Things to Do in Marrakech: A Complete Guide to the Red City
22 Oct 2024Marrakech, often called the "Red City" due to its iconic red sandstone buildings, is one of Morocco’s most vibrant and enchanting destinations. It’s a city where history, culture, and adventure meet, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and flavors. From the bustling markets of the medina to serene gardens and palaces, Marrakech has something for everyone. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure seeker, Marrakech will captivate you with its energy and beauty.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top things to do in Marrakech, helping you plan the perfect visit to this dynamic city.
1. Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa
No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city's famous main square and the heart of its medina. This lively square is always buzzing with activity. By day, it's filled with street performers, snake charmers, and market vendors, while at night, it transforms into a huge outdoor food market.
By Day: Explore the souks surrounding the square, where you can buy traditional crafts, spices, and textiles.
By Night: Sample local street food, from grilled meats to Moroccan pancakes, while watching live performances and music.
Insider Tip: Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa at sunset to witness the square light up as the sun goes down and the night market comes alive.
2. Visit the Majorelle Garden
Escape the hustle and bustle of the medina by visiting the Majorelle Garden. Created by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, this botanical garden is a peaceful oasis filled with exotic plants, fountains, and vibrant blue buildings.
Museum of Berber Culture: Located inside the garden, this museum showcases the rich history and artifacts of Morocco's Berber communities.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum: Just next to the garden, this museum is dedicated to the life and work of the legendary designer.
Insider Tip: Arrive early to avoid the crowds, as the garden is a popular spot for both tourists and locals.
3. Discover the Bahia Palace
A masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, Bahia Palace is a must-see for anyone interested in history and design. Built in the 19th century, the palace was intended to be the grandest of its time, featuring intricate mosaics, marble floors, and lush gardens.
Courtyards and Gardens: Stroll through the palace’s stunning courtyards and enjoy the beautiful gardens that were designed to offer peace and tranquility.
Architectural Details: The craftsmanship in Bahia Palace is remarkable, with intricate wood carvings, stucco work, and colorful zellige tiles.
Insider Tip: The palace is usually less crowded in the late afternoon, making it a great time to visit for a quieter experience.
4. Get Lost in the Souks
The souks of Marrakech are a labyrinth of narrow streets packed with vendors selling everything from spices and textiles to jewelry and pottery. Exploring the souks is an adventure in itself, and haggling is part of the experience.
Souk Semmarine: One of the largest and most famous souks, selling traditional clothing, lanterns, and leather goods.
Souk el Attarine: Known for its stunning array of perfumes, oils, and spices.
Insider Tip: Don’t be afraid to haggle! It’s expected in the souks, and you can often get a better price by negotiating.
5. Relax in a Traditional Hammam
After a long day of exploring the city, treat yourself to a relaxing session at a traditional Moroccan hammam. Marrakech is known for its luxurious spas and bathhouses where you can experience traditional steam baths and massages using argan oil and black soap.
Hammam de la Rose: A popular choice for visitors, offering a full range of spa services in a beautiful setting.
Les Bains de Marrakech: Another well-known hammam, blending traditional Moroccan techniques with modern spa amenities.
Insider Tip: Book your hammam experience in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
6. Visit the Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakech’s most famous landmark. Its minaret, standing at 70 meters, can be seen from across the city, serving as a symbol of Marrakech. While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, the surrounding gardens are open to the public.
Gardens: Take a peaceful stroll around the mosque’s gardens, which are beautifully maintained and offer a quiet escape from the bustling city.
Architecture: Admire the mosque’s intricate details and stunning architecture, which has influenced Islamic building designs around the world.
Insider Tip: Visit at dusk to see the mosque lit up against the darkening sky.
7. Take a Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains
For a break from the city, take a day trip to the nearby Atlas Mountains, where you can hike, visit Berber villages, and enjoy stunning views. The mountains are just an hour's drive from Marrakech and offer a range of outdoor activities.
Hiking: Explore scenic trails and visit traditional Berber villages in the foothills of the mountains.
Ouzoud Waterfalls: One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Morocco, located about two hours from Marrakech.
Insider Tip: You can book a guided day trip to the Atlas Mountains through RENTS.ma, which offers a variety of outdoor experiences.
8. Explore the Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs date back to the 16th century and were hidden for centuries before being rediscovered in 1917. The tombs house the remains of members of the Saadian dynasty, including Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur and his family.
Mausoleums: Explore the beautifully decorated mausoleums with their intricate tilework and carved wood ceilings.
Gardens: The tombs are surrounded by serene gardens that make for a peaceful visit.
Insider Tip: Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds, as the tombs are a popular attraction.
9. Take a Cooking Class
Marrakech is a paradise for food lovers, and what better way to experience Moroccan cuisine than by learning how to cook it yourself? Cooking classes are a fun way to dive deeper into Moroccan food culture, where you'll learn to prepare dishes like tagine, couscous, and pastilla.
La Maison Arabe: One of the most famous places to take a cooking class, offering hands-on lessons with experienced chefs.
Amal Women’s Training Center: A nonprofit that offers cooking classes while empowering women through culinary training.
Insider Tip: Most cooking classes include a visit to the local market (souk) to shop for fresh ingredients, providing a full culinary experience.
10. Ride a Hot Air Balloon
For a truly unique experience, take a hot air balloon ride over the deserts and villages surrounding Marrakech. This once-in-a-lifetime experience offers breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, the palm groves, and the vast desert landscape.
Insider Tip: Rides usually take place at sunrise, so be prepared for an early start to enjoy the best views. Book your hot air balloon ride through RENTS.ma for a seamless experience.
Find and Book Activities in Marrakech with RENTS.ma
Planning your activities in Marrakech is made easy with RENTS.ma, Morocco’s leading platform for booking tours, rentals, and experiences. Whether you’re looking for guided medina tours, desert excursions, or relaxing spa experiences, RENTS.ma has everything you need to make your trip to Marrakech unforgettable.
Why Use RENTS.ma?
Convenience: All your activity bookings in one place.
Variety: From cultural tours to adventure activities, there’s something for every traveler.
Trusted Providers: Listings are verified to ensure high-quality service and experiences.
How to Book:
Search by Activity: Simply enter the type of activity you're interested in (e.g., hammam, cooking class) and browse the available options.
Compare Listings: Check out reviews and prices to choose the best option for your needs.
Book Directly: Secure your spot by booking directly on RENTS.ma, ensuring a hassle-free experience during your stay in Marrakech.
Conclusion
Marrakech is a city full of life, offering a mix of history, culture, and adventure. Whether you’re exploring the souks, relaxing in a hammam, or taking in the beauty of its gardens and palaces, there is no shortage of things to do in this vibrant city. And with RENTS.ma, you can easily find and book all the activities and experiences you need to make your trip unforgettable.
Happy exploring!





