Marrakech
مراكش · MarrakeshThe Red City: palaces, gardens, souks and the magic of Jemaa el-Fna square.
Overview
Marrakech is Morocco's most famous destination: a red-walled imperial city founded in the 11th century, with a vast medina, colourful souks, beautiful palaces and peaceful gardens, all with the snowy Atlas mountains on the horizon (in winter). It is busy, intense and unforgettable. In summer it is very hot, so plan your days around the heat.
What makes it unique
- Jemaa el-Fna square, recognized by UNESCO as a masterpiece of oral heritage: storytellers, musicians, food stalls every evening.
- Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
- The Atlas mountains and the desert landscapes of Agafay within an hour's drive.
- Some of the most beautiful riads (traditional courtyard houses) and hotels in the world.
Weather in June–July
June–July: very hot and dry. Daytime often 35–42°C (95–108°F), sometimes more; nights around 20–24°C. Visit outdoors early morning and after 6 pm; rest in the afternoon. Drink a lot of water.
Arriving
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is only about 6 km from the medina. Trains from Casablanca take about 2h40 (high-speed line extension to Marrakech is under construction and planned before 2030, which should cut this time; check before travel). Buses (CTM, Supratours) connect to Agadir, Essaouira and more.
Getting around
Inside the medina, walk: many lanes are too narrow for cars. Beige 'petit taxis' for longer trips (insist on the meter or agree a price before). City buses and the hop-on hop-off bus. Horse-drawn carriages (calèches) are a classic way to tour the walls.
Stadium
Grand Stade de Marrakech
Opened in 2011, renovated for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and 2030.
- Capacity
- about 45,000
- Location
- North-west of the city, about 10 km from the medina.
- Getting there
- Taxi from Gueliz or the medina (about 20–30 minutes). Plan for heat: evening matches are more comfortable. To be confirmed
- Has hosted FIFA Club World Cup matches (2013 and 2014).
- Bring water and sun protection for daytime events in summer.
Top sights
Jemaa el-Fna
The heart of Marrakech. By day: orange juice stalls, henna artists, snake charmers. At sunset: dozens of open-air food stalls, music and storytellers.
Tip: Photos of performers usually cost a tip; agree first. Avoid animal photo shows if you do not want to support them.
Koutoubia Mosque
The 12th-century minaret is the symbol of the city. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the gardens around it are lovely.
Bahia Palace
A 19th-century palace with painted ceilings, courtyards and gardens.
El Badi Palace
Grand ruins of a 16th-century palace with storks on the walls and great views from the terraces.
Saadian Tombs
Richly decorated royal tombs from the 16th century.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
A stunning former Koranic school with carved cedar, stucco and zellige tiles.
Jardin Majorelle
The famous electric-blue garden restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance; it sells out.
Le Jardin Secret
A restored riad garden in the medina with a tower view.
Menara & Agdal gardens
Olive groves and pools with Atlas views.
The Souks
A maze of covered markets by craft: spices, leather, metal, carpets, wood, slippers.
Museums
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Next to Majorelle: the designer's work and his love for Marrakech.
Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts
Inside Jardin Majorelle: jewellery, costumes and objects of the Amazigh (Berber) peoples.
Dar Si Said (Museum of Weaving and Carpets)
Beautiful palace with Moroccan carpets and textiles.
Maison de la Photographie
Historic photos of Morocco (1870–1960) and a great rooftop café.
MACAAL
Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden.
Dar El Bacha – Museum of Confluences
A sumptuous palace with changing exhibitions and a famous coffee house.
Food & restaurants
Tanjia
The city's signature dish: beef or lamb slow-cooked for hours in a clay jar in the embers of the hammam furnace.
Jemaa el-Fna food stalls
Grills, snails, harira soup, sheep's head for the brave. Choose busy stalls and agree prices.
Mechoui Alley
Near the square: slow-roasted lamb sold by weight with cumin and salt.
Rooftop restaurants
Many medina rooftops offer dinner with views of the Koutoubia.
Gueliz
Modern restaurants, international cuisine and wine bars.
Shopping
Souk Semmarine & the main souks
Everything: lanterns, leather bags, babouches, ceramics, carpets, clothes.
Rahba Kedima (Spice Square)
Spices, dried herbs, black soap, argan oil, and baskets.
Ensemble Artisanal (Avenue Mohammed V)
Fixed prices, high quality, no pressure. Visit first to learn the real prices.
Concept stores in Gueliz & Sidi Ghanem
Modern Moroccan design: home decor, fashion and ceramics. Sidi Ghanem is the designers' industrial quarter.
Carpets
Look in the Souk des Tapis (Criée Berbère). Take your time; tea will be offered; you are never obliged to buy.
With kids
Oasiria Water Park
Large water park with pools and slides, perfect against the summer heat.
Camel rides in the Palmeraie
Short rides through the palm grove at sunset.
Agafay Desert
Stone desert 40 minutes away: quad bikes, camel rides, dinner under the stars.
Cooking classes
Family-friendly classes to make bread, tagine and pastries.
Hot air balloon
At sunrise over the plains and villages, for older kids.
Day trips
Ourika Valley
About 1 hour: rivers, waterfalls and Berber villages. Cooler than the city.
Imlil & Toubkal National Park
About 1.5 hours. Hiking at the foot of North Africa's highest peak (4,167 m).
Ouzoud Waterfalls
About 2.5–3 hours. Spectacular falls and Barbary macaques.
Essaouira
About 2.5–3 hours. Windy, artistic seaside town, UNESCO medina, fresh fish.
Aït Ben Haddou & Ouarzazate
About 4 hours over the Atlas mountains. Famous earthen village used in many films.
- Essaouira: A windy, artistic port town with blue boats and ramparts.
- Ouzoud Waterfalls: Morocco's most spectacular waterfalls, with monkeys and rainbows.
- Imlil & Mount Toubkal: Hiking in the High Atlas, under North Africa's highest peak.
- Ouarzazate & Aït Ben Haddou: Earthen kasbahs and film-set landscapes beyond the Atlas.
Where to stay
Medina (riads)
Stay in a traditional riad around a courtyard, many with pools and rooftop terraces. Magical, but lanes can be confusing at first.
Gueliz
The modern centre: shops, cafés, restaurants, close to the train station.
Hivernage
Upscale area with big hotels, nightclubs and restaurants, walking distance to the medina.
Palmeraie & Agafay
Resorts and villas in a palm grove or desert camps outside the city, quiet and spacious.
Local tips
- Summer heat is serious: hat, sunscreen, water, light long clothing, and a rest at midday.
- If someone says 'the square is closed' or 'that way is dangerous', it is often a trick to guide you to a shop. Use a map app.
- Medina addresses are hard to find: ask your riad to send a meeting point or someone to meet you.
All questions · Marrakech
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All host cities
- Casablanca الدار البيضاء: Morocco's big, modern city by the ocean, home of the giant new World Cup stadium.
- Rabat الرباط: The calm, green royal capital, with a brand-new stadium and world-class museums.
- Tangier طنجة: Where Africa meets Europe: legendary port city facing Spain across the Strait of Gibraltar.
- Marrakech مراكش: The Red City: palaces, gardens, souks and the magic of Jemaa el-Fna square.
- Fes فاس: The spiritual and cultural capital: the world's largest living medieval city.
- Agadir أكادير: Sunny beach city with a huge bay, gateway to argan forests and surfing villages.