Some Unmissable Marrakech Recommendations
Marrakech is a bustling and vibrant city showcasing traditional Moroccan architecture, food, and cultural experiences. It’s such a unique place that you might forget you’re in Northern Africa. You can easily get lost wandering the compact, busy streets, especially when looking at the intricate buildings and local goods. You can experience a relaxing, uneventful vacation by spending your time at a luxury hotel outside the Medina. Or you can be prepared for an active, action-packed trip in the heart of it all. The ability to choose both is what makes Marrakech so special, in my opinion.
To Stay
The Medina
The Medina in Marrakech is definitely the best place to stay for first-timers looking to explore and engulf themselves in culture and history. This is the heart of the city, the older part of the city. Exploring or staying in the new, European part of the city can also be fun for a more modern trip. The old and new parts of the city are so diverse from each other that it creates the illusion that you are actually in two different countries. Be sure to visit both, but most of the things I list are in the Medina, within walking distance or just a short cab ride away.
Riads
Marrakech is known for its unique accommodation options called riads. We stayed at the Riad Dar Anika, which was very quaint. The service was terrific and super personalized. There is a pool, lovely rooftop, and breakfast/bar area. We were greeted with fresh dates and mint tea, a Moroccan specialty.
Riads are basically repurposed palaces. There are a ton of different riads over the city, varying in luxury and price. Obviously, Marrakech also offers stunning hotels such as the La Mamounia and the Royal Mansour, famously located in the medina (old city). However, if you want to take advantage of the unique, personalized, and cultural experience that riads offer, I highly recommend doing so.
To Do
Jemaa el-Fna square
This famous square is home to hundreds of markets and stalls. You’ll see spices and trinkets galore, snake charmers, music, authentic food, rugs, and much more. Wander around the seemingly endless walkways of the souks that surround the square. Load up on Moroccan spices. People watch. The riad we stayed in was actually a short walk from the square, making it easy to explore. Make sure you have lots of Moroccan Dirham on hand because cash is preferred, and sometimes the only thing accepted.
Have lunch and take a walk through the souks to La Terrasse des Épices
Located in the heart of the Medina, this restaurant offers beautiful views and a cultural experience. Before or after lunch, explore some of the markets and souks that surround the building. I would definitely recommend making a reservation in advance for lunch or dinner. We didn’t and had a bit of a wait, but they told us we were “lucky” it wasn’t longer.
Visit the Yves St. Laurent Muséum
If you’re into fashion and design, or even if you aren’t, this museum is a top-rated attraction in Marrakech. Hit two birds with one stone by visiting the Majorelle Gardens next door. The museum and gardens are actually located outside the medina in the new part of the city.
Stroll through the Majorelle Gardens
Next to the Yves St. Laurent Museums are the Majorelle Gardens. These beautiful gardens and houses are a must-see in Marrakech. The garden was purchased by Yves St. Laurent after he fell in love with Marrakech.
Do a day trip
Have lunch, maybe a camel ride, or take out a buggy in the Sahara desert. While you’re venturing out, you might hit the Atlas Mountains, just a 2-hour drive from Marrakech, for hiking and traditional Berber villages. I would definitely recommend finding a day tour for this that can offer multiple activities in one.
Get an afternoon drink at the Hôtel La Mamounia’s Bar Majorelle
If you aren’t staying at La Mamounia, or even if you are, check out this swanky, colorful bar for a drink. Take a quick tour of the beautiful hotel grounds while you’re there.
Try a Hammam (traditional scrub/bath)
A traditional hammam is basically a Moroccan bath scrub. In some hammams, someone will actually be cleaning you. In others, you will be doing it yourself. There are various options, and you can choose between public and personal ones. Many of the riads, like our’s, have hammams in them.
Visit the beautiful Palais Namaskar
Or stay there! This gorgeous hotel is a great way to spend a warm day by the pool. Or go for brunch, lunch, or dinner. If you want a break from sightseeing but want a cultural experience, then it’s worth a trip.
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace (pictured above) gives you a feel for traditional Moroccan architecture and a chance to learn about the history of the various royal families that lived there. Go here early as it can get crowded later in the day.
Go to Riad Yima for tea time and art
Riad Yima (below) is actually a funky art gallery and tea room. Enjoy fresh Moroccan mint tea on their quirky rooftop, then take a peek at some of the art they have for sale. It’s located through some back hallways of the souks so don’t be too worried if your maps seem a little bit off. You’ll get there.
Or go to Riad Fenn for sunset drinks
Another cool, funky rooftop in Marrakech? Riad Fenn. This lovely lively bar area is perfect for soaking up some sun and cooling off with a cocktail or tea.
Ben Youssef Madrassa
This is a former Islamic school located near the medina. It’s another excellent example of intricate and beautiful Moroccan architecture.
To Eat
Azar (one of our favorites)
It seemed that almost every restaurant we went to for dinner also had a show. This is the beauty and appeal of Marrakech. It’s amazing. Azar didn’t drop the ball here. Expect traditional dancers and eclectic music.
Brunch at Selman Hôtel on Sunday
Unfortunately, we weren’t visiting on a Sunday, so we didn’t get to enjoy this, but next time we’re there, I am ensuring it falls over a Sunday. Apparently, this famous brunch is a whole experience where you get to dine among Arabian thoroughbred horses.
Nomad for lunch
We absolutely loved Nomad. The food was delicious, and it offered beautiful views of the city. And if a rooftop restaurant in the Moroccan sun sounds intimidating, don’t be worried. They provide sun hats for their guests. Reservations are highly recommended.
Nomad rooftop
Terrasses de épices
As I mentioned above, this is a great spot to hit while exploring the souks and a perfect location for authentic Moroccan food.
Koya for dinner (our favorite)
We spent our first night in Marrakech in the new part of the city at a restaurant called Koya. Again, expect a show. Performers are singing on tables and getting everyone to join along. Not to mention they have incredible sushi options (my favorite).
Palais Dar Soukkar
Like I said, everywhere we went had somewhat of a show with dinner, but Palais Dar Soukkar is a complete performance. Traditional belly dancers, singers, and DJs light up the melodramatic, dark restaurant. Eat late and stay late.
Other restaurant suggestions:
To Consider
Dress conservative. However, there are no actual laws for what needs to be covered, but you’ll feel less vulnerable with more cover. Women get taunted and catcalled no matter what. Just ignore and continue walking.
You’ll read a lot about pickpocketing, but we didn’t feel it was worse than any other major city/country. Just be aware and mindful as you would in any other big city.
Tipping - the manager at our riad told us the waiters and busboys are very privileged, and only men can have those jobs, so there is no need to tip them. No one does it. However, the women give all their earnings to their fathers, sons, and husbands, but any tips they receive they will keep for themselves. We left money for our housekeepers in an envelope when we left the riad.
They speak French and have a significant French influence, but most people also speak English.
Be prepared to bargain with the taxi drivers. We were lucky, and our riad manager did this for us every time we left the riad. But anywhere else, we were on our own for this. You can also walk a lot of places.
It’s going to be busy and crazy. Enjoy it. Take it all in. It’s a cultural experience.
