8 Things to do in Marrakech

Exotic, colourful and full of energy, there are lots of places to visit in Marrakech. This bold, busy city is surrounded by the wild beauty of the desert and historical sites that'll give you a greater understanding of the history and culture of this complex country.

Places to go

A fusion of African and Arabic influences come together to create wonderful architecture and tranquil gardens, where you can escape the heat and dust of the city streets for a few hours. The Jardin Majorelle, also known as the Villa Oasis is a botanical wonder of colour. Rescued from destruction by French fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, it's now a cool and calming garden that features the dazzling, electric-blue villa and Art Deco designs with soft, gentle planting and cooling water features.

There are so many places to visit in Marrakech that you may have to come back more than once to make the most of them all. The beating heart of the city has to be its Medina or Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has attracted visitors for centuries. Expect plenty of hustle and bustle, delicious street food, and market stalls galore.

Attractions

Attractions in Marrakech range from the ultra-trendy to the ancient. From hip nightclubs filled with 21st-century laser shows and pumping house music to the buzz of Jemaa el Fna's warren of souks, alleyways and food stalls; Marrakech is eclectic, fun, and exciting.

Find out more about the history and culture of Morocco with a visit to the Marrakech Museum, or see how others have captured the colour and energy of the city over the years with a tour of the Photography Museum of Marrakech. Other things to do here include a tour of the city's historic attractions, such as the Bab Agnaou, or the tranquillity of the Bahia Palace with its wide-open central courtyard and classical Arabian architecture.

While there are a limited number of family-friendly attractions in Marrakech, children are welcome at all the places of interest throughout the city, and they'll love meeting the colony of turtles that have made the Jardin Majorelle their home.

Places to visit

Sip on freshly-squeezed orange juice at Djemaa el Fna, spend a night under the stars in the desert, or learn to kitesurf on the wild Atlantic coast. Wherever you stay, there are lots of places to visit in Marrakech to keep you busy. Visit the ancient ruined palace of El Badi, or take a tour of the royal Saadian Tombs, with their colourful, classically-inspired Arabic tiles and stunning carved tombs.

A list of Marrakech things to do wouldn't be complete without a visit to the city's beautiful bazaars. Expect to see locals in traditional, brightly-coloured costumes, street entertainers, and a host of stalls selling artisan crafts. It's a feast for the senses, where you'll be accompanied on your stroll by the smell of spices, and the sound of haggling underscored by local musicians.

Wherever you stay in Marrakech, take the time to dive into the local scene and discover everything this vibrant destination has to offer. Book your holiday today and while you're waiting to jet off to Morocco, take a look at our recommendations so you can get the most from your visit.  

 

Things to do

Best hotels in Marrakech