10 places to see in Marrakech
10 places to see in Marrakech: We tell you everything you need to know to travel to Marrakech: what to see, what to do, how to get there, how to get around and much more.
Traveling to Marrakech is an experience in every sense: strolling through the Medina, eating a delicious pastry with panoramic views of the Jemaa el-Fna Square, visiting the souk to find a handicraft treasure…we could say so many things to do in Marrakech!
In this post we tell you our experience and recommendations on what to see in Marrakech, along with different plans that will make you come back completely in love with its gastronomy, culture and landscapes. Because as we always say, you don’t only travel to see things but also to live an adventure, as much as you want.
1 The Medina:
Marrakech is one of the 4 imperial cities of Morocco and the Medina is its most important medieval historical center, a walled area dating back to the years of the Berber empire with narrow and winding streets where you can visit mosques, palaces, souks and busy squares. Marrakech is a vibrant city, you’ll see!
2 Jemaa el-Fna Square:
This is the most famous and recognizable spot in Marrakech (Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity since 2008), a large square full of food stalls, restaurants, cafes, stores and, unfortunately, heavy people chasing you with monkeys and snakes. At the back of the square stands the minaret of the Kutubia Mosque, a very nice view especially at sunset.
The best option to enjoy the views is to have a drink or eat on one of the terraces, always avoiding the street food stalls because their prices are abusive.
Avoid eye contact with the “rogues” in the square who will insist on taking pictures with animals and then ask you for money.
3 The souk of Marrakech:
In the souk of Marrakech you can literally get lost among its many alleys where you will find almost everything, with such curious varieties as spice stalls, handicrafts or a butcher in the same street. There is nothing missing. It is usually crowded, especially in the main streets, so it is advisable to wander around.
The experience is unforgettable and to enjoy it to the fullest there are several tips that we found useful:
If you are not really interested in buying do not ask or look in the eyes because you will give rise to the endless cycle of haggling.
If the price is fixed don’t haggle unless you are going to buy quantities.
Don’t get carried away by bargain price signs.
4 The Saadian Tombs:
These are two mausoleums with the tombs of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and his family, as well as other important people of the time. The highlight is the decoration of the rooms and gardens where the tombs of servants and soldiers are located.
Price: 70DH without guide.
Hours: 9:00 to 12:00 and 14:30 to 18:00.
We could not enter because they were being restored. Right next to the tombs is the Moulay El Yazid Mosque, one of the most important of Marrakech.
5 Kutubia Mosque:
10 places to see in Marrakech, It’s the largest mosque in Marrakech with a minaret of about 66 meters high, perfectly visible from the Avenue Mohamed V leaving the Jemaa el-Fna Square.
The best plan to visit it is to walk along the Avenue until you reach the entrance to surround it on the outside. Only those who profess the Islamic religion can access the interior since it is an active mosque so if it is not your case you will have to settle for admiring its beautiful facade and gardens.
6 Madrasa of Ben Youssef:
When we traveled to Marrakech was under restoration work so we can not show you photos but tell you several interesting facts if you are lucky enough to visit.
The Madrasa owes its name to the Ben Youssef Mosque, located right next to it, and the building was used for years as a school for the study of the Koran. With the Saadi dynasty it acquired the great splendor that can be seen today with a rich decoration in cedar and tiles that is said to be one of the most spectacular in Morocco.
Price: 50DH.
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00.
Clothing: long clothes covering legs, shoulders and neckline.
7 Palace of the Bay:
This grand palace was built with the not-so-simple purpose of being the most spectacular palace ever built. The sultan had no grandmother.
Its construction began with the vizier of Sultan Si Moussa and over the years passed into the hands of Abu Bou Ahmed, a slave who became vizier. The most remarkable of the building are its numerous and empty rooms with beautiful ceilings that were built to beautify the rooms of the harem, neither more nor less than 4 wives and twenty concubines.
The entrance is not very expensive so it is worth a walk through the rooms and courtyards, enjoying the beautiful ceilings and tiled walls.
Price: 70DH without guide.
Hours: 9:00 to 18:00.
Recommendation: visit early in the morning or in the afternoon, the light is perfect for photos. Dress in long clothes covering legs, shoulders and neckline.
8 Menara Gardens:
On the outskirts of the Medina we would not fail to visit the Menara Gardens, a relaxing walk with, if the weather permits, the Atlas Mountains in the background (mountains that we traveled on our trip with some tremendously beautiful scenery).
Admission is free and along the way you can walk around the water pond until you reach the small building with a pyramid-shaped roof. It is a garden where the inhabitants of Marrakech stroll, chat … being advisable to visit early in the morning or in the afternoon to avoid the heat and, by the way, stop to enjoy the sunset.
9 Jewish Quarter of Marrakech:
The Jewish Quarter, known as Mellah, was a neighborhood built in the sixteenth century to separate the Jewish communities from the rest of the Muslim population. Today very few Jews still live here.
It is located very close to the Bahia Palace and is composed of an intricate network of narrow streets. We recommend you to visit the cemetery, the synagogue and of course walk through its narrow and beautiful streets.
10 Majorelle Garden (optional):
10 places to see in Marrakech, Named after the French artist Jacques Majorelle but is really better known as the gardens of Yves Saint Laurent (yes, the fashion designer), the current owner.
It is a garden that we do not recommend especially and much less if you do not have time because, after all, it is a botanical garden with a museum and a boutique store whose entrance seems quite expensive compared to other parts of Marrakech. You decide if it is worth your time and budget.
Price: minimum 150DH only to visit the gardens. The entrance to the museums you must pay separately. In 2024 they only sell tickets online so we leave you the official website.
Hours: 8:00 to 18:00.