Uncover the unmissable things to see in Marrakech on your trip

Looking for an exotic city break? Discover these tantalising things to see in Marrakech during your travels to Morocco 

Looking for an exotic city break? Discover these tantalising things to see in Marrakech during your travels to Morocco
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There is something comfortingly captivating about the chaos and frenzy of Marrakech. A city steeped in history and traditions, a weekend break here is an assault on the senses. However, it is a must for all culture lovers. If you are looking for a unique getaway to get you out of your routine, Marrakech, Morocco is waiting for you. Get under the skin of this vibrant city and discover the cultural things to see in Marrakech during your holidays. Not sure where to begin? These are the places we love to return to when exploring this city.

The best time to explore the things to see in Marrakech

Keen to explore all the Marrakech things to do? It is best to plan your trip wisely. While you can travel to Marrakech all year round, certain months make sightseeing more difficult. The best time to visit Marrakech is during the Spring and Autumn months when the temperatures are not raging hot. May and September are often recommended as being the best months due to the lack of rainfall and moderate temperatures. 

Things to see in Marrakech: Local life in the market square of Jemaa el-Fnaa

Local, daily life in Marrakech

Looking for things to do in Marrakech? Here are some options

There is no better way to explore Marrakech than heading to Jemaa el-Fnaa square and using that as your starting point. Be enchanted by the local buskers eager to catch your attention with their out-there shows and head into the Medina to explore its labyrinth-style streets. From north to south, this city offers an array of exciting attractions to explore. Here are the best things to do in Marrakech.

1. Saint Laurent Museum

Fancy heading to the city’s most stylish museum devoted entirely to the work of the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent? Perched on the edge of the luscious Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum boasts a permanent and temporary exhibition space that showcases the work of the iconic designer, making it one of the top things to do in Marrakech for fashionistas.

Things to see in Marrakech: The bright blue house and gardens of Jardin Majorelle

The Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Marrakech

You can also explore the famous garden surrounding the museum, which is one of the most visited sites in Marrakech. With exotic trees and plants, streams and pools filled with water lilies and lotus flowers, and enchanting paths, the complex truly is an oasis of tranquillity. A “must” for your list of things to see in Marrakech.

Things to see in Marrakech: The bright blue house and gardens of Jardin Majorelle

The Yves Saint Laurent, Jardin Majorelle

2. Souk Semmarine

If you speak to anyone about things to see in Marrakech, you can be sure that they will mention the city’s famous Souk District. Souk Semmarine is the central channel of the district, where you can stroll past stalls and shops specialising in pottery, patisseries, textiles, spices, carpets, jewellery, fabrics, clothing and all types of crafts. About halfway along, the Souk Semmarine forks – on the right you will come across Spice Square, and on the left is Souk el Attarine, where you can find copper and brass lanterns, mirrors, candlesticks, silver teapots and lamps, plus spices and perfumes. When it comes to places to see in Marrakech, this is a must! 

Souk Semmarine: Busy, scene of local life with people shopping inside the souk

Shopping inside Souk Semmarine

3. Bahia Palace, a must-do in Marrakech

The Bahia Palace is one of the most beautiful sites to see in Marrakech and one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture. Countless rooms, courtyards and riads are at the heart of this popular attraction. Expect to be bewitched by stunning pieces of ornate decoration at every turn, from the floor to the ceiling. With 8 hectares open to visitors, there is plenty to explore in this Moroccan gem.

Bahia Palace: Yellow entranceway with ornate mosaic and wooden doors

Bahia Palace, Marrakech

4. Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Located just 15 kilometres from the Barceló Palmeraie you will find the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square – a huge square and marketplace in the city’s medina quarter. It remains the liveliest and main square in Marrakech and is extremely popular with both tourists and locals. By day or by night, the square is filled with musicians, dancers, snake charmers, henna artists and street vendors attracting the attention of the cosmopolitan crowd. 

By day or by night, the square is filled with musicians, dancers, snake charmers, henna artists and street vendors 

You can also head to one of the rooftop bars to watch the sunset over the square below, whilst you listen to traditional music in beautiful settings. Without a doubt, this is one of the Marrakech top things to do

Jemaa el-Fnaa: A bird’s eye view of the square at dusk with crowds of people

The Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

5. Hammam de La Rose

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Marrakech, visiting a hammam has to be near the top of your to-do list. There are plenty of options available, but Hammam De La Rose is certainly one of the best. Immerse yourself in a sensuous Moroccan experience, where you can relax and unwind in a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity. Steam baths, scrubs, mineral-enriched masks and massages are just a few of the things you can expect at this hideaway spa, so be sure to add this to your list of things to see in Marrakech if you need some R&R.

6. The Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are a truly rich architectural gem which lie just a short distance from the bustling city centre. Housing two lavish mausoleums with approximately 60 tombs and over 100 more in the beautiful gardens, the Saadian Tombs are one of the most elaborate and best-preserved resting places in Morocco today. Deliberately hidden for centuries, the magnificent tombs were eventually uncovered in 1917, and now host plenty of tourists who are keen to explore its grounds. Spending a day marvelling at its incredible architecture is one of the cool things to do in Marrakech during your travels. 

Saadian Tombs: Ornate white mosaic interiors with wooden roof and stone tombs

The ornate interiors of the Saadian Tombs

7. Manara Gardens

If you’re looking to escape the bustling city life and desert-like heat of Morocco, head to the refreshing Menara Gardens, located to the west of Marrakech near the Atlas Mountains. The majority of the area is taken up with olive groves, but for visitors, the main attraction and reason to visit is the large reflective pool with its fine pavilion. Enjoy a peaceful stroll around or bring along a picnic for a relaxing day out at one of the top attractions in Marrakech for families.

Manara Gardens: A large pond of water and a small pink building amongst trees

The tranquil setting of the Manara Gardens, Marrakech

8. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and a must on your list of things to see in Marrakech for those who are keen to indulge in the city’s history and culture. Located in the district of the south-west medina, this beautiful mosque is decorated with curved windows, a strip of ceramic, pointed merlons and decorative arches. 

Located in the district of the south-west medina, this beautiful mosque is decorated with curved windows, a strip of ceramic, pointed merlons and decorative arches

Enjoy the call to prayer coming from the top of the minaret five times a day, at which time the mosque is off-limits to non-Muslims, whilst you wander around the base of the building and admire the ruins and stunning gardens.

Koutoubia Mosque: A close-up of the red brick building and courtyard of the mosque

Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech

9. Le Jardin Secret

Its name, which translates to English as the Secret Garden, sparks intrigue and rightly so. Tucked away in the busy chaos of the Medina, this oasis of calm is one of Marrakech’s worst-kept secrets. This museum dates back to the 16th century and houses two marvellous botanical gardens - one full of exotic allure and the other a prime example of Islamic horticulture. There is also a rooftop café offering glorious views across the city. If you are looking for things to do in Marrakech city, a trip here is worth the while. 

Le Jardin Secreto: A turquoise pond and ornate gardens with a gazebo in the background

The blissful Le Jardin Secreto

10. El Badi Palace

Once a decadent palace constructed by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the 16th century, El Badi’s crumbling facade stands majestically overlooking modern Marrakech. What was once an elaborate palace complete with gold, turquoise and crystal paving is now a shell of its former self as a result of its destruction in the 18th century. Step inside this historic relic, one of the top things to see in Marrakech, and admire the stripped-back elegance of the exposed rock, sunken gardens and inviting pools inhabited by nesting storks. 

El Badi: A close-up of the ancient stone walls of the El Badi Palace ruins

El Badi Palace


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