Desert ToursDiscover all the secrets of Marrakech, the red city!
What to see in Marrakech? What to do? It doesn’t matter if you stay for a weekend, a few days, or a week. You will always feel like you are not staying long enough. This city is full of discoveries!
With our advice and visits, soak up the excitement of the red city. This will help you organize your stay or inspire you.
Marrakech, called the red city for the color of its buildings, is the fourth largest city in Morocco. The other major cities are Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier. But the red city remains the tourist capital.
Marrakech is a complete change of scenery 3.5 hours from Paris by plane. Many French airports now offer direct flights at low cost. It also has an ideal climate almost all year round.
Marrakech is all about excitement. It goes in all directions. The colors, the smells, and the flavors stimulate your senses.
Marrakech also has culture, architecture, and spectacular landscapes!
Marrakech is a unique city, an experience in itself.
We are lucky to have visited Marrakech several times. Amélie’s parents own a small riad to rent in the heart of the medina in the Dar El Bacha district. It feels a bit like home there!
This base in Marrakech also allowed us to organize a few road trips in Morocco. We visited many regions.
FIND YOUR WAY AROUND THE MAIN NEIGHBORHOODS OF MARRAKECH: WHAT ARE THEY?
Marrakech has several districts: the Medina, Guéliz, Hivernage, and Palmeraie.
Their architecture differs in notable ways. It reflects the period when they built it.
The medina, or the old town of Marrakech, is a vibrant area full of history and culture.
The medina of Marrakech covers 600 hectares. It is within 19 kilometers of the ramparts. It is the most populated area in North Africa.
Classified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, it is the historic heart of Marrakech.
The medina is the most touristic part, but also the most authentic part of the red city. Many districts make it up.
This labyrinth of alleys hides must-see attractions. You will find the famous Jemaa el-Fna square, the souks, and historical monuments. The museums are there too, not to mention the small restaurants. They will stimulate your taste buds.
On the other side of the ramparts, the Guéliz.
The Guéliz is the first modern district of Marrakech. The French protectorate over Morocco built this westernized district. As a little anecdote, the name “Guéliz” comes from the deformation of the pronunciation of the word “église”!
In this district, far from the hustle and bustle of the medina, you will find long streets and wide avenues. Café terraces, restaurants, and bars line them.
If you want to go shopping, you are in the right place! The big international brands are waiting for you. Go to the shopping center. You will find all the most famous fast-food chains there!
The Majorelle Garden, the Marrakech train station, the Palais des Congrès, and the Royal Theatre are all in Guéliz.
Hivernage, or the chic district of Marrakech.
Prestigious hotels, cocktail lounges, casinos, lounge clubs, nightclubs and luxury cars… Welcome to Hivernage!
This district attracts wealthy populations looking for modernity and nightlife.
Hivernage, despite our reluctance, is a district to discover. The streets are clean and green, with lush vegetation. It is a pleasant place to stroll.
LA PALMERAIE, or the lung of the red city.
This district is an oasis of greenery! However, it must unfortunately give way today to luxury hotel complexes… This vast area of 13,000 hectares is a true Moroccan natural heritage. There are more than 150,000 trees, including palm trees. Moroccans produce dates, oil, palm wine, palm hearts, and wood there.
An ancient underground network of pipes irrigates these hectares of palm groves.
This district is home to large hotel residences with their green settings. They have huge swimming pools and gyms. There are also vast properties for the wealthy.
FOCUS ON THE MEDINA, OUR FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD
The medina, a real souk!
It is the anarchic bazaar that we find in the medina that makes it particularly charming. The souks are ideal for a complete immersion in Moroccan life.
A question we are often asked: should we take a guide to visit the medina? Without thinking, our answer is no. We are two girls, and we have never felt unsafe. Also, a guide, which you will have to pay for, will take you to places that you can discover on your own.
For us, the best way to visit the medina is to get lost in it. So, dare a little madness and lose yourself in this labyrinth without fear.
Don’t forget that some young Moroccans sometimes like to give false directions. If necessary, ask the shopkeepers for directions instead. Also, remember to look up. There are often signs hanging at crossroads in the souks. They will show you the route to take to reach strategic places.
Pedestrians, bicycles, mopeds, and donkey carts… It is better to stay vigilant when walking around the medina!
The main streets are often covered with wood or sheet metal. This protects passersby from the sun and rain.
The districts and professions organize the souks (markets). There are artisans such as ironworkers, potters, leatherworkers, sculptors, and tanners. They are all at work.
You can find all their crafts for sale on the main streets. You will see leather bags, jewelry, lamps, carpets, djellabas, and “air-conditioned” slippers (as they call them!). There is something for everyone.
Also, you can’t miss the stands of spices, “Zeitoun” (olives), dried fruits, and pastries…
Wherever you walk in the medina, you will feel all your senses awakened!
It is part of the atmosphere. But the merchants are very insistent on selling their products. Do not hesitate to tell them “la safi!” (stop!, in French), or “baraka!” (that’s enough!) if you are not interested.
Prices are generally not displayed. Don’t be afraid to negotiate; it is part of the game here. And to get the best price, a little tip: ask for the Marrakech price!
The medina is also the sumptuous riads that we don’t even suspect! A riad is a traditional Moroccan urban house. Builders construct them around a patio or an interior garden. In some, there is even a basin or a small swimming pool!
Hidden in small alleys, out of sight, these places are surprising. We don’t expect to discover real palaces, small or large when we push their doors! We are always impressed by their beauty when we visit them.
The incredible JEMAA EL-FNA Square!
In the heart of the medina is the famous Jemaa el-Fna square. We recommend it as a starting point for visiting the old city.
More than a public square, it is the flagship attraction of the Red City. Day and night, it is bustling! Jamaa el-Fna square is the liveliest place in the medina. It’s true! The tooth pullers sell second-hand teeth. Everyone mixes with the street artists. It forms a joyful tumult! The water carriers are there. The women’s tattoo with henna. We also see snake charmers and monkey trainers.
To tell you the truth, we avoid getting too close to the monkey trainers. They do not hesitate to make them climb on you and then ask you for a few dirhams. And if you want to take a picture of them, even on the fly, it won’t be free either… So, be discreet! In any case, we are too sorry for these little monkeys kept on a leash, disguised and trained to act like freaks. It’s a trade that we prefer not to encourage.
Don’t pass by the fresh fruit juice stands without tasting them. They are so good and so cheap!
At the end of the day, food stalls are set up. The soup or snail sellers will signal you, allowing you to taste their specialties as you move.
You can choose between fish and grilled food. The prices are excessive, and the quality is not guaranteed to be high. The touts insist that you sit at their table. They can even be oppressive. Be firm with them, and don’t let anyone influence you!
In the evening, it’s a different atmosphere!
In addition to all the day’s entertainment, new gatherings are created around music groups, dancers, storytellers, and game stands (soda bottle fishing, mini golf, virtual reality headsets, etc.).
We tell you to get some height. Go to the terrace of a café in the square. This will allow you to observe this disconcerting agitation!
WHAT TO SEE IN MARRAKECH? THE ESSENTIAL VISITS.
The Majorelle Garden
This is the most visited place in the Red City, a fact that many people recognize. We won’t hide it from you. It gets very crowded. But this little haven of peace is a must-visit.
They named this place after its founder, a French painter, Jacques Majorelle. In 1936, he had a house-studio built in the northwest of the medina. He then spent 22 years developing his villa and garden.
He made it a real oasis with cacti, palm trees, bamboo, fountains, ponds, and above all, a wonderful blue color…
Lake Tazagh in the Moroccan Atlas inspired Jacques Majorelle. He created a soft, intense, and electric blue. They used this blue to repaint his villa and various elements, such as the gate, the jars, and the pergolas. It is this famous blue that we will find in his paintings, this blue that we call today Majorelle Blue.
In 1980, the couple Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé bought the estate. They renamed it the Villa Oasis. They restored the garden. They wanted it to be as beautiful as Jacques Majorelle had imagined. Today, there are more than 300 species of plants on 1 hectare of land.
Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé opened a museum of Berber arts. They transformed Jacques Majorelle’s painting studio.
They also exhibited haute couture pieces from their collection there.
After Yves Saint Laurent died in 2008, his loved ones scattered his ashes in the rose garden of the Villa Oasis. They erected a memorial in his honor.
As you know, it’s not a beautiful garden for strolling. It is also a place full of history.
The garden is open to visitors daily from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The admission fee is 170 Dh (17 €). Children under 10 can enter for free.
You will have access to the garden, a gallery of Yves Saint Laurent posters, and the garden and museum shop.
Buy your tickets on their website as soon as possible. This will guarantee you a time slot that suits you.
The Bahia Palace
If there is one place to visit, it is this one. It is the largest in Marrakech!
You will be able to admire Moroccan architecture in all its splendor. The paintings, sculptures, mosaics, and stained glass windows are magnificent. They prove the know-how of the craftsmen in a way that is easy to understand.
The palace has over 150 rooms, courtyards, and gardens with fountains. The whole thing is very large, but above all, very beautiful!
For the record, “Bahia” means “the beautiful, the brilliant.” It is the former harem of the Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, who lived here with his four wives and 24 concubines.
The palace is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. To visit it, there is an entrance fee: 100 Dh (10 €) for adults and 30 Dh (3 €) for children.
The Museum of Photography
Hamid Mergani and Patrick Manach made this place. They love photography and, of course, Morocco!
These photos, exhibited and taken between 1878 and 1960, aim to show the diversity of Morocco. They cover the beginning of photography to modern art.
You will be able to admire magnificent photos of amateurs and famous photographers. They have traveled to Morocco through time. The photos show the panoramas of the country and the meetings with its inhabitants.
You can also find old postcards, newspapers, and other documents on the history of Morocco.
Do not hesitate to go up to the terrace, which offers a panoramic view of the old city. There is also a cafeteria where you can refresh yourself after the exhibition.
The museum is open every day from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. It costs 50 Dh (5 €) to enter the museum.
The Secret Garden
A small haven of peace in the middle of the hustle and bustle of the souks, where you will discover two gardens. The first is of Islamic inspiration; the second is more exotic.
Take a moment to appreciate the calm in the middle of this lush vegetation.
If you have time, you can also enjoy the place by sitting at a table in one of the two cafés. The first one is at the level of the pools, while the other one sits on a pretty terrace overlooking the garden.
There is also a tower that you can climb. It is one of the highest in the medina.
The secret garden is open to visitors every day from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is 100 Dh (10 €) and 80 Dh (8 €) for those under 24. You must add a supplement of 40 Dh (4 €) to climb the tower.
The Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa
Madrasa is a Muslim religious educational institution.
This former Koranic school is the largest. But, it is especially considered the most beautiful in North Africa. It is one of the rare religious establishments accessible to non-Muslims.
The designers decorated it with zellige, stucco, and detailed sculptures. There are seven patios, prayer rooms, and a room for ablutions.
The madrasa could accommodate up to 900 students. The 132 rooms housed students free of charge. These individuals came from various regions beyond Marrakech.
Visitors can explore the Koranic school every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The entrance fee is 50 Dh (5 €).
The Koutoubia
Not far from Jemaa el-Fna square stands the splendid Koutoubia. Built-in 1147, it is the oldest site in Marrakech. With its 77-meter-high minaret, you cannot miss it!
It is the largest mosque in Marrakech and the symbol of the city.
The Koutoubia has one of Morocco’s largest prayer rooms. It can hold 20,000 worshippers.
As with the other mosques in the city, non-Muslims cannot enter. If you are not Muslim, you will thus have to be content to observe them from the outside.
WHERE TO EAT IN MARRAKECH?
Sometimes restaurants don’t look like much at first glance. Don’t let that fool you. They often hide a beautiful rooftop terrace with an incredible view of the city!
We have our little habits when it comes to places to eat and have a drink.
RIADS WHERE TO SPEND THE DAY
Staying in a riad in the heart of the medina, as we did, likely means you won’t have a pool. It also depends on your budget. You won’t be able to swim or sunbathe on a deck chair.
Many riads offer day packages: meals, access to the pool, and transport (extra charge). Indeed, even if some are in the medina, most are outside.
Here are some of our favorite addresses (all serve alcohol):
Dar Donab (medina, Bab Doukkala): a luxurious hotel in a small palace. Price: 150 Dh for access to the swimming pool. À la carte meals at a higher cost.
Manzil la tortue (km12, Ouarzazate road) : a haven of peace. Choice of 2 dishes; everything is homemade. Delicious cocktails. Price: 250 Dh, access to the swimming pool + lunch.
La vie en rose (km14, Ourika road): beautiful setting. Donkeys and horses roam the grounds. Simple but quality meals. Price: 250 Dh, access to the swimming pool + lunch.
La ferme berbère (km9, Ourika road): family atmosphere. Unique and excellent menu. Price: 290 Dh, accès à la piscine + déjeuner.
To enjoy your day of relaxation, these establishments offer à la carte massages.
There are also water parks in Marrakech. We tested Oasiria (km 4, Amizmiz Road).
It is the first water park in Morocco. It covers 10 hectares. It offers water attractions for the whole family. There are also many green and relaxation areas. A beach volleyball/soccer field is also available. The park is open all year round and offers a 300 m² heated swimming pool in winter.
Daily rate, from March to October: 130 Dh for adults, 100 Dh for children under 1.50 m and seniors over 65.
WHERE TO STAY IN MARRAKECH?
Your choice of place to stay depends on what you want. Consider factors like price, swimming pool, services, and location.
In any case, we tell you without hesitation to stay in a riad in the heart of the medina.
For us, there is nothing like immersing yourself in the atmosphere. And then, it is so easy to do everything on foot in an instant!
In this case, there are two possibilities:
Rent a room in a riad with full board or half-board.
Rent an entire riad. You will feel at home! It may not increase your costs, and you will have complete privacy.
You will also find a multitude of hotels and hotel complexes outside the medina. But you will have to take a taxi to get to the heart of the city.
Is Marrakech during Ramadan a good idea or not?
You know the expression “What’s all this fuss?” Ramdam comes from the word Ramadan. If, during the Ramadan period, the days are calm, in the evening, it’s a real fuss!
Visiting Marrakech during Ramadan is a good idea. It’s one of the quietest times for tourists, so flights and hotels cost less.
A different atmosphere exists in Marrakech during the Ramadan period. The city is as if in slow motion. During the day, the streets are much more deserted than usual.
Don’t worry. Marrakech is very touristy. You will thus find shops and restaurants open. You will also be more peaceful for visits: no waiting!
But, find out beforehand which schedules can change. Generally, establishments close earlier in the afternoon. Once night falls, we break the fast; the streets bustle again!
We adapt to the countries we visit. In Morocco, during Ramadan, we avoid eating or drinking in the street. It is not that this shocks Moroccans. It is rather a sign of respect on our part.
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW TO ORGANIZE YOUR TRIP TO MARRAKECH
What are the formalities for entering Morocco?
To travel to Morocco, you must have a valid passport. As the country is outside the European Union, an identity card is not enough.
Marrakech has an international airport called Marrakech-Menara. It ranks 7th in the ranking of the best airports in the world. It is also one of the most beautiful!
Arriving by plane.
To get to Marrakech, we took a direct EasyJet flight from Nice. The tickets cost us €368 for two. A flight to Marrakech-Menara Airport usually has a duration of about three hours.
We recommend comparing offers from different airlines on Skyscanner to get to Marrakech (or elsewhere!). This site has gained popularity as a resource for finding flights. It must be suitable for the times and prices.
Getting around Marrakech
Taxi
Marrakech attracts most visitors who explore the city on foot. But the taxi remains the basis for getting around! It is the most popular means of transport throughout the country.
Be aware that, depending on where you want to go in Marrakech, you will not be using the same taxis.
Small taxis: Their color changes depending on the location. They are yellow or beige in Marrakech. They can only circulate within the urban perimeter. You must negotiate the price before getting into the vehicle. Be careful; small taxis can only transport 3 people at a time. To get an idea, from the airport, count 70 Dh (7 €) to reach the medina and 100 Dh (10 €) to go to the palm grove.
Large taxis: They are generally yellow and of the Mercedes brand. Unlike small taxis, they can leave the urban area, but their fares are higher for a trip. Very rarely having a meter, you must negotiate the price before leaving. Note that grand taxi drivers are often crazy drivers! Avoid night journeys for your safety.
Private taxis: If you are not fond of negotiating, then call a private taxi. Drivers must put the meter on, and the prices set are always honest. Moreover, the rates are generally stuck on their windshields. To get an idea, to go from the medina to the palm grove, count 100 Dh (10 €).
By horse-drawn carriage
Marrakech is one of the rare cities in Morocco to have kept transport by horse-drawn carriage. Most of them park on the street that connects the Koutoubia to Jemaa el-Fna Square.
It is possible to get 4 or 5 people on board a horse-drawn carriage. As with taxis, the price is negotiable. For a 30-minute stroll in the medina, plan on an average of 200 Dh (20 €).
When to go?
The climate in Marrakech is pleasant all year round! So you can never go wrong by planning a stay at this destination.
Temperatures will be 23 to 28 °C. This will avoid the summer tourist influx and higher prices.
We thus recommend that you avoid visiting Marrakech during the summer months. Beyond the crowds, temperatures often exceed 35 °C. This limits activities and excursions. Avoid the Agafay Desert now!
Winters can be cool, even with lots of sunshine. Temperatures vary a lot between day and night. So, don’t forget to pack a good jacket in your suitcase!
Money
ATM: The currency of Morocco is the dirham (Dh or MAD). The city has ATMs everywhere. They accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. It is important to know that withdrawing cash with a foreign card often incurs large fees.
Credit cards: Almost all restaurants and bars accept credit cards. But bring cash to pay in shops, especially in the souks.
It is interesting to know that you can pay with euros almost everywhere. If you want to exchange euros for dirhams, do it at the airport. The rates are the best there. Otherwise, the rates vary little from one establishment to another in Marrakech.
Be aware that it is illegal to import or take dirhams out of the country. Also, keep your exchange receipts. They prove that you have completed a legal exchange of your money. Convert your remaining dirhams to Moroccan banks and exchange offices.
Tipping: It is an integral part of Moroccan life. Almost all services justify a tip (= baksheesh)! For example, it is customary to leave a 10% tip at a restaurant.
Good to know! To avoid fees, we use the Boursorama Ultim card for our trips outside the EU. By entering the code AMTR2375, you will receive a credit of €130 for any account opening.
Dress Code
There is no dress code imposed in Marrakech. You have to use common sense.
If you visit a palace, like a temple in Asia, it is better to cover your shoulders as a sign of respect. Also, if you do not want to shock people in the street, adapt your outfit. For women, avoid very short clothes and/or plunging necklines, for example!
Where to shop? Where to buy alcohol?
If you want to buy food or alcohol, know that there are many stores for this. There are, for example, several Carrefour Markets in Marrakech. You will also find everything you need at the Ménara Mall. You can even buy pork there.
For your information, the alcohol section is often out of the way or even on a different floor.
