Culture and historic cities

Marrakech

Medina, riads and food, an hour from the High Atlas

Marrakech is one of Morocco's best destinations for a first visit. Its UNESCO-listed medina, riads, food scene and proximity to the High Atlas make it particularly suitable for a three- to five-day stay. The city is intense: mix early-morning visits, breaks in the gardens and evenings on Jemaa el-Fna square.

Ideal stay: 3 to 5 days
Best season: Mar – May, Oct – Nov
Budget per day: from 450 MAD
Region: Marrakech & the High Atlas
Travel style: Culture, Food, Shopping, Luxury
Best for: A first trip to Morocco, couples, food and design lovers

Why go

A medina where crafts are still made on site
The best starting point for the Atlas, Essaouira and the Sahara
Accommodation for every budget, from simple riads to grand hotels
Food from street stalls to chef-led restaurants

Culture & heritage

Jemaa el-Fna square
Storytellers and musicians in the afternoon, grill stalls after dark.
Koutoubia
The 12th-century minaret is a landmark across the city.
Bahia Palace
A 19th-century palace with painted ceilings and zellige.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
A former Quranic school of carved stucco and cedar.
Majorelle Garden
A botanical garden and Berber museum; book online.

On the map

Things to do

Explore the souks
Start at Souk Semmarine, then head to the dyers and metalworkers.
Hammam
Black soap and a scrub, in a neighbourhood hammam or a spa.
Cooking class
The market in the morning, tagine and pastries in the afternoon.

Experiences

Nature · Full day

High Atlas trek

from 400 MAD

Adventure · 1 to 3 hours

Desert quad biking

from 350 MAD

Food · 4 hours

Moroccan cooking class

from 450 MAD

Nature · Full day

Ouzoud waterfalls

from 250 MAD

Culture · 1 night or more

A night in a riad

Culture · 3 hours

Guided souk tour

from 300 MAD

Wellness · 1 to 2 hours

Traditional hammam

from 150 MAD

Food

Try tanjia, Marrakech's slow-cooked dish from the hammam embers, skewers on Jemaa el-Fna and mint tea on a rooftop.

Where to eat

Jemaa el-Fna evening stalls
Choose the stalls busy with Moroccan families.
Medina riad restaurants
Moroccan menus in courtyards, suited to dinner for two.
Gueliz
International food, brunch and contemporary addresses.

We point to neighbourhoods and types of places; verified partner venues will come later.

Where to stay

Medina
Riads in the heart of the city; cars cannot enter.
Gueliz and Hivernage
Modern hotels, easy car access and nightlife.
Palmeraie
Estates and luxury hotels about twenty minutes from the centre.

Shopping & evenings

Shopping

Berber rugs, leather goods, lanterns, ceramics and argan products. Bargaining is part of the exchange.

Evenings

Evenings start on Jemaa el-Fna and continue on medina rooftops or in Hivernage bars.

Day trips

Imlil and the High Atlas
Full day
Hiking at the foot of Toubkal.
Ourika Valley
Full day
Berber villages and the Setti Fatma waterfalls.
Ouzoud Falls
Full day
The country's highest waterfalls.
Essaouira
Day or longer
The Atlantic coast, best with an overnight stay.

Getting around

Marrakech-Menara airport is close to the centre. The medina is explored on foot; use petits taxis for Gueliz. Trains to Casablanca, Rabat, Tangier and Fes; CTM and Supratours buses to the south.