Looking for the best things to do in Marrakech? Morocco’s famous Red City combines centuries-old architecture, colorful souks, traditional food, peaceful gardens and unforgettable adventures beyond the city walls.
From exploring the narrow streets of the Medina to watching the sunset over Jemaa el-Fna, Marrakech offers something for every traveler. You can discover historic palaces in the morning, enjoy Moroccan cuisine in the afternoon and escape to the Atlas Mountains or Sahara Desert for an entirely different experience.
The Moroccan National Tourist Office highlights Marrakech for its Medina, Jemaa el-Fna, souks, gardens, traditional riads and nearby Atlas landscapes, making it one of Morocco’s most diverse destinations.
Whether you are visiting Marrakech for two days or using the city as the starting point for a longer Morocco tour, here are 20 unforgettable things to do in Marrakech.
1. Explore Jemaa el-Fna Square
No trip to Marrakech is complete without visiting Jemaa el-Fna, the city’s most famous square.
During the day, the square is busy with juice stalls, vendors and visitors exploring the surrounding Medina. As evening approaches, the atmosphere changes completely. Food stalls open, musicians arrive and the entire square becomes one of the liveliest places in Marrakech.
The Moroccan National Tourist Office describes Jemaa el-Fna as a major cultural gathering place filled with food, performers, storytellers and musicians.
For first-time visitors, coming once during the afternoon and returning again after sunset is worthwhile.
Travel Tip
Visit one of the rooftop cafés surrounding the square before sunset for panoramic views over Jemaa el-Fna and the Marrakech skyline.
2. Get Lost in the Marrakech Souks
Exploring the souks is easily one of the most memorable things to do in Marrakech.
Behind Jemaa el-Fna, hundreds of narrow streets are filled with small workshops and shops selling:
- Moroccan carpets
- Leather bags
- Traditional lamps
- Spices
- Ceramics
- Jewelry
- Argan oil
- Handmade baskets
- Traditional clothing
Walking through the souks gives you an opportunity to see Moroccan craftsmanship up close.
You may even see artisans working with leather, metal or wood directly inside their workshops.
Bargaining is common, so don’t be afraid to negotiate politely before making a purchase.
3. Visit Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace is one of Marrakech’s most impressive historic buildings.
Its courtyards, carved wooden ceilings, painted decorations and traditional Moroccan tilework offer visitors an excellent introduction to Moroccan architecture.
The palace is located close to the Medina, making it easy to combine with several other Marrakech attractions during the same day.
Allow around one to two hours to explore the palace comfortably.
4. Admire the Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Marrakech.
Its impressive minaret can be seen from many locations throughout the city and has become one of Marrakech’s architectural symbols. Morocco’s tourism office notes that the Koutoubia minaret rises approximately 77 meters and influenced other famous monuments, including Seville’s Giralda.
Non-Muslim visitors cannot normally enter the prayer area, but you can walk around the mosque and surrounding gardens.
The area is particularly beautiful around sunset.
5. Relax in Jardin Majorelle
If you want a peaceful break from the busy Medina, visit Jardin Majorelle.
The garden is famous for its deep blue architecture, tropical plants, bamboo, palm trees and cacti.
It was originally created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later became closely associated with fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
Because Jardin Majorelle is one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech, booking your entrance in advance is recommended during busy periods.
6. Discover the Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are another fascinating place for travelers interested in Marrakech’s history.
The site contains beautifully decorated chambers, carved details and traditional Moroccan tilework.
It is relatively compact, so it can easily be included in a walking tour through the southern Medina.
Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as the Kasbah district and Bahia Palace.
7. Stay in a Traditional Moroccan Riad
One of the best ways to experience Marrakech is staying inside a traditional riad.
Riads are Moroccan houses built around an interior courtyard, often featuring:
- Decorative fountains
- Traditional tiles
- Rooftop terraces
- Moroccan furniture
- Small swimming pools
- Local breakfasts
Many have been transformed into boutique hotels and guesthouses.
Staying in a riad inside the Medina allows you to experience Marrakech’s traditional architecture while remaining close to its main attractions.
Traditional riads are also a distinctive element of Marrakech’s Medina architecture highlighted by Morocco’s national tourism office.
8. Experience a Traditional Moroccan Hammam
After spending hours walking through the Medina, a traditional hammam can be the perfect way to relax.
Moroccan hammams usually combine steam, traditional black soap and exfoliation.
You can choose between simple local hammams and luxurious spa experiences offered by hotels and riads.
Many visitors combine the hammam with an argan-oil massage.
9. Taste Traditional Moroccan Food
Discovering Moroccan cuisine should definitely be on your list of things to do in Marrakech.
Popular dishes to try include:
Tagine
Slow-cooked meat, vegetables and spices prepared in a traditional clay pot.
Couscous
Traditionally prepared with vegetables, meat and spices.
Pastilla
A combination of sweet and savory flavors wrapped in thin pastry.
Tanjia
A Marrakech specialty traditionally prepared using slow-cooked meat and spices.
Moroccan Mint Tea
Sweet green tea with fresh mint, served throughout Morocco.
Food tours and cooking classes are also excellent options if you want to understand Moroccan cuisine beyond simply eating at restaurants.
10. Take a Moroccan Cooking Class
Instead of only tasting Moroccan food, learn how to prepare it yourself.
Cooking classes in Marrakech often begin with a visit to a local market before participants learn how to prepare dishes such as:
- Tagine
- Couscous
- Moroccan salads
- Bread
- Mint tea
It is an especially good activity for couples, families and food lovers.
You also leave Marrakech with recipes you can recreate at home.
Best Things to Do Near Marrakech
Marrakech is not only a city destination.
Its location makes it an excellent starting point for exploring mountains, valleys, waterfalls, historic kasbahs and the Moroccan desert.
Your own tour catalogue already covers several of these popular routes, including Ourika Valley, Ouzoud Waterfalls, Essaouira, Aït Ben Haddou and multi-day Sahara trips.
11. Take a Day Trip to the Ourika Valley
The Ourika Valley is one of the most popular escapes from Marrakech.
Located in the Atlas Mountains, the valley offers mountain scenery, traditional villages and opportunities to experience a quieter side of Morocco.
Many travelers visit the Setti Fatma area and walk toward its waterfalls before enjoying lunch beside the river.
It’s a great choice if you want nature without traveling too far from Marrakech.
Recommended internal link anchor:
Marrakech to Ourika Valley Day Trip
12. Discover Ouzoud Waterfalls
For travelers who love nature, visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls is one of the best day trips from Marrakech.
The waterfalls are located in the Atlas region northeast of Marrakech and are surrounded by walking paths and viewpoints.
Your existing tour takes visitors from Marrakech to the waterfalls and includes time to walk through the area before returning to the city.
A full-day excursion gives you enough time to enjoy the scenery without rushing.
Recommended internal link:
Marrakech to Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip
13. Visit Essaouira from Marrakech
If you want a complete change of atmosphere, take a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira.
This relaxed Atlantic coastal city is known for its:
- Historic Medina
- Fishing harbor
- Seafood
- Ocean views
- Whitewashed buildings
- Art galleries
- Traditional shops
Essaouira is an excellent contrast to Marrakech’s energetic Medina.
It is especially popular with travelers who want to combine culture with the Moroccan coast.
14. Explore Aït Ben Haddou
Aït Ben Haddou is one of Morocco’s most famous fortified villages and an excellent destination for travelers interested in architecture, history and cinema.
The journey from Marrakech crosses spectacular mountain landscapes before reaching the kasbah.
Many longer desert tours also stop here while traveling between Marrakech and the Sahara.
Your current Marrakech excursions already include an Aït Ben Haddou day trip, making this article a strong internal-link opportunity.
15. Cross the Atlas Mountains
Leaving Marrakech for the Atlas Mountains reveals an entirely different side of Morocco.
Mountain roads pass through small villages, valleys and dramatic scenery.
Depending on your itinerary, you can visit areas including:
- Ourika Valley
- Imlil
- Toubkal region
- Tizi n’Tichka
- Traditional mountain villages
The Atlas range surrounds Marrakech and provides some of the most accessible nature experiences outside the city.
If you have several days in Morocco, crossing the Atlas Mountains is also the classic route toward Ouarzazate and the Sahara Desert.
16. Experience the Sahara Desert from Marrakech
One of the most unforgettable things to do from Marrakech is taking a multi-day trip to the Sahara Desert.
Unlike short desert-style excursions near the city, reaching the large dunes around Merzouga requires several days.
But the journey is part of the experience.
Along the way, travelers can discover:
- Atlas Mountain passes
- Aït Ben Haddou
- Ouarzazate
- Dades Valley
- Todra Gorge
- Berber villages
- Desert landscapes
- Erg Chebbi dunes
Your website already offers several Marrakech-to-Merzouga itineraries, including 3-day and 5-day options.
Recommended Tour
Merzouga Desert Tour from Marrakech – 3 Days / 2 Nights
This is an excellent internal link to place here because visitors reading a Marrakech activities guide are already in the trip-planning stage.
17. Ride a Camel in the Desert
Camel trekking remains one of Morocco’s iconic desert experiences.
On a multi-day Sahara tour, travelers can ride through the dunes around Merzouga before reaching a desert camp.
The best moments are usually around sunrise and sunset, when the dunes change color with the light.
Your Sahara itineraries also include camel trekking and overnight desert experiences, making this another natural place to direct blog visitors toward your tours.
18. Spend a Night in a Sahara Desert Camp
If your schedule allows it, sleeping in the Sahara is worth adding to your Morocco itinerary.
After reaching the dunes, visitors can spend the night in a traditional-style desert camp surrounded by an extraordinary landscape.
Depending on the tour, evenings may include Moroccan dinner and local music before guests enjoy the desert sky.
For many travelers, this becomes one of the highlights of their entire Morocco trip.
19. Watch the Sunset from a Marrakech Rooftop
You don’t need to leave the city to enjoy a memorable sunset.
One of the simplest things to do in Marrakech is finding a rooftop terrace overlooking the Medina.
Popular areas include terraces around:
- Jemaa el-Fna
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Medina rooftops
- Kasbah district
Order Moroccan mint tea and arrive before sunset to secure a good table.
As the evening call to prayer moves across the city and the lights begin appearing in the Medina, Marrakech takes on an entirely different atmosphere.
20. Take a Private Morocco Tour from Marrakech
Marrakech is also one of the best starting points for longer journeys around Morocco.
Instead of returning to Marrakech after every excursion, a private multi-day tour allows you to connect destinations such as:
Marrakech → Atlas Mountains → Aït Ben Haddou → Sahara Desert → Fes
or:
Marrakech → Sahara → Fes → Chefchaouen → Rabat → Casablanca
Definitely Morocco Tours currently offers Marrakech-based Sahara itineraries as well as longer imperial-city and desert routes.
This option is especially suitable for travelers visiting Morocco for one week or longer.