20 Unique Things to do in Marrakech.

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Truth be told some love it, some hate it but I think visiting Marrakech is a must on any Morocco itinerary. The Red City is a sometimes overwhelming feast for the senses that you should experience at least for a couple of days.

Why visit Marrakech? Oh, so many good reasons which for me include plenty of cats, roses, the smell of burnt sugar and orange blossoms, and the beautiful chaos that is the medina.

My favorite things to do in Marrakech

Don’t know where to start? You can find all my tips for a Marrakech visit in this post so you are prepared for what awaits. And regardless of whether you stay for a day or a week, there are some unique things to do in Marrakech you shouldn’t miss. Here are my favorites…

Things to see in Marrakech

1. Bahia Palace

If you want to see a prime example of Moroccan architecture a visit to the Bahia Palace is highly recommended. You will see that it bears its name for good reason – La Bahia means “The Beautiful”.
The palace was built in the 19th century and truly is a beauty: mosaic floors, fountains, intricate stone and woodwork – don’t forget your camera!

2. Ben Youssef Madrasa

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a must-see in Marrakech and lucky for you has recently reopened after years of closure for renovations. It used to be the most important Islamic school in the country but functions as a historic site today.

It was built in the 14th century and once housed 900 students. It is still one of the most beautiful buildings in town and a visit should be on every Marrakech itinerary. Come early to avoid the crowds – the madrasa is one of the most popular Instagram spots in Marrakech!

3. Jardin Majorelle

Steeped in Majorelle Blue, Jardin Majorelle is a wonderful oasis in the new part of Marrakech. Also known as the Yves Saint Laurent garden you will find ponds, cacti, palm trees, and the grave of Yves and his late partner, Pierre Berger.

Inside is a beautiful Berber museum which was curated by Pierre. It showcases traditional dresses and jewelry from Berbers all over Morocco.

If you like what you see, make a stop at the Majorelle shop before leaving where you can buy some YSL merchandise as well as paint buckets with the infamous blue color.

Tip: I recommend you book your ticket online – you can choose your preferred timeslot. At the moment, they have also opened the garden of the Villa Oasis with the wonderful Pavillion Temporaire. As the name implies, it has changing exhibits.

4. MUSÉE YVES SAINT LAURENT

If you have any interest in fashion, this is the place to go in Marrakech. I have seldom seen such a well-curated, beautifully designed museum.

You can buy your tickets together with your entrance to the Jardin Majorelle or get them separately. Same as with the garden – come early to avoid the crowds.

5. JARDIN SECRET

This garden in the middle of the medina and is one of the hidden gems in Marrakech. It showcases the best of Islamic architecture and hydraulics as the water in the fountains comes all the way from the Atlas Mountains.

Beautiful tiles, the typical symmetry of Islamic art, and of course, a myriad of plants and flowers – it is the picture-perfect city escape right within the city walls.

6. MAISON DE LA PHOTOGRAPHIE

This is my favorite museum in Marrakech with pictures from the last century in Morocco. It is simply stunning, and I like to come back often.
I also like it because it reminds me of my second Marrakech holiday (that time when the city and I finally clicked).

It took me forever to find my way to the Maison, and when I made it, I realized I was out of cash and the next ATM was far. They had a credit card minimum, and so the cashier told me I could go inside and if I wanted to buy something at the shop afterward, fine, and if not it wasn’t a problem either – I should just enjoy the museum. I was incredibly touched by his kindness, and fell in love with the museum and unfortunately the shop as well.

7. MAMOUNIA GARDENS

The garden at La Mamounia is another green escape close to the city center, and no, you don’t need to stay there to enjoy them (though I recommend you do if you can afford it for a special occasion – La Mamounia is the best hotel in Marrakech!).

The hotel is steeped in history, and the gardens are a big part of this history. Today they host different open-air exhibits and are the perfect setting for a sunset stroll. Follow that with a fancy cocktail at the hotel’s Churchill Bar.

8.KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE

While non-Muslims cannot visit the Mosque, it is still a beautiful sight and a good landmark when making your way through town. Visit the Koutoubia Gardens for the best view and when you want to take a picture.

Things to do in Marrakech

I simply love to sit in a cafe or restaurant and peoplewatch, or get lost. Here are my favorite things to do in Marrakech – most are completely free!

9. Watch the SUNSET

For sunset in Marrakech find yourself a rooftop in the medina to enjoy the view and the sounds of the call to prayer. No ocean is needed for a picture-perfect sunset (and no alcoholic sundowner as most places in the medina don’t serve alcohol).

A favorite is Cafe de France right on Jemaa el Fna but if you can’t get a table all the way up top there are plenty of other options around the square.

10. Explore JEMAA EL FNA AT NIGHT

One of the things to do in Marrakech at night is to visit the main square. After the sun sets the Jemaa El Fna really comes to life. Storytellers, acrobats, and the infamous food stalls that always remind me a bit of the dining/pig scene from Spirited Away.

The atmosphere is electric, and you shouldn’t miss it. That said, it does get quite crowded and can be a bit overwhelming. Visit the square during the day first to get your bearings and know general directions.

11. Get lost!

There is a beauty to getting lost in the medina and the kasbah and for me, it is one of the best things to do in Marrakech. Just trust that you will find your way again, enjoy the journey, and know that all roads eventually lead to Rome Jemaa El Fna.

If getting lost is not your thing, make sure to have your eSIM ready so you can follow Google Maps. These days it works reasonably well, even in the Medina.

• Buy a Sim Local eSIM and use code MIDNIGHTBLUE to get 5% off your eSIM

12. Shop in the SOUKS OF MARRAKECH

Hard to believe I hated the souks the first time I came to Marrakech; so much so that I managed to buy not a single thing.

A long time has passed since then and now I think there are few places more fun than the souks. Simply take your time and put on your best poker face to get the best prices.

13. Get scrubbed in a HAMMAM

No Marrakech visit would be complete without a good scrub at the hammam. Splurge at the hammam at the Royal Mansour hotel spa or if you dare – ask your riad where the closest public hammam is.
For a nice hammam that won’t break a bank book yourself into Les Bains Bleus.

14. Explore Marrakech on a plate

On the note of culinary adventures, I have dedicated an entire post to my friend Amanda and her Marrakech Food Tours. Trust me – they are the first address when it comes to exploring traditional food in Marrakech.
They can also give you recommendations for the best restaurants in Marrakech if you are looking for a proper local meal in your own time.

• Book a Marrakech Food Tour

15. Take a cooking class

Do you rather want to learn how to make traditional Moroccan food yourself? Head to Amal, an awesome non-profit which empowers Moroccan women to cook, do catering, and teach cooking classes!
You will learn how to make classic tagine either with chicken or vegetables, stoke the fire to cook it, and obviously enjoy the spoils of your labor afterward.

16. Keep calm and drink tea

It might not be one of the most unique things to do in Marrakech but it is part of the experience: drink tea. As a welcome, after meals, anytime… I think Moroccans drink more tea than the English or the Indians.
Moroccan mint tea needs to be poured from high up to create some bubbles and tastes best with lots of sugar.

For a real immersive experience, head to 1112 Marrakech, a chic Moroccan tea house with teas from various regions of Morocco.

17. Take a dip

Summer temperatures in Marrakech get scorching so make sure that your hotel in Morocco has at least a plunge pool to cool off. Alternatively, head towards the Palmerie. Here you will find lots of greenery, some of the best golf courses in Morocco, and spacious pools. My favorite hotels outside of Marrakech are the Royal Palm and the Berber Lodge which make for a lovely city break.

The best riads in Marrakech for 2026.

Day trips from Marrakech

18. Agafay DESERT TRIPS

If you need a Marrakech city break you have plenty of choices: jump on a Supratours bus to Essaouira by the Atlantic, go hiking in Imlil in the Atlas Mountains, or head to the Agafay desert.

While a stay in the Sahara is a highlight for many Morocco visitors, it is quite far to get there from Marrakech. If you are short on time head to the Scarabeo Camp in the Agafay desert. The drive is about 45 minutes and if you don’t want to stay the night (though you totally should!) you can just come for lunch or a camel ride.

19. Hot air balloon ride

If you don’t mind getting up early when you travel you should take a hot air balloon ride in Marrakech. I went with Maroc Montgolfière and it was one of the best experiences ever.

They will pick you up in town and take you to the outskirts of Marrakech where the balloons launch. Once you are up in the air you will get to enjoy stunning views over the city, the Atlas Mountains, and the countryside around Marrakech.

• Book a hot air balloon ride & Berber breakfast

20. Visit Essaouira

Especially if you want to escape the summer heat, a day trip to Essaouira is a great idea. Personally, I think the charming coastal town deserves a few days, but if you are short on time, you can do a day trip from Marrakech.

Make sure to eat some fresh oysters by the harbor, take a walk on the beach, and count how many film locations you can recognize!

• Essaouira day trip from Marrakech

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