Marrakech Travel GuideEverything You Need to Know Before You Go
Marrakech is one of the most striking cities on earth. The ancient medina, the sensory overload of the souks, the rose pink walls at sunset, the smell of cumin and orange blossom in the air, the sound of the call to prayer echoing across the rooftops. No photograph or description really prepares you for it. But a little preparation makes the difference between being overwhelmed and being enchanted.
I have been guiding travellers through Marrakech for over 25 years. The city rewards people who come curious and prepared and it can frustrate people who arrive with no idea what to expect. This Marrakech travel guide gives you everything you need to navigate Marrakech confidently, find the places that matter and avoid the things that will waste your time.
Marrakech Travel Guide: What to See
Jemaa el Fna Square
The beating heart of Marrakech. Go in the late afternoon as the food stalls set up and the entertainers arrive. Find a rooftop cafe overlooking the square and watch it come alive as the sun goes down. The square at night, with smoke rising from a hundred food stalls and the sound of Gnawa musicians drifting across the crowd, is one of the great spectacles of North Africa.
Majorelle Garden
The garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent is one of the most beautiful spaces in Morocco. Cobalt blue buildings, cacti, fountains and memorable plant collections. Go early, before 9am, to avoid the crowds. The Berber Museum inside the garden is also worth an hour.
Bahia Palace
A 19th century palace built for the Grand Vizier of Marrakech with rare carved cedar ceilings, zellige tilework and a series of beautiful courtyards. One of the finest examples of traditional Moroccan architecture you will see anywhere. Go with a guide who can explain what you are looking at.
Saadian Tombs
Hidden behind a narrow passage for centuries until rediscovered in 1917, the Saadian Tombs are one of the most remarkably preserved historic sites in Morocco. The carved plasterwork and cedar details inside the main chamber are remarkable. Go early to beat the crowds.
Ben Youssef Medersa
The most beautiful building in Marrakech that most visitors never find. A 14th century Koranic school with a central courtyard covered in carved stucco, cedar wood and zellige tiles. Stand in the middle of the courtyard and look up at the carved galleries surrounding you. Fine.
El Badi Palace
Honest advice from a local: El Badi Palace is largely ruins and not worth the entrance fee unless you have specific historical interest. The storks nesting on the walls are charming but the site itself is underwhelming compared to Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. Spend the time elsewhere.
Marrakech Travel Guide: Where to Eat
Marrakech has striking food at every price level. The street food around Jemaa el Fna is some of the best in Morocco. Fresh squeezed orange juice for less than a dollar, msemen flatbreads with honey, harira soup and mechoui slow roasted lamb are all available from the stalls and small restaurants around the square.
For a proper sit down meal, the restaurants in the medina range from simple local places serving tagine for 8 dollars to elegant rooftop restaurants charging 60 dollars a head. The quality at both ends of the spectrum can be excellent. Ask your riad for recommendations specific to what you want to eat that evening.
Marrakech Travel Guide: The Souks
The souks of Marrakech are one of the great shopping experiences in the world and also one of the most confusing places to navigate independently. The medina is a labyrinth and even experienced visitors get lost. This is not a problem, it is part of the experience. But go with a licensed guide for at least your first day so you understand the layout and know where the real quality workshops are hidden behind the tourist facing stalls.
Haggling is expected and normal in the souks. Start at roughly a third of the asking price and settle somewhere between half and two thirds. Never accept the first price. Walk away slowly if you cannot agree, as this often produces a better offer. And if you really do not want something, say so clearly and walk on. Persistent sellers are a reality but a firm no always works eventually.
The biggest mistake first time visitors make in Marrakech is trying to see everything in one day. The medina rewards slow exploration. Pick two or three things to see each day and leave time to get truly lost. The best discoveries in Marrakech are always the ones you did not plan. A hidden fountain. A craftsman at work in a doorway. A cafe with a view that nobody else seems to know about.
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