Looking for the best things to do in Marrakech? The Red City mixes busy souks, quiet palaces, gardens and rooftop dinners, and it is also the best base for day trips to the Atlas Mountains, the coast and the kasbahs. Here are 15 experiences, from the classics to the escapes outside the city.
Quick answer: do not miss Jemaa el-Fnaa at sunset, the souks, the Bahia Palace, the Majorelle Garden and a hammam, then add a day trip to Ait Ben Haddou, Essaouira or the Ourika Valley. Plan it with 3 days in Marrakech.
Things to Do in Marrakech by Type
| Book | Experiences | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Medina | Jemaa el-Fnaa, souks, Koutoubia, Ben Youssef | 1 day |
| Palaces and gardens | Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Majorelle | Half a day |
| Relax | Hammam, rooftop cafés, cooking class | A few hours |
| Adventure | Buggy or quad in the Palmeraie or Agafay | Half a day |
| Day trips | Atlas, Essaouira, Ouzoud, Ait Ben Haddou | 1 day each |
Most visitors stay 3 to 4 days in Marrakech.
Inside the City
1. Jemaa el-Fnaa at sunset
The main square fills with food stalls, musicians and storytellers.
2. The souks
Lanterns, leather, spices and carpets in a maze of alleys.
3. Koutoubia Mosque
The 12th-century minaret, symbol of the city.
4. Bahia Palace
Painted ceilings and courtyards of a 19th-century palace.
5. Saadian Tombs
Royal tombs with fine zellige and carved cedar.
6. Majorelle Garden
Blue walls, cactus and calm, best early in the morning.
7. A hammam
A traditional steam bath and scrub.
8. A cooking class
Learn to cook a tagine in a riad.
9. Rooftop dinner
Views over the medina at sunset.
10. Buggy ride
Read buggy tours in Marrakech.
Best Day Trips from Marrakech
11. Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
The UNESCO kasbah over the High Atlas: book the day trip.
12. Essaouira
The breezy Atlantic medina: book the day trip or read Marrakech to Essaouira.
13. Ourika Valley
Mountain villages and the Setti Fatma waterfalls: book the day trip.
14. Ouzoud Falls
Morocco’s highest waterfalls: book the day trip.
15. Imlil and the Atlas
An easy mountain walk: the Imlil day hike.
More Than Marrakech
With 3 days or more, add the Sahara: read our 3 day tour from Marrakech guide or see all tours from Marrakech. Arriving by plane? Book a private transfer.
Things to Do in Marrakech FAQ
How many days do I need in Marrakech?
Two days for the city and one or two more for day trips.
What is the best day trip from Marrakech?
Ait Ben Haddou for history, Essaouira for the coast, Ourika for mountains.
Is Marrakech safe for tourists?
Yes, with normal precautions in crowded places.
What is free to do in Marrakech?
Walking the souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa and the Koutoubia gardens.
Can I see the Sahara from Marrakech?
Yes, on a tour of at least 3 days.
Plan Your Days in Marrakech
In short, Marrakech offers enough for days, and the best excursions are only a few hours away. Tell us your dates and we will book your private day trips.
Plan your trip: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or see all day trips from Marrakech.