Top 15 Best Things to Do in Marrakesh, Morocco

What are the top tourist attractions to visit in Marrakesh, Morocco?

Known as the most vibrant city in Africa, if not the entire world, Marrakesh is a city that’s always on the move and is properly dubbed the ‘Pearl of the South’. The city was founded hundreds of years ago and is now known as Morocco’s cultural hub, more so than its capital. Whereas the capital, Casablanca, is steadily modernizing, stepping into Marrakesh feels like traveling back in time, with its bustling ancient medina, fragrant spices, traditional buildings, and mosaic-tiled mosques.

Looking for the best things to do in this vibrant city? Here are 15 of the best things to do in Marrakesh.

Visit the Bahia Palace (Palais Bahia)

Visiting Bahia Palace in Marrakesh is highly recommended because it showcases the elegance of 19th-century Moroccan architecture and royal lifestyle. Situated in the medina close to the Mellah district, the palace was originally built for Grand Vizier Si Moussa and was later expanded by his son Bou Ahmed.

Inside, you can wander through a maze of ornate rooms, tranquil courtyards, and lush gardens filled with orange trees and fountains. Highlights include intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and the Grand Courtyard paved in marble. The atmosphere is calm and photogenic, offering a contrast to the busy souks outside.

Interesting facts include its name meaning “brilliance,” and that it once housed hundreds of servants and wives. Despite its grandeur, much of the palace was stripped of valuables after Bou Ahmed’s death.

To get there, walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa, take a taxi, or hire a local guide for easier navigation.

Stroll Through Majorelle Garden

Visiting Majorelle Garden in Marrakesh is widely considered one of the best things to do because it blends art, history, and tranquility in a vibrant setting. Located in the Gueliz district, the garden was created in the 1920s by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s.

The garden is famous for its striking cobalt blue buildings, known as “Majorelle Blue,” along with exotic plants from five continents, peaceful fountains, and shaded pathways. Visitors can explore the Berber Museum inside the garden, admire rare cacti collections, and enjoy a calm escape from the busy medina.

Interesting facts include its rescue from demolition by Yves Saint Laurent and its influence on modern garden design. It also attracts artists and photographers from around the world.

To get there, visitors can take a taxi from central Marrakesh, which takes about 10 minutes, or walk from nearby districts. It is also accessible via local buses and guided tours.

Visit Koutoubia Mosque

Visiting Koutoubia Mosque is one of the best things to do in Marrakesh because it captures the city’s spiritual, historical, and architectural essence. Located in the southwest Medina near Jemaa el-Fnaa, the mosque is easy to spot thanks to its iconic 77-meter minaret, a masterpiece of Almohad design.

Built in the 12th century under the Almohad Caliphate, it stands on the site of an earlier mosque and reflects refined Islamic geometry and symmetry. While non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall, the surrounding gardens are open and ideal for a peaceful stroll, photography, and admiring the intricate arches and stonework.

Visitors can enjoy the call to prayer echoing across the city, explore nearby souks, and relax in the landscaped park at sunset when the minaret glows warmly. Interesting facts include its influence on later structures like the Giralda in Seville and Hassan Tower in Rabat.

Getting there is simple: walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa, take a taxi, or use local buses heading toward the Medina.

Be Entertained at Djeman El Fna

Visiting Djemaa el Fna in Marrakesh is one of the most memorable experiences in Morocco. Located at the heart of the old medina, this bustling square has served as a central gathering place since the 11th century during the Almoravid dynasty.

Historically, it was a site for public announcements, markets, and even executions, but today it thrives as a vibrant cultural hub recognized by UNESCO for its intangible heritage. By day, you’ll find juice stalls, henna artists, and snake charmers, while evenings transform the square into an open-air theater of storytellers, musicians, and food vendors.

Things to do include trying fresh orange juice, sampling traditional Moroccan dishes, watching street performances, and exploring nearby souks. The atmosphere is constantly shifting, making each visit unique.

An interesting fact is that its name loosely translates to “Assembly of the Dead,” reflecting its historic past.

To get there, you can walk from most medina riads, take a taxi to the medina entrance, or use local buses heading toward the city center.

Marvel at the Saadian Tombs

Visiting the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh is one of the city’s most rewarding cultural experiences. Located in the Kasbah district, near the Kasbah Mosque, the tombs date to the 16th century, during the Saadian dynasty, particularly under Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. They were rediscovered in 1917 after being sealed off for centuries, which preserved their remarkable decoration.

The site is famous for its intricate craftsmanship, especially the Chamber of the Twelve Columns, with its Italian marble, colorful tiles, and detailed stucco carvings. Visitors can stroll through tranquil gardens and explore multiple mausoleums where members of the Saadian royal family are buried.

Interesting facts include how the tombs remained hidden for centuries and how their artistry reflects a blend of Moroccan and Andalusian influences. The peaceful atmosphere contrasts with Marrakesh’s busy streets.

To get there, visitors can walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa, take a taxi, or join a guided tour. Arriving early helps avoid crowds and allows a more reflective experience.

View Exhibits at Dar Si Said Museum of Weaving and Carpets

Visiting the Dar Si Said Museum of Weaving and Carpets is a top activity in Marrakesh because it combines history, craftsmanship, and beautiful architecture. Situated in the medina close to the Bahia Palace on Rue Riad Zitoun el-Jedid, it is housed in an elegant 19th-century palace constructed between 1894 and 1900 for Si Said, a prominent Moroccan vizier.

The palace became one of the city’s earliest museums in the 1930s and reopened in 2018, focusing on Morocco’s rich textile heritage. Inside, visitors can explore impressive displays of handwoven carpets from different regions, along with jewelry, ceramics, and traditional crafts. Exhibits highlight weaving techniques and cultural meanings, while the palace itself features carved cedarwood ceilings, colorful zellij tiles, peaceful courtyards, and gardens.

An interesting fact is that the museum preserves Amazigh (Berber) weaving traditions and houses rare pieces of Andalusian marble. Getting there is easy—walk through the medina, take a taxi to the Bahia Palace, or join a guided tour, as the museum is just a short walk away.

Go Back in History at El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace in Marrakesh is one of the city’s most compelling historical sites, offering a striking glimpse into Morocco’s imperial past. Built in the late 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the palace was once lavishly decorated with gold, marble, and onyx, symbolizing the wealth of the Saadian dynasty. Though much of its grandeur was later stripped by succeeding rulers, the vast ruins remain impressive and atmospheric.

Visitors can wander through expansive courtyards, sunken gardens, and reflective pools, imagining the palace in its former glory. Climbing the ramparts provides sweeping views of the medina and nearby landmarks. The site also houses a small museum displaying artifacts and historical context.

An interesting fact is that materials from the palace were reused to build other structures, including parts of Meknes. Today, it also hosts cultural events and festivals.

El Badi Palace is located in the southern part of the medina, near the Kasbah. It’s easily reached on foot from central Marrakesh or by taxi, making it a convenient and rewarding stop.

Explore Ben Youssef Madrasa

The Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakesh is widely considered one of the city’s best things to do because it blends history, architecture, and culture in one remarkable site. Located in the heart of the old medina near the Ben Youssef Mosque, it sits within a maze of souks and historic landmarks.

Originally founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in 1564–65 by Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib, the madrasa became the largest Islamic college in North Africa, housing up to 900 students. It functioned for over four centuries as a major center of learning in religion, science, and philosophy.

Visitors come to admire its stunning courtyard, intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar wood, and peaceful reflecting pool. You can also explore the small student dormitories and the ornate prayer hall, offering insight into daily scholarly life.

Interesting facts include its symmetry, acoustic design, and lasting cultural importance. To get there, walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa or take a taxi to the medina and continue on foot.

Appreciate Fashion at Musee Yves Saint Laurent

The Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech is a top attraction in Marrakesh, blending fashion, art, and architecture into a vibrant cultural experience. Situated on Rue Yves Saint Laurent beside the renowned Jardin Majorelle, it is part of the city’s modern district.

Opened in 2017, the museum was founded by Pierre Bergé to honor designer Yves Saint Laurent, whose connection to Morocco began in 1966 and greatly influenced his work. Inside, visitors can explore rotating exhibitions of haute couture, sketches, accessories, and photographs spanning his 40-year career. The building itself is notable for its terracotta façade inspired by woven fabric.

Beyond exhibitions, the museum includes a research library, auditorium, and café. Interesting facts include its large collection of preserved garments and its role in showcasing how Marrakesh shaped Saint Laurent’s bold use of color and design.

It is easy to reach by taxi or rideshare and is within walking distance of central Marrakesh.

View Historic Photographs at Maison de la Photographie

The Maison de la Photographie is widely considered one of the best things to do in Marrakesh because it offers a vivid, intimate look at Morocco’s past through photography. Located in the heart of the historic medina at 46 Rue Ahl Fes, it sits inside a restored traditional funduq just minutes from major landmarks.

Opened in 2009 by Patrick Manac’h and Hamid Mergani, the museum was created to preserve and display Morocco’s visual heritage, with collections spanning roughly 1870 to 1960. Its archive includes thousands of photographs, glass plates, and postcards documenting everyday life, landscapes, and Berber culture.

Visitors can explore three floors of rotating exhibitions, watch a rare 1950s documentary film, and browse portraits and street scenes that reveal Morocco before modern tourism. A rooftop café offers panoramic views over the medina and the Atlas Mountains, making it a highlight experience.

Interesting facts include its role as both a museum and a research archive, and its focus on both anonymous and famous photographers. To get there, walk through the medina or take a taxi to Ben Youssef Madrasa and continue on foot.

Learn to Cook Moroccan Dishes

Learning to cook Moroccan dishes in Marrakesh is widely considered one of the most rewarding cultural experiences in the country because it blends history, cuisine, and daily life into a single immersive experience. Marrakesh, founded in the 11th century, has long been a crossroads of Berber, Arab, and Andalusian influences, all reflected in its rich culinary traditions.

Cooking classes typically begin with a guided visit to a local souk, where participants select fresh spices, vegetables, and meats. Back in a traditional riad or cooking school, you’ll learn to prepare iconic dishes like tagine, couscous, and pastilla while understanding the cultural meaning behind each recipe. Along the way, you’ll see traditional kitchens, clay cookware, and age-old preparation techniques.

Marrakesh is accessible via Marrakesh Menara Airport, with taxis and transfers readily available to the city center.

Learn about Spices at Souk Place des Epices

Learning about spices at Souk Place des Epices is one of the best things to do in Marrakesh because it immerses you in the city’s history, culture, and sensory richness. Located in the heart of the medina, also called Rahba Kedima or “Spice Square,” it sits among a maze of traditional souks filled with vibrant trade.

Historically, Marrakesh has been a global spice hub for nearly a thousand years, positioned along trade routes linking Africa, Europe, and Asia. This legacy is alive in the square, where merchants still sell blends like ras el hanout, often based on generations-old recipes.

Visitors can explore colorful pyramids of spices, learn their culinary and medicinal uses, and interact with herbalists and traders. The atmosphere is lively, with scents of cumin, saffron, and dried roses filling the air.

Interesting facts include bargaining as a cultural norm and the use of spices in traditional medicine.

To get there, walk from Jemaa el-Fna or navigate the medina’s narrow lanes, making the journey part of the adventure.

Relax at the Hammams

Visiting traditional hammams in Marrakesh is one of the city’s most immersive cultural experiences, blending history, wellness, and local life. These bathhouses date back to the Islamic Golden Age, when cleansing rituals were tied to both hygiene and spirituality. Many historic hammams are tucked within the medina, especially near neighborhoods like Jemaa el-Fnaa, making them easy to access while exploring.

Inside, you’ll move through warm, hot, and steam-filled rooms, enjoying exfoliating scrubs with black soap and relaxing massages. Locals visit weekly, so it’s not just a spa—it’s a social ritual. Some hammams are simple and traditional, while others offer more luxurious treatments with argan oil, a regional specialty.

Interesting facts include the use of natural materials like tadelakt plaster and the separation of spaces by gender or schedule. To get there, walk through the medina’s narrow alleys or take a taxi to a central landmark, then continue on foot. Visiting a hammam offers a deep, sensory connection to Moroccan culture.

Explore Marrakesh’s Old Medina

Exploring the Medina of Marrakesh is widely considered one of the best experiences in Morocco because it immerses visitors in a living historical city. Located in Marrakesh, the Medina dates back to the 11th century when it was founded by the Almoravid dynasty. Its maze-like alleys, traditional riads, and bustling souks reflect centuries of trade, culture, and craftsmanship.

At its heart lies Jemaa el-Fnaa, a vibrant square filled with storytellers, musicians, and food stalls, especially lively at night. Visitors can shop for spices, textiles, and handmade goods, explore historic sites like mosques and palaces, or simply wander and absorb the atmosphere.

An interesting fact is that the Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its cultural significance and preserved urban fabric.

Getting there is straightforward: Marrakesh is served by an international airport, and the Medina is easily reached by taxi, bus, or even on foot from central areas, making it highly accessible. Many travelers hire local guides to better understand hidden corners, traditional hammams, and artisan workshops that might otherwise be missed within the labyrinthine streets.

Get a Unique Experience at the Mellah

Exploring the Mellah in Marrakesh is one of the most rewarding cultural experiences in the city. Located in the southeastern part of the old medina near the Royal Palace, the Mellah dates back to the 16th century when it was established as the Jewish quarter under the Saadian dynasty. Its distinct architecture, with balconies and outward-facing windows, reflects a blend of Moroccan and Jewish influences.

Visitors can wander through lively souks, visit the beautifully restored Slat al-Azama Synagogue, and explore the Miaara Jewish Cemetery, one of the largest in Morocco. The area is also known for its spice markets and traditional crafts.

An interesting fact is that the Mellah once housed a thriving Jewish population that played a vital role in trade and finance. To get there, you can walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa in about 15 minutes or take a taxi directly to the Mellah entrance.

Marrakesh Travel and Tour Packages

Searching for the best Marrakesh hotels, resorts, and affordable flights in the nearby Cities? Check out our list of Marrakesh affordable hotels and resorts via Agoda, or you may also see available Airbnb properties in the city.

Want more updates about new tourist attractions in Marrakesh, Morocco? Follow #TeamOutofTown on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more travel ideas.

Also read:

• Top 15 Best Things To Do In Morocco
• The Flavors Of Morocco: Discover Moroccan Cuisine
• Best Things To Do In Casablanca, Morocco
• Moroccan Adventure: Marrakech And Casablanca