10 Awesome Things to Do in Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the most popular cities in Morocco, and has tons to offer its visitors! The colorful center is chaotic and aromatic, giving a ton of life to the area. Here are all of the awesome things to do in Marrakech, and everything to expect.

Where is Marrakech in Morocco?

Marrakech is a former imperial city located in the central area of the country of Morocco. It is a main hub in Morocco, and a great central place to reach all different big cities in the country. Check the map below to see exactly where it is located.

Entry Requirements for Marrakech

So now you know the best way to get to Marrakech! But first, it's important to know if you need any specific requirements to enter the country. Here's what you need to know:

Do I Need a Visa to Go to Marrakech?

There are 65 different nationalities that can enter Marrakech and other cities in Morocco for a period of up to 90 days without needing a visa. Australia, the UK, the US, and most European countries fall into this category. If you are unsure if you need a visa or not, you can check the list of countries that do not need a visa for Morocco.

Can You Get a Visa on Arrival in Morocco?

If you do need a visa, you'll have to get it online in advance. You cannot get your visa in upon arrival to Marrakech.

Do I Need a Covid Test to Enter Marrakech?

The last time that we were visiting Marrakech, we did need to take a Covid Test (April 2022). However, regulations have been lifted, and you can enter Morocco now without needing to take a Covid test.

Local Adjustments

Morocco is a very interesting place, because it's very close to Europe, but is Islamic. Because of this, the culture, language, currency, and customs change a lot! Here are a few things to keep in mind when traveling to Marrakech.

What Language is Spoken in Marrakech?

The official languages in Morocco are Arabic and French. Learning a bit of either language really helps, as many people don't speak English at all.

Trying to speak in French or Arabic will also help you get ripped off a bit less. As a tourist, this is one of the most frustrating things about traveling through Morocco.

Currency Used in Marrakech

The official currency of Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham. Currently (as of September 2023) the USD is equivalent to 10.24 Dirham, and the Euro is equivalent to 10.93 Dirham. 

The majority of hotels, restaurants, and shops only accept cash, So make sure to take money out from an ATM upon arrival.

What Plug Adapter Do I Need for Marrakech?

Morocco operates on a 220 V supply voltage and 50 Hz. The outlets are type C, which are the same as they use in Europe.

Can Tourists Drink Tap Water in Marrakech?

The water in Marrakech and other Moroccan cities is chlorinated, therefore perfectly safe to drink. However, locals recommend that tourists stick to bottled water in case their stomachs are more sensitive.

Is Tipping Expected in Marrakech?

There is no standard rate for tipping in Marrakech. However it is customary to leave a few dirhams if you have received particularly good service, or just want to leave a little extra for your server when you are out to eat in restaurants.

The Best Things to Do in Marrakech

This city is extremely lively, with tons of activities! Here are the best things to do in Marrakech, Morocco.

The Best Things to Do in Marrakech #1: Stay in a Luxury Riad

When we first saw pictures of Marrakech, we had a folder saved of all of these stunning places we wanted to visit. Little did we know, that all of them were riads (hotels with a center plaza).

This was quite disappointing, as we were picturing ourselves visiting tons of stunning gardens and pools all throughout the city. The reality is that you need to book a night to experience these places.

The good thing though, is that for how luxurious these hotels are, they do come at a pretty reasonable price. Riads actually vary from $20 USD/night for up to a couple of hundred dollars.

The city is super chaotic and hot, so getting a place for a night with a pool or spa will help you relax after an intense day in the city.

Things to Do in Marrakech #2: Visit the Bahia Palace

A visit to the Bahia Palace is one of the best things to do in Marrakech. The architecture is simply stunning, and it has several different buildings and squares with gardens and fountains.

The palace is open from 9 am to 5 pm, and tickets are 70 Dirham (about $7.50 USD) to enter.

Things to Do in Marrakech #3: Stroll Around the Gardens of Jardin Majorelle

This is one of the most popular things to do in Marrakech. We'll admit, this wasn't as impressive to us or as unique as what the rest of the city offers. However, it still is a major attraction in the city and worth mentioning.

The botanical gardens were created by a French architect, and they contrast a bright blue building highlighted with bright yellow accents. Tickets to enter to the gardens are 120 dirham, and 30 extra to visit the museum as well. They open at 11 am and close at 5 pm.

Things to Do in Marrakech #4: Check Out Koutoubia

This is the most iconic structure in Marrakech, and is situated in the heart of the city. The large Almohad-style mosque dates back to the 12th century, and features a square with gardens and a fountain. It is also right next to Jemma el-Fna, the main square of Marrakech.

Things to Do in Marrakech #5: Walk Around Jemma el-Fna

This is the biggest and most popular square, and a must for things to do in Marrakech. This is where you can find all of the hustle and bustle of the city, from the most touristy restaurants, to trucks full of men yelling to sell their fresh juices.

Things to Do in Marrakech #6: Browse the Large Markets

Shopping isn't particularly something we usually promote for things to do while traveling, but it truly is something you need to experience in Morocco.

The markets are super vibrant and fun to browse around, and will make you feel like you just transported into the movie Aladdin.

The Souk Semmarine is the biggest and most popular market, and is located in the heart of the Medina, and refers to the entire market area surrounding Jemma el-Fna. Here you can find everything from traditional clothing and local textiles, to ornate lamps and pottery.

Things to Do in Marrakech #7: Barter at the Spice Market

This is the most colorful and aromatic area of Marrakech. Once you've made your way through the chaotic Souk Semmarine, you will come up to a small plaza called "Place de Epices" which literally translates to plaza of spices. Here you'll be greeted by tons of mean trying to get you to buy one of their very many spices.

Morocco is know for their spices, and there's a reason. They have a great variety of local spices, and they come at a great price! Just be ready to bargain, as that's the way shopping works in this country.

Our favorite shop was this super Instagrammable shop, where the owner proudly displays his spices for tourists to admire. We suggest coming here and bringing back some souvenirs to take home to your kitchen or family members.

Things to Do in Marrakech #8: Roam the Jewish Quarter

One of the most beautiful areas in Marrakech is the Mellah. This is the Jewish quarter, and it part of the Medina. Stroll around and enjoy the beautiful architecture, and browse through the small market stalls tucked into the sides of the walls here.

Things to Do in Marrakech #9: Take a Trip to the Sahara Desert

Visiting the desert is a must while traveling to Morocco! The Sahara is one of the most famous deserts, and is where dreams are made of. Ride along golden dunes on a camel, or stay in a luxury camp. We know you'll have an unforgettable time visiting the Sahara desert in Morocco.

The first time we went to Morocco we weren't able to go, because we simply couldn't fit it into our schedule. However, we scheduled a trip back to Morocco just for this unique experience, and boy was it worth it.

Go Trips Morocco offers 3 and 4 day expeditions to the Sahara, where they take you to places you'd never be able to find on your own. Experience the true culture of Morocco, discover hidden gems, and have an unbelievable night in a desert camp in the middle of the Sahara. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Marrakech, and while traveling to Morocco.

Things to Do in Marrakech #10: Explore Agafay Desert

The most famous desert in Morocco is the Sahara, but did you know there is a mother small desert right outside Marrakech? If you don't have the time to make it all the way to the Sahara, you can visit Agafay Desert, which lies just 40 minutes away from the center of Marrakech.

It's best to take a tour here, or to go to a hotel and set up excursions. Some of the activities include camel riding, ATVing, or lavish lunches at one of the various resorts with pools.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Now that you know all to do in Marrakech, it is important to note that the city is very big! This means finding a place to stay has a couple of different options.

The Luxury Option

The large resorts and luxury riads are all located outside the center of Marrakech. This means you will need to walk quite a bit or get a taxi to get into the Medina area.

We stayed at Es-Saadi Palace, which was a truly stunning hotel that we recommend. While it is on the pricier side, it has an incredible spa, as well as a few really great restaurants.

This is a great option if you are looking for a luxury stay outside of the chaos of the Medina.

The Local Option

There are tons of different options for accommodation in the center of the Medina. We suggest getting a riad so that you can really appreciate the traditional beauty of the hotels in Marrakech.

We would suggest going for one of the riads that aren't super cheap, but aren't super expensive. You'll get a lot of value for your money, so splurging a little more than the budget option will be well worth the few extra dollars a night you'll pay.

Getting Around Marrakech

The Medina takes up the largest part of the city, and this is pedestrian only. Being that most of the best things to do in Marrakech are in the center, It is definitely easiest to walk everywhere. If you plan on doing things further away then you can easily grab a taxi.

We rented a car, and we found it particularly difficult to find Parking. However, there are some lots that are situated a few streets from Jemma el_Fna.

Make sure to park inside if you are keeping your car the night. This is for safety, as well as keeping your car from getting a ticket. Expect to pay around $5-10 USD for an overnight stay.

Food & Drink in Marrakech

Morocco is full of flavor! Once of our favorite things to do in Marrakech was to indulge in the cuisine. We loved the it so much because of all of the spices they use in the dishes. Some dishes we would suggest trying are tagine, couscous, and chicken with preserved lemon and olive. 

A restaurant that we particularly recommend is Koulchi Zine. They have three stories of both indoor and outdoor seating, delicious food, and excellent service.

Other Things to Know about Visiting Marrakech

Now you know the best things to do in Marrakech, where to stay, and what to eat throughout the city. Here are a few other things to keep in mind.

Weather in Marrakech

While the north of Morocco does have a drop in temperatures in the winter, Marrakech has much warmer weather. The summers are extremely hot, and the winter has hot days and pretty chilly nights.

How to Dress in Marrakech

This is one of the main things that people worry about when traveling to Morocco. The reality is that you will find women covered from head to toes, as it is an Islamic country. However, being that Marrakech is a very touristy place, it is common to see foreigners in their common clothes.

Make sure to bring a bathing suit so you can go into the pools of the riads, as well as something to cover your shoulders for entering religious places.

The Best Time to Visit Marrakech

We personally think that the best time to visit Marrakech is the very end of fall (November or December), or the very beginning of Spring (Late March or Early April). The day time will have hot temperatures to enjoy the pools in the riads, and the nights will cool off for rather pleasant temperatures.

Safety in Marrakech

Marrakech is a very busy place, and can have some sketchy looking areas. We would say that you should make sure to always stay in well lit areas, and be extra careful with your belongings.

Another thing to note is that is is very common for locals to "help you" by giving you directions or taking you places. In reality, they are trying to extort money from tourists. We suggest being polite, but not ever letting someone bring you somewhere.

Another thing to note is that it is very common for people to bring you to their friends' shops. This is system where they all have an agreement amongst each other, so it is rare to have an authentic recommendation.

Drinking Alcohol in Marrakech

Finding places to have alcoholic beverages is not very common, as Moroccons do not drink. It is not forbidden for foreigners to drink, but it should be done discreetly.

Marrakech is a vibrant city with a lot of fun things to explore. While it wasn't actually our favorite city in all of Morocco, it definitely has a lot to offer.

Want to know more about what to expect while visiting Morocco? We have a full blog article with everything to know, and other awesome places to check out.

Need help planning your trip for traveling around Morocco? How about finding cheap flights and accommodation? Well, we've got you covered, with Scratch Your Mapa's Travel Planning Services. Get started by looking at our travel planning options, or you can email us for a free quote.

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