Visit Marrakech: what are the best things to do and see in the Red City?
Lively and exciting destination, Marrakech offers a perfect blend of culture, stunning landscapes, and fascinating architecture. The one nicknamed “The Pearl of the South” or “The Red City”, although it is said to be disfigured by mass tourism has a myriad of places of interest that will not make you hesitate twice when You will need to take your plane tickets to visit Marrakech!
To help you organize your stay more easily, we have listed the best things to do in Marrakech for you. So what should you visit in Marrakech to make sure you don’t miss a thing in the city? Follow the leader!
The palm grove of Marrakech
The Palmeraie de Marrakech has more than 100,000 trees on approximately 15,000 hectares, mainly palm trees as well as a date production and a vegetable garden. It is a well-known natural and tourist heritage in Morocco that you absolutely must-do if you come to visit Marrakech.
In addition, it is possible to explore this place on a camel ride or during a quad ride!
The Ouzoud waterfalls
Located about 150 kilometers from Marrakech, it is impossible to miss the Ouzoud waterfalls if you come to visit Marrakech! Considered to be the most beautiful and highest waterfalls in Morocco, you can then swim, have a picnic, but also meet the local monkeys.
The Majorelle Garden
Unmissable in the new town: the Majorelle Garden (botanical garden with bluish colors). The garden belonged to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. When he died in 2008, his ashes were scattered around the garden. If you like gardens, read our article “Visit the Gardens and Ramparts of Marrakech”.
The Marrakech Museum
In addition to learning about the history of Marrakech, a visit to the Marrakech Museum will give you the opportunity to appreciate one of the most beautiful architecture in the city. Located in the center of Marrakech, this is a must do in Marrakech!
The museum is housed in the Dar Mnebhi Palace which was built at the end of the 19th century and is a perfect example of classical Andalusian architecture.
The atlas mountains
A few hours by car from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley in the Moroccan High Atlas 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 will cross small bridges over the rivers which flow on the sides of the mountain. The view from the mountains is superb and well worth a day trip.
The bazaars
Going to the souks is a must if you visit Marrakech. The souks are great for getting a good deal, but you have to be willing to haggle to get a good price. You are even expected to do so!
How to negotiate? As a rule of thumb, halve the price offered to you, and negotiate from it. Don’t necessarily feel like you have to buy, as you might be intimidated, but don’t give up if you’re not happy with the price.
Jemaa el-Fna Square
You will surely pass on the Place Jemaa el-Fna (“place of the dead”) if you come to visit Marrakech. This famous public square attracts over a million visitors each year. “The cultural space of Jemaa el-Fna” has been registered as intangible cultural heritage since 2008 and as a world heritage since 1985 by Unesco.
It’s its traditional and popular side that appeals, especially at night! We can especially meet snake charmers. So if you are not afraid of the crowds and want to taste the good atmosphere of the city, you know what to do in Marrakech.
The Koutoubia Mosque
This magnificent 12th century Sunni mosque, whose minaret overlooks the surroundings, is one of the must-see places in Marrakech. Its architecture and ascetic decor perfectly illustrate the art of the Almohads!
Be careful though because you will not be able to enter if you are not a Muslim!
Medersa Ben-Youssef
The Medersa Ben-Youssef is a medersa, in other words a Koranic school, with breathtaking Moorish architecture that you should not miss if you come to visit Marrakech!
Menara Gardens
What to do in Marrakech when you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Between ponds and olive trees, it is in the Menara gardens that you can come and recharge your batteries.
Arranged under the Almoahades dynasty, they are located about 45 minutes walk from Jemaa el-Fna square, in central Marrakech.
Bahia Palace
Visiting Marrakech without visiting its magnificent palaces is impossible! Former nineteenth-century palace of eight hectares, the Bahia Palace is one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture and Islamic art, one of the major monuments of the country’s cultural heritage, and one of the main places of tourism in Morocco!
Bab Agnaou
Built in the 12th century during the Almohad dynasty, Bab Agnaou is one of the nineteen Bab, or gates, of Marrakech. This is the entrance to the royal kasbah!
You will find it in the southern part of the medina of Marrakech.
C’est son côté traditionnel et populaire qui séduit, et particulièrement la nuit ! On peut notamment rencontrer des charmeurs de serpent. Alors si vous n’avez pas peur des bains de foule et que vous voulez goûter à la bonne ambiance de la ville, vous savez quoi faire à Marrakech.
Medina of Marrakech
Historic heart of Marrakech, and 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 be sure to visit the many historical monuments that can be found there. Some are in this article!
The Secret Garden
What else to do in Marrakech? The Secret Garden! An elegant 19th century palace renovated recently, it stands out for its splendid decoration and its traditional exotic and Islamic gardens.
You will find it near the Medersa Ben Youssef in the Mouassine district of the Medina of Marrakech. You can enjoy this place steeped in history for just a few dirhams!
Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam
Formerly known as Jardin Arsat Moulay Abdessalam, Cyber Parc Arsat Moulay Abdeslam is a must-do in Marrakech, especially if you are looking for shady places.
Located in the heart of the ocher city, this historic garden offers calm and relaxation and houses a rich variety of plants in its educational garden.
Oasiria Marrakech
What to do in Marrakech when you have children or want to swim to escape the overwhelming heat of the city? Direction Oasiria Marrakech, of course! This is the first water park in Morocco!
It covers 10 hectares and will delight young and old with its many water games, green spaces, swimming pools and water attractions.
