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Last updated: 02 March, 2023
Expert travel writer: Annabelle Thorpe

Where to go and what to see in Marrakech – a 5-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.

Editor note – Annabelle has not included specific recommendations of where to stay each day unless it’s necessary. Instead, see the ‘Where to stay’ section in our Marrakech destination guide.

Begin by exploring the sprawling souks with a guide; afterwards grab lunch at buzzy Nomad, before retreating to your riad for a relaxing hammam or to laze on the rooftop during the afternoon heat. Later, stroll in the grounds of the Koutoubia mosque, and on to the Jemaa el Fna. Watch the sunset from a rooftop café before dinner at one of the stalls. Stay overnight in a traditional ‘riad’.

Souks of the Medina

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

The world’s quintessential Arabic bazaar, the Medina’s maze-like souks are a shopper’s paradise.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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Hammams in Marrakech

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

An everyday Moroccan ritual, a traditional hammam visit is a signature Marrakech experience, featuring rhassoul clay from the Atlas Mountains and locally-sourced Argan oil.

Best for ages: 13+ | £20 | 2+ hours

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Jemaa El Fna

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square that hums with snake charmers, musicians, magicians and other exotics.

Best for ages: 6+ | Free

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Stay in a traditional riad

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

Shady roof-terraces, plant-filled courtyards and the bewitching medina just outside the door – staying in a riad is the best way to experience authentic Marrakech.

Best for ages: Any | £20 | 1+ nights

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Take a cab to the city’s outskirts to join an artist’s workshop at the Ateliers Ailleurs (great shopping potential too). Head back for lunch at Pause Gourmande, and then dip into the shady Jardins Majorelle, before exploring Villa Oasis and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Later, head into the desert for an unforgettable dinner under the stars.

Vivid blue building and garden of cactus and exotic plants
Experience

Jardin Majorelle

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

Luxuriant twelve-acre botanical gardens designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle who lived here in the 1920s and 1930s. Also once owned by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Best for ages: 18+ | £10

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Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

One of the two international museums dedicated to the Yves Saint Laurent fashion house, displaying iconic pieces by the famed designer in an architecturally-interesting building.

Best for ages: 13+ | £10

Rise early for a hot-air balloon ride above the desert, then head back to discover the history of the city at the Photography Museum, stopping for a sandwich at Terrasse le Medersa. Afterwards, explore the intricately-sculpted courtyards of the Ben Youssef Medersa, before a sundowner on the roof of your riad. End your trip in style with dinner at Yacout, Marrakech’s best restaurant.

Hot-air balloon flights over Marrakech

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

Float high over dramatic, arid landscapes and look down into traditional Berber villages – a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a spectacular landscape.

Best for ages: 10+ | £150 | 5+ hours

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Tiled interior courtyard of a riad (traditional Moroccan home) with plants and a fountain
Experience

Photography Museum

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

Tranquil Medina riad housing an interesting collection of photographs documenting Moroccan life from the 1870s-1950s, that gives the best insight into life in the city before tourism arrived.

Best for ages: 18+ | £4

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Take the chance to explore beyond Marrakech with a trip into the Atlas Mountains. The atmospheric village of Imlil is a 90-minute drive from the city and offers a dramatically different experience; surrounded by mountain peaks and farms. Stay overnight at the luxury Kasbah du Toubkal.

Kasbah du Toubkal

Toubkal National Park, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

Restored historic kasbah at the foot of Mount Toubkal to suit most budgets – ideal for post-hiking relaxation.

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Rise early for a guided walk in the mountains, before heading back to the city. Reward yourself with afternoon tea in the glorious gardens at La Mamounia, with a final shopping spree in the medina, before dinner at Al Fassia, a Marrakech institution, that does the best pastilla (pigeon pie) in town (reservations essential).

La Mamounia

Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco

Sumptuous suites, monumental spa and massive pools make this luxurious legend a royal favourite.

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