14 Best Things To Do in Marrakech Morocco

Published On : 04 Sep 2024

Marrakech is an interesting and enchanting city in Morocco, which has everything that tourists might be interested in: historic sites, architecture, shopping, and much more. This city has become a true embodiment of the Moroccan culture that tourists will surely love to explore. If you have an upcoming trip, here are the top 14 things to do in Marrakech to assist you in having the best time in your travel.

1. Spend time at the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square marks the central business district of Marrakech. During the day, many traders in food and beverages, artists who use henna to tattoo, musicians, and even men who pretend to charm snakes can be found within the vicinity of the square. During nighttime, it becomes an outdoor show featuring acrobats, dancers, fortune-telling, and storytelling that attracts a lot of people. It is very convenient and you can spend a lot of time observing the people and the energy of the place.

2. Shop at the Souks

For shopping, especially for Moroccan handicrafts, Marrakech’s souks are a must–visit with their complex ornamented designs. Some of the finest are Souk Semmarine for spices, Souk Haddadine for blacksmith products, and Souk Smata for shoes and carpets. Do not forget to negotiate over the things that you wish to purchase. It is quite ordinary to be lost among the numerous colorful stalls which are typical for such markets.

3. Relax at a Hammam

Hammam: After a day of touring Marrakech, spoil yourself by visiting one of the traditional bathhouses of the city. Almost all the hammams will provide steam baths, body scrubs, and body massages through Moroccan black soap and Argan oil for your body.

4. Visit Majorelle Garden

This interesting subtropical garden with a collection of bright blue buildings was owned by French artist Jacques Majorelle. Today the famous icon of fashion Yves Saint Laurent owns it. Appreciate the beauty of cacti, bamboo, and art deco structures; enjoy wandering around the 12-acre garden with some excellent water fountains and water bodies.

5. Take a stroll at the historic site of the Saadian Tombs

Another interesting place to visit is the Saadian Tombs – majestic royal tombs of 60 members of the Saadian dynasty who ruled Morocco in the 16th century. It includes intricately carved corridors, ornate floors and walls in mosaic designs, and columns in a well-tended enclosure; it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Islamic architecture in the country.

6. Explore the Atlas Mountains

The city is surrounded by massive Atlas Mountains that provide a wonderful view of the city. A destination to consider is a one-day trip from Marrakech where one will engage in trekking and hiking, pass through Berber villages, waterfalls, and views of the valleys all in the mountainous area. The pace of life is relaxed, compared to what one might experience in the concrete jungles of the city.

7. Tour Bahia Palace

This is a 19th-century palace also called Bahia (brilliance) Palace and will make you feel and see how a King lives. Visit the opulent main courtyard of the palace with its gardens and Islamic art influence. The large rooms are also decorated by carved cedar ceilings, stucco designs, stained glass, and tiled floors on the inside.

8. This is a picture of people observing food vendors at the Jemaa El Fna Food Stalls.

The central place to eat in the evening becomes a huge outdoor restaurant where everyone can have a snack. Meat and fish barbeque while tagines, doughnuts, and snails in spicy broth sizzle on a separate stand, accompanied by the aroma of smoke. Take a table and taste Moroccan street food with a view that you will hardly find elsewhere.

9. Explore the Tanneries

One of the most unusual attractions of Marrakech is its leather tanneries which produce leather creations in enormous vats of stone. Visit Quartier des Tanneries, an area with a rich history of tanning and leather dyeing, and observe tanners use natural dyes such as poppy and indigo to dye leather for bags, jackets, and other accessories. That’s why I’m saying, just be ready for the smell!

10. Admire Ben Youssef Medersa

This university is an Islamic college that was established in the 14th century and is one of the most beautiful pieces of artwork in Morocco. The building includes a green tiled courtyard and a praying hall, but one simply cannot turn a blind eye to the outstanding woodwork with Arabic script engravings surrounding all the arches and windows.

11. Explore the Secrets of the Riad Laaroussa

A great example of a boutique riad hotel is enclosed with beautiful walls, but the greatness of a secret garden is behind them. However, other people can get to it by making arrangements to receive a typical hammam massage. Submerge yourself in the fresh air, and beautiful views of fruit trees, vines, and flowers, while the melodious birds sing in this hidden paradise.

12. Go to Cafe Glacier to be able to witness the beautiful sunset.
This is a rooftop terrace, located on the roof of a building on the steep slope of the cliff, which provides a magnificent view of the entire city. It is also an excellent view to watch the sunset over the city of Marrakech in the evening over cocktails or Moroccan tea. The cafe also includes a pizzeria and small snacks if you are hungry at some certain moment.

13. Visit El Badi Palace
A special emphasis should be placed on visiting El Badi Palace, which is an example of the architecture of the 16th century and the fluctuating fates of power. Now one can still roam around 360 luxurious rooms, once with the impressive courtyard which used to contain the gorgeous gardens, pools, and pavilions gilded with gold and studded with crystals.

14. Drive around the city in an open carriage at night
Visiting Marrakech during the night is one of the most beautiful things you can do in Morocco: having a ride in a horse carriage, called a calèche. I recommend it as the best way to explore the magical Marrakech at night riding a horse and carriage around the illuminated medina and passing by beautiful historic buildings. Many a driver has been asked by passengers to drive them down to Plaza de Armory so that they can see the famous square at night at close quarters.

Conclusion
It is an imperial city that has a rich history, beautiful architecture, traditional souks and food markets, beautiful landscapes, and traditions – Marrakech is a place that will be interesting for any traveler. This will aid in planning an exciting trip to undertake the list of great things to do from cultural attractions to adventure in the enchanting city of Marrakech. The Moroccan city is unique and will impress all of your faculties, leaving you mesmerized.