Our Guide to the Red City: 10 Best Things to Do in Marrakech

Few cities overwhelm the senses quite like Marrakech. Behind its rose-colored walls, centuries-old palaces and peaceful courtyards coexist with labyrinthine souks, fragrant gardens and one of North Africa’s most animated public squares. Step beyond the Medina and the landscape changes again, from palm groves to the rocky expanse of the Agafay Desert and the distant Atlas Mountains. Whether this is your first visit or a return to the Red City, these are some of the best things to do in Marrakech to experience its history, craftsmanship, culture and unmistakable energy.

Get Lost in the Medina and Experience Jemaa el-Fna

The UNESCO-listed Medina of Marrakech is not somewhere to navigate efficiently — getting a little lost is part of the experience. Behind its ancient walls, narrow lanes twist between riads, workshops, market stalls and hidden courtyards, offering a fascinating glimpse into a city that has evolved over almost a thousand years.

Eventually, many of those streets lead towards Jemaa el-Fna, Marrakech’s famous central square. Bustling throughout the day, the square takes on a different energy towards evening, when food stalls multiply and musicians and performers add to the spectacle. For a different perspective, find a rooftop terrace overlooking Jemaa el-Fna around sunset and watch the scene unfold from above.

Step Inside Bahia Palace

Built in the late 19th century, Bahia Palace is one of Marrakech’s finest examples of Moroccan decorative architecture. Its rooms and courtyards reveal intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar ceilings, painted details and tranquil gardens designed to showcase the wealth and influence of its former residents.

Rather than rushing through, take time to notice the craftsmanship in the smaller details. The contrast between the busy streets outside and the symmetry and calm of the palace interiors is part of its appeal.

Admire the Architecture of Ben Youssef Madrasa

Once one of North Africa’s most important centers of Islamic learning, Ben Youssef Madrasa is among the most beautiful historic buildings in Marrakech. Students once lived and studied in small rooms arranged around an extraordinary central courtyard decorated with carved stucco, cedar wood and colorful zellige.

The madrasa offers an intriguing glimpse into the city’s intellectual and religious history, but its architecture alone makes it worth visiting. Look beyond the grand courtyard and explore the upper levels, where the simple former student rooms create a striking contrast with the elaborate decoration below.

Escape into Jardin Majorelle

With cobalt-blue buildings surrounded by palms, bamboo, cacti and exotic plants, Jardin Majorelle feels a world away from the ochre streets of the Medina. French painter Jacques Majorelle began creating the garden in the 1920s, before Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé acquired and restored it in 1980.

Today, the three-hectare garden is one of the most visited attractions in Marrakech, combining striking architecture with an extraordinary botanical collection. The neighboring Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech can easily be incorporated into the same outing. Booking ahead is advisable.

Discover Dar El Bacha

For another glimpse of Marrakech’s architectural heritage, visit Dar El Bacha, an early 20th-century palace that once served as the residence of Thami El Glaoui, Pasha of Marrakech. Today it houses the Museum of Confluences, but the palace itself is arguably the greatest attraction.

A courtyard planted with orange trees is surrounded by exquisite zellige, carved cedar and ornate plasterwork, creating one of the city’s most photogenic interiors. The palace is also home to the elegant Bacha Coffee, making this an easy place to linger after exploring the museum.

See the Koutoubia Mosque and Explore the Kasbah

The 12th-century Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakech’s most recognisable landmark, with its 77-metre minaret visible from across much of the city. While the mosque itself is reserved for Muslim worshippers, visitors can admire its architecture from outside and walk through the surrounding gardens.

Continue south into the historic Kasbah, once Marrakech’s royal quarter. This part of the city is home to several important monuments, including the beautifully decorated Saadian Tombs and the atmospheric ruins of El Badi Palace. Together, they offer an insight into the dynasties that shaped Marrakech long before it became an international travel destination.

Shop the Souks and Souk Semmarine

Shopping in Marrakech is an experience in itself. From Souk Semmarine, the Medina’s main shopping artery, smaller souks branch into a maze of workshops and stalls selling handwoven rugs, leather slippers, lanterns, ceramics, spices, jewelry and textiles.

Traditionally, prices in the souks are negotiable, and bargaining is part of the experience. Take your time, compare craftsmanship and prices, and don’t feel obliged to purchase simply because a conversation has begun. The best discoveries often appear after leaving the busiest routes and wandering deeper into the artisan quarters.

Shop Without Haggling at Ensemble Artisanal

If negotiating in the souks isn’t your idea of holiday fun, Ensemble Artisanal offers a calmer alternative. Located on Avenue Mohammed V near the Medina, the artisan center brings together Moroccan crafts including ceramics, leatherwork, textiles, jewelry, woodwork and carpets in a far less intense environment.

Most importantly, prices are displayed and fixed, so there is no need to bargain. Even if you ultimately prefer shopping in the souks, visiting Ensemble Artisanal first can provide a useful reference point for prices and an introduction to Moroccan craftsmanship without the pressure of negotiating.

Experience a Traditional Hammam at Les Bains de Marrakech

After a day navigating the Medina, few experiences feel more appropriate than a Moroccan hammam. Les Bains de Marrakech has been one of the city’s established wellness addresses for more than two decades, combining traditional hammam rituals with contemporary spa treatments in an intimate riad setting.

Treatments include hammams, massages and baths, with private spaces and options designed for couples as well as individual guests. Allow enough time to enjoy the ritual rather than squeezing it between sightseeing stops.

Escape to the Agafay Desert

Less than an hour from Marrakech, the city gives way to the stark landscapes of the Agafay Desert. Unlike the vast sand dunes of the Sahara, Agafay is a rocky desert of pale hills and open plains, with views towards the Atlas Mountains on clear days.

Visit for an afternoon or stay into the evening, when the landscape becomes particularly beautiful as the sun drops. Experiences range from camel rides and quad biking to lunches, sunset drinks and dinners beneath the stars at desert camps. For travelers with limited time, Agafay provides an easy way to add a completely different landscape to a Marrakech stay without undertaking the much longer journey to the Sahara.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Marrakech is a city of contrasts: animated souks give way to silent courtyards, ornate palaces sit behind modest walls, and the intensity of the Medina can be replaced by desert stillness within an hour. The best way to experience it is to leave enough space in your itinerary for both its celebrated landmarks and the discoveries that happen between them.

Choosing a private villa gives you somewhere peaceful to retreat after a day in the Medina while allowing you to explore the city at your own pace. If you are planning a luxury holiday in Marrakech, discover A.M.A Selections’ portfolio of luxury holiday villas in Marrakech and find the perfect private base for your stay.