Marrakech is a vibrant city in Morocco renowned for its bustling souks, unique activities, and beautiful gardens. Since it’s the second-busiest airport in the country, there’s a good chance you’ll land in the city. Needless to say, you can’t come to Morocco without stopping here. Marrakech is definitely a must-visit on your itinerary!
What to expect: It’s definitely the craziest city (in a good way) in the whole country. Be ready for a sensory-rich experience with markets, aromatic spices, and vibrant colors. There are a lot of people year-round. Also, be prepared for warm weather even during the winter; when I visited, it reached 38 degrees in November, to give you an idea of how hot it can be in the summer.
You won’t get bored, that’s for sure. That’s why I recommend you spend at least 3 full days in the city. Here are the best activities to do while you’re there:
- Walk in the Medina & Souks
- Visit the Jardin Majorelle
- Explore & have a drink at La Mamounia Hotel
- Relax at a traditional hammam
- Trip to the Merzouga Sahara Desert
Walk in the Medina & Souks
The Medina was the highlight of my stay in Marrakech. Walking in this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site is like navigating a big labyrinth. It’s filled with small alleys, traditional markets, street food, beautiful architecture, and shops. There are so many colors and odors. It’s an experience to live at least once.
Aside from walking in the narrow alleys, here are two other things to do in the Medina:
- Jemaa el-Fnaa Square: Where most restaurants, and performers are located. If you’re looking for action, this is the place to go!
- Koutoubia Mosque: An impressive symbol of the city, visible from various points. Obviously, non-Muslims cannot enter this mosque.
A “Medina” refers to the old, historical part of a city. Here are some characteristics:
- Walled City: Medinas are often surrounded by walls and feature narrow, winding streets.
- Ancient Architecture: The architecture in Medinas includes traditional buildings, mosques, palaces, and markets (souks).
- Souks (Marketplaces): Medinas typically have bustling souks where locals and tourists can buy a variety of goods, from spices and textiles to handcrafted items and food.
Visit the Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle is a botanical garden within the city of Marrakech. It is the perfect activity if you’re looking for a serene ambiance inside the chaos of the city.
Originally created by Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, you’ll explore the garden’s exotic plants, vivid blue structures, and museums. There are two museums on the site: one dedicated to Berber culture, showcasing artifacts, textiles, and jewelry from Morocco’s indigenous Berber people, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Price: Open every day of the week from 8 am to 6:30 pm. Prices vary depending on the package you choose (with or without the museums, ages, students, etc.). Click here to be redirected to the official website.
Explore & have a drink at La Mamounia Hotel
The luxurious La Mamounia Hotel is a great activity if you’re looking to see some stunning architecture and lush gardens. I had a blast exploring the hotel during a hot day because of the shade of the trees.
It’s free to explore, but it’s also a great place to enjoy a refreshing drink while being surrounded by luxury.
Relax at a Traditional Hammam
A traditional hammam is a type of public bath that has been part of North African cultures for centuries. It involves a series of steps for relaxation and purification: body scrubbing with exfoliating gloves, a rinse with warm water, and a massage.
Why you need to experience this activity:
- Cultural Experience: Offers a unique insight into the local traditions and social practices.
- Health Benefits: Improves circulation, detoxifies the body, and helps with stress.
Since there are many options for traditional hammams in Marrakech, here are some of them with awesome reviews on the Viator website:
Mouassine the real traditional Moroccan Hammam
“Experience the true Traditional Moroccan Hammam, a tradition that is still very much alive during your stay in Marrakech. Immerse yourself in Moroccan culture by choosing the hammam, just as the local residents do.” Click here to learn more!
Hammam Massage Transfers Included
“Enjoy a Moroccan Hammam experience with warm and attentive service. Enjoy rejuvenated with a black soap and eucalyptus scrub 35 minutes of Hammam. Experience a relaxing massage 40 Minutes with argan oil.” Click here to learn more!
Trip to Merzouga Sahara Desert
My trip to the Sahara Desert in Morocco is one of my favorite memories ever. I started my journey from my hostel in Marrakech, which is why I recommend doing this activity while visiting the city.
To learn more about my experience and how to book this trip, check out 3 Days Trip In Merzouga Sahara Desert.
