Compare Marrakech city breaks

What to do in Marrakech

Busy and bustling, there’s plenty going on in Marrakech’s streets, souks and squares to keep you entertained. On a Marrakech city break, make sure you brush up on your haggling skills, wander around a lush garden, admire the architecture and learn more about the history of this intoxicating city.

Majorelle Garden

Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and bought in 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, this botanical garden is a lovely spot to wander around – and extremely photogenic.

Walk on paths between exotic plants and cacti then pause by its water lily pond. The bright blue art deco house at its centre was once Majorelle’s studio but is now the Berber Museum, telling the history of the Berber people of Morocco and displaying Berber jewels, clothing and more.

Jemaa El-Fnaa

Plan at least one visit to the city’s main square during your for an attack of the senses. You can watch local musicians, acrobats and dancers performing, and buy fresh juice or food from stalls.

Visit after sunset to see the place ramp up a notch – but, as with all busy thoroughfares, keep your wits about you. Alternatively, watch the action of the square from above, in one of the rooftop bars or restaurants overlooking it.

Bahia Palace

This impressive palace was built in the 1860s by Si Moussa, a former slave who climbed the ranks to become grand vizier (the chief officer of state). His son, Bou Ahmed, improved it after his father’s death, adding features to impress his 4 wives and 24 concubines.

You can’t visit all 150 of its rooms but can admire elaborate tiles, marble flooring, stained glass and painted cedarwood ceilings in those open to the public.

Shopping in souks

Haggling in the souks of the medina is an essential Marrakech city break experience. Souk Semmarine is a main artery, known as the Leather Souk, but selling everything from rugs to silverware too.

Other good shopping areas are Souk Smata, the Slipper Souk, and Souk Haddadine (Blacksmiths’ Souq), where you can buy Moroccan lamps. If you’d like to break yourself in gently, start in Souk Cherifia where young designers sell items such as slippers, accessories and beauty products at fixed prices.

Le Jardin Secret

Take a breather after negotiations in the souks in one of the largest gardens in the medina. Inside a former palace, the green space is separated into an exotic garden with plants from around the world, and an Islamic garden divided into four parts with fig, pomegranate, date and olive groves.

A fascinating aspect of the garden is its khettara water system, which demonstrates how water from the Atlas Mountains was distributed to the city from the 11th century onwards.

Where to stay in Marrakech

For families

The noise and energy in the medina may be a little too full on at night for kids, so families may wish to retreat out of the centre. A good option for those with small travellers in tow is Palmeraie, around a 20-minute drive away. Here hotels tend to be more spacious than historic riads and many have large pools plus free shuttle services to the medina.

Another area away from the hubbub in the medina is Ville Nouvelle (new town) where you’ll find plenty of parks, restaurants and cafes. You’ll be close to the Majorelle Gardens here too. Chrifia, with its Oasiria waterpark, is also a good bet.

For travellers on a budget

The great news for those looking for a cheap city break to Marrakech is that some hotel bargains can be found right in the heart of the medina. Homely riads with friendly owners will offer a fantastic introduction to the city, while being at the centre of the action means you’ll save on transport costs and will be surrounded by good value places to eat.

Kennaria, east of Jemaa El-Fnaa, is an area in Marrakech’s centre with a choice of hostels and good-value hotels. You’ll also be able to enjoy an inexpensive hammam experience here and will find some lovely rooftop terraces.

For food and drink

Some of the most imaginative restaurants in Marrakech can be found in Ville Nouvelle (new city), an area created by the French when they arrived in the city in the early 1900s. You’ll find some excellent French-inspired bistros and cafes here. This is also where you’ll find the Majorelle Gardens.

The medina is also crammed full of tempting places to eat, especially in the western areas of Bab Doukkala and Mouassine. Combining markets with trendy cafes, rooftop restaurants, luxurious riads and no-frills cafes, there’s something for all budgets here.

For nightlife

The main nightlife options in Marrakech are in Ville Nouvelle, where you can find speakeasy-style cocktail bars, chic rooftop terraces and wine bars. You’ll also find a small selection of glitzy clubs here where you can dance with the city’s hippest residents.

You won’t find many bars serving alcohol in the medina, although there are some fantastic rooftop options if you know where to look. For night-time entertainment of a different kind, walk over to Jemaa El-Fnaa – it’s not far away if you stay here.

For culture

Immerse yourself into the heart of the Marrakech action by staying in the medina. Walk to the Bahia Palace, admire the Koutoubia Mosque and take some time out in Le Jardin Secret before hitting the souks and watching all of the performers in Jemaa El-Fnaa.

If you’d like to stay close to both the Musée Yves St Laurent and the Majorelle Gardens as well as some of the best eating and drinking options in Marrakech, look for hotels in cool Ville Nouvelle.