Things to Do in Marrakech Morocco
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What are the best things to do in Marrakech?
The best things to do in Marrakech are shopping in the souks of the Medina with someone who knows them, watching the evening come alive on Jemaa el-Fna, visiting the Bahia Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Saadian Tombs, walking through Jardin Majorelle and Le Jardin Secret, relaxing in a hammam, and taking a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira. Below, a local guide team with years in the Medina shares 30 experiences, plus shopping tips, itineraries and practical advice.
Get the most out of Marrakech:
This week: our shopping and medina group tours, day by day
This weekend: events, concerts and exhibitions in Marrakech
Souk opening hours: plan your shopping day
Shopping in Marrakech: the souks with an insider
Group tours: from 250 dirhams per person
Visit Marrakech Medina is the best shopping and walking tour company in Marrakech, run by insiders who know which workshops still make things by hand, which shops are worth your time and how to shop the souks without stress. We have guided travelers of every kind, including some very well-known names we will politely keep to ourselves, and we offer private and luxury shopping experiences at your own pace. We are recommended by Rick Steves and featured by Daniel Jacobs in The Rough Guide to Morocco. Planning your days in Marrakech? Message us on WhatsApp and we will help you build the perfect plan.
Pick the tour that fits your trip:
Marrakech Souk Shopping Tour: the best souks, fair prices, real artisans
Rug Shopping Tour: find an authentic Moroccan rug without overpaying
Luxury Shopping Tour: high-end craftsmanship, private and unhurried
Custom Shopping Tour: a shopping day built around your wish list
Argan Oil Shopping Tour: real argan oil from our partner with a certified lab
Medina Walking Tour: palaces, hidden alleys and the stories behind them
Marrakech Tours This Week: this week's group departures
Welcome to the Red City
Every first-time visitor to Marrakech has the same moment. You step into the Medina with a map, feeling confident. Ten minutes later, you've turned left four times, a donkey has overtaken you, someone is offering you a lamp you didn't ask about, and your map has quietly given up. Welcome. This is the best city in the world to get lost in, as long as you eventually find your way.
Marrakech is called the Red City for the warm color of its walls, and it has been growing its story for nearly a thousand years. In the Medina, every turn brings something new: the smell of saffron and cumin, the hammering of a coppersmith, a pile of handwoven rugs, children playing football in a courtyard. Then you climb to a rooftop, order a mint tea, and see the Atlas Mountains on the horizon.
That mix of chaos and calm, old and new, is what makes Marrakech unforgettable.
Why This Guide Is Different
Most "things to do in Marrakech" lists are written by travelers who spent a long weekend here. That's useful, but Marrakech doesn't reveal itself in 48 hours. Our guides have spent many years in the Medina, taking travelers from all over the world far beyond the tourist traps. The walking tour we ran for years is the one Daniel Jacobs featured in The Rough Guide to Morocco, and Rick Steves recommends us to his readers.
In this guide you'll find:
30 of the best things to do, from famous landmarks to quiet corners
A full shopping guide to buy authentic crafts at fair prices
Itineraries for 1, 3, 5 and 7 days
Food, safety, transport and etiquette tips
Events and festivals, with links to what's on this week and this weekend
Day trips to the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira and the desert
The 30 Best Things to Do in Marrakech
1. Shop the Souks of the Medina
If one experience defines Marrakech, it's the souks: a maze of alleys, arches and stalls bursting with color. The souks are organized by craft. Souk Semmarine is the main covered street, with textiles, babouches and general goods. Souk Haddadine is the blacksmiths' quarter, Souk Cherratine is for leather, Souk El Attarine for spices and perfumes, and the rug sellers gather around the Criée Berbère, the old rug auction square.
Prices are rarely fixed and bargaining is expected, so take your time and keep your sense of humor. The calmest moment is the morning, when shopkeepers hope for their first sale of the day. Check our souk opening hours guide before you go.
Insider tip: the best workshops are often hidden behind ordinary doors. On our Marrakech Souk Shopping Tour, we take you to artisans most visitors walk straight past.
2. Find an Authentic Moroccan Rug
A Moroccan rug is the souvenir that will stay in your home for decades, so it's worth learning a little before you buy. Real handmade rugs have small irregularities, knots you can see on the back, and colors that come from wool, not paint. Each region has its own style: Beni Ourain with soft cream wool and dark lines, colorful Boucherouite made from recycled textiles, flat-woven kilims and more.
Insider tip: never buy a rug on your first visit to a shop. Compare, ask questions and sleep on it. Our Rug Shopping Tour takes you to specialists who will explain everything, with no pressure to buy.
3. Experience Jemaa el-Fna, Day and Night
Jemaa el-Fna is the beating heart of Marrakech, and its storytellers, musicians and traditions are recognized by UNESCO as intangible heritage. By day you'll find orange juice stands, henna artists and herbalists. In the late afternoon, food stalls set up and the square turns into a giant open-air restaurant, busiest from sunset until late evening.
Insider tip: watch the show from a terrace like Café de France, then go down and eat at a stall full of locals. Be careful with performers who ask money for photos: a polite "la, shukran" (no, thank you) works wonders.
4. Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa
Once one of the largest Quranic schools in North Africa, the Ben Youssef Madrasa is a masterpiece of carved cedar, stucco and zellige tiles around a peaceful courtyard with a reflecting pool. Upstairs, the tiny student rooms show how simply the students once lived.
Insider tip: go early in the morning, when the light on the tiles is soft and the courtyard is quiet.
5. Step Into the Bahia Palace
Built in the 19th century by Grand Vizier Si Moussa and expanded by his son Ba Ahmed, the Bahia Palace lives up to its name, "the beautiful." Painted cedar ceilings, marble courtyards, stained glass and gardens full of orange trees make it one of the most photographed places in the city.
Insider tip: arrive at opening time, before the tour groups. With a guide, the palace's stories of power and intrigue make the visit far richer. It's a highlight of our Medina Walking Tour.
6. Explore the El Badi Palace Ruins
Built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour with marble from Italy and gold from Timbuktu, El Badi was once one of the grandest palaces in the world. Today, its huge courtyards, sunken gardens and crumbling walls are still breathtaking, and storks nest on top of the ramparts.
Insider tip: climb to the terraces in the late afternoon for golden light over the Medina.
7. Admire the Koutoubia Mosque
The 77-meter minaret of the Koutoubia, built in the 12th century, is the landmark you'll use to find your way all week. Its name comes from the booksellers who once worked around it. Non-Muslims can't enter the prayer hall, but the gardens around it are lovely for an evening walk.
Insider tip: see it at sunset from Jemaa el-Fna, when the stone glows and the call to prayer fills the square.
8. Discover the Saadian Tombs
Sealed off in the 17th century and rediscovered in 1917, the Saadian Tombs hold the mausoleums of the Saadian dynasty. The Hall of the Twelve Columns, with its marble and carved cedar, is the jewel of the site.
Insider tip: the site is small and fills up fast, so go right at opening.
9. Relax in Le Jardin Secret
Hidden in the heart of the Medina, this restored palace garden has two parts: an Islamic garden built around water and symmetry, and an exotic garden with plants from around the world. Its tower offers a great view over the rooftops.
Insider tip: it's the perfect break between two shopping sessions in the souks, with a quiet café inside.
10. Stroll Through Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum
Created by painter Jacques Majorelle and later saved by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, Jardin Majorelle is famous for its cobalt-blue villa, cacti and bamboo. Next door, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent celebrates the designer who called Marrakech home.
Insider tip: tickets are sold online for set time slots, so book ahead and choose the first slot of the morning.
11. Buy Real Argan Oil
Argan oil is everywhere in Marrakech, and a lot of it isn't pure. Real cosmetic argan oil has a light, nutty smell and absorbs quickly, while culinary argan oil is toasted and darker. Price that seems too good is usually a warning sign.
Insider tip: on our Argan Oil Shopping Tour, you buy from our partner with a certified lab, so you know exactly what's in the bottle. All our shopping, rug and walking tours can include a stop there too.
12. Explore the Mellah, the Old Jewish Quarter
The Mellah tells a different chapter of Marrakech's history. Its houses with street-facing balconies, the still-active Lazama Synagogue and the vast Jewish cemetery show the long shared history of Jewish and Muslim Marrakech. The spice market at its entrance is one of the most colorful in the city.
Insider tip: combine it with the Bahia and El Badi palaces, which are just a few minutes away.
13. Visit Dar Si Said, the Museum of Moroccan Weaving and Carpets
Housed in a 19th-century palace built by Si Said, brother of Ba Ahmed, this museum is now dedicated to Moroccan weaving and carpets. It's the best place to understand what you'll see in the rug souk.
Insider tip: visit it before you shop for a rug. You'll recognize styles and quality much more easily afterwards.
14. See Old Marrakech at the Maison de la Photographie
This small museum in a restored riad holds thousands of historic photographs of Morocco, from the late 19th century to the mid-20th. The rooftop café has one of the best views in the Medina.
15. Visit the Tanneries
In the northeast of the Medina, the tanneries still treat hides in stone vats using traditional methods. The smell is strong, which is why you'll be handed a sprig of mint at the entrance. It's raw, fascinating and very real.
Insider tip: this area is known for unofficial "guides" who ask for high fees. Go with a guide you've booked yourself.
16. Enjoy a Traditional Hammam
A hammam is a Moroccan institution: steam, a scrub with black soap and a kessa glove, then rinsing and often a massage. Local hammams are simple and communal, while spa hammams in riads and hotels are private and refined, like Les Bains de Marrakech or La Mamounia.
17. Discover the Mouassine Quarter
One of the Medina's most elegant neighborhoods, Mouassine has a beautiful old public fountain, a historic mosque, small galleries and some of the city's best design shops.
Insider tip: it's a favorite stop on our Luxury Shopping Tour, for travelers looking for high-end craftsmanship and contemporary Moroccan design.
18. Explore Dar El Bacha, the Pasha's Palace
Built in the early 20th century for Pasha Thami El Glaoui, Dar El Bacha is now the Musée des Confluences, with elegant courtyards, fine woodwork and a famous coffee house inside.
19. Walk Through Bab Agnaou
This 12th-century gate was once the entrance to the royal Kasbah. Its carved stone arch is one of the most beautiful in the city and sits right next to the Saadian Tombs and El Badi.
20. Take a Break in Cyber Park
Between the Medina and Gueliz, Arsat Moulay Abdeslam (Cyber Park) is a calm green space with shaded paths and fountains. Perfect for families or a quiet half hour.
21. Discover Gueliz, the Modern City
Gueliz is Marrakech's modern side: wide avenues, cafés, boutiques, galleries and rooftop bars. For contemporary African art, the MACAAL museum is a short drive away.
22. Stroll Around the Menara Gardens
The Menara Gardens, with their large reflecting pool and olive groves, date back to the 12th century. On a clear day, the Atlas Mountains make a stunning backdrop.
23. Take a Moroccan Cooking Class
Learn to cook tagine, couscous or pastilla, often starting with a market visit to choose spices and fresh ingredients. A class of three to four hours is enough to cook a full meal.
24. Watch the Sunset From a Rooftop
Sunset over the Medina is pure magic: pink walls, minarets and the call to prayer. Rooftops like Café des Épices or Nomad offer great views.
Insider tip: arrive 30 minutes early to get a good table.
25. Enjoy Marrakech After Dark
From dinner shows with music and dance to live jazz and chaabi in Gueliz, Marrakech has a lively evening scene. For this week's concerts and shows, see our Things to Do in Marrakech This Weekend guide.
26. Ride a Calèche
Horse-drawn carriages wait near Jemaa el-Fna and the Koutoubia. A short ride around the ramparts is a charming way to see the city. Agree on the price before you set off.
27. Explore the Hidden Medina
Some of the best moments in Marrakech are unplanned: a neighborhood bakery where families bring their bread, a fountain covered in old tiles, a quiet derb where children play. A good guide knows these corners.
28. Try Henna
Henna is part of Moroccan celebrations, especially weddings. Choose natural henna from a reputable artist, and avoid "black henna," which can irritate the skin.
29. Visit Artisan Workshops and Cooperatives
Watching a craftsman at work changes the way you see a lamp, a pair of babouches or a leather bag. Cooperatives and family workshops are where you understand the real value of handmade.
Insider tip: want a shopping day built around exactly what you're looking for? Try our Custom Shopping Tour.
30. Take a Day Trip From Marrakech
The Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley, the Agafay Desert and the coastal town of Essaouira are all within reach for a day. See our day trip section below.
Ready to explore?
Message us on WhatsApp to book your tour.
Shopping in Marrakech: How to Buy Well
Marrakech is one of the best shopping cities in the world, but the souks can feel overwhelming. Here's how to buy with confidence.
What to buy:
Rugs: look for small irregularities and visible knots on the back, signs of handwork. See our Rug Shopping Tour
Leather: smell it and check the stitching. Good leather smells natural, not chemical
Lamps and metalwork: heavier pieces with even patterns are usually better made
Spices: buy small quantities so they stay fresh, and ask for vacuum-sealed packs
Ceramics: check that the glaze is even and the piece feels solid
Silver jewelry: real silver is usually stamped, so ask about origin and metal
Argan oil: buy from a trusted source. See our Argan Oil Shopping Tour
How to shop smart:
Bargain with a smile: it's expected and friendly, not a fight
Bring cash: most small shops prefer dirhams, and ATMs are easy to find near Jemaa el-Fna
Never buy on impulse: compare a few shops, especially for rugs and bigger pieces
Ask before photographing artisans and their work
Go in the morning: calmer alleys and friendlier bargaining. Check our souk opening hours guide
Two easy shopping routes:
Medina classics: Jemaa el-Fna to Souk Semmarine, then Souk El Attarine, Souk Haddadine and Souk Cherratine
Quieter and more design-focused: the Mouassine quarter, Le Jardin Secret area and the small workshops around Dar El Bacha
Want an insider by your side?
Choose the shopping style that fits you: the Souk Shopping Tour, the Luxury Shopping Tour or the Custom Shopping Tour. Shopping is always your choice: you buy only what you love.
Itineraries: How Many Days in Marrakech?
1 day:
Morning: the souks and Jemaa el-Fna while it's calm
Afternoon: the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs
Evening: sunset on a rooftop, then dinner at the Jemaa el-Fna food stalls
3 days:
Day 1: the souks, Jemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia, the Bahia Palace
Day 2: Ben Youssef Madrasa, Le Jardin Secret, Dar El Bacha, Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum
Day 3: the Mellah, El Badi, a shopping session for rugs or argan oil, a hammam in the late afternoon
5 days: the 3-day plan, plus a day in the Atlas Mountains and a slow day for cooking class, hidden corners and shopping.
7 days: the 5-day plan, plus a day in Essaouira and a day in the Agafay Desert, or an overnight trip toward the Sahara.
Tip: whatever your plan, do the souks early in your stay. You'll have time to compare before buying, and you'll feel at home in the Medina for the rest of the week.
Food and Drink in Marrakech
Jemaa el-Fna food stalls: harira soup, grilled kefta, snail soup, sfenj doughnuts and fresh orange juice. Choose busy stalls where food is cooked in front of you
Tagine: chicken with preserved lemon and olives, lamb with prunes and almonds
Couscous: traditionally eaten on Fridays
Pastilla: sweet and savory pie, a festive classic
Tanjia: the Marrakech specialty, slow-cooked in a clay jar in the ashes of a hammam fire
Mint tea: a sign of hospitality, served everywhere. Accept it when it's offered
Pastries: gazelle horns, ghriba and chebakia
Practical Tips for Marrakech
Safety:
Keep valuables close in crowded places like Jemaa el-Fna
Politely decline unsolicited offers to "show you the way"
At night, stay on the main, well-lit lanes
Health:
Drink bottled water
Wear sunscreen and a hat, even outside summer
Comfortable, closed shoes are a must in the Medina
Getting around:
On foot: the only real way to explore the Medina
Petit taxis: for short trips in the city; ask for the meter or agree on the price first
Day trips: private drivers or organized tours are the easiest option
Best time to visit:
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November): the most comfortable weather
Summer: very hot, so plan early mornings and evenings
Winter: sunny days, chilly nights
Etiquette:
Dress modestly in the old city, with shoulders and knees covered
Ask before photographing people
Tipping is appreciated: around 10% in restaurants
Connectivity: buy a local SIM card from Maroc Telecom, Orange or Inwi at the airport or in town.
Events and Festivals in Marrakech
Marrakech has something happening almost every week. For what's on right now:
This week: our Marrakech Tours This Week page
This weekend: our Things to Do in Marrakech This Weekend guide
Main events of the year:
Marrakech International Film Festival: held in late autumn. The 2026 edition runs November 20 to 28
Marrakech Folklore Days: traditional music and dance from across Morocco, held in October
National Festival of Popular Arts: one of the oldest festivals in Morocco, with performers from all regions
Ramadan and Eid: dates follow the lunar calendar. During Ramadan, the city slows down by day and comes alive after sunset, with lanterns, sweets and late shopping. Souk hours change, so check our souk hours guide
Day Trips From Marrakech
Atlas Mountains and Imlil: 1 to 2 hours away, with Berber villages, hiking and mountain views
Ourika Valley and Setti Fatma: about an hour away, with waterfalls and riverside cafés
Ouzoud Waterfalls: about 2.5 to 3 hours away, Morocco's most famous falls
Essaouira: about 2.5 to 3 hours away, a relaxed coastal medina with a fishing port and art galleries
Agafay Desert: about an hour away, for camel rides, quad biking and dinner under the stars
Aït Benhaddou and Ouarzazate: a long day or an overnight trip to the famous kasbah and film locations
Tip: before or after your day trip, keep a free morning in the Medina for shopping. Many travelers find their best pieces on their last days.
Our Tours in Marrakech
Group tours: weekly departures at 10 a.m. from Jemaa el-Fna. Medina walk without shopping on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday for 300 dirhams per person; Medina tour with shopping on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday for 250 dirhams per person. See this week's dates on Marrakech Tours This Week
Private tours: every day, from 900 dirhams depending on group size
Shopping tours: Souk Shopping, Rug Shopping, Luxury Shopping, Custom Shopping and Argan Oil Shopping
Walking tour: our Medina Walking Tour
Last-minute: already in the Medina?
A guide can meet you within an hour
Languages: English and French; other languages on request before booking
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Marrakech?
Shopping in the souks, Jemaa el-Fna at sunset, the Bahia Palace, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Saadian Tombs, Jardin Majorelle, Le Jardin Secret, a hammam and a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira.
How many days should I spend in Marrakech?
Three days covers the Medina comfortably. Five to seven days lets you add day trips without rushing.
Do I need a guide in Marrakech?
Not strictly, but a local guide helps you avoid scams, find your way in the Medina and reach artisans most visitors never find, especially if you plan to shop.
What is the best month to visit Marrakech?
March to May and September to November have the most comfortable temperatures.
What time do the souks open?
Most souks open around 9 a.m. and close between 7 and 8 p.m., later near Jemaa el-Fna. See our full souk opening hours guide.
Do I need cash in the souks?
Yes, most small shops prefer dirhams in cash.
Is it rude to bargain?
No, bargaining is a normal and friendly part of souk culture. Take your time and keep smiling.
What should I buy in Marrakech?
Rugs, leather, lamps, ceramics, spices, silver jewelry and real argan oil are the classic buys.
Is Jemaa el-Fna worth visiting day and night?
Yes, they're two different experiences: a market and street show by day, a giant open-air food court by night.
Ready to Explore Marrakech?
Marrakech rewards travelers who take their time, ask questions and let the Medina surprise them. Discover our full range of authentic Marrakech tours on our homepage: Visit Marrakech Medina.
Want help planning your days?
Message us on WhatsApp or booking form and we'll reply quickly.
Last updated: October 2026