Uncover the unmissable things to see in Marrakech on your trip

Keen to explore all the Marrakech things to do? It is best to plan your trip wisely. While you can travel to Marrakech all year round, certain months make sightseeing more difficult. The best time to visit Marrakech is during the Spring and Autumn months when the temperatures are not raging hot. May and September are often recommended as being the best months due to the lack of rainfall and moderate temperatures. 

There is no better way to explore Marrakech than heading to Jemaa el-Fnaa square and using that as your starting point. Be enchanted by the local buskers eager to catch your attention with their out-there shows and head into the Medina to explore its labyrinth-style streets. From north to south, this city offers an array of exciting attractions to explore. Here are the best things to do in Marrakech.

Fancy heading to the city’s most stylish museum devoted entirely to the work of the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent? Perched on the edge of the luscious Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum boasts a permanent and temporary exhibition space that showcases the work of the iconic designer, making it one of the top things to do in Marrakech for fashionistas.

You can also explore the famous garden surrounding the museum, which is one of the most visited sites in Marrakech. With exotic trees and plants, streams and pools filled with water lilies and lotus flowers, and enchanting paths, the complex truly is an oasis of tranquillity. A “must” for your list of things to see in Marrakech.

If you speak to anyone about things to see in Marrakech, you can be sure that they will mention the city’s famous Souk District. Souk Semmarine is the central channel of the district, where you can stroll past stalls and shops specialising in pottery, patisseries, textiles, spices, carpets, jewellery, fabrics, clothing and all types of crafts. About halfway along, the Souk Semmarine forks – on the right you will come across Spice Square, and on the left is Souk el Attarine, where you can find copper and brass lanterns, mirrors, candlesticks, silver teapots and lamps, plus spices and perfumes. When it comes to places to see in Marrakech, this is a must! 

The Bahia Palace is one of the most beautiful sites to see in Marrakech and one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture. Countless rooms, courtyards and riads are at the heart of this popular attraction. Expect to be bewitched by stunning pieces of ornate decoration at every turn, from the floor to the ceiling. With 8 hectares open to visitors, there is plenty to explore in this Moroccan gem.

Located just 15 kilometres from the Barceló Palmeraie you will find the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square – a huge square and marketplace in the city’s medina quarter. It remains the liveliest and main square in Marrakech and is extremely popular with both tourists and locals. By day or by night, the square is filled with musicians, dancers, snake charmers, henna artists and street vendors attracting the attention of the cosmopolitan crowd. 

You can also head to one of the rooftop bars to watch the sunset over the square below, whilst you listen to traditional music in beautiful settings. Without a doubt, this is one of the Marrakech top things to do. 

If you’re looking for unique things to do in Marrakech, visiting a hammam has to be near the top of your to-do list. There are plenty of options available, but Hammam De La Rose is certainly one of the best. Immerse yourself in a sensuous Moroccan experience, where you can relax and unwind in a sanctuary of peace and tranquillity. Steam baths, scrubs, mineral-enriched masks and massages are just a few of the things you can expect at this hideaway spa, so be sure to add this to your list of things to see in Marrakech if you need some R&R.

The Saadian Tombs are a truly rich architectural gem which lie just a short distance from the bustling city centre. Housing two lavish mausoleums with approximately 60 tombs and over 100 more in the beautiful gardens, the Saadian Tombs are one of the most elaborate and best-preserved resting places in Morocco today. Deliberately hidden for centuries, the magnificent tombs were eventually uncovered in 1917, and now host plenty of tourists who are keen to explore its grounds. Spending a day marvelling at its incredible architecture is one of the cool things to do in Marrakech during your travels. 

If you’re looking to escape the bustling city life and desert-like heat of Morocco, head to the refreshing Menara Gardens, located to the west of Marrakech near the Atlas Mountains. The majority of the area is taken up with olive groves, but for visitors, the main attraction and reason to visit is the large reflective pool with its fine pavilion. Enjoy a peaceful stroll around or bring along a picnic for a relaxing day out at one of the top attractions in Marrakech for families.

The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and a must on your list of things to see in Marrakech for those who are keen to indulge in the city’s history and culture. Located in the district of the south-west medina, this beautiful mosque is decorated with curved windows, a strip of ceramic, pointed merlons and decorative arches. 

Enjoy the call to prayer coming from the top of the minaret five times a day, at which time the mosque is off-limits to non-Muslims, whilst you wander around the base of the building and admire the ruins and stunning gardens.

Its name, which translates to English as the Secret Garden, sparks intrigue and rightly so. Tucked away in the busy chaos of the Medina, this oasis of calm is one of Marrakech’s worst-kept secrets. This museum dates back to the 16th century and houses two marvellous botanical gardens - one full of exotic allure and the other a prime example of Islamic horticulture. There is also a rooftop café offering glorious views across the city. If you are looking for things to do in Marrakech city, a trip here is worth the while. 

Once a decadent palace constructed by the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur in the 16th century, El Badi’s crumbling facade stands majestically overlooking modern Marrakech. What was once an elaborate palace complete with gold, turquoise and crystal paving is now a shell of its former self as a result of its destruction in the 18th century. Step inside this historic relic, one of the top things to see in Marrakech, and admire the stripped-back elegance of the exposed rock, sunken gardens and inviting pools inhabited by nesting storks.