Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Marrakesh, Morocco

Situated against the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is an enduring city featuring red sandstone architecture.

Storytellers continue to entertain the public in the Jemaa el-Fnaa square while numerous vendors offer their products in a maze-like network of alleys designed to provide shade from the sun.

Marrakesh served as an imperial capital during two notable eras: under the Almoravids and Almohads in medieval times, and later, the Saadian Dynasty in the 16th century.

These historical periods bequeathed the city with exquisite examples of Hispano-Moorish art, such as the 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque and the remnants of the palace and mausoleum of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur (1549-1603). The allure of Marrakesh has captivated numerous Europeans, including long-time resident Yves Saint-Laurent (1936-2008), whose influential designs are now showcased at a museum dedicated to his legacy.

1. Medina

The old town of Marrakesh is characterized by a complex labyrinth of alleys that converge on the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, dominated by the iconic 12th-century minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque.

Visitors will discover that aesthetics can be misleading within the Medina, particularly regarding the unadorned exteriors of riads (courtyard mansions), which conceal their opulent mosaics and stuccowork within.

A riad is arguably the most suitable accommodation option in Marrakesh, with several that have been meticulously restored now functioning as museums.

One notable entrance to the Medina is through the Bab Agnaou gate, which serves as a historical threshold to the kasbah, featuring intricately carved sandstone patterns radiating from its horseshoe arch.

2. The Souks of Marrakesh

It is said that Marrakesh is home to approximately 40,000 artisans.

Throughout the interconnected alleys branching from the expansive Jemaa el-Fnaa, visitors can observe the daily activities of these skilled craftsmen.

Vibrant, picturesque, and often chaotic, the souks offer not just a shopping experience but also a cultural immersion, segmented by specialization.

Souk Smata features traditional babouche slippers, while Souk Seffarine specializes in brassware. Souk Haddadine showcases blacksmithing, Souk Chouari offers carved cedar, and the renowned Souk Cherratin is known for its various leather goods such as purses and belts.

The dyeing section, known as Souk Sebbaghine, provides excellent photographic opportunities with its vivid strands of wool hanging overhead.

Haggling is customary; however, it is important to remember that all vendors are eager to make a sale.

3. Koutoubia Mosque

The 77-meter minaret of Marrakesh’s largest mosque has stood tall across the western sector of the Medina for over 800 years.

When the French envisioned the Ville Nouvelle, this medieval tower was a key landmark, visible from almost 30 kilometers away.

Built during the reign of Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur, this minaret inspired notable structures such as Seville’s famous Giralda and the Hassan Tower in Rabat, both of which were Almohad creations.

Instead of traditional stairs, the minaret features an internal ramp to accommodate the muezzin riding up to deliver the call to prayer.

This design also results in slightly differing orientations of the window arches on each facade.

Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering, but a vantage point for viewing can be found from the esplanade adjacent to Jemaa el-Fnaa.

To the right, visitors can see the remnants of an earlier Almohad mosque built in the 12th century, which was abandoned due to its mihrab (shrine) not being aligned toward Mecca.

4. Jardin Majorelle

In the 1980s, Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé undertook the restoration of this remarkable garden and its Cubist villa.

The garden is the creation of Jacques Majorelle (1886-1962), the son of renowned Art Nouveau furniture designer Louis Majorelle.

Jacques dedicated over four decades to cultivating this 2.5-hectare oasis, which is adorned with bamboo, striking tall cacti, and vibrant bougainvillea.

Majorelle’s villa and studio houses a museum dedicated to Islamic art, displaying Saint-Laurent’s personal collection of North African textiles, ceramics, and jewelry, alongside various works by Majorelle.

5. Bahia Palace

Regarded as one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture, Bahia Palace achieved its current grandeur under the supervision of the grand vizier Ba Ahmed (d. 1900). This elaborately decorated palace spans eight hectares in the southeastern corner of the Medina and was originally constructed in the 1860s, with subsequent expansions undertaken by the notable Ba Ahmed, including a vast harem encircling a central courtyard.

The complex features intricately painted cedar and beech ceilings, lustrous white marble, vividly colored zellige tilework, complex latticework, stained glass, and gardens flourishing with jasmine, hibiscus, citrus trees, and banana trees.

Ba Ahmed had four wives and 24 concubines, which explains the extensive space designed for his household.

Each of his wives was granted an equally-sized apartment, signifying their equal status, and visitors can explore the palace’s mosque/school for his numerous children, as well as the administrative hall where he conducted affairs.

King Mohammed VI occasionally resides in private quarters of Bahia Palace, which are not accessible to the public.

6. Ben Youssef Madrasa

Until its closure in 1960, Marrakesh was home to one of the largest madrasas in North Africa, accommodating over 800 students.

This historical institution was completed during the reign of Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib (1517-1574), situated on the site of a previous Marinid-dynasty madrasa from the mid-14th century.

The complex was opened to the public as a historical site in 1982, designed around a magnificent central courtyard meant to astound visitors with its radiant zellige mosaics, delicate stuccowork, finely carved cedar, and ornamental Arabic calligraphy surrounding a rectangular reflection pool.

At the far end lies the mihrab, adorned with even more vibrant tiles.

This richness extends to the latticework and molded stucco niches of the secondary courtyards, while the students’ cells are intentionally simple.

7. Jemaa el-Fnaa

Marrakesh’s vibrant marketplace originated as a venue for military parades and public executions in front of the palace that once occupied the site of the Koutoubia Mosque.

Jemaa el-Fnaa pulses with energy day and night.

In the afternoon, one may encounter snake charmers, Barbary monkeys, stalls selling fresh orange juice, and water vendors.

As evening approaches, this lively scene transforms into a spectacle featuring dancers disguised as women (who are otherwise not allowed to dance), magicians, fire breathers, acrobats, and storytellers, all accompanied by gnaoua musicians clad in blue robes.

During the night, an array of food stalls fills Jemaa el-Fnaa with enticing offerings such as tagines, couscous, grilled meat skewers, and hearty spiced soups with lentils and chickpeas.

8. Saadian Tombs

Members of the influential Saadian Dynasty, who ruled during the height of Marrakesh’s power in the late 16th century, were interred in this exquisite mausoleum complex on the southern side of the Kasbah Mosque.

The tombs date back to the era of Ahmad al-Mansur (1549-1603) and remained hidden behind formidable walls for centuries until rediscovered through aerial surveys in the 1910s.

Notable individuals entombed here include al-Mansur, his son, and his grandson, all situated in the Hall of the Twelve Columns.

These tombs are crafted from Carrara marble, embellished with a vibrant array of zellige mosaics covering the floors and lower walls, under a magnificently detailed dome constructed from carved cedar.

9. Maison de la Photographie

Established in 2009 within a former merchant inn in the Medina, this museum houses a collection of over 10,000 historical photographs dating from 1870 to 1950. Visitors can explore seldom-seen images that capture Moroccan landscapes, the ancient city of Volubilis, palatial residences, kasbahs, and candid snapshots of Berber life.

The collection includes works by some of the earliest photographers to arrive in Morocco, including Scotsman George Washington Wilson (1823-1893), complemented by numerous images from anonymous travelers on their extensive tours.

New exhibitions are regularly introduced, focusing on themes encompassing specific locales, photography styles, and facets of life in Morocco.

After exploring the exhibits, visitors can ascend to the terrace for mint tea and a scenic view of the Medina and surrounding mountains.

10. El Badi Palace

This now-ruined palace, home to storks and stray cats, was constructed by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur following his victory in the Battle of the Three Kings (1578), funded through a ransom obtained from the Portuguese.

Years later, El Badi Palace—believed to have encompassed 300 exquisitely decorated rooms—was plundered by Alaouite Sultan Ismail Ibn Sharif (1645-1727) for materials for his royal residences in the new capital, Meknes.

Remaining structures still captivate with their stunning vistas from the crenulated walls and a mysterious network of subterranean passageways that invite exploration.

Don’t miss the Koutoubia minbar (pulpit) situated at the back of the courtyard—crafted from cedar in the 12th century, adorned with intricate marquetry, and gold and silver calligraphy by medieval artisans from Cordoba.

11. Yves Saint Laurent Museum

This dedicated museum in Marrakesh opened on his namesake street in October 2017. Designed by Studio KO, the building exhibits both traditional and modern aesthetics, merging Art Deco elements with Moroccan-fired bricks arranged in interlacing patterns.

On a minimalistic backdrop, the permanent exhibition centers around Marrakesh and features many of Yves Saint Laurent’s most iconic designs, including the Mondrian dress, pea coat, “Le Smoking,” and a safari jacket.

The 50-piece display rotates regularly, organized into themes that influenced the designer’s work: Art, Gardens, Morocco, Africa, Black, Imaginary Voyages, and Masculine-Feminine.

Supplementing the showcase are sketches, runway footage, photographs, audio recordings, and music providing insights into the designer’s creative process and inspirations.

12. Menara Gardens

A short distance from Marrakesh, heading towards the airport, lie the Menara Gardens, which were originally established around 1130 by the Almohad Caliphate’s ruler, Abd al-Mu’min.

The name “Menara” derives from a pavilion characterized by horseshoe arches, a balustraded terrace, and a pyramidal roof, creating an impressive backdrop against the snowy High Atlas Mountains.

This pavilion, built in the 19th century atop a 16th-century foundation, is situated next to a large water reservoir originally created to irrigate nearby orchards and olive groves.

The gardens continue to provide a tranquil refuge from the heat, much like they did nearly 900 years ago.

13. Cyber Park

The name of this park in the western section of the Medina belies its historical significance.

Offering clear views of the Atlas Mountains, the garden was originally designed by Prince Moulay Abdeslam, the son of Sultan Sidi Mohammed Ben Abdellah, at the close of the 18th century.

It became a public space in the early 20th century but fell into neglect until it underwent rehabilitation by the Foundation Mohammed VI for the Protection of the Environment in the early 2000s.

Cyber Park integrates a historic arsat (orchard) garden, consisting of citrus, lucerne, and olive trees, with a contemporary park featuring expansive lawns, water features, and walking paths.

The “cyber” in the park’s name originates from a cyber café and telecom museum established in 2005, coinciding with the availability of complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the park.

14. Tiskiwin Museum

This museum was established by Dutch anthropologist Bert Flint to showcase his substantial collection of Amazigh artifacts.

The importance of this collection has led to the museum becoming affiliated with Marrakesh’s Cadi Ayyad University.

The permanent exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the Berber Sahara along the historic caravan routes linking Marrakesh to Timbuktu.

The exhibit allows insights into Berber traditions, commerce, and domestic life, with an array of carvings in stone and wood, furniture, baskets, fabrics, djellabas (robes), jewelry, cooking tools, and additional artifacts presented with well-researched descriptions.

15. Mellah

In Marrakesh’s historical Jewish quarter, one will notice narrower streets and taller buildings compared to the rest of the city.

This architectural feature is attributable to the restriction on Jewish residents to this densely populated area until the arrival of the French Protectorate in 1912, which necessitated efficient use of the limited space.

The Mellah developed in the mid-16th century during the Saadian dynasty, situated where the Sultan’s stables previously stood.

At its peak, it was a bustling neighborhood filled with jewelers, sugar merchants, tailors, and bankers.

Under King Mohammed VI, the Mellah has undergone some restoration and has seen the reintroduction of its original Jewish street names.

Today, Marrakesh’s Jewish community has diminished to a mere few dozen individuals, which is evidenced by occasional Stars of David seen on building walls.

The Mellah serves not only as a historical point of interest but also as a calmer area for shopping, distinct from the chaos of the city’s primary souks.

16. Salat Al Azama Synagogue

This 16th-century synagogue located within the Mellah was constructed in response to the Expulsion of Jews from Spain.

Recently renovated and featuring a gallery for women, it is found within a courtyard tucked away down a narrow alley, its vivid blue tilework, doors, and benches contrasting starkly with the city’s orange and brown hues.

Salat Al Azama is one of two active places of worship serving Marrakesh’s Jewish community. It also provides an opportunity for visitors to gain insights into the city’s Jewish heritage through an exhibit of photographs and historical documents.

The courtyard once functioned as a yeshiva (religious school), accommodating up to 400 students from the surrounding area.

17. Miaara Jewish Cemetery

The Miaara cemetery, located in the Mellah, ranks as the largest Jewish cemetery in Morocco, offering insight into the significant Jewish presence in the area since its establishment in the 16th century.

As with many locations in the Medina, a modest entrance masks the beauty and scale of what lies beyond.

Upon entry, male visitors are provided with a yarmulke to wear, leading them into a vast expanse of long, whitewashed tombs—many worn down over time but some retain their distinctive triangular shapes.

It is remarkable to consider that there are three levels of burials present.

The Miaara cemetery holds historical significance in Jewish culture, serving as the final resting place for many tzaddikim (Hasidic spiritual leaders or guides). An elaborately designed mausoleum featuring a carved cedar roof and intricate stucco detailing is designated for the president of the Jewish community.

18. Dar Si Said Museum

Marrakesh’s oldest museum, which opened in 1932, is housed in a stunning 19th-century palace commissioned by Si Said ben Moussa, who served as defense minister to his brother, the grand vizier Ba Ahmed (d. 1900). Visitors can indulge in the mesmerizing zellige tilework, stained glass, and exquisitely crafted cedar ceilings throughout the museum.

The museum presents the traditional handicrafts of the region, with a focus on Marrakesh, the banks of the Tensift River, and the High Atlas and Anti-Atlas mountain ranges.

Exhibits feature Berber jewelry, hammered copper, pottery, rugs, ceremonial attire, weaponry, and an exhibitionure showcasing elaborately ornamented doors and window frames sourced from kasbahs across the southern regions.

19. Boucharouite Museum

During your exploration of the Medina, consider visiting this museum located in a riad that features a central courtyard and a serene green terrace above.

This museum highlights the Berber Boucharouite rug-making technique, wherein colorful fabric strips are woven together, typically by women.

As these rugs can be individually crafted rather than produced in workshops, each piece often conveys something personal about its maker.

This applies to the works displayed in the museum, and if fortunate, the museum proprietor might share the stories behind each rug and what they reflect about Berber culture.

Concluding your visit, you may enjoy tea on the terrace, elevated above the bustling Medina.

20. Ouzoud Waterfalls Full Day Tour from Marrakesh

Marrakesh’s geographic position places numerous awe-inspiring natural attractions within easy reach, with an array of extraordinary experiences to choose from.

The Ouzoud Falls, located 150 kilometers northeast of the city in the Middle Atlas Mountains, can be accessed via a guided tour in a comfortable, air-conditioned minibus.

The drive to the falls is captivating, passing through olive groves and quaint Berber villages nestled in the High Atlas.

The waterfalls themselves are a breathtaking sight, as the El Abid River cascades down in three tiered drops, totaling a height of 110 meters into a dramatic gorge with verdant moss-covered walls.

Visitors will have the opportunity to swim in the river and capture photos of the playful Barbary macaque monkeys that inhabit the area.

21. Marrakesh to Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari

Marrakesh provides an ideal gateway for many individuals to experience the Sahara Desert, and the thought of the romantic orange and bronze dunes being so accessible is exhilarating.

This 3-day trip available on GetYourGuide.com constitutes an odyssey through the High Atlas Mountains, visiting the enchanting Kasbah of Ouarzazate, renowned as “The Gateway to the Desert.” Following an exploration of the towering walls of the Todgha Gorges, the journey proceeds to the Erg Chebbi dunes, which epitomize the beauty and tranquility of the Sahara.

After a memorable camel trek, participants will spend the night at a Bedouin camp, enjoying a traditional tagine meal under the stars and entertainment provided by genuine nomadic gnaoua musicians.

22. Atlas Mountains Day Trip with Camel Ride

The High Atlas Mountains loom impressively over Marrakesh’s southern skyline, and this day trip ventures into the Imlil Valley, offering breathtaking mountain vistas, a camel ride, and a glimpse into Berber culture.

En route, you will visit a women’s cooperative specializing in Argan oil, allowing you to procure this sought-after cosmetic product directly from its source.

Later, in the town of Asni, you will experience a Berber souk that remains unspoiled by tourism, followed by visits to small villages, waterfalls, and a stop at the fertile terraces of Tamatert, where various crops have been cultivated for generations.

On the return journey to Marrakesh, there is a stop at the Moulay Brahim Gorges for another camel ride amidst stunning scenery.

23. Museum of Marrakesh

Despite its name, the Museum of Marrakesh is less concerned with the city’s history and more focused on showcasing the architecture and embellishments of its stunning building.

Adjacent to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, this palace, erected in the late 19th century for Mahdi Menhbi, the defense minister under Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz (1878-1943), fell into neglect before being restored into a museum in the 1990s.

The museum features an unusually expansive patio that covers over 700 square meters, dominated by a magnificent multi-tiered chandelier.

Exhibits on the ground floor display hammered copper objects, Berber jewelry, weapons, and clothing, while the upstairs gallery presents exquisite Moorish decor and fine cedar furniture.

24. Le Jardin Secret

Offering a moment of tranquility, Le Jardin Secret is a serene palace and garden complex located in the heart of the Medina.

Legend has it that this site originally comprised two Saadian Dynasty riads dating back to the 17th century, reconstructed by the ambitious 19th-century kaid (commander) al-Hajj Abd-Allah U-Bihi during the reign of Sultan Mohammed IV.

He met his end when he was poisoned at a tea gathering.

The complex languished in ruins from the 1930s until its reopening in 2016 after eight years of restoration.

Visitors can explore both an Islamic garden and an exotic garden, while the palaces exhibit modern interpretations of Moroccan design in their tilework, hand-molded stucco, carved cedar, and tadelakt (waterproof plaster). The newly constructed tower reaches heights comparable to some of Marrakesh’s minarets, surveying the Medina and the surrounding mountains.

25. Oasiria

After navigating the bustling medina alongside children or teenagers, a relaxing retreat may be warranted.

Connected to a resort, Oasiria is a water park featuring eight pools and 17 diverse slides, set within ten hectares of landscaped gardens.

Adults can unwind in this verdant oasis of lawns, palm trees, and ancient olive trees.

For the adventurous, attractions include a wave pool, lazy river, and several heated pools.

For the younger visitors, there is a designated area for knee-deep water enjoyment, coupled with a spacious playscape offering low slides.

Older kids may brave the thrilling rides, including Rio Loco, Kamikaze, and Cobra, alongside a new climbing wall for a change of pace.