9 Unique things to do in Marrakech, Morocco
Morocco is a country that reeled me in from day 1 – It’s an incredible place full of culture, colour and adventure.
If you’re planning a trip there, you might be looking for things to do in Marrakech, Morocco in particular.
After spending about 4 days in Marrakech, I can tell you that you won’t run out of interesting, fun, free and/or cheap things to do in this amazing city!
Ready to book your trip? You can find the best accommodation options for all budgets in Morocco on Booking.com.
Plus, you can book the BEST day and half-day tours around Marrakech through GetYourGuide to make the most of your short stay here!
Unique Things to do in Marrakech
If this is your first time in North Africa, you’re in for a treat!
Marrakech has some of the most interesting and unique things to see and do in any city I’ve been to. Here are a couple of my faves!
1. Maison de la Photographie
Where: Rue Ahl Fes, 46 Rue Bin Lafnadek, Marrakech 40030, Morocco
Cost: 60 MAD / $6.50 USD for adults (free for children under 15 years old)
Otherwise known as the House of Photography (in English), this museum is such an interesting place to visit.
It was awesome to see local photographers and their view of Morocco and Marrakech over the years. I was surprised to see photos from the 60s,70s and 80s where any women were not wearing a hijab or any hair covering.
It really puts things into perspective and you can see how much things have changed over the years in Morocco. The collection of portraits and street photography captures raw and honest moments and gives you a deeper understanding of the city and its people which I truly loved.
There’s also a really cute rooftop cafe at this museum! It can get busy around lunch time so we didn’t have an opportunity to sit down there but it’s a beautiful spot for a tea or a snack with a view of the medina.
2. El Badi Palace
Where: Ksibat Nhass, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Cost: 100 MAD/$10 USD for self-guided tickets for adults
I really enjoyed visiting this palace! It’s absolutely stunning and an amazing place for photographers.
We spent about an hour or two wandering around and taking it all in. It’s a fairly affordable entrance which is great and the ruins are incredibly well-preserved.
You can explore the underground passages and climb up to panoramic viewpoints. If you’re into history or photography, you’re going to love it!
3. Cooking Class With a Local
Where: In the centre of Marrakech
Cost: $30 USD ish
Cooking classes are one of my favourite activities to do in a new place!
If you’re staying at a riad in a central location, you should be able to walk to the meeting point. Then you go with the group to a market to select the food you’ll be cooking with.
When you get back to the house, everyone will start prepping the ingredients and then learn how to prepare a couple of side dishes, as well as tagine.
I’m vegan so I had a veggie tagine but there was a seafood and meat option as well.
We found ours on Airbnb Experience, and at the time paid around 300 MAD/$32 USD per person.
This experience was great, however, if I were to book it again, I’d choose this one instead.
It’s HIGHLY rated with 5 stars and over 1,000 reviews, around $35 USD and includes a 30-minute tea ceremony as well!
Book this cooking class in Marrakech here.
4. Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Where: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Cost: 140 MAD/$15 USD for an adult entry and children/international student tickets are 75 MAD/$8 USD
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum has become increasingly popular in Marrakech. It was once a unique spot to check out but I think that’s no longer the case.
It’s a very aesthetically pleasing museum with a beautiful garden area to check out but personally, I couldn’t justify spending that much to take a few photos at the museum.
Unless you’re seriously interested in Yves Saint Laurent, I would probably skip this spot!
5. Jardin Majorelle
Where: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40090, Morocco
Cost: 170 MAD/$18 USD for an adult entry and children/international student tickets are 95 MAD/$10 USD
You’ve likely seen photos of this garden when looking up Marrakech. It’s an iconic spot and is part of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Tickets are typically sold separately but that means if you’re just interested in visiting the garden, you don’t have to pay for the museum as well. And if you’re interested in seeing all the attractions, you can buy a combined ticket.
This would also include entrance to the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts.
6. Madrasa Ben Youssef
Where: Rue Assouel, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Cost: 50 MAD/$5 USD for foreign adult visitors and 10 MAD/$1 USD for children under 12 years old
Visiting this historical landmark is one of the best things to do in Marrakech, Morocco! Its design is so incredibly intricate and the colours are beautiful.
You’ll be in awe as you wander around and you could probably spend at least an hour here.
7. Guided Street Food Tour
Where: Tours depart from central Marrakech
Cost: Around $30-40 USD per person
If you’re a foodie, why not try a guided street food tour?
I’d love to do these but it’s a little difficult as a vegan and not really worth it for me in most places.
That said, the guided street food tours in Marrakech look incredibly interesting! From snail soup to msemen (Moroccan pancakes), you’ll get to try a wide range of different dishes while learning about Moroccan food culture.
While I haven’t done this street food tour yet, it looks like a good one!
It starts at Jemma el Fnaa where you do a tea ceremony, then walk for the next few hours, tasting the delicious Moroccan foods. It’s 3 hours long in total and also gives you some time to do some shopping and visit the market.
8. Bahia Palace
Where: Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Cost: 70 MAD/$7 USD for adults
Bahia Palace is one of the most visited monuments in Marrakech – and for a good reason!
The intricate tilework, beautiful archways and peaceful courtyards are stunning. It’s a popular attraction, so I’d recommend visiting early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best photos!
9. Quad Ride in Agafay Desert
Where: Tours depart from Marrakech, typically with hotel pick-up
Cost: $30-50 USD per person, depending on the duration
Taking a quad ride in the desert is definitely a bucket list experience in Morocco!
Luckily, the Agafay Desert isn’t far from Marrakech so you can spend a couple of hours riding quad bikes at sunset.
I didn’t have enough time to do this tour but would have booked this one.
It’s a 6-hour tour that includes hotel pick-up, helmets and goggles, 1-hour quad ride, tea, dinner and a campfire with a fire show!
For around $40 USD, you really can’t beat the value you get with this quad bike tour.
Free Things to Do in Marrakech
If you’re visiting Marrakech on a tight budget, here are some free activities you can work into your schedule!
I will say that the best things to do in Marrakech are paid BUT they don’t cost an arm and a leg.
In my opinion, it’s worth saving up a little more to experience some of the paid activities instead of solely doing free things.
Jemaa el-Fna Square
Where: Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Cost: Free
This is the biggest square in Marrakech and it can be hectic but is worth exploring!
Whether you’re wandering around day or night, you’ll have a great time looking at the different street vendors, shops and everything being sold.
Make sure you keep an eye on your things here as it’s an easy spot to be pickpocketed!
You also need to stop by the different spice shops to bring home fresh spices from the market. They’re so tasty each has such distinct smells as well.
Admire the Architecture of Koutoubia Mosque
Where: Avenue Mohammed V, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Cost: Free
While non-Muslims can’t enter the mosque, you can walk around the outside and admire the gorgeous architecture.
The minaret is an iconic symbol of Marrakech and looks especially beautiful at sunset. I came when I was in Marrakech with my boyfriend around sunset and took in the views and overall atmosphere.
Visit the Cyber Park (Arsat Moulay Abdeslam)
Where: Avenue Mohammed V, Marrakech
Cost: Free
This is a surprisingly quiet and green escape in the middle of a busy city. There’s free Wi-Fi and lots of shady spots to relax.
If you need a break from the hustle and bustle of the souks in Marrakech, this is the spot for you.
Take in Rooftop Views
Where: Look for cafes or restaurants that don’t require a minimum spend
Cost: ~$2 ish for a tea, depending on what else you might get.
Rooftop views won’t be 100% free unless it’s from your riad in Marrakech. Otherwise, you can spend a few dollars on tea from rooftops like Cafe Atay or Nomad.
You’ll get to enjoy sweeping views of the Medina and Atlas Mountains in the distance. Some places let you wander up without ordering anything but $2 shouldn’t break the bank for a beautiful sunset view!
Get Lost in the Medina
Where: Marrakech Medina
Cost: Free
Wandering through the maze of narrow alleys in the medina is something you can’t miss! You’ll stumble upon spice stalls, plenty of dates, carpet shops and hidden courtyards.
It can be overwhelming at times, so download offline maps ahead of time or pin your riad’s location on Google Maps just in case.
It’s also a place where a lot of pickpocketing takes place because of how busy it can be so always keep an eye on your things!
Walk Through the Mellah (Old Jewish Quarter)
Where: South of the Bahia Palace
Cost: Free
This part of Marrakech is less touristy than the main medina and has a unique vibe to it.
You’ll see signs of the city’s Jewish heritage, including an old synagogue (Slat Al Azama) and spice markets that have been here for generations.
Listen to Call to Prayer Echo Across the City
Where: Anywhere near a mosque
Cost: Free
If you haven’t spent much time in a Muslim country before, you might be confused when you first hear the call to prayer.
You can’t miss it if you’re near a mosque and it’s a prayer that echoes through speakers and down the narrow alleyways and over rooftops in the city.
It’s especially beautiful to hear at sunrise or sunset.
Luxury Things to Do in Marrakech
While Marrakech can be a very affordable city, there are plenty of luxury experiences you can find if you’re looking out for them!
Plus, the ‘luxury’ experiences are actually not that expensive and worth keeping in mind when budgeting your trip.
Hot Air Balloon Ride at Sunrise
Where: Pick-up from Marrakech to launch site
Cost: Around $200 USD per person
Drift over the Moroccan countryside at sunrise and enjoy views of the Atlas Mountains and small Berber villages.
Most tours include breakfast and hotel pick-up. It’s a bit of a splurge but it’s so worth it for a once-in-a-lifetime experience like this!
I’d choose this tour because it has a 4.8-star rating from over 2,000 people and includes welcome drinks and pastries before the flight and a traditional Moroccan breakfast after the flight.
Perfume Making Workshop
Where: Musée du Parfum or similar boutique perfumeries
Cost: $70-$100 USD
Looking for your signature scent?
Learn the art of blending Moroccan essential oils and create your own custom fragrance!
This is truly such a unique and creative way to bring home a souvenir that reflects your experience and is something you can use every single day.
Moroccan Pottery Workshop
Where: Multiple local pottery studios in Marrakech
Cost: $40-70 USD
As someone who’s been dying to try a pottery wheel, I need to try this experience next time I’m in Marrakech!
Get your hands dirty and learn how to mold, paint and decorate your own piece of traditional Moroccan pottery and take it home with you.
It’s important to note that you’ll need to be staying in Marrakech for at least a week to have the piece fired before taking it home. If not, you can take it home with you to dry and get it fired elsewhere.
I’m considering booking this tour myself when I’m next back in Morocco because it’s super affordable, has great ratings and would be an interesting activity you wouldn’t typically do at home!
Traditional Hammam Spa Experience
Where: Hammam de la Rose, Les Bains de Marrakech, etc
Cost: $30-90 USD
Experience a traditional Moroccan steam bath, followed by exfoliation with black soap, a clay mask and a relaxing massage.
Some spas are more luxe than others, so you can find one that fits your budget best!
I found this tour which is only around $70 and includes hotel pickup and drop off, a 45-minute Hamman session, a 45-minute massage session, a body scrub and Moroccan tea.
Day Trips From Marrakech
Marrakech is a great base because there are SO many cool day trips you can take from there!
Plus, the city can be overwhelming at times so a short escape into nature or a smaller town is the perfect way to balance your trip.
Essaouira
If you want to get out of the hustle and bustle of Marrakech and explore a nearby city, you definitely need to visit Essaouira!
It’s about a 3-hour bus ride and costs roughly 100 MAD/$10 USD per person for a one-way ticket.
We booked the tickets online here but you can also show up to the bus station and pay in cash.
Make sure you have some cash on you, even if you book the bus online because you’ll have to pay a fee for your luggage.
It’s not much (I think it was 5 MAD per piece of luggage) but you’ll need to have coins with you!
Essaouira is a fishing town and has a beach as well and really cute souks (markets) to check out.
It has a more relaxed feel than Marrakech and we truly enjoyed our time there!
If you end up visiting, I highly recommend you stop by Shyadma’s Vegan Food for a meal or two.
Even if you’re not vegan, you’re bound to love the dishes they serve and everything is a very fair price!
One thing I also loved a lot about Essaouira was the verviene (lemon verbena) tea.
Marrakech is known for mint tea (and you’ll get that everywhere in Morocco) but the verbena tea was amazing and I personally preferred it to the mint tea.
Agafay Desert
A trip to the desert is a huge appeal to most people visiting Morocco, however, if you don’t have much time to go to the Merzouga Desert (as it’s about a 9-hour drive from Marrakech), you can always opt for the Agafay Desert.
I won’t lie – it’s not at all the same thing.
This desert is much more rocky and you don’t get the rolling sand dunes you’re probably picturing right now.
So if that’s what you want, the Agafay Desert might disappoint.
BUT, if you’re okay with a rockier desert, it’s still worth a visit!
There’s no public transit option to get there so we booked a taxi. Taxis in Marrakech can be a bit sketchy and we actually ended up in one who was trying to scam us and when we got out, he almost drove off with all our luggage!
Luckily, we popped into a nearby hotel and they were able to call a reputable taxi driver to take us to Agafay.
We paid 300 MAD/$32 USD from Marrakech to Agafay and spent the night there, so we paid around $60 USD in total for the journey.
A lot of people visit Agafay to do quad bike tours but you can also stay overnight at a handful of camps/hotels.
The one downside was that because you’re in the desert, you’re VERY limited in food options and pretty much have to eat whatever the hotel/camp has and it’s always overpriced.
The photos above are a result of us looking on Google Maps for restaurants and food places near us outside our camp. We stumbled upon this spot but no one was around and after waiting 20 minutes or so we gave up and went back to our camp.
But hey – at least we got some cool photos out of it I suppose!
Atlas Mountains
We didn’t have enough time to do this ourselves but it came highly recommended from a friend!
The Atlas Mountains aren’t far from Marrakech and make for an excellent day trip if you have the time.
It’s about a 1.5 hour drive from Marrakech and the scenery is said to be absolutely stunning!
I’m actually heading back to Morocco soon and plan on stopping through this area so I’ll update this blog post when I’ve been to provide you with more info and context.
From the Atlas Mountains you can see snow-capped mountains, quaint villages and peaceful walking trails. If you’re up for it, you can go on a guided hike or enjoy traditional mint tea at a local home.
Browse all of the incredible trips you can do in the Atlas Mountains here.
Ouzoud Waterfalls
This is another day trip we didn’t have time to do but is something I’d book next time I’m in Marrakech!
It’s about 2.5 hours away and they’re actually the tallest waterfalls in all of Morocco.
The hike down is said to be fairly easy and you could potentially spot some monkeys along the way!
There’s a chance to swim at the base of the falls and boat rides are available for a small fee. Just make sure to wear good shoes as the trail can get slippery.
This tour looked incredible with a 4.9-star rating and over 8,000 reviews!
It includes coffee, a lunch break, a boat trip, hotel pickup and dropoff for such as good price.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
It goes without saying but you HAVE to stay at a riad in Marrakech!
It’s an iconic experience and worth every single penny.
If you haven’t heard of a riad before, it’s a traditional Moroccan guesthouse, typically built around a central courtyard or garden.
The roads in Marrakech look like nothing special from the outside but are a hidden oasis. Most are family-run businesses or boutique-style accommodations, meaning the service is more personal and welcoming.
You’ll most often be greeted with mint tea upon arrival (although this goes without saying at most accommodations throughout Morocco) and the staff will go above and beyond to ensure you’re comfortable.
I’ve stayed at two riads when I was in Marrakech and loved them both equally!
- Riad Kasbah – If you’re going for a luxurious stay, this riad won’t disappoint! It’s grand, yet calm and everything wow’d me. The pool area is perfect on a hot day and the rooftop has lots of seating and spectacular views!
- Riad Dar Ten – This riad is much smaller and has an intimate feel which I love, plus it was mostly pink. They have a beautiful rooftop area with lounge chairs, a hot tub and an outdoor shower but don’t have a pool inside.
I’ll be updating this post on my next trip to Morocco with other riads you can choose from!
What to Wear in Marrakech
It can be a bit of a struggle trying to figure out what to pack for your trip to Marrakech!
I wasn’t sure how conservative it would be and essentially packed similarly to how I packed for Egypt. I found out pretty quickly that while Morocco is a fairly conservative country, you have a little more leeway when it comes to how you dress.
That said, it’s important to remain respectful of the locals and their culture.
Read my full packing guide for Morocco here to see some examples of what to wear!
Is Marrakech Safe?
Marrakech doesn’t have the best reputation for safety and I can understand why.
That said, I was travelling with my boyfriend and didn’t have any negative experiences luckily. I know many women (even friends of mine) who haven’t been as lucky and I think it can be a completely different experience for women travelling solo.
If you’re planning to visit Morocco as a woman by yourself, you definitely should still go ahead! Just be a little more careful than you would in Europe and follow typical safety practices such as avoiding walking alone at night, not giving out personal information to strangers, etc.
Moroccans are very kind and welcoming people if you give them a chance so don’t go in expecting the worst!
To feel safe when you first arrive, I’d recommend booking an airport transfer. That way, you don’t have to deal with bartering and negotiating the price of a taxi and will know you’re going to the right place.
When’s the Best Time to Visit Marrakech?
It’s typically best to visit Marrakech in the winter months because summer can be VERY hot!
I visited in December and it was around 18-20°C which was pretty nice. It also wasn’t as busy as I thought it would be.
March-May and September – November are typically the busiest months to visit because that’s when temperatures are the best in spring and summer.
It’s best to avoid travelling to Marrakech in the summer (July and August) because temperatures are usually 40°C+ each day and when dressed more conservatively, it can feel very hot.
I was there at the end of the shoulder season, right before more people visit during the holiday season.
If you’re okay with cooler days and nights, I can definitely recommend visiting Marrakech at the end of November/early December!
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Ready to Explore Marrakech, Morocco?
As you can probably tell, there are plenty of things to do in Marrakech, Morocco!
Marrakech is chaotic, colourful, overwhelming (at times) and beautiful all at once.
While it may not be for everyone, it’s definitely a city that will leave an impression on you.
With a bit of planning and an open mind, you can experience its magic without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re getting lost in the medina, sipping tea on a rooftop or escaping the mountains for a day – Marrakech has something for every kind of traveller!
Let me know if you have any questions about visiting because Morroco is one of my all-time favourite places and I seriously love talking about it.
I’ll be back shortly with another blog but in the meantime, you can connect with me on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube!
Cheers,
Amy xx
