Tours and experiences in Marrakech

Things to do in Marrakech

Most travellers spend their first day in the medina: Jemaa el-Fna square, the souks, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. Outside the walls you will find the Majorelle Garden and the modern districts of Gueliz and Hivernage.

• Explore the medina with a local guide the first time: its alleys are easy to get lost in.
• See the Koutoubia from outside: like most mosques in Morocco, it is closed to non-Muslim visitors.
• Book a hammam for the end of the day, after walking the city.

Day trips from Marrakech

Marrakech is the most convenient base for the desert, the mountains and the coast. Actual travel time depends on traffic, stops and mountain road conditions.

Agafay desert

Agafay is a plateau of stone and bare hills about 40 km south-west of Marrakech, with views of the Atlas on clear days. It is not the Sahara: there are no large sand dunes. In exchange it is less than an hour away, so you can go in the afternoon, watch the sunset, have dinner at a camp and sleep back in the city.

Atlas Mountains

The High Atlas starts an hour from Marrakech. The Ourika Valley and the village of Imlil, at the foot of Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa, are the usual starting points for walks between Berber villages. In winter there can be snow higher up: check what each trip includes.

Food experiences

Tagine, couscous, harira or tangia, the signature dish of Marrakech, are best discovered with someone local: a food tour through the medina or a cooking class where you shop at the market and cook your own meal.

Marrakech with kids

Camel rides, gardens, a cooking class or an afternoon in Agafay work well for families. Quad and balloon activities have their own minimum age and conditions: check each experience page before booking.

Experiences for couples

For a special occasion, the most popular choices are a sunrise balloon flight, a sunset dinner in Agafay or an afternoon of hammam and massage.

How many days in Marrakech?

• 2 days: medina, souks, Majorelle Garden and an afternoon in Agafay.
• 3 days: all of that plus a day trip to the Atlas (Ourika or Imlil).
• 4 or 5 days: add Essaouira or the Ouzoud waterfalls and an unhurried hammam.
• To see the Sahara dunes, add at least 3 more days for a tour to Merzouga.

Best time to visit Marrakech

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) have the most pleasant temperatures. In summer it often goes above 35 °C at midday, so trips run early in the morning or at sunset. Winter days are usually mild and nights cold, especially in the desert and the mountains. During Ramadan, whose dates change every year, some shops and restaurants adjust their hours.

Local tips

• Bargaining is normal in the souks, but not in shops with marked prices.
• Carry some cash in dirhams for tips, taxis and small purchases.
• In traditional neighbourhoods and religious sites, clothes covering shoulders and knees are a good idea.
• If someone offers to guide you through the medina without being asked, they will usually expect a tip.

Frequently asked questions about Marrakech