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Experience the real Morocco with expert guides
Top-Rated On Tripadvisor Trips for All Budgets Experience the real Morocco with expert guides
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If you are planning a holiday to Morocco and you are landing in the red city, then our ultimate Marrakech travel guide will help you make the best of your time in this North African country.
Marrakech is undoubtedly the bustling heart of Morocco, world famous for its vibrant souks, scented spice shops, the central Djema’a El Fna square, glorious palaces, and traditional medina. Its royal riads, luxury hotels, trendy art galleries, and international festivals are the source of international praise.
But, it is undoubtedly the Marrakech medina that tourists gravitate to most. The Imperial walled medina has attracted travellers through the charm of its Gnawa music, the call to prayer, and ever bustling Oriental atmosphere. Its narrow alleyways are full of bazaars, selling silver, leather, metal, textiles, recycled glass and wooden goods, artisan workshops displaying their artwork, colourful local markets, and beautiful guest-houses (riads); in fact everything you could dream of in this magical and mysterious city.
But beyond the wondrous atmosphere of the ancient medina and Djema’a El Fna, a modern and new part of Marrakech is developing fast, particularly in the Gueliz district towards the train station, nicknamed la Ville Nouvelle. The thriving Ville Nouvelle (new town) is full of green parks, fancy restaurants, contemporary art scenes and deluxe cafés. Gueliz also attracts fashionistas and trendy couples in search of luxury hotels, party venues, and the best bars in town. So Gueliz is definitely a must to include in your wanderings in this amazing city.
Offering such an enormously diversified taste of Africa, Marrakech has been the main arrival and departure destination for visitors from all over the world and offers easy access to Europe with its beautiful and expanding airport, which in itself is architecture to admire.
And as you relax sipping the inevitable glass of traditional Moroccan mint tea on a rooftop terrace overlooking the vibrant Djema’a el Fna square, full of storytellers, Gnawa music and food-stalls and, as you admire the sunset smouldering behind the snow-capped peaks of the majestic Atlas Mountains, turn your mind to Marrakesh’s legacy.
Geographically, Marrakech is practically at the heart of the country, so our Morocco travel advice is to use the city as your base. Most of the other famous tourist destinations are within easy reach of the famous “red city”. Marrakech is just 241 km from Casablanca along the motorway, 324 km from the capital and Imperial city, Rabat, and only 246 km from Agadir on the Atlantic coast, famous for its wonderful beaches.
As far as Marrakech travel tips are concerned, the city is located in the shadow of the majestic Atlas Mountains, and so ideal for mountain lovers and mountain trekkers. So it is within very easy reach for your climb of the highest peak in North Africa, Mount Jebel Toubkal, or to go trekking through the Berber villages of the Atlas Mountains. And more importantly for all tourists, Marrakech is your perfect base for setting out on a desert trip from Marrakesh to one of the three Sahara desert regions of Morocco.
The most famous Moroccan desert, and tourist favourite, is the red Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga. However, the sweeping sand dunes of Erg Lihoudi and the remote and expansive Erg Chagaga desert offer you a much more authentic and less touristy desert experience.
Marrakesh is a straight 9-hour drive from Merzouga and also from Erg Chagaga. So programme a minimum of a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech into your Moroccan desert tour adventure schedule. Even better would be to opt for a full 4 days for a much more relaxed and enjoyable Marrakesh desert tour experience. This will allow you to get to know the full, astonishing beauty of the south, the local way of life there (very different from Marrakech) and the magical mystery of the desert.
Marrakesh’s history stretches right back to the 11th century. It is one of Morocco’s four Imperial Cities, along with Meekness, Fes and Rabat. It was founded around 1062 by the Almoravids and became the capital of their empire. The Almoravid empire was co-ruled by Youssef ben Tachfine and his wife, Zaynab Nefzaouia and it is she who is historically said to be the real founder of the city.
Marrakesh was later captured by other dynasties including the Almohad Caliphate in the 12th century and Marinids in around 1269. Marrakech was finally captured by the Saadians who left their distinctive mark on the city’s architecture.
Our travel guide to Marrakech indicates the following month as the best times to visit:
Winter: from mid-December to mid-January. This time of the year offers very clear, deep blue skies, but in spite of the warm sun can be cold at night, so remember to pack warm outfits. You may be in Africa, but you will need that winter coat. This time of the year is peak season, attracting many tourists, especially around Christmas and the New Year’s Eve celebrations. It offers an opportunity to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Marrakech or even better in the Sahara Desert.
Spring: from March to May. Most tourists travel here around the Easter holiday, making it one of the country’s high seasons. Temperatures of some 30 °C make it a suitable time to explore the medina and the alleyways of Marrakech, even though the evenings can still be cool. Bring a warmer wrap or jacket for the evenings in the square, outdoor cafes and restaurants.
Summer: from June to August. Summertime in Marrakech is very hot and during these three months, Marrakech experiences a great many tourists, especially local visitors. But be aware of these high temperatures, drink plenty of water, have a suitable head covering, use plenty of high factor sunscreen and stay in the shade from 12:00 to 3:00pm.
Autumn: from September to November. September is still hot in the city but over the following weeks, the temperatures slowly drop so this time of year is a great choice for a visit, especially through lower accommodation rates and perfect weather, neither too hot nor too cold.
Arriving at Menara Airport – travel tips for Marrakech
If you take a flight to Marrakech, you will land at the beautiful Menara Airport. It is located about 6 km from the centre of Marrakech, Djema’a el Fna square. Getting there from the Menara airport takes about 15 minutes by taxi.
The quickest and easiest way to reach your Riad is to take one of the innumerable taxi parked just outside the airport. You should find official taxi prices in the vicinity of the exit. Ideally you shouldn’t really pay more than a 100 MAD for a ride from the airport to the centre of the city. But depending on your negotiation skills, a ride to Djema’a el Fna from the airport could still range from 100 to 150 Moroccan dirham.
But you can always ask your Riad or hotel if they offer transport and if they will send someone to meet you.
Getting around – city guide to Marrakech
Once you have settled in your hotel or riad and are ready to explore Marrakech, you have several options for getting around the city from one place of interest to another.
Public Transportation:
ALSA is the main provider of public transport in Marrakech. ALSA buses are reliable and operate from the early morning until late at night, with night buses running to and from popular places, including Djema’a el Fna, the Gueliz district and Boulevard Mohammed V. The cost of the fare is very low and is usually paid to the driver on board the bus.
Taxis:
Even better than the buses are the standard yellow Marrakech taxis. Small taxis allow you to get around the red city in a faster and more practical fashion. But once you get in, check that the metre is working. The price of the ride is displayed and by law, the driver is not permitted to drive without it. But they will often try to close it down for the unsuspecting tourist. It is important to note that small taxis in Morocco are allowed to take three different passengers on a ride, depending on the location, of course. So you may find the taxi stopping frequently when the driver thinks someone might be going your way.
Rent a Car:
Driving in Marrakech is not something we would recommend for tourists in our Marrakech travel guide. Most of the roads in the medina are very narrow for cars and the traffic jams in Marrakech make it difficult even for Moroccans from other cities to negotiate the streets. Many Moroccans themselves even refuse to drive in the red city! But, if you do wish to rent a car, the driver must be over 21 years old. European driving licences are accepted, but an international driving permit is a better option if you happen to have one.
There are numerous small local companies that offer rental cars at varying prices, depending on the season of the year and the condition of the car. Make a thorough check of the car’s condition to avoid unpleasant surprises when you return it. Street parking is rare, and should you find a parking space, always have a few dirhams spare for the parking guardian, easily identifiable in a blue overall. In popular areas, parking lots can be found at big hotels or in secure car parks.
Marrakech is not all about the medina’s alleyways and snake charmers. With its warm sunny days, bustling busy nights, and vibrant places, this favourite tourist destination in Morocco has much more to offer its visitors. We have written this essential Marrakech travel guide to help you decide your best choices of activities in Marrakech.
Probably the best way to explore the walled “red city” is to go on a full day Marrakech Sightseeing tour, with a local knowledgable guide to reveal all the secrets of Marrakech; the most popular attractions of Marrakech, the medina and colourful souks. With this registered guide to show the way, immerse yourself in the rich history, interesting sites and fascinating culture of Marrakech. He will be on hand to help you get to hidden spots that you may not discover on your own.
Most visitors of Marrakech are deeply impressed by Moroccan cuisine; delicious tagines, meaty brochettes, steaming couscous, and other regional specialities, all waiting to be tasted. Take this chance to learn how to cook your favourite Moroccan dishes back home. There are several cooking schools, riads, and restaurants that can provide you with the opportunity to join in Cooking classes in Marrakech – definitely a great experience for food lovers.
There is no question that the absolute best way to experience camel riding is in the towering sand dunes of the Sahara Desert. But you may not have enough time this time round, so take a sunset camel ride in the Marrakech Palmeraie as the perfect alternative. Explore the numerable palm tree groves of Marrakech and witness the spectacle of the sunset, all from the back of a camel.
If you are a mechanical sports enthusiast, quad-biking in Agafay Desert is probably the ideal option for you to explore Agafay Desert at a faster pace. Hop on an ATV, drive through the moon-like desert and the diverse landscapes of the countryside around Marrakech. Pass by Berber villages and catch views of the often snow-topped Atlas Mountains.
The most iconic way to experience the magic of Marrakech is definitely from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Pass by the bustling city’s illuminated landmarks and discover the famous attractions of the medina protected by high ramparts. Witness the locals in their traditional attire, absorb the scented smells of the souks, the sound of Gnawa music and drumming in Djema’a el Fna square. And best of all, on a horse-drawn carriage ride in Marrakech, you will be able to get to places that are inaccessible by car, and, what’s more, you don’t have to keep stopping to hail a taxi.
After a busy morning wandering the vibrant souks, it is time to relax, and what better way than to treat yourself to a traditional hammam? It is an integral part of Moroccan culture and one of the best traditional experiences you can have in Marrakech. The hammams in Marrakech come in different styles and levels. Some are as expensive as a spa, but others are local to the neighbourhood and so more affordable. You can ask an employee to scrub your body, exfoliating your skin in a steam room. And you will leave feeling a new person again; relaxed and fresh with a clear head.
Spice up your holiday in Morocco with a food tour in Marrakech. Discover favourite local food places in the alleyways of the medina where locals are eating ad enjoying their meal at any time of day. Taste the most delicious street food of Marrakech in the evening by pulling up a chair and sitting down to a meal at one of the much-talked about Djema’a el Fna food stalls. Marrakech food tours will accompany you to some of the best places in the city to lunch, dine or simply stop for a coffee or mint tea. We promise you will never leave hungry or dissatisfied.
Marrakech is a city of many wonders, and finding out the best sites and popular places to visit in this exotic North African city could take a lifetime. So, if you are planning to visit the red city and don’t yet know what to visit, you have come to the perfect place and landed on the pages of the ultimate Marrakech travel guide. Here we shall introduce you to the top attractions to visit in Marrakech to get a feel of this Moroccan gem.
Marrakech is probably most known for its landmark Djema’a el Fna square. If you wish to truly immerse yourself in the red city and feel what Marrakech really is all about, you should pay a visit to Djema’a el Fna, preferably at night. In the main square, you will find affordable fruit juices (served throughout the day), tasty grilled meat in the food stalls, snake charmers, women applying henna, and so much more.
The moment you arrive in the centre of Marrakech, the stunning Koutoubia Mosque is the first sight that will truly catch your eye. Its fascinating minaret stands tall against the skyline of the red city, acting not only as an admirable piece of architecture and a spiritual symbol, but also as a reference point for visitors trying to get their bearings. Even though the mosque is accessible only to Muslims, its beautiful arches and stunning proportions, especially at night, when it is illuminated in golden light, are gorgeous from the outside. The surrounding gardens are a popular relaxation place for both locals and tourists and are a welcome escape from the bustling Djema’a El Fna.
The 19th century Bahia Palace is one of the main touristic attractions of Marrakech, providing a glimpse into royal lives in Morocco in former times. Today, the El Bahia Palace is a must-see historical attraction as well as being a permanent museum open to the public. The palace is decorated with exquisite tiling and Moroccan architecture, with green courtyards with fountains. Be sure to check out the garden at the rear.
Madrasas are ancient Quranic schools. These schools can be found all over Morocco, especially in the Imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes and Meknes. In particular, Madrasa Ben Youssef was once the largest Quranic school in North Africa. Decorated with intricately patterned tiles, and beautiful craftsmanship in the wood and plasterwork, Medersa Ben Youssef has a stunning inner courtyard and is an absolute architectural masterpiece. It is a masterpiece of so much of what constitutes Moroccan architecture.
If you are happy to take the risk of getting lost in the medina, one of the best ways to discover Marrakech is to stroll its alleyways. Admire the medina surrounded by high walls and adobe-built houses. Wander the vibrant souks, full of silver, leather, textiles, wooden and pottery handicrafts, as well as the colourful bazaars selling souvenirs and traditional furniture. Stop by the little shops selling scented spices and food vendors serving all types of street food. If you plan to buy an item, don’t be intimidated if you hear a high price. Instead, make an offer of about a third, even if the seller seems to object. Moroccans love to negotiate and haggle and expect you to do the same. You will definitely be tempted to buy souvenirs to remind you of this special, unique place.
With a combination of the famous Majorelle blue and a variety of plants from across the globe, the Jardin Majorelle is an oasis in the heart of Marrakech. Designed by the French artist, Jacques Majorelle, and later owned by the famous fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, the garden is home to exotic plants including bamboo, banana trees and more cacti and desert plants than can be found in any other garden in the world. The variety of plants in the gardens is complemented by shimmering water pools and the famous blue tone of the plant pots and buildings. You will be fascinated by this combination of colour, water and plants, offering a peaceful haven for an hour or two.
Just outside the centre of town and the Nouvelle Ville, lie the Menara Gardens, which consist of an enormous square pool built by a Sultan in the 12th century. With its backdrop of the snow-covered Atlas Mountains, the Menara Gardens are one of the most frequently photographed places in Morocco; a must-see attraction of Marrakesh, especially in the spring when the blue sky setting off the palm trees and the snow on the mountains seem an unreal image.
The Saadian Tombs is another of the most visited sites in Marrakech and a must-see attraction for history enthusiasts. These tombs are one of the few remains of the Saadian Dynasty that ruled Marrakesh during the 16th century. The Saadian Tombs were discovered and opened to the public in 1917. They are very well-kept and are decorated with exquisite carving and tile-work.
Situated at the heart of Morocco, Marrakech is ideally placed for your out-of-town adventure to any of the popular destinations in Morocco. Marrakech offers you easy access to the exotic Imperial Cities, the blue city of Chefchaouen, awesome surfing beaches, majestic mountains, immense sand dunes, and much more. Whether you are planning a short trip or a multi-day trip, this Marrakech travel guide will introduce you to some hand-picked itineraries that will help you plan your desert trip in Morocco and see the most beautiful attractions.
Marrakech is the perfect departure point for visitors who wish to travel to Morocco’s Sahara Desert . The most popular desert destination in Morocco is the Erg Chebbi dunes in Merzouga, while the Erg Chagaga dunes outside M’hamid offer a more wild and nomadic experience. But even if you only have two days to spare there are always the smaller the Zagora desert dunes offering a quicker getaway.
Marrakech desert tours offer overnight camping underneath the starlit desert sky, while others include visits to historical sites, followed by the night in authentic guest-houses.
Whichever desert trip from Marrakech you decide to go on, you can rest assured that you will explore the towering sand dunes astride a camel, admire the sun descending slowly into the never-ending desert dunes, and finally sleep peacefully in a comfortable nomad tent in a desert camp among the dunes.
So, without further ado, here are our recommended desert trips from Marrakech:
Zagora desert trip is the perfect option for travellers who wish to experience a desert trip, but can only spare a couple of days. On this trip, you will travel over the Atlas Mountains, visit the two most famous kasbahs in Morocco, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou and Telouet, travel through the Dra’a Valley and several Berber villages, visit the green pottery workshops and tour the ancient Quranic Library in Tamegroute village.
Experience camel trekking in the desert dunes of Zagora and witness the spectacle of the sunset. Taste dinner under the Sahara sky and share an evening of music and drumming around a fire camp. Stay in a comfortable nomad tent in a desert camp among Zagora dunes.
This is the most popular desert trip from Marrakech. On this excursion, you will enjoy varying beautiful landscapes ranging from the often-snow-covered Atlas Mountains to the golden dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.
Visit fortified Kasbahs and beautiful Berber villages, and explore green valleys and massive gorges.
Experience camel trekking and admire the sunset from the summit of the dunes. Taste dinner among the dunes, dance to Berber music and sleep in a comfortable nomad tent. To reduce driving distance and time spent in the car each day, we strongly suggest you opt for a 4-day desert tour to Erg Chebbi.
A desert trip to Erg Chegaga is the best option for travellers whose choice is to visit a wilder and less touristy desert, and so experience the peacefulness and the majesty of the Sahara Desert.
This excursion will take you over the Atlas Mountains and to the amazing high dunes of Erg Chagaga outside M’hamid. Tour fortified kasbahs, explore fertile valleys and stop by the green pottery exhibits. Ride camels to the summit of the dunes, admire the spectacular sunset, enjoy an evening of Berber music and sleep in comfortable nomad tents.
Experience 4×4 off-road driving through the magnificent Sahara Desert and learn about Berber rug and carpet crafting in Taznakht. If you have enough time, we highly recommend that you take a 4-day Erg Chagaga desert tour.
Unlike a shorter 3-day trip, this 5-day desert tour from Marrakech allows you to enjoy your desert trip in a much more relaxed slower pace and to explore a little more of southern Morocco. This itinerary will take you over the High Atlas Mountains to the majestic dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga.
On the way, you have plenty of time really to explore adobe-built kasbahs, hike in gorges and wonderful valleys with amazing rock formations and colours, visit the fossil museum, visit green pottery workshops and learn about nomadic life in the oases of the south.
At the same time experience the fun of camel trekking, witnessing the spectacle of the sunset and sleeping in nomad tents.
If you want to discover all that the south and the Sahara Desert have to offer, then this 7-day tour from Marrakech is the perfect option for you. There is so much more time to pause and admire, to learn and experience without having to move on again quickly.
Explore the whole south, spanning not just the famous dunes of Erg Chebbi in Merzouga but also the wild and expansive dunes of Erg Chagaga outside M’hamid for a comprehensive exploration and appreciation of the magnificent Sahara Desert and southern Morocco.
On the way, you get to tour historical kasbahs, explore valleys and gorges, to wander green oases. You will stay in authentic and beautiful guest-houses and taste some of Morocco’s most delicious dishes.
And best of all you will experience camel riding in the Sahara Desert and spend the night in a desert camp among the dunes.
If you prefer to stay put in the same hotel throughout your stay, you can take a day trip to the beautiful Atlantic coastal towns, fascinating waterfalls, the highest mountains in North Africa, the Hollywood favourite film location in Morocco, Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou, as well as so much more. Here we have laid out a brief outline of the best Marrakech day trips fro you to choose from:
On this day trip from Marrakech, you will travel over the majestic Atlas Mountains, capture panoramic views of the snow-topped mountains and beautiful Berber villages.
You pay a visit to Kasbah Telouet, which once served as a palatial residence and headquarters to the last Pasha of Marrakech. Some parts of it are in ruins, but others are still completely intact and are a good representation of tiling artwork, and wood and plaster craftsmanship.
Shortly afterwards, you will explore Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou. This site is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Morocco’s most historical and significant landmarks. Throughout the years, this historical site has been used as a backdrop for Hollywood cinematic artworks including; “Gladiator”, “The Mummy”, “Kingdom of Heaven” and some scenes of the famous TV series “Game of Thrones”. The kasbah is also a great representation of the clay architecture of Morocco and is still inhabited by a number of Berber families.
Essaouira is a windy town located on the Atlantic Coast. It is adored by travellers owing to its tranquillity and exotic medina. On a day trip from Marrakech to Essaouira, you will visit a local co-operative which produces a variety of argan oil products and you can see that goats really do climb up into argan trees. It is not just a rumour!
Once in Essaouira, you can wander the rampart-enclosed medina, and explore the narrow, winding streets full of little shops selling, most particularly, the famous thuja wood handicrafts. Stop by the famous seaport to choose a selection of fresh fish to be prepared for lunch on the spot. But be warned, there are so many types of fish to select from, you might get carried away and order more than you can manage.
Sip a glass of tea in one of the cafés overlooking the beach or go for a walk along the vast beach. If you are a water sports enthusiast, you will be pleased to know that Essaouira is famous both for surfing and kite surfing. You can hire all the necessary equipment and clothing. So if you wish to escape the hustle of Marrakech for a day, we highly recommend a day trip to Essaouira.
Located about 45 min from Marrakech, the Agafay desert is a hidden gem to explore. Agafay desert is the best alternative for travellers who desire to visit the desert but are really short of time.
Experience an hour’s camel riding, photograph your party wearing blue turbans with a beautiful sunset in the background. Enjoy a glass of mint tea and Moroccan biscuits, and, in addition, the splendid views of the snow-topped Atlas Mountains in the distance.
Agafay desert’s dry, moon-like landscape offers opportunities for quad-biking and buggy driving for those who are interested in mechanical sports. Visit the reservoir of Lalla Takerkoust, stop by Berber villages, and learn about life in the mountains.
As Marrakech is close to many interesting natural destinations, it is easy to take a refreshing break in Nature away from the hustle and bustle of the red city.
An Atlas Mountains day trip to the Ourika Valley offers an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful wildlife of the mountains and provides a glimpse into the Berber way of life.
Explore the scenic green lush valleys of the southern slopes of the Atlas Mountains. Go for a hike with a local guide into the surrounding countryside. Discover the waterfalls of Setti Fadma and explore the green Toubkal National Park.
Visit the Berber village of Asni, sip a glass of mint tea, and treat yourself to a delicious tagine in a Berber family home. On this day trip, you can also visit local co-operative producing argan oil products and discover the Andre Heller Anima Garden.
A day trip from Marrakech to the Ouzoud Waterfalls also offers a refreshing change from the bustling and busy city of Marrakech. Ouzoud Waterfalls make up one of the most invigorating, natural settings in Morocco and you will not return disappointed.
This Ouzoud day trip takes you along the green and often the snow-covered Atlas Mountains to show you the highest waterfalls in North Africa, which rises up at 110 meters. Once at the Ouzoud Waterfalls, take a walk by the river, fabulous photos of your group and of the fascinating falls.
Sip a glass of mint tea at leisure, and for lunch, how about a hot delicious tagine in one of the restaurants overlooking the falls? Hire one of the local boats to take you on a tour around the different channels of the river and the waterfalls.
Witness the Barbary apes roaming on the trees and around the falls. Go for a hike with a local guide into the surrounding green fields. On this day trip from Marrakech, you will also visit the “Door to the Cave” which is a spectacular sight. What an amazing day out with such enormous variety of experiences!
Marrakech has a huge selection of restaurants offering delicious dishes to satisfy travellers with varying tastes and budgets. Whether you choose local eateries, gourmet rooftop restaurants or fancy restaurants serving Moroccan wine, you will always be able to find a place serving tempting and mouth-watering dishes. This Marrakech travel guide has grouped great restaurants into three categories for you to browse and pick from: expensive (over 350 MAD), mid-range (100 to 350 MAD) and more budget friendly (100 MAD).
The prices we give for Marrakech restaurants are typically for three-course meals. Please remember that although alcohol is not generally available in many Marrakesh restaurants, there are still plenty that do.
Cuisine: Moroccan
The restaurant at La Maison Arabe is open to its hotel guests as well as all other travellers in Marrakech seeking a special and refined dining experience. Le Restaurant offers a selection of traditional Moroccan dishes in addition to the delicious specialities created here.
Meals are served in beautiful tables with hand-painted woodwork, which complement the shaded courtyard, and when accompanied by their excellent Arab-Andalusian musical treats, create a unique dining atmosphere.
Cuisine: Moroccan
Set into a sophisticated riad, Dar Moha is one of the best restaurants to taste some of the contemporary Moroccan cuisine’s most delicious dishes. The restaurant is run by chef Mohamed Fedal, who has transformed this family home into a sophisticated dining space.
Without question, the best seats in this Marrakech restaurant are around the pool in the garden, where musicians play during evening meals. Dar Moha serves Moroccan dishes such as pastilla and rfissa but with an innovative, unique cooking style. Alcohol is served here and reservations are required in advance! Why not treat yourself to this special Marrakech experience?
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Known for its five-course taster dinner, Gastro MK is one of the best culinary experiences in the Marrakech medina. The evening kicks off with aperitifs and canapes served on the rooftop terrace overlooking the medina, and dinner is then served in the serene and sophisticated space of the restaurant.
Gastro MK’s popular menus consist of Mediterranean dishes with a contemporary Moroccan touch. This restaurant serves alcohol and requires booking in advance! So why not check out the cool, relaxed vibe of this renowned restaurant!
Cuisine: Moroccan, French & Italian
For a real treat we suggest you try out the Mamounia hotel restaurant. Decorated with traditional Moroccan tiling, shaded courtyards, and flourishing gardens, this restaurant is one of the most luxurious in Marrakech. Le Marocain Restaurant here includes a dining terrace as well as indoor dining spaces, plus a series of private lounges and alcoves.
La Mamounia offers Italian, French, and Moroccan cuisine in each of these dining spaces, but places a great emphasis on modern Moroccan cuisine and its abundance of spices. This restaurant requires reservations in advance and serves alcohol!
It is just perfect for a warm evening tucked away in luxury away from the noise of traffic and people.
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Moroccan
If you are staying in the medina during your time in Marrakesh, there will surely be a moment when you wish to escape from the normal, vibrant hustle and bustle of the red city. Located a 20-minute drive from the medina, Jnane Tamsna is an oasis in the Palmeraie offering opportunities to enjoy moments of pure peace.
And more than that, this restaurant offers a selection of Mediterranean-Moroccan dishes, which are prepared with fresh vegetables and herbs from their gardens. Book a table by the swimming pool under the shade of the olive trees and treat yourself to a calm and charming dining experience.
Cuisine: Mediterranean-Moroccan
Since its opening in 2014, Nomad has become one of the medina’s busiest dining venues, so definitely a place to try out whilst wandering the medina to take a break and relax a moment.
Spread over several floors with multiple indoor and outdoor spaces, this Marrakesh restaurant offers more familiar Mediterranean food but with a Moroccan touch, as well as some of Moroccan cuisine’s specialities. The menu highlights include sardine tart and vegetarian pastilla, and presents traditional dishes in an innovative fashion.
Expect dishes such as grilled lamb chops and flourless orange, cardamom, ginger cakes; a treat for gluten-free diners. And an array of vegetarian dishes are also served.
Nomad’s popularity comes from its stylish and playful interior design as well as the beautiful views of the medina rooftops and the snow-covered Atlas Mountains.
Cuisine: Moroccan
The restaurants of both Al Fassia Gueliz and Al Fassia Aguedal are undoubtedly some of the best restaurants in Marrakech. Run by two sisters and an all-female staff, these two restaurants are as popular with locals as they are with tourists and offer their guests an extensive traditional Moroccan cuisine. What great recommendation do you need than that?
Al Fassia allows diners to try out a selection of dishes, with an emphasis on freshness and recreated family recipes. Meat dishes, different types of tagines, couscous, and a variety of vegetarian-friendly salads are all on offer. Both of these Marrakesh restaurants serve alcohol, and the inner decor offers you an insight into traditional aristocratic homes.
Cuisine: French Moroccan
Located on a hidden rooftop terrace in the heart of the Marrakech medina, Terrasse des Epices is one of the best places to relax over a drink and taste French-Moroccan food. It is a mid-range Marrakech restaurant with a contemporary design, characterised by wood craftsmanship and decorated furniture.
This restaurant offers its guests splendid views of the medina rooftops and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Marrakech offers many options for rooftop terrace dining, but Terrace des Epices does it to perfection.
Cuisine: Moroccan
Tucked away in a secluded alleyway at the heart of the medina, Le Jardin brings a touch of elegance and tranquillity to the bustle of the Marrakech medina. It is a hidden oasis of pure peacefulness within the vibrant medina and offers diners an opportunity to experience the royal charm of ancient Marrakech in a fascinating atmosphere.
The restaurant is built around a large courtyard and displays a beautiful combination of traditional Moroccan design and 1960s interior decoration. This Marrakech restaurant menu features Moroccan classics and some organic dishes.
Cuisine: Moroccan
Unlike most Marrakech restaurants near Djemma El Fna that offer nothing but a few sandwiches, Fine Mama offers its guests a larger number of options. This restaurant features a selection of tagines, fantastic breakfast and brunch spread as well as an array of vegan and vegetarian-friendly dishes, including a Buddha bowl composed of falafel, fresh vegetables, lentils, and beetroot hummus. The restaurant also offers its variety of fresh juices to accompany your meal.
Cuisine: Traditional Moroccan
Of the many Marrakech restaurants offering outdoor terraces and overlooking Djemaa El Fna, Tagine Darna is an ideal choice. Not as crowded as some might think from its perfect location, it serves a variety of tagines, expertly prepared sandwiches, and salads. This is not the most affordable restaurant in the main square, but it is worth the extra dirham for the views and the atmosphere.
Cuisine: Street food
There are plenty of night-time food stalls in Djemaa El Fna, the central and busiest square of the red city. The area is popular among locals and tourists, although you will, in fact, find a larger number of tourists eating there these days.
Despite the possible tourist traps and the occasional overpriced stall, you are basically paying for the atmosphere and the experience. A useful tip is to look for food stalls where locals are eating thereby avoiding any tourist traps.
The stalls serve menus of fish such as sardines and shrimps along with aubergine salad, spiced fresh tomatoes and chips. Other popular dishes served include steamed meat, kebabs, tagines, sheep’s brains and grilled heart.
Cuisine type: Moroccan
The Amal Centre in Gueliz, Marrakech, is an excellent restaurant to go to for authentic affordable food. It offers a menu that features Moroccan cuisine as well as a few international dishes. The menu changes daily, but there are usually three choices of starter, mains and dessert, and in addition, there is at least one vegetarian option.
On Fridays, the star of the show is couscous and the restaurant is often at full capacity, so booking in advance is highly recommended. You can eat really well here for under 10 euro and it is all for a good cause. The Amal Centre is a non-profit organisation that supports and trains disadvantaged women in restaurant skills.
Cuisine:
Henna Art Café is a charming café restaurant with a rooftop terrace in the heart of the Marrakech medina. This restaurant offers vegetarian and vegan couscous and has a menu serving a mix of North African dishes, sandwiches, wraps and salads as well as the famous Berber omelette.
As its name suggests, it also has a local art exhibition, a collection of Amazigh artefacts and offers the opportunity to have your hands hennaed.
Café de France is popular among the local inhabitants of Marrakech as a meeting point for those with business in the medina and is also an ideal place for tourists to sip a glass of Moroccan mint tea or a coffee overlooking the comings and goings in the Djemaa El Fna.
The café offers soft drinks and dishes at a reasonable price. Once again, you are paying for the location and the convenience factor.
As the main travel destination in Morocco, Marrakech is among the highlights of every holiday in Morocco and is worth taking the time to discover. Ideally, you would want to spend a night or two in the red city.
Marrakesh is remarkable for its traditional architecture. So probably one of the best experiences that you can have in this bustling city is to stay in a riad. A riad is a typical well-to-do Moroccan house, decorated with Moroccan tiling artwork, (zellige), and wood and metal craftsmanship. A riad, usually located in the old medina of Marrakech, boasts a handful of rooms and suites around a central courtyard as well as a fountain and very often a swimming pool.
Marrakech also offers its visitors the modern districts of Gueliz and Hivernage which are popular if you prefer to stay outside the busy medina. In these areas, you will find some of Marrakech’s nightlife, modern restaurants, boutique shops, and many large hotels.
To help you plan your accommodation in the bustling city, this expert Marrakech travel guide will cover some of the best places where you can stay and divided into three categories: luxury (over 1200 MAD), mid-range (500 MAD to 1200 MAD), and affordable (under 500 MAD).
Opened in the 1940s, La Maison Arabe was a popular dining place for the rich and famous. In 1998, it was turned into a riad-hotel set on the very edge of the Marrakech medina. It is an authentic haven of pure tranquillity that conveys the rich history, Moroccan hospitality, and exquisite culture of Marrakech.
This luxurious riad-hotel has 26 rooms, half of which are suites, and all decorated with fine craftwork, beautiful tiling, and intricate cedar wood, evoking old-school luxury and creating a beautiful stay experience for its guests.
Dating back to the 18th century, Riad Kniza is a traditional luxurious boutique riad at the heart of Marrakech. Restored using traditional materials and fine artisans to recreate the authentic Moroccan experience, this small luxury riad offers its guests an outdoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a hammam.
Its spacious suites are decorated in a traditional Moroccan style and feature carved wooden furniture and a fireplace. The riad also has a wonderful rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast and admire the sunset by the end of the day.
Riad Joya is a traditional riad in the heart of the red city that has seven spacious suites with handcrafted furnishings and luxurious fabrics. Owned by Italian friends and renovated by an Italian designer, the interior of the riad combines the character of contemporary Italian design, without sacrificing a sense of traditional Moroccan decoration.
The riad offers its guests a panoramic rooftop terrace and a traditional hammam to relax and enjoy peaceful moments away from the bustle of Marrakech. There is a real focus on food here and the riad offers a cooking class which involves a visit to the souks. So you can learn how to recreate your favourite Moroccan meal back home.
Set within lush green gardens containing orange trees, rose bushes, and olive trees and offering splendid views of the majestic Atlas Mountains, this luxury five-star hotel is the most famous accommodation in Morocco and has been a leading hotel in Marrakech since its establishment in the 1920s.
Being the most famous hotel in Marrakech, La Mamounia has a Moorish design across its majestic halls and 270 rooms and suites in three separate riads, decorated with intricate tiling and lively colours.
La Mamounia has hosted many famous names from Tom Cruise and Nelson Mandela to Winston Churchill, who was a frequent visitor and has a bar named after him. Here you will experience exquisite rooms, sophisticated on-site dining, and enviable spa facilities.
Located right behind the much-talked-about Djemaa El Fna square, this hotel boutique is home to 100 beautiful rooms and sophisticated suites, spread around a palm-shaded courtyard with a large swimming pool.
This lovely Marrakech riad includes serene spa treatments, offers its guests a traditional hammam experience, a piano bar to sit and relax, and a rooftop terrace overlooking vibrant Djemaa El Fna square.
On this section on our Marrakech riad travel guide, we cover some of the best mid-range accommodation and riads in Marrakech:
Located a 10 min walk from Djemaa El Fna square, Dar Rocmarra is a stunning, authentic riad that has been totally redecorated by local master craftsmen. This riad has four air-conditioned en-suite bedrooms, a very generously sized suite, a panoramic rooftop terrace with sunbeds and a blazing fire in winter.
Each bedroom has been individually designed by the riad’s English owners. And while each bedroom is different from the other, they all offer guests the highest level of comfort and Moroccan hospitality.
The breakfasts here are second to none, and the evening meals a culinary delight. They need to be ordered in the early morning, the day before, or before arrival.
Riad Dar Dialkom, meaning “your home” in Arabic, is a 4-star riad located about 15 minutes away from the vibrant centre of town, so within easy reach of the red city’s main attractions such as museums, souks, Djemaa El Fna Square, palaces and the new town “Gueliz”.
This traditional mid-nineteenth century riad was renovated in the purest Moroccan tradition in 1999 and enlarged in 2009. It is a peaceful haven that includes 4 rooms and 3 suites, all decorated in different styles. It includes a plunge pool, two rooftop terraces with sunbathing facilities and showers.
This elegant riad-hotel is a maze of seven linked historic riads clustered around five courtyards offering rooms showcasing Middle Eastern and Turkish artwork, from hand-painted tiles in the Ottoman suites to ancient Berber wedding veils in the Douirya Suite.
This beautiful guesthouse is remarkable for its private balconies and rooftop terraces which are perfect for that evening sunset.
With its mixture of traditional architecture, beautiful custom-made furnishings and modern bathroom facilities, Riad Al Massarah is a fabulous place to stay in Marrakech.
This guesthouse hosts six suites, situated in a charming neighbourhood and has been designed by its owners Michael and Michel, who are committed to carrying out responsible tourism and making contributions to local charities.
Riad Aya is authentic and full of warmth, intimacy, and harmony. At Riad Aya, you will enjoy pure tranquillity, unmatched hospitality, and top-tier service.
The atmosphere inside this oasis is amplified by the solid and intricately carved old wooden doors, the extremely comfortable sofas, the presence of large green plants, as well as the typical lamps and local fruits of the Medina.
If you would like to save money to explore more of the city and take trips outside the city, Marrakech also offers you a wide choice of affordable accommodation for travellers on a budget. Here are our Marrakech riad travel guide picks for travellers looking for appropriate accommodation to fit their smaller budget.
Hidden in the neighbourhood of Kaat Benahid, Dar Hanane is all about home comfort. Clever minimalist styling, grey and white decor and a selection of traditional furniture have turned this historic house into four double bedrooms and two boutique suites.
This riad has a beautiful rooftop terrace with a dining space and a nomad tent to relax in and sip a glass of mint tea. It offers its guests a varied menu of traditional Moroccan breakfasts, while lunch and dinner need to be pre-ordered.
Du Pacha is an authentic riad with a very old-school luxury and antique furniture located near the main station of Marrakech.
Expect a warm welcome from the friendly staff of the riad, stay in clean simple rooms with a TV and Wi-Fi and traditional Moroccan breakfast. This boutique hotel offers its guests tranquil grounds to sit in and relax.
Located just outside the vibrant medina, Riad Dar Aby consists of a number of en-suite bedrooms spread around a bright courtyard decorated with beautiful tiling.
The riad offers its guests a traditional breakfast that consists of mesemen, (Moroccan pancakes) and mint tea. It has Wi-Fi access, and tranquil areas to chill and relax.
Affordable luxury is the best way to describe this riad boutique. It is remarkable for its traditional look with beautiful tiling artwork and a water fountain in the centre of the courtyard.
The riad is known for its huge rooms with king-sized beds. If you are looking for a place that offers you luxury without breaking the bank, this is the place to stay.
Riad Les 2 Portes is smaller compared to other establishments but has comfortable rooms and a cosier and more private atmosphere than is usual in other affordable riads.
Painted in very light colours and located in the heart of the medina, this riad is ideal to stay close to the city’s main attractions.
We hope that this Marrakech Travel Guide was useful and that you will have a wonderful holiday in Marrakech.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us or if you need help planning your vacation in Morocco, please contact our friendly team of experts at Desert Majesty today.
