Welcome to Marrakech – a city that pulses with life, color, and centuries of history. As a local Morocco tourism agency, we’ve been lucky to show thousands of travelers the heart and soul of this incredible city. But trust us — no matter how many times you visit, Marrakech never feels the same twice.
Whether you’re here for a whirlwind weekend before your 3-day desert tour from Marrakech or soaking in every detail of the medina at your own pace, this magical “Red City” is bound to leave you inspired.
Here’s our list of 10 things you simply can’t miss in Marrakech, each one carefully picked from years of experience, local love, and happy traveler memories.
1. Step Back in Time at Ben Youssef Madrasa
You walk in and suddenly the chaos of the medina melts away. The Ben Youssef Madrasa feels like a silent poem in stone and tile — a beautiful former Islamic college where every inch is a work of art.
The symmetry, the craftsmanship, the quiet courtyards… it’s the kind of place that whispers stories if you listen close enough.
🕘 09:00 – 19:00 | 💰 70 MAD (~€6.50)
Local Tip: Ask your guide about the inscriptions on the walls — they reveal so much more than you’d think.
2. Wander Aimlessly Through the Medina (It’s a Must!)
Forget Google Maps for a while — getting lost in the Marrakech medina is a rite of passage. With every turn, you’ll find something new: a hidden café, a handwoven rug shop, a burst of music from a tucked-away alley.
Sure, it’s messy and unpredictable. But that’s Marrakech in its rawest, realest form.
Download the Maps.me app for offline navigation — or better yet, let one of our local guides show you the soul behind the souks.
3. Pause in Awe at the Koutoubia Mosque
Even if you don’t enter (non-Muslims aren’t allowed inside), you can’t miss the Koutoubia Mosque. Its towering minaret is visible all across the city — and when it lights up at dusk, it feels almost magical.
📍 Just steps away from Jemaa el-Fna
📸 Best views? Try standing in the gardens just before sunset.
4. Explore the Whispering Walls of El Badi Palace
You’re standing in the ruins of what was once one of the most luxurious palaces in the world. The El Badi Palace, though mostly in ruins today, still gives off serious “Game of Thrones” energy.
Wander through its underground passages, climb its towers, and imagine the days when it hosted golden thrones and royal celebrations.
🕘 09:00 – 17:00 | 💰 10 MAD (~€1)
Bonus: Storks love nesting on the walls here — it’s quite a sight!
5. Stay in a Riad (It’s Like Living in a Secret Garden)
Skip the hotel chains. Trust us on this one. Staying in a riad — a traditional Moroccan home with a central courtyard — is one of the most magical parts of visiting Marrakech.
Imagine waking up to the sound of birds, sipping mint tea on a mosaic-tiled rooftop, and falling asleep to the scent of orange blossoms.
Our favorite? Riad Kheirredine – calm, elegant, and incredibly warm hosts.
💸 From €255/night with breakfast and spa
💬 Let us help you find one that fits your vibe and budget perfectly
6. Eat Your Way Through Marrakech’s Food Scene
You can’t not fall in love with the food here. Whether you’re digging into a classic lamb tagine or tasting saffron-laced couscous, Marrakech will spoil your taste buds.
Our top recommendations:
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NOMAD – modern rooftop dining with a killer view of the medina
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Le Jardin – green, peaceful, and totally Instagrammable
Craving a local food tour? We’ve got just the thing.
7. Visit the Hidden Beauty of the Saadian Tombs
Tucked behind the Kasbah Mosque, these 16th-century tombs are a tranquil surprise. Mosaic-tiled graves, palm trees swaying gently overhead — it’s both peaceful and powerful.
They were sealed off and “forgotten” for centuries, only rediscovered in 1917!
🕘 09:00 – 17:00 | 💰 65 MAD (~€6)
8. Get Swept Away by the Bahia Palace
If you only visit one palace in Marrakech, let it be this one. Bahia Palace means “brilliance,” and once you step inside, you’ll understand why.
The gardens, the hand-painted ceilings, the endless courtyards — it feels like a fairytale built in marble and light.
🕘 09:00 – 16:45 | 💰 70 MAD (~€6.60)
9. Watch Jemaa el-Fna from a Rooftop Café
Okay, Jemaa el-Fna is… chaotic. Street performers, food stalls, smoke, drums, monkeys (sadly), and everything in between. Honestly? It can feel overwhelming.
So here’s our trick: watch it all unfold from above. Find a rooftop café like Café de France or Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier, order a mint tea, and just watch.
🌇 Go at sunset for unforgettable views
🎧 Bonus: It’s the best people-watching spot in town
10. Recharge in the Jardin Majorelle (and Maybe See YSL’s Legacy)
Designed by artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, this botanical garden is a breath of fresh air.
It’s one of the most peaceful places in Marrakech — and one of the most photogenic, thanks to its electric blue walls and towering cacti.
🕘 09:00 – 17:00 | 💰 100 MAD for the garden | YSL Museum: +30 MAD
🎫 Book in advance — lines can be long
Bonus Experience: The Best 3 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech 🌄
Once you’ve explored Marrakech, why stop there? Our most popular experience by far is the best 3 days desert tour from Marrakech — a journey that takes you from the High Atlas Mountains to the edge of the Sahara.
Here’s what’s included:
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🚗 Private car and English-speaking driver
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🐪 Camel ride at sunset through the Erg Chebbi dunes
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🌌 Night in a luxury desert camp under the stars
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🏞️ Stops at Aït Ben Haddou, Ouarzazate, and Todra Gorges
We’ll handle all the planning — you just bring the spirit of adventure.
Interested? Chat with us today to reserve your spot!
Real Talk: Marrakech Travel Tips from Locals
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YES, it’s safe! But always stay aware of your surroundings — especially in the markets.
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Taxis don’t use meters — agree on a price before getting in (or let us arrange private transfers for you).
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Tipping is expected — 10% in restaurants, a few dirhams for guides or porters.
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Dress modestly, especially in the medina. Lightweight long sleeves are a win for sun and culture.
Let’s Plan Your Marrakech Adventure ❤️
We’re not just any Morocco tourism agency — we’re locals who love sharing the real, unpolished, unforgettable magic of Marrakech.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic escape, or a curious explorer ready to hit the dunes, we’ve got the perfect itinerary waiting for you.
📞 Ready to start your journey?
Let us craft your dream trip, including the best 3 days desert tour from Marrakech — no stress, no guesswork.
👉 Reach out today for a custom plan or a free travel chat!
