a photographer’s dream, but the best shots depend on timing. These spots reward an early start or a golden-hour visit:
- Koutoubia at sunset: the minaret glows pink against the sky.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa courtyard: arrive at opening time for a reflection in the pool without crowds.
- Jardin Majorelle’s blue villa: first slot of the day for soft light.
- Jemaa el-Fna from a rooftop: blue hour, when the smoke from the stalls rises.
- Bab Agnaou: late afternoon, when the carved stone turns warm.
- Le Jardin Secret tower: views over medina rooftops and the Atlas on clear days.
Always ask before photographing people, and expect performers in the square to request a tip.
Marrakech in winter and over the festive season
Winter is an underrated time to explore Marrakech. Days are often sunny and pleasant for walking, while nights are cold, so pack a warm layer. On clear mornings the snow-capped Atlas rises behind the city, one of the most striking views in Morocco.
Christmas and New Year bring many European visitors, and riads fill up weeks ahead. If you plan to be here then, book early and read our guide to New Year in Morocco. Moreover, winter is a great moment to combine the city with the desert, where days are mild and nights are crisp and starry.
Budget for entry fees
If you visit the three sights with verified prices (Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs and Dar el Bacha), you will spend 260 MAD per adult. Add the Ben Youssef Madrasa, El Badi, Le Jardin Secret and Majorelle if you include them. So set aside a specific budget for tickets and carry it in cash.
On the other hand, many of the best things to do in Marrakech are free. With good planning, you can balance paid monuments with free walks.
Getting to Marrakech from the UK and North America
From London, Manchester and other UK airports, Marrakech is about three and a half hours by direct flight. From the USA and Canada, Royal Air Maroc flies direct to Casablanca, with a short connection or train to Marrakech. British, US, Canadian and Australian passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. See our guide to flights to Marrakech.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Marrakech
What are the top things to do in Marrakech?
Jemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia, the souks, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the Jardin Majorelle.
How many days do you need in Marrakech?
Two full days for the essentials and three if you want to add a trip to the Atlas, Agafay or Essaouira.
How much is the Bahia Palace entrance fee?
100 dirhams for adults, according to information current in September 2026.
What are the Saadian Tombs opening hours?
They open daily from 9 am to 4:45 pm, with last entry at 4:15 pm. Entry costs 100 dirhams.
Do you need to book the Jardin Majorelle?
Buying tickets online is recommended, especially in spring and autumn, to avoid queues.
What are the best free things to do in Marrakech?
Jemaa el-Fna, the outside of the Koutoubia, the souks, the ramparts, the Mellah and the Menara Gardens.
Can you go inside the Koutoubia Mosque?
No, non-Muslims cannot enter. You can admire the exterior and walk in its gardens.
When is the best time to visit Marrakech?
March to May and October to November, when temperatures are pleasant.
Is it safe to walk in the Marrakech medina?
Yes, though you should watch your belongings, ignore fake guides and use an offline map.
What are the best day trips from Marrakech?
The Ourika Valley, Imlil, the Agafay desert, Essaouira, Ait Ben Haddou and the Ouzoud Waterfalls.
Conclusion: the best things to do in Marrakech
Marrakech is a city to experience with all five senses. Indeed, in a few days you can move from Saadian palaces to the Majorelle gardens, from the bustle of the souks to the silence of a courtyard with a fountain. Moreover, its closeness to the Atlas and the desert makes it the best gateway to Morocco.
At Favorites Morocco Tours we arrange private visits with official guides in Marrakech, day trips and tailor-made desert routes. Explore our Morocco tours, learn about us or contact us to plan your trip.