Things to See and Do in Marrakesh

Marrakesh is a city that engages every sense from the moment you arrive. Rich history, colorful architecture, lively sounds, and the layered scents of spices, leather, and orange blossoms come together to create a destination where old traditions sit comfortably alongside modern life. From historic palaces and quiet courtyards to busy souks and rooftop dining, there are countless things to do in Marrakesh that reflect the city's deep culture and lasting charm. For travelers exploring things to do in Morocco, Marrakesh is often one of the country’s most unforgettable destinations.

Marrakesh can feel overwhelming at first, especially within the medina, which contains more than 9,000 winding alleys. Taking time to get oriented before diving into the busiest areas can make a real difference. Many travelers start with landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque or Jemaa el-Fnaa Square before slowly exploring the quieter side streets where workshops, hidden courtyards, and family-run eateries reveal a more local side of Marrakesh. Wearing comfortable shoes, carrying small amounts of local currency, and downloading an offline map can also make navigating the medina much easier.
The city rewards slow exploration. Pausing for mint tea, watching artisans work in the souks, or relaxing inside a quiet riad courtyard often provides a deeper understanding of daily Moroccan life than rushing between attractions. Whether exploring independently or with a local guide, taking the time to wander and absorb the rhythm of the city is what makes many of the best things to do in Marrakesh feel so memorable.

Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakesh and one of the most recognizable landmarks in Morocco. Built during the 12th century under the Almohad dynasty, its 77-meter minaret dominates the skyline and stands as one of the most iconic examples of Moroccan-Andalusian Islamic architecture.
Among the most popular things to do in Marrakesh is visiting the area surrounding the mosque, including the peaceful Koutoubia Gardens. Palm trees, fountains, rose bushes, and shaded benches create a quiet contrast to the busy medina nearby. The mosque is located just a short walk from Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the city.
Our guide explained how the minaret later inspired architectural landmarks such as Seville’s Giralda and Rabat’s Hassan Tower. He also shared the local legend behind the copper globes crowning the tower, believed by some locals to have once been made of gold. Stories like these reflect how history and folklore naturally blend in Marrakesh.
For photographers, sunrise and sunset are the best times to visit, when warm light softens the sandstone exterior and creates beautiful views across the gardens.

Bahia Palace: A Glimpse into Royal Elegance

Bahia Palace is one of the city’s most captivating landmarks and one of the essential things to do in Marrakesh for travelers interested in architecture, craftsmanship, and Moroccan history.
Built during the 19th century, the palace was designed to become the grandest residence of its time. Today, visitors can walk through rooms decorated with intricate zellige tilework, painted cedar ceilings, marble courtyards, fountains, and citrus gardens. The peaceful atmosphere inside the palace offers a welcome contrast to the busy streets outside.
The palace also provides insight into the life of Ba Ahmed, the grand vizier who commissioned the property. The layout reveals a clear social hierarchy between the different living quarters, while the craftsmanship reflects extraordinary attention to detail. Exploring Bahia Palace offers one of the most immersive cultural experiences among the many things to do in Morocco.

 

Medersa Ben Youssef: A Masterpiece of Islamic Architecture

Located in the heart of the medina, Medersa Ben Youssef is one of Morocco’s most celebrated examples of Islamic architecture and scholarship.
Once the largest Islamic college in North Africa, the medersa served as a center of learning for students studying theology, law, literature, and science. Today, visitors can walk through the same halls and dormitories once used by scholars centuries ago.

The medersa’s carved cedar wood, detailed stucco plasterwork, Arabic calligraphy, and geometric tile patterns make it one of the most visually impressive things to do in Marrakesh. The central courtyard, with its reflective pool and symmetrical arches, creates a calm atmosphere that feels far removed from the busy streets outside.

Visiting in the morning is recommended, when natural light highlights the warm cedarwood tones and crowds remain smaller. For travelers interested in Morocco’s intellectual and spiritual history, this remains one of the most rewarding cultural experiences in the city.

The Medina and Souks: A Maze of Culture

Exploring the medina is easily one of the most iconic things to do in Marrakesh. The UNESCO-listed old city is filled with narrow alleyways lined with workshops, stalls, and markets that have operated for centuries.

Different sections of the souks specialize in specific crafts. Souk Semmarine focuses on textiles and jewelry, Souk des Teinturiers is known for brightly dyed wool, and Souk Haddadine is filled with blacksmiths shaping lanterns and metalwork by hand. Other sections specialize in leather goods, ceramics, spices, and traditional musical instruments.

For travelers searching for authentic things to do in Morocco, wandering the souks offers one of the best ways to experience daily Moroccan culture firsthand. Handwoven Berber rugs, argan oil, brass lanterns, ceramics, spices, and traditional tagines are among the most popular items found throughout the markets.

Bargaining is expected and remains part of the cultural experience. Negotiating politely, carrying small denominations of Moroccan dirhams, and taking time before making purchases can all help create a smoother shopping experience.

Beyond shopping, the medina offers a close look at daily life in Marrakesh. Bakers carry dough to communal ovens, artisans hand-stitch leather goods, and donkeys continue transporting supplies through narrow alleyways. Taking time to simply observe these moments often becomes one of the most meaningful experiences in the city.
 

Jemaa el-Fnaa: The Heart of Marrakesh

Jemaa el-Fnaa has served as the social and commercial center of Marrakesh for nearly a thousand years. Today, it remains one of the most lively public squares in the world and one of the essential things to do in Marrakesh.

During the day, orange juice stalls, spice vendors, henna artists, and local merchants fill the square. As sunset approaches, the atmosphere transforms completely. Storytellers, musicians, street performers, and food vendors gather to create an unforgettable energy that draws both locals and travelers into the heart of the city.

Trying Moroccan street food is one of the most popular things to do in Morocco while visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa. Travelers can sample grilled meats, harira soup, msemen flatbread, snail soup, and slow-cooked tagines while listening to live Gnaoua music and watching traditional performances.
For a quieter perspective, rooftop cafes surrounding the square offer panoramic sunset views over the medina, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the distant Atlas Mountains.

Stay in a Riad and Enjoy a Rooftop View

One of the most memorable things to do in Marrakesh is to stay in a traditional riad. These historic homes, built around peaceful interior courtyards, have been transformed into boutique accommodations that combine Moroccan design with warm hospitality.
Many riads are hidden behind simple walls within the medina, opening into beautiful courtyards filled with fountains, citrus trees, carved plasterwork, and hand-cut tile details. Their inward-facing design creates a quiet retreat from the busy streets outside.

Traditional Moroccan breakfasts often include fresh bread, msemen pancakes, olives, homemade jams, mint tea, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Many riads also offer rooftop terraces with sweeping views across the medina and the Atlas Mountains beyond.

For travelers exploring things to do in Morocco, staying in a riad offers more than accommodation. It becomes part of the cultural experience itself, allowing visitors to experience Marrakesh at a slower and more intimate pace.

Whether relaxing on a rooftop at sunset, exploring ancient palaces, bargaining in the souks, or wandering the medina’s maze-like alleys, Marrakesh offers some of the most immersive and unforgettable experiences in Morocco.

Ready to discover the best things to do in Marrakesh and beyond? Reach out to our Trip Planners to start planning your Morocco trip today.