Souks for shops
Get your first taste of Marrakech at Jemaa el-Fnaa, the beating heart of the city. Don’t be shy – unleash your inner haggler and score some one-of-a-kind souvenirs and local crafts here. Its lively streets, dynamic performers, fresh food and colourful market stalls sum up what this place is all about.
Souk Semmarine is the place to start – it’s the glue that sticks the entire local shopping network together. From here, stalls lead off to all the other souks, like Rahba Kedima for spices and souk Haddadine, the blacksmiths’ alley.
Outside the walls of the medina, you’ll find Guéliz, the ‘new town’. This trendy district of Marrakech is where European and Moroccan chain stores mingle with charming French boutiques, tucked away in the side streets. It’s a shopper’s paradise where you can bag a bargain or splurge on that one perfect designer piece.
Moorish masterpieces
Koutoubia Mosque dominates the city’s skyline and is a true masterpiece of Moorish architecture. A visit is like stepping into a time machine and immersing yourself in Marrakech’s vibrant religious history. Charge your phone ready for some seriously Insta-worthy snaps.
Medersa Ben Youssef is another one of the city’s most important monuments. The 14th-century religious school reopened after a five-year renovation to show off the extraordinary skill that went into its original build.
There’s also Ell Badi Palace, which is now a site of epic ruins. It was once the palace of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour and features gardens of orange trees with panoramic views out over the medina.
Tranquil gardens
Step back in time and explore Bahia Palace, AKA ‘beautiful palace’ – and it really is. The décor is stunning with an impressive complex of ornate rooms, lush courtyards and trademark tilework. There are also beautiful gardens with more intricate mosaics to explore.
If you’re looking to escape the buzz of the city, Jardin Majorelle is a calm oasis worth visiting. It’s the work of French painter, Jacques Majorelle, and pure Instagram gold. Every corner is bursting with exotic plants and tropical flowers to accessorise the iconic cobalt blue villa.
The Hammam experience
A Hammam is a public bathhouse and Moroccan institution. They’re in every neighbourhood and in a lot of hotels, so you’ve got to squeeze in a visit. You can go for a classic gommage or ‘scrub’, or they also offer masques and massages, too.
Your guide to Marrakech
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Marrakech holiday FAQs
Yes, Marrakech is safe for tourists – it’s one of Morocco’s most popular destinations, welcoming millions of visitors each year. Like any bustling city, it can feel overwhelming with its crowded souks, narrow streets and street vendors. But stick to well-trodden areas, dress respectfully, keep an eye on your belongings, and use licensed taxis or guided tours. Being aware of your surroundings goes a long way in ensuring a worry-free trip.
Marrakech has a mix of historical sights, vibrant markets, and nearby daytrip options. With so much to see, it can be hard to plan your time effectively. Three to four days is enough to explore the main medina, palaces, and gardens. Add an extra day if you want to take a daytrip to the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira.
Marrakech has a compact old city (the medina), a modern district (Guéliz), and surrounding areas for excursions. Some streets are too narrow for cars, while others require negotiation with taxi drivers. Walking is ideal for the medina. Petit taxis are great for short trips, grand taxis for longer journeys, and car hire gives you flexibility for daytrips. Buses are cheap but less reliable.
The best time to visit Marrakech is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). Marrakech experiences hot summers and mild winters, but the shoulder seasons have the fewest crowds. Plus, summer is arguably too hot to sightsee, so the cooler months are still warm and ideal for moving around.
Morocco’s official languages are Arabic and Berber, while French is also widely spoken. In major tourist areas, you can easily get by with English, but learning a few phrases in Arabic or French, like greetings or numbers, can make interactions smoother and it’s always nice to make an effort.
Marrakech’s climate varies from hot in summer to cooler evenings in winter. So, pack lightweight, breathable clothing for the day and layers for evenings. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the medina, don’t forget sun protection, a scarf for visiting religious sites, and a reusable water bottle.
Many small shops, street vendors and taxis in Marrakech prefer cash. ATMs are widely available, and small vendors may not accept cards, so it’s always good to get some out. Carry a mix of Moroccan dirhams in small notes for markets and tips. Then, credit cards work in larger hotels, restaurants and shops.
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Marrakech travel advice
Passports and Visas
British citizens don’t need a visa to enter Morocco but must have a valid passport. For the most up-to-date passport and visa info, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/entry-requirements.
Don’t forget to arrange your travel money and insurance before you go.
Health and safety
You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance to cover you while you’re away. For the latest health and safety information, visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/morocco/health/travel
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