The Ultimate Travel Guide to Magical Marrakech (Morocco)

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Practical tips when planning your visit to Marrakech

💰 The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham and you’ll need it in your pocket. Cash rules in the souq, but also for cabs and other vendors it might come in handy. Cards are accepted at most restaurants and hotels. Finding an ATM can be difficult, especially in the older parts of the Medina. Withdrawing cash at the airport might be convenient!

Transportation to and in Marrakech

✈️ Please be aware that the queues before customs can be notoriously long and be prepared to easily wait an hour before proceeding to your baggage claim.

🐴 Near the Djemaa el-Fna square you’ll see a very long queue of horse carts waiting to pick up a new batch of tourists. These animals are often nog well managed and taken care off and one would probably do them a favour by skipping this activity.

Accommodation advice on where to stay in Marrakech

🛎️ Marrakech is unique in the amount of Riads it has. These old city villas with an inner courtyard are scattered throughout the old city. They offer the ultimate Arabian nights vibe and your own oasis of peace in the medina chaos. They’re close to many famous sights but they can be difficult to find as well, especially the ones further down the medina.

The Riad is definitely the first choice of accommodation type. But during the last 10 years a lot of high end resorts are developed around the old town, offering a whole new level of luxury and facilities you won’t find in the Riads (like swimming pools and wellness). If you have more than two / three nights in Marrakech; the ultimate tip would be to first grab a Riad for the experience and than relax at one the beautiful resorts.

Tried & Tested: Our Accommodation Suggestions

• 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Kenzi Menara Palace & Resort > this luxury resort lies beyond the old city walls and offers everything you expect from a 5 star resort. The beautiful pool, the many restaurants and spacious rooms let you relax after a day of medina madness. They have a shuttle service to Djemaa el-Fna or you can take a taxi.
  
  
• 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Riad Nelia > stunning traditional riad that transports you back in time, perfect for a relaxing overnight in the old city.
  
  
•  👍🏻👍🏻 Riad Dar Nael > nice Riad exactly in the style you like to see when staying in Marrakech. However, it's far down the medina and can be hard to find. Especially when dining near the square or further out, finding your way back can be hard. On the other hand it's close to some key sights of the medina like the Medersa.
  
  TIC Tip: the souq looks very different after opening hours, as most of the merchandise is brought inside. Try to find clear recognisable marks to find your way back after dinner.
  
• 👍🏻 Ibis City Centre > budget friendly option and conveniently located within new Marrakech. Does what you expect but lacks all Aladdin aesthetics. Might serve you well when you're just travelling through.

Best Sights to See in the Capital

Make Marrakech even more magical with these seven must see stops on your 1001 nights dream trip:

1. ☑️ Jemaa el Fna Square
2. ☑️ El Badi Palace  [Check hours & fees on Tripadvisor]
3. ☑️ Ben Youssef Madrasa [Check on Tripadvisor]
4. ☑️ Bahia Palace  [Check hours & fees on Tripadvisor]
5. ☑️ Souq
6. ☑️ Jardin Majorelle [Check on Tripadvisor]
7. ☑️ Saadian Tombs [Check on Tripadvisor]

Marrakech Side Quests; Additional Sights to Discover

These seven things to cross should definitely be your Marrakech main mission objectives. However, if you have the time, there are some epic side quests to maximize your travel experience!

Le Jardin Secret

A beautiful garden in the middle of the souqs. This green oasis can be difficult to find but is worth the search! Perfect for another good photo opp. Check opening hours + fees on Tripadvisor.

Bab Agnaou

This famous gate was the main entrance to the Kasbah (citadel) of Marrakech and makes for a classic selfie when exploring an essential part of the city. The Saadian Tombs and the El Badi Palace are also just behind this beautiful decorated gate.

Koutoubia Mosque

This is the largest mosque of Marrakech with a giant minaret that is one of the most iconic symbols of the city. More importantly it’s an important landmark that helps you find your way back to the entrance of the medina and the central square Djemaa el-Fna.

l’Hivernage

This whole place was hardly there when we visited for the first time 10 years ago. This is nowadays the place to be for everyone who want to see modern Marrakech. Filled with luxury hotels, palm trees and hip restaurants like Comptoir and Nobu. The latter is great for a proper drink with an amazing rooftop view (if you can look past the drunk expats).

Tanneries

This one can be skipped to be honest. It’s often referred to as a scam, but mainly by uninformed tourists. Yes, you might get pushed into buying leather goods, but this can the case anywhere. However, unlike its bigger counterpart in Fez, it’s quite small and rather uninteresting due to its lack in authenticity (even though you will also get the classic mint leaves against the smell). This sight is not worth the detour, especially looking at all the gems Marrakech has to offer.

Atlas Excursion

If you finally reached the end of this list and you still can’t get enough; go on a trip into the Atlas Mountains. See rural Morocco, the lush green mountains and the impressive gorges with waterfalls. It’s definitely worth it and possible within a timeframe that’s still fun (which is lesser the case with Sahara or Essaouira trips without an overnight). Find an excursion that suits you on GetYourGuide.com

Travel Tips for Surviving the Souq

Marrakech is the king city with souqs like no other in Morocco and the rest of the Maghreb. Besides all the palaces and famous sights, this is an experience you can’t miss. A lot of people might feel a bit uncomfortable by all the smells, sounds, tourists and especially the sellers.

The medina (old city) and especially the souqs (markets) are a sensory overload. Just dive in with these tips and let it all wash over you!

❄️ Keep your cool. Stroll past the stands, smile and don’t take it all too seriously. Some merchants can seem annoying at first but they’re harmless and are just trying to sell something to make a living.

😎 Put on some sunglasses to avoid eye contact, which is an instant cue to engage in conversation. The same goes for lingering too long or looking lost with your travel guide. If you keep walking it’s easier, but make sure to stop and shop if your eye catches a glimpse of that souq jewel you wanted to take home!

💰 Don’t take too much with you. Just a phone in one pocket and some cash money in the other is enough. It’s easily covered when nonchalantly walking with your hands in your pocket, while you can still take photos and buy stuff.

🏷️ Haggle! It’s a custom and part of the game. The goal is to agree on a fair price for both. Make sure to at least counter the offer by halve.

🧭 Get lost! Navigating all the small alleyways can be difficult, but that’s part of the fun. Discover new markets, crafts and photo opportunities. If you keep going and follow the signs you’ll end up at a place you recognize or you can ask a local, they are always willing to help. The souq stroll is a true travel adventure to cross!

🍭 Also sample all the delicious food and not only buy souvenirs! Don’t miss out on all local sweets or a refreshing orange juice (no you won’t get sick that easily, but watch out with street meats and veggies). The souqs are also riddled with great restaurants, which might be a bit hard to find (see the cuisine catch).

What treasure did you take home from the souqs?

Best places to eat in Marrakech

Make sure to catch these cuisine experiences during your Marrakech trip!

• 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Le Jardin > amazing food in a green oasis at the heart of the old Medina
  
  
• 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Sweets at the Souq > still fancy something sweet after hustling all day in the souqs? Stop at one of the many stalls to pick up something delicious
  
  
• 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 Al Baraka > Moroccan food, view of the square, live shows. Maybe a bit touristy but a guaranteed great Maghrebi night
  
  
• 👍🏻👍🏻 Fresh Juice > nothing quenches your thirst in the hot North African sun like a cold fresh juice at Jemaa el-Fna.
  
  
• 👍🏻👍🏻 Comptoir > hip ambiance with Moroccan classic dishes
  
  
• 👍🏻👍🏻 DarDar > good food but rooftop vibe can't live up to the Insta hype
  
  
• 👍🏻 Nomad > hidden in the souqs, regular dining experience
  
  
• 👍🏻 Cafe de France > average food but great view (but there are many similar spots)

Disclaimer: every place on this list is worth visiting because they have an appealing factor (but some more than others :) Places we didn’t enjoy are not on the list!

Got a tip that should be on the list? Drop a comment so everyone can enjoy it!