A lively and exciting destination, Marrakech offers a perfect blend of culture, magnificent landscapes and fascinating architecture. The one we call “The Pearl of the South” or even “The Red City”, although it is said to be disfigured by mass tourism, has a myriad of places of interest that will not make you hesitate twice when you will need to take your plane tickets to visit Marrakech!
To help you organize your stay more easily, we have listed for you the best things to do in Marrakech. So what should you visit in Marrakech to be sure not to miss anything in the city? Follow the guide!
The Palmeraie of Marrakech
The Palmeraie of Marrakech has more than 100,000 trees on approximately 15,000 hectares, mainly palm trees as well as a date production and a vegetable patch. It is a natural and tourist heritage very well known in Morocco that you must do if you come to visit Marrakech.
In addition, it is possible to explore this place during a camel ride or the time of a quad ride!
The Ouzoud Waterfalls
Located about 150 kilometers from Marrakech, it is impossible to miss the Ouzoud waterfalls if you come to visit Marrakech! Considered the most beautiful and the highest waterfalls in Morocco, you can then swim, picnic but also meet local monkeys.
The Majorelle Garden
A can’t miss in the new city: the Majorelle Garden (botanical garden with bluish colors). The garden belonged to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. When he died in 2008, his ashes were scattered around the garden. If you like gardens, read our article “Visit of the Gardens and the ramparts of Marrakech”.
By the way, if you are particularly fond of Yves Saint Laurent, know that you can visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, which is entirely devoted to fashion designer!
The Museum of Marrakech
In addition to learning about the history of Marrakech, a visit to the Marrakech Museum will give you the opportunity to appreciate one of the most beautiful architectures in the city. Located in the center of Marrakech, it is a must to do in Marrakech!
The museum is located in the Dar Mnebhi Palace which was built at the end of the 19th century and is a perfect example of classical Andalusian architecture.
Atlas Mountains
A few hours by car from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley in the Moroccan High Atlas is a real sight to behold. The temperature can drop, so bring a little sweater or jacket and take your best walking shoes. The path in the mountain is rocky, you will cross small bridges over the rivers that flow on the sides of the mountain. The view from the mountains is superb and well worth a day trip.
The bazaars
Going to the souks is inevitable if you visit Marrakech. Souks are great for a good deal, but you have to be willing to haggle to get a good price. It’s even expected from you! How to negotiate? As a general rule, first reduce the price offered to you by half, and negotiate from it. Don’t feel like you have to buy because you may be bullied, but don’t give up if you’re not happy with the price.
Jemaa el-Fna Square
You will surely pass on Place Jemaa el-Fna (“place of the dead”) if you come to visit Marrakech. This famous public square attracts more than a million visitors each year. “The cultural space of Jemaa el-Fna square” has been inscribed intangible cultural heritage since 2008 and World Heritage since 1985 by Unesco. It is its traditional and popular side that appeals, and especially at night! One can in particular meet snake charmers. So if you are not afraid of crowds and want to taste the good atmosphere of the city, you know what to do in Marrakech.
The Koutoubia Mosque
This magnificent Sunni mosque of the 12th century, whose minaret overlooks the surroundings, is one of the essentials to do in Marrakech. Its architecture and ascetic decor perfectly illustrate the art of the Almohads!
Be careful though because you will not be able to enter if you are not a Muslim!
The Menara Gardens
What to do in Marrakech when you want to escape the bustle of the city? Between pools and olive trees, it is in the Menara gardens that you can come and relax. Built under the Almoahades dynasty, they are located around 45 minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna square, in the center of Marrakech.
Medina of Marrakech
Historic heart of Marrakech, and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina is the place you must go if you want to visit Marrakech and its historic and traditional side! Take a stroll through this part of the city and be sure to visit the many historic monuments there. Some are also in this article!
Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park
Formerly known as the Arsat Moulay Abdessalam Garden, the Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park is a must to do in Marrakech, especially if you are looking for shady places. Located in the heart of the ocher city, this garden steeped in history offers calm and relaxation and shelters a rich variety of plants in its educational garden.
