MARRAKESH

1 Ben Youssef Madrasa

The intricate plasterwork as fine as lace, and zelige, green tile are mesmerizing. Once inside, you’ll feel the heat of the day melt away, feel the cool of the tile, the lullaby of water spilling into the center pool, and the shadows of pigeons flocking above.

Ben Youssef Madrasa has been as oasis of quiet for centuries, founded as a university and quoranic school between 1564 and 1565. Spend time exploring the inner courtyard and make your way to the upstairs study rooms for the best views of this gem of Marrakesh.

2 Jardin Majorelle

Jardin Majorelle offers a serene escape into a lush oasis of color and tranquility. As you step through its gates, you’re greeted by a riot of cobalt blue, verdant greenery, and the soothing hum of fountains. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, this enchanting garden feels like a painter’s dream come to life. Stroll through the meandering pathways lined with exotic plants, vibrant blooms, and intricate mosaics, and let the calming atmosphere transport you away from the city’s hustle.

For the most peaceful experience, aim to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the garden’s beauty is at its most tranquil. Don’t miss the chance to explore the small but captivating Berber Museum housed within the garden, showcasing a rich collection of traditional artifacts and art.

3 Jemaa el-Fna

You’ll be overwhelmed by the sights and smells of the medina, and Jemaa el-Fna, its heart! From the moment you step into the square, the chaos envelops you. Snake charmers play their tunes, coaxing cobras to rise and sway. The air is thick with the scent of spices and sweet mint tea. You can hear the rhythmic drumming of traditional musicians, their sounds echoing off the old stone walls.

Under the golden glow of the setting sun, women sit cross-legged, painting intricate henna designs onto hands and feet, their pots of dye nestled beside them. As night falls, the square transforms into an open-air theater, where storytellers, acrobats, and dancers take over, and the hypnotic energy of Jemaa el-Fna intensifies, leaving you utterly entranced by this living, breathing tapestry of Moroccan life.

4 Shopping in the souks

If Jemaa el-Fna is the heart of Marrakesh, the souks are its life. Throw out your guidebook and get lost in the heady magic of the medina. As I walked into the Medina, I was always met by an intoxicating blend of sights, smells, and sounds. The labyrinthine passages are lined with stalls bursting with color and texture: towering piles of handwoven Berber rugs, shimmering cactus silk pillowcases, and intricately embroidered vintage poufs.

5 Maison du Photographie

If Jemaa el-Fna is the heart of Marrakesh, the souks are its life. Throw out your guidebook and get lost in the heady magic of the medina. As I walked into the Medina, I was always met by an intoxicating blend of sights, smells, and sounds. The labyrinthine passages are lined with stalls bursting with color and texture: towering piles of handwoven Berber rugs, shimmering cactus silk pillowcases, and intricately embroidered vintage poufs.

You’ll find artisans hammering away at brass and copper, fashioning exquisite lamps that cast intricate shadows when lit, alongside master leatherworkers stitching bags, belts, and the iconic Moroccan babouches (slippers). Solid perfumes in ornate glass bottles sit nestled between delicate jewelry, while sellers coax you to sample the famed Argan oil—Morocco’s liquid gold.

6 Stay in the beautiful Riad BE

Riad BE is an Instagrammer’s dream come to life. A serene oasis hidden within the medina, Riad BE offers a tranquil escape from the lively streets of Marrakesh. Its beautiful blend of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship and modern elegance, with intricate plasterwork, vibrant zellige tiles, and lush greenery, makes every corner Instagram-worthy.

The courtyard, centered around a refreshing pool, is perfect for relaxation, while the rooftop offers sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains. Each room is carefully decorated with handwoven textiles and Berber rugs, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling streets outside. Your Instagram will thank you for every shot you take here! It’s just as beautiful in person as it is in pictures, if not more!

7 Sunset dinner with a view

As the sun begins to dip, painting the sky in shades of pink and orange, the rooftop terrace of Cafe Atay transforms into the perfect spot to unwind beneath the soft glow of lanterns and the distant hum of the city below. Order a sizzling tagine and a fresh-squeezed orange juice or sugary mint tea as you watch the golden light fade over the iconic rooftops and distant mountains.

The vibe is casual yet magical, with the sounds of evening prayers echoing in the background, creating an ambiance that feels quintessentially Moroccan. For the best experience, arrive early to snag a front-row seat to the sunset—it’s an unforgettable moment you won’t want to miss!

8 Hamman with a local

Our guide, Sayed, lived in the medina his whole life, and could tell us stories of growing up swimming in the Oued Fes river that divides the old medina. He knows the side streets and alleys of the medina like the lines in his palm. Having a guide in Fes is like having an oracle, someone to guide you to places you never would have seen or noticed or found without a guided tour. We learned an incomparable amount about Moroccan history, culture, and tradition thanks to him.

9 Trekking in the Atlas Mountains

Just an hour and a half drive from Marrakesh along winding, steep mountain roads lies the Atlas Mountains. We spent 4 days and 3 nights in the Atlas Mountains, trekking from Kasbah du Toubkal to a trekking lodge in the Azzen Valley. Up in the mountains, the air is crisp and the sky is a deep, dark blue. Kasbah du Toubkal sits on a hill in front of the snowy peak of Mount Toubkal, the highest on North Africa. We loved drinking green tea during picnic lunches in the mountains, afternoons relaxing in the hamman, and the warmth of Amazigh hospitality.

How to Plan Your Trip to Marrakesh

Where to Stay in Marrakesh

Marrakesh has a range of accommodation from budget to luxury to suit every budget. If you’re traveling on a budget, considering booking accommodation within walking distance of Jemaa el-Fna, the heart of Marrakesh’s souks, to save money on taxis. For Insta-worthy stays, you’ll love the ever beautiful Riad BE, Le Riad Yasmine, and Riad Jardin Secret!

How to Get to Marrakesh

With beautiful scenery, trains are the most enjoyable way to travel. First class train tickets are more spacious, have assigned seating, and a snack service!

How to Get Around Marrakesh

Unlike other cities, taxis in Marrakesh are reluctant to take tourists for less than 50 dirhams, and they have a set price for the airport of 70 dirhams. Some cities, such as Casablanca and Rabat have an Uber equivalent called Careem. As of our 2024 trip, Careem although available, wasn’t working in Marrakesh.

Harassment in Marrakesh

Although it’s a fantastic country to visit, verbal sexual harassment in Morocco is unfortunately very common and a deterrent to a “perfect” holiday. Especially if you’re a woman traveling solo or with other women, you’ll be inundated by comments, sounds like “psst” or “sss”, and looks by men. As tiring as it can be, don’t let catcalling stop you from visiting this beautiful country. Just be aware before booking your trip.

When I first visited Morocco (solo with other women), I learned how to say “Shame on you,” pronounced “Ha-shoe-ma a-leek,” and it can be helpful in the worst situations.

That doesn’t mean it isn’t a fantastic country to visit, but you should be aware when planning your trip.

Drones in Morocco

Drones are BANNED in Morocco. You need to declare them at the airport, and they’ll be confiscated until the end of your trip. If you’re not flying out of the same airport, you’ll have to ask Customs to ship it to the airport you’re flying out of.

Health in Marrakesh

As always, you’ll want to travel prepared with a probiotic, Imodium (for traveler’s diarrhea), and cold & flu medicine.
 
If you’re allergic or sensitive to hair dye, DO NOT let anyone in Jemma el-Fna give you “black henna”; it’s not real henna but actually hair dye.

Travel Insurance for Morocco

Whatever you do, don’t travel without travel insurance. Whether it’s sickness, theft, or lost luggage, something WILL go wrong, and travel insurance is your only way of lessening costs!