Things to Do in Marrakech — 20 Best Attractions, Prices & Itinerary (2026)

20 Best Things to Do

Every attraction below is in or near the medina unless noted. Entry fees are approximate — prices can change. Most sites take 30–90 minutes.

Landmarks & Palaces

Koutoubia Mosque: Marrakech’s defining landmark — the 77-metre Almohad minaret (12th century) is visible from across the city and serves as the orientation point for the entire medina. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the exterior, gardens, and illuminated nighttime silhouette are iconic. Free. Best photographed from the Jemaa el-Fna rooftop cafés.

Bahia Palace: A sprawling 19th-century palace built for Grand Vizier Si Moussa. Ornate rooms with zellige tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and tranquil courtyards. One of Marrakech’s best-preserved interiors. ~70 MAD. Allow 1–1.5 hours.

El Badi Palace: The dramatic ruins of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur’s 16th-century palace — once covered in gold and Italian marble. Now a vast, atmospheric ruin with sunken gardens and stork nests on the crumbling walls. Climb to the rooftop for medina views. ~70 MAD.

Saadian Tombs: Hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1917, this 16th-century mausoleum houses the tombs of the Saadian dynasty rulers. Exquisite zellige, carved stucco, and cedar. Small site — go early to avoid queues. ~70 MAD.

Ben Youssef Madrasa: A 14th-century Islamic college — intricate zellige, carved cedar, and a peaceful central courtyard. Once the largest theological school in North Africa. ~50 MAD. Check renovation status before visiting (periodic closures for restoration).

City Walls: The ochre ramparts encircling the medina are 19 km long and date to the 12th century. Walk or cycle along sections — the gates (babs) are especially photogenic, particularly Bab Agnaou (the royal gate).

Museums & Gardens

Majorelle Garden + Musée YSL: Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, later restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. The iconic cobalt blue villa sits among tropical plants, cactus, and lily ponds. Next door, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent showcases the designer’s fashion collection. Garden ~70 MAD, museum ~100 MAD. Allow 1.5–2 hours for both. Go early — very popular.

Musée des Confluences (Dar El Bacha): A beautifully restored palace housing rotating exhibitions exploring global civilisations. The building itself — with its carved stucco and zellige — is the highlight. Excellent on-site café. ~50 MAD.

Maison de la Photographie: Vintage photographs of Morocco from the 1870s–1950s, displayed in a restored riad with a rooftop terrace. A quieter, more intimate museum experience. ~50 MAD.

Musée de Marrakech: Housed in Dar Menebhi Palace — the ornate central courtyard with its massive bronze chandelier is the star. Moroccan art, ceramics, and textiles. ~50 MAD.

Medina Experiences

Jemaa el-Fna: The beating heart of Marrakech — a UNESCO-listed square that transforms throughout the day. Morning: juice vendors and henna artists. Afternoon: snake charmers, acrobats, musicians. Evening: dozens of open-air food stalls serving grilled meats, harira, and fresh orange juice (~5 MAD). Free. Climb to a rooftop café (Café de France, Le Grand Balcon) for the best views at sunset. Safe at night — tourist police presence.

Souks: The labyrinthine medina markets — textiles, lanterns, spices, leather, ceramics. Start at the Souk Semmarine (main artery off Jemaa el-Fna) and explore outward. For the full experience: our Marrakech Souks guide with bargaining tips and prices.

The Mellah (Jewish Quarter): Marrakech’s historic Jewish quarter — narrow alleys, the Lazama Synagogue, and the poignant Jewish Cemetery with its whitewashed tombs. The area is also known for its jewellery shops and local bakeries. Free (cemetery: tip ~20 MAD to the caretaker).

Fondouk El Nejjarine: A beautifully restored caravanserai (historic trading inn) near the souks — now home to woodworking artisans. Quiet courtyard, working craftsmen, and a sense of the medina’s trading past. Free.

Tanneries: The traditional leather-dyeing vats of Marrakech — colourful but pungent. A guide will offer you mint to hold under your nose. Fascinating to see the centuries-old process. Free to view from nearby terrace shops (they’ll expect you to browse their leather goods).

Rahba Kedima: A quieter square off the main souk — known as the spice square. Piles of saffron, cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon. More relaxed than the main souks. Good for spice shopping without the intensity.

Experiences

Hammam: A traditional steam bath is a quintessential Marrakech experience — exfoliation with black soap, a scrub-down, and optional massage. Local hammams (public, ~30–50 MAD) are authentic but basic. Tourist hammams (~150–400 MAD) offer a more comfortable experience. Luxury: La Mamounia spa. Allow 1–2 hours.

Rooftop dining: Marrakech is famous for its rooftop terraces. Nomad (modern Moroccan, Rahba Kedima views), Le Jardin (garden courtyard, medina), and the Jemaa el-Fna rooftop cafés are all excellent. Budget ~80–200 MAD per person for a meal with views.

Cooking class: Learn to make tagine, pastilla, or msemen with a local chef — usually includes a souk shopping trip for ingredients. Half-day, ~300–500 MAD. A hands-on way to connect with Moroccan food culture.

Street art: The Gueliz neighbourhood (new town) and parts of the medina are covered in vibrant murals and graffiti. A more contemporary side of Marrakech — wander and discover.

Hot air balloon: Soar above the palm groves and Atlas Mountain foothills at sunrise. A spectacular way to see the landscape. MDT hot air balloon ride — €165, includes hotel pickup.

Moroccan music: Live Gnawa, Berber, and Andalusian music at the Théâtre Royal, local riads, and Jemaa el-Fna. The Marrakech Popular Arts Festival (July) fills the city with dancers and musicians.

Suggested Itinerary

1 day: Jemaa el-Fna (morning juice + evening food stalls) → Koutoubia Mosque (exterior) → Bahia Palace → Souks → Rooftop dinner.

2 days: Day 1 above + Day 2: Majorelle Garden + Musée YSL → Saadian Tombs → Mellah + Jewish Cemetery → Hammam → Rahba Kedima spices.

3–4 days: Days 1–2 above + Ben Youssef Madrasa → El Badi Palace → Musée des Confluences → Cooking class → Day trip (Essaouira, Atlas Mountains, or Ait Ben Haddou).

Day Trips from Marrakech

Marrakech is the gateway to Morocco’s best day trips. For full guides on each, see the links below:

MDT Tours from Marrakech