Marrakech Travel Guide | 9 Must-Do Things

Looking for a detailed Marrakech travel guide that covers all the must-do things in the city especially for those limited on time? Marrakech is known for being a major economic and bustling city in Morocco today, the city is a melting pot of various cultures including African, European and Middle Eastern which makes the perfect destination for every traveller. In our Marrakech travel guide, we’ve included tips on things to do as well as things to avoid especially for first-time visitors.

The city of Marrakech was founded in 1062 and is the fourth largest city in Morocco after the cities of Fez, Casablanca and Tangier. After our recent visit to Essaouira, we decided to venture to Marrakech and we’ve prepared a Marrakech travel guide for first-time visitors wishing to explore the city but don’t have much time. We spent 3 days and 2 nights in the city and we enjoyed a more relaxed trip but did all the important things and dined with the locals. This guide is perfect for those visiting the city for a few days as we did.

Marrakech Travel Guide | 9 Things-To-Do

With winter getting colder by the minute in the Northern hemisphere, there is nothing like escaping to warmer climates like Morocco. For that reason, we curated this Marrakech travel guide which will highlight all the must-do things when visiting this part of the Kingdom of Morocco. We’ve also included tips on what to expect, how to dress and how not to get scammed even in the souks.

Explore Medina {Old Town}

The Medina is simply the old town, a walled part of the city that is home to Riads {traditional houses}, souks, Mosques and old Palaces. When we visited Essaouira, we were amazed by the Medina but in comparison to the Marrakesh Medina, Essaouira was just a blip. The Medina in Marrakesh is surrounded by 25 meters of city walls and it is a maze that is very easy to get lost in. We spent many hours wandering around the Medina, shopping and eating as we pleased. When shopping in the medina, be ready to bargain, remember, whatever price they quote you, the item is often half that price, so bargain away.

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Relax at Majorelle Gardens

Marrakesh is a busy and bustling city and it can be overwhelming pretty quickly and this is where the Majorelle Gardens come in. They are the Yves Laurent gardens and they are the perfect place to relax, covered in different types of flowers and fruits, it is such a great to relax and take in all the natural air. If you intend to visit the Majorelle Gardens then visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and also booked online in advance to avoid the queues.

Stay in a RIAD

A Riad is a traditional house and Riad means garden, the Riads in Morocco are townhouses with courtyards built-in in the centre of the house. Staying in a Riad is definitely a unique experience and personally think its not for everyone. Most are self-catering and if not, often the food is more expensive than eating out. Whilst we loved our Riad and would recommend it, the breakfast fell short and was pricey too. I would recommend doing some research and reading reviews before booking a RIAD.

People Watch at the Jamaa El-Fnaa (The Square)

The Jamaa El-Fnaa is the main square in Marrakesh located in the Medina and it is the perfect place to eat and people watch. I am not someone who is fond of snakes so snake charmers did not please me but rather the busy-ness of it I loved. The square is one of the busiest not only in Marrakesh but in Africa too, there is so much to see, do, eat and shop. I would recommend visiting early morning or late afternoon and wear comfy shoes.

Eat at the Night Market

The night market is held in the Medina at the Jamaa El-Fnaa and it’s absolutely fascinating and enchanting. During the day, the square is bustling with sellers and snake charmers but at night its completely different place, only food stalls are open and the place buzzes like none other. Tip – eat at places where there is an equal number of locals and foreigners eating together, that is a good place.

Indulge in a Hammam {Moroccan Span}

A Hammam is similar to a Turkish bath, it is a steam room where people go to get cleaned. In the Hammam, you will get exfoliated, rinsed and massaged and you can either go naked or with bikini bottom for your own comfort. Every Hammam is different depending on the hotel but I would recommend going to one which is specifically a Hammam like Les Bains de Kabira which is located in the medina.

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Go Shopping in the Medina

When it comes to shopping in Marrakesh, I would highly recommend shopping in the Medina where all the souks are. For foreigners the prices are often double the actual price, our Riad host told us whatever price is quoted bargain to pay half of it. As Brits we don’t often enjoy having to bargain for items, it can be unsettling but its a way of life.

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Revisit the past at El Badii Palace

Built at the end of the 16th century, the El Badii Palace is a ruined palace that was built from ransom money paid by the Portuguese at the battle of three kings. There is an entrance fee for entering the ruins, there is a museum that tells the history of the palace and Marrakesh. I would definitely recommend a visit for those interested in learning about the history of Marrakesh and the former kings.

Visit Bahia Palace

This old palace and gardens were built in the 19th century, it is considered one of the grandest palaces in Morocco. Located not far from El Badii Palace, the palace is open to visitors for a small fee and well worth a visit. During our trip to Marrakesh, we missed the closing time and was only able to see part of the palace.

Marrakech Travel Guide | Useful Information

• Morocco is a predominately Muslim country, therefore you are expected to dress a bit more conservatively to avoid unnecessary attention. Even though men are not allowed to touch a woman, they are very creative in their endeavours.
• The Moroccan currency is Dirham, a closed currency which means it can only be traded in the country, bring some of your local money and change at the airport or at exchange bureaus in town. Most shops and restaurants only accept cash so be prepared for places not accepting card payments.
• Book a taxi in advance with your hotel or hire a car as taxi drivers are crafty and you have to haggle for the price you want to accept.
• Two languages are spoken in Morocco, French and Arabic, it pays to learn a few words of each to get along.

Marrakesh is such a beautiful city with a bustling square in the Medina with souks and mosques and relaxing Majorelle Gardens outside the old town. I would highly recommend a minimum of 3-days in the city to truly appreciate what it has to offer.