Marrakesh is a city that sweeps you up the moment you arrive – a swirl of colours, scents and stories carried through its busy souks and sunlit squares. On our recent trip we based ourselves in the Medina and spent our days wandering between ancient palaces, serene gardens and the lively chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Between slow-cooked tangia meals, rooftop sunsets and peaceful riad courtyards, we found that Marrakesh is a place where every corner offers something new to experience. In this guide we’ve shared everything we did, what we loved and what we’d happily skip, to help you plan the perfect trip.

Overview

Marrakesh is one of those places that hits all the senses at once: the call to prayer echoing over the rooftops, the smell of grilled meat and spices in the air, and that constant hum of life around Jemaa el-Fnaa.

In this guide we’ll walk you through the best things to do in Marrakesh, some of the most atmospheric things to see in Marrakesh, plus practical tips on where to stay in Marrakesh first time, money, transport, and food.

Whether you’re planning 3 nights in Marrakesh, a full week, or just looking for activities to do in Marrakesh as part of a longer Morocco trip, we’ll share exactly what we did, what we loved, and what we’d happily skip.

You’ll also find ideas for things to do in Marrakesh with family or things to do in Marrakesh with kids, plus a couple of free things to do in Marrakesh if you’re watching the budget.

Travel to and Around Marrakesh

Travelling to Marrakesh

By Train

We arrived in Marrakesh by train from Casablanca. The journey took just over three hours and was surprisingly comfortable. What really stood out was how modern Morocco’s infrastructure is – the revamped train stations genuinely rival many European ones.

On the train itself, the service was clean and pleasant, even if the furniture looked a little dated. It does the job but it’s no match for the comfort of the Al Boraq high-speed line, so just manage expectations if you’ve travelled on that first.

To book your train ticket on the official website, ONCF, you need a VPN and you can only pay in dirhams or you can buy a train ticket in Morocco via 12Go.

By Coach

If you prefer buses, CTM is a popular coach company. We also used them elsewhere in Morocco and found them reliable. The CTM coach station in Marrakesh is only about five minutes’ walk from the main railway station, which makes transfers straightforward.

You can book your coach ticket via the CTM website in dirhams (only) or you can book coach travel in Morocco via 12Go.

By Plane

For many visitors, flying is still the easiest option. When people ask about airports in Marrakesh, they usually mean Marrakesh Menara Airport (IATA: RAK). It’s actually quite large, which you can really feel in how busy and international it is. We chose to fly out of Marrakesh Menara at the end of our Morocco trip.

One thing to be aware of: you usually can’t just show a mobile boarding pass from your airline app. Even with hand luggage only, staff insisted on issuing paper boarding passes. It’s worth building in extra time at the airport to sort this, as queues can move slowly.

If you are looking for suitable flight options, make sure to check out the article below with top tips on how to find cheap flights.

Travelling Around Marrakesh

Within Marrakesh we didn’t use any public transport – taxis were enough for what we needed. Distances between most sights in the Medina and nearby neighbourhoods are very walkable, and where they’re not, taxis fill the gap.

We found taxis very affordable. For example, a ride from the Medina to the airport cost us 85 dirhams, negotiated. Expect to haggle a bit; drivers rarely run the meter for visitors.

To make life easier, we used the inDrive app as our main ride-hailing option. You put in your destination, suggest a price, and drivers can accept or counter. It’s worth knowing that in Marrakesh, only official taxis tend to accept inDrive jobs.

There’s a strong police presence and private drivers don’t really risk taking rides without the proper licences. Because of that, our inDrive fares were roughly double what we paid in other Moroccan cities – still very affordable by European standards.

We also tried Careem. It’s usually around 40% more expensive than inDrive but the price is fixed algorithmically and you can pay by card, which is handy if you’re short on cash.

Language can sometimes be a barrier; many drivers speak limited English and only a bit of French. The apps helped massively here. We simply pinned our hotel as the destination and didn’t have to struggle through explanations. At one point we even added multiple stops, picking up our luggage from the hotel on the way to the airport; trying to explain that to a driver without the app would have been interesting.

Marrakech or Marrakesh? Understanding the Spelling

If you’ve been researching the city online, you’ve probably noticed both spellings – Marrakech and Marrakesh – used interchangeably. The good news is that they both refer to the same place, and neither is “wrong.”

• Marrakech is the French-influenced spelling and the one used locally in Morocco. You’ll see this version on official signs, maps, and local tourism material.
• Marrakesh is the English-language spelling, commonly used in older guidebooks or by English-speaking travellers.

The difference comes down to transliteration – how the Arabic name “مراكش‎” is represented using Latin letters. Since Morocco is a francophone country, the French-style spelling (Marrakech) naturally became the dominant version internationally.

Currency – What You Need to Know

Cash really is king in Morocco, and Marrakesh is no exception. Some higher-end restaurants and international-style cafés accept cards, but that’s definitely not the norm. We’d say 90% of places we visited were cash only – including state-run museums and many paid attractions.

Another quirk is how tricky it is to exchange Moroccan dirhams outside the country. It’s a closed currency, so you’ll usually get a worse rate at home than in Morocco itself.

For context, when we travelled in November 2025, we exchanged money in several places:

• At home we got around 1 GBP for 8.8 dirhams.
• In Morocco the market rate hovered around 1 GBP for 11.8 dirhams.
• The best rate we actually found was in Jemaa el-Fnaa square where we got 1 GBP for 12 dirhams.

What worked well for us was exchanging smaller amounts – roughly one or two days’ spending at a time. That way we could take advantage of better rates when we found them, but also avoid ending up with a pocket full of unspent dirhams when it was time to fly home.

Staying Connected in Marrakech with Saily eSIM

During our Marrakesh stay we used Saily, and it made staying connected incredibly straightforward. Everything is activated through their app, so we didn’t need to hunt for local SIM cards after landing. We chose the 10 GB plan, which includes one month of VPN—surprisingly handy when we tried booking train tickets on the Moroccan ONCF website, which isn’t accessible from abroad without a VPN. With Saily running in the background, we booked everything at the local prices you see on the ONCF site rather than the higher third-party rates.

Signal in Marrakesh was consistent throughout our trip, whether we were navigating the medina or arranging pick-ups on WhatsApp. If you want something easy that “just works” from the moment you arrive, Saily is a solid choice.

Where to Stay in Marrakesh?

If you’re trying to decide where is the best place to stay in Marrakesh or where to stay for the first time, the classic answer is: somewhere inside or close to the Medina. You’re near most major sights, and you really feel the city’s pulse.

One of the most popular choices in Marrakesh is staying in a riad. This style of accommodation is more common here than elsewhere in Morocco because Marrakesh has historically been an economic powerhouse and capital for several dynasties. Wealthy merchants and officials built riads as their city homes.

A riad has a few typical features:

• An inner garden or courtyard
• A central fountain
• Open skies above the courtyard (no roof)

By contrast, a dar (house) may have an inner courtyard but often this is roofed over, making it feel more enclosed.

We’d definitely recommend trying at least one night in a riad. The experience is similar to staying in a small boutique hotel, and we generally found the staff warm and hospitable. Breakfasts, though, tend to be on the lighter, continental side – lots of bread and pastries rather than hearty cooked options. If a big breakfast matters to you, a regular hotel might be a better fit.

It’s also worth knowing that many riads (and some hotels) in the Medina don’t have direct car access. Taxis often have to drop you a few minutes away, and you walk the final stretch through the alleys. That’s fine with a small backpack but less fun with two giant suitcases, so keep luggage in mind when you book.

We stayed two nights in the Medina at Riad Jona, about five minutes from the Mellah neighbourhood and square. It was a convenient base for almost all the things to visit in Marrakesh that we cover below, and we’ll link our full review separately.

We would recommend booking your accommodation through an aggregator such as Booking.com or Trip.com to get the best rates. During this trip, we found Trip was cheaper than Booking. Use the widget below to find the best accommodation in Marrakesh for your specific dates.

On our last day, we stood 1 night at Ibis Marrakech Centre Gare as the hotel was near the CTM coach station and we arrived at 3am from our Sahara desert adventure.

Best Time to Visit Marrakesh

From our conversations with locals, taxi drivers and our half-day tour guide, the consensus was pretty clear: the best times to visit are September to November, over Christmas and New Year, and then again from March to May.

During these months, temperatures are generally warm but bearable, and the city feels lively without being overwhelmingly hot.

If you’re considering things to do in Marrakesh in December, expect cooler evenings, festive energy around New Year, and mostly clear days – a good mix for sightseeing by day and terrace dinners at night.

Summer can be extremely hot, which makes exploring the Medina quite draining, especially with kids or older family members. If you’re planning things to do in Marrakesh with family, we’d lean towards spring or autumn.

How Many Days Do You Need in Marrakesh?

We’re often asked how many days to stay in Marrakesh? From our experience, we’d say:

• 2 nights is doable but a bit of a rush.
• 3 nights in Marrakesh is a sweet spot – enough time to see the main sights at a relaxed pace.
• 4 nights lets you add one of the classic day trips, like Ouzoud Waterfalls or the Atlas Mountains, for some things to do in and around Marrakesh.
• 5+ nights can feel long if your hotel or riad doesn’t have many amenities (like a pool or spa) and you’re not planning extra excursions.

Most of the attractions we list below sit within a 30-minute walking radius, with many much closer, so you really can fit quite a lot into a long weekend.

Our Top Things to do in Marrakesh

Most of the main activities to do in Marrakesh cluster around the Medina, Mellah and Kasbah areas, with a few outliers like Jardin Majorelle further out. Attractions are generally close together, and the furthest one we visited was about a 30-minute walk.

One thing we noticed is that foreign visitors usually pay 50–100% more than locals for attractions, as clearly shown on the price boards. That’s normal in Morocco but worth factoring into your budget. Not everything below is essential – if you’re tight on time or money, you can comfortably skip places like El Badi Palace ruins.

Another practical point: most attractions open around 10:00 and close about 18:00, and some are closed on Tuesdays. It’s worth planning your route each day so you do the museum and monument visits first, then wander, shop or relax later.

Below is our pick of cool things to do in Marrakesh, plus a couple of unique things to do in Marrakesh and a few more classic stops. You’ll easily find things to do in Marrakesh at night near Jemaa el-Fnaa and on the surrounding terraces too.

We booked most of our attractions ahead of time on Headout and found that they offer a wide selection of attractions for Marrakesh at reasonable prices.

1. Explore the Souks in the Medina

No visit to Marrakesh feels complete without spending time in the souks – the beating heart of the Medina and one of the most atmospheric things to do in Marrakesh. The maze of alleyways is filled with everything from spices and leather goods to lanterns, carpets, ceramics and traditional clothing.

Wandering the souks is an experience in itself: the calls of vendors, the smell of fresh saffron and cumin, the sound of metalworkers shaping lamps by hand. We found that the best way to enjoy the souks is simply to let yourself get a little lost and explore at your own pace.

If you’re buying anything, be ready to bargain – haggling is expected and part of the fun. Just remember to stay polite and smile; the whole process feels far more enjoyable that way. For those looking for things to buy in Marrakesh, this is where you’ll find the widest range of Moroccan crafts and souvenirs.

2. Step into History at Marrakesh Museum

The Marrakesh Museum is a gentle introduction to the city’s history and craftsmanship. Inside, you’ll find artisanal artefacts such as pots, ornaments and pieces of armour used across different centuries.

Even if history isn’t your passion, it’s worth coming just for the architecture. We spent time just standing in the inner courtyard, admiring the intricate ceiling and the balance of light and shadow. The décor alone makes this one of the more atmospheric things to see in Marrakesh.

3. Peek Through the Fence at Almoravid Koubba

Almoravid Koubba is historically important – it’s the last remaining building from the Almoravid dynasty in Marrakesh. That alone makes it interesting, but we decided not to pay to go in.

The reason? You can see pretty much everything through the surrounding fence. Given that, we’d suggest you do the same: walk past, peer through, appreciate its significance, and save your dirhams for something else. If you’re looking for free things to do in Marrakesh, this fits nicely.

4. Wander the Mellah Neighbourhood and Square

The Mellah is the old Jewish quarter of Marrakesh and tells a different story from the rest of the Medina. We wandered its streets and visited one of the synagogues, where the blue décor instantly reminded us of Chefchaouen’s famous blue alleys.

Historically, this was a wealthy area, thanks to the salt trade that Jewish merchants were heavily involved in. Today, the impact of the recent earthquake is still evident: many buildings are supported by temporary pillars and reinforcement beams.

Walking through the Mellah gives you a sense of both past prosperity and the city’s ongoing recovery. For travellers interested in culture and history, this is one of the more unusual things to do in Marrakesh, away from the main tourist drag.

5. Pass by Moulay al-Yazid Mosque (Kasbah Mosque)

As we explored the Kasbah (the fortress area), we passed the Moulay al-Yazid Mosque. Non-Muslims can’t enter, and when we visited in November 2025, much of it was under reconstruction following the earthquake, so we could only really see it from outside.

Even so, it’s worth a short detour if you’re already in the area visiting the Saadian Tombs or Bab Agnaou.

6. Time Your Visit to the Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are one of Marrakesh’s classic stops and can get extremely busy, especially as the main access path is quite narrow. We visited and would definitely advise going early in the morning to avoid the worst of the crowds.

Inside, you’ll see richly decorated tombs and chambers from the Saadian dynasty. It’s a fairly compact site, but the craftsmanship is impressive and photography lovers will be happy.

This is a good option if you’re putting together things to do in Marrakesh with family – older children and teens tend to enjoy the atmosphere and “hidden tombs” feel.

7. Admire Iconic Koutoubia Mosque from the Outside

Koutoubia Mosque is one of Marrakesh’s most recognisable landmarks and, historically, one of the tallest mosques in the world. Its minaret towers over the path leading to Jemaa el-Fnaa, and you’ll soon spot it from various angles as you explore the city.

As non-Muslims we couldn’t enter, but we still enjoyed walking around the surrounding gardens and squares. You’ll notice two distinct sections: the ruined remains of the earlier mosque, and the newer reconstructed part still in use. Look up and you’ll also see the pole at the top pointing towards Mecca.

Even if you only have a short list of things to visit in the city, Koutoubia should be on it – at least for a photo stop.

8. Walk Through Bab Agnaou, a Living City Gate

Bab Agnaou is one of the best-preserved gates of the Medina and still very much in everyday use. We passed through it while exploring the Kasbah area and it’s an easy stop to add to your route.

It doesn’t require much time, but it’s a good reminder that the old city walls are still part of daily life, not just museum pieces.

9. Learn Carpet Stories at Maison Culturelle du Tapis

This was one of our surprise highlights, and definitely among the more unique things to do in Marrakesh. We went in slightly skeptical, worrying it might be just another carpet shop, and walked out having genuinely learned a lot.

The museum is hosted in what looks like a former riad, with a series of rooms filled with carpets from different Amazigh (Berber) tribes. The owner, Nasser, gave us a guided tour and explained the motifs, symbols and stories behind each piece.

We got the sense that his knowledge comes from a long family history in the carpet trade – over the decades they bought special carpets and kept them back for their private collection, eventually opening them up to the public.

We learned how carpets once acted as a visible sign of wealth; a single piece could take six months to a year to complete, depending on the wool the family could afford. Motifs also reflected the women weaving them, with some carpets carrying multiple patterns that hint at different moods and life stages.

In addition to all of this they also do weaving workshops where you can sit down and they’ll walk you through the process of making your very own carpet!

To top it off, we really enjoyed at the end of the tour the top terrace where we sat for some pastries and much needed coffee. From here you can see the rooftops of the city but also the glamorous Atlas mountains in the far.

If you’re wondering about things to buy in Marrakesh, a good quality carpet is a big investment but also a meaningful souvenir once you’ve understood the stories behind them. Even if you don’t buy anything, this place adds real depth to your understanding of North African homes and culture.

10. Unwind in Colour at Jardin Majorelle

Jardin Majorelle is a peaceful counterpoint to the chaos of the Medina and one of the most popular activities to do in Marrakesh. The garden and villa once belonged to Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), and the whole space is immaculately maintained.

Inside, security is tight – there are plenty of guards, and stepping onto the borders or over barriers is politely but firmly discouraged. We didn’t mind this as it clearly helps keep the gardens in top condition.

The plant collection is eclectic: cacti, bamboo that reminded us a bit of Japan’s Arashiyama forest, koi ponds and all sorts of exotic species that aren’t native to North Africa. The deep blue walls and pots create some striking photo opportunities.

We also enjoyed learning about YSL’s connection to Morocco. He described Marrakesh as a major source of inspiration, and after his death his ashes were scattered there. As part of the booking process you can also add a ticket for the adjacent YSL Museum. We chose not to visit the museum as fashion history isn’t really our thing, but it’s there if you’re interested.

This is a great option if you’re looking for things to do in Marrakesh with kids – there’s space to wander, colours to enjoy, and it’s generally stroller-friendly.

11. Escape the City on an Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip

We did a full day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of the most popular excursions from Marrakesh and a great way to experience Morocco’s nature beyond the city. The drive takes around 2.5–3 hours each way, passing through small villages and mountain scenery before reaching the falls.

Once there, you can walk along well-marked paths to several viewpoints, take a short boat ride that brings you close to the spray, and watch the resident monkeys that often roam the area. We booked this Full-Day Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Hike with Boat Ride and would recommend!

If you’re staying longer than a quick city break, this makes a nice contrast to the heat and noise of Marrakesh.

12. Dive into the Chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa

No list of cool things to do in Marrakesh would be complete without Jemaa el-Fnaa. The main square is like nowhere else we’ve been – a constantly shifting stage of performers, stalls and noise.

By day, you’ll see henna artists, snake charmers and all manner of entertainers. We took some photos with snakes and quickly learned how the money side works. Our tip: take 20 dirhams, hold it visibly in your hand so the snake charmer knows what to expect, and stick to that.

Otherwise there’s a risk of being surrounded and pressured for a lot more. We saw one man hand over 100 dirhams and even his newly-bought watch after being cornered. If it gets uncomfortable, just walk away; nothing says you must pay if you didn’t agree upfront.

At both ends of the square you’ll find juice stalls selling freshly squeezed drinks. We ended up befriending one vendor who happily topped up our glasses as a thank you for coming back. Typically they lure you in with a super-sweet mixed fruit taster, but you can order pure orange or any combo you like. Prices are clearly listed on boards behind the counter, so no haggling is needed.

As a guide, small juices were about 10 dirhams and large ones 20. The “large” cups are only about 30% bigger than the small, so from a value perspective you might be better off buying two smalls rather than one large.

At night, the square turns into a full-on open-air food court. Stalls appear offering everything from snails and skewers to beef tongues. We didn’t try the more adventurous dishes (the lack of visible refrigeration put us off) but it’s still fascinating to walk through, watch what’s sizzling and soak up the atmosphere.

Closer to the post office side of the square you’ll find performance circles – groups of men putting on shows and inviting spectators to join the fun. We gave 10 dirhams each and that seemed perfectly acceptable. Just be aware that if you take a photo, even from outside the circle, someone will almost certainly come to ask for money.

If you’re looking for things to do in Marrakesh at night, Jemaa el-Fnaa is absolutely the place to start.

13. Explore the Grandeur of Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace was another highlight for us and definitely merits a spot on your list of things to see in Marrakesh. It wasn’t a royal palace but belonged to a powerful vizier – essentially the equivalent of a prime minister – who gifted it to his favourite wife, nicknamed Bahia. Inside, you’ll find elegant rooms, beautifully tiled courtyards and lush interior gardens.

The main courtyard, which you’ll recognise from countless photos, was unfortunately partially damaged in the earthquake and some sections were under reconstruction during our visit. Even so, the scale and detail of what remains are impressive.

If you’re deciding which palaces are worth the entry fee, we’d put Bahia firmly in the “yes” column. We visited Bahia Palace as part of a Marrakesh guided tour together with Jardin Secret, Madrasa Ben Youssef and the Medina and our ticket was already included in the price.

14. Trace Student Footsteps at Madrasa Ben Youssef

Madrasa Ben Youssef was once one of the most important Islamic schools in North Africa – essentially a medieval university. Today it’s a beautifully restored monument and one of the best things to do in Marrakesh if you’re into architecture and photography.

The highlight is the main courtyard, where intricate carvings, tiles and wooden details create an almost hypnotic symmetry. We spent ages here just taking it all in (and, naturally, taking too many photos).

You can then wander the halls and student dormitories, many of which have tiny internal courtyards of their own. It’s quite moving to imagine how many lifes passed through those rooms.

We visited Madrasa Ben Youssef as part of a Marrakesh guided tour together with Jardin Secret, Bahia Palace and the Medina and our ticket was already included in the price.

15. Slow Down in Le Jardin Secret (Secret Garden)

Le Jardin Secret is another oasis of calm in the middle of the Medina and a lovely contrast to the busy streets outside. The site is actually made up of two gardens:

1. An exotic garden with plants gathered from around the world.
2. An Islamic garden, organised around a central pavilion where visitors can sit and enjoy the scent of orange trees and the sound of water.

An Islamic garden, by design, is all about order, geometry and tranquillity. Water channels and fountains symbolise life and paradise, and the layout encourages contemplation rather than spectacle. In an Islamic garden, only plants mentioned in the Quran can be present.

We took our time here, sitting in the pavilion before heading off for lunch. The real beauty lies in its simplicity – carefully pruned plants, intricate tile work and a relaxed café where you can linger over a drink or brunch.

You can also buy an additional ticket to climb the tower overlooking both the garden and the surrounding Medina for 40 dirhams. We skipped this, as we weren’t convinced it added enough to justify the extra cost, especially with plenty of rooftop restaurants nearby that come with built-in views.

We visited Jardin Secret as part of a Marrakesh guided tour together with Madrasa Ben Youssef, Bahia Palace and the Medina and our ticket was already included in the price.

16. Decide Whether El Badi Palace Is Worth Your Time

El Badi Palace was once one of the grandest palaces in the Islamic world, famed for its opulence. Today, though, it’s largely in ruins – wide courtyards, some remaining structures and a large garden area.

It’s historically important, but in its current state it didn’t give us the same wow factor as Bahia or the Madrasa. If you’re short on time or trimming your budget, this is the one we’d suggest skipping. There are plenty of other things in the city that feel more rewarding for the effort.

17. Experience a Luxury Desert Camp in the Moroccan Sahara

If you have a few extra days in your itinerary, one of the most unforgettable activities to do in Marrakech is to venture south into the Moroccan Sahara for a desert camp experience. During our recent trip, we travelled to the Erg Lihoudi dunes where we spent three nights in a luxury desert camp – an experience that felt worlds away from the busy streets of the Medina.

The journey itself is a highlight, taking you through dramatic landscapes, palm-filled valleys and Atlas Mountain passes. Once you arrive at the dunes, the silence is striking; the only sounds are the wind brushing across the sand and the occasional camel bell in the distance.

Our camp offered beautifully decorated private tents, hot showers, proper beds and some of the warmest hospitality we experienced in Morocco. Evenings were particularly special: traditional music around the fire, star-filled skies stretching endlessly above us, and meals that tasted even better after a day exploring the dunes.

Part of our adventure also included a one-night Nomadic camp experience, where we slept in a much simpler tent deep inside the desert. It was raw, authentic and gave us a small taste of how nomadic families have lived for generations.

For travellers looking to add something truly memorable – and quite different – to their Marrakesh itinerary, a Sahara excursion to the Arawan Luxury Desert Camp is an exceptional choice.

What You Need to Know About Dining in Marrakesh

Food in Marrakech is generally good value, but there are a few things worth knowing before you sit down to eat.

Most restaurants still don’t accept card payments, so cash is essential. This even applies to some higher-end spots, so always check and keep enough dirhams on you.

We also noticed a significant price difference between Moroccan cuisine restaurants and places serving other types of food. Moroccan restaurants, especially those catering mostly to tourists, were often around 50% more expensive – still reasonable, but clearly targeting tourists.

We suspect this is because locals eat traditional dishes more at home than out, while travellers flock to tagines and couscous in restaurants. One other thing to mention is that although couscous is a staple of Moroccan cuisine, it’s only served (traditionally) at Friday lunch time.

Tipping isn’t compulsory but is certainly appreciated. Menus are often extensive, mirroring what we saw across Morocco, and usually offer a good variety of grilled meats, tagines, couscous, salads and a few international dishes. One thing to note, is that the most iconic local dish in Marrakech is the tangia, a meat stew slow cooked in a clay pot.

If you’re travelling with kids or looking for things to do in Marrakesh with family, eating out is part of the fun – just keep snacks handy if younger ones don’t instantly take to tagines.

Our Top Restaurants in Marrakesh

Here are some of the places we tried and enjoyed:

1. Feast on Spit-Roast Lamb in Mechoui Alley No 24

No trip to Marrakesh feels complete without visiting Mechoui Street, just off Jemaa el-Fnaa. There are two main spots here serving spit-roast lamb. The famous one is Chez Lamine, and right next to it is a lesser-known neighbour where we decided to eat.

The lamb is slow-cooked in underground, tandoor-style ovens for around 2 hours. We ordered a kilo, which gave us a mix of cuts to sample. The skin came out incredibly crisp, the meat pulled away from the bone with barely any effort, and the rendered fat gave everything a rich, deep flavour.

We sat at an improvised table behind the counter, watching the constant flow of locals and visitors. Hygiene isn’t really the focus here, but the food more than makes up for the rough-and-ready setting. The lamb arrived on a metal tray with fresh bread and cumin-flavoured salt. Honestly, nothing else was needed – we left grinning.

2. Queue for Tagines at Cafe Restaurant Dar L’hssira

Hidden deep within the Medina, Café Restaurant Dar L’hssira specialises in traditional home-style cooking. You can’t reserve, so expect to queue. We put our names down and waited around 30 minutes for a table, eventually nabbing a spot on the top terrace with its colourful mix of tables, stained glass and decorative details.

We tried a range of dishes:

• A khlea omelette – a rich, umami-packed omelette made with dried beef.
• A beef tagine which, to be honest, felt a bit flat in flavour.
• A chicken tagine with preserved lemon and olives which was absolutely bursting with freshness and depth.

We also shared a chicken pastilla – a savoury-sweet pie in flaky pastry. It was nice, but we’d had a more flavourful one in Rabat, so this version didn’t quite reach the same heights.

Overall, it’s still a solid spot if you’re keen to tick off classic Moroccan dishes in a characterful setting.

3. Indulge in Pastries at L’atelier Boulangerie Marrakesh

If you love French-style patisserie, L’atelier Boulangerie Marrakesh is a gem. We went twice – the first time while waiting for our laundry, and the second because the cakes were just that good. On our first visit we ordered an orange gâteau and a made-to-order chocolate fondant.

The orange cake was shaped like an actual orange, with a bright shell giving a sharp citrus kick reminiscent of ripe tangerine. Inside, layers of cream and citrus filling added more complexity. The fondant was textbook perfect: a molten centre wrapped in just-set cake.

Hristina went for a coconut gâteau topped with pineapple chunks – light, creamy and nicely balanced by the fresh fruit on top.

On our second visit we shifted to pastries: pain suisse, plus two croissants filled with almonds and crème pâtissière. Another success. We’d hoped to try more of their fruit-shaped gâteaux again but arrived too early in the day, so settled happily for pastries instead.

4. Taste Tangia at Café Restaurant Dar Touareg

During our half-day guided tour, we asked our guide what truly local dish we should try in Marrakesh. While tagines are found all over Morocco, the answer here was tangia – a slow-cooked meat stew, prepared in a clay pot with saffron and left to cook over gentle heat for hours.

At Café Restaurant Dar Touareg we ordered both the house tangia and a beef tagine topped with almonds and prunes. The tagine was fine but completely overshadowed by the tangia.

The meat in the tangia was incredibly tender, coated in a glossy saffron-rich sauce that begged for bread to be dunked in. If you come here, skip the experimentation and just order tangia.

5. Sip Drinks Overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa at MÖ-MÖ Restaurant

On our last day we wanted somewhere to sit, relax and just watch Jemaa el-Fnaa in full swing. Many rooftop places insist you order food as well as drinks to use their terrace, but MÖ-MÖ Restaurant was one of the exceptions.

The crowd here is mostly foreign visitors, but prices were reasonable, especially compared to similar spots in cities like Rabat or Tangier. The décor blends North African and Islamic motifs with modern design touches, creating a stylish but relaxed atmosphere.

If you’re wondering what to do in Marrakesh at night, we’d definitely include a drink here or at a similar rooftop, just to watch the square transform after sunset.

6. Enjoy Lebanese Flavours at Naranj Libanese

For a change of pace from Moroccan food, we headed to Naranj Libanese in the heart of the Medina. We’re big fans of Lebanese cuisine and this place did not disappoint.

We shared the Lebanese starter platter for two and added a tabbouleh for extra freshness. For mains, I had beef shawarma with fries cut more like chunky chips, while Hristina stuck with the starters.

The starter platter was fresh and generous, but the standout was the beef shawarma – thin slices of tender beef served on a bed of caramelised onions. It might not have been wrapped in the classic style, but the flavours were spot on.

We washed everything down with homemade peach and lemon iced teas which were fragrant and not overly sweet – a really refreshing accompaniment after a long day exploring.

7. Enjoy a Lunch Break at Granada Restaurant

Granada Restaurant is an excellent lunch stop, especially if you’re visiting Jardin Majorelle – it’s roughly a 10-minute walk from the garden and a convenient place to refuel before or after your visit.

We tried a selection of their juices and a classic crème caramel, both of which were surprisingly good. The quality of the food relative to the price really impressed us, making it a solid choice for travellers looking for something tasty, reliable and not overly touristy.

Whether you’re resting after a morning in Majorelle or gearing up for an afternoon of exploring, Granada Restaurant offers good value and a relaxed atmosphere in a convenient location.

Final Thoughts

Marrakesh can be intense, beautiful, frustrating and fascinating all at once – which is exactly why it stays with you long after you’ve left.

If you’re planning cool things to do in Marrakesh, don’t feel you have to tick off every monument. Mix a few key sights like Bahia Palace, Madrasa Ben Youssef and Jardin Majorelle with slower moments: mint tea on a rooftop, people-watching in Jemaa el-Fnaa, or simply getting pleasantly lost in the lanes near your riad.

Whether you’re travelling as a couple, looking for things to do in Marrakesh with family, or just collecting unusual things to do in Marrakesh for your own curiosity, the city gives you plenty of choice. And once you’ve mastered the cash, taxis and time slots, Marrakesh definitely rewards the effort.

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