Marrakech is a vibrant and exciting destination and offers a perfect blend of culture, beautiful scenery, and fascinating architecture. It has been dubbed the "Pearl of the South" or the "Red City" though it is said to be disfigured by mass tourism, with countless attractions that won't make you hesitate twice when you have to take your plane tickets to visit Marrakech!
To help you organize your stay, we have listed the best things to do in Marrakech. So, what do you need to visit in Marrakech to make sure you don't miss anything in town? Follow the guide!
1. The Palmeraie of Marrakech
The Palmeraie in Marrakech has more than 100,000 trees and covers about 15,000 hectares, mainly palm trees as well as date palm production and vegetable gardens. It is a natural and tourist heritage very well known in Morocco that you-must do if you come to visit Marrakech.
Besides, it is possible to explore this place during a camel ride or a quad ride!
2. The Ouzoud Waterfalls
Located about 150km from Marrakech, you can't miss Ouzou Falls when you visit Marrakech! Considered the foremost beautiful and highest waterfall in Morocco, you'll be able to swim, have picnics, and meet the local monkeys.
3. The Majorelle Garden
Not to be missed in the new city: the Majorelle Garden (botanical garden with bluish colors). The garden belonged to the style designer Yves Saint Laurent. When he died in 2008, his ashes were scattered within the garden. If you love gardens, read our article "Visit the Gardens and Walls of Marrakech".
By the way, if you particularly like Yves Saint Laurent, you can visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, which is entirely dedicated to the couturier!
4. The Museum of Marrakech
Besides learning about the history of Marrakech, a visit to the Marrakech Museum will allow you to appreciate one of the most beautiful architectures of the city. Located in the center of Marrakech, it is a must-do in Marrakech!
The museum is housed in the Dar Munebi Palace, built at the end of the 19th century, and is a perfect example of classical Andalusian architecture.
5. The Atlas Mountains
A few hours drive from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley in the High Atlas mountains of Morocco is a real sight to see. The temperature can drop, so bring a small sweater or jacket and take your best walking shoes.
The path in the mountain is rocky, you cross small bridges over the rivers flowing on the mountain slopes. The views from the mountains are magnificent and well worth the day trip.
6. The souks
Going to the souks may be a must when you visit Marrakech. The souks are ideal for getting a good deal, but you must be prepared to haggle for a good price. It is even expected from you!
How to bargain? As a rule of thumb, first, reduce the price offered to you by half and negotiate from there. Don't necessarily feel pressured to buy, as you may be intimidated, but don't give up if you are not satisfied with the price.
7. Jemaa el-Fna Square
If you come to Marrakech, you will surely pass by the place Jemaa el-Fna ("Place of the Dead"). This famous public square attracts more than a million visitors a year. The "Cultural Space of Jemaa el-Fna Square" is listed as Intangible Cultural Heritage since 2008 and as World Heritage by UNESCO since 1985.
It is its traditional and popular side that seduces, especially at night! One can notably meet snake charmers. So if you're not afraid of the crowds and want to taste the good atmosphere of the city, you know what to do in Marrakech.
8. The Koutoubia Mosque
This magnificent 12th-century Sunni mosque, whose minaret overlooks the neighborhood, is one of the attractions of Marrakech. Its architecture and its ascetic decoration perfectly illustrate the art of the Almohads!
Be careful though because you will not be able to enter if you are not Muslim!
9. Medersa Ben-Youssef
The Médersa Ben-Youssef is a medersa, or Koranic school, with stunning Moorish architecture that you should not miss when visiting Marrakech!
10. Gardens of the Menara
What to do in Marrakech if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Between ponds and olive trees, it is in the gardens of the Menard that you can come and recharge your batteries.
It was developed under the Almohades dynasty and is located in the center of Marrakech, about a 45-minute walk from Jemaa el Fna Square.
11. Bahia Palace
A visit to Marrakech without visiting its magnificent palaces is impossible! The former palace of the nineteenth century of eight hectares, the Bahia Palace is one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture and Islamic art, one of the foremost important monuments of the cultural heritage of the country, and one among the most tourist destinations in Morocco!
12. Bab Agnaou
Built-in the twelfth century during the Almohad dynasty, Bab Agnaou is one of the nineteen Bab, or gates, of Marrakech. It is the entrance to the royal kasbah!
You will find it in the southern part of the medina of Marrakech.
13. Medina of Marrakech
The historic heart of Marrakech, and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina is the place to go if you want to visit Marrakech and its historical and traditional side!
Stroll around this part of the city and don't miss to visit the many historical monuments that are located there. Some of them are actually in this article!
14. The Secret Garden
What else to do in Marrakech? The Secret Garden! This elegant 19th-century palace, recently restored, is known for its exquisite decor and exotic, traditional Islamic gardens.
You will find it near Médersa Ben Youssef, in the Mouassine district, in the medina of Marrakech. You can enjoy this place full of history for just a few dirhams!
15. Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park
Formerly known as Jardin Arsat Moulay Abdessalam, the Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park is a must-see in Marrakech, especially if you are looking for shady spots.
Located in the heart of the ochre city, this garden full of history offers calm and relaxation and houses a rich variety of plants in its educational garden.
