13 Things to Do and See in Marrakech for First-Time Visitors
Some of the most memorable parts of my trip to Marrakech were everyday experiences like where I stayed and walking through neighborhood markets. Those moments in any city can be as illuminating as the major attractions. Travel, for me, is just about seeing things differently than I would at home. If it’s your first time visiting Marrakech, these are the places and experiences I recommend adding to your itinerary.
1. The Souks
Hours: Typically 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Free to enter
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Why go: The souks are the main market area in Marrakech filled with spices, rugs, leather goods, lamps, and handmade items.
My experience: The souks are one of the most interesting parts of the city. They can be overwhelming alone, but I enjoyed them much more when I went with a guide because I could actually focus on the craftsmanship and shops instead of constantly being approached by vendors. I love to shop, so I was bound to find many things I loved, and I couldn’t bring it all home, so I was forced to be very selective about what I purchased. I bought three pairs of shoes, which feels like a must, herbal teas, spices like cumin, handcrafted baskets and more.
2. Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Hours: Always open (best at night)
Cost: Free
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Why go: This is the main square in Marrakech and a UNESCO cultural site filled with performers, food stalls, and crowds, especially at night.
My experience: This felt like the most touristy place to me, and that isn’t a bad thing, I just wasn’t particularly interested in snake charmers and pictures with monkeys. It is something you should see at least once while there because it’s such a big part of the city’s culture, and you’ll find many rooftop dining experiences in this area, which is what would recommend focusing on.
3. Bahia Palace
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: 70 MAD ($7 USD)
Time needed: 1–1.5 hours
Why go: A 19th-century palace known for its courtyards, tilework, and gardens
My experience: This was one of the most beautiful places I visited in Marrakech. The tilework and architecture are incredible, and it’s a nice, quiet break from the busy streets nearby. It was under construction when I visited, which didn’t make for great photos of the courtyard area, but I recommend visiting for the beautiful architecture and tilework.
4. Ben Youssef Madrasa
Hours: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Cost: 50 MAD ($5 USD)
Time needed: 45 minutes – 1 hour
Why go: A historic Islamic school known for its architecture and detailed carvings
My experience: This is one of the most beautiful places in Marrakech, but if you don’t arrive early, it is crowded and chaotic and may be difficult to get the pictures you might want. It’s detailed and very photogenic at every corner of the building. It was very helpful to have a guide at this particular attraction, because I learned quite a bit about the history, the subjects that were taught, how different rooms were used, the difference in the old and new tilework and more.
5. Visit a Traditional Hammam
Hours: Varies
Cost: ~$30–$80
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Why go: A traditional Moroccan bathhouse experience with steam, exfoliation, and washing
Your anecdote: I specifically chose to do this on my second to last day in Morocco, and it was one of the best decisions I made, because after several days of walking in the medina, I needed to relax. The steam and washing felt fairly normal, but the exfoliation was a sensation I had to get used to. The scrubbing felt good in some places but strange in others. It was not painful to me, but it is an acquired feeling, I guess you could say.
I also scheduled a massage immediately after the bath, which was also quite beautiful, as I had an emotional release that I had never experienced before during a massage. It felt like the perfect way to end my time in Morocco, but also my first intimate experience with Ramadan, a time for release, forgiveness, and clarity.
6. Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum
Hours: ~8:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: ~170 MAD combined ticket
Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
Why go: Famous gardens and museum dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent
My experience: The colors at Jardin Majorelle are very different from the rest of Marrakech. You’ll see much more vibrant, saturated blues, oranges, yellows and greens. The wind is blowing softly through the plants and trees, and despite the number of people, it’s relatively quiet and serene. I love being in a garden, so I think I may have enjoyed this part of the experience most.
The YSL Museum is quite impressive, as there was so much I did not know about Yves Saint Laurent. To see his work on display gives you a small glimpse into his brilliant mind and the inspiration behind some of his greatest and most notable works of fashion art.
In terms of logistics, you should absolutely purchase tickets ahead of time, and I would recommend the combined ticket. If you do that, you must start with Jardin Majorelle, then you’ll go to the Berber Museum and finally the YSL Museum. I would also recommend arriving at least 30 minutes before the entrance time you choose, because you will still need to wait in line, which can get quite long the closer you get to the entrance time. I would also note that there is a bag check at each place, and in some cases, if your bag is too large, they will require you to check it.
7. Dar El Bacha & Bacha Coffee
Hours: ~10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Cost: Free to enter museum area, coffee/food extra
Time needed: 1 hour
Why go: A historic palace that now houses a museum and the famous Bacha Coffee
My experience: This was one of the most beautiful interiors I saw in Marrakech and perhaps my favorite. Even if you don’t eat there or drink coffee, it’s worth going inside to see the building. Getting into Bacha Coffee first thing in the morning actually feels like trying to get one of Willy Wonka’s golden tickets. People are shoving, and it’s a little hectic over coffee.
Once you make it inside, it makes (a little more) sense. It is a stunning palace, as are many buildings in Morocco, the coffee experience is decadent, and I loved roaming the museum. It was definitely one of the more dramatic Marrakech experiences, but I would still say it’s worth it.
8. Koutoubia Mosque (Exterior)
Hours: Exterior can be viewed anytime
Cost: Free
Time needed: 20 minutes
Why go: The largest mosque in Marrakech and one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks
My experience: Non-Muslims cannot enter, but it’s still worth seeing from the outside. There are benches and beautiful park areas nearby, so if you want to take a break from the city somewhere relatively quiet, I’d recommend doing so near such a spiritual and grounding presence in the city.
9. Stay in a Riad
Hours: Overnight experience
Cost: Varies (~$60–$150 per night mid-range)
Time needed: Entire stay
Why go: Riads are traditional Moroccan homes turned into boutique hotels and are one of the most unique parts of staying in Marrakech.
My experience: Staying in a riad was one of my favorite parts of the trip because it was quiet and peaceful inside. The manager at my first riad kept making it a point to say, “this is your home, you can do whatever you like,” and they really do feel like home. In addition to them being comfortable stays, you also can use them as a resource for your hammam experience, booking day trips and excursions, dining on mornings or evenings you may not feel like venturing out, calling taxis or car service for you, and more.
I also enjoyed a Moroccan cooking class at my riad where I made several traditional moroccan dishes under the tutelage of the riad chef. It felt very much like cooking at home, which is the point of riads—they feel familiar in the best way.
10. Rooftop Dinner in the Medina
Hours: Dinner (usually 7:00 PM – late)
Cost: ~$15–$30 per person
Time needed: 1.5–2 hours
Why go: Many restaurants in Marrakech have rooftops where you can eat and watch the city from above, especially over Jemaa El-Fnaa.
My experience: Rooftop dinners were a nice way to end every day, especially during Ramadan, because it’s a communal time where everyone, locals and tourists alike, came out for Iftar. You can hear the calls to prayer and see the city from a different perspective, plus some of the rooftops have different types of cuisines. As someone who had grown tired of tagine, this was a welcomed break from what can be a delicious but heavy stew. I personally enjoyed MÖ-MÖ Restaurant, but you might also try Dar Dar Rooftop.
11. Walk Through the Kasbah Area
Hours: Daytime or early evening
Cost: Free
Time needed: 1–2 hours
Why go: The Kasbah area has palaces, mosques, and local shops; you can also do a horse and carriage ride from here
My experience: This is where I stayed, and I liked this area because it was still close to everything but felt a bit more local than like a tourist area. Every time I left my riad, I got to walk through a market, which is one of my favorite things to do abroad. Produce is quite photogenic.
This area is also home to Kasbah mosque, which you cannot enter as a non-muslim, but it’s beautiful to see from the outside. You’ll find the Kasbah Cafe, which is the oldest cafe in the neighborhood, among other cafes, and shops like an antique store, several ceramic stores, and a local pharmacy where you can purchase spices, argan oil and other body products, teas, traditional moroccan cosmetics and more.
12. Shopping in the Medina (Rugs, Leather, and Crafts)
Hours: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Cost: Depends on what you buy
Time needed: 2–3 hours
Why go: Marrakech is known for rugs, leather goods, ceramics, lamps, and textiles.
My experience: Even if you don’t plan to buy anything big, it’s interesting to see the craftsmanship and different markets. Speaking of big things, rugs are a significant export from Morocco, and I was shocked to see how they’ve evolved to package them into small carry-on totes for people who may want to bring one home. Similarly, if you visit a leather shop and want your shoes personalized or custom made, many of them are willing to bring your finished shoes to your riad before the end of your trip. They make many accommodations for tourists to shop, which is a nice way to experience shopping in another country.
13. Saadian Tombs
Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Cost: 70 MAD ($7 USD)
Time needed: 45 minutes to 1 hour (plus wait time)
Why go: The Saadian Tombs date back to the Saadian dynasty in the 16th century and were rediscovered in 1917 after being sealed off for centuries. They are known for their detailed tilework, marble, and ornate ceilings, and give insight into Morocco’s royal history.
My experience: The tombs were very beautiful, but this was one of the few places where I waited in a long line to get in. The queue was an hour long, which I had heard before arriving, so I took a book and read while standing in line to pass the time.
Once inside, the main chamber is much smaller than I expected, but the detail in the tiles and carvings is stunning. It is also worth noting that you can’t actually go inside. You are viewing the tombs from behind a gate.
If you go, I recommend going earlier in the day to avoid the longest lines, but if you had to skip anything on your list, I would say you may not feel the long line is worth it for this particular attraction.
