What is Marrakech best known for?

Marrakech, a city steeped in history and culture, stands as a vibrant testament to Morocco’s rich heritage. Known for its bustling souks, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere, Marrakech offers a sensory feast for travelers. From the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa to the serene Majorelle Garden, this city weaves a tapestry of experiences that are quintessentially Moroccan.

If you are travelling to Marrakech , it is advisable to book a pick-up service in advance. Someone with a name sign will be waiting for you at the airport. This way you can be sure that you won’t be cheated and can go straight to your hotel without getting into trouble.

The taxi will try to get as close as possible to your hotel in the medina. Sometimes you will have to walk the last bit yourself as the medina is partly car-free. Private transfers from the airport cost €8 per person and can be booked here.

The old cities of Morocco all have a medina. It is the oldest part of the city and is usually surrounded by a city wall. The medina is largely car-free and is the busiest part of the city.

Most hotels and sights in Marrakech are located within the city walls of the medina, so everything is within walking distance. If you are travelling through Morocco by car, you can park your car just outside the medina in one of the secure car parks for around 20 dirhams (€2) per day.

Tip: At Djemaa el Fna and actually throughout Marrakech, you will sometimes be approached by people who want something from you or offer to help with something, such as directions. It’s advisable never to engage with them, as it will invariably cost you money. The best approach is to completely ignore them, because if you respond politely, they will only continue to accompany you for longer.”

The Bahia Palace is a 19th-century palace that spans over an area of eight hectares. It is one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture and one of the most significant monuments of Moroccan cultural heritage.

It was commissioned by a father and his son, who wanted to express their power through this impressive building. Si Moussa, who originated from a slave family, eventually worked his way up to become the Grand Vizier of Sultan Sidi Mohammed ben Abd al Rahman, who reigned from 1859 to 1873. Due to the power and wealth he accumulated, he had the Bahia Palace built.

Tip: This is one of the most popular sights in Marrakech, which is why we recommend arriving here at 08:00. The first groups arrive at 08:30, so you’ll have this beautiful place all to yourself for a while. In this beautiful garden you will also find a small café where you can enjoy a drink. We recommend the milk with dates and orange blossom or the chantaco.

Marrakech is the ideal place to buy beautiful souvenirs and items for your home. Here, you can purchase a beautiful Kilim rug, a leather bag, or a typical Moroccan Zenza lamp at a bargain price. Small and large shops can be found all over the Medina, but the real shopping paradise are the souks of Marrakech.

These often covered labyrinths are filled with shops. Here, hard bargaining is the norm, as often you can get at least half off the asking price. Especially, don’t buy in the first shop you enter, but carefully compare the prices. Shopping in a souk is a unique experience and a must-do when visiting Marrakech!

Tip: As you walk through the old town, occasionally a boy will tell you that the road you are on is closed. ‘That road is closed’ is a common phrase you’ll hear. They hope that you will stop and ask for directions, so they can show you the way and then ask for money in return. The best approach is to completely ignore them, because even if they are working on the street, the streets in Marrakech are never closed.”

Spice Tasting at Rahba Kedima Square

Rahba Kedima Square, located in the midst of the souks, resembles a flea market. On the ground, women sit with mountains of souvenirs, trying to sell them to tourists. There are also some larger shops on the square where dozens of spices are sold. Here, you can taste everything and take something delicious home to cook. This is how you bring the Moroccan kitchen into your home!

The mosque is only accessible to Muslims, but is also worth seeing from the outside. From the Djemaa el Fna square you have a great view of the minaret, and the gardens around the mosque invite you to linger.

This botanical garden is the most colourful place in Marrakech. Fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought the Jardin Majorelle in 1980, bringing back a wide variety of plants from their travels and laying the foundations for the species-rich garden that it is today.

New plant species have been added since 1999, bringing the total number of plants from 135 to 300. You will also find the former studio of the French artist Jacques Majorelle, who designed the garden in 1924. Majorelle’s blue studio has been transformed into a museum open to the public, dedicated to Berber culture and housing the personal Berber collection of Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.

A medersa is a Koranic school, and the Madrasa Ben Youssef was once the largest and most important in North Africa. It had room for around 900 students. Founded in the 14th century, the Medersa Ben Youssef is no longer in use today. The prayer hall is located along the large inner courtyard with the most impressive decorations.

There are marble columns with ornamental pine and palm motifs, and the walls are decorated with Islamic calligraphy and mosaics. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Morocco and it is worth going there as early as possible to beat the large crowds of tourists.

A 40-minute drive from Marrakech, nestled in the gorges of Agafay, lies Selina Nomad Camp Agafay. Here you can sleep under the stars in rustic tents and enjoy fantastic views from the pool. There is a restaurant, a bar, a communal kitchen, massage tents and a yoga tent. During the day, you can go quad biking, hiking through the Atlas Mountains or take a balloon ride.

In the evenings you can cosy up by the campfire and every now and then there is a party for the enthusiasts. The desert is a little less impressive than the one in Merzouga, but it is much closer to Marrakech, which means 7 hours less travelling time.

So if you have a little more time during your visit to Marrakech, this place is ideal if you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Looking for a little more peace and quiet? Then Caravan by Habitas Agafay is highly recommended. However, you should arrive early, as the relatively inexpensive tents are often booked up early.

Tip: It is advisable to stay two nights, as otherwise you can only spend the afternoon and morning here.

They are an important part of Moroccan culture. There are luxury hammams, which are more like a spa, and traditional hammams, where things are a little simpler. In the hammam, you are showered from head to toe, scrubbed vigorously, steamed and then rubbed with all kinds of oils.

This is often followed by a full body massage with relaxing music in the background, and then you emerge completely refreshed and relaxed.

In Marrakech, you already have the feeling of a thousand and one nights, but if you want to take it to the next level, you can treat yourself to a stay in a luxury riad. A riad is typically Moroccan and often has a beautiful courtyard garden with a swimming pool and an idyllic roof terrace with plenty of lovely seating.

You can make it as luxurious as you like, as riads come in all shapes and sizes. Our favourites in order of price are Riad l’Oiseau du Paradis, Riad Farhan and Riad Kasbah & Spa. These are all incredibly beautiful riads with a pool, roof terrace and a delicious breakfast!

Tip: Riads often only have a few rooms and the most beautiful riads are therefore usually fully booked months in advance. So book your riad as soon as possible after booking your flight tickets.

Which sights are a must-see in Marrakech?

The must-visit sights include the Jardin Majorelle, the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace.

Which activities are particularly popular in Marrakech?

Activities such as a visit to the traditional souks, a walk through the medina or a visit to a traditional hammam are very popular.

What clothing is appropriate in Marrakech?

It is advisable to wear respectful clothing that covers shoulders and knees to respect the local culture and religion.

Do I have to pay to see most of the sights in Marrakech?

Some sights are chargeable, but there are also many beautiful places that you can visit for free, such as the Koutoubia Mosque.

Where are the best places to stay in Marrakech?

There are a variety of accommodation options, from luxurious riads in the medina to budget hostels and hotels.