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
Recommended itinerary:
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’.
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
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
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
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
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.
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
Hands-on half or full-day workshops allow students to learn traditional Moroccan handicrafts alongside master craftspeople in their studios throughout Marrakech.
Best for ages: 13+ | £45 | 3-5 hours
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
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
Agafay Desert, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
Ride a camel across stark, lunar-like landscapes before dinner beneath the stars during an evening escape into the Agafay Desert, just 45 minutes from Marrakech.
Best for ages: 10+ | £180 | 4 hours
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.
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
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
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
A splendid former Koranic school, dating to the 14th century, of remarkable architectural detail and beauty.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
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.
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).
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
Sumptuous suites, monumental spa and massive pools make this luxurious legend a royal favourite.
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