What To Do In Marrakech In Morocco: A First-Timer’s Guide

Marrakech is a city in Morocco that is vibrant, lively and quite frenzy. There is also a peaceful and quiet side to this otherwise loud and busy city. A perfect example for its contrasts is the century old palaces standing majestically beside lively cafes and stylish riads. It has a perfect blend of ancient and modern treasures waiting to be explored. If you are a traveler looking for some endless adventure, iconic history and inspiration, Marrakech in Morocco is the place to be. 

12 Amazing Things To Do In Marrakech In Morocco

Marrakech in Morocco has endless things to do that brings one closer to the soul of this city. Listed below are some of the top experiences that will make your visit memorable.

1. Admire Islamic Architecture At Koutoubia Mosque

Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech’s largest mosque, dominates the skyline with its 77-meter minaret. This mosque built by Spanish captives is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. This 12th century massive mosque can accommodate around twenty thousand worshippers. Without a doubt Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakech’s most beautiful mosque and a popular landmark of the city.

2. Stroll Around The Souks Of Medina

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic Medina is teeming with riads, hammams, cafes, rooftop eateries, souks, and small stores. You will enjoy exploring the souks and locating artisanal stores on the calmer side lanes. The range and quality of the things is sure to astound you. You will see various areas and specialties like carpets, woodworking, leather goods, spices, lights, and pottery as you stroll around the souks. In the souks, you can barter nearly anything, including those with fixed prices. Our greatest recommendations are to compare costs at several stores and pay what you think is worth.

3. Experience The Hammam

Discover the Middle Eastern steam bath known as the hammam, which is an essential aspect of Moroccan culture. Your body is thoroughly washed with a rhassoul clay mask and exfoliated with traditional black soap while you recline on a warm stone. After the hammam session, choose a holistic massage or facial. Suggest that you visit Heritage Spa and Les Bains D’Orient for a massage and hammam. It’s hard to decide between these two great, reasonably priced spas.

4. Try Some Moroccan Wine

Given that Morocco is a Muslim nation and the great majority of its citizens abstain from alcohol, you might be shocked to learn that it is Africa’s second-largest producer of wine. Nonetheless, there is a great wine scene to explore due to its history of wine cultivation, which dates back to the Phoenician and Roman periods, as well as the revival of winemaking during French administration in the early 1900s. You are lucky if you enjoy red wine because over 75% of Moroccan wines are red. Favorite wines were produced from Carrignan, a classic red grape. Watch out for the most prized bottle, Azayi.

5. Explore Jemaa el-Fna square

With thousands of visitors and residents each day, Jemaa el-Fna is one of Africa’s largest marketplaces. It’s unquestionably among Marrakech’s most captivating cultural experiences. It’s frantic magic how the plaza changes from day to night. At night, however, the 11th-century market comes alive with an energy that’s unmatched. Many food vendors set up shop at night, and crowds of people gather in circles around storytellers and musicians.

6. See Vibrant Blue Colors At Jardin Majorelle

Wander around the stunning Jardin Majorelle, which was designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924 and preserved in 1980 by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge. The garden is well-known for its exclusive shade of Majorelle Blue. In the 1960s, Yves Saint Laurent fell deeply in love with Marrakech, buying a home there and using the city’s vibrant colors as inspiration for his designs. The classic statement “before Marrakech, everything was black” is attributed to him. To avoid a long line, it’s highly recommended to purchase tickets online in advance. 

7. Coffee At Dar El Bacha Palace

Getting to taste some of the best coffee is one of the best things to do in Dar El Bacha Palace’s coffee area. There are around 200 varieties of Arabic coffee from around the world to try here. Constructed in 1910, the palace served as a gathering spot for some of the most illustrious artists and politicians of the 20th century. Pots of Arabica coffee were used to converse and share ideas. Don’t be alarmed if the museum’s front desk employee informs you that it will take one and a half to two hours to be seated. Awesome black and white checkerboard floors, palm trees, and distinctive orange coffee canisters adorn the walls and the cafe’s sunlit courtyard is stunning.

8. Stay In A Riad

A classic Moroccan home or castle with a garden that is enclosed is called a riad. The private retreat is usually two floors or more high, with rooms flanking the courtyard and a rooftop area. Moroccan breakfast is typically served in the courtyard or on the rooftop of riads and is one of the best things to do in Marrakech in Morocco. A variety of crepes, pastries, fresh fruits, scrambled eggs, yogurt, freshly squeezed orange juice, tea or coffee, and other items are typically included on the vibrant breakfast buffet. Its tranquil ambience, personalized service and authentic Moroccan cuisine makes the stay a deeply local and immersive atmosphere.

9. Attend A Moroccan Cuisine Cooking Class

Attending a cooking class is the perfect option if you’ve fallen in love with Moroccan flavors and want to attempt preparing some Moroccan food at home. You may learn how to make traditional foods like tagine, pastilla, and couscous from local chefs in highly regarded culinary workshops offered by Viator and GetYourGuide. Remember to grab a tagine pot and some spices from the Medina to take home after your class.

10. Discover Marrakech’s Street Food

Moroccans usually eat meals at home or munch on street cuisine instead of dining out. The key to enjoying some of the best Moroccan food is sampling regional specialties from street sellers. Knowing what to eat or which merchants to visit might be stressful. We suggest doing a street food tour of Medina with a local guide. A local’s knowledge is the best way to identify hidden eateries that serve fresh and safe food. Some of the must try are Sfenj, Bissara fava soup, tagine, couscous, and pastille and varieties of grilled meat.

11. Visit Nearby Places

After exploring Morocco’s natural and cultural wonders, it’s time to check out popular places in and around Marrakech. A hike to Atlas Mountains to see the snowcapped mountains, a visit to the charming coastal town called Essaouira, experiencing desert adventure at Agafay Desert and escape to Ourika Valley for some scenic landscapes are great options. A visit to these places guarantees something different from the city’s hustle. 

12. Party At Le Club

Over the past 90 years, many notable visitors, including Elton John and Winston Churchill, have stayed at Marrakech’s most renowned hotel, La Mamounia. The hotel’s architecture and design are both visually stunning and a testament to Moroccan workmanship. To experience the hotel, you don’t need to spend a lot of money staying here, instead visit Le Club, their new rooftop bar, for expertly mixed cocktails and fun music spun by their new regular DJ. This elegant bar and nightclub inside La Mamounia luxury hotel offers a sophisticated nightlife experience.

Suggested Reads: Have You Been To The 12 Best Cities In Morocco?

Conclusion

Be it the deserts, mountains, souks or palaces, every corner of Marrakech has something for all. So pack your bags and take off on a journey to unlock the magic of this enchanting city. If we have missed any, do let us know in the comments below. 

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