12 Epic Things to do in Marrakech, Morocco
Looking for the best things to do in Marrakech? Look no further! As a Black woman traveler, I totally get it. My boyfriend and I visited in February, and while we weren’t sure what to expect, we ended up loving this city’s energy (and the weather!). In this Marrakech travel guide, I’ll share the best things to do, including where to stay, the best restaurants, and how to navigate the city with ease.
If you’re visiting Morocco for the first time, let’s clear up some of the common concerns travelers have about Marrakech:
- FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- TABLE OF CONTENTS
Is Morocco Safe for Americans?
Generally, yes. Like many tourist hotspots, petty theft, like pickpocketing, can happen, but serious crimes are rare. Exercise everyday street smarts! Be aware of your belongings and surroundings.
Is Morocco Safe for Black travelers?
In my experience, yes. I experienced a few stares but nothing intruding & felt safe the entire time. Basic travel precautions apply.
Marrakech Dress Code for Women?
Morocco is a Muslim country, so the dress code is more modest. You aren’t expected to be dressed super modestly, but it is respectful to cover your shoulders and knees in public. Since it was a bit chilly when I was there, I mainly wore long-sleeved shirts and flowy pants. Locals tend to appreciate the effort. More conservative in religious sites and more relaxed at hotel pools.
How Many Days to Spend in Marrakech?
You can see the main highlights in 2-3 days, but if you want to really explore the city, especially if you plan a Sahara Desert excursion from Marrakech, 4-5 days is ideal. Also, give yourself a day to adjust to the jetlag if you come from the U.S.
What currency is used?
Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Cash is KING, especially in the medina. There are ATMs everywhere to pull out more cash.
Best time to visit Marrakech?
Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November). Summer is extremely hot, winter evenings can be cool. We went in Febuaray and it was the perfect temperature for me as someone who gets hot fast.
Do Americans need a visa?
U.S. citizens can enter Morocco without a visa for stays up to 90 days.
Things to do in Marrakech, Morocco
Experience a Marrakech Street Food Tour
Book a street food tour through the medina or a local neighborhood. It’s a great way to experience the city’s flavors and get comfortable with the hustle and bustle. You can try authentic food without worrying about getting sick and learn cultural context from a local guide.
We tried everything from msemen (flaky flatbread with honey) and snails (!) to slow-cooked lamb tangia. I really liked this tour because it took us to a local neighborhood out of the touristy areas.
Pro tip: Book this for your first day. If you like something, you can eat it more throughout the trip.
Create Custom Perfumes at the Museum of Perfume
Most tourists miss this gem, and it’s such a shame because it was incredible. The Museum of Perfume (Musée du Parfum) offers workshops where you create your own signature scent with guidance from professional perfumers.
The experience includes a tour explaining Morocco’s perfume-making traditions, testing dozens of essential oils and scents, and creating your custom fragrance to take home. It lasted about 3 hours for us, and I really like that they keep your formula on file for reorders.
Cost: $70-130 USD, depending on the size and concentration
Book a Photoshoot in the Souks
You want great photos from your Morocco trip. The colorful markets and architecture are Instagram gold, but trying to capture them yourself while navigating crowds is frustrating.
I found a local photographer through Airbnb Experiences. The shoot lasted about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and we explored tucked-away corners of the souks I would never have found alone. The photos were way better than anything I could’ve taken myself. Like, take a look for yourself 👇🏾
Explore Medersa Ben Youssef
This 14th-century Islamic school is jaw-droppingly beautiful. I’m obsessed with architecture, and Ben Youssef’s intricate carvings and colorful tiles are mesmerizing. It’s popular, so go early to beat the crowds.
Visiting info: Hours: 9am-6pm daily | Entrance fee: 70 MAD ($7 USD) | Best time: Early morning for fewer crowds | Photo tip: Bring a wide-angle lens if possible, or book a photographer
Take A Sahara Desert Excursion From Marrakech
There was no way we were visiting Morocco and NOT seeing the Sahara’s massive dunes. It is a loooong drive (about 9 hours straight) from Marrakech, but I guarantee you it’ll be worth it. You have three main options to get there:
Private Tour vs. Shared Tour vs. DIY Road Trip
Private Tour: This option is more expensive but flexible. You can decide when to stop for photos and how long you want to stay in each location, and you’ll have the comfort of a personal driver.
Shared Tour: This is cheaper and a great way to meet fellow travelers. The trade-off is less freedom since you’ll follow a set schedule.
DIY Road Trip: My boyfriend and I considered this but ultimately passed because navigating Moroccan roads felt daunting. If you’re adventurous and have time, you’ll get total freedom, but do your research on road conditions first.
Morocco Tour Package with Eco Desert Morocco
We ultimately decided on a private 3-day Marrakech to Merzouga tour package with Eco Desert Morocco. On Day 1, we opted to drive straight to the Sahara instead of making stops in Todra Gorge, Dades Gorge, etc., so the total drive time was about 9 hours. The private tour package includes:
4×4 transportation with English-speaking driver
One night in a luxury hotel in the Sahara, one night in a luxury desert camp
Camel ride at sunset
ATV riding in the dunes (additional charge)
Daily breakfast and dinner
Lunches weren’t included and cost about $10-15 per meal per person.
Where to Stay in the Sahara Desert
Riad Serai
Blending modern comforts with authentic Moroccan design, Riad Serai offers warm hospitality and easy access to the vast desert—ideal for travelers who want a classic riad atmosphere in a dramatic dune-side setting.
Luxury Desert Camp
Deep in the Sahara, surrounded by sand dunes, this glamping experience was everything. I was pleasantly surprised at how big the inside of our tent was. It had a real bed, not sleeping bags, a bathroom with hot water, and seating areas. I also loved the traditional music around the campfire at night under the stars.
Since I visited in February, the daytime desert weather was perfect for someone like me who gets hot fast. But the temperature plummets at night, so bring plenty of layers to stay warm around the campfire.
It is important to note that there are no outlets to plug in devices. However, they provide two USB outlets to charge phones, so plan accordingly.
Go Camel Riding
Most desert tours include camel riding, but it deserves its own mention. Sitting high on a camel as the sun sets over massive orange dunes is quintessential to visiting Morocco. But something no one mentions is how uncomfortable it can get after a while! Also, mounting and dismounting is probably the scariest part. Hold on tight.
Try ATV Riding
For an adrenaline rush, ATV riding on sand dunes is hard to beat. We went on a one-hour quad bike adventure, racing up and down massive dunes.
The tour provided helmets and goggles (essential for the dust) and brief training for beginners. Although I had no previous experience, I got comfortable quickly.
It’s an entirely different way to experience the desert landscapes and incredibly fun. If your desert tour doesn’t include this, it’s worth adding.
Glamping in Agafay Desert (Closer to Marrakech)
If a 9-hour drive feels overwhelming, the Agafay Desert is only about 30-40 minutes from Marrakech and offers a taste of desert life without the long journey. You can still enjoy camel rides, ATV tours, and glamping under the stars in stylish tented camps.
This rocky desert doesn’t have the massive sand dunes of the Sahara but features a rocky landscape with views of the Atlas Mountains. Several luxury camps offer glamping experiences here.
Drop by Jemaa el-Fna Square
By day, Jemaa el-Fna is bustling with juice stands, henna artists, and snake charmers. By night, the square comes alive with food stalls and street performers. It’s chaotic, exciting, and, yes, overwhelming. If the pace is too intense, duck into a rooftop café to watch the action from above.
Experience a Traditional Moroccan Hammam Bath & Spa Day
We had a traditional hammam bath & spa day at Les Palmiers Boutique Hotel. I thought I knew what clean felt like until I tried a Moroccan hammam. Just imagine yourself completely naked in a steam room and an old Moroccan lady scrubbing you clean. You’ll lose at least three layers of skin but emerge feeling incredibly refreshed. It was a crazy experience, but I 10/10 recommend it.
If you want something less intense, lounge by a riad pool and sip mint tea.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
If you can stomach an early wake-up call, a hot air balloon ride at dawn is magical. You’ll float above the desert landscapes, seeing the city and surrounding countryside in a golden glow.
Le Jardin Majorelle
Nature and design lovers should put Le Jardin Majorelle on the must-see list. The brilliant blue walls (known as Majorelle blue), exotic plants, and hidden corners make for some postcard-worthy snaps. We arrived around 9 AM to beat the largest crowds.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
For the authentic experience, stay in a riad—a traditional house built around a central courtyard in the center of the medina. These offer a peaceful retreat from the busy streets.
Riad Aslal is a great value with a small courtyard pool, central location, and super helpful staff. Their mint tea welcome ritual is the perfect introduction to Morocco. It was my favorite stay of the entire trip!
Les Palmiers Boutique Hotel: We stayed here when we returned from the Sahara Desert. It is a cute, small property with a courtyard pool, excellent hammam, and decent breakfast. I’d only recommend staying here closer to the end of the trip if you don’t plan on being in the medina much. It is about 30 minutes from the medina, so taxis to here are a bit pricier.
Be Marrakech: Stylish property blending traditional and modern design. Popular amongst influencers.
Riad Sakkan: Perfect if you want contemporary elegance in a traditional setting.
Riad Botanica: Peaceful garden setting with spacious suites and excellent food. Their hammam treatments are among the best in the city.
Royal Mansour: Owned by the King of Morocco, this is peak luxury.
Best Restaurants in Marrakech
Comptoir Darna: Nightly shows and a stylish lounge vibe. Perfect for birthday dinners and a more upscale evening.
Nouba: Fusion Asian & Moroccan cuisine. Their beef bulgogi was really delicious.
Dardar: Affordable, laid-back spot with fresh salads and comforting tagines.
BlackChic: A newer eatery that blends local flavors with international twists. They sell camel burgers!
Marrakech Dress Code for Women
I was concerned about dressing appropriately as a female traveler. Marrakech is more relaxed than other Moroccan cities, but I found respecting local customs reduced unwanted attention.
Western swimwear is fine in modern areas like Gueliz or at hotel pools. More modest dress is appreciated in the medina and traditional areas.
I saw tourists in shorts and tank tops, but I was noticeably less hassled and treated more respectfully when dressed modestly.
Is Morocco Safe for Americans?
As an American traveler, I felt generally safe in Morocco. The country values tourism, and most people were welcoming and helpful.
I never felt threatened during my visit, though market vendors can be persistent. A firm but polite “La, shukran” (“No, thank you” in Arabic) usually works.
Getting Around Marrakech
Walking: The medina is pedestrian-only and best explored on foot. Most riads are in pedestrian-only areas. Download offline Google Maps before your trip – it works surprisingly well in the maze-like medina.
Taxis: Your best bet is to hail a taxi whenever you see one. Some taxi drivers will try to charge you more than the trip costs.
Ride apps: Uber is not available in Marrakech. They have a Careem app, but I don’t recommend using it.
Hotel transfers: Worth it for airport arrival/departure. If you arrive with luggage, have your riad arrange to meet you at a drop-off point. Finding addresses on your own can be challenging, even with Google Maps.
How Many Days to Spend in Marrakech?
For Marrakech itself, 3-4 days is ideal.
Day 1: Medina, souks, and main square | Day 2: Cultural sites (Medersa, museums, gardens)
Day 3: Hammam, shopping, and relaxation | Day 4: Flexibility or day trip
Add days for these popular add-ons: Sahara Desert trip: +3 days | Agafay Desert glamping: +1 day | Atlas Mountains hiking: +1 day | Essaouira coastal town: +1 day
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The Comments
Abdelghafour SADKI
Fantastic article! You’ve done a great job covering all the essential aspects of visiting Marrakech. I also run a blog dedicated entirely to Marrakech, and with your permission, I’d love to share it with your audience: https://www.marrakechinmorocco.com
Eco desert Morocco
Hello Eileen,
Thank you for sharing such an insightful and well-written article about Marrakech! We’re thrilled that you chose Eco Desert Morocco to arrange your Sahara Desert tour. It was a pleasure helping you experience the magic of the desert, and we look forward to welcoming you back on another Moroccan adventure.
Karim
Such an epic guide to Marrakech! I love how you highlight the city from a unique perspective. The Jardin Majorelle and the souks are absolutely unmissable.
Mostafa
Excellent article, **Eileen**! As a Moroccan tour operator and travel expert with over 12 years of experience, I truly enjoyed reading your guide to Marrakech. Your insights are authentic, inspiring, and beautifully capture the city’s unique atmosphere. I especially appreciate that you included both iconic attractions and lesser-known experiences. Thank you for sharing your journey and helping travelers discover the best of Morocco. I hope you’ll return soon to explore even more of our beautiful country!
Eileen Ivette
MostafaThank you so much!