Visiting Marrakech and don’t know what to do? Well, this blog is for YOU!
Marrakech, Morocco a beautiful city full of color, culture, and a little bit of chaos! We recently took a short get away trip to Marrakech, where we spent two days exploring the wonderful city before heading into the Sahara desert. While we were able to complete our Marrakech bucket list, my only regret was not spending more time. I think Marrakech has so much to offer that two days did not feel like enough time to leisurely explore. However, since we did it, we know exploring this great city in just two days is totally doable and I’m here to share it all! On this blog I am going to go over the best things to do and see in Marrakech! Additionally, I am going to spill the details on where to stay, airport information, and transportation. If you are short on time click HERE to get to the bottom where I listed 10 things you cannot miss in Marrakech. Let’s get started!
❂ Quick Facts:
- Population: 1,050,000 as of 2023
- Official language: Arabic
- Other languages widely spoken: Berber language, French, English
- Marrakech is the fourth largest city in Morocco
- One of the former imperial cities! (Tittle now belongs to Rabat)
❂ Airport:
There is only one international airport in Marrakech – Menara (RAK) which most airlines will fly into. You can read my blog on everything you need to know about RAK airport HERE!
❂ Transportation
The best way to see Marrakech is on foot. I know this can sound daunting in a big city, however, you’ll find most of the main attractions within walking distance of the Medina. If you want to venture a bit further and need a lift from point A to point B, hiring a taxi is your best bet. Often recommended over buses due to comfort and convenience, you’ll find taxis pretty much everywhere! Taxis will keep you from dealing with the bus crowds and unpredictable schedules. The downside of using taxi service is that you will likely have to negotiate pricing if the taxi driver doesn’t use a meter. Just remember that if that is the case, you can always ask them to use the meter or tell them you’ll find another taxi. Bargaining is key in Marrakech.
❂ Where to stay in Marrakech
For a more authentic experience, we chose to stay at a Riad over a hotel. What is a Riad you ask? Well, riads are essentially Moroccan homes that have been converted into tourist accommodation without compromising it’s original structure. Most riads, once upon a time, belonged to wealthy merchants, who lived there with their entire family. They typically have 2 stories, a central courtyard with a fountain, and/or a pool, small gardens, and inward facing rooms. Rooms are lavishly decorated in typical Moroccan decor with carpets, tiles, and ceramics. Riad’s can have as little as 5 rooms, making service extremely personalized and detailed! We stayed at these two riads in the middle of the city and had a great experience:
- Riad Noir D’Ivoire
- Riad Farhan
❂ Best things to see in Marrakech
Okay, so were on to the good part! Here are all the things you have to see in Marrakech. We spent 2 days in Marrakech and saw pretty much everything on this list but I added a two additional places I wish I would have had the time to visit. Guess I’ll be re-visiting soon!
- Koutoubia Mosque: An iconic landmark! It is the largest Mosque in Marrakech and argued to be the most beautiful Mosque in the world. Dating back to the 12th century and standing at 250ft tall, there is no other building taller than the Koutoubia mosque in Marrakech (so you can’t miss it). This mosque has served as inspiration for the construction of other mosques in the world; such as the Giralda in Seville, which is said to be it’s “sister”. However, no other mosque has been completed to be an exact replica. Unfortunately, the mosque is not open to Non-Muslims or tourists so you can’t explore inside. However, seeing it from the outside is still a sight you must see!
- Koutoubia Mosque Gardens: Don’t forger to visit the peaceful gardens located behind the Koutoubia Mosque. Here you’ll find a little peace and quiet and a nice bench to sit on. It’s a pleasant place to breakaway from the chaos and gives you a chance to admire mosque’s minaret.
- Badi Palace: The Badi Palace was built in 1578 by the Saadian Dysnasty as a symbol of power and wealth. With it’s intricately decorated interior, it is said to be a beautiful example of true Moroccan architecture and culture. Cost for entry is 70 Dirham per person.
- Bahia Palace: The Bahia Palace dates back to the 19th century, it is where Si Moussa (the grand vizier of the Sultan) lived with his 4 wife’s and 24 mistresses and kids!! The palace is massive with over 12 rooms opening up into courtyards. The architecture throughout the palace is stunning! Cost for entry is 70 Dirham per person.
- Saadian Tombs: The Saadian Tombs are quite literally the most beautiful burial grounds I’ve ever seen. Yes, I know that sounds weird but it’s true! The tombs were built in the 16th century to honor the Saadian Sultan’s ancestors as well as those who the Sultan regarded with high esteem. It’s walls are decorated with intricate carvings and its floors with beautifully colored tiles in geometric patterns. The Tombs also have gardens where you can see little turtles roaming around. It’s a place you can’t miss! Cost for entry is 60 Dirham. *TIP: Tiled floor = gravesite, Don’t step on any of the tiled floor!! (Aside from being rude and disrespectful, you’ll get in trouble)*
- Colorful Souks: Souks are basically open air markets, where you can find lanterns, tagines, carpets, leathered goods, spices and more. You’ll find many of these just walking around through the streets. If you’re adventuring alone, stick to the souks you find on your way to Jemaa el Fna square and don’t venture off too far. It can be really easy to get lost in the complex network of alleyways and streets.
- Majorelle Gardens: Beautiful botanical gardens in the middle of the city. It has a Berber museum where you can learn more about Morocco’s indigenous culture. Cost for entry 70 Dirham per person.
- Jemaa el Fna Square: Marrakech’s main square, it is a huge market where you can find anything and everything from food vendors and street music to snake charmers, and other performers. It is unlike any place I’ve ever visited, so chaotic and very full of life! It is definitely an experience you can’t miss in Marrakech. With this being said, I recommend doing a quick walk through (if you can handle the chaos), and then heading up to one of the rooftops surrounding the plaza. This way, you can take in the atmosphere from afar without being bombarded by vendors. I also recommend doing this for sunset, so you can see the sun set over the Koutoubia Mosque and see the night market light up!
- Have tea and watch the sunset at one of the many rooftop restaurants. All of the rooftops on this list have a great view of the mosque. I suggest going up to any of these for sunset:
- Le Grand Balcón de Cafe Glacier
- DAR DAR Rooftop
- El Fen
- Kabana
- Visit the desert! You can’t visit and leave Marrakech without seeing the Sahara. This is an amazing experience on it’s own. I recommend setting aside at least 3 days minimum if you want drive into the desert and leisurely explore all the sights along the way. I will write a separate blog on my desert experience which I will link *here*.
I hope you found this blog helpful! If you have any questions leave me a comment down below and as always like, subscribe, and share to support my hobby!
PS. I love you Morocco 🇲🇦