Top places to visit in Marrakech

• Jemaa el-Fnaa

  square · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  The pulsing main square of Marrakech and a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral Heritage — orange-juice carts and snake charmers by day, food stalls, musicians and storytellers by night.

• Bahia Palace

  palace · 4.3 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate

  A late-19th-century palace of painted cedar ceilings, zellige courtyards and tranquil gardens, built for a grand vizier — a showcase of Moroccan craftsmanship.

• Ben Youssef Madrasa

  madrasa · 4.7 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  Once the largest Quranic school in North Africa, this 14th-century (rebuilt 16th-century) college dazzles with carved cedar, stucco and zellige around a reflecting courtyard.

• Saadian Tombs

  mausoleum · 3.8 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  The lavishly decorated 16th-century mausoleum of the Saadian dynasty, sealed for centuries and rediscovered in 1917 — its Chamber of Twelve Columns is a masterpiece.

• Yves Saint Laurent Museum

  fashion museum · 4.0 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  A striking terracotta-brick museum beside Jardin Majorelle dedicated to the couturier, with a rotating haute-couture collection and a research library.

• Menara Gardens

  garden · 4.1 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  A serene 12th-century olive-grove garden around a large reflecting basin, with a photogenic pavilion framed by the snow-capped Atlas on clear days.

• Jardin Majorelle

  garden · 4.4 rating · about 1.3 h · check the fee at the gate

  The cobalt-blue villa and exotic botanical garden created by Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent — cacti, bamboo and lily pools. Book timed tickets ahead.

• Koutoubia Mosque

  mosque · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  The 12th-century Almohad mosque whose 77m minaret is the tallest landmark in Marrakech and the template for the Giralda in Seville. Non-Muslims admire it from the surrounding gardens.

• Le Jardin Secret

  garden riad · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  A restored riad complex in the heart of the medina with an Islamic-Andalusian garden, an exotic garden and a tower climb over the rooftops.

• El Badi Palace

  palace ruins · 4.2 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  The ruined 16th-century "Incomparable" palace of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur — vast sunken gardens, storks nesting on the ramparts and panoramic terrace views.

• Musee de Marrakech

  art museum · 4.0 rating · about 0.8 h · check the fee at the gate

  Housed in the ornate late-19th-century Dar Menebhi palace, this museum shows Moroccan art and artefacts beneath a spectacular central chandelier.

• Souks of Marrakech

  souk · 4.3 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate

  The labyrinth of covered markets north of Jemaa el-Fnaa — Semmarine, the dyers' souk, metalworkers and leather — the classic Marrakech bargaining maze.

Things to do

• Marrakech Medina & Souks Guided Walking Tour Tour · 3 h · from MAD 250 per person
• Moroccan Cooking Class in the Medina Culinary · 4 h · from MAD 450 per person
• Hot Air Balloon Flight over the Palmeraie Adventure · 4 h · from MAD 2,200 per person
• Traditional Hammam & Spa Ritual Wellness · 2 h · from MAD 400 per person
• Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride & Dinner Excursion · 6 h · from MAD 700 per person
• Ourika Valley & High Atlas Day Trip Day Trip · 9 h · from MAD 350 per person

Day trips and tours

• Agafay Desert & Sunset Dinner 6 h · from MAD 700
• Ourika Valley & Atlas Foothills Day Tour 8 h · from MAD 350

Where to stay in Marrakech

• Medina about MAD 900 per night

  Stay in a traditional riad steps from Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks — atmospheric, central, but reached on foot down narrow lanes.

• Gueliz about MAD 800 per night

  The modern new town with wide avenues, cafes, galleries and easy taxi access — quieter and more convenient for first-timers.

• Hivernage about MAD 1,400 per night

  Leafy district of upscale hotels, spas and nightlife between the medina and Gueliz.

Hotels

• Riad BE Marrakech 3-star · MAD 900 to MAD 1,600 per night
• Riad Yasmine 4-star · MAD 1,200 to MAD 2,400 per night
• Royal Mansour Marrakech 5-star · MAD 12,000 to MAD 30,000 per night
• Equity Point Marrakech Hostel MAD 180 to MAD 700 per night
• Ibis Marrakech Centre Gare 3-star · MAD 650 to MAD 1,000 per night
• La Mamounia 5-star · MAD 5,500 to MAD 12,000 per night

Where to eat

• Nomad Moroccan, Modern · about MAD 180 per person
• Le Jardin Moroccan, International · about MAD 150 per person
• Cafe des Epices Cafe, Moroccan · about MAD 80 per person
• Al Fassia Moroccan · about MAD 220 per person
• Le Marocain (La Mamounia) Moroccan · about MAD 900 per person
• Dar Yacout Moroccan · about MAD 700 per person
• Amal Center Moroccan · about MAD 90 per person
• Terrasse des Epices Moroccan, Mediterranean · about MAD 160 per person

Getting to Marrakech

Airport: Marrakech (RAK)

How visitors arrive in Marrakech

• Flight to Marrakech-Menara Airport By air from Europe and Casablanca · common

  Many European cities, including low-cost carriers, fly in; domestic flights also come from Casablanca, Agadir and Fez. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Train from Casablanca, Rabat or Tangier By train from Casablanca · common

  The rail network runs to Marrakech from the main northern cities; it is the southernmost stop on the line. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Long-distance bus By road from Moroccan cities · common

  CTM and Supratours coaches serve many Moroccan cities, with stations near the train station. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the airport to the centre

• ALSA L19 airport shuttle bus unconfirmed

  ALSA's line 19 runs from near the airport to Jemaa el-Fnaa. Look for the stop outside arrivals and check with a staff member or the driver before relying on it, especially late in the evening. Source: worldtravelguide.net

• Petit taxi from the airport rank unconfirmed

  Taxis wait at the rank outside the terminal and a fare table is posted. Agree the fare with the driver before getting in rather than assuming a meter or machine. Source: worldtravelguide.net

• Hotel or riad airport pickup

  Many hotels and riads arrange their own airport shuttle, which takes you to the door. Ask your accommodation to book it before you arrive. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Touts and drivers are common at the airport, stations and bus terminals. Insist on the meter or agree a fare before getting in. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the railway station to the centre

• Petit taxi from the train station

  The station is on Avenue Hassan II in Gueliz. Petit taxis run from there to the medina; touts often refuse the meter, so hail one on the main road instead. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Touts and drivers are common at the airport, stations and bus terminals. Insist on the meter or agree a fare before getting in. Source: en.wikivoyage.org
• Ignore taxi touts at the train station and hail a taxi on the main road nearby. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Getting around

• Shared Taxi

  Grand taxis are larger, unmetered cars that take several passengers, so the fare is agreed with the driver before getting in.

• Taxi

  Petit taxis can carry several passengers on one fare, and it is worth agreeing the price first if the driver will not use the meter.

• Walking

Paying

• Carry cash for taxis, small shops and any hotel tourist tax; restaurants usually accept cards. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Safety and scams to avoid

• Faux guides & "wrong way" misdirection

  Jemaa el-Fnaa & the souks

  Unofficial "guides" or teenagers offer to lead you or tell you a route or square is closed, then steer you to their friends' shops (or to a dead end) and demand a large tip.

  How to avoid it: Politely decline, use offline maps, and only hire guides through your riad or a licensed agency.

• Snake charmer & monkey photo fees

  Jemaa el-Fnaa square

  Performers drape a snake on you or put a monkey on your shoulder, then aggressively demand 100-200 MAD for the "photo".

  How to avoid it: Do not let them approach; if you want a photo agree the small fee first and keep it to 10-20 MAD.

• Tannery "free tour" and carpet pressure

  Souks & tanneries

  A helper gives a "free" mint sprig and tour of a tannery or carpet shop, then applies heavy pressure to buy at inflated prices.

  How to avoid it: Accept nothing "free", set your budget beforehand, and never feel obliged to buy — walk away calmly.

Best time to visit Marrakech

• Jan 19°C
• Feb 21°C
• Mar 24°C
• Apr 26°C
• May 29°C
• Jun 34°C
• Jul 38°C
• Aug 37°C
• Sep 33°C
• Oct 29°C
• Nov 23°C
• Dec 20°C

More in Morocco

• Fez
• Chefchaouen
• Casablanca
• Essaouira
• Tangier
• Merzouga

Frequently asked questions about Marrakech

What are the top-rated places to visit in Marrakech?

The highest-rated places in our Marrakech guide are Ben Youssef Madrasa, Koutoubia Mosque, Jardin Majorelle, Jemaa el-Fnaa, Bahia Palace.

Where should I stay in Marrakech?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Marrakech: Medina, Gueliz, Hivernage.

How do I get around Marrakech?

Ways to get around Marrakech covered in our guide: Shared taxi, Taxi, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Marrakech?

Scams reported to us for Marrakech include Faux guides & "wrong way" misdirection; Snake charmer & monkey photo fees; Tannery "free tour" and carpet pressure. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

What is the weather like in Marrakech?

Average daytime highs in Marrakech run from 19°C in Jan to 38°C in Jul.

Which airport is nearest to Marrakech?

The nearest airport to Marrakech has the code RAK.