A practical Marrakech travel guide for 2026: restaurants, what to wear, New Year's Eve, the Al Boraq train and the best tours from Marrakech.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
In this guide
The short answer
Marrakech is best visited for 3 to 4 days in spring or autumn. For restaurants, combine the food stalls of Jemaa el-Fnaa, a medina rooftop and a traditional riad dinner, and book ahead. Dress in light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, with comfortable shoes and a layer for the evening. New Year's Eve is busy and more expensive, so book early. If you arrive by Al Boraq high-speed train, first and second class travel at the same speed, and first class mainly gives you more space and quiet.
Marrakech is one of the most visited cities in Morocco, and a little planning makes it easier. This guide covers the questions travellers ask us most. When you are ready to see more than the city, message us on WhatsApp and we plan your Sahara or mountain trip.
Where to eat in Marrakech
Searching for a restaurant in Marrakech can be overwhelming, because the city has everything from food stalls to refined riad dining. A simple way to choose is by type of place:
| Type | What to expect | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Food stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa | Grilled meats, soups and snacks cooked in front of you, lively at night | Choose busy stalls, check the price before you order |
| Rooftop terraces in the medina | Views over the rooftops, a calm break from the crowds | Ideal for sunset, book a table in the evening |
| Traditional riad dinners | Set menus with tagine, couscous and salads in a courtyard | Book ahead, ask about dietary needs |
| Gueliz restaurants | Modern and international cuisine in the new town | Easier for a quiet dinner and late meals |
| Cafes and lunch spots | Salads, sandwiches and juices between visits | Good for a break from the heat |
Travellers often mention well-known places such as Al Fassia in Gueliz and, in the medina, Cafe des Epices, Nomad, Le Jardin and Cafe Clock. Restaurants change, so check current reviews and opening hours and book ahead. This is not a ranking.
To understand what you are eating, read our Moroccan food guide, or cook it yourself in our Moroccan cooking class in Marrakech.
Want local help with your Marrakech days?
Tell us your dates and what you like to eat and see. We reply with a free quote and ideas for your itinerary.
What to wear in Marrakech
Marrakech is a modern, tourist-friendly city, but it is also a traditional one. A few simple rules make you more comfortable and show respect:
- Cover shoulders and knees in the medina and the souks. Light cotton or linen trousers, long skirts and loose shirts work well.
- Wear comfortable closed shoes. The streets are uneven and busy.
- Bring a scarf for the sun, the wind and for visits to religious or traditional places.
- Add a layer for the evening. Winter evenings and desert nights are cold.
- Use sun protection in spring, summer and autumn, with a hat and sunglasses.
For more detail, read our Moroccan clothing guide, and check the best time to visit Morocco to choose what to pack.
New Year's Eve in Marrakech
New Year's Eve in Marrakech is lively and one of the busiest times of the year. Here is what to expect and how to plan:
- Book early. Riads, hotels and restaurants fill up, and prices are higher on 31 December.
- Dinners with a set menu. Many places offer a special New Year dinner, often with a fixed price. Ask what is included before you book.
- Crowds in Jemaa el-Fnaa. Keep your belongings safe and agree on prices before you buy.
- Cool evenings. Bring a jacket and layers.
- Alcohol. It is served in licensed hotels and some restaurants and bars, not everywhere.
- An alternative: a night in a desert camp, with a starry sky and dinner by the fire, can be a memorable way to celebrate.
If you want a New Year in the desert, ask for a free quote. We confirm the options and availability for your dates. See also is Morocco safe for tourists.
Al Boraq first class vs second class
Al Boraq is Morocco's high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca, with stops in Kenitra and Rabat. Many travellers use it to reach Marrakech from the north: Al Boraq to Casablanca, then a regular train to Marrakech in around 3 hours.
| First class | Second class | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed and route | The same train and the same time | The same train and the same time |
| Space and comfort | More space and a quieter carriage | Comfortable seats, busier carriages |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| Best for | Longer trips, luggage and comfort | Short trips and budget travel |
| How to book | ONCF website, app or station | ONCF website, app or station |
Check the current fares and times on the official ONCF website or app and book early for busy days. If you prefer to avoid stations and luggage, we can arrange a private transfer or a full route, such as our 5-day tour from Tangier to Marrakech.
Plan your days in Marrakech
- Day 1: Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Koutoubia mosque and a medina dinner.
- Day 2: the souks, a cooking class or a hammam, and a rooftop sunset.
- Day 3: a day trip to the Ourika Valley, Ouzoud Waterfalls or Ait Ben Haddou.
- Day 4 and beyond: a Sahara trip to Merzouga with a night in a desert camp.
Read about Morocco for the regions, or see all Marrakech activities.
Tours from Marrakech
- 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour: the classic trip to the dunes.
- 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga desert tour: from 319 euros per person.
- 10-day Morocco tour from Marrakech: the cities, the mountains and the Sahara, from 649 euros per person.
- All Morocco tours from Marrakech and our Morocco tour packages, from 249 euros per person.
Ready to explore beyond the city?
Send your dates and we reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
Marrakech travel guide: frequently asked questions
What is the best way to plan a trip to Marrakech?
Choose your season first, because Marrakech is hot in summer and cool at night in winter. Then decide how many days you want in the city, usually 3 to 4, and whether to add a Sahara trip. Book your riad and your first dinners in advance, and arrange your airport or station transfer before you arrive.
Where should I eat in Marrakech?
For a first visit, combine three experiences: dinner at the food stalls of Jemaa el-Fnaa, a meal on a medina rooftop terrace and a traditional dinner at a riad or restaurant with Moroccan cuisine. In Gueliz, the modern district, you find more international restaurants. Always book ahead for dinner, check the current opening hours and agree on a price before you order at stalls.
What are the best restaurants in Marrakech?
There is no official list, and restaurants change, so use current reviews and book ahead. Travellers often mention well-known places such as Al Fassia in Gueliz, Cafe des Epices, Nomad and Le Jardin in the medina and Cafe Clock. Ask your riad for current recommendations that fit your budget and taste.
Is it safe to eat street food in Marrakech?
Most visitors eat well at busy stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa, where food is cooked in front of you. Choose stalls with many customers, eat hot food, drink bottled water and wash your hands.
What should I wear in Marrakech?
Dress modestly and comfortably: light, loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees, comfortable closed shoes for the uneven streets and a scarf for the sun, the wind or a mosque visit. In winter, add layers, because evenings and desert nights are cold.
Do women have to cover their hair in Marrakech?
No. Tourists do not need to cover their hair, but loose clothes that cover the shoulders and knees are more comfortable in the medina and show respect. Bring a scarf for visits to religious or traditional places.
What is New Year's Eve in Marrakech like?
Marrakech is busy at New Year, with special dinners at riads, hotels and restaurants, and crowds in Jemaa el-Fnaa. Evenings are cool, so bring a jacket. Book your accommodation and your dinner well in advance, because prices are higher and places fill up. Some travellers celebrate in a desert camp near Marrakech or in Merzouga instead.
Can I spend New Year's Eve in the desert from Marrakech?
Yes, it is possible to plan a desert night with a private tour, subject to availability. Desert nights in winter are cold, so bring warm clothes. Contact us with your dates and we confirm the options in a free quote.
What is the Al Boraq train and how long does it take?
Al Boraq is Morocco's high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca, with stops in Rabat and Kenitra. It takes about two hours between Tangier and Rabat or Casablanca, depending on the service. From Casablanca, you continue to Marrakech by regular train in around 3 hours.
Al Boraq first class vs second class: which one should I choose?
Both classes travel at the same speed. First class offers more space, a quieter carriage and usually a higher price, while second class is comfortable and cheaper. For a short trip, second class is usually enough, and for a longer trip, luggage or comfort, first class is worth considering. Check the current fares and book on the official ONCF website or app.
How do I book a tour from Marrakech with Highlights Morocco Tours?
Send us your dates and number of travellers with the contact form, by WhatsApp or by email. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote and, when you are happy with it, we confirm the booking.
Plan your Marrakech trip with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
