The best things to do in Marrakech: monuments, souks, food, wellness, the desert and the mountains, with a simple 3-day plan.
Written by the Highlights Morocco Tours team in Marrakech
In this guide
The short answer
The best things to do in Marrakech are Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk, the souks, the Koutoubia minaret, the Bahia and El Badi palaces, the Saadian Tombs, the Majorelle Garden and the Ben Youssef Madrasa, plus a hammam, a cooking class and a hot air balloon flight. Three days are enough for the city, and day trips to the Ourika Valley, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, Ait Ben Haddou or the Agafay desert add variety. Visit in spring or autumn and start early to avoid the heat and the crowds.
Marrakech can feel overwhelming at first, so this guide gives you a clear list, a simple plan and honest tips. When you want to go beyond the city, message us on WhatsApp and we plan it for you.
15 best things to do in Marrakech
| # | Experience | Why go | Time needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jemaa el-Fnaa | The main square, lively at dusk, with food stalls, music and storytellers | 1 to 2 hours in the evening |
| 2 | The souks | Spices, leather, lamps and carpets in the lanes of the medina | Half a day |
| 3 | Koutoubia minaret | The symbol of the city, to admire from the gardens around it | 30 minutes |
| 4 | Bahia Palace | A 19th-century palace with decorated rooms and courtyards | 1 hour |
| 5 | El Badi Palace | The ruins of a 16th-century palace, with views from the walls | 1 hour |
| 6 | Saadian Tombs | Richly decorated 16th-century tombs in a small garden | 30 to 45 minutes |
| 7 | Ben Youssef Madrasa | A historic Islamic school with a carved courtyard | 45 minutes |
| 8 | Majorelle Garden | A blue villa and a garden of cacti and bamboo | 1 hour |
| 9 | A rooftop terrace | A break above the medina, ideal at sunset | 1 to 2 hours |
| 10 | A hammam and massage | A traditional bath to rest after the souks | 2 to 3 hours |
| 11 | A cooking class | Learn tagine and salads with a local cook, often after a market visit | Half a day |
| 12 | Hot air balloon flight | Sunrise views over the palm groves and the Atlas | Morning |
| 13 | Agafay desert | A stone desert near the city, with a desert dinner | Evening or a day |
| 14 | Ourika Valley or Ouzoud | Mountain landscapes, villages and waterfalls | Full day |
| 15 | Ait Ben Haddou | A ksar of red-earth towers, listed by UNESCO | Full day |
Opening hours, entrance fees and closing days change, so check them before you go. For some of these experiences we can help: see our hot air balloon in Marrakech, hammam and massage, Moroccan cooking class and Agafay desert dinner.
Want local help with your Marrakech days?
Tell us your dates and what you like. We reply with a free quote and ideas for your itinerary.
A simple 3-day plan for Marrakech
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Koutoubia and the medina | Souks and a rooftop break | Jemaa el-Fnaa and dinner |
| Day 2 | Bahia Palace and El Badi | Saadian Tombs and Ben Youssef Madrasa | A hammam or a cooking class |
| Day 3 | Majorelle Garden | Free time or a balloon flight (early) | Agafay desert dinner or a riad dinner |
If you prefer a slower pace, drop one sight per day. Marrakech is more enjoyable when you rest in the middle of the day.
Beyond the city: day trips and the Sahara
- Ourika Valley: green valleys and Berber villages in the Atlas, close to Marrakech.
- Ouzoud Waterfalls: the highest waterfalls in the region, with a walk and a lunch stop.
- Ait Ben Haddou: a UNESCO-listed ksar over the High Atlas road.
- Sahara tours: from 2 to 4 days to the dunes of Merzouga, with a night in a desert camp.
See all Marrakech activities and Marrakech tours.
Practical tips for Marrakech
- Start early. The medina is calmer in the morning, and the afternoon heat is strong in summer.
- Dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes. See our Moroccan clothing guide.
- Agree prices first for rides, photos and small services, and ignore people who offer unrequested help.
- Eat well. Read our Moroccan food guide and our Marrakech travel guide.
- Choose your season. See the best time to visit Morocco.
Tours and activities with Highlights Morocco Tours
- Morocco tour packages: private tours from 249 euros per person.
- 4-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour: from 319 euros per person.
- 10-day Morocco tour from Marrakech: from 649 euros per person.
- Luxury Morocco tours: a higher comfort level, price on request.
Ready to see Marrakech and beyond?
Send your dates and we reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
Things to do in Marrakech: frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Marrakech?
The classics are Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk, the souks of the medina, the Koutoubia minaret, the Bahia and El Badi palaces, the Saadian Tombs, the Majorelle Garden and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Many visitors add a hammam, a cooking class, a hot air balloon flight and a day trip to the Atlas or the Agafay desert.
How many days do I need in Marrakech?
Three days are enough to see the main sights at a relaxed pace. With four or five days you can add day trips to the Ourika Valley, the Ouzoud Waterfalls or Ait Ben Haddou, or a Sahara trip to Merzouga.
What should I not miss in Marrakech?
Do not miss Jemaa el-Fnaa in the evening, a walk through the souks with time to get lost, one palace or madrasa, and a quiet moment in a garden or a riad courtyard. A rooftop terrace at sunset is also a favourite.
Is Marrakech worth visiting?
Yes. It combines monuments, markets, food and a strong atmosphere, and it is a good base for the Atlas Mountains and the desert. It is busy and noisy, so plan breaks, and read our guide on whether Morocco is safe for tourists.
Can I visit mosques in Marrakech?
Most mosques in Morocco, including the Koutoubia, are closed to non-Muslims, but you can admire the minarets and the gardens around them. Some monuments, such as madrasas and palaces, are open to visitors. Check the current opening hours and entrance fees.
What are the best day trips from Marrakech?
Popular choices are the Ourika Valley in the Atlas, the Ouzoud Waterfalls, Ait Ben Haddou and the Agafay stone desert. For the Sahara dunes, a 2 to 4-day tour to Merzouga is the best option.
Is a hot air balloon ride in Marrakech worth it?
Many travellers say yes, for the sunrise views over the palm groves and the Atlas. The flight depends on the weather, so keep your plans flexible and ask us for a free quote.
What is the best time to visit Marrakech?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable. Summer afternoons are very hot, and winter evenings are cool. Read our best time to visit Morocco guide for details.
How should I move around Marrakech?
The medina is best explored on foot, with a map or a local guide, because the lanes are narrow and many are closed to cars. For longer distances, use petit taxis with the meter, or arrange a private driver.
Can you organise my activities in Marrakech?
Yes. We organise a hot air balloon flight, a hammam and massage, a cooking class and a desert dinner, as well as day trips and longer tours. Send us your dates and we send a free quote with no obligation.
How do I book 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 days with us
Tell us your dates, who is travelling and what you would like to see. We reply with a free, no-obligation quote.
