Marrakesh tourist attractions

In this post we share the popular Marrakesh tourist attractions to visit around the city. Use this easy guide sharing the main landmarks, historic sites, souks or markets and other unique places to explore around the city. I always find so many unique and fun things to do during the day and into the nighttime in Marrakesh with free activities and inexpensive things to do while you can splurge on excursions, nice meals and shopping venues around the city.

Marrakesh tourist attractions – what to see and do, shopping the souks and fun activities to explore around the city

 

Check out these must-see attractions around the city below for more information and activities that’s fun to do around the capital. You can plan a fantastic visit with the main and popular tourist attractions to visit below.

 

16 Marrakesh tourist attractions to visit and experience

1. Jemaa el Fna

Jemaa el Fna is the energetic heart of Marrakech, a vast square that comes alive from morning until late at night with a mix of sounds, sights, and aromas. By day, you’ll find juice stalls, snake charmers, and street performers filling the space with color and movement. As the sun sets, the square transforms into an open-air food market with rows of steaming grills serving everything from kebabs and couscous to fresh orange juice and mint tea. Around the edges, storytellers, musicians, and henna artists draw both locals and travelers into the rhythm of Moroccan life. It’s a place to wander, people-watch, sample authentic street food, and take in the lively atmosphere that captures the essence of Marrakech.

I would definitely explore the market during the day and then come back at sunset time for drinks and cruise the food stalls for an expensive and local meal with the many food stalls to choose from

2. Shop the many souks of Marrakesh

Shopping the many souks of Marrakech is an experience full of color, craftsmanship, and lively exchanges. Winding through the maze-like lanes of the medina, you’ll find stalls overflowing with handwoven rugs, brass lanterns, leather goods, spices, ceramics, and traditional clothing. Each souk tends to specialize in something different—metalwork, textiles, or jewelry—making it easy to lose track of time as you explore. Bargaining is part of the culture, so take your time, chat with the artisans, and enjoy the process. Beyond shopping, it’s also a chance to connect with local craft traditions that have been passed down for generations.

Check out this post on the many souks of Marrakesh to explore

3. Experience the exotic Jardin de Majorelle

The Jardin de Majorelle is one of Marrakech’s most beautiful and serene spots, created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. The garden is a striking mix of cobalt blue buildings, exotic plants, and tranquil water features, offering a calm escape from the busy streets outside. Pathways wind through palms, bamboo, and cacti, while the Berber Museum inside adds a cultural layer to the visit. Whether you’re drawn by the art, the design, or the lush greenery, the garden is a must-see for anyone exploring Marrakech. Take your time here—bring your camera, sit in the shade, and experience a side of the city that’s creative, peaceful, and timeless.

Check out this post on visiting the Jardin de Majorelle for more inspiration

4. Visit the secret garden of Marrakesh

The Secret Garden, or Le Jardin Secret, is a peaceful retreat tucked within the medina of Marrakech. Recently restored, it offers a glimpse into traditional Islamic garden design, where water, symmetry, and greenery come together in perfect balance. Divided into an exotic garden with plants from around the world and an Islamic garden inspired by paradise, it’s a calm space to pause and reflect amid the city’s bustle. The restored towers and terraces also provide fine views over the medina rooftops. Visiting the Secret Garden gives you a quiet and beautiful perspective on Marrakech’s history, architecture, and appreciation for nature.

Check out this post on visiting the secret garden here for more inspiration

5. Explore El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace, once a grand showcase of Saadian wealth and power, now stands as a fascinating ruin that tells the story of Marrakech’s royal past. Built in the late 16th century by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour, the palace was once filled with Italian marble, gold, and fine mosaics. Today, its vast courtyards, sunken gardens, and surviving walls still evoke a sense of its former glory. You can walk through the remains, climb to the terraces for sweeping views of the medina, and visit the small museum displaying Saadian artifacts. It’s a place that captures both the grandeur and impermanence of history—so don’t miss exploring it to experience one of Marrakech’s most atmospheric landmarks firsthand.

6. The Saadian Tombs: A Royal Resting Place

The Saadian Tombs are one of Marrakech’s most remarkable historic sites, hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1917. Dating back to the late 16th century, they house the remains of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour and members of the Saadian dynasty. The tombs are richly decorated with intricate stucco work, marble, and colorful tile mosaics, reflecting the refined artistry of the period. The main mausoleum, with its carved cedar ceilings and ornate detail, is especially impressive. Visiting the Saadian Tombs offers a quiet yet powerful glimpse into Morocco’s royal heritage—make sure to include it on your itinerary to experience a preserved piece of Marrakech’s golden era.

 7. Visit the19th Century Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is one of Marrakech’s most stunning examples of Moroccan architecture and craftsmanship, built in the 19th century for the Grand Vizier Si Moussa and later expanded by his son. The palace was designed to impress, with intricate tilework, carved cedar ceilings, peaceful courtyards, and lush gardens that once housed members of the royal household. Each room tells a story of luxury and attention to detail, showcasing the best of traditional Moroccan design. Strolling through its corridors feels like stepping back into an elegant past—so take the time to visit, wander through its shaded patios, and appreciate the artistry that makes Bahia Palace a true jewel of Marrakech.

8. Explore the Koutoubia Mosque

Exploring the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh is an experience that connects you to the city’s deep spiritual and architectural roots. Standing tall near Jemaa el-Fna Square, its 12th-century minaret—rising over 70 meters—is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks and a model for later towers like the Giralda in Seville. The mosque’s grounds are peaceful, surrounded by gardens where the scent of roses and orange blossoms fills the air. While non-Muslims cannot enter the prayer hall, the exterior alone tells a story through its intricate stonework, arches, and harmonious proportions. Visiting here gives a sense of Marrakesh’s rich Islamic heritage and enduring craftsmanship.

9. Visit the unique Museum of Photography

The Museum of Photography in Marrakesh, also known as Maison de la Photographie, offers a fascinating look at Morocco’s history and culture through early photographs dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. Set inside a restored riad in the Medina, the museum features a well-curated collection that captures daily life, landscapes, and portraits from across the country. Each floor showcases rare black-and-white images that reveal how Morocco’s cities and traditions have evolved over time. After exploring the exhibits, visitors can head to the rooftop terrace for one of the best panoramic views of the old city and the Atlas Mountains—a perfect spot to reflect on the visual journey through Morocco’s past.

10. Check out the rooftop bars or restaurants of Marrakesh

Popular Rooftop Bars and Restaurants in Marrakesh

1. Le Salama

• Located near Jemaa el-Fna, this elegant spot offers Moroccan and Mediterranean dishes.
• Known for its sunset views, live music, and a stylish cocktail lounge atmosphere.
• Great for both dinner and late-night drinks.

2. Café de France

• A Marrakesh classic overlooking Jemaa el-Fna Square.
• Offers a front-row seat to the evening performances and market bustle below.
• Serves simple Moroccan fare, mint tea, and coffee—ideal for people-watching.

3. Kabana Rooftop Food & Cocktails

• A trendy rooftop bar near Koutoubia Mosque.
• Features international tapas, creative cocktails, and a lively crowd.
• Popular for sunset views and weekend DJ sets.

4. Nomad

• A modern Moroccan restaurant set above the spice square in the Medina.
• Known for its fresh local ingredients and stylish minimalist décor.
• Perfect for lunch or dinner with city views.

5. El Fenn Rooftop

• Part of the chic El Fenn boutique hotel.
• Offers refined Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine in a colorful setting.
• Stunning views of the Koutoubia Mosque and surrounding rooftops.

6. La Terrasse des Épices

• Hidden in the Medina, offering a calm escape above the souks.
• Serves Moroccan classics with a contemporary twist.
• Great spot for both day and evening dining.

7. Kosybar

• Located near Place des Ferblantiers in the Jewish Quarter (Mellah).
• Combines Japanese and Moroccan cuisine with a lively rooftop terrace.
• Best enjoyed at sunset with a cocktail and views of the old city walls.

8. DarDar Rooftop Lounge

• A stylish modern rooftop near Jemaa el-Fna.
• Offers Moroccan fusion dishes and colorful cocktails.
• Relaxed vibe with chill music and good views of the Medina skyline.

11. Have a Hamman experience in Marrakesh

 

• Traditional Moroccan ritual centered on cleansing, relaxation, and social connection
• Begins with warm and steam-filled rooms to open pores and ease the body
• Black soap (beldi) is applied to soften the skin followed by exfoliation with a kessa glove
• Rinsing with warm and cool water helps refresh the skin
• Optional treatments include massage with argan oil, hair masks, or clay body wraps
• A slow-paced wellness moment that balances both physical and cultural immersion
• Available in both local neighborhood hammams and upscale spa-style versions catering to visitors

Recommended Hammams to Visit

• Les Bains de Marrakech
  • Stylish spa atmosphere, popular with visitors
  • Offers a combination of traditional scrubs and modern therapies
• Hammam de la Rose
  • Known for calm ambience and friendly staff
  • Good mid-range option for first-timers
• Royal Mansour Spa
  • Ultra-luxury hammam in a stunning setting
  • Pricey but one of the most polished experiences in the city
• Heritage Spa
  • Boutique hammam with attentive service
  • Strong focus on natural oils and wellness treatments
• Local Medina Hammams (e.g., Hammam Sid Lamsi, Hammam El Bacha)
  • More affordable and authentic
  • Great for travelers wanting everyday Marrakesh life, though English may be limited

 

12. Enjoy the local coffee institution

Bacha Coffee House, located within the Dar El Bacha Palace, is a refined café that brings back the glamour of Marrakesh’s early 20th-century social scene. Once a gathering spot for diplomats and artists, the space has been restored with meticulous detail—polished wood, brass accents, and ornate tiles that reflect the palace’s heritage. The café specializes in 100% Arabica coffees sourced from around the world, served with an elegant presentation alongside pastries and light dishes. Whether you’re seated indoors under the high ceilings or in the tranquil courtyard, it’s an experience that combines history, luxury, and the art of slow coffee in a distinctly Moroccan setting.

 

 

13. Stay at a Riad

A stay at a historic or unique Riad or small boutique hotel in Marrakesh is a fantastic experience to really enjoy a stay in this colorful city and enjoy the local lifestyle here.

1. Riad Yasmine
   • Boutique icon in the medina, often featured on Instagram thanks to its emerald-tiled pool and lush courtyard.
   • Intimate rooms, warm service, décor that mixes tradition and modern chic.
   • Great for photography: vibrant colors, palm-framed pool, distinctive tilework.
2. Riad BE Marrakech
   • Features like a garden with pool, rooftop terrace.
   • Ideal for travelers who want style and comfort rather than antiquity-only.
3. Riad Kheirredine
   • Traditional elegance and high-level service inside the medina
   • Good for writing a “luxury with character” story: heritage architecture, attentive staff.
   • Could serve a more up-market audience of your readers looking for deeper comfort.
4. Riad Dar Anika
   • Historic house converted into riad; calm atmosphere despite being in the medina.
   • Friendly, personal touches — useful for a “local hospitality” angle.
   • Suitable for food-and-travel content: mention breakfast, tea service, location.
5. Riad Sadaka
   • Recently renovated, bright and fresh. Plunge pool in turquoise tiles, rooftop with hammam and terrace.
   • Great for groups (can rent entire riad) — useful for “group travel / friends” blog angle.
   • From a photography standpoint: pool + trees + roof = strong visuals.
6. Riad Goloboy
   • Visually dramatic: courtyard drenched in Majorelle blue, rooms in rich colors.
   • Ideal for design-focused write-up or your photography portfolio.
   • Good for travelers who want bold aesthetics rather than ultra-minimal.
7. Le Farnatchi
   • Luxury level: suites across merchant houses, elaborate restored features, spa.
   • Excellent for “city-escape but ultra-luxury” storytelling.
   • Might push budget for some readers, so good to present as splurge option.
8. Riad l’Oiseau du Paradis
   • Hidden gem for design lovers: rich color palette, detail-laden rooms and décor.
   • Offers cooking class, rooftop views, photogenic corners — aligns well with your interests.
   • Great for someone seeking quieter boutique stay inside medina.
9. Riad Idra
   • Smaller scale (7 rooms), calm courtyard, terrace with views — for traveler’s who want serenity in the bustle.
   • Good for “hideaway within the city” angle.
   • Would appeal to a content-creator making photography or writing focusing on relaxed luxury.
10. Riad Noir d’Ivoire
    • Boutique luxury: ornate interiors, heated pool, rooftop garden.
    • Solid pick when you want a memorable stay but maybe not the highest price tier.
    • Good for blog readers looking for upscale but not ultra-palatial stay.

 

 

 

14. Explore a day trip to Ourika Falls area

An easy day trip that you can do on your own or through a buided tour is the Ourika Valley and falls which is about 43 kilometers or an hours drive from Marrakesh. This valley is quite panoramic with the Ourika river flowing through the middle and the banks lined with restaurants where tourists can relax and lounge right on the rivers edge and enjoy a delicious local meal. The 7 waterfalls of the Ourika Valley are also a highlight for those looking for a trekking experience to reach all or most of the waterfalls that flow down to the river bank area.

Check out this post on visiting the Ourika waterfalls and river here for more inspiration.

 

15. Experience a guided Tour around Marrakesh

It’s easy and fun to do a guided tour and gain a better appreciation of the city through a local guide that can share and educate visitors to the city and interesting facets, history and places to visit. Check out these recommended tours below

16. Enjoy a luxurious dinner experience

Definitely worth the splurge to a luxurious dinner experience in Marrakesh, here are some of the best dining venues and experiences that you should try when visiting the city.

Here are five of the best luxury fine-dining experiences in Marrakech — each with its own character, ideal for your travel writing and photography + food-content angle:

---

1. Le Marocain (at La Mamounia)

• Setting: A three-floored riad within the iconic La Mamounia hotel, with lavish woodwork, zellige tiles, arabesque plasterwork and private alcoves. (mamounia.com)
• Cuisine highlights: Modern takes on Moroccan classics. Examples: lobster pastilla with spinach fondue, semi-cooked red tuna with mango & coriander
• Why it stands out: Combines heritage architecture + elegant cuisine + ambient live traditional music (violin/lute) for a multi-sensory experience
• Useful angle for your blog: great for luxury readers wanting “the one dinner you’ll remember in Marrakech”. Note dress code: after 6pm smart attire required.
• Pros & cons:
  • Pros: Highly refined, gorgeous setting, superb for photos of interiors + food.
  • Cons: High price point, formal, perhaps less “local street flavour” than smaller venues.

---

2. La Grande Table Marocaine (at Royal Mansour Marrakech

• Setting: Located inside Royal Mansour, a hotel built with royal backing and grand Moroccan artisan craft detail.
• Cuisine: Elevated Moroccan haute cuisine — for example pigeon pastilla, saffron-lamb, royal sea bream with Jerusalem artichoke.
• Why it stands out: The luxury level is among the very top in Marrakech; service and setting both deliver.
• Blog angle: For the “ultimate splurge dinner” piece. Photographically strong (plating + setting).
• Pros & cons:
  • Pros: Exceptional overall experience, excellent for premium-travel readers.
  • Cons: Might feel a touch formal or “hotel fine-dining” rather than street or local intimate. Also cost & logistics (transfer inside big hotel).

---

3. Le Namaskar (at Palais Namaskar)

• Setting: Situated in the quiet Palmeraie area (Route de Bab Atlas) of Marrakech, in the Palais Namaskar resort.
• Cuisine: French-classical base enhanced with Moroccan spices and local influences. Elegant, contemporary.
• Blog angle: Good for readers seeking something slightly more off-the-beaten path (outside medina), elegant and quiet.
• Pros & cons:
  • Pros: Stylish and refined, good mix of French + Moroccan for a travel audience.
  • Cons: Slightly further from central medina; may require taxi or transport, so less “walkable from souks”.

---

4. Le Pavillon (at Selman Marrakech

• Setting: Located in Selman Marrakech, the restaurant overlooks the hotel’s Arabian horse stables and lush gardens.
• Cuisine & experience: Mediterranean inspired cuisine with Moroccan touches; popular brunch feature with horse parade
• Blog angle: Excellent for a dual-theme article: “fine dining + unique setting” (horses + luxury).
• Pros & cons:
  • Pros: Visual and experiential uniqueness (horses), good for photo content.
  • Cons: Might be daytime brunch rather than formal nighttime fine-dining; may have a more “resort brunch” vibe than tux/formal dinner feel.

---

5. Dar Moha

• Setting: A former riad converted into a fine-dining restaurant, led by chef Moha Fedal, known for modern interpretations of Moroccan cuisine.
• Cuisine: Contemporary Moroccan with refined plating and creative twists — a chance to show a modern side of Moroccan fine dining.
• Blog angle: Great for an article about “modern luxury dining in Marrakech” or “when Moroccan tradition meets contemporary kitchen”.
• Pros & cons:
  • Pros: Smaller scale than giant hotel restaurants, more intimate and “riads-within-a-house” feel which might appeal to your audience.
  • Cons: Less grand in scale maybe; fewer extremely opulent trimmings compared to palace-hotel restaurants, so if you’re selling “epic palace luxury” it’s slightly less extravagant.

 

Further reading on Visiting Morocco

Check out these other topics to visiting Marrakesh and the surrounding areas

Visit Jardins Majorelle

Explore the Medinas of Morocco

Visit Fez, Morocco

Visit blue Chefchaouen

Top Things to do in Tangier

A visit to Tangier Kasbah Museum

Explore ancient Volubilis

A visit to Rabat, things to do

 

Conclusion to 16 Marrakesh tourist attractions

Exploring these 16 standout Marrakesh attractions gives you a real sense of the city’s many sides—from its centuries-old mosques and palaces to the hidden gardens, souks, and modern creative spaces that keep it exciting today. It’s a place where history isn’t locked behind glass; you walk through it, taste it, and feel it in the everyday rhythm of the streets. Whether you’re sipping mint tea above the Medina, wandering through ornate courtyards, or finding unexpected gems in neighborhoods beyond the usual tourist trail, Marrakesh rewards curiosity at every turn. Plan your trip, set aside time to simply get lost, and let this city surprise you. Go see it for yourself—there’s really nothing quite like being here.

 

About author – Noel Morata

After relocating from the United States to Andalusia in 2024, I’ve made it my mission to discover every corner of Spain along with many Mediterranean locations, cities and attractions. Based just east of Granada, I’ve spent a lot of time visiting Morocco including multiple extended visits to Marrakesh, Tangier, Chefchaoen and different parts of the country throughout different seasons. My background in history cultural studies and years of residence and exploring all of the Mediterranean countries have given me unique insight into the region’s historical significance, local customs, and culinary traditions.

I regularly update my guides with the latest information gathered through personal visits and relationships with local tourism officials, always seeking what’s new and exciting in each destination. As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’m passionate about discovering authentic local markets and regional specialties.

If you are looking for inspiration of Marrakesh popular attractions and landmarks, visit the historic sites, filled with colorful markets and displays with surprises around every corner. I hope this post on visiting the 15 Marrakesh tourist attractions to give you an idea about the many different attractions to explore in the area.

Disclosure – some of the links above to various tours, transportation and hotels are affiliate links that benefits our site if you book here and we appreciate your support. The links are competitive, and you are not paying above what other affiliates provide.