Sightseeing in Marrakech is both simple and complex.
Simple because it is a city with so much to offer the visitor that your trip would already be unforgettable without planning anything. And complex because Marrakech is a peculiar city, bustling and with a touch of chaos.
We have prepared a guide with places to visit to ensure you do not miss any of its charms. It includes plans that give a plus to your trip, and some tips to make sightseeing in Marrakech a breeze.
Let’s start.
How to get to Marrakech and the key to getting the best price in Marrakech
Traveling to Morocco from anywhere is easy and fast by land, sea, or air. But of course, the airplane is an unbeatable means of transportation.
So the best thing to do is to fly directly to Marrakech airport and take a cab to your accommodation. Of course, be careful to agree on a price before you get in. The fixed-rate does not exist here.
And this is true for transportation and sightseeing in Marrakech in general. You have to bargain if you don’t want to pay triple.
It’s not that they want to rip you off. It’s simply that in Moroccan culture, bargaining is a custom. So put on the chip to negotiate for everything to pay a fair price.
Where to stay if you are visiting Marrakech for tourism
As you can imagine, in a city as touristy as Marrakech, there are accommodations for all tastes and pockets: cheap, expensive, and very expensive.
You can stay in a hotel because they come in all colors. But, frankly, your stay in Marrakech has a different flavor if you sleep in a Riad, which is a typical construction here with an inner courtyard where there is usually a fountain and where you breathe an incredible peace.
In the medina, there are plenty of them at all prices. Look for the one that best suits your circumstances and be careful, because sometimes you will be tempted to stay in it.
But of course, there is a lot to see in Marrakech; let’s go with a few must-see places.
Tourism in Marrakech: the 5 must-see places to visit
It is important not to lose your head planning when sightseeing in Marrakech because it can turn against you.
We know it isn’t easy because this city holds the first place in all lists of places to visit in Morocco. Still, it is worth reminding yourself that this country is a tsunami for the senses. Running from one place to another does not let you assimilate everything you see on your way.
Here are the must-sees so you have a place to start.
#1 Jemaa el Fna Square
This square is the epicenter of the city and a place you must see both in the morning and at sunset.
Early in the morning, the market stalls it houses are fresh, just like their juices and fruits. In addition, you can see locals and tourists in action and take advantage of the opportunity to have breakfast.
At sunset, take a seat on one of the terraces of the many cafes in the square. You will marvel at the change of colors sunset.
#2 Ben Youssef Madrasa
A madrasa or medersa is a center of higher studies of the Koran, and Ben Youssef is the largest in size and importance in Morocco.
Built in the 16th century, its courtyard and decoration with the typical colored tiles arranged in geometric shapes are impressive. It also helps the silence that usually reigns inside.
#3 Bay Palace
This is a palace, and the rest is nonsense.
Although it is relatively new, having been built in the late 19th century, its 150 rooms arranged on a single floor occupy a whopping eight hectares of rooms, courtyards, and gardens designed to be the most impressive palace of all time.
Whether they made it or not, you can judge for yourself when you go. What’s for sure is that you won’t be able to keep up with taking more than Instagrammable photos.
#4 Koutoubia Mosque
You cannot go sightseeing in Marrakech and not visit the Koutoubia Mosque, close to the Jemaa el Fna square.
This icon of the city for its minaret is the most important mosque in Marrakech today. You will not be able to enter unless you are Muslim. But don’t worry, the walk from the Jemaa el Fna square and the views from the gardens on its west side is well worth it.
#5 The Saadi Tombs
The Saadian Tombs can’t look less like the cemeteries we are used to. That’s why they are on our list of tourist must-sees in Marrakech.
The architecture and ornamentation with tiles, marble, and wood make this mausoleum what it is: a tomb worthy of the most influential monarchs of the Saadian dynasty, who ruled in Marrakech from the mid-sixteenth century to the mid-seventeenth century.
With these five places on your list, you can already say that you know the most important of the city, but to soak up its character, there are some plans you can not miss if you go sightseeing in Marrakech.
What to do in Marrakech
Take note of two very different but equally exciting activities that will make you soak up the magic of the city because sightseeing in Marrakech is also about mingling with its people and tasting what luxury means:
#1 Lose yourself in some of its souks
Practice your persuasive skills in any of its souks by buying handicrafts.
But don’t get obsessed with finding this or that. One of the charms of these markets is that the objects find you, not you find them. Listen to us and let your intuition guide you, get lost, discover yourself, and buy what strikes you at first sight.
#2 Treat yourself to a luxury stay at La Mamounia
Sleeping there is as fabulous as it is expensive. Still, a session in its luxurious spa or sipping a delicious tea in any of its bars is more affordable and an experience that makes you feel like a sultan or sultana.
A couple of hours in this place will make you feel VIP and enjoy the architecture and decoration of this hotel, a symbol of Marrakech.
And so much for our guide to Marrakech, which includes a bit of culture, a pinch of fun, and a lot of emotions, because this city is a show in itself and opens your mind without trying to do so.
That’s why we include it in all the tours we do in the country where you can not miss the two jewels in the crown of Morocco: Marrakech and the Erg Chebbi desert, where Kam Kam Dunes are located.
If you want to go sightseeing in Marrakech and take the opportunity to try the experience of sleeping in the desert, many of our routes combine both pleasures. And if you prefer a personalized tour, send us an email or arrange a video call with us. We will take care of everything.
