Must-see
The 12 must-see places in Marrakesh
In Marrakesh, don't miss Jemaa el-Fna Square, Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace, Marrakech and Ben Youssef Madrasa Marrakech: here are the 12 must-sees, ranked, with the time to allow, the price and a tip for each.
See all 12 on the map-
MonumentJemaa el-Fna Square
The medina's open-air stage: orange-juice stalls by day, then grills, musicians and storytellers from late afternoon.
Come in the late afternoon; firmly decline snake charmers and monkeys, who demand money.
≈ 1 h 30 See the page → -
Park & GardenJardin Majorelle
A one-hectare botanical garden where the blue Majorelle studio is mirrored in pools among cacti and yellow pots.
Tickets are online only, with a time slot: take the 08:00 one, before the paths fill up.
≈ 1 h 30 See the page → -
MonumentBahia Palace, Marrakech
A 19th-century vizier's palace with a marble and zellige courtyard, painted cedar ceilings and quiet little patios.
Arrive at the 9am opening, before the groups; the ticket costs 100 dh for a foreign adult.
≈ 1 h 15 See the page → -
MonumentBen Youssef Madrasa Marrakech
The city's most ornate former Koranic school: carved stucco courtyard, sculpted cedar, zellige and tiny student cells.
Go at 9am, before the groups, for a near-empty courtyard; entry is 50 MAD, paid on the spot.
≈ 1 h See the page → -
ShoppingMarrakech souks
Morocco's largest traditional market: a maze of covered lanes selling leather, spices, lanterns and carpets.
Compare several shops before making an offer, and only haggle if you are ready to buy.
≈ 2 h 30 See the page → -
MonumentKoutoubia Mosque
The 12th-century Almohad minaret that anchors the whole medina, with its esplanade, gardens and ruins of the first mosque.
Only Muslims may enter the prayer hall; the esplanade and gardens are free and open to all.
≈ 30 min See the page → -
MonumentEl Badi Palace, Marrakech
The vast ruins of a 16th-century Saadian palace, with pools, open courtyards and stork nests on the walls.
Go at 9am while it is cool; in winter, the last hour gives lovely light on the walls.
≈ 1 h 15 See the page → -
MonumentSaadian Tombs, Marrakech
The necropolis of the 16th-century Saadian sultans, hidden in the Kasbah: a hall of twelve marble columns and gilded stucco.
Be there at the 9am opening: the queue for the main hall grows quickly from 10:30.
≈ 45 min See the page → -
MuseumMusée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech
A brick-fronted museum devoted to the couturier who loved Marrakech, a few steps from the Jardin Majorelle.
Tickets are online with a time slot; the museum is closed on Wednesdays, so plan another day.
≈ 1 h 30 See the page → -
Park & GardenLe Jardin Secret Marrakech
A restored Islamic garden in the heart of the medina, with pavilions, pools and a tower overlooking the rooftops.
Come at the 9:30 opening for calm; late afternoon gives the best light from the tower.
≈ 1 h See the page → -
MonumentWalls and gates of Marrakech
Kilometres of ochre rammed-earth walls and monumental gates, including Bab Agnaou, that change colour with the light.
Free and visible at any hour; late afternoon for the low light, morning for Bab Agnaou without crowds.
≈ 1 h See the page → -
NeighborhoodMarrakech tanneries
Open-air dye pits where tanners still work leather by hand, in the Bab Debbagh district.
Go in the morning, ideally before 11am, and don't follow anyone; agree a price before accepting a guide.
≈ 45 min See the page →
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MuseumDar el-Bacha – Museum of Confluences
A former palace with zellige and carved-cedar patios, now a museum of cultural crossroads, home to the famous Bacha Coffee.
Arrive at the 10am opening on a weekday to shorten the café queue; the museum is closed on Mondays.
≈ 1 h 15 See the page → -
Park & GardenMenara Gardens
A large olive grove around a basin and pavilion, with the Atlas peaks as a backdrop on clear days.
The gardens are free; only the pavilion charges an entry fee. Bring water and a hat, as shade is scarce.
≈ 1 h 15 See the page → -
MuseumMaison de la Photographie in Marrakech
A collection of vintage photographs of Morocco in a medina riad, topped by a rooftop terrace.
Tickets are sold on site and also cover the Musée de la Musique; allow about an hour for the visit.
≈ 1 h See the page → -
NeighborhoodMellah of Marrakech
The city's old Jewish quarter, with its Lazama synagogue, its cemetery and a covered market that is still lively.
Go on a weekday morning when the synagogue is open; avoid Saturday, the Sabbath.
≈ 1 h 30 See the page → -
Park & GardenAgdal Gardens
A huge 12th-century estate of orange and olive trees and basins, where locals come for a stroll.
Free but open only on certain days, most often Friday and Sunday: ask your accommodation the day before.
≈ 2 h See the page → -
CastleAgafay Desert
A stony desert of low hills close to Marrakech, with camel rides and dinners under the stars.
Prices vary by provider: check whether transfer, dinner and drinks are included.
≈ 4 h See the page → -
CastleOurika Valley
A green valley at the foot of the Atlas, with Berber villages, a Monday souk and the Setti Fatma waterfalls, cooler than the city.
Fix the price before setting off with a guide to the waterfalls; weekdays, or Monday for the souk, are calmer.
≈ 8 h See the page → -
CastleEssaouira
A fortified Atlantic medina with a fishing port and ramparts facing the waves, cool and breezy when Marrakech swelters.
Book your buses both ways ahead, especially at weekends; take a morning bus.
≈ 10 h See the page → -
CastleAït Benhaddou
A UNESCO-listed rammed-earth ksar, a favourite film set, climbing a hillside above a riverbed on the road to the Sahara.
Entry to the ksar is free; ask before photographing residents, and aim for late afternoon.
≈ 10 h See the page → -
Park & GardenPalmeraie of Marrakech
A vast palm grove on the city's edge, for camel or quad-bike rides among the palm trees.
Compare offers and ask what is included; for quad bikes, check that the helmet and insurance are covered.
≈ 2 h 30 See the page → -
CastleImlil and Toubkal
The mountain village in the High Atlas, starting point for hikes to Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak.
A licensed guide is required for Toubkal; April-May and September-October are the best months.
≈ 8 h See the page → -
CastleOuzoud Falls
Some of Morocco's highest waterfalls, set among olive groves, with trails to the foot of the falls and Barbary macaques.
Free access, guides optional; steps are slippery near the water, swimming is unsupervised.
≈ 10 h See the page →
