Travel guide: Five things to do in Marrakech, Morocco

Here are five things you shouldn’t miss if you are planning a trip to Marrakech, from exploring the historic heart of the city to experiencing its vibrant culture and creating unforgettable memories throughout the trip. 

Marrakech is one of Morocco's most bustling and vibrant cities, making it extremely popular with tourists from around the world. 

Its colourful souks, maze-like Medina, breathtaking palaces and lively street life make Marrakech the perfect blend of culture, history and sightseeing. 

Whether you’re taking it slow by sipping tea above Jemaa el-Fnaa, enjoying one of the city's popular coffee houses, relaxing in a traditional Moroccan hammam, or exploring landmarks that have stood for centuries, you’re sure to not get bored in this city!

Travel News Blitz’s Natalie Callagher takes you through five things you shouldn’t miss during your trip to Marrakech, with a few sneaky honorable mentions at the end. 

Wander through the Medina and the Souks 

The Marrakech Medina is the historic walled city and is now considered the beating heart of modern-day Marrakech. 

The Medina has even gained UNESCO World Heritage status and is instantly recognisable by its distinctive salmon pink walls. 

Today, the Marrakech Medina is home to many markets and artisan workshops, making it a must-see destination for tourists wanting to immerse themselves in traditional Moroccan heritage. 

If you’re not afraid of bargaining, the street markets of the Medina are definitely the place to go to explore handmade crafts, spices and local goods. 

For the more observant travellers, the Medina can also be a great place to find beautiful riads behind unassuming doors, a traditional feature of Moroccan architecture. 

Taking the city in your stride and not overpacking your itinerary with time-sensitive activities can lead to finding the best hidden gems, and even help avoid some of the busiest areas in favour of stumbling across a more authentic side of Moroccan life. 

Watch sunset at Jemaa el-Fnaa

Jemaa el-Fnaa is Marrakech’s main square and marketplace of Morocco that transforms as night falls. 

Renowned for its cultural performances, food stalls and historical significance, the UNESCO recognised square has been commended as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. 

As day shifts to night and dusk falls on the city, Jemaa el-Fnaa turns into a vibrant scene of music, food and performances, contrasting the hive of commercial activity that can be seen in the square during the day. 

This creates a perfect setting for watching the sunset in the heart of Marrakech, providing rooftop views over a golden horizon, following the evening call to prayer that echoes across the city, arguably creating one of the most atmospheric moments of the trip. 

If you want to really immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, you could even enjoy the sunset whilst sampling local delicacies from the street food stalls. 

From harira, a tomato, lentil and chickpea soup, to fresh seafood dishes, there is no shortage of culinary delights at Jemaa el-Fnaa. 

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Visit Bahia Palace 

If intricate architecture and lush, manicured gardens pique your interest, Bahia Palace should be on your must visit list whilst in Marrakech. 

Bahia Palace literally translates to “brilliance” or “splendour” in Arabic, and if that doesn’t convince you of its beauty, the moment you step inside certainly will. 

Whilst displaying some of the finest Moroccan art styles and architectural brilliance, Bahia Palace offers a glimpse into what Morocco's society would have looked like centuries ago, from where the country's aristocrats lived, to the craftsmen who worked to create the magnificence we can see today. 

The ornate courtyards, intricate tilework and carved cedar ceilings showcase the finest Moroccan craftsmanship, giving tourists an immersive look into Morocco’s rich cultural heritage and historical grandeur; a stark difference to the street markets at the Marrakech Medina, but a must-see landmark nonetheless. 

Explore Jardin Majorelle 

Nestled within the hustle of the city, escape to a peaceful oasis at Jardin Majorelle. 

Created in 1923 by painter Jacques Majorelle, the iconic cobalt blue features, now known as Majorelle blue, exotic plants, and quiet pathways create a quiet moment of calm within the city, and has now become one of Marrakech’s most photographed attractions. 

After being designed in the 1920’s, the garden then became the home to well-known fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and now acts as a perfect sanctuary for visitors to share a quiet moment of stillness, surrounded by tranquil water features, making it the perfect place to slow down. 

Blending art and nature, Jardin Majorelle is the perfect place to slow down and appreciate the other, quieter side of Marrakech.  

Take a sunrise hot air balloon flight 

If you’re not afraid of an early morning, it is definitely worth catching the sunrise for an unforgettable experience on a hot air balloon flight over the Atlas Mountains overlooking vast desert scenery. 

Most excursions start before dawn, allowing you to watch the sky turn pink and golden as you cruise over the spectacular Moroccan landscape.

If the skies are clear, your early wake-up will reward you with panoramic views of the Atlas Mountains and Berber villages dotted through the desert terrain. 

Many tourists often end the experience with a traditional Moroccan breakfast upon landing, creating a perfect end to the early morning. 

Whilst this is not a typical sightseeing excursion, the experience offers a unique experience, providing a birdseye view of the city and surrounding landscape for miles around, almost making you forget the hustle and bustle of the Medina below. 

Honorable mentions

There is so much more to explore in Marrakech, making it hard to whittle down the city’s endless experiences and things to do down to just five things. 

However, here are some honourable mentions that are well worth adding to your itinerary if you have the time. 

Stay in a traditional Riad

Riad’s are traditional houses in Morocco, built around a central courtyard area, making it one of the most authentic ways to spend your stay in Marrakech, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the culture, escaping from the busy streets for a private quiet moment to rejuvenate, ready for the next day’s adventure.

Visit Bacha Coffee 

Bacha Coffee is one of Marrakech’s most iconic coffee houses, but be warned, a visit here does come with a long wait time, purely due to its popularity! 

The coffee shop is also associated with a conjoined museum which showcases architectural elegance and cultural heritage, creating another quiet escape from the main activities in the city. 

Koutoubia Mosque 

A final honourable mention is Koutoubia Mosque. 

The building stands at around 77 metres tall, and although non-muslims cannot enter, the mosque is one of the city's most recognisable landmarks, dating back to the 12th century. 

Regardless of your faith, the minaret and surrounding gardens are a must-see sight!

These listed things to do only scratch the surface of what Marrakech has to offer. 

It is more than just a city break, it's a city that offers everything from relaxing spa trips to adventure packed day trips into the Atlas mountains and Agafay desert with a unique atmosphere you’ll be pushed to find anywhere else, making it well worth the trip. 

Whether you’re exploring its iconic landmarks or wandering the quieter corners of the city, Marrakech rewards those willing to embrace its culture whole-heartedly, making it an unmissable destination and one for the bucket list! 

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