Things to do in Marrakech
Marrakech is noise and silence at once: the bustle of Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks, and behind a heavy wooden door, a quiet courtyard with orange trees and a fountain.
Jemaa el-Fnaa
The square changes character from morning to night. Photo: CALIN STAN / Unsplash
Marrakech: a long weekend in another world
Marrakech is called the red city after the colour of its walls and houses. Inside the medina, the old town on the UNESCO World Heritage list, the streets are narrow, signs are few and the traffic is a tangle of mopeds, donkeys and pedestrians. That is part of the experience.
Its heart is Jemaa el-Fnaa square, with orange juice by day and grill stalls, musicians and storytellers at night. Around it lie the souks, and behind them the riads, the old courtyard houses that are now the city's most atmospheric hotels.
Marrakech is the most visited city in Morocco and a good base for trips to the Atlas Mountains and the Sahara.
The souks
Photo: Frida Aguilar Estrada / Unsplash
The best things to do in Marrakech
Jemaa el-Fnaa: come back more than once. The square at sunset is completely different from the morning.
The souks: lamps, rugs, leather and spices. Haggle politely and take your time.
Jardin Majorelle: the blue garden Yves Saint Laurent helped to save, with the museum of the designer next door.
Bahia Palace and the Ben Youssef Madrasa: carved cedar, mosaics and stucco.
Hammam: a traditional bath and scrub, at a local hammam or a spa.
A day trip to the Atlas Mountains: Berber villages and hiking in Imlil, or a camel ride in the Agafay desert.
Riad or hotel?
A riad in the medina gives you atmosphere and lets you walk everywhere, but the alleys can be hard to navigate and cars cannot get right to the door. A hotel in Hivernage or the Palmeraie gives you a pool and space, but a longer trip to the medina. Many do both: a few nights in a riad and a few by the pool.
The details
Photo: Macia Serrano / Unsplash
Where to stay in Marrakech
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Riad Kniza: a classic riad in the medina
A riad in the medina with a courtyard, arches and breakfast included, within walking distance of Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Book your city break: See rooms at Riad Kniza
Riad Kniza
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
La Sultana: luxury in the kasbah
Joined-up riads in the kasbah quarter, with a pool, spa and a roof terrace looking over the medina.
Book your city break: See rooms at La Sultana
Royal Mansour Marrakech: when only the best will do
Private riads with their own courtyards and roof terraces, large gardens and a spa at one of Africa's best-known hotels.
Book your city break: See rooms at Royal Mansour Marrakech
Royal Mansour
Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
When is the best time to visit Marrakech?
March to May and September to November bring warm days and pleasant evenings. Winter has sunshine and mild days, but cold nights. July and August are very hot. See also our Easter hotel breaks, where Marrakech is one of the picks.
Frequently asked questions about Marrakech
Where should I stay in Marrakech?
Stay in a riad in the medina for atmosphere and an easy walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa and the souks. Hivernage and the Palmeraie have hotels with pools and more space, but are further from the medina.
How many days do you need in Marrakech?
Three to four days is enough for the medina, the gardens and a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or the Agafay desert.
Is it easy to find your way in the medina?
The alleys are narrow and winding, and phone maps are not always accurate. Ask your riad for directions or a pick-up from the nearest road the first time.
How should you haggle in the souks?
Haggle politely and without hurry. Decide what you want to pay before asking the price, and walk on with a smile if you cannot agree.
When is the best time to visit Marrakech?
Spring and autumn are best. Winter has mild days, and summer is very hot.