Neha & Shay
Things To Do
Yves Saint Laurent Museum & Jardin Majorelle
This is at the top of the list and should not be missed. One of the most beautiful gardens and museums we have been to! Plan an afternoon here to visit the garden, museum, have lunch and explore the surrounding area. Combo tickets for the museum and garden must be pre-booked online. Entry is timed and entry will be denied if you are late to queuing. Don't bother trying to argue if you are late, as the guards are trained to ignore you. Tickets will sell out each day so book as soon as you can.
Casablanca
If it's good enough for Bogart and Bergman... If exploring before or after the wedding, consider touring Casablanca, which is only 4 hours away from Marrakech by car or a quick 45 minute flight.
Essaouira
Also known as Mogador, Essaouira has long been considered one of the best anchorages of the Moroccan coast. Its walled fortifications date from the 16th century Portuguese colonial period, although the city was subsequently developed by the Moroccan king Mohammed III as a coastal outpost for maritime trade. This picturesque town was also home to the largest population of Sephardic Jews, still containing many old synagogues. Today, the town attracts tourists to its fish market, the medina a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, Clock Tower, Orson Welles' square, Porte de la Marique, Sqala du Port and Essaouira Beach. It is approximately 2.5 hours from Marrakech.
Agafay Desert (Désert d’Agafay)
Explore the lunar landscapes of this desert by quad bike. Enjoy a traditional lunch in a bivouvac, usually included in the rate of the trip. Located 30 km from Marrakech, the Agafay Desert is quite expensive to reach by taxi. Book a tour that includes pickup for more convenient and economical journey.
Paragliding from the Atlas Mountains
For thrill seekers, there's nothing like paragliding from the Atlas Mountains.
Camel Ride La Palmeraie Marrakech
An unforgettable experience riding a camel through a palm grove.
Marrakech Balloon Ride
Soar over the North Palmeraie of Marrakech in a hot air balloon for approx. 40 minutes. Your return transportation from your place in Marrakesh is included. Indulge in a hearty local breakfast.
Cooking Class in Marrakech
One of the [many] things that attracted us back to Morocco is the FOOD, undeniably some of the freshest, fragrant and most flavourful in the world. Moroccan cuisine is known for its use of spices, herbs, and slow-cooking techniques. Known for its unusual food pairings and exotic flavors, Moroccan food is a rich blend of many cultures and cuisines, with influences dating back thousands of years; Berber who introduced the most iconic cookware, the tagine; Arab who brought famous spices from China, India and Malaysia such as ginger, paprika, cumin and tumeric; Moor from Spain responsible for the production and use of olives and olive oil, and Jewish-Moor who introduced pickling and preserving fruits and vegetables; Ottoman introducing grills and kebabs; French who introduce them to cafe culture (mais bien sur). Learn how to cook from the locals with a cooking class that will bring you closer to the flavours of Morocco.
Guided Marrakech City Bike Tour
One of the best ways to see the Red City is by guided bike tours. Check out the website to book with an English-speaking guide. It is recommended that bike tours are guided for safety, as traffic is haphazard.
Self-Guided Walking Tours
Marrakech is a magical city. For those with more time and stamina, a self-guided walking tour is highly recommended. In the link you will find available walking tours, which will cover most of the city, from a simple Introduction Walk, to Walking Tour of the Medina to our favourite, the Moroccan Architecture Tour. You will be able to download the Walking App onto your phone to follow along. Many of the sites individually listed, such as the Souk Semmarine or the Bahia Palace, will be a part of one of these walking tours.
HAMMAM!!
Chill out after a long flight at an authentic hammam! Mythic Oriental Spa is what's listed above but there are so many to choose from. Ask your hotel/ riad for recommendations.
Souk Semmarine
Vibrant market in the old city (Medina). You can lose youself in all the stalls. You'll eventually find Djemaa El Fnaa, at its heart.
El Badi Palace
EL Badi Palace was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the ruler of the Saadian Dynasty. The palace was built as a symbol of the Sultan’s power and wealth, and it was meant to be a grand display of his wealth and influence. The palace was built with a combination of traditional Moroccan and European styles, and it was decorated with intricate mosaics, marble columns, and ornate carvings. The palace was also home to the Sultan’s harem, which included over 500 women.
Galerie des Tanneurs
A leather goods mecca! There are 3 in Marrakech, but this one seems to be the biggest. The other one is near Jardin Majorelle. The quality is great, and we ended up spending quite a bit, but still a bargain. Pro tips: Make sure you get prices on unmarked items in advance, written down on a piece of paper, and then watch them ring things up carefully. Always check the handheld terminal before they insert your card, and check the receipt again after they ring you up. An additional '0' on your credit card will turn your bargain into a steal - for them. Also, if you are getting anything customised or resized, give them ample time (at least 2 days) and go back to pick it up yourself (not delivered).
Menara Gardens
Nestled against the stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, Menara Garden is one of Marrakech’s most beloved landmarks. This verdant oasis offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, featuring expansive olive groves, a large reflective pool, and a picturesque pavilion that has stood since the 12th century.
Bahia Palace
Nestled in the heart of Marrakech, the Bahia Palace is a stunning monument to Moroccan architecture and a testament to the country's rich cultural history. Built in the late 19th century, the palace offers visitors a chance to explore an expansive complex of ornately decorated rooms, tranquil courtyards, and lush gardens.
Djemaa El Fnaa Marrakech
Djemaa El Fnaa Marrakech’s main square, and it’s a sight like no other. Located in the bustling heart of the city, it’s a cultural and historical center that’s been popular for centuries. With its snake charmers, traditional musicians, street performers, and exotic food stalls, it’s an experience that everyone should have. Around the edge are entertainers of all stripes – musicians and acrobats, men dressed as belly dancers, comedians, boxers and leaping gnaoua dancers, all watched over by the towering minaret of the Koutoubia. For great views and photo ops, climb to the rooftop of Zeitoun Café. Try out superb dishes in places you probably wouldn’t find by yourself on an evening food tour with Moroccan Food Tour. Continue the party with rooftop drinks at nearby Kabana, a sultry cocktail at Le Salama's "sky bar", or at Riad Monceau’s La Pergola Jazz Bar.
Marrakech Museum
The Marrakech Museum, located in the old center of the city, offers a journey through the rich cultural and artistic heritage of Morocco. Housed in the Dar Menebhi Palace, a beautiful example of classical Andalusian architecture, the museum presents a diverse collection of Moroccan art, archaeological artifacts, and ethnographic objects. 5 minutes from the Madrasa Ben Youssef.
Koutoubia
Constructed during the reign of the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur in the 12th century, Koutoubia Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, renowned for its decorative arches, intricate tile work, and sprawling gardens. It serves not only as a key religious site but also as a beacon of peace and a source of inspiration for architects and historians alike.
Madrasa Ben Youssef
The Madrasa Ben Youssef, an ancient Islamic School and architectural treasure nestled in the heart of the old Medina of Marrakech, echoes the sounds of a glorious past and embodies an invaluable historical significance. It transports visitors to a fascinating era where art, knowledge, and culture flourished. 5 minutes from the Marrakech Museum.