Marrakech is one of the most exciting cities in Morocco. Its streets are full of life with colorful markets, the smell of spices in the air, and the constant sound of people chatting, music playing, and vendors calling out their products. The city offers a mix of history, culture, food, and vibrant daily life. From exploring winding alleys to enjoying food at rooftop restaurants, Marrakech has plenty to offer. This guide covers ten of the best things to do in Marrakech, with practical tips, personal experiences, and up-to-date information to help you plan your visit.

1. Visit the Majorelle Garden

The Jardin Majorelle is a calm and colorful garden in the middle of Marrakech, famous for its bright blue buildings, tall cacti, and tropical plants. We went there around 5 pm hoping it would be a bit quieter than during the day. It was still busy, but surprisingly manageable. I have also been to Secret Garden, as I had heard it would be much less crowded. In my experience, it was still quite busy, and the Majorelle Garden is definitely more impressive in terms of size, colors, and variety of plants. It’s a lovely place to stroll for an hour or so, enjoy the vibrant colours and plants, and take a break from the hectic streets of the medina.

For adults, a standard ticket is about 170 MAD (around €15–€17), and children under 10 years old enter for free. If you want entry to both the garden and the small Berber art museum inside, combined tickets are also available at a higher price.

2. Explore the Medersa Ben Youssef

The Medersa Ben Youssef is one of Marrakech’s most beautiful historic buildings. It was once an Islamic school where students lived and studied, and today you can walk through the quiet courtyards, see the decorated tiles, and admire the carved woodwork.

When we visited in February, the online ticket option wasn’t available, so we showed up at the entrance at about 9:30 am and were able to buy tickets right away without waiting. Tickets at the door were 50 MAD (about €5). The building wasn’t crowded at the time we got there, and we could take our time exploring. However, it did start filling up quite quickly after arriving. Do note that in high season (spring, summer, and holiday periods) it can be much busier, and lines to buy tickets at the entrance can be longer. If online booking becomes possible again, it’s usually a good idea to reserve ahead: but if not, going early in the morning is a simple way to avoid long waits.

3. Experience Jemaa el-Fna During Day and Night

Jemaa el-Fna is the main square of Marrakech and one of the most lively places in the city. During the day, you’ll see juice stalls, musicians, henna artists, and performers, while in the evening the square transforms into a bustling food market with grills, tents, and storytellers. Visiting at different times lets you experience two very different sides of the square: the daytime activity versus the vibrant night scene.

However, it was difficult to see the animals used by some performers, like monkeys or snakes, in situations that clearly involve suffering. Personally, I found this upsetting. It’s hard to witness, and it made me appreciate the other parts of the square even more while avoiding interactions with animals. It’s a reminder to enjoy the cultural and culinary experiences responsibly and be mindful of animal welfare when exploring the city.

4. Visit El Badi Palace and Bahia Palace

El Badi Palace and Bahia Palace are two of the most impressive historic sites in Marrakech. El Badi Palace is mostly in ruins today, but the open courtyards and walls give a sense of how grand it once was, and you can enjoy views over the city from the ramparts. Bahia Palace, on the other hand, is beautifully restored, with elegant rooms, intricate decoration, and peaceful gardens with fountains. Visiting both gives you a sense of Marrakech’s history, from old grandeur to refined palace life. Both palaces cost around 100 dirham.

5. Explore the Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are a small but fascinating historic site in Marrakech. They date back to the 16th century and are the final resting place of members of the Saadian dynasty. The tombs are decorated with colorful zellige tiles, carved stucco, and intricate Arabic inscriptions, giving a glimpse of Moroccan craftsmanship at its finest. For the best experience, try to visit early in the day when it is less crowded. The site is small, so a visit usually takes around 30–45 minutes, making it easy to combine with nearby attractions like the Bahia Palace or the souks. Tickets for the tombs cost 100 dirham per person.

6. Get Lost in the Souks

Marrakech’s souks are narrow streets packed with shops and stalls selling leather goods, carpets, lanterns, spices, and handmade items. Walking through the souks is a real adventure: every corner brings new colors, smells, and surprises. Bargaining is normal, so take your time and enjoy the experience. The smaller side streets often have the most interesting handmade items with fewer tourists.

7. See the Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakech’s largest mosque, easily recognized by its 77-meter minaret. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the gardens surrounding it are a pleasant place to walk or rest. Visiting near sunset is especially nice, when the warm light makes the red walls glow. The gardens are free to visit!

8. Eat/drink at a Rooftop Restaurant

Rooftop dining is one of the best ways to enjoy Marrakech, offering both good food and stunning views over the medina. At Koulchi Zine, you can try the classic kefta tajine with eggs while looking out over the rooftops and minarets of the old city. If you prefer lighter or international food, Le Grand Bazar is a great option: you can enjoy pizza, pasta, and salads while taking in the city from above.

Other rooftop favorites include Nomad, Café des Épices, and Le Jardin (more touristy so can get quite busy), all of which offer Moroccan dishes with a modern twist. Eating on a rooftop is a nice break from the busy streets below and a chance to relax while watching the sunset. Prices for main dishes range from 80–150 MAD (€7–15), making it a reasonable and memorable experience.

To end your day, rooftop terraces like Terrasse La Cigogne or L’Adresse are perfect for relaxing with a mint tea or a cocktail while watching the city lights come on. The atmosphere is peaceful, and you can enjoy the view of both the medina and the distant mountains. Rooftop drinks generally cost 40–80 MAD (€3–7). These terraces are a great way to unwind after a busy day exploring the streets, markets, and historic sites of Marrakech.

9. Try Street Food

Marrakech’s street food is a big part of the city’s charm and is perfect for tasting authentic flavors while exploring. A mixte sandwich, filled with grilled meats and vegetables, is a must-try, and one of the best places to get it is Chez Abdelfattah, where the sandwiches are freshly made and full of flavor. It is located on Derb Debachi, a well‑known street in the Medina where locals and travellers go for authentic street food. You can also try msemen, a flaky Moroccan pancake; maakouda, a spicy potato fritter; harira, a traditional soup; or chebakia, a sweet sesame cookie coated in honey.

The best time to try street food is in the evening at Jemaa el-Fna, when the stalls are fully set up and the air is filled with smells of grilled meats and spices. Prices are very affordable, ranging from 15–50 MAD (€1.50–5) per item, so you can try a variety without spending much. Walking through the stalls, tasting small bites, and observing the lively atmosphere makes for an authentic Marrakech experience.

10. Walk Outside the Medina

Outside the medina, neighborhoods like Gueliz and Hivernage offer a calmer pace with wider streets, gardens, and modern cafés. Walking here is pleasant and gives you a chance to see a different side of Marrakech. On clear days, the Atlas Mountains are visible in the distance, creating a beautiful backdrop for a stroll.

Final Thoughts

Marrakech is a city full of energy, history, and flavor. You can explore lively souks, quiet gardens, historic palaces, tasty street food, and rooftops with incredible views. Some sights, like Jemaa el-Fna, can also make you aware of issues like animal welfare, which is important to consider while exploring. Take your time, plan a few early morning visits to avoid crowds, and enjoy everything the city has to offer. With these ten activities, you’ll see the highlights of Marrakech while getting a real feel for its streets, colors, and flavors.