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60 OF The Best Marrakech Instagram Captions 

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Looking for the best Marrakech Instagram captions to spice up your travel photos? Look no further!

Marrakech is a dream for photography lovers – with its vibrant colours, intricate architecture, and bustling souks. No wonder this Moroccan city is a hotspot for Instagrammers looking to capture the perfect shot.

I’ve rounded up some of the most Instagram-worthy captions that will perfectly capture the beauty and culture of this vibrant city.

So get ready to add some flair to your feed with these Marrakech-inspired captions!

Marrakech Essentials

🏨 Where to stay in Marrakech: This is my favourite riad in Marrakech . It is pure luxury for a reasonable price, and the couple who own it are some of the nicest people I have ever met!

🎈 Best Marrakech Activity: Floating over the city on a sunrise hot air balloon flight is a must-do!

🗻 Best day trip from Marrakech: Visit waterfalls and Berber villages on this Atlas Mountains day trip

🤑 Save money: The Wise Card allows you to spend in 150+ currencies and withdraw cash from ATMs anywhere in the world without paying any bank fees!

💸 Get insured for your trip to Stockholm with Ekta Travel insurance

Hi, I’m JJ!

I’m a travel blogger with a passion for unique travel destinations, discovering hidden gems, and adventurous solo travel.

I’ve visited Marrakech multiple times, most recently with a group of content creators and our photographer. We found some great photo spots around the city that were perfect for creating Instagram content.

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Table of Contents

The Best Marrakech Captions For Instagram

There are so many fantastic Instagram spots in Marrakech , and these Marrakech Instagram captions will help you showcase them in all their glory!

• Exploring the magical streets of Marrakech #wanderlust
• “Getting lost in the souks of Marrakech #neverstopexploring”
• “Marrakech, where every corner is a photo opportunity #travelgoals”
• “The colours and chaos of Marrakech have stolen my heart ❤️ #loveatfirstsight”
• “Paradise found in Marrakech #bliss”
• “Feeling like a true princess in the intricate Palais Bahia #royaltyvibes”
• “Let the vibrant colours of Marrakech brighten up your day 🌈 #colorsofmorocco”
• “Dining under the stars in a beautiful Riad, what more could I ask for? #dreamy”
• “The perfect blend of old-world charm and modern beauty #marrakechmagic”
• “Marrakech, where every door leads to a new adventure #neverstopexploring”
• “Discovering hidden gems in the winding streets of Marrakech #offthebeatentrack”
• “The scent of spices in the air, the sound of prayer calls, and the mesmerizing sights – Marrakech is a feast for the senses #sensoryoverload”
• “Take me back to wandering through the beautiful Majorelle Garden 💚 #oasisinthesity”
• “From the bustling Djemaa el-Fna to the tranquil Jardin Secret, Marrakech has something for everyone
• “The warmth and hospitality of the Moroccan people make this city even more special #welcometoMarrakech”
• “An unforgettable experience in the heart of Morocco #memoriesmade”
• “Don’t just dream about Marrakech, make it a reality ✨ #bucketlistchecked”
• “Marrakech, where every meal is a culinary delight #foodieheaven”
• “Exploring the bustling markets of Marrakech, one tagine at a time 🍴 #moroccanflavors”
• “From haggling for treasures in the souks to sipping mint tea in a rooftop café – life in Marrakech is never dull #adventureawaits”
• “With its rich history and vibrant culture, Marrakech is a must-visit destination for any traveller #culturecraving”
• “Get lost in the charming labyrinth of narrow streets and alleyways, you never know what hidden gems you’ll find #wanderlust” #marrakechmedina
• “The stunning architecture and intricate details of the buildings in Marrakech will leave you in awe #architecturelover”
• “There’s no shortage of photo opportunities in Marrakech, every corner is a picture-perfect moment waiting to be captured 📷 #photographerparadise” #marrakechmemories

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Marrakech Quotes

• “As the saying goes, in Marrakech, you don’t get lost – you find yourself
• “The colours and patterns of Marrakech are a visual feast for the eyes, take it all in and let your creativity flow
• “Marrakech is more than a city, it’s a feeling – the warmth of the sun, the scent of spices, and the chatter of locals all come together to create a magical ambience
• “Marrakech is proof that dreams do come true”
• “In Marrakech, every sunset is a masterpiece painted across the sky
• “The energy and vibrancy of Marrakech will leave you feeling alive and inspired
• “Marrakech may be known for its bustling city life, but the tranquil oases and breathtaking landscapes will take your breath away

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Marrakech puns .

• “Feeling a bit souk-y? Let Marrakech’s vibrant markets spice up your day #souksational”
• “Looking for a tagine-tastic meal? Head to one of Marrakech’s many delicious restaurants #foodieparadise”
• “Don’t be a camel in the desert, make sure to stay hydrated during your Marrakech adventures #waterislife”
• “Marrakech is like a magic carpet ride – every step takes you on a new and exciting journey #aladdinapproved”
• “The only thing better than getting lost in Marrakech’s medina is finding hidden gems along the way #adventureawaits”

Morocco Captions 

Marrakech isn’t the only Instagram-worthy city in Morocco! Here are some captions for your other Morocco pics!

• Casablanca may be famous for its movie, but the real star of Morocco is its vibrant culture and stunning architecture #casablancamagic”
• “The blue city of Chefchaouen will leave you feeling anything but blue – it’s a true gem in Morocco’s mountains #chefchaouenchic”
• “From the majestic Atlas Mountains to the sandy beaches of Essaouira, Morocco has it all #naturalbeauty”
• “Tangier may be known for its bustling port, but the real treasure lies in its hidden alleyways and charming cafés #tangerlove”
• “Get lost in the maze-like streets of Fes and discover the rich history and culture that make up this enchanting city #feelingfes-tive”
• No trip to Morocco is complete without a trip through the Sahara Desert – just don’t forget your sunscreen! #experiencesahara”

Moroccan Food Instagram Captions

• “Taste the flavours of Morocco with every bite – from couscous to tajine, you’ll be in foodie heaven #moroccanflavors”
• “Spice up your life with a traditional Moroccan tagine – trust me, it’s worth the wait #taginetastic”
• “Mint tea and Moroccan sweets – the perfect way to end a meal in this delicious country #sweettoothapproved”
• “You can’t visit Morocco without trying their famous street food – from kebabs to harira, your taste buds will thank you #streetfooddelight”
• “I Couldn’t leave without trying Morocco’s famous argan oil – not just for your hair, it’s also a delicious dip for bread #argandip”
• “Moroccan cuisine is a melting pot of flavours influenced by various cultures – it’s like taking a world food tour in one country #diversedelights”
• “Moroccan breakfast – a feast fit for a king with an array of breads, jams, and cheeses #breakfastgoals”
• “Don’t be afraid to get your hands messy with some delicious Moroccan street food – it’s all part of the fun #fingerlickinggood”

Quotes About Morocco

• “Morocco is a land of wonders, where ancient traditions blend with modernity.”
• “The colours and smells of Morocco are unlike anywhere else in the world. It’s a sensory experience like no other.”
• “Morocco has a way of captivating your soul and leaving an everlasting mark on your heart.”
• “From the bustling markets to the peaceful countryside, Morocco offers a diverse and enriching travel experience.”
• “The hospitality of the Moroccan people is unparalleled. You will feel welcomed and at home wherever you go.”
• “Morocco is a place where past and present collide, creating a unique blend of culture and history.”
• “There’s always something new and exciting to discover in Morocco, making it the perfect destination for any traveller.”
• “No matter where you go in Morocco, you’ll be surrounded by beauty and enchantment.”
• “Exploring the winding streets of Moroccan cities is like stepping back in time. It’s a truly magical experience.”
• “Morocco may be a small country, but its impact on the world is undeniable. It’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.”

Final Thoughts: Marrakech Instagram Captions

Morocco is a treasure trove of experiences, sights, and flavours that beckon to be explored. Whether you’re navigating through the vibrant mazes of the medinas, savouring the rich, aromatic dishes, or basking in the warmth of Moroccan hospitality, each moment is a story waiting to be told.

Use these Marrakech Instagram captions and quotes to adorn your memories of Morocco on Instagram, sharing the enchantment and beauty of this remarkable country with the world.

Remember, each snapshot captures not just a moment, but a piece of Morocco’s soul – vibrant, enduring, and utterly captivating.

Be sure to check out my 4-day Morocco Itinerary for more inspiration on planning your visit to this magical land. Happy travels!

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My Favourite Travel Resources

Travel Itineraries: I offer a range of pre-planned travel itineraries for many popular destinations. Use them to make planning your next trip a breeze!

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Ferries: For cheap ferry tickets I use Ferry Scanner

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Cashback: With the WayAway Plus membership plan, users get access to premium travel support, travel content prepared by locals, and cashback on flights, hotels, car rentals and other travel services. I love using Wayaway to get cashback on my travel expenses. In fact, it is one of my fave budget travel hacks 😉 Click here to get 10% off of a WayAway Plus membership

Foreign Currency: I highly recommend getting an international card to save you loads of money in expensive bank fees. The Wise Card allows you to spend in 150+ currencies and withdraw cash from ATMs anywhere in the world without paying any bank fees!

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65 Morocco captions for Instagram (Puns, Quotes & Short Captions)

With its colorful culture, stunning architecture, and wonderful people, Morocco is a popular destination for Instagrammers looking to capture the perfect photo. Whether you’re wandering around the marketplaces of Marrakesh, wandering among the ancient alleyways of Fez, or admiring the views over Casablanca, or road-tripping through Morocco – it has something to offer everyone.

To help you capture the essence of Morocco on your Instagram posts, here are some top Morocco captions for Instagram from each of the three biggest cities: Marrakesh, Fez, and Casablanca.

Before diving into the list of captivating captions, a word on the tools behind the magic. A picture paints a thousand words, but only if captured perfectly. If you’re on the hunt for the ideal camera to accompany you on your adventure to Morocco, consider taking the Fujifilm x100V , Sony A7III , or even disposable cameras . Each of these options brings a unique flair to your photos, ensuring your Instagram game remains unmatched.

Page Contents

65 Morocco Captions for Instagram

Visiting Morocco is a must for any traveler who wishes to experience culture and beauty in the same place. The country is known for its photogenic historical sites and rural villages.

From the vibrant city of Marrakech to the verdant Atlas Mountains, Morocco offers travelers a diverse range of experiences. Popular touristic areas like the Medina of Fez , Jemaa el-Fnaa Square , the beach-side city of Essouira , and the desert town of Zagora are perfect locations for anyone in search of unique Morocco captions for Instagram posts.

There are also plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities, such as sandboarding in the Sahara or trekking in the High Atlas Mountains. With a wide mix of stunning locations and culture-filled activities, Morocco promises captivating experiences for any traveler.

20 Instagram captions about Morocco

This blog is a great resource to help enhance any social media posts made about the trip. Full of interesting tips, facts about the culture, and Morocco captions for Instagram, this blog allows for its readers to be creative and take their posts to the next level.

20 Unique Instagram Captions About Morocco:

• Exploring the world beyond the here and now
• The beauty of Morocco: seen it to believe it
• Taking in all the sights and sounds of Morocco
• Letting Morocco steal my heart away
• Souks, spices, and sunshine – oh Morocco!
• The splendour of Morocco: an enchanting experience
• If I can dream it, I can do it – in Morocco!
• I wish for my journey to last longer – in Morocco
• One of the world’s most unique and incredible places
• An unforgettable getaway to the land of colours and spices
• My life, enriched by Morocco’s sights and sounds
• Both the desert and the oasis – a journey to Morocco
• The heart of North Africa calling
• Unprecedented beauty – a journey to Morocco
• Taking a dive into the unknown – I go to Morocco!
• Exploring the continent of contrasts – Morocco
• Menara: a majestic sight in the bustling market of Morocco
• Escaping the day-to-day of life – the oasis of Morocco
• The magic is real in Morocco
• Ancient culture meets modern miracles – visiting Morocco

9 Marrakech Captions for Instagram

Marrakech is a city with an enchanting North African vibe, and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. It is renowned for its traditional culture, vibrant souks and bustling marketplaces.

Two of the most popular tourist attractions are the breathtaking Koutoubia Mosque and the incredible Bahia Palace . If you’re looking for a captivating vacation, Marrakech is ideal and it also makes for some awe-inspiring Instagram captions such as: “A city of secrets and surprises”, “An experience of a lifetime” or “Where history comes alive”.

• Get lost in the hustle and bustle of Marrakech! 🧡
• Exploring the souks of Marrakech 🌿
• The vibrant colours of Marrakech 📸
• Marrakech shines brighter than the stars! ✨
• The sun and the sounds of Marrakech🌞
• Get pampered in the oasis of Marrakech 🤩
• Follow the scents of Marrakech 🌺
• Take in the beauty of Marrakech’s architecture! 🕍
• All roads lead back to Marrakech 🧭

9 Casablanca Captions for Instagram

Visiting Casablanca is a must-see for any adventure seeker! As the country’s biggest city, you’ll definitely want to explore the Medina of Casablanca , a bustling marketplace with a plethora of things to see and buy.

Additionally, don’t miss the Hassan II Mosque , one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in the world. As you explore get the perfect Instagram caption: “A City of Contrasts: Old Classics and Modern Monuments” or “One of the Greatest Mosques in the World.”

• Escaping an uncertain tomorrow with a sprinkle of nostalgia in Casablanca
• Get lost in the hustle and bustle of Casablanca and never look back
• Fall in love among the beautiful winding passages of Casablanca
• Embrace the mix of tradition and modernity while exploring the charm of Casablanca
• Where tradition meets modernity, this is Casablanca
• Follow the French style and marvel at the wonders of Casablanca
• Find yourself in the winding streets of Casablanca
• Capture the beauty of Casablanca in the lens of your camera
• Look up and get awed by the ancient architecture of Casablanca

9 Fes Captions for Instagram

Fes, is a magical place to visit. It’s such a fascinating city full of unique sites and sounds. Many tourists flock to Fes to experience the two top touristic hotspots – the Medina of Fes el Bali , a walled and souk-filled city within a city, and the Nejjarine Museum of Wooden Arts and Crafts .

Both offer an abundance of traditional Moroccan goods and culture to explore as well as gorgeous views of the city. For the perfect Instagram caption, visitors could use “enchanting Fes” or “exploring the earthen city of Fes”.

• Experiencing the vibrancy of Fes
• Taking in the history-rich vibes of Fes
• Exploring the winding streets of Fes ✨
• Becoming enchanted by the bustling atmosphere of Fes 🤩
• Getting lost in the array of colors in Fes ☁️
• Wandering through the lively markets of Fes 🤗
• Indulging in the culinary delights of Fes 🍴
• Gazing at the spectacular architecture of Fes 🧐
• Bathing in the Maghrebi sunlight of Fes 🌞

9 Rabat Captions for Instagram

Rabat is an interesting and beautiful city in Morocco.

Tourists flock to Rabat for numerous reasons; the magnificent Hassan Tower and the breathtakingly beautiful Chellah are some of the top touristic hotspots. Additionally, Rabat is known for its fine cuisine, rich culture and historical attractions.

Explorers looking to explore Rabat’s unique culture should take a stroll along Avenue Mohammed V , a popular boulevard for sightseeing and shopping. Rabat is an amazing city for picture takers with captions like: “When life gives you lemons, travel to Rabat!”, “The real Marrakech: Rabat”, and “Life is an adventure in Rabat”. Visitors will not be disappointed when they visit Rabat!

9 other Rabat Captions for Instagram

• Escaping reality to explore Rabat 🧳
• Exploring the Moroccan city of Rabat 🌃
• Taking a stroll through Rabat’s narrow streets 🚶
• Enjoying the hustle and bustle of Rabat 💃
• Getting lost in Rabat’s vibrant markets 🛍
• Treasuring the beauty of Rabat’s architecture 💫
• Taking a deep dive into Rabat’s rich history 📚
• Absorbing the atmosphere of Rabat’s ancient mosques 🕌
• Wandering Rabat’s historical landmarks ✨

9 Tengier Captions for Instagram

Discover the charming old medina of Tengier, Morocco, and explore the bustling souks, vibrant markets, and labyrinthine alleyways. Get lost in the UNESCO World Heritage Site and take time to admire the Moroccan architecture and haggle with the merchants.

Don’t miss the stunning Chellah necropolis and beautiful Tinmel Mosque , two of Tengier’s top touristic hotspots.

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Hey there! I'm Elliot Clennam, a passionate photographer based in Brussels, Belgium. My love for capturing the essence of my surroundings has led me on countless adventures, from exciting road trips to bustling city escapes.

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50 Awesome Moroccan Quotes About Life and Travel

• March 30, 2021
• Roaming Camels

Table of Contents

There are Moroccan Quotes suitable for just about any life situation you can imagine. These fifty quotes, or Moroccan sayings, offer a nice glimpse of the wisdom of North Africa. The beauty of a good Moroccan Quote is that it is open to interpretation. Half the fun of reading them is to ponder them and discuss them with others. So gather your friends and check out these 50 proverbs from Morocco.

Before you even set foot on the plane, you can begin to get to know the Moroccan people by reading some of their wonderful proverbs. Through these wise sayings, you’ll see many of the things that Moroccans hold dear – family, charity, kindness, hospitality, humor, and a willingness to accept the mysteries of life. And if you come across a favorite or two – we’d love to hear about it!

Some Days Are Better Than Others

No arm for work, no face for begging. One day is sweeter than honey, another day more bitter than colocynth.

Good Life Advice

The eating of worms is better than the food of envious people. He who makes an opening in the side of his body will not lack people to look at him. Put the trouble into a net, something will fall and something will remain. Everything that is begun comes to an end (said especially at the beginning of Ramadān). O buyer, remember the day when you will sell. Love truth even if it harms you, and hate lies even if they serve you. By all means, trust in Allah, but tie your camel first. Better a patient man than a warrior, one who controls his temper than one who takes a city. Never say I regret, always say I learned. He who is victorious should be forgiving. If I listen, I have the advantage; if I speak, others have it. The learning of things is better than the ignorance of them. Reading books removes sorrows from the heart.

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An open heart is a willing heart.

Charity does not come out of a prison. There is no beauty but the beauty of action.

Empathy Comes From Walking in Another’s Shoes

Toil makes understanding. He who eats in front of hungry one, may God deprive him of livelihood in the world.

Happy Moroccan Blessings!

May God be with you, O stranger.

Be Careful What You Wish For

He who is hunting for evil will meet it. Marriage without good faith is like a tea-pot without a tray. If he increases the number of his friends, he will remain without a friend. Stir the water and the thirsty might show up. Few desires, happy life. It is better to be the object of jealousy than of pity.

Moroccan Quotes to Ponder For a While

If a man told you that a dog had run off with your ear, would you go after the dog or search first for your ear? The fire leaves only ashes, and the rain leaves only roses. Don’t marry a tall woman, she will embarrass you in regard to clothes and drawers. What is in the head of the camel is not in the head of the camel-driver. If the towns-women are hidden from you, look at their children. Fill his stomach, he will forget his country. The man is only making water from behind like the making water of a camel. They began as neighbors and ended as mice. The ancients did not leave anything for the later people to say. Spoil the dog, he will lick your moustache. For the sake of a single rose, the gardener becomes the servant to a thousand thorns. Little and lasting is better than much and passing.

Being a Good Guest When Traveling

The visitor is under the rule of the visited one. Sow wheat, don’t sow thorns, all the people will like you and love you. Wanderer, a trench is a trench, be careful with your walking. Even the loftiest of mountains begins on the ground. If you know his father and grandfather you may trust his son. The words of a guest are like rain in summer. Do as your friend does, or leave him. May God bless him who pays a visit and make it short. If a person’s origin is unknown to you, look at his doing. In Morocco never be surprised. If you see a donkey flying, just say Allah is capable of anything. Know how to meet, and know how to part. Travel, you will know the people.

When you travel to Morocco, you can’t help but get to know the people. And when you’re ready to come visit our sunny North African home, please get in touch with us here at Roaming Camels so we can help you plan your ultimate Moroccan dream tour. Until then, we hope these 50 Moroccan Proverbs help bring us all a little closer in heart!

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Your Ultimate Guide to Must-Visit Attractions in Marrakech, Morocco

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The Best Things To See and Do In Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech, a city that awakens your senses with its vibrant colours, aromatic spices, and the melodious call to prayer, offers an intoxicating mix of ancient traditions and modern conveniences. From the bustling souks filled with artisan crafts to the serene beauty of the Sahara, Marrakech promises an adventure for every traveller. Whether you’re exploring the historic medina of Marrakesh, or enjoying the luxury of a traditional riad, the memories you create here will last a lifetime. Let me guide you through the best places to visit and the best things to do in Marrakech Morocco.

Table of Contents

Explore the Beauty of Bahia Palace

Marrakech is rich with beautiful buildings, but Bahia Palace stands out as a crown jewel. A visit here will transport you into a world of elegance and grandeur that embodies the essence of Moroccan culture. This 19th-century marvel is not just a palace but a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship and architectural splendour. In my personal opinion, this is one of the best things to do in Marrakech.

Bahia Palace’s courtyards are nothing short of stunning. Each courtyard is unique, featuring intricate mosaic patterns that are subtly different. Lush gardens add to the ambiance, making you feel like you’ve stepped into another world. It’s a great place to visit if you wish to experience a slice of regal life from Marrakech’s history.

The stucco work in Bahia Palace showcases some of the finest craftsmanship in Morocco. Each wall is adorned with detailed patterns that tell the stories of a rich cultural heritage. The stucco work is a testament to the artistry that flourished during the palace’s heyday.

Wandering through the opulent rooms of Bahia Palace is an experience in itself. The rooms are filled with various elements that reflect the luxurious lifestyle of its former inhabitants. These rooms provide a glimpse into the elegance and sophistication associated with Moroccan culture, making it a must on your Marrakech adventure.

Somehow as I stood in the main courtyard everyone disappeared and I managed to be there all on my own. It was pretty surreal.

Guided Tours of Bahia Palace

I would consider a guided tour to get the best out of your palace visit. It is a stunningly unique site and having someone who is knowledgeable about the palace is really worth it.

Discover the Magnificent Kutubiyya ( Koutoubia) Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque is a key attraction and a symbol of Marrakech . As you approach, the towering 77-metre minaret, a beacon of religious significance dominates the skyline and offers an iconic image that’s impossible to miss.

The highlight of Koutoubia Mosque is undoubtedly the minaret. This 77-metre structure is not merely an architectural feat but also a significant religious landmark. It’s an ideal spot for photography, especially during the golden hour when the minaret stands out against the backdrop of a setting sun.

The area surrounding the mosque gets quite busy with photographers at sunset and its pretty cool just to watch them.

Surrounding the mosque are beautiful gardens that provide a scenic backdrop perfect for a leisurely stroll. These gardens are meticulously maintained and offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s a refreshing spot to unwind and soak in a quieter atmosphere.

With its roots tracing back to the Almohad dynasty, the mosque has stood (and still does) as a beacon of faith and architectural brilliance. It’s almost impossible to not see the mosque as the minaret stands out over the square and mdina that are close by.

Non Muslims are not able to enter the mosque however if you are around on a Friday, often they do leave the doors open and you can get a little glimpse inside. Please be aware that this is a holy place so don’t go trying to see inside too hard or take photos at all.

Uncover History at Saadian Tombs

Hidden away for centuries, the Saadian Tombs were only rediscovered in 1917, thanks to some aerial photography. This historic site is a must-visit for those keen on exploring the hidden layers of Marrakech’s past. The tombs offer an intimate glimpse into the lives and legacies of the Saadian dynasty.

The Saadian Tombs house the final resting place of Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur, one of the most powerful rulers in Morocco’s history. His mausoleum is a grand affair, decorated with elaborate carvings and beautiful mosaics that reflect the opulence of his reign. It’s a location that underscores Morocco’s rich history and showcases the craftsmanship that was available in this time.

Exploring the hidden necropolis of the Saadian Tombs is like stepping back in time. The site remained sealed off for centuries, and its discovery by General Hubert Lyautey in 1917 was nothing short of amazing. The Tombs offer a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s past.

The lavish decorations of the tombs are a really incredible. With detailed carvings and intricate mosaics, each element is a testament to the artistry and skill of Moroccan craftsmen.

One of the main things I noticed at the Saadian Tombs is how similar the mosaic work is to that of the Alhambra in Spain . I’ve not researched to see if there is any link between the two sites, but it was quite surprising at how close the tiles were.

Most of the tours in Marrakech that visit the Saadian Tombs are day tours that offer multiple sites. This one visits the tom bs along with some other important attractions.

Explore the Stunning Jardin Majorelle (Majorelle Gardens)

For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Jardin Majorelle offers a wonderful tranquil retreat. This tropical garden, designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, is a paradise of vibrant colours and exotic plants.

Strolling through the beautiful pathways of Jardin Majorelle feels like walking through a living painting. Each turn reveals new and captivating sights, with vibrant blue buildings contrasting against lush greenery. It’s perfect for a few hours of wandering. I took my water bottle and a snack and sat in the garden and wasted a really nice hour.

The exotic plant collection at Jardin Majorelle is truly impressive. From towering cacti to delicate water lilies, the garden hosts a variety of flora from around the globe. The diverse plant collection adds to the garden’s unique charm and makes it a must-visit for plant enthusiasts.

I was really surprised to see some cacti that I actually have at home. I love gardens and especially different ones so I would thoroughly recommend Jardin Majorelle if you are in Marrakech.

It’s a great place to visit on your own as well. You can walk around freely without feeling like you are holding someone up or they you. While it does get busy, it’s not that loud crazy busy that is usual for Marrakech.

The garden isn’t just about plants; it’s a canvas of someone’s amazing creativity. Here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss:

• Majorelle Blue : The striking cobalt blue colour, known as Majorelle Blue, covers many of the garden’s buildings and features, creating a vibrant backdrop.
• Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts : Located within the garden, this museum showcases North African textiles, ceramics, and other artifacts, giving you a taste of the region’s rich artistic heritage. Some of the jewellery in particular is really incredible.
• Designer Influence : Fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé restored the garden, ensuring its preservation and adding their own touches. You ticket will give you entry to the Musée Yves Saint Laurent which is well worth the visit.
• Sculptures and Fountains : Scattered throughout the garden, these elements add to the serene, artistic ambiance.

One of the garden’s standout features is its bold colours. The striking blue of the buildings and the vivid yellows and greens of the plants create a vibrant atmosphere. These bold colours make Jardin Majorelle a photographer’s dream if you can avoid the influencers that is!

Tickets for Jardin Majorelle Entry

You should be sure and book your tickets early as the garden does have limited numbers and it is really worth seeing.

Step Back in Time at El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace, once a grand spectacle of Moroccan architecture, now stands as a historic ruin that you are able to explore. Built by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur in the 16th century, this palace remains a poignant reminder of Marrakech’s opulent past.

Wandering through the vast courtyards of El Badi Palace evokes a sense of the grandeur and history or the era. The expansive spaces are a testament to the palace’s past glory. This place is HUGE and it must have been amazing to see it in its heyday. I think this was the fourth or fifth place I visited in Marrakech and I was really starting to wonder just how much money was around in these days.

While the palace is now a shadow of its former self, the remnants provide a poignant picture of its former opulence. Each stone and wall tells a story, making it a great site for history enthusiasts.

El Badi Palace was more than a residence; it was a statement. It hosted grand receptions and entertained dignitaries, showcasing the Sultan’s affluence and vision. The palace’s historical significance is underscored by several key aspects:

• Political Influence : It was a center of political power, where significant decisions and alliances were forged.
• Cultural Hub : The palace played a pivotal role in the cultural and artistic renaissance of Marrakech during the Saadian era.
• Symbol of Wealth : Lavishly adorned with gold, Italian marble, and precious stones, it reflected the Sultan’s immense wealth.
• Historical Events : It was the site of significant historical events, including diplomatic meetings and royal ceremonies.

Learning about Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur, the visionary behind El Badi Palace, adds depth to your visit. His reign was marked by prosperity and architectural achievements, and understanding his legacy makes the experience all the more enriching. I found his story quite similar to Queen Hatshepsut from Egypt. She was also known for the prosperity she created during her reign.

The sheer size of the palace grounds is incredible, and it once housed 360 rooms, a central pool, and lush gardens. The remnants of the orange trees and sunken gardens hint at the opulence that once defined this majestic site.

Don’t miss the chance to climb the palace walls for a panoramic view of Marrakech, where the city’s vibrant energy contrasts with the serene ruins beneath your feet.

The detailed craftsmanship in the remaining structures, from the marble columns to the zellige tilework , provides a glimpse into the artistic mastery of the Saadian dynasty . El Badi Palace isn’t just a monument; it’s a tribute to human ingenuity and the relentless pursuit of power.

Immerse Yourself in Art at Marrakech Museum

If art is your passion, a visit to the Marrakech Museum is essential. Actually even if art isn’t your passion, the museum is well worth a visit.

Located in the beautiful Dar Menebhi Palace, the museum is a treasure trove of Moroccan art, from contemporary pieces to ancient artefacts, offering a comprehensive look into the country’s artistic heritage.

The diverse exhibits at Marrakech Museum cover a wide range of artistic expressions. From modern paintings to ancient manuscripts, each exhibit provides unique insights into various aspects of Moroccan culture. The diversity of the collection ensures there’s something for everyone. I was really surprised at the amount of modern art the museum holds. I expected a lot of ancient pots and tiles but some of the more modern exhibits are amazing.

The museum itself is architecturally significant. Housed in the historic Dar Menebhi Palace, the building’s design is stunning and adds an extra layer of interest to the visit. The intricate tile work and elegant courtyards make the museum as much an attraction as the art it houses.

A highlight of the museum’s collection is its ceramics. The beautifully crafted pieces showcase the skill and creativity of Moroccan artisans. Each ceramic item tells a story, making the collection a valuable part of your cultural exploration of Marrakech.

Inside, you’ll encounter a diverse collection that includes:

• Traditional Moroccan artwork : From intricate ceramics to beautifully woven textiles, each piece tells a story of craftsmanship and heritage.
• Historical artifacts : Discover ancient manuscripts and everyday objects that provide a glimpse into Morocco’s storied past.
• Contemporary art : The museum also showcases modern Moroccan artists, offering a fresh perspective on the country’s evolving cultural landscape.
• Architectural marvels : Don’t miss the stunning zellij tilework, carved wooden ceilings, and the impressive central courtyard with its ornate fountain.

Experience the Vibrant Atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa

No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing the energetic vibe of Jemaa el-Fnaa (Djemaa El Fna ). This lively square is the heart of the city, buzzing with activity and offering a sensory overload that is quintessentially Marrakech.

The street performances in Jemaa el-Fnaa are legendary. From musicians to acrobats, the square is alive with entertainment throughout the day and night. These performances add a unique charm and provide endless entertainment as you explore the area.

It can be a little confronting to see the hawkers with animals in tow, but you just have to smile, nod and walk around them. The only one I saw that I actually liked was right on the edge of the square. There was a little lady with 2 donkey foals (is that the right word for baby donkeys?) and a camel baby. She was asking for a donation for photos with the animals and I wouldn’t usually have accepted, but the guide I had for the Mdina was around and he said she has a little property out of town and rescues abused animals. This is how she supports them which could have been a story but you have to trust something at some point right?

Savouring the delicious street food at Jemaa el-Fnaa is another worthwhile experience. Food stalls offer a plethora of Moroccan delicacies, from succulent kebabs to sweet pastries. Tasting these dishes is a highlight of any visit to Marrakech, providing a delicious glimpse into Moroccan cuisine.

Make sure you get away from the main restaurants that surround the square. Head into the Mdina for more genuine and affordable food.

Shopping for unique souvenirs at Jemaa el-Fnaa is an experience in itself. The square is surrounded by a maze of souks where you can find everything from spices to traditional crafts. It’s the perfect place to pick up a memento of your Moroccan adventure.

Please be careful with your belongings here. As anywhere, wherever there are tourists there are pickpockets. Keep everything close at hand, and all bags securely closed.

!! One main scam is visiting the toilets in the Mdina. When you go in they have little chairs to leave your belongings on while you go into the loo. If you’ve ever been to the toilet in Morocco they are usually squat toilets and everything is wet. This is the main reason they ask you to leave your things outside the stalls. However, some less than scrupulous operators can get into your bag and steal stuff without you knowing.

Someone I was with had some money she had stashed in her bag stolen and the only place she left it unattended was in the toilet block. They are very good at standing at the doorway looking out, being on their phone when you come out and its hard to believe they may have had time to do anything, but its a known challenge so be careful.

Try Not to Get Lost In The Mdina Souks

The Medina Souks offer a vibrant maze of narrow alleyways brimming with colourful stalls and exotic goods that can easily be one of the best experiences you may have in Marrakech. As you wander through this labyrinth, you’ll discover treasures that range from aromatic spices to intricate textiles. The air is filled with the scent of fresh leather and the sound of bargaining vendors, creating an atmosphere that’s both chaotic and enchanting.

While it is super easy to get lost, just keep your phone on you and you should be fine. Unlike the Mdina in Fes , these are easier to navigate and way less rabbit warren like.

Among the countless stalls, you can find:

• Handcrafted Jewellery : Unique pieces that reflect traditional Moroccan artistry.
• Spices and Herbs : Fragrant ingredients that add an authentic touch to any dish.
• Leather Goods : High-quality bags, shoes, and belts made from locally sourced materials.
• Textiles and Carpets : Vibrant fabrics and intricately woven rugs that tell a story of their own.

Don’t be afraid to haggle; it’s part of the experience and a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Each turn presents a new surprise, whether it’s a hidden courtyard or a striking piece of art but if you don’t want to purchase don’t engage. Like everywhere, stall owners will get very full on trying to sell you their wares.

Shopping Tours Of Marrakech

If you are a little nervous about shopping and haggling on your own, consider doing a shopping tour. Yes you probably will get taken to shops that are sponsoring the tour but if you want to buy something specific, this is often the best way to do it. Of course talk to the guide before you leave and be sure you are visiting the souks and places you want to go to.

Discover the Rich Heritage of Mellah

Mellah, the historic Jewish quarter of Marrakech, is a neighbourhood steeped in history and culture. Exploring Mellah offers a unique perspective on the city’s diverse heritage and the contributions of its Jewish community.

Exploring the historical district of Mellah is like stepping into a different era. Each street and alley tells the story of its past inhabitants and their contributions to the city. It’s a fascinating area to wander through and soak in the historical atmosphere. I would not do this area without a guide . While it is easy to see what you want and its lovely to wander around, a guide will give you great insight into the history of the area and some great stories about how the Jews lived in Marrakech.

The Lazama Synagogue in Mellah is one of the oldest in Marrakech. Its beautiful interior and historical significance make it a must-visit. The synagogue offers insights into the religious and cultural life of the Jewish community in this amazing neighbourhood in Marrakech.

A visit to the Jewish Cemetery in Mellah provides a poignant look into the past. The cemetery, with its intricately carved tombstones, is a testament to the rich heritage of the Jewish community. It’s a solemn yet significant site that adds depth to your cultural exploration of Marrakech.

Enjoy the Quiet Solitude of Menara Gardens

With the stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains , Menara Gardens offer a serene escape from the bustling city in Marrakech. You’ll find tranquillity among the olive groves and the calm waters of its large reflective basin . The gardens, built in the 12th century, are a perfect spot for getting away from the volume of Marrakech.

Don’t forget to visit the iconic pavilion , which stands majestically by the water. The pavilion’s elegant design and historical significance make it a great place to pause and reflect. The view of the mountains behind the pavilion is really beautiful. It’s hard to distinguish what is snow capped Atlas mountains and what is cloud.

Bring a picnic and settle down by the basin, watching the gentle ripples and the occasional bird diving for a fish.

A local told me that at some point in the year, the sun is in exactly the right position and that if the water is super still, the mountains reflect in the pool. I’m not sure exactly how accurate that is but its a beautiful concept anyway!

Whether you’re a photo lover capturing the reflections or simply someone in need of a quiet break, Menara Gardens won’t disappoint. Don’t forget to have a wander in the Olive gardens. The smell is amazing! This is often considered to be the heart of Marrakech by the locals and you will find families and women with children visiting at almost any time.

Summary: Best Things To Do In Marrakech

Marrakech is a city that leaves a lasting impression. From the historic beauty of Bahia Palace and the towering minaret of Koutoubia Mosque to the hidden history of the Saadian Tombs and the vibrant energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa, each attraction offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Moroccan culture.

Whether you’re strolling through serene gardens or exploring bustling markets, Marrakech promises an unforgettable adventure. I loved Marrakech way more than I thought I would. It was busy sure, but its well set up for visitors and I found it easy to find everything and get around.

Frequently Asked Questions

What you can’t miss in marrakech.

In my personal opinion, if you have to break it down into “can’t miss” places, no visit to Marrakech is complete without heading to the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the surrounding medina. I loved visit the Bahia Palace, and the Majorelle Garden. They would be my 3 don’t miss in Marrakech places. Don’t forget to try traditional Moroccan cuisine at local restaurants.

What is the most famous thing in Marrakech?

Marrakech is famous for its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural heritage, and bustling marketplaces. The city’s iconic landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, and El Badi Palace are must-visit attractions that showcase the rich history and culture of Morocco.

Is 3 days enough for Marrakech?

While 3 days in Marrakech will allow you to see the highlights of the city, including the medina, Jardin Majorelle, and Bahia Palace, it may feel rushed. To fully immerse yourself in the culture and explore more attractions, consider extending your stay to at least 5 days.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Marrakech?

The best time to visit Marrakech is during spring or fall. You’ll enjoy milder temperatures and avoid the summer heat. You can explore the city’s vibrant culture and historic sites without feeling overwhelmed by the weather.

Are There Any Day Trips or Excursions From Marrakech?

Certainly, you can set out on thrilling day trips from Marrakech. Explore the Atlas Mountains, visit the stunning Ouzoud Waterfalls, or venture into the Desert for an unforgettable adventure. A Moroccan Safari is something you shouldn’t miss so consider adding a few days into your Moroccan plan for that.

What Local Dishes Should I Try in Marrakech?

You should definitely try tagine, a savoury stew cooked in a clay pot, and pastilla, a sweet and savoury pastry. Don’t miss out on Harira soup and the famous Moroccan mint tea for a full experience. OMG that damn mint tea! I just can’t seem to make it at home like they do in Morocco.

How Safe Is Marrakech for Solo Travelers?

Marrakech is generally safe for solo travellers . Stay aware of your surroundings, avoid poorly lit areas at night, and trust your instincts. Enjoy the freedom of exploring vibrant markets and beautiful sights with confidence.

I personally didn’t have any significant challenges in Morocco and I was on my own a lot. However, I have heard comments from other travellers about how forward the men can be. If in doubt, wear a cheap silver plain band wedding ring and if anyone asks your husband is at the hotel for a meeting.

What Are Some Recommended Accommodations in Marrakech?

There are many accommodation options in Marrakech. If you are after a splurge, consider staying at Riad Dar Yasaman or Palais Riad Lamrani . Both offer unique experiences with stunning décor and great service. Stay at the Riad’s to explore the a more authentic vibe! They are often heaps cheaper than you imagine.

Day Tours That Visit The Main Sites In Marrakech

Beyond marrakech – day tours in the region.

There are many things you can do that take you a little further afield than Marrakech. Because of its location you can do visit heaps of locations and partake in many different tours and adventures while you are based in Marrakech.

• A cooking c lass with a local family or a street food tour
• A day trip to Essaouira from Marrakech (everyone loves Essaouira)
• Visit Casablanc a for a day on a tour
• See the Atlas Mountains on this gu ided trip from Marrakech

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Meet Jenny, a passionate Australian travel blogger who has explored 103 countries to date. With over 30 years of travel experience, Jenny has a wealth of knowledge to share with her readers about the cultures, landscapes, and people she has encountered on her journeys. She’s always battling unfashionably frizzy hair and you will never catch Jenny in anything but comfortable shoes. Learn more about Jenny and her travels.

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140+ Best Morocco Quotes and Morocco Instagram Captions

Recently visited Morocco or planning to visit Morocco soon? Maybe you are looking for some inspiration and the best Morocco quotes?

Or maybe you have a lot of photos & videos for social media and need unique Morocco Instagram captions? I got you covered.

Morocco , situated in North Africa, presents a blend of diverse landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, this country offers mountain ranges, expansive deserts, and a picturesque coastline.

Morocco’s popularity as a tourist destination continues to grow, attracting people from around the world who seek to explore its history, savor its cuisine, and immerse themselves in its diverse landscapes. 

That is why I have prepared more than 140 best Morocco quotes for the most inspirational captions. In this article, you will find different varieties of Morocco quotes. Iconic sayings, unique Morocco Instagram captions, or something easy-going and fun.

No matter if you are traveling to Morocco or you live in Morocco already, you will find some of the best Morocco quotes in this post, so keep on reading!

Best Morocco Quotes

“Morocco is such a beautiful place. It’s incredibly beautiful. And also it is captivating place because for a writer, you feel that you make impact. I mean, when I write something in the press, the day after in the fish market, people will be discussing it.” — Fatema Mernissi

“Morocco is the greatest. I should be getting money from the Moroccans because I’m just telling everyone that it’s a wonderful place to go.” — Bill Murray

“In Morocco, there is a pleasure of air and light that is found nowhere else.” — Fabrizio Caramagna

“I love Morocco – it’s a real challenge to all five senses. You think you know something, and you don’t. It’s wonderful. It keeps you on your toes that way.” — Amy Ryan

“After touring so much, I was looking for some peace. I found Morocco, and it was perfect. Everything I wanted to feel about peace, I found it there.” — Skepta

“Authentic Moroccan heritage has a strong immunity to foreign cultures, so that it accepts openness without being affected by any external culture. We must sustain and consolidate this immunity in order to preserve our identity as Moroccans.” ― Mohammed Tijani Nassiri

“I loved filming in Morocco; it was amazing. I’d never been anywhere like that. The culture was phenomenal. I was so blown away by the spirit of that country.” — Tatiana Maslany

“There’s just really interesting facets of culture just swirling in Morocco. They all have slightly different colors, so it’s just an inspiring place to be.” — Mark Foster

“I loved Morocco. It’s very exotic and different from anywhere I’ve ever been. I had an amazing day there in the high Atlas Mountains near Mount Tamadot, when I rode by donkey into a Berber village and drank some mint tea with a Berber family. It was exceptional.” — Isla Fisher

“The more I travel and move away geographically from Morocco, the more I miss this country, its light, its smells, its contradictions, its inconsistencies, its noises, its music, its beauty. A psychoanalyst would say this is an admission of a complicated relationship.” — Tahar Ben Jelloun

Unique Morocco Instagram Captions

Gazing at the stars in the Sahara – a celestial spectacle. ✨

Lost in the colors of Marrakech’s medina. 🌈

Sipping mint tea under the Atlas Mountains  ☕

Every corner in Chefchaouen is a photo waiting to happen. 📸

Discovering the secrets of the Sahara. 🏜️

Spices that tell tales in the markets of Fes. 🌶️

Sunset silhouettes over the ancient city of Volubilis. 🌅

Kasbahs and camel rides in the golden dunes of Merzouga. 🐪 

Artistry in every tile of the Bahia Palace. 🕌 

Savoring the fusion of flavors in a traditional couscous. 🍛

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More Morocco Instagram captions

Adventures in the vibrant markets of Agadir. 🛍️ 

Balancing tradition and modernity in the heart of Casablanca. 🏙️ 

Discovering the hidden gems of the Ouzoud Falls. 💦 

Echoes of the past in the timeless medina of Meknes. 🕌 

Intrigued by the tales of the tanneries in the heart of Fez. 👣 

Sunset sails along the scenic coast of Tangier. ⛵ 

Experiencing the warmth of Moroccan hospitality in every kasbah. 🏰 

Journeying through the High Atlas – where every view is breathtaking. ⛰️ 

Captivated by the intricate patterns of Moroccan craftsmanship. 🎨

Djemaa el Fna by day, a bustling marketplace; by night, a lively spectacle. 🌙 

Funny Morocco puns for Instagram captions

Moroccan sunsets are a real ‘raisin’ to smile! 🌅

Let’s spice things up in Morocco – it’s a ‘mint’ to be unforgettable! 🌿

Feeling ‘tagine’-citing about this adventure! 🍲

When in Morocco, life is a real ‘maze’ of beautiful experiences! 🌍

The medina in Marrakech – where every turn is a ’tile’ of surprise! 🏰

In Chefchaouen, even the cats are ‘feline’ blue-tiful! 😺💙

Moroccan architecture has a ‘kefta’-ing for the extraordinary! 🏰

Getting lost in Morocco’s streets is a ‘mint’-al challenge worth taking! 🚶‍♂️🍃

Spice markets in Fes: where things get ‘heated’ and ‘cumin’ together! 🔥

The Sahara – where every dune has its own ‘sand’-sational story! 🏜️

RELATED : 50 Photos to Inspire You to Visit Chefchaouen

More Morocco puns for Instagram captions

Trekking in the High Atlas is a ‘peak’-ture-perfect adventure! ⛰️

Moroccan mosaics are the ‘puzzle’ pieces of an ancient tale! 🧩

Essaouira – where the sea breeze is the ‘wind’-erful soundtrack! 🌊

Majorelle Garden: A ‘plant’-astic paradise in the heart of Marrakech! 🌺

Agadir markets – ‘souk’-ing up the vibrant atmosphere! 🛍️

Tangier – sailing into a ‘tide’-al wave of adventure! ⛵

Kasbah hospitality – where every welcome is a ‘fort’-unate delight! 🏰”

Morocco – where every moment is a ‘mint’-al note in the travel diary! 🌍

Ait Ben Haddou – where time stands still, but the beauty doesn’t ‘ruin’ away! 🏰

Bahia Palace – a ‘royal’ address for stunning architecture! 🕌

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Short Quotes about Morocco

“Morocco as it is is a very fine place spoiled by civilization.” — Richard Harding Davis

“All Moroccans are justifiably proud of the development of democratic institutions in Morocco.” — Donald Evans

“If Africa is a peacock, Morocco is its tail.” — Unknown

“I was born in Morocco and lived there until I was 13; I’m really proud of my heritage.” — French Montana

“My family is from Morocco, and I was born and raised in Canada, but I’m an Indian at heart, for sure.” — Nora Fatehi

“The woman with dark hair, wide hips, and a few extra pounds has always been the essence of beauty in Morocco.” — Fatema Mernissi

“My childhood was very sheltered. I grew up in a palace. But I lived in Morocco as a Moroccan citizen.” — Mohammed VI

“Morocco is a tree whose roots lie in Africa, and which breathes through its leaves in Europe.” — Hassan II

“I spent my first twenty years in Morocco, where I coached the national team.” — Just Fontaine

“I want to go to Morocco really bad.” — Vanessa Hudgens

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Inspirational quotes about Morocco

“When I was a child, I lived in Morocco, and I would always buy a lot of beads from the markets and make jewelry for friends. Later, at 18, I would make my own clothes and make my patterns. When I first came to New York, people just assumed I was a stylist because I was so into fashion.” — Maripol

“The advertisement says that «Morocco is a country that elevates the soul». And it’s true, it is a land that makes you dream and invites you to journey towards a spirituality that is increasingly needed. Not all tourists are looking for a project of this type, and not all tourists respond to such an invitation. But many are enthusiastic about traveling in a different way, and above all about trying to understand a country not starting from postcards but from daily life in all its complexities.” — Tahar Ben Jelloun

“Gateway to Africa, Morocco welcomes you with its profound diversity, including legendary mountain ranges, ancient cities, and boundless deserts.” — Paul Clammer

“Every country I would go to, even if it was just on a modeling job, I would go to their markets. If I went to Morocco for ‘Elle’ magazine, I would be in the spice markets during my off time and just come back with a suitcase full of stuff that I really wanted to try.” — Padma Lakshmi

“Morocco is a historic country, rich in history. If there is a demographic framework present in the world, it is prehistoric; According to archaeological research, it most likely dates back to the Paleolithic.” — Nicoletta Buratti

“We need to fight violence and ignorance. It is true: when one strolls out, one sees women with scarves and men with beards. This has always been the case in Morocco. Morocco is built on tolerance.” — Mohammed VI

“Western democratic system to a country of the Maghreb, the Middle East, or the Gulf would be a mistake. We are not Germany, Sweden, or Spain.” — Mohammed VI 

“I had a vision of bringing two cultures together, and I have said this in the past: my goal is to bring Morocco and India together through music and art.” — Nora Fatehi

“Morocco has a lot to do in terms of democracy. The daily practice of democracy evolves over time. Trying to apply a Western democratic system to a country of the Maghreb, the Middle East, or the Gulf would be a mistake. We are not Germany, Sweden or Spain.” — Mohammed VI

“Morocco is a country of moderation. Islam lived there calmly and openly. This country has always been the place where brotherhoods and associations have thrived that discuss the different interpretations of Islam without ever calling into question the title of Commander of the Believers, which is part of the king’s functions, nor wanting to apply the sharia as at the time of the birth and consolidation of God’s message.” — Tahar Ben Jelloun

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Quotes about life in Morocco 

“I was a banker in Morocco when I first saw ‘American Graffiti.’ It was before I was an actor, a melancholy time in my life, and this mood was reflected in the film.” — Jean Reno

“My two sisters and I had a very nice nanny at home in Morocco until I was 13. I remember my parents saying how she had insinuated herself into our family. They knew she would suffer when we broke away from her.” — Leila Slimani

“I’ve spent a good deal of time in the Middle East over the years, lecturing at universities in places like Egypt, Jordan, Israel, and Morocco.” — Jay Parini

“I used to play soccer when I was in Morocco, but I was more of a basketball player. I played high school basketball, I played AAU basketball.” — French Montana

“I had a nanny growing up in Morocco, and my parents encouraged me to put myself in her shoes sometimes.” — Leila Slimani

“In Morocco, before you even get to the matter of the sale, you have to coax the owner to sell.” — Tahir Shah

“The hardest situation to pick up a girl in is … in church and in Morocco on Ramadan. On Ramadan or one of those religious days? Try to pick up a girl is bananas.” — French Montana

“In Morocco, there is an insistence on authority. Children are not encouraged to speak up in front of their parents. My parents were not like this. I was the kind of girl who could tell her father, ‘No, what you are saying is totally untrue, and I don’t agree with you.” — Leila Slimani

“The most interesting guy I’ve ever played with was King Hassan of Morocco. I went over there on a trip in the early 1970s, and the King and I played five holes. I’ve never been that nervous in my life.” — Lee Trevino

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Morocco travel quotes

“In Morocco, a Muslim country, I got to hear the call to prayer five times a day. At first, it felt kind of scary, kind of dangerous, because of the propaganda towards anything Muslim in the U.S. subconsciously coming out in me. By the end of the trip, it was so beautiful, and then not hearing it when I got back to L.A. really threw me off.” — Mark Foster

“I quite like antiques. I like things that are old and the history they bring with them. I would rather fly to Morocco on an $800 ticket and buy a chair for $300 than spend $1,100 on one at Pottery Barn.” — Walton Goggins

“In Morocco, it’s possible to see the Atlantic and the Mediterranean at the same time.” — Tahar Ben Jelloun

“As you wake up to sort of Morocco coming to life, and you drive a two-hour journey through the desert as the sun is rising over the sand dunes… I saw landscapes and visual stuff that I’ll never forget. It was special.” — Jim Sturgess

“I have this fantasy of my older days, painting or sculpting or making things. I have this fantasy of a bike trip to Chile. I have this fantasy of flying into Morocco. But right now, it’s about getting the work done and getting home to family. I have an adventure every morning, getting up.” — Brad Pitt

“When I discovered Morocco, I realized that the color palette I used was that of glazed tiles, zouacs, djellabas, and caftans. I owe the audacity found in my work since then to this country, to its powerful harmonies, to its daring combinations, to the fervor of its creativity. This culture became mine, but it wasn’t enough for me to simply absorb it. I took it, transformed it, and adapted it.” — Yves Saint Laurent

“I can’t choose one favorite place because all destinations have something different to offer. My favorite city to explore is Paris; I love the culture of Morocco and the waterfalls in St. Lucia. I just can’t choose one. I would like to go back to New Zealand to see more of what it has to offer.” — Martha Hunt

“Modeling opened up the world to me. All my friends were bohemian artists and were a little bit appalled when I sold out and did something so bourgeois. I’d say, ‘Come on, guys, with what I earn from this job, we can all go to Morocco.” — Christie Brinkley

“It doesn’t matter if you’re photographing a porter in a market in Marrakech or you’re photographing the king of Morroco. You have the same sympathetic approach to everybody. You be nice to everybody, basically.” — Albert Watson

“I happened to meet lost Italian tourists in Southern Morocco. They hold a map of the town spread out on the hood of the car in their hands and try to orient themselves. They are lost but they are confident because they have the impression of being in a friendly country, a hospitable country. And in fact, the first Moroccan who passes by stops and offers them help. If it is evening, he invites them to sleep at his house and gives them something to eat. The sense of hospitality is not a simple stereotype, it is one of the values that characterize Morocco.” — Tahar Ben Jelloun

RELATED : How to Spend One Day in Casablanca: Complete Casablanca Itinerary 

Amazing Marrakech quotes

“I discovered Marrakech very late, it was an extraordinary shock. Especially for the color. This city taught me color. At every corner you meet groups of people, men and women wearing pink, blue, green, and purple caftans. It’s surprising: they seem designed, reminiscent of Delacroix’s sketches, while they are nothing more than the fruit of life’s improvisation.” — Yves Saint Laurent

“Before Marrakech, everything was black. This city taught me what colors are and I embraced its light, its bold contrasts, and its intense inventions.” — Yves Saint Laurent

“In Marrakech, you will be dazzled by the quality and variety of light. The horizon is drawn on often snow-capped mountains. Space marries time in a spirit of generosity and carelessness that is well-suited to visitors in search of exoticism.” — Tahar Ben Jelloun

“When in Marrakech let yourself go, look, breathe in the many scents, the smells of cooking, listen to the popular music, the songs of the mountains.” — Unknown

“There are few cities in the world that enchant you with the same strength and magic as Marrakech.” — Pierre Bergé

“Since watching Kate Winslet in ‘Hideous Kinky’ I’ve had a profound love affair with Morocco, specifically Marrakesh. I’ve wanted to go for as long as I can remember because it looks a very romantic city and I’m a sucker for romance.” — Joanna Page

“I believe that Marrakech ought to be earned as a destination. The journey is the preparation for the experience. Reaching it too fast derides it, makes it a little less easy to understand.” — Tahir Shah

“Marrakech in May is unseasonably tagine-hot.” — Hamish Bowles

RELATED : Casablanca Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Visiting

Famous Moroccan Proverbs

“If you are responsible for a problem, you should find the solution.”

“Seek advice from the ill and not the doctor.

“Drop by drop the river rises”

“If you have a friend like honey, don’t eat him.”

“In the eyes of its mother, every beetle is a gazelle.”

“Don’t stick your hand in holes in the ground and you won’t get bitten by snakes.”

“If you have to beg, beg the rich people.”

“You don’t feel the whip unless you are the one being beaten with it.”

“Think about it 101 times before cutting with the scissors.”

“If one wants honey he must endure the sting of the bee.”

RELATED : Best Photo Spots in Casablanca: 25 Photos to Inspire You to Visit

Quotes by famous Moroccans

“It is not cowardly, quite the contrary, to seek to meet the adversary and know his intentions. However, it is cowardly, shameful, and treasonable to lay down arms.” — King Hassan II

“Morocco is a tree whose roots lie in Africa, and which breathes through its leaves in Europe.” — King Hassan II  

“My hope is that countries like Morocco will have investments to create work, so people don’t have to leave.” — Tahar Ben Jelloun

“Morocco is, before anything else, this extraordinary presence of the past. In the medina you can only get around on foot, and there are streets so narrow that two people can’t pass: “street of one”, that’s what they are called.” — Tahar Ben Jelloun

“In Morocco, for a woman to earn her own living is the essential concern.” — Fatema Mernissi

“The Moroccan football team has taught us a lot but the greatest lesson is; our mothers are everything” — Aysha Taryam

“The Sahara is not visited like a medina: it is lived, not indulged, you have to let yourself be taken by its mystery, its secrets, and imagine the dream behind the sand dunes, which sometimes move and sometimes remain still. The desert is an idea, a way to strip yourself of everything and dare to look yourself in the face; it is a mirror that must be taken seriously. Morocco has a lively, splendid desert, not far from cities or roads.” — Tahar Ben Jelloun

“In Morocco, the sea and the desert have intertwined in a vortex of questions, and no one is able to reveal their multiple, devastating, impossible meaning… But Moroccan painters know that the sea they have chosen is not that of sailors and pirates. It is the sea that comes out of the blue, from the blue color worked by the artist. It is the inner sea, what every artist carries inside, what he imagines that he wants to liberate, and make visible.” — Tahar Ben Jelloun

“There were two things I used to do to seduce girls: jokes and music. Since I’m not a great pianist, jokes were my thing.” — Gad Elmaleh

More Morocco quotes

“I made a movie in Morocco. I made a movie in Brazil. I’ve made commercials all over the world. Every set looks like another set.” — Michel Hazanavicius

“For ‘Around the World in 80 Plates’ we got to travel all over, having what was like a cross between a culinary competition and races. And in each country, we had a chef Ambassador. We went to London, Barcelona, Bologna, Hong Kong, Thailand, Morocco… It was amazing.” — Curtis Stone

“I never got hurt when I was in Morocco doing all the horse riding and my own stunts. But on the last day on the last shot I slid off my horse and landed on my bottom. I did not get hurt but it was very embarrassing.” — Oded Fehr

“There are pockets of great food in Spain, but there are also pockets of very mediocre food in Spain, and the same in Morocco and the same in Croatia and the same in Germany and the same in Austria.” — Mario Batali

“Kim Coates is my best friend. I met Coatsy in 2001 in Morocco while working on ‘Black Hawk Down.” — William Fichtner

“You mentioned the Free Trade Agreement and yes I can’t tell you how pleased we are that Morocco is one of the countries that our country is going to begin negotiating a Free Trade Agreement with.” — Donald Evans

“I went to Morocco, joined a band called Pegasus, ran out of money, went to Gibraltar and worked on the docks, writing songs about the sun and the morning and the birds.” — Graham Parker

“The U.S. views Morocco as an important friend, and we applaud your political and economic reforms that culminated with the recent parliamentary elections that were widely reported to have been conducted in a fair and open manner.” — Donald Evans

“But I will agree that I think that things happen with people in relationships, that you might have been able to enjoy Morocco, say, if you weren’t getting out of a bad marriage. You know what I mean?” — Robert Downey, Jr.

“The type of cuisine I do, especially after being on ‘Iron Chef’ for several years, is a lot of global cuisine. My strength has always been Mediterranean cuisine across the board from Morocco, Spain, Italy, Greece, and France, but I think now I’m doing a lot of very different cuisines all the time.” — Cat Cora

RELATED : Blue City Travel Guide: How to Visit Chefchaouen

More quotes about Moroccan cities

“I wish Casablanca to be endowed with a large, fine building of witch it can be proud until the end of time. I want to build this mosque on the water, because God’s throne is on the water.” — Unknown

“If Aphrodite chills at home in Cyprus for most of the year, then Fez must be the goddess’s playground.” — Raquel Cepeda

“If it’s December 1941 in Casablanca, what time is it in New York?” — Howard E. Koch

“If, by chance, you were to meet me at the Casablanca airport or on a boat sailing from Tangiers, you would think me self-confident, but I am not. Even now, at my age, I am frightened when crossing borders because I am afraid of failing to understand strangers.” — Fatema Mernissi

“Well everybody in Casablanca has problems. Yours may work out.” — Humphrey Bogart

“I had this extraordinarily bizarre moment when, two Fridays ago, my missus gave birth to our second child at 11am and by the same time the following day I was sitting around a table with Ridley Scott, Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio in Rabat in Morocco, rehearsing a scene we were going to shoot the next day.” — Mark Strong

“A little imagination goes a long way in Fes.” — Tahir Shah

“I grew up in Morocco. I was born a Muslim, and, every year, I celebrated Christmas in a big white house in the country, halfway between Meknes and Fez.” — Leila Slimani

“Morocco is completely alive for me because I spent about a third of my life there. The first few times I went back to Casablanca, I walked through the streets and remembered how years earlier I had walked those same streets and prayed that a miracle would happen and I would leave and become famous.” — Gad Elmaleh

Further reading for Morocco

Blue City Travel Guide: How to Visit Chefchaouen

Casablanca Travel Guide: Things to Know Before Visiting

15 Best Photo Spots in Fes, Morocco

Read more travel quotes:

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Or read more about: Fes | Casablanca | Chefchaouen | Morocco

Other useful tips for visiting Morocco

🏠 Need a place to stay? Browse Booking or Agoda 💃 How about fun experiences? GetYourGuide and Viator 🚗 Considering renting a car in Morocco? Use Rentalcars 🔒 Don’t forget about travel insurance from HeyMondo

In conclusion…

This is the end of the best Morocco quotes and some of the coolest Morocco Instagram captions. I am sure you enjoyed reading this article, but which quotes did you like the most? Maybe you want to save them all and teleport to Morocco already? I feel you!

I would love to hear your thoughts, so if you have any feedback or additional tips, leave a comment below. Also, check out my Instagram for regular travel videos and travel inspiration. Or explore other destinations on this travel blog.

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Everything you need to know before going to Marrakesh

Nov 29, 2023 • 6 min read

Marrakesh can be a sensory overload for first-time visitors so read on for some local advice before you go © minoandriani / Getty Images

I lived in Marrakesh full-time for almost 10 years with no intention of leaving. My life in Morocco was colorful, diverse and endlessly inspiring for a curious, creative soul like me. And today the city’s intrigue and magic continues to pull me back. 

I will never tire of wandering the tiny alleyways of the Marrakesh medina, stopping for a nouss nouss at Cafe des Epices or gazing at the art deco architecture throughout my Gueliz neighborhood, stepping inside to discover independent art galleries . 

Picture-perfect guest houses, and chefs putting a creative spin on local cuisine, are also part of the charm. The design scene in Marrakesh is second-to-none, and in my opinion unique in Morocco as traditional artisans sell their wares alongside contemporary designers, putting a new touch on the traditional techniques and crafts.

A visit to Marrakesh is not about ticking sites off a must-see list but rather meandering – stumbling upon a historic site and watching the world go by from a street-side cafe – the city itself is a sight. Allow three days to see the main historical sites, sample local cuisine and take in a bit of shopping, but design lovers could easily spend a week here.  

1. Plan your days prior to arrival

While there is something to be said for spontaneous wanders and chance encounters, Marrakesh is the country’s leading tourist destination and guides, experiences and restaurants book up days, weeks and months in advance.

Jardin Majorelle  and the nearby Musée Yves Saint Laurent  require online advance bookings via their website. To ensure a table at popular restaurants like +61 , La Famille  and Nomad , book prior to arrival for best availability. 

2. Book an airport transfer or catch the local bus

It’s best to organize an airport transfer via your accommodation provider for a smooth arrival. Taxis have a reputation for overcharging clients, despite posted rates. A city bus departs frequently from the airport to Djemaa el Fna and destinations throughout Gueliz for Dh30 (cash only). Find the bus stop beyond the waiting taxis, near the car rental offices. 

3. Hone your negotiation skills in advance

From haggling in souqs to negotiating fares with taxi drivers, bargaining is commonplace in Marrakesh. Shopkeepers often state an offer and the buyer is expected to negotiate a price they are prepared to pay. I say: pay what the goods are worth to you . You may find the same item cheaper (or more expensive) elsewhere, but is that worth worrying about? It's all part of the Morocco experience.

Prior to hopping in a cab, negotiate a price in advance if the meter is not activated, or if it (notoriously) doesn’t work. The price within Marrakesh city limits shouldn’t cost more than Dh30 if the meter is activated. Daytime rates start at Dh1.70 – Dh2.40 at night – and increase based on distance. If the meter does not work, negotiate the price in advance and make sure you have small bills and coins to pay the exact amount agreed upon (the amount will already include a tip).

4. Be wise about the street food you eat

Some of the best food is served up street side in Marrakesh. When deciding where to eat, consider how many locals are pulling up a seat to tuck into the local delicacy like msemen (pancakes), harira (soup) or a tajine. In Djemaa el Fna , opt for stalls where the food is prepared in front of you. 

5. Stay current

Morocco’s Dirham is a closed currency, and visitors are permitted to arrive and leave with a maximum of 1,000 Dirhams. Most ATMs distribute up to Dh2,000 per transaction to a daily maximum of Dh4,000 per bank card, though this varies by international bank. All banks will charge a fee.

For the best currency exchange, head to Hotel Ali in Djemaa el Fna or Hotel Farouq on Avenue Hassan II near the train station. 

6. Dress like a local for a comfortable experience 

For women, I suggest ditching any belly tops and short shorts while wandering in the Marrakesh medina, one of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods. Instead, opt for dresses that fall below the knee or trousers and a shirt that covers your shoulders. For men, knee-length shorts or trousers are advised. For traversing the cobblestoned and uneven footpaths, flats are best, ideally close-toed.

7. Don’t avoid visiting Marrakesh just because it’s Ramadan

Don’t put off a trip to Marrakesh during the month of Ramadan. It provides an insight into another aspect of this rich culture. Locals will expect that visitors will want to eat and drink, even while out in public. Guides may join you at the table and won’t want you to feel guilty about eating or drinking. During this holy month it is even more important that you're mindful about alcohol consumption. 

8. Local table manners

When accepting a sample of olives or dates in the souqs, or sharing a tajine with locals, always use and eat with your right hand. If invited into a local’s home, arriving with some sweet treats will be graciously received, and bakeries – Amoud,  Pâtisserie Amandine and Café 16 – are local favorites. 

9. When it comes to love, discretion is key 

Sexual relations between non-married Moroccan men and women are not typically flaunted in public. It is illegal for an unmarried Moroccan to book a hotel room or self-catering apartment with a non-Moroccan. Discretion is recommended when it comes to flaunting one’s affection for their partner, regardless of nationality or sexual orientation.

10. Knowing a few words of Darija will earn you points

Though folks working in tourism often speak several languages, with English becoming increasingly common, learning a few words of Darija (Moroccan Arabic) will earn respect. Walking into a shop, it’s common to greet fellow customers and shopkeepers with an "Assalaamu alaykum"  (peace be with you) and respond with “Wa alaykum ssalaam”. “Chakrun” for thank you, “la chakrun” for no thank you, and “afak” for please are also key. 

11. Problems you may encounter in Marrakesh

Stumbling upon a faux guide either on foot in the medina, or a man on a bike who claims to work at your hotel with offers to visit the Berber market or another special, can’t-miss event may result in being led to a family member’s carpet or spice shop. A firm, but polite “no thank you” is often sufficient as you walk confidently in the direction you plan to go.

While it may cause frustration, getting lost in the Marrakesh medina is part of the fun – until it’s not. If and when this happens, remain confident in where you’re going. Ask an older gentleman in the souqs for directions if necessary. If engaging a local lad to show the way, expect to pay for their assistance (Dh20 is reasonable).

Plain-clothes police officers roam the medina frequently and are there to help, taking tourist concerns seriously. A central police station is located in Djemaa el Fna.

Also note: Although Morocco experienced a magnitude seven earthquake in September 2023, with the area surrounding Marrakesh heavily hit, natural disasters within the city are rare.

12. Keep these must-have items in your day bag 

Brushing one’s teeth with tap water is not likely to cause any health issues, but bottled or filtered water for hydrating is recommended. You’ll also want to pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes for days spent wandering, shopping and eating. Always keep a pack of tissues on hand for bathrooms which may not be stocked with toilet paper.   

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Marrakech Travel Guide: Travel Tips and our Honest Review

Marrakech – just a four hour flight from Europe, but a totally different world . Marrakech is overwhelming yet full of life, it will fascinate you and take your breath away. Anyone who travels to Marrakech expects a dream from the Arabian nights but is brought to the ground of reality pretty quickly. Why? We will tell you about it in this blog article.

So if you are planning a trip to Marrakech and are looking for reviews, then you’ve landed in the right place on our travel blog. We show you the most beautiful sights and highlights in Marrakech and reveal our personal tips . Ready for a full-on experience? Let’s go!

1. Marrakech: Expectations vs. Reality

2. marrakech travel guide: best places to visit, 3. eating & drinking in marrakech: our tips, 4. where to stay: hotel tips for marrakech, 5. extra travel tips: transport and security in marrakech.

Marrakech – some love it, others hate it. Ok, hate may be an exaggeration, but let’s put it this way: we know enough people who traveled to Marrakech with very high expectations and were subsequently left very disappointed. The reason for this is quite simple: many associate Marrakech with a dream from 1001 Arabian nights. Unfortunately, this is not quite the reality . Let’s go into that a little more.

Marrakech: what REALLY awaits you

Almost nowhere in Morocco is tourism as strong as in Marrakech. The locals react with such behavior that you cannot even accuse them of: they are just trying to make as much money as possible. In the souks (the markets) you get ripped off quickly. And when you are invited to a mint tea, it is clear what follows: of course they want to sell you something.

In addition, there is of course the Arab culture : In patriarchal Morocco (sadly) men are in charge. And you can see that on the streets, too, because comparatively, you find few local women. As a European-looking woman, you immediately stand out and are often addressed.

The feeling that someone is constantly trying to sell you something is not a nice one. And after the 10th time “No, thank you.” It will – admittedly – also be annoying. In this respect we can understand people who find Marrakech exhausting.

The good news: if you adjust to it, it’s not half as bad. We personally have had no negative experiences in Marrakech. Sure, the dealers sometimes get uncomfortably close, but fortunately physical assaults are rare.

Marrakech is not the same everywhere as what Instagram shows

The hotels and riads (traditional Moroccan accommodation) in Marrakech are at least as nice as you would expect. To be honest, we have never traveled to a country where the hotels are as tasteful as in Morocco. If you are looking for the dream of 1001 nights in Marrakech, you will almost certainly find it in your own accommodation.

However, the streets are a different story. You have to be aware of that. The bustling souks, the people, the donkey carts and other animals, the rushing mopeds, the smells and new impressions that are pounding on you – all this can be overwhelming pretty quickly. Marrakech is an adventure – and not just a pretty Instagram feed.

How many days should I plan for a trip to Marrakech?

Our biggest recommendation to you is this: Please don’t just stay in Marrakech. Morocco has so much more to offer and we highly recommend exploring more of this country. (We also liked many other destinations, such as Fez , better than Marrakech.)

If you are planning a tour of Morocco , Marrakech is a good first stop. We would recommend that you stay here for about 3 to 4 nights . During this period you get a good insight and can easily visit the most important sights of Marrakech.

If Marrakech is your only travel destination in Morocco, we would stay a little longer, maybe about 5 nights . So you can take one or two extra day trips (e.g. to the Atlas Mountains).

Medina & Souks

Let’s start right here, where the action is: the medina. The medina is the old town of Marrakech and a labyrinth of allegedly narrow streets. Some of the sights that we will list here are also in the medina – nevertheless, the medina is definitely a highlight in itself, so we wanted to describe it separately.

Keeping your bearings in the medina is practically impossible. So just go ahead and see where your path leads you. It is particularly crowded in the souks , i.e. the markets of Marrakech. If you go north from Djemaa el Fnaa (the huge square – more on that in a moment), you will get straight to the souks.

Teapots, carpets, lamps, spices, shoes, scarves – if you want to buy souvenirs or new favorite items for your apartment, you’ve come to the right place. Very important: negotiating or bartering is part of the experience ! Traders will initially ask for at least double to three times what they imagine.

Would you prefer to visit the souks accompanied by an experienced guide? Then we can highly recommend a guided tour of the markets.

You can book the tour here: Tour of the souks of Marrakech

Djemaa el Fna

The infamous big square of Marrakech is the heart of the city and probably the most important sight of Marrakech . The official name of the square is Djemaa el Fna – in Marrakech, however, the French word “La place” is usually used interchangeably.

On the Djemaa el Fna, a vibrant, colorful hustle and bustle of jugglers, drummers and food stalls awaits you. The place is incredibly spacious, incredibly chaotic – and incredibly touristy. After the first sensations have pelted on you, someone will probably be standing in front of you trying to sell you something.

Important: On Djemaa el Fna, it is common for you to be asked for money as soon as you point your camera at locals. (Incidentally, this is the case in many larger cities in Morocco.) With the bustle you don’t even notice that you might have someone in front of your lens. So just stay polite and tip. But please leave the animal shows with snakes and monkeys!

The later the afternoon , the fuller it gets on the Djemaa el Fna. The flair becomes very special in the evening when the street restaurants start their grills and smoke plumes spread over the square.

Our tip: There are countless rooftop bars and restaurants on the edge of the square. You shouldn’t miss out on watching the sunset over the rooftops of Djemaa el Fna. The best thing to do is order a fresh mint tea and be a witness of how the place changes from minute to minute.

Bahia palace

One of the most beautiful sights in Marrakech is without a doubt the magnificent Bahia Palace. The palace dates back to the late 19th century and beautifully combines Andalusian and Moorish architecture .

When visiting, you usually follow the tour that leads you through countless rooms and courtyards . You will pass orange trees, fountains, elaborate carvings and mosaics – in short: a paradise for all those who can do something with Moroccan architecture.

Because the Bahia Palace is one of the highlights in Marrakech, the rush is usually quite large. We therefore recommend that you come as early as possible so that you can visit the palace in peace.

Admission: 70 Dirhams Opening times: 9 am to 5 pm

Ben Youssef Madrasa

One of our favorite places in Marrakech! The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a former Koran school . No kidding, it looks like a scene taken from a picture book! We have to say that we were really lucky because we came during a time slot in which there were hardly any other people on site. (A huge tour group arrived after us – so it’s unfortunately not always so ‘empty’.)

The Ben Youssef Madrasa probably dates back to the 14th century . Although the building is not too spacious, we spent at least an hour soaking up the flair and taking photos of the mosaics.

Current note: The Koran school is currently being renovated (early 2020), but should be opened again soon.

Entry: 50 Dirhams Opening times: 9 am to 5 pm

Koutoubia Mosque (= Kutubiyya Mosque)

The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and the symbol of the city . Its impressive 77 meter high minaret is visible from many places in the city and is a good point of orientation. The mosque dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest in the country.

The downer: The Koutoubia mosque can only be visited by Muslims. Other believers are denied access. Even though we could only admire the mosque from the outside, it was still quite a highlight.

Majorelle Gardens (Jardin Majorelle)

The Jardin Majorelle is one of the most visited attractions in Marrakech and is highly praised in many travel guides. This botanical garden was once bought by the French artist Yves Saint Laurent and extensively redesigned in several stages.

The color scheme is rather strange: cobalt blue and yellow are predominant. In the midst of huge cacti and palm trees, cobalt blue and yellow elements such as pavilions or benches flash out.

The Jardin Majorelle is an oasis away from the hectic medina of Marrakech. But we have to be honest: personally, the garden didn’t impress us as much as we were expecting. Although we did find it a little overrated, the Jardin Majorelle is of course still worth a visit.

In addition to the Jardin Majorelle itself, you can also visit the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum . We generally recommend that you avoid lunch time, because there is usually a lot going on at that time. It is not uncommon to have to queue at the entrance for a really long time.

Admission: 100 Dirhams (Jardin Majorelle only), 220 Dirhams (combined ticket for Jardin Majorelle, Berber Museum and Yves Saint Laurent Museum) Jardin Majorelle opening times: May to September from 8 am to 6 pm, October to April from 8 am to 5:30 pm, during Ramadan from 9 am to 4:30 pm

Anima: André Heller garden

One of the newest sights in Marrakech is André Heller’s garden called Anima. The garden is by no means as crowded as the Jardin Majorelle, but it is made a lot more impressive and complex.

What awaits you here? A three hectare (!) Large garden that combines wonderfully lush vegetation with art . You are surprised as you peer around every corner and there are so many botanical and artistic details that you can never pay attention to everything during a visit.

The Anima Garden is located a few kilometers outside the center of Marrakech. There is a free shuttle that runs about three times a day. Departure is from the parking lot behind the Koutoubia mosque (Parking + Lavage La Koutoubia). The journey takes about 40 minutes.

You should take enough time for your visit. You can stroll for several hours without any problems and you will always discover something new. There is also a nice café on the site, Café Paul Bowles , which is perfect for a break.

Entry: 120 Dirhams Opening times: 9 am to 6 pm

La Maison de la Photographie

The Maison de la Photographie is a photo museum that shows historical photographs from Morocco . The museum is housed in a beautifully renovated riad and is therefore worth visiting.

If you are interested in photography, we can warmly recommend a visit to this museum. We personally really enjoyed the Maison de la Photographie. It is a small oasis away from the lively medina.

Our tip: The pinnacle of the visit is waiting for you on the roof terrace of the museum. There is a small restaurant with a wonderful view – be sure to drop by!

Entry: 50 Dirhams Opening times: 9:30 am to 7 pm

Marrakech has an incredible variety of restaurants and cafes. There are simple, inexpensive street restaurants as well as hip, international trendy restaurants with fusion cuisine.

You shouldn’t miss two specialties in Morocco. First of all, there is fresh mint tea . This is drunk on almost every occasion in Morocco and is characterized by the fact that it is very sweetened. And the second specialty would be Tajine , a braised vegetable and meat dish that is prepared in the clay pot of the same name and is often served with couscous.

Tajine is often available as a vegetarian version, but unfortunately this is often the only meatless dish in traditional restaurants. If you have a vegetarian or vegan diet, we recommend the HappyCow app when searching for a restaurant.

Tips for restaurants and cafes in Marrakech

Nomad: trendy place with a beautiful roof terrace from which you can see the Atlas Mountains. Creative Moroccan dishes are on the menu.

M Rooftop: Very nice, young rooftop restaurant with a view of the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque. Traditional dishes with a modern touch are served at a very high level. Highly recommended!

Café Clock: Young, artistically inspired restaurant with good cuisine. Moroccan dishes are served.

The accommodations in Marrakech (and generally in all of Morocco) are to die for. If possible, we would recommend staying in a riad. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses with a beautiful courtyard. We stayed in two very different accommodations in Marrakech, both of which we highly recommend.

Tip for boutique riad: Riad dar Karma

The Riad dar Karma is a beautiful boutique riad located in a hidden alley in the center of Marrakech. From the outside you cannot imagine what kind of an oasis awaits you behind the gates.

You spend the night here in traditional and very tasteful rooms. There are only six rooms or suites in total, which is why the Riad dar Karma has a very personal, pleasant atmosphere. There is a small pool in one of the two courtyards. The highlight, however, is on the roof: the roof terrace is literally a dream. In good weather, breakfast is served here every day. There is no better way to start the day.

The Riad dar Karma is located in the so-called Kasbah district , which is about a 20-minute walk from Djemaa el Fna. The advantage: It is comparatively quiet in the Kasbah district, but you are pretty central and you can reach all sights on foot.

You can book the riad here: Riad dar Karma

Tip for luxury hotel: La Sultana Marrakech

Would you like to treat yourself to a little luxury ? Then we can recommend La Sultana Marrakech. We stayed here for one night. A palace-like, stately hotel with a unique flair awaits you here. There are 28 rooms, but over 100 employees – that actually says it all.

Breakfast is terrific and the spa is in a class of its own. The indoor pool is a dream of 1001 nights and rightly the most photographed motif in the whole hotel. Another highlight is the roof terrace, from which you can enjoy a wonderful view.

If you could find a fault in anything, it would be the location of some rooms on the ground floor, which get very little light entering the room. Nonetheless: a unique, highly recommended hotel.

You can book the hotel here: La Sultana Marrakech

Local transport: How do I get from A to B in Marrakech?

Most of the sights in the center of Marrakech can be easily reached on foot : The Djemaa el Fna, the souks, the Koutoubia mosque and the Ben Youssef Madrasa, for example, are all within walking distance. In addition, the alleys in the medina are sometimes so narrow that you cannot even get in with a car.

However, some distances (for example to the Jardin Majorelle) are too far to walk – or of course you are just too tired at some point. Then we recommend a so-called petit taxi.

Taxis in Marrakech

There are Grands Taxis (i.e. large) and Petits Taxis (i.e. small) in many cities in Morocco. Petits taxis are more for inner-city transportation. They are so small that they can drive in very narrow streets.

A petit taxi ride in Marrakech costs around 30 Dirhams . There should actually be a taximeter in every taxi, but the driver will almost certainly try to convince you that it doesn’t work. Arguing often makes little sense, so it’s best to set a fixed price. If the price seems clearly excessive (50 Dirhams or more are often asked for), just ask the next taxi driver.

From the airport to the city

The easiest way to get to the hotel from the airport is by taxi. You can take both a petit and a grand taxi for this. Be sure to set the price in advance! The trip should not cost more than 150 Dirhams – best case you are bartering down from there.

Travel Guide to Marrakech

Option 1: complete travel guide for morocco.

If your trip not only takes you to Marrakech, but also to other parts of Morocco, we can highly recommend the Rough Guide travel guide. Rough Guide travel guides are well-known by the fact that they are fairly detailed and very well researched.

The new edition of the Morocco travel guide by Rough Guide was published in 2019 and is therefore quite up to date. Our conclusion: perfect for all individual travelers!

You can buy the guide here: The Rough Guide Morocco

Option 2: Travel Guide to Marrakech

If you only travel to Marrakech, an entire Morocco travel guide makes no sense. In this case we recommend the Lonely Planet Pocket travel guide. This guide is rather compact, but sufficient for a city trip to Marrakech. We really like the clear design of this travel guide series.

You can buy the guide here: Lonely Planet Marrakech

Security in Marrakech

We have to honestly admit: In Marrakech we felt the most uncomfortable of all places in Morocco. Fortunately, nothing happened to us, but the narrow streets of the medina were really not a place to relax, especially at night.

As already described in the introduction to this blog article, some of the men are very pushy. Poverty is also a big issue in Morocco. Pickpocketing is just a norm. We therefore strongly recommend that you carry your valuables as close to your body as possible instead of simply hanging them loosely around your shoulders.

Would we still go back to Marrakech? For sure! Would we recommend women traveling alone to Marrakech? On condition, to be honest. But we wouldn’t specifically advise against it either. At any rate, we would only avoid the medina at night.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

We were invited by La Sultana Marrakech for one night – thank you very much! This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, then we will receive a small commission. This will not change the prices for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you ever been to Marrakech? How did you like it? Are you perhaps one of those who were rather disappointed? Maybe you have other recommendations? We look forward to reading your comments with any extra tips!

You might also be interested in this

Morocco Travel Guide: How to prepare and plan your Trip

Fez Travel Guide: Best Sights and Tips for the Oldest Medina in Morocco

Casablanca Travel Guide: How to Spend the Perfect Day

2 responses.

We are traveling to Marrakech in November and your travel guide has been very useful, thank you.

Hello Ann, Thank you so much – really appreciated! :) Safe travels Kathi & Romeo

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My Top 23 Essential Marrakesh Travel Tips (You Can Thank Me Later)

Marrakech is a fabulous city, full of intrigue and wonder, but it is chaotic and can be intimidating when you visit for the first time, or maybe even the second or third time.

Morocco’s Red City is a different world, so having an idea on what to expect, where to go, what to do, how to dress, how to get around and how to handle the medina is great to have in the back of your mind before you even arrive so that you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

My Top Tips for Marrakesh

Take a tour with marrakech by locals.

Saeed of Marrakech By Locals was a great guide, full of knowledge and very engaging. He gave us a potted history of the city as well as lots of useful tips for visiting Marrakech and we went to lots of places we would never have found on our own.

He’s very strict, absolutely NO SHOPPING! Which personally I think is a great rule as it’s really annoying waiting around for other people to shop, especially in a city like Marrakech.

2024 UPDATE: It doesn’t look like he is doing tours any more, however there is another company called Marrakech WITH Locals who do free walking tours and gets good ratings on Tripadvisor.

But you will see lots of cool stuff that you will want to buy so just take note of where you are so that you can go back. I did this by taking screenshots on my phone and writing in my notes, but I’m sure there’s probably a more high tech way to do it!

I’d highly recommend doing this tour on your first day so that it helps you get your bearings and know where to go, where to shop and where to eat.

Wear Comfy Shoes 

You are going to do a lot of walking in Marrakech, so make sure your shoes are comfy as can be. On Saeed’s tour alone, I think we walked around 6 miles, so a pair of comfy pumps or sandals are a must.

How to Find Your Way Around the Medina

Finding your way around the medina (old walled city) can be tricky, but taking a tour near the beginning of your stay definitely helps.

By day, you can ask the way, but by night when everything has closed and there are very few people about, it becomes a little more difficult to navigate.

As you walk from your riad or hotel to Jemaa el Fna (the main square) for the first time, take note of a few landmarks that will help you find your way home, your breadcrumbs, if you will. But just be aware, that just like in Hansel and Gretel, the breadcrumbs can disappear, as by night the shops all close and get boarded up and you can’t tell them apart. So make sure your markers are fixed and that they won’t change when night falls.

As you enter the square, remember which cafes or restaurants are on each side of the street you come out of. That way you’re at least heading in the right direction when you go home.

I would maybe just avoid walking home too late at night.

It may also be helpful to buy a local SIM (I’m with Maroc Telecom) as the signal is pretty good all over Morocco, even in the mountains (the only place it wasn’t great was in the Sahara) and I was able to find my way around the city using Google Maps just fine. If you don’t have an unlocked phone, download MAPS.ME or a similar app.

For those staying outside the medina, you can get taxis from near Koutoubia Mosque or Bahia Palace.

How to Find Your Way Around the Souk

Saeed told us that the souk (market in the medina where you can buy anything and everything) is like a fishbone, with one main spine running through it. From this main street, you can pretty much find your way to all the other parts of the market and just keep coming back to the main street. But I do also think there’s something fabulous about just wandering aimlessly and seeing where you end up.

There are parts of the souk that specialise in specific products and you can actually see some of the products being made there, including shoes, rugs, lanterns, and leather goods, whereas a lot of shops on the main stretches sell more of a mix. If your bargaining skills are good, you should definitely head to where they make the items as you may get a good deal as this is where the other traders buy from.

If you get lost, don’t panic. As someone once told me “that is the charm of the city, to always be lost” and it’s not that big, so you will eventually find your way out and all you need to do to get your bearings is head back towards Jemaa-el-Fna.

But again, Google Maps works pretty well in the souk too!

Shopkeepers Are Your Friends

If you want some help navigating, the best people to ask are shopkeepers or those that are working in the souk. They will point you in the right direction usually without wanting anything in return and they also can’t leave their shops.

I always try to walk with purpose and try not to look lost, even when I am. That way someone is less likely to try and take advantage of my situation.

Generally, people in Morocco are very lovely and helpful, but it has been known for some (especially in the cities) to come up to you and offer to show you the way and either take you somewhere else (their friend’s shop) or turnaround and ask you for money, however, I believe the government has clamped down on this anyway (I think it’s actually illegal now- but don’t quote me on that). We did get a few people offering to show us where to go, but none asked for money, although a couple did the first time I was there a few years ago.

Build-in Time for Shopping & Leave Room in Your Suitcase

If you hadn’t worked it out, Marrakech is a shoppers paradise, so build in some time for shopping. Then you’re going to need to leave a bit of room in your suitcase to fit all your souvenirs in and lots of cash to buy them with.

I wasn’t going to buy anything this time and my backpack was full when I left home, however, somehow, I came back with a jumpsuit, 7 scarves (yes 7), a pair of earrings, a bracelet, a pair of shoes, a painting and an all in one kaftan thing that makes me look like Jasmine from Aladdin and that was me bring restrained.

My friend came back with even more stuff, including a rug, a wooden camel, jewellery, some wooden boxes, a game, a bag, ceramics…

Bargain Hard

Haggling is a national sport in Morocco and I don’t want to say that everyone is trying to rip you off, but most will give it a good go. If they did it at the Olympics, the Moroccans would win every time. It’s in their blood.

A lot of shops sell the same stuff, so you can definitely get a good price if you shop around and aren’t too hasty in your purchases. I bought a pair of shoes (they were similar to the sky blue ones above) for 180 dirhams bringing the guy down from his initial 250. He was a little old man so I figured he wasn’t ripping me off.

Later on, I saw a very similar pair of shoes in another shop. When I asked the price, the guy said 100 dirhams. So the little old fella had definitely seen me coming!

My main rules of haggling:

• Go in with a sense of humour and a smile. Moroccans have an excellent sense of humour, so have a bit of banter with the shopkeepers. It can be really fun.
• Look disinterested. Whilst I was waiting for my friend outside a shop the other day, a guy tried to sell me a bag. I’d actually seen it a few days earlier and quite liked it, but I knew I couldn’t get it home with my luggage restrictions and on closer inspection, it looked a bit dirty. I kept saying no, no, no. He started his price at 700 dirhams, he thought I was driving a hard bargain, but I actually just didn’t want to pay the excess baggage fee and wasn’t so keen anymore, so he kept dropping his price and eventually was saying 250 dirhams. He dropped his price by 550 dirhams, that’s £42 or $60. If this guy came down that much, just think how much he was trying to rip me off in the first place.
• Walk away if you need to, just to emphasise your disinterest.
• Go in with a price in your head that you are happy with. When the salesperson gives you their price, drop it right down, to maybe a third of the price or less if you’re feeling feisty. They say 800, you say 200, meet somewhere in the middle that you are happy with. They’ll never sell for less than it’s worth so don’t feel bad about starting low (see number 2).
• Be firm. Sometimes I just keep repeating the price I want to pay until they give in.
• Don’t let anyone bully you into buying something you don’t want. I cannot even tell you how many times I used to get home and be like ‘why did I buy that?’ – but I’m much better at saying these days!
• Check it’s real. Before you buy anything and pay a lot for it, check it’s authenticity. If they say it’s real leather, drop some water on it . If they say it’s a rug made from wool, take a lighter to it (real wool won’t light). If they say it’s real silver, check for the stamp or test it with a magnet (real silver is not magnetic). Not always easy (I mean who carries a magnet round with them?), but just don’t always believe everything the sellers tell you.

Play the Happy Imbecile (if you need to)

As you walk through the markets, lots of people will call you and try to get you to go into their shop, buy their stuff, drink their orange juice and they can be persistent. So I just smile, wave, and carry on wandering, looking around smiling like an idiot so they think that I’m in my own little world.

As I walk away I’ll often hear ‘miss, miss, excuse me, hello miss’ and I just keep on walking. That way I don’t appear rude, just a bit stupid.

This is one of my favourite tricks, which I have been doing for years, however, a Dutch guy I met in Mozambique hit the nail on the head with this description. This was his tactic for avoiding the notoriously corrupt Mozambican police. As they tried to flag him down, he would wave and smile like a maniac and just keep on driving.

Learn the Word “Inshallah”

A favourite phrase of mine in ‘Inshallah’ which means ‘God willing’ in Arabic. It’s used commonly in Morocco, for when you hope to see someone again, or if you’re hoping something good will happen.

People also use it in the context of time, as in the same way the Spanish use ‘manyana’. Morocco is in Africa, so it’s not immune to good old ‘African time’, you get there when you get there at an unspecified time in the future, ‘Inshallah’.

Although nowadays, a lot of people use it to get out of situations that they don’t want to be in. For example:

A shopkeeper says ‘Come in and see my shop, just look, not buy’ (you will hear this a lot) and you really don’t want to, you say ‘Inshallah’ with a smile and keep on walking. Probably not the right use for the word, maybe you will go back to that shop, maybe you won’t but when you say it, the shopkeepers generally find it funny and understand you’re not in the mood right now.

Pronounce it ‘In-SHA-LAH’ with the emphasis on the ‘sha’ and the ‘lah’.

Advice on Getting Taxis

When you need to get a taxi, always ask a local (maybe the people who work at your hotel) how much a taxi will be from A to B.  They can usually give you an approximate price so you know what you are working with.

Just be aware that when you go to get your taxi, the taxi drivers will always quote you a higher price – tourist price.

There is some negotiation, but some will just walk away if you don’t give them what they ask for. There are usually a few taxis around though, so you can just move on to the next, but very rarely will they go down to the price that it actually probably should be, so you just need to find a price that works for you both, without you getting totally ripped off. This is how my conversation went earlier today:

Me: How much is a taxi to the bus station? (The owner of my riad told me it should be about 50 dirhams)

Taxi Driver: 70 dirhams.

Taxi Driver: 60

Taxi Driver: Ok 50.

So just be firm. If you find a good taxi driver, who gives you a fair price the first time, take his number and please send it to me.

Taking Photographs

General street scenes are fine, but if you take pictures of a specific person or someone’s stall without asking they may get offended or ask for money.

If you want to take photos of the street performers (musicians, snake charmers, or the guys in traditional costume in the square, etc), you will need to pay for the privilege. They sometimes tell you to take a photo and then demand money after, so just be aware that this may happen and try to agree on the price before if you really want that photo.

When you’re watching the busier performances in the square it’s usually fine and you won’t need to pay (maybe give a tip if you feel like it), but if you want a posed photo, then be prepared to cough up.

12. Avoid the Men with the Monkeys & Snakes in Jemaa el Fna

Speaking of the guys with the monkeys…

One of the things I don’t like about Marrakech is the men in Jemaa el Fna (the main square) with the chained up monkeys and the Snake Charmers. They like to get you to take pictures with the animals for money. It’s cruel (they often mistreat the animals) and the men can be aggressive.

I was walking through the square when one of the monkey guys came towards me, trying to get me to touch his monkey (this is not a euphemism) and I kind of ducked out of his way “What, you don’t like monkeys?” He said. “No, I don’t like the fact that you have chained the monkey up.” His response? Shouting “You are ugly as fuck!” in my face. As I walked away he shouted “Nice ass.” 

I just ignored it. Do I wish I’d said something, maybe? But would it have achieved anything? Probably not.

But it’s ok, I go to sleep happy in the knowledge that I travel the world for a living and he is an asshole that walks around a square all day chained to a monkey.

Dealing With Male Harassment

I’ve heard stories of women being catcalled or even having stones thrown at them in Morocco, but I hadn’t personally had any real negativity or harassment thrown my way until the dude with the monkey.

I get the odd “beautiful” or “hey Shakira” but I just give them a polite yet tight-lipped smile and keep on walking so as not to encourage that behaviour. I often pretend that I haven’t heard, or I just raise my eyebrows, roll my eyes, and give a wry smile and just keep on going.

This time I was there I had a guy whisper ‘sex’ into my ear as he walked past me at night and another creepy guy tapped his lips as if to say ‘give me a kiss’ when he was showing us where they dye the materials to make the rugs. He then kept following us around and trying to get us up to a rooftop restaurant to see the ‘views’. We quickly made our excuses and left.

I find the best way to deal with this kind of behaviour is just to not rise to it. Keeping relatively covered up and wearing a wedding ring also helps.

If you are alone, do not let anyone show you a ‘secret’ place and don’t walk alone late at night in the quieter parts of the medina.

Bring a European Plug Adapter

Take a Food Tour with Marrakech Food Tours

I honestly can’t rate this tour highly enough and it’s definitely one of my top Marrakech tips!

Run by Amanda, the blogger behind Maroc Mama and her husband Youssef (who was our guide that night), Marrakech Food Tours is a great way to get an insight into Marrakech (and Morocco) through the heart of the city – the food, the souks, and the people.

Again, they will take you to local places that you would never find on your own and you’ll get to try all kinds of different Moroccan dishes, including sheep’s head (you get a sticker if you eat the eyeball – I passed on that one) and THE BEST couscous I’ve ever tasted.

Book in advance as the tours fill up pretty quickly and I’d say not to do this tour on the same day as you do Saeed’s tour as you will be exhausted.

If you can’t book onto Amanda’s tour, you could try this tour which also gets rave reviews.

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

The tap water in Morocco is not known for being particularly drinkable, so it’s probably best to avoid it, especially if you are prone to a dodgy tummy every now and again.

I am one of those people who brushes their teeth with the water, with the thought in mind that I’m building up my immunity, but I definitely wouldn’t encourage anyone else to do it!

Bring a LifeStraw bottle (or similar) with you and then you don’t have to keep buying bottles of water.

Where to Find Alcohol in Marrakech

So many people asked me about where they could find alcohol in the Marrakech medina because only a few bars and restaurants sell it and those that do, tend to be quite expensive.

The nightlife in the medina is pretty chilled, but the places that I know do sell alcohol are Cafe Arabe, Dar Anika, the Piano Bar at Les Jardins De La Koutoubia, Le Tanjia, Le Salama, Kosybar and the Churchill Bar at La Mamounia (just outside the medina).

But if you want more lively nightlife (and alcohol) head to the modern parts of the city, Gueliz, and Hivernage, which are a short taxi ride away from Jemaa-el-Fna. A taxi should probably only be about 30 – 50 dirhams, but you’ll likely be charged around 80 dirhams one way.

Bigger supermarkets like Carrefour and some riads also sell alcohol.

Keep an Eye on Your Belongings

The medina, souks and Jemaa el Fna are all very busy and therefore it’s an ideal place for pickpockets to lurk.

Keep your wallet and phone safe within your bag or about your person and if you have a bag, keep it zipped and close to you.

Skip Jardin Majorelle

Some people are bound to disagree with me on this, however, I honestly think Jardin Majorelle is one of the most over-hyped, boring tourist attractions I have ever visited. It might be ok if you’re a big fan of Yves Saint Laurent or really into art deco design, but even then, I’d say it wasn’t that great compared to other places you can visit in Marrakech.

I do love a garden, but there are others that I much prefer to Jardin Majorelle. It’s also usually pretty busy so you need to go early to avoid the crowds.

However they have now opened the Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door, so if you combine the two, it’s probably much better. I like the look of Anima Garden instead, but I haven’t been there yet!

Swat up on Your French, Arabic or Berber

A lot of people can speak English, but knowing a little bit of French is useful, especially in restaurants, as most of the menus are in French and a lot of people speak it.

The two official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) and even if you don’t speak a lot, attempting a few words will always go down well. The most important probably being thank you, which is ‘shukraan’ (I’ve seen it spelled various ways) in Arabic and ‘sahit’ in Berber. And of course the best word in Arabic… ‘Inshallah’.

Always Make Time for Tea

When you’ve had enough of the madness of the medina, head indoors to a nice riad courtyard or a rooftop terrace to partake in one of Morocco’s favourite pastimes – drinking traditional mint tea. It’s delicious!

You can get mint tea almost anywhere, but we had a lovely pot at Riad Yima , which is an art gallery, shop, and tea room all in one.

Dress Appropriately

Marrakech is pretty conservative and the local women are usually very covered up especially in the medina, however, it is a cosmopolitan city and they are used to tourists, so you don’t have to go to extremes.

Keeping knees and cleavage covered is definitely a good idea, so no shorts or short skirts or plunging tops, if just to avoid any unwanted attention if nothing else. I generally prefer to keep my shoulders relatively covered out of respect for the local culture, but I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable if they weren’t. Saying that I usually carry a scarf with me at all times – you can easily buy them in Morocco if you don’t have any at home.

You’ll also need to take note of the weather too. If you go in the summer months, Marrakech gets very hot, so breathable, lightweight clothing is good. Marrakech can also get cold and wet at certain times of the year, so take something warm and/or waterproof with you. I was just there in April and it was freezing and raining.

When it rains in Marrakech the souks become very waterlogged as the drainage system isn’t great, so you may want to take some closed-toe shoes that will withstand a little bit of water.

Just Let Marrakech Happen

One of my best tips for Marrakech is to just go with the flow. It’s good to have a bit of a plan for Marrakech and some things do book up in advance (good restaurants/food tour etc) but you should leave a bit of time to just let Marrakech happen, to wander, to get a bit lost, let the chaos unfold around you and to just to sit and people watch for a while.

I hope this helps you get prepared for your trip to Marrakech!

Other Morocco posts you might enjoy…

• The Perfect 2-Week Morocco Itinerary
• Surfing in Morocco – The Complete Tagazout Travel Guide
• The Charm of Marrakesh
• Highlights of the Rock My Morocco Adventure
• 16 of Africa’s Most Incredible Hiking Destinations
• Morocco – Yoga, Surf Sleep, Repeat
• Camping Under the Stars in the Sahara Desert, Morocco

I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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24 Comments

I was in Marrakech last month, and I heartily agree with all of Helen’s advice (except skipping the Jardin Majorelle, but then I’m really into gardens). Here are a few little doodads by way of addition. My Parisian French helped quite a bit, but be aware that Moroccan Arabic is its own creature and Egyptian or Gulf Arabic will be of limited utility. A pleasant surprise for me in Marrakech is that the ice cream is quite good. If you’re into architecture and decorative arts, I recommend the Marrakech Museum (next to the Merdersa Ben Yousef). The building is the star attraction there. In most ‘restored’ historic buildings, the marvelous, ornate plaster and stucco work is restored structurally, but it is left white. At the Marrakech Museum, that decorative work is restored to its polychrome glory.

Thanks Tom! Great tips! 🙂

Great list! I wish I had seen this before I went… My husband and I had a bit of a confrontation with the snake guys in the square our first day (he gave them $20 to end it, smh) and also had a guy in Essaouira try to take us to his friend’s restaurant and then demand money. We refused, and he popped up in 3 different places around the city shouting that the Americans owed him money. Those are definitely two very real things to try to avoid.

However, I LOVED the Maroc Mama food tour- so delicious! It was definitely the best thing we did in Marrakech and the street vendors were much less aggressive when we were with Youssef. And the shopping was unreal!

Yeah, the snake and monkey guys are just horrible people who can become aggressive very quickly – best avoided. and wow, the guy in Essaouira sounds really persistent. I’m really on my guard now when anyone offers to show me the way, I always refuse but some people just genuinely want to help. Then I feel bad I was so adamant! 🙂

I haven’t been to Marrakech but seeing your photo it looks like the place has a lot of fun and lively colors from shops to cafes. I would definitely like to visit the country soon but for now I will add it to my “must travel places” on my bucket list.

It’s amazing!!! 🙂

It is absolutely beautiful. The culture looks like my local swap shop. I haven’t been yet but I would love to go just to try their food and shop haha! We might go to Marrakech this summer If we have enough saved up but the tickets are super expensive $1100+.

Ow wow, that’s expensive! Marrakech itself is pretty reasonable though – except to eat and drink in fancy restaurants! 🙂

Such a detailed post full of useful tips. I really want to go to Marrakech but am a bit nervous about going there alone. Thanks for sharing these advice. Just what I was looking for!

Thank you! Honestly, don’t be scared, it’s a great place to travel, just keep your wits about you.

Thanks for sharing all of these. Totally agree with all your tips! We loved Marrakech and didn’t encounter any problems like I heard so many others unfortunately did. Like you, we always walk with purpose and look like we know where we are going even if we are slightly lost. The men that try to “guide” you were a pain but we were able to mostly avoid them. Definitely agree with wearing comfy shoes and bargaining hard!

Very informative post and enjoyable to read! I’m thinking about taking a trip to Morocco towards the end of the year so I’ve saved this post. Thank you for writing it 🙂

Thanks Sandy! Hope you have an amazing time!

So helpful! Thank you so much! You sure had me in stitches with the monkey man!!!

Ha ha, no worries! 🙂 Hope you are well!!!

Your post is so useuful and I love it. Marrakech is on my bucket list for one year now and I can’t wait to see it.

Wow, first of all, thanks so much for this lovely article with these colorful pictures. I really like it. I’m definitely going to try some of these tips for my next trip.

Such an amazing post.

Thanks for sharing wonderful tips with us. I really loved your post.

Keep Sharing…!!!!

Amazing list Helen, Loved it.

Great Post Helen

I love the pictures . Very nice article . Also taking Moroccan cooking class is a good experience as well as trying the Moroccan Hammam (spa).

Excellent blog post, and thank you for sharing some very helpful thoughts!!! Best of luck with your travels.

What a great article! Marrakech is such a great place but I definitely wish I did more research before I went! Thanks for all the info!

I have been to Marrakesh before, long ago, and am about to visit with my partner and our 5 year old girl. This blog is by far the best of of all the travel tips I have seen, all very wise. It seems like the place has calmed down a little since I was last there 10 years’ ago so am a little less nervous about launching into the souks with my little girl in tow!

Vive l’adventure!

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Marrakesh Travel Guide

TripSavvy / Chris VR 

Situated at the foot of the Atlas mountains, the imperial city of Marrakesh is large, noisy, polluted and smelly. But Marrakesh is also fascinating, full of history, the cultural center of Morocco and beautiful. If you enjoy a daily assault on all your senses then you'll have a lot of fun. When the most popular sights include numerous references to "tranquility" and "peace" like the Majorelle gardens or the gardens around the Saadian Tombs you know you're in for an interesting experience. If you find it a little overwhelming then get an official guide to take you around.

There are so many things to see, you should spend at least 3 days in Marrakesh. If you can afford it, treat yourself to a stay in a Riad so when you return from a hectic day amidst carpet salesman, fire jugglers and noisy souqs, you can relax and have a cup of mint tea in a nice quiet courtyard.

This guide to Marrakesh will help you figure out the best time to go; the best sights to see; how to get to Marrakesh and how to get around; and where to stay.

When to Go to Marrakesh

It is best to try and avoid the summer heat and crowds and visit Marrakesh in the cooler months between September and May. But, some annual events take place in summer which you may not want to miss.

• Marrakesh Popular Arts Festival in July. This annual festival attracts folk singers, dancers, fortune-tellers, acting troupes, snake charmers, fire-swallowers and more, from all over Morocco. Since 2000 the festival has also attracted many artists and entertainers from Europe and Asia. The main events take place in the ruins of the 16 century Badi Palace and the Djemma el Fna (main town square - see below).
• Fantasia is a horse-riding spectacle that includes hundreds of charging horsemen (and women) wearing traditional clothing. It's part of the Popular Arts Festival so it takes place at the same time in July. You can experience the Fantasia in the evenings outside the city walls near the Bab Jdid. If you don't get to see it in July, there's a restaurant that offers the Fantasia as entertainment while you dine, the Chez Ali . Up-market and touristy but I'm sure you won't forget the experience in a hurry.
• Imilchil Marriage Feast is a Berber marriage festival where up to forty couples tie the knot. It takes place in Imilchil in the Middle-High Atlas Mountains near Marrakesh. The festival is a great way to experience Berber culture including music and dance. The event takes place after harvest every year so the dates vary, it's usually held late August or early September.

Winter in Marrakech From mid-January to mid-February there is usually enough snowfall in the Atlas mountains to accommodate skiers . The Oukaimden ski resort is less than 50 miles away from Marrakech. There are several ski lifts and if they don't work you can always take a donkey up the slopes. If there's not enough snow the views are always spectacular and it's still worth the trip.

What to See in Marrakech

Djemma el Fna The Djemma el Fna is really the heart of Marrakech. It is a large central square in the old city (Medina) and during the day it's a perfect place to grab a freshly-squeezed orange juice and a handful of dates. At the end of the afternoon, the Djemma el Fna transforms into an entertainers paradise -- if you're into snake charming, juggling, music and that sort of thing. Snack stalls are replaced with stalls offering more substantial fare and the square comes alive with entertainment that hasn't changed much since medieval times.

The Djemma el Fna is surrounded by cafe's overlooking the square so you can just relax and watch the world go by if you're tired of jostling the crowds below. Be prepared to be asked for money when you take photos of the performers and stop to watch the entertainment.

Souqs The souqs are basically undercover markets that sell everything from chickens to high-quality crafts. The souqs of Marrakech are considered to be among the best in Morocco, so if you like  shopping and bargaining  you'll enjoy yourself tremendously. Even if you don't like shopping, the souqs are a cultural experience you wouldn't want to miss. Souqs are divided into small areas that specialize in a certain good or trade. The metal workers all have their little shops clustered together, as do the tailors, butchers, jewelers, wool dyers, spice merchants, carpet salesmen and so on.

The souqs are situated north of the Djemma el Fna and finding your way around the narrow alleyways can be a bit tricky. Guides are plentiful in Marrakech, so you can always use those services, but getting lost in the chaos is also part of the fun. It's often more interesting to peek into souqs where local wares are being produced than to be taken to yet another carpet shop by your guide. If you get lost, just ask for directions back to the Djemma el Fna.

Majorelle Gardens and the Museum of Islamic Art In the 1920's, French artists Jacques and Louis Majorelle created a stunning garden in the middle of Marrakech's new town. The Majorelle gardens are filled with color, plants of all shapes and sizes, flowers, fish ponds and perhaps the most pleasing aspect, tranquility. The designer Yves Saint Laurent now owns the gardens and has also built himself a house on the property. The building that gets most of the attention, however, is the bright blue and yellow building the Marjorelles used as their studio and which now houses the  Museum of Islamic Art . This small museum includes some good examples of Moroccan tribal art, carpets, jeweler, and pottery. The gardens and museum are  open daily  with a 2-hour lunch break from 12-2pm.

Saadian Tombs The Saadian dynasty ruled much of southern Morocco during the 16th and 17th centuries. Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour created these tombs for himself and his family in the late 16th century, 66 of them are buried here. The tombs were sealed up rather than destroyed in the 17th century and were only re-discovered in 1917. Consequently, they are beautifully preserved and the intricate mosaic is stunning. Despite being situated in the heart of the somewhat hectic old town (medina) the tombs are surrounded by a nice peaceful garden. The tombs are open daily except for Tuesday. It's advisable to get there early and avoid the tour groups.

The Ramparts of Marrakech The walls of the Medina have been standing since the 13th century and make for a wonderful early morning stroll. Each gate is a work of art in themselves and the walls run for twelve miles. The Bab ed-Debbagh gate is the entry point for the  tanneries  and provides an excellent photo opportunity full of vivid colors from the dyes used. It is a little smelly though.

Palais Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts) A palace and museum in one and well worth a visit. The palace is opulent and beautiful in itself with a lovely courtyard where you can relax and take some pictures. The museum's displays are well laid out and include jewelry, costumes, ceramics, daggers and other artifacts. The museum is open daily with a couple of hours break for lunch.

Ali ben Youssef Medersa and Mosque The Medersa was built in the 16th century by the Saadians and could house up to 900 religious students. The architecture is beautifully preserved and you can explore the tiny rooms where the students used to live. The mosque is adjacent to the Medersa.

El Bahia Palace This palace is a wonderful example of the best of Moroccan architecture. There's lots of detail, arches, light, engravings and what's more, it was built as a harem's residence, which makes it even more interesting. The palace is open daily with a break for lunch although it is closed when the royal family visits.

Getting to Marrakech

By Air Marrakech has an international airport with direct scheduled flights coming in from London and Paris and many charter flights arriving from all over Europe. If you are flying from the US, Canada, Asia or elsewhere, you'll have to change planes in  Casablanca . The airport is only about 4 miles (15 minutes) from the city and buses, as well as taxis, operate throughout the day. You should set the taxi fare before you get in. The major car rental companies are represented at the airport.

By Train Trains  run regularly between Marrakech and Casablanca . The trip takes about 3 hours. If you want to go to Fez, Tangier or Meknes then you can take the train through Rabat (4 hours from Marrakech). There is also an  overnight train  between Tangier and Marrakech. It's best to take a taxi to the train station in Marrakech since it's quite far from the old town (if that's where you're staying).

By Bus There are three national bus companies that operate between Marrakech and most major towns and cities in Morocco. They are Supratours, CTM and SATAS. According to recent traveller accounts on VirtualTourist.com SATAS doesn't have a very good reputation. Long-distance buses are comfortable and usually air-conditioned. You can buy your tickets at the bus depot. Supratours buses are handy if you are travelling onward by train since they stop at the Marrakech train station. The other bus companies arrive and depart from the long distance bus station near Bab Doukkala, a 20-minute walk from Jema el-Fna.

Getting Around Marrakech

The best way to see Marrakech is on foot especially in the Medina. But it's a sizable town and you'll probably want to make use of some of the following options:

• Taxis  are readily available throughout town and probably the most efficient way of getting to the main sites.  Grand taxis  are old Mercedes cars that carry up to six people for a fixed fare. They usually keep to specific routes and you'll find them at the bus station, Djemaa el Fna and the main Post Office in Gueliz (new town).  Petit taxis  are a little more expensive but you get it to yourself and they'll take you anywhere you want to go. The meters aren't always used so either ask the driver to switch it on or bargain for your fare before you hop in. Ask your hotel staff what a reasonable fare is if you know where you're going. Petit taxis in Marrakech are usually beige and you can just flag them down.
• Caleche  is a horse-drawn carriage and a popular way to get around Marrakech. There are set prices for the more common routes, around the ramparts for example, but for other routes, you'll have to bargain with the driver. Set the price before you hop in. You can catch a Caleche in the garden square between the Koutoubia Mosque and Djemaa el Fna, El Badi Palace and the more expensive hotels.
• Buses  within the town are frequent and cheap but can get crowded. The central bus station, Place El Mouarabitene is just outside Bab Doukkala on the northwestern edge of the old city. You can pay the bus driver directly. The no 8 will take you to the train station; the no 10 to the central bus station and the no 1 travels between the Medina and Gueliz (new town). Most buses will stop at the Djemaa-el-Fna
• Moped or Bicycle  is also a popular way to get around Marrakech and you can cycle within the medina which is handy. Check out  Maroc deux Roues  to get an idea about rates.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Riads One of the most sought-after accommodations in Marrakech is a  Riad , a traditional Moroccan house situated in the Medina (old town). All riads have a central courtyard that will often have a fountain, restaurant or a pool. Some riads also have rooftop terraces where you can eat breakfast and look out over the city. A comprehensive list of riads in Marrakech including photos and prices can be found on the Riad Marrakech website . Riads are not all expensive, check out the  Maison Mnabha ,  Dar Mouassine  and the  Hotel Sherazade  where you can stay in style but pay less.

There are two Riads in Marrakech of note:

• La Maison Arabe ; a luxury riad in the heart of the Marrakech Medina. Famous for its restaurant it also offers 13 rooms overlooking two courtyards and a beautiful hammam (traditional Moroccan sauna). You can catch hourly shuttles to the hotel's cooking school (20 minutes away) with swimming pool and gardens. Check rates and reviews.
• Riad Kniza ; situated in the heart of Marrakech's Medina just a few minutes walk from the Djemma el Fna (the main square). This small, romantic, beautifully furnished traditional Riad has 7 rooms, two lounges, a courtyard and several patios. The owner is an antique dealer and extremely knowledgeable about Marrakech. The Riad Kniza comes very highly recommended with glowing  reviews  from all who stay here.

Hotels Marrakech has lots of  luxury hotels  available including the famous La Mamounia, featured in the  Sex and the City 2  movie and which Winston Churchill described as "the most beautiful place in the world". There are also several popular chain hotels like the  Le Meridien , and  Sofitel . These hotels are often housed in historic buildings and retain the Moroccan character and style. 

Budget hotels  are also plentiful and Bootsnall has a decent listing of affordable options. Since many of the smaller budget hotels won't have websites or online booking facilities you should get a good guidebook, like the Lonely Planet and follow their recommendations. Most budget accommodation is situated south of the Djemaa el Fna.

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270+ Best Morocco Instagram Captions & Quotes for Your Insta Adventures

If you’re looking for the perfect Morocco Instagram captions to accompany your photos from Morocco, look no further! We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Morocco Instagram captions, from inspirational quotes to funny one-liners. No matter what your style, we’ve got you covered.There’s something about Morocco that just begs to be photographed. Maybe it’s the stunning architecture, the vibrant colors, or the fascinating culture.From the vibrant markets of Marrakech to the serene landscapes of the Sahara, we’ve got you covered with the best Morocco Instagram captions. So go ahead and start snapping away!

Morocco Captions Instagram

• “A magical place doesn’t have to be far away. Sometimes, it’s right in front of you.”
• “To travel is to live.”
• For the nature lovers:
• “Not all those who wander are lost.”
• “In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand, there is the story of the earth.”
• For the history buffs.
• “The past is a foreign country; they do things differently there.
• “In every man, there is a desire to see the world.”
• “Morocco. The land of contrasts.”
• This is Morocco!
• A desert oasis of style. Explore the fashion of Morocco with us.
• “Morocco, as enchanting as she is mysterious”
• Morocco is always a good idea.
• Moroccans have perfected the art of the tea time and we’ve got all the details right here.
• “A world of beauty and culture awaits you in Morocco”
• Morocco is calling.
• Morocco is calling, who’s going to answer?
• When you’re ready to make your choice, come visit us in Morocco. * A place where you feel like you’re in a dream.
• Morocco – a land of contrasts and contradictions.
• Morocco – where I’ve come alive again.
• Morocco is a place to explore
• Morocco is an architectural gem
• Morocco is a country of architecture and people
• Morocco is a place for the adventurous

Catchy Morocco Instagram Captions

• Morocco is a country of beautiful landscapes
• A land of adventure. A land of mystery. A land of captivating beauty #Morocco
• Use this image to tell the world all about your adventures.
• It’s all about the details.
• Making a little magic on set.
• So much inspiration in one place.
• Where it’s always 5 o’clock somewhere.
• We’re ready for our summer vacation! #Morocco
• Explore and discover the beauty of Morocco.
• Always wanted to visit Morocco? Now is your chance.
• Morocco where I can finally wear my Moroccan rug as a shirt.
• the place where I can finally wear my Moroccan rug as a shirt.
• Come and visit #Morocco, it’s exotic and full of life.
• Would you like to come along?
• It’s time to visit Morocco.
• #Morocco is a country of contrasts, with the opportunity to experience both ancient and modern-day culture.
• The kingdom of adventure and mystery.
• I want to go to heaven, but I don’t want to die to get there.
• From the colorful architecture in Fes to the white-washed medinas of Marakesh.
• Morocco has so much to explore. Come see it all with our Morocco trip.

Morocco Travel Captions

• The most popular thing to do in Morocco is.
• The best trip I’ve ever taken.
• The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step, but it’s best not to step on any toes along the way.
• Certain magic to Morocco, in the air and within our hearts #Morocco
• Life is a journey, and Morroco is the destination.
• A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.
• Ride camels to work. Eat tagine for lunch. Siesta in the desert. Morocco #workhardplayhard
• It’s rare to meet someone who has seen all the world and yet is still in love with it.
• The place where the desert meets the sea.
• What are you doing here? This is a vacation from Instagram, from technology, from the noise.
• Morocco: Where the Sahara meets the sea.
• The beauty of Morocco is so big, that it’s almost overwhelming.
• On the ground in Morocco.
• Morocco, a land of contrasts.
• Explore the wonder of Morocco.
• We’re not lost, we’re exploring. #Morocco #MoroccanVibes
• Going over the edge, Morocco style.
• I’m on the lamb with my lamb.
• Baby, I’m gonna wear you out like lamb chops.
• It’s hotter than burnout in here.
• Morocco. The country that gave us couscous, tagines, and giant sunglasses.
• Morocco. Where the heat is relentless and the hospitality is unmatched.
• Explore the other side of Morocco
• From the colorful architecture in Fes to the white-washed medinas of Marakesh, Morocco has so much to explore. Come see it all with our Morocco trip.

Unique Morocco Instagram Captions

• The best trip I’ve ever taken
• Morocco Where the Sahara meets the sea.
• Morocco is a land of contrasts.
• We’re not lost, we’re exploring.

Cool Morocco Instagram Captions

• Seize the day with a view
• Morocco is calling. Let’s go.
• These are the things that dreams are made of.
• What happens in Marrakech stays in Marrakech.
• There’s a reason why they call it the ‘Land of the Thousand Kasbahs’.
• The ultimate guide to Morocco. All you need to know before your next trip.
• I found my heart in Marrakesh.
• I found my treasure in Marrakech.
• Our work has taken us to Morocco. #Morocco
• Morocco: a place that’s instantly recognizable by its unique mix of culture, history, and beauty.
• The ancient mosques, souks, and sun-baked plains of Morocco.
• A desert is a harsh place, but we found a way to stay cool.
• At the crossroads of Africa and Europe, Morocco is a travel adventure waiting to happen.
• The world is your oyster.
• Our wanderlust is taking us to the most exotic places in the world.
• Morocco. I like the cut of your job.
• Right now in Morocco, a camel is saying: “I just can’t even.”
• No red, no Marrakesh.
• Feeling the sand between your toes, a view like no other, and a nice cold beer.
• We’re not in Marrakesh anymore
• The sun sets in Morocco and it’s time to dance.

Cute Morocco Captions for Instagram

• The best thing about the unknown is that it can be one of two things: Either an opportunity or something really interesting to research.
• Walk the ancient streets and feel the energy of this magical city.
• The exotic lands of Morocco have never looked so beautiful.
• Some people dream of traveling to faraway lands. We dream of coming home to ours.
• Morocco. A country of contrasts.
• From the ancient cities of Morocco to the Sahara Desert – this is the real Morocco.
• You can’t go to Morocco without taking a photo like this one.
• The Moroccan sunset is truly magical.
• Fez Casbah Marrakesh Atlas Mountains Souks and Sunshine. Morocco, it’s time to get lost.
• If the medinas are calling you, just answer.
• Morocco: where I can’t decide whether to paint my nails red,  wear white jeans or black pants.
• A beautiful sky, a beautiful day, and a beautiful country.
• We’re in Morocco for the next 2 weeks so keep an eye out for our feed.
• Pack your bags and fly like a bird to exotic places this summer.
• Morocco, enchanting land of the red city #Morocco
• From the souks of Marrakech to the peaks of the Atlas Mountains. The Sahara is calling.
• Your new adventure begins here.
• Come visit us in Morocco!
• Morocco is a country with so much to explore. #Morocco

Funny Instagram Captions for Morocco

• A travel guide to the best of Morocco.
• Morocco is the heart of Africa.
• You know you’re in Morocco when you’re surrounded by exotic scents and beautiful mosaics.
• The only place for a tan.
• Nothing says vacation quite like Morocco.
• It’s all about embracing the culture.
• The beauty of Morocco is truly a sight to behold.
• The red desert of Morocco is a sight to behold.
• If a picture paints a thousand words, then you’ll need a million to describe the beauty of Morocco #morocco
• Traveling is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.
• Time to pour one out for good times.
• Morocco is calling your name. Let it in.
• Morocco captions are calling your name. Let them in.
• Morocco captions just for you.
• Morocco, you’ve been a treat.
• Morocco, I could get used to this.
• Feels like I’m in a movie.
• The #moroccotrip is a postcard from another world.
• There is no place like Morocco!
• Morocco. The Sahara Desert.
• I’ll take you to Morocco, I really will.
• I’ve got my Morocco. I’m living my Morocco. So far, so good.

Moroccan Instagram Captions

• We salute you, Morocco. Cheers to a new adventure!
• A little bit of Marrakech in the Berber mountains.
• Explore the world through your lens, One photo at a time.
• Our new collection was inspired by the art and culture of Morocco. Shop it now.
• “Morocco” is a kingdom of endless blue skies, majestic mountains, and jagged coastline – but it’s also the home of vibrant souks, vibrant culture, and vibrant people.
• It’s Africa’s most exotic destination. Ready to explore?
• A journey to Morocco is a journey to the past.
• The sun rises every morning in Morocco.

Some Final Talk

In conclusion, Morocco unfolds as a treasure trove of caption possibilities guaranteed to evoke laughter. With over 200 Morocco Instagram Captions and Quotes, this ultimate list promises to keep you smiling all the way to Casablanca. But the journey doesn’t end here! Head over to our website for an extended exploration of Morocco that will keep you entertained for hours. We sincerely appreciate your time spent on our site, and we hope you relished this caption-filled adventure through the vibrant landscapes of Morocco.

Also, check out :

350+ Funny Maine Instagram Captions

200+ Charleston Captions & Quotes

200+ Best Central Park Instagram Captions & Quotes

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Travel and food, with a dash of adventure

25 Tips for your First Trip to Marrakech, Morocco

By Brianna | January 27, 2020

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Few cities capture the imagination quite like Marrakech. A blend of Berber, Arabic and French influences give this UNESCO World Heritage site a timeless appeal. With the beautiful frenzy of the Medina, ornate Arabic architecture and one of the world’s greatest cuisines it’s no surprise that more people are traveling to Marrakech now more than ever. Whether you spell it Marrakech or Marrakesh (both are acceptable), a visit to Morocco’s Red City is surely an experience you will  never forget. Marrakech can be overwhelming to say the least, with a dizzying array of sights, smells and tastes providing a sensory overload; but armed with these tips you can find the best things to do in Marrakech and make your first trip one to remember.

This post contains affiliate links. The Casual Travelist receives a small commission for any purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you

1.Airport/Transportation in Marrakech

Flights to Marrakech arrive at Menara Airport (RAK). A valid passport is required for entry into Morocco, currently for Americans visas are not required for visits less than 90 days ( check the State Department website for the latest requirements ).

Taxis are available but best to arrange transportation with your hotel. If you are staying in the Medina be aware that cars can’t make it through the narrow streets to drop you off directly at your accommodation. Your riad or hotel can arrange for staff to meet you at a drop off point and walk with you to your destination.

2.Money in Morocco

Cash is king in Marrakech as only resorts, riads, some restaurants and a handful of shops accept credit cards. ATMs can be hard to find in the Medina (much easier in the new city) so your best bet is to exchange money at the airport (this can be done for no fee). Some riads and resorts will also exchange money for you. The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham(MAD) and currently the exchange rate is approximately 9 MAD/1USD. Of note, it is also illegal to take dirham out of Morocco so make sure you spend or exchange your dirham before leaving the country.

3. Tipping in Morocco

Morocco has a big tipping culture and it is expected that you tip anyone you assists you (whether that help was wanted or not). Be sure to carry plenty of coins and small bills.

4. Dress for Women

I did not once feel unsafe as a woman travelling in Marrakech and while many women visit and have a great experience it is not uncommon to hear from women who have received unwanted attention or catcalls. Marrakech tends to be more accepting of Western attire but as Morocco is a Muslim country women are advised to dress conservatively. So what should you wear in Morocco ? This means making sure your knees and shoulders are covered ( save the halter top for Ibiza ladies ). I wore loose t shirts and lightweight pants or long skirts most days, with a wrap or scarf to cover up if I got chilly at night. Close toed shoes are also a good idea as donkeys and other animals (and what they leave behind) are a common sight in the Medina.

5. Stay in an Authentic Riad in Marrakech

For a more authentic Marrakech experience a stay in a riad is your best bet. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes centered around a courtyard located within the Medina, most are 10 rooms or less and offer up a more intimate experience. Most riads are decorated with handmade items from the local souks and many feature beautiful courtyard pools and gardens as well as rooftop terraces. There are beautiful riads throughout Marrakech for every budget, for less than $100 per night you can enjoy the boutique hospitality of Riad Al Loune  or if you’re looking to splash out  check in at the luxurious  El Fenn . I loved my stay at Riad Farnatchi , a beautifully restored guesthouse in the heart of the Medina (read my review of Riad Farnatchi here ).

Riads in Marrakech

Budget riads.

Riad Haraka

Mid-Range Riads

Riad Sapphire

Riad Annyssates

Luxury Riads

6. Luxury Resorts in Marrakech

Marrakech’s modern and fashionable Ville Nouvelle (new city) is home to some some of the world’s most glamorous resorts. For five star luxury with a decidedly Moroccan flair check out the Royal Mansour   and La Mamounia .

7.Weather in Marrakech

Marrakech is a popular destination with nearly year round sunshine. Summers (June-September) can get quite hot with temperature near 100 degrees F while the winter months can get chilly with night time temps dipping into the 30 degree F range. March-May and September-October are generally pleasant with highs in the 70s and 80s.

8.Shop the Souks in Marrakech

I’m typically not a big shopper when I travel but Marrakech is one of the few places where I wish I had shopped more. Morocco has a rich heritage of crafts and instead of the typical “made in China” souvenirs I found the souks filled with leather goods ( I got a pair of handmade leather shoes for $18 ), beautiful metal work, colorful ceramics and handmade rugs.

9.Buying Moroccan Rugs in Marrakech

I had zero intention of buying a rug went I visited Marrakech.

I now own a Moroccan rug.

Our tour guide brought us into the cooperative and I fully expected to enjoy the demonstration while sipping my mint tea and go on my way. I’m not sure if it was the intricate Berber patterns, or the softness of the camel wool but I soon found myself the proud owner of a Moroccan rug and I absolutely love it. The quality of this handmade Berber rug far surpasses any commercial rug I’ve owned before. You will find rugs of varying size and quality throughout the souks, be prepared to haggle or buy your rug from a cooperative that ensures a fair wage for the craftswomen.

10. Language in Morocco

The official languages in Morocco are Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) and additionally many Moroccans speak French. While most people I interacted with spoke English it’s always a good idea to learn a few words of the local language wherever you travel, here are a few common words in Arabic:

Hello -Al Salam Alaikum,

Thank You – Shukran,

Yes – naäam,

No – Laa

11. Scams in Marrakech

Scams are an unfortunate part of life in the Medina, often in the form of unsolicited help with directions, telling tourists that the street they are on is closed or “tannery tours” , all of which will then demand a payment for their services. My friend Amanda of Marocmama has excellent advice on various scams in Marrakech.

12.Consider Hiring a Guide in Marrakech

The winding streets of the Medina can be overwhelming for a first time visitor, I recommend hiring a guide for your first afternoon or morning out to get a feel for the city as well learn about the history and culture of Marrakech. Have your hotel or riad arrange a guide for you or if you hire one on your own make sure they are licensed( licensed guides will have a badge).

13. You Will Get Lost

With the narrow winding streets of the Medina and little signage the chances of you getting lost at some point is fairly high. Paper maps provided by your hotel immediately mark you as a tourist, a better option is to download an offline map via Google maps. Beware of unsolicited advice for directions ( see Scams above ), if you must ask for directions your best bet is asking a shopkeeper or restaurant staff.

14. Food in Marrakech

Food in Marrakech is a feast for all the senses. The souks are lined with rows of sweet oranges, plump dates and countless varieties of olives while the air is heavy with the scent of intensely fragrant spices from the spice market.  Gently spiced shakshuka (eggs cooked in a gently spiced tomato sauce) and spongy Moroccan pancakes are a must for breakfast. You can’t leave Marrakech without  having a tagine; a stew, usually with chicken, lamb, beef or vegetables cooked and served in a clay pot of the same name. Eating is one of the best ways to experience Marrakech and a few of my personal favorites were sfenj ( a fried doughnut drizzled with intensely floral honey), msemen (fried bread either served plain or stuffed with spices, meat or cheese),  and tanjia (succulent lamb slow roasted in clay pots for hours in underground ovens). To see where the locals eat join one of several tours offered by Marrakech Food Tours or take a Moroccan cooking class .

15. Mint Tea in Morocco

Whether served as a sign of welcome, sipped during a business transaction or enjoyed as a way to unwind in the afternoon mint tea is central to life in Marrakech. A blend of green tea and fresh mint it is traditionally served very sweet.

16. Alcohol in Marrakech

Being a Muslim country alcohol is not prevelant though you can increasingly find wine, beer and cocktails in restaurants and hotels catering to tourists (often at exhorbitant prices). Surprisingly there are even a handful of Moroccan vineyards producing Spanish style wines. Drinking to the point of intoxication (especially in public) is highly frowned upon.

17.Religion

Islam is the official state religion of Morocco, you will hear the call to prayer ring throughout the city 5 times per days and in general non-Muslims are not allowed inside mosques. Friday is the Muslim day of prayer and you may find some businesses and restaurants closed.

18. Jamma el fna

When night falls Marrakech’s main square comes alive in what’s some call the greatest show on Earth. One of North Africa’s oldest and busiest market squares it is home to a dizzying array of dancers, magicians and storytellers vying for your attention (and dirham) as well as food vendors hawking a variety of Moroccan specialties. Of note, the animals you see with the snake charmers and dancing monkey acts are usually poorly treated and it’s best not to patronize these acts.

19.Be Prepared to Bargain

Haggling is an essential part of the shopping experience in Morocco. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the vendor does not agree to a final price you are comfortable with.

20. Argan Oil and Traditional Medicine in Morocco

Argan oil is arguably one of Morocco’s best known exports, usually used for hair and skin care in the US. Many shops in the souks sell pure argan oil both for cosmetic and culinary uses. Morocco has a long tradition of using herbs as traditional medicine and I recommend a stop at an herbalist for everything from natural remedies to fragrant cooking spices.

21. Bottled Water

To avoid any tummy issues it is advised that you use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

22.Toilet Paper

Toilet paper in public restrooms is not a given in Marrakech so it’s best to carry your own. In places where there is a restroom attendant make sure you leave a small tip.

23. Going to a Hammam in Marrakech

A visit to a hammam, a traditional Moroccan bathhouse, is a must for any visit to Marrakech. A typical hammam experience starts with a steam room, a thorough scrubbing with a traditional kessa mitt and an olive based black soap and several rinses alternately with warm and cool water. For a traditional experience you can visit one of Marrakech’s community hammams ( be aware that community hammams are separated by gender, either with separate spaces or differing times for men and women) or treat yourself to an elevated hammam experience at one of Marrakech’s luxury spas. Whatever hammam experience you choose know you will be naked (or nearly naked) in front of others.

24. Top Marrakech Attractions

Ben youssef madersa.

One of the most popular sites in Marrakech, the Ben Youssef Madersa previously served as a center for Islamic learning for over 400 years.  Today visitors marvel at the intricately carved Moorish walls and stunning tile mosaics.

Majorelle Gardens

Once a private retreat for famed French designer Yves Saint Laurent the Majorelle Gardens are a beautiful mix of Berber and French cultures and provide a calming respite from the hustle of Marrakech.

Le Jardin Secret

An oasis from the chaos of the Medina, this beautifully restored courtyard features stunning tile work and lush gardens.

Bahia Palace

Considered one of the most lavish palaces in Marrakech, Bahia Palace features expansive courtyards, lush gardens and ornate architecture.

There are also many great day trips you can take from Marrakech , from the golden sands of the Sahara to the rugged peaks of the Atlas Mountains . You can also visit the blue city of Chefchaouen .

25. Photography in Marrakech

The sights and colors of Marrakech can be irresistible to photographers but before you start snapping away nonstop be aware that many people in Marrakech are not open to having their picture, or pictures of their products, taken. In fact, I saw several signs in the souks requesting no photography. The main thing is to ask permission to take pictures and be respectful if the answer is no.

More Marrakech Inspiration

Review of the Selman Hotel, a luxury hotel in Marrakech  

Make sure to include Marrakech when you’re traveling through Morocco with kids .

Planning a trip to Marrakech, Morocco? Pin this post for later!

About the Author

Freelance travel writer and blogger who seeks out laid back luxury. Focus on culinary, adventure and nature travel. [READ ALL ARTICLES]

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February 9, 2018 at 1:24 pm

This is sooo helpful as we’re likely taking our first trip to Marrakech this spring after two years of living close by in Spain! Especially BYOTP (bring your own toilet paper) – eek!

Absolutely beautiful photos too, now you’ve got me even more excited to visit!

Brianna says

March 2, 2018 at 10:31 pm

Thank you so much! Marrakech is an amazing destination.

Rhonda Albom says

February 10, 2018 at 6:02 am

The medinas in Moroccan cities were fascinating. I always stayed in riads whenever I could. The staff in the riads provided great tips on everything from where to eat down to which stalls in the souk to buy particular items from. Don’t forget, Friday is couscous day although my favourite dishes were chicken tajines with preserved lemon and olives or chicken with prunes.

March 2, 2018 at 10:32 pm

The couscous dishes were some of my favorites!

February 10, 2018 at 9:17 am

What beautiful photos you have of Marrakech!

Hannah says

February 10, 2018 at 10:24 am

This is a great list! I was nervous about visiting Marrakech because I’ve read so many negative things but your list makes it sound incredible and has totally changed my mind about going! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

March 2, 2018 at 10:33 pm

Marrakech can be overwhelming at first but is an amazing destination!

Marissa says

February 10, 2018 at 11:21 am

I just got back from Morocco last week, so I 100% agree with all of these! I found the souks in Marrakech had the best options compared to other cities I visited. It’s also important that you mentioned you will get lost because it’s true, but it’s fine. I tried to embrace it and “purposely” get lost during the day to explore more.

March 2, 2018 at 10:34 pm

The streets can be crazy to navigate for sure!

Rocio Novarino says

February 10, 2018 at 11:41 am

Nice pictures!! I am a photographer, so I take a particular look at the pictures always!! Stunning ones!

March 2, 2018 at 10:35 pm

Brianne Miers says

February 10, 2018 at 12:10 pm

Thanks for such a thorough and helpful post, Brianna! Marrakech is very high on my list, so this will be a great resource for me. Jamma el fna sounds like an incredible sight to see! And very interesting about the sensitivities surrounding photography.

Carmelatte says

February 10, 2018 at 12:12 pm

I am totally in love with your pictures <3

http://carmelatte.co/dubai-tour-guide-firsttimers/

Esther says

February 10, 2018 at 2:57 pm

I totally agree on this. Husband and I travelled through Morocco and loved staying in Riads. Guides were worth our money, since we really didn’t like the scams. Also, after visiting Morroco twice, we now know that it can take quite a while to get into the country as queues for customs can be looong. In Casablanca I nearly finished my book waiting kn line for almost 2 hours!! #weekendwanderlust

March 2, 2018 at 10:36 pm

Hiring a guide in Marrakech was a life saver for us!

February 10, 2018 at 10:22 pm

Thanks for all the tips.. They will come handy when I plan for Morocco.. Would you recommend going solo in that country?

March 2, 2018 at 10:39 pm

I had several friends travel solo in Morocco. Like anywhere be sure to take your usual safety precautions and be aware.

February 11, 2018 at 5:21 am

Souks of Marrakech look so colorful. I am not sure if I will pick up a carpet as they are heavy to carry, but I know I will end up picking something or the other. Are there herbalists available to explain those herbs? Due to lack of explanation, I always find it difficult to buy herbs.

March 2, 2018 at 10:40 pm

The merchant was able to ship my rug to me. There was an herbalist and she was very helpful.

Claire says

February 11, 2018 at 7:03 am

Great tips! Especially for the closed shoes – I wouldn’t want to step in something unpleasant! The food sounds amazing, I love shakshuka and tagine, although the European versions of them – I’ve never had them in Morocco. I think I’d need to take a food tour to sample all the delicious dishes I can!

Carolina Colborn says

February 11, 2018 at 12:05 pm

Great tips. I remember our trip to Tangier and it is the same: getting lost in narrow alleys and poorly treated animals for show. But the colors and food are truly amazing. Lots of good photographs and meals!

Yvette Benhamou says

February 11, 2018 at 2:45 pm

My dad is from Casablanca and a Morocco has long been on my list of places I’d like to visit. Great tips and your photos are stunning.

Indrani says

February 12, 2018 at 4:29 am

You had an excellent tour there! I am relieved to know it isn’t so unsafe for women there as it sounds. Thanks for the tips on dressing. Lucky you got a rug from there, hope to have one myself. This no photography sign I saw in Sharjah, UAE too.

February 12, 2018 at 5:56 am

Great tips! Morocco is high on my list of places to visit. Actually hope to make it there around April after traveling through Asia. It just seems like a place full of life, color and more. Saving this one so I can start planning my trip there. #weekendwanderlust

February 13, 2018 at 8:14 am

Morocco seems to be a popular spot right now. It was not on my radar so you comprehensive set of tips are something I have pinned in case we travel there. It would be a toss up for me whether I stay in a traditional Riad or what looks to be great luxury accommodations. Maybe splitting my time would work. We did a hammam in Cordoba and it was so relaxing. I would definitely look for one here. I must admit I laughed when I heard you bought a rug. I too usually avoid places like this – maybe because I am afraid I too would go home with a rug!

Sandy N Vyjay says

February 13, 2018 at 12:21 pm

This is an exhaustive dossier on Marrakech. Indeed a ready reckoner for first time visitors to Marrakech. Marrakech and Morocco have been on our bucket list and we hope to get there some day. When we do this post and the tips therein are going to stand us in good stead. Who knows, we may end up being the proud owners of a Moroccan rug.

alison abbott says

February 13, 2018 at 10:14 pm

I hear you! I had no intention of purchasing a carpet either. It’s one of my most favorite purchases ever and takes me back to the medina each day I walk on it. Great tips-they are all spot on.

JeffNourse says

February 15, 2018 at 8:23 am

What a useful tips you shared with us. It is really interesting and informative post. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Kristin L. says

February 15, 2018 at 10:03 am

I remember going to Marrakech for the first time in 2005 and I was SO stressed about what to wear, so I made sure I had plenty of things that covered my knees and my shoulders. Then, to my surprise, I arrived and found all the young local women wearing the shortest mini-skirts and tank tops! I’ve been back to Morocco twice since then and don’t worry about my clothing, except if I’m going in a mosque.

Lauren Monitz says

February 15, 2018 at 1:58 pm

Morocco is just so hot right now! While I don’t like going to super trendy places, I keep seeing these amazing photos and feel like I must!

Mike from TravelAndDestinations says

February 17, 2018 at 1:34 pm

Definitely the best post I have read on Marrakech. Me and my gf are thinking of visiting this year so it’s super helpful and also good to know about the scams. I will also check out your friends post that you recommended. The city looks amazing and I can’t wait to visit!!

February 17, 2018 at 9:45 pm

Very useful tips! I’m looking at going to Morocco so this is very timely. thanks!

February 19, 2018 at 11:01 am

OMG I’ve been dying to go to Morocco all year. Your pictures made my wanderlust worse, I went back in 2008 but as a backpacker so I couldn’t bring any big souvenirs back, I want to go back with an empty suitcase and hit the souks hard!

Charlotte says

February 19, 2018 at 11:57 am

I loved this post, so many great tips! Marocco is high on my travel wish list. And I have every intention of buying one of those incredible rugs 😀 Can’t wait!

Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says

February 20, 2018 at 9:32 pm

What a great post! We are ashamed to say that we have not been to Morocco, and we even have friends to visit there! Shame Shame Shame on us. When we do go, though… we’ll be reading through your posts again! Meanwhile, your beautiful pictures are fueling our Moroccan day dreams. 🙂

March 2, 2018 at 8:15 am

Lovely post and great tips to get me ready for my trip to Morocco! Cheers!

Cory Lee says

March 2, 2018 at 9:33 am

This is such a great post! I’ll be going to Morocco next month and while I’ll be touring a lot of the country, I’m most excited for Marrakech. Awesome tips here!

Jossus Travelpics says

March 2, 2018 at 10:11 pm

I loved Marrakech and the Bahia Palace.

Bernie Watt says

April 25, 2018 at 12:27 pm

Great advice. We are so, so keen to get to Morocco and this is quite the inspiration.

Sebastian Vaz says

August 10, 2018 at 2:42 am

I haven’t been to Morocco. But I have heard lots of good things about the country. Must visit soon. Your guide will help me plan. Thanks 🙂

Violet Tellez says

August 30, 2018 at 1:29 pm

Thank you for the insightful info. I’m currently planning a trip for next spring and originally thought about joining a tour group but since I’d rather have a more relaxed schedule, an individual tour guide might be best to help me get around. Can you recommend a good company that does this, please?

We3Travel says

September 21, 2018 at 5:00 pm

Great tips and I’m glad I read them before our trip!

Marilyn Jacob says

June 21, 2019 at 1:14 am

We are travelling.to Morocco in December,so it’s our very first time.Looking forward to our.holiday.Good tips and advice made sense to.me,so I.am aware ,I will make the best and enjoy Morocco.

August 2, 2019 at 7:09 pm

the amount of times i got lost in Medina, sometimes it was fun – like in Essaouira, sometimes a bit scarry like in Marrakesh, but still at least i have stories to tell.

Katie Diederichs says

February 1, 2020 at 12:02 pm

This is SO helpful! We’ve been itching to get to Morocco, so I’m definitely saving this for later.

February 1, 2020 at 1:14 pm

The food and the night market look amazing! I always feel like Morocco is a mysterious place.

Linnea says

February 1, 2020 at 1:36 pm

Great guide! I appreciated the tip about cash. How much was your rug if you don’t mind me asking? Did you ship it home?

Kariss Ainsworth says

February 1, 2020 at 3:49 pm

I’ve been looking at going here, it is so colourful!

Diana Sahara says

October 24, 2020 at 3:08 am

yeah it s amazing. Colors and smells…

February 1, 2020 at 9:36 pm

This guide was so so helpful thank you so much and loved the recommendations and the pictures. Looking forward to go to Le Jardin Secret it makes me curious.

October 24, 2020 at 3:06 am

Very useful tips! There is also a bus to go to the medina for those traveling on budget and yeah! For sure everyone gets lost in the medina. I think it s important to point that someone will try to help you when you get lost (expecting some tip) so better to let him know you will not tip him in advance…

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Home » Africa » Marrakech

INSIDER MARRAKECH ITINERARY for 2024

Marrakech is a destination like no other! This vibrant city is an explosion of the senses, with things to see, touch, smell, and hear wherever you go. It is an essential part of any trip to Morocco, as this city has so much to offer its visitors. Our Marrakech itinerary will show you just what.

As you walk down the busy streets of Marrakech, you will  be inspired by the colorful walls, decorated doors, pristine piles of spices, the busy shops and the unique Moroccan charm found wherever you go. Read on to discover our ultimate Marrakech itinerary guide. You’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this magnificent destination.

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Best Time To Visit Marrakech

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There is certainly no bad time to visit Morocco, as the weather here is pleasant all year round. However, there are definitely ideal seasons that will make your weekend in Marrakech as enjoyable as possible.

The best time to travel to Marrakech would have to be during the shoulder seasons. This would be from March to May, and September to November. These seasons provide the most desirable weather conditions – sunny skies with moderate temperatures. Not only this, but the city is more affordable during these periods, with accommodation prices often dropping a little. 

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Be aware that the summer months here can be scorching hot! If you don’t deal well with the heat, then consider visiting during winter. While Morocco’s warmth and sunny skies may seem appealing, the summer heat can get a little bit unbearable. While the winter months have great weather, the city also fills up with tourists over this period. 

Wondering when to visit Marrakech? Take a look at our detailed weather guide below. 

Choosing the best place to stay in Marrakech can be difficult. This vibrant city is split into two different sections – Medina (the historic part) and the European District (the new town). The different areas in Marrakech are all unique, giving you many different places to experience during your Marrakech itinerary. 

The most popular and possibly best choice of areas to stay in Marrakech would be Medina. This is the heart of old-world Marrakech, with all kinds of charming winding streets, alleys, and points of interest. There are many great accommodation choices in this part of the city, and it is the ideal base for exploring the rest of Marrakech, as everything is within easy reach! 

If you would like to stay somewhere a little bit less visited by tourists, then Gueliz is a great area. Gueliz is part of the more modern European District and is a super trendy hub of shops, restaurants, and nightlife hotspots. If you would like to experience the modern side of Morocco, then this is the place to be. 

Now that you know where to stay, its time to choose your accommodation! Here are some of the best accommodation options for your Marrakech itinerary. 

Best Hostel in Marrakech – Rodamon Riad Marrakech Hostel

• Has an authentic Moroccan feel to it
• Central location
• Awesome rooftop terrace

Rodamon Riad Marrakech Hostel is the ultimate place to stay in this city! With an ideal Medina location, clean modern facilities and comfortable rooms, everything you need is right here! The rooftop terrace, bar, and pool make this a really fun place to stay!

For more cool hostel options, check out our Best Hostels in Marrakech guide!

Best Airbnb in Marrakech – Beautiful home with a lot of space

Riad Barbmar is a renovated traditional Moroccan riad in the Marrakech Medina. A riad is a type of traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. It accommodates up to eight guests in four bedrooms. Regardless of whether you are 1 traveller or a group of 2-8 people, you will have the private use of the entire house and will not share with other guests. The indoor pool is perfect for cooling off after sightseeing. The third floor roof terrace is a great space for socialising with family and friends. The upper terrace on the fourth floor is shaded and ideal for outdoor meals. From there you look over the entire Medina.

Best Budget Hotel in Marrakech – Hotel & Spa Riad El Walaa

• Excellent location
• Fantastic facilities
• A beautiful outdoor terrace

Hotel & Spa Riad El Walaa is a brilliant accommodation choice for your trip to Marrakech. This place offers affordable luxury, with amazing rooms, thoughtful facilities, and a top location in the heart of Marrakech. Enjoy the authentic Moroccan decor, the stunning outdoor terrace, and the relaxing spa. 

Best Luxury Hotel in Marrakech – Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

• Luxurious rooms and facilities
• Loads of thoughtful touches
• An amazing pool area

For the absolute best that Marrakech has to offer, consider checking into the Four Seasons Resort here. This place has world-class modern facilities, well-equipped rooms, and all kinds of thoughtful touches across the hotel. The service is excellent, and the pool is a great place to relax!

Before you start to plan your itinerary for Marrakech, it is important to know how to get around this awesome city. When you are in the medina old town, walking around is one of the best things to do in Marrakech . This way you get to see and experience all the magic that this city has to offer. However, walking around here can also be pretty intimidating and confusing at times. 

In terms of public transport taxis, are your best options. Taxis are easy to catch and will take you wherever you want to go without any stress. They are also very cheap – just be sure to agree on a price before you get in! The bus network in Marrakech is also pretty good, allowing you to travel all over the different parts of the city but it can be slow and can get hot. 

It’s time to start planning your trip! Here are some of the best things to include in your Marrakech itinerary. 

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Jemaa el-Fnaa | Koutoubia Mosque | Hammam | Saadian Tombs | Marrakech Museum | Souk | Bahia Palace

Your 2 days in Marrakech will start off with some of the top sights and landmarks in the city. This first day will show you some of the most iconic Moroccan points of interest and cultural attractions. Here is what to do in Marrakech on your first day.

Day 1 / Stop 1 – Jemaa el-Fnaa

• Why it’s awesome: The main central hub of Marrakech
• Cost: Free to explore
• Food recommendation: There are all kinds of delicious local foods on offer at the stalls here. Grab a fresh orange juice in the morning, a delicious lamb dish at night, or even some boiled snails if you are feeling adventurous!

Jemaa el-Fnaa is an essential addition to any Marrakech itinerary! When in the city, you just have to wander through this central hub in order to really experience the place properly. This is one of the top Marrakech points of interest due to its bustling walkways and truly Moroccan atmosphere. 

Take a walk through here and take in all of the stalls and entertainers around you. You will pass snake charmers, henna tattoo artists, huge piles of spices, dates, olives, and more! As this square is the heart of Marrakech, it is always busy no matter what time you visit! 

This is a brilliant place to try some delicious local foods, buy something to take home or to just soak up the unique culture in this city. No Marrakech itinerary would be complete without a trip to Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Insiders tip: This square can get very busy and a little overwhelming, so visit early to avoid crowds. 

Day 1 / Stop 2 – Koutoubia Mosque

• Why it’s awesome: The largest mosque in Marrakech
• Food recommendation: Cafe Kif Kif is located nearby the Koutoubia Mosque, offering the perfect place to grab a bite to eat or a pot of local mint tea. The menu boasts some of the best Moroccan classics. This is a great setting to try some of the best local food in Marrakech. 

Mosques play a huge role throughout Marrakech and these buildings have great historical and spiritual importance to the locals. Not only this, but they also offer some of the best architectural points of interest in the city. 

During your Marrakech itinerary, be sure to visit the Koutoubia Mosque – the largest in the city! This stunning 12th-century mosque is a marvel to look at, being an iconic structure in the city. 

Visit during the call to prayer to take in one of the most important sites in the city. It is important to understand and appreciate the various mosques here during your Marrakech itinerary, as this will give you a stronger understanding of the city. 

Insider tip: The call to prayer occurs five times a day from the top of the minaret. This is great to experience up close. 

Day 1 / Stop 3 – Experience a Hammam

• Why it’s awesome: Traditional local bathhouses found throughout the city
• Cost: Entry to local hammams usually costs around USD $4, while different treatments and establishments differ in price
• Food recommendation: Patisserie Anjar is located near the popular Hammam Ziani, offering the perfect place to grab a treat after your relaxing experience. Choose between many local delicacies, teas and sweet treats at the authentic patisserie. 

When in Morocco, treating yourself to a relaxing hammam experience is a must. Hammams are local bathhouses/spas that are found throughout the city. These are popular attractions for locals and tourists and they will be sure to leave you relaxed, clean, and glowing.

Enjoy a massage, a steam in the sauna, or a dip in the different thermal pools. This is such a great way to escape the frenzy of the busy city and enjoy a peaceful, quiet moment relaxing inside. You can choose between busy local hammams and secluded private hammams.

Some of the most popular hammams in Marrakech include Hammam Ziani, Hammam De La Rose, Hammam-e Sultan Mir, Les Bains de Marrakech Morocco, and Hammam Mouassine. A treatment at a hammam is an essential addition to your Marrakech itinerary! 

Insider Tip: Consider booking a private hammam experience if public nudity is not your thing. People who don’t know this can have some bad experiences in Morocco .

Day 1 / Stop 4 – Saadian Tombs

• Why it’s awesome: Historic tombs for many important rulers of the Saadi Dynasty
• Cost: USD $1
• Food recommendation: Dar Cherifa is the ideal place to grab an authentic Moroccan meal nearby these tombs. You must try the tagine and Moroccan couscous in this Marrakech gem. 

The Saadian Tombs are one of the most popular Marrakech landmarks, offering visitors a great historical place of interest. These tombs are where many of the most important rulers and members of the Saadi Dynasty are buried. The tombs were rediscovered in 1917 after they had been sealed for centuries! 

The Saadian Tombs are beautifully decorated with colorful tiles, carvings, and Arabic calligraphy. This is a wonderful site to explore, as you will learn all about the rich history of the area as you witness some stunning decorated tombs. 

If you love history and want to learn more about this ancient city, then a visit to the Saadian Tombs should be an essential addition to your Marrakech itinerary. 

Day 1 / Stop 5 – Marrakech Museum

• Why it’s awesome: An amazing art museum in the center of Marrakech
• Cost: USD $4
• Food recommendation: Le Trou au Mur is an excellent restaurant near the museum. With a stylish interior and delicious cuisine, this is a fantastic place for a sightseeing break!

Marrakech boasts many brilliant museums, with the Marrakech Museum being one of the best! This is an art museum located in the heart of the city. Expect to see loads of modern and traditional Moroccan art, as well as many other interesting displays. 

While the museum is a fascinating place to visit with all its exhibitions, the building itself is definitely worth adding to your Marrakech itinerary! Housed in a 19th-century palace, this is a grand building to explore. 

Admire the magnificent Moroccan architecture and details throughout this museum. Soak up art, history, and culture as well! This is one of the best Marrakech attractions for those wanting to discover more about the city and its interesting past. 

Day 1 / Stop 6 – Old Town Souk

• Why it’s awesome: The old town trading hub offers the most authentic Moroccan market experience
• Cost: Free to browse
• Food recommendation: Terrace des Epices is the perfect place to grab something to eat between shopping in the busy souks. This rooftop terrace provides a peaceful escape from the busy streets below, with some fantastic food options!

Exploring the bustling souks of Medina is an essential addition to any Marrakech itinerary. Souks are the traditional market streets that are found all over the city. 

These originate from the times when merchants would sell their goods that were transported by camel across the desert into Marrakech. There may not be the camels anymore, but souks today are just as vibrant and important to the Moroccan lifestyle as they have always been! 

Wander through the busy market streets and admire all of the goods for sale. Carpets, lamps, leather products, spices, foods, and all kinds of other things will be on offer here. If you are after a truly authentic Marrakech experience, then the souks of the Old Town/Medina are the places to be.

Insiders tip: While the souks are a lot of fun, they can also be pretty intimidating. Merchants will often try to rip off tourists, and taking in all of the stalls on offer can be overwhelming. Try to bring your negotiating skills and a firm attitude when navigating through the busy souks. 

Day 1 / Stop 7 – Bahia Palace

• Why it’s awesome: Magnificent 19th-century palace and gardens
• Food recommendation: La Table de Marrakech is the perfect place to grab something to eat or drink after a long day of sightseeing. Sit outside next to the palace and enjoy some quality Moroccan cuisine. 

The Bahia Palace is a 19th-century building that was designed to be the greatest palace of its time. This stunning structure is a real marvel to take in, with its iconic Islamic and Moroccan style. Bahia translates to brilliance, and you will see why when you visit.

The palace is a great place to explore and learn more about the history and cultural traditions of Marrakech. It is also the perfect place to take in some of the best architecture in the city. Beyond the amazing palace building, there are also beautiful gardens located here. These are well worth spending some time exploring. 

For a look into the royal life of this old city, be sure to add the Bahia Palace to your Marrakech trip itinerary! 

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Jardin Majorelle | El Badi Palace | Ben Youssef Madrassa | Maison De La Photographie | Menara Gardens

Day 2 of our 3-day itinerary in Marrakech will give you a deeper insight into the history, culture, and atmosphere in the city. Here are some must-do attractions for you if you are seeing Marrakech in 2 days. 

Day 2 / Stop 1 – Jardin Majorelle

• Why it’s awesome: A stunning botanical garden to add to your itinerary for Marrakech
• Cost: USD $20
• Food recommendation: Cafe Jardin Majorelle Marrakech is the perfect place to grab some food, tea or coffee during your trip to the garden. Enjoy local favorites in a beautiful setting. 

Jardin Majorelle is a two and a half acre botanical garden in Marrakech, but really it is so much more than that! This beautiful attraction is a kind of artistic landscape created by the French artist Jacques Majorelle over a period of almost 40 years. The garden was then acquired by the famous designer Yves Saint-Laurent who restored it to its glory.

As you walk through this amazing garden, you will pass through an absolute Eden. There are many magnificent plants, water features, trees, and sculptures. Beyond the gardens, the space also houses the Berber Museum and the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech. Both of these cultural institutions are well worth the visit. 

If you are after amazing art, culture, history, and an unbeatable garden oases, then Jardin Majorelle is the place to go. This stunning city attraction will certainly be a highlight of your Marrakech itinerary. 

Insider Tip: These gardens and museums are not to be confused with the Yves Saint-Laurent museum nearby (which is also well worth the visit!)

Day 2 / Stop 2 – El Badi Palace

• Why it’s awesome: An ancient ruined palace
• Food recommendation: Dar Marjana, located close to El Badi Palace, is one of the best traditional Marrakech riad restaurants. Try some of the tastiest authentic Moroccan food here in a charming setting! 

El Badi Palace is one of the world’s greatest examples of ancient ruins. Comparable to the Roman Forum, or the Acropolis in Athens, this enormous building shows off the ancient past of Marrakech. 

Explore the huge ruins of El Badi Palace to experience just how grand this place must have been back in its time. The palace was built in the 16th century to commemorate the victory of The Battle of the Three Kings. The palace consisted of 300 rooms, decorated in gold, turquoise, and crystal. 

Visiting this site will teach you a great deal of the history behind Marrakech. Experience first hand what the ancient city might have looked like, and learn about its interesting past. This is a must-do activity for history lovers! 

Day 2 / Stop 3 – Ben Youssef Madrassa

• Why it’s awesome: A beautiful 14th-century Islamic school
• Cost: USD $6
• Food recommendation: Jnane Tamsna is a brilliant place to grab a bite to eat or some relaxing tea when visiting Ben Youssef Madrassa. Enjoy the tranquil setting and excellent food!

Ben Youssef Madrassa is a former Islamic school dating all the way back to the 14th century. Ben Youssef Madrassa is a popular attraction in Marrakech for anyone wanting to get a glimpse into the magnificent past of this city. 

While it is old, the Madrassa is beautifully preserved providing an unbeatable example of Moroccan architecture and design. 

Admire the detailed tiles and unique curves of the building. As you explore the Ben Youssef Madrassa, take some time to appreciate the tiny rooms that once held 900 students. Enjoy the peaceful courtyard and stunning wooden windows throughout the building. 

This is one of the best places to visit in Marrakech for an authentic look into Moroccan design and architecture. This is also an interesting historical stop in the city. 

Day 2 / Stop 4 – Maison De La Photographie

• Why it’s awesome: An interesting Moroccan photography museum
• Cost: USD $11
• Food recommendation: Enjoy a great pot of mint tea or a bite to eat from the rooftop cafe here. Not only is the food and service excellent, but the view from here is definitely worth the visit!

Maison De La Photographie is an excellent museum to add to your Marrakech itinerary. This may be a fairly small gallery, but it really has a great deal to offer. During your visit here, you can expect some of the best photography from Marrakech.

The museum mostly displays excellent street photography and portraits, but there are also some interesting photographs dating back over 150 years. This offers an amazing insight into Moroccan life and history. 

The small building housing the museum is also lovely to explore, with beautiful colorful tiles and a magnificent rooftop. This is a really special addition to your 2-day itinerary in Marrakech . 

Day 2 / Stop 5 – Menara Gardens

• Why it’s awesome: 12th-century botanical gardens
• Food recommendation: Cafe Oasis et Tafernout is a great spot to stop and enjoy a cup of coffee or bite to eat while exploring the Menara Gardens. 

The Menara Gardens are the most popular landscaped gardens in Marrakech. The gardens can be found near the Atlas Mountains, to the west of Medina. These beautiful gardens surround a lake, and they offer the perfect breath of fresh air from the busy city. The gardens date back to the 12th century, and so they have an interesting history as well!

Enjoy walking around the pristine lake, and appreciate the wonderful pavilion alongside it. Explore the gardens and take in all of the different flowerbeds, trees, and lush green spaces. If the streets of Marrakech are getting too much, then escaping to this peaceful oasis is the perfect thing to do! 

Insider Tip: Visit on a sunny day and enjoy relaxing under a tree in this picture-perfect garden

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Souk Place des Epices | Gueliz | Hot Air Balloon | Dar Si Said Museum | Quad Bike Tour

If you are looking for more places to visit in Marrakech, then here are some excellent ideas. There is so much to see and do around this city, so planning at least 3 days in Morocco is always a good idea. 

Souk Place des Epices

• A lively souk
• Famous for its many spice traders
• These spices are an essential part of Moroccan culture

Souk Place des Epices is a large square-based souk in the heart of Marrakech. When you are in this bustling city, visiting the different souks is a vital way to really experience the local culture and buzz. This souk, in particular, is special due to its piles of colorful spices!

Morocco is world-famous for its unique cuisine, something that comes from its many flavorsome spices. Wandering through this souk will show you the many immaculately piled spices. The kind of smells and sights that you take in here really could never be found anywhere else in the world.

Whether you are looking to purchase some of these amazing spices to take home, or simply want to admire them in their tall piles, a visit to Souk Place des Epices will always be worth it! Exploring this busy souk is one of the best ways to get an authentic insight into Moroccan life and culture, and it is a great place to learn more about this country’s delicious cuisine.

• The most modern and trendy area of Marrakech
• Offers excellent shopping and restaurants
• Often called the European district

When exploring Marrakech, chances are you will be spending most of your time within the old town. This is where the majority of landmark attractions and riad accommodation options can be found. If you have 3 days in Marrakech, or if you would just like a change of scene, consider visiting the trendy district of Gueliz. 

Gueliz offers you an insight into what modern-day Morocco looks like. This is a super trendy part of the city. Spend your time enjoying the vast array of boutique shops, malls, and beautiful homeware stores. Between this, there are also some of the best restaurants and cafes in the city – perfect for a break between your retail therapy! 

Gueliz also boasts some of the best nightlife in Marrakech. There are plenty of fun and lively bars here to visit for an unforgettable night out! 

In order to truly understand Marrakech, you will need to experience both the new and the old. This is why spending an afternoon wandering around Gueliz can be highly rewarding for any Marrakech itinerary.

Ride a Hot Air Balloon

• This is a must-do activity in Morocco
• The best views in Marrakech
• A fun and unique experience

There are many different ways to see and experience Marrakech, but a hot air balloon is possibly the best. Taking an exciting and absolutely breathtaking hot air balloon flight is one of the most popular activities for tourists in Marrakech,

The best hot air balloon flights in Marrakech will start at dawn, allowing you to witness the magnificent sunrise during your flight. As you rise up, you will get the most unbelievable panoramic views across Marrakech. 

As you float across the stunning desert and towards the Atlas Mountains, you will get to experience the true majesty of this destination. Beyond the amazing views though, hot air balloon rides are such a fun experience. This way of flying cannot be compared to anything else. This is a truly unique thing to do in Marrakech, and an experience you will certainly remember! 

There are a number of hot air balloon companies that operate from Marrakech. Flights generally last about an hour, giving you plenty of time to soak up all of the incredible views around you. 

Dar Si Said Museum of Weaving and Carpets

• A fascinating museum
• The museum is focused towards Berber carpets
• A great place to learn more about Moroccan cultural heritage

A museum completely dedicated to carpets may not sound that exciting to everyone, but this Marrakech attraction is seriously worth the visit. Whether you are interested in Berber carpets or not, you will be sure to learn a great deal of interesting information here, as well as admire some very impressive exhibitions! 

The museum will teach you all about the unique Berber carpets in Marrakech. There are all sorts of fascinating displays devoted to this. There is also a central focus on the art of weaving these products, and what kind of role that has played in Morocco. 

As you will learn from a visit here, these carpets are truly special parts of the cultural heritage in this country. They have a rich and interesting history and have helped to shape Marrakech in many ways. Beyond the carpets though, this museum is an awesome building to visit!

There are some seriously impressive halls here, as well as stunning courtyards and gardens within the museum. This is a great place to take in some beautiful examples of Moroccan architecture while learning about some of the country’s most iconic designs and products. 

Quad Bike Tour

• Quad bike tours are available through the desert
• A fun way to see the area
• Explore the rugged surrounding desert

Now that you have seen some of the best sights and attractions within Marrakech, its time to do some exploring in the surrounding desert. If you would like to experience the breathtaking desert through one of the most exciting ways possible, then consider taking a quad bike tour! 

Not only is speeding along in a quad bike loads of fun, but it is also the best way to navigate the desert landscape. You will get to ride between the stone desert, the dramatic valley found here, and the famous palm groves. 

There are a number of quad bike experiences available in Marrakech. While each may be unique, they will all offer a valuable insight into the life and scenery of the harsh desert. This is a really great way to experience the dramatic landscape around Marrakech. 

Marrakech received loads of each year and most end without incident. While safety does not need to be a major concern while you are here, it is important to understand any potential safety precautions that you might want to take in Marrakech. 

The souks are super busy, small spaces. If you are not careful, these can be easy places for thieves and pickpockets to do their work. When walking through the souks, always keep your belongings close. Also, try to avoid walking through the souks at night. 

Scams are also pretty common in Marrakech, so always be on the lookout for these. Tourists can often look like easy targets for scammers or people trying to rip you off, so keep your wits about you! Also avoid walking alone at night, and stay away from empty alleys.

Shopkeepers, hawkers and unsolicited guides can be persistent and a real nuisance.  Be firm and if anybody bothers you too much, use the magic word “police” and they will disappear.

Be sure to always drink bottled water, and try to avoid ice (as this may contain bacteria). You may also want to avoid eating from street vendors, as there is always the chance of getting ill.

Besides exercising regular caution and following standard safety procedures of a big city, Marrakech should be a safe destination for all visitors! 

If you are also visiting other places in Morocco, you will be pleased to know that on the whole Morocco is a safe country .

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Marrakech

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

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SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

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If you are planning a 3-day itinerary in Marrakech, then you may want to consider exploring some more of Morocco . This city serves as the perfect base for your Moroccan travels, allowing you to do so much more while touring Marrakech. 

Here are some of the best day trips from Marrakech to experience during your visit. 

Full-Day Tour to Ouzoud Waterfalls

Marrakech is an amazing city to experience, but there is also plenty of natural splendor just beyond the city itself. Spend a day taking in the magnificent Ouzoud Waterfalls on this sightseeing tour from Marrakech. 

The highlight of this tour is, of course, witnessing the incredible cascades of the Ouzoud Waterfalls. Your day will also be filled with plenty of other exciting activities, such as swimming in nature in the Al Abib River, and seeing local monkeys in the mountains! The tour includes round trip transportation and an expert Marrakech tour guide. 

Take a Trip to the Atlas Mountains

Just beyond the city of Marrakech tower the impressive Atlas Mountains. These mountains are not just a breathtaking sight to see, but they are brimming with Moroccan Berber culture and picturesque villages. Take this exciting day trip to escape the busy city and explore a more peaceful side of Morocco. 

The trip will include a visit to the village of Imlil, as well as a fun camel ride. You will get to drink mint tea, admire the highest peak in North Africa, and learn all about traditional Berber culture. This is one of the best day trips from Marrakech for those wanting to discover more about the interesting culture and natural beauty of the area. 

Tour Essaouira and the Atlantic Coast

Morocco is famous for its magnificent desert landscapes, but there is also an amazing coast to discover in this country. To experience the best of the Atlantic Coast here, take a full day trip out to Essaouira. 

This is a beautiful coastal town that you will be able to explore at your own pace. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere, the historic medina in the town, and the long stretches of pristine beaches. This day trip will show you a great deal more of the unspoiled and absolutely beautiful Moroccan landscape. 

Visit Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou

Across the Atlas Mountains lie two of the most majestic deserts in Morocco. Enjoy a day trip out to this area to take in some of the most impressive and important sites in the area. The day will include a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Ait Benhaddou kasbah, a crossing over the Tizi-n-Tichka pass, and a journey through Ouarzazate. 

This area is referred to as the “Hollywood of Africa” as famous films such as The Mummy, Lawrence of Arabia, and Gladiator were filmed here. Needless to say, this day trip will show you some of the most magnificent landscapes in Morocco! 

Explore the Berber Villages and 3 Valleys

If you are planning a trip to Marrakech, exploring the unique Berber culture here is a great idea. If this sounds like fun, consider taking this day trip out to the beautiful Berber settlements high up in the Atlas Mountains.

You will get to trek through beautiful hamlets and valleys, and soak up some of the best scenic views in the area. You will get to stop for lunch in a traditional Berber home in one of the stunning villages that you visit. This is a truly unforgettable experience that could only be enjoyed during your Marrakech itinerary! 

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Find out what people want to know when planning their Marrakech itinerary.

How many days do you need in Marrakech?

To see all the main highlights, I would allow 3 days to see everything. However, you could easily stay 4-5 days and enjoy the cities unique charm.

Is Marrakech worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely! Marrakesh is the most famous and unique city in Morocco and there’s no where else like it.

What is the best month to visit Marrakesh?

The best time to visit Marrakesh is during the Spring (March-May) when the weather is at its nicest.

Is Marrakesh safe for tourists?

Marrakesh is on the whole quite safe for tourists, but you should keep your eyes on the look out for petty crimes such as pick pocketing and bag snatching.

Marrakech is a busy and vibrant city, with so much going on in every street. Walking through the old town truly is an explosion of the senses, as there is just always such a great deal to take in. This city has such a unique charm to it, and should be a definite bucket-list destination for any traveler.

Marrakech is famous for its spices and cuisine, its peaceful riads, bustling souks, visible history, and beautiful desert landscapes. As you walk down the streets here, you will notice the iconic Moroccan design and sights that just can’t be experienced anywhere else. 

Marrakech really is a destination like no other! With so much to do and see in this city, one day in Marrakech probably isn’t enough. You could spend weeks here without getting bored. We hope our ultimate Marrakech itinerary helps you to make the most of your time in this epic North African destination! 

If your plan is to travel around Morocco and you need to sort your accommodations, check out our Best Hostels in Morocco guide!

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The 100 Most Inspirational Travel Quotes Of All Time

• Quotes , Travel Tips
• November 8, 2020 November 17, 2020
• 12 min read

If you’re planning a holiday, fighting post-trip blues, or just scrolling through instagram travel photos, you can be sure there’s a quote about traveling out there that hits the spot for you.

Travel quotes to discover yourself, travel quotes to motivate your next journey, fantastic travel quotes to drive you to live your best life and more. We can all relate to inspirational travel quotes, making them so fun to read.

In this article, I gathered some of the most popular travel quotes (and my personal favourites). I hope you’ll find these incredible travel quotes inspiring, and they’ll make you want to go out and see the world.

Famous travel quotes

1. “Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.”–Andre Gide

2. “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all” – Helen Keller

3. “I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

4. “Don’t tell me how educated you are, tell me how much you have travelled.” – Mohammed

5. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness.” –Mark Twain

6. “Surely, of all the wonders of the world, the horizon is the greatest.” – Freya Stark

7. “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain

8. “A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.” – Lao Tzu 

9. “There are no foreign lands. It is the traveler only who is foreign” – Robert Louis Stevenson

10. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” –Saint Augustine

11. “Life is meant for good friends and great adventures” – Anonymous

12. “I haven’t been everywhere, but it’s on my list.” –Susan Sontag

13. “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I – I took the one less traveled by” —Robert Frost

14. “Once a year, go somewhere you have never been before.” –Dalai Lama

15. “A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” –Tim Cahill

16. “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.”  – Anita Desai

17. “Don’t listen to what they say. Go see.”-Anonymous

18. “Take only memories, leave only footprints.” – Chief Seattle

19. “Collect Moment, Not Things.”-Anonymous

20. “Blessed are the curious for they shall have adventures.” – Lovelle Drachman

21. “We wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfilment.” — Hilaire Belloc

22. “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

23. “I’m in love with cities I’ve never been to and people I’ve never met.” ― Melody Truong

24. “This wasn’t a strange place; it was a new one.” – Paulo Coelho

25. “If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet” – Rachel Wolchin

26. “Once the travel bug bites there is no known antidote, and I know that I shall be happily infected until the end of my life.” – Michael Palin

27. “We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.” – Ray Bradbury

28. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did.” ― Mark Twain

29. “People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

30. “Travel is never a matter of money but of courage.” – Paulo Coelho

31. “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” – Marcel Proust

32. “I travel because it makes me realize how much I haven’t seen, how much I’m not going to see, and how much I still need to see.” – Carew Papritz

33. “A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.” – John A. Shedd

34. “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” – Terry Pratchett

35. “One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” – Henry Miller

36. “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

37. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.”― David Mitchell

38. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

39. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” – Lao Tzu

40. “Do you really want to look back on your life and see how wonderful it could have been had you not been afraid to live it?” – Caroline Myss

41. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous

42. “Because in the end, you won’t remember the time you spent working in the office or mowing your lawn. Climb that goddamn mountain.” ― Jack Kerouac

43. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert

44. “Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret” – Oscar Wilde

45. “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.” – Anonymous

46. “And then there is the most dangerous risk of all – the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” –Randy Komisar

47. “I always wonder why birds choose to stay in the same place when they can fly anywhere on earth, then I ask myself the same question.” –Harun Yahya

48. “Fill your life with experiences, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show.” –Unknown

49. “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain

50. “Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

51. “We travel, some of us forever, to seek other places, other lives, other souls.” – Anais Nin

52. “No place is ever as bad as they tell you it’s going to be.” – Chuck Thompson

53. “I am not the same, having seen the moon shine on the other side of the world.” – Mary Anne Radmacher

54. “Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.” – Gustave Flaubert

55. “He who would travel happily must travel light.” – Antoine de St. Exupery

56. “To awaken alone in a strange town is one of the pleasantest sensations in the world.” – Freya Stark

57. “The use of traveling is to regulate imagination with reality, and instead of thinking of how things may be, see them as they are.” – Samuel Johnson

58. “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine

59. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

60. “With age, comes wisdom. With travel, comes understanding.” – Sandra Lake

61. “Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” – Anonymous

62. “Traveling tends to magnify all human emotions.” — Peter Hoeg

63. “You don’t have to be rich to travel well.” – Eugene Fodor

64. “When overseas you learn more about your own country, than you do the place you’re visiting.” – Clint Borgen

65. “The more I traveled the more I realized that fear makes strangers of people who should be friends.” – Shirley MacLaine

66. “I travel a lot; I hate having my life disrupted by routine.” – Caskie Stinnett

67. “Remember that happiness is a way of travel – not a destination.” – Roy M. Goodman

68. “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.” – Robert Frost

69. “It is not down in any map; true places never are.” – Herman Melville

70. “For my part, I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

71. “Our happiest moments as tourists always seem to come when we stumble upon one thing while in pursuit of something else.” — Lawrence Block

72. “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.” – Aldous Huxley

73. “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” – Jack Kerouac

74. “Traveling is a brutality. It forces you to trust strangers and to lose sight of all that familiar comforts of home and friends. You are constantly off balance. Nothing is yours except the essential things — air, sleep, dreams, the sea, the sky. All things tending towards the eternal or what we imagine of it.” – Cesare Pavese

75. “And then there is the most dangerous risk of all — the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” – Randy Komisar

76. “To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.” – Bill Bryson

77. “To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen

78. “What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do — especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

79. “Travel makes a wise man better but a fool worse.” – Thomas Fuller

80. “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.” – Susan Heller

81. “Travel far enough, you meet yourself.” – David Mitchell

82. “Live your life by a compass, not a clock.” – Stephen Covey

83. “Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow.” – Anita Desai

84. “We travel for romance, we travel for architecture, and we travel to be lost.” – Ray Bradbury

85. “Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind.” – Seneca

86. “He who would travel happily must travel light.” -Antoine de St. Exupery

87. “And then there is the most dangerous risk of all — the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” – Randy Komisar

88. No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” – Lin Yutang

89. “Our battered suitcases were piled on the sidewalk again; we had longer ways to go. But no matter, the road is life.” -Jack Kerouac

90. “Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.” -Benjamin Disraeli

91. “Own only what you can always carry with you: known languages, known countries, known people. Let your memory be your travel bag” -Alexandr Solzhenitsyn

92. “When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money.”   -Susan Heller

93. “What you’ve done becomes the judge of what you’re going to do – especially in other people’s minds. When you’re traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don’t have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road.” – William Least Heat Moon

94. “Conventional wisdom tells us… we take our baggage with us. I’m not so sure. Travel, at its best, transforms us in ways that aren’t always apparent until we’re back home. Sometimes we do leave our baggage behind, or, even better, it’s misrouted to Cleveland and is never heard from again.”   -Eric Weiner

95. “Two roads diverged in a wood and I – I took the one less traveled by.” -Robert Frost

96. “There was nowhere to go but everywhere, so just keep on rolling under the stars.” – Jack Kerouac

97. “If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them – wherever you go.” – Anthony Bourdain

98. “At its best, travel should challenge our preconceptions and most cherished views, cause us to rethink our assumptions, shake us a bit, make us broader minded and more understanding.” –Arthur Frommer

99. “I never travel without my diary. One should always have something sensational to read on the train.” -Oscar Wilde

100. “Live life with no excuses, travel with no regret” -Oscar Wilde

It’s not a matter of where, but when. Time is precious and my time spent living and experience the cultures of this world is what I lust for. This is why I created this website, to share true, genuine experiences and not just typical touristy info. Travel, the love of coffee , and food!

Best things to do in Marrakech: An affordable luxury 3-Day itinerary

Jayne Gorman

February 17, 2023

One of my travel highlights of 2022 was the affordable luxury holiday in Marrakech I enjoyed with my girlfriends. Our 3-day itinerary was the perfect blend of indulgent spa treatments, 5-star pool days, cultural sights and cocktails at design-led rooftop bars. The best thing though was how affordable all these luxury experiences were, especially the stylish riads we stayed in.

So, for anyone planning a trip to Marrakech, here’s our exact itinerary and what we loved about it.

If luxury spa experiences, pool days at 5-star hotels, secret gardens, frozen cocktails on rooftop bars, bartering for bargains in souks and staying at stylish but affordable riads sounds like your type of holiday, then this is the Marrakech itinerary for you.

Pool Day at the Royal Mansour

I arrived in Marrakech on a Thursday night on an Easyjet flight from Gatwick. I’d prebooked an airport transfer with our riad (15 euros) as well as a 3-course traditional meal (15 euros per person) to have on the rooftop of the riad with my girlfriends who had flown in slightly earlier.

For our first full day in Marrakech we booked pool day passes at the Royal Mansour and I cannot recommend this enough.

We’d saved quite a bit of money by sharing a family room at a riad so splurged on a day pass to the Royal Mansour in order to soak up some 5-star luxury for a fraction of the price.

Our day pass cost 1250 MAD (approx £100) per person and included access to the huge garden swimming pool, a welcome mocktail, a 3 course a la carte lunch at the beautiful Le Jardin Restaurant and unlimited ice buckets filled with bottled water.

This was honestly just the perfect way to start the holiday. The service was exemplary without being stuffy, the pool was so peaceful and lunch was absolutely delicious.

We asked to delay dessert and have it by the pool later as we were so full from the first 2 courses and I’m so glad we did as the chocolate dessert I ordered was one of the most beautiful sweets I’ve ever eaten. (And I’ve eaten a lot of sweet treats.)

You could easily spend the price of the day pass on food alone at other hotels, so the fact we got to hang out in these exquisite surroundings for about a tenth of the price it costs to stay there was a real win in my eyes.

I booked the Royal Mansour pool day pass in advance by emailing [email protected] . You can also book online.

Families are welcome. The day pass is free for children under 6 years old and reduced by 50% for children aged 6 to 12.

Dinner at Nomad & Cocktails at El Fenn

Found in the heart of the medina, Nomad has 2 rooftop terraces with 360-degree views that are perfect for watching pink sunsets sink into terracotta roofs.

They are well-known for their burgers (which I didn’t order as I had one at lunch) but the crème brûlée I had for dessert was absolutely wonderful.

Nomad doesn’t have an alcohol license so after dinner we went to El Fenn, a drool-worthy riad with rooftop restaurant and bar that is an interior lover’s dream.

Getting around Marrakech

It’s worth noting that cars cannot enter the medina so to reach dinner at Nomad and get to El Fenn afterwards we had to walk through the souks. I had purchased an e-sim through Airalo (get $3 credit with my referral code JAYNE8741) and this was essential to help us navigate the winding lanes. Getting to Nomad was quite straightforward from Jemaa el Fna, the buzzing central square in Marrakech , but to get to El Fenn afterwards Goggle kept wanting to take us down unlit alleys and I found myself constantly rerouting.

El Fenn is on a main road that taxis can reach though so if you’re worried about navigating the souks in the dark, I’d recommend you book dinner at El Fenn and save Nomad for a lunch during the daytime.

Read also : Top tips for visiting Marrakech

Shopping, The Secret Garden & Spa Time

The second morning we’d left free for shopping with a side of sightseeing. We asked our driver to drop us near Le Jardin Secret as a starting point, and between where he dropped us and arriving at the garden we accumulated 4 pairs of shoes, some brass tea light holders, table mats, woven baskets, jewellery and more!

We really enjoyed haggling with the stall holders and, compared to experiences I’ve had in parts of Asia, I didn’t find anyone too pushy. It was really refreshing.

We spent 30 minutes in one store trying on almost every pair of leather sandals to get the perfect fit. We came away with 4 pairs of shoes for 600 MAD – approx. £12 each!

Le Jardin Secret was a wonderful place to stop for some respite from the souks. We enjoyed marvelling at this stately palace with its mix of exotic and traditional Islamic gardens, and inhaled a cold drink at the cafe afterwards.

Then, from the garden we headed back to El Fenn for some lunch and realised that it’s even more beautiful in the daytime! The food was delicious and it’s hard not to feel happy enjoying it when you’re surrounded by décor like this.

Les Bains De Marrakech

That afternoon we’d been tipped off by a friend about Les Bains de Marrakech and I cannot describe how wonderful this experience was. Les Bains is a traditional spa and hammam with the kind of interiors, smells and service that you’d expect at the world’s best 5-star hotels.

(The only experience I’ve had that comes close is the ESPA at The Corinthia but even then I prefer the authenticity of Les Bains – not to mention the very reasonable prices! )

We booked a 2-hour package for 799 MAD (approx £65) which included a 1-hour relaxing massage and 1-hour hammam. (You can mix and match your treatments – facials and mud baths are available if you don’t fancy the hammam.)

We arrived early so we could cool off in the plunge pools – I mean have you seen one as pretty as this? – and then were taken to a large cabin so we could have our hammam all together.

What to expect at a hammam

Leave your inhibitions at the door ladies! Although I would say Les Bains is a luxury experience it’s very much a traditional one too. For the hammam you are asked to strip and given a paper thong which frankly covers nothing. You begin lying on a heated marble slab in what is essentially a large sauna and then over the space of an hour the ladies come in and out without announcement and proceed to scrub, splash and wash you all over until you feel like a little baby!

I was glad to be able to do it in the same room as my girlfriends as you do feel a bit exposed lying around naked waiting for someone to come in and rub and scrub all your bits. It was good to giggle through the awkwardness, while averting our gazes, of course. I’ve had one other hammam experience before and this one was a lot more comfortable – maybe because I knew what to expect. I love how they even wash your hair for you. You feel completely taken care of.

After the hammam we were led to a quiet room to enjoy tea before being taken to separate treatment rooms for a 1-hour massage that was just magic. The whole afternoon was blissful and I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Reserve online in advance here . Note: you will need to pay a deposit.

Dinner at Dar Dar Rooftop

That night I’d booked us a slightly later dinner at Dar Dar Rooftop Restaurant and it was the perfect place to spend a Saturday night in Marrakech. With Moroccan meets Mediterranean tapas on the menu, an extensive cocktail list including Froze, and a DJ playing all the classic tunes, Dar Dar was a vibe!

We stayed until we could fit no more in (Dar Dar also does a mean crème brulee) and then What’s Apped our driver to come get us from the nearest junction.

Check out this highlights reel from our trip to see more of Marrakech’s nightlife.

Relaxing at Riads & Exploring Ben Youssef Madrasa

Day 3 begun with a lazy morning at Riad Palais Calipau , soaking up the sun on the rooftop and then plunging in the pool to cool off. One of my girlfriends flew home that morning and the other was flying home that night. I had booked myself into another riad for an extra night as it worked out about £200 cheaper than flying on a Sunday. So, after a relaxed morning,  Sam and I moved to my new riad and soaked up all the complimentary tea, coffee and pastries they plied us with.

My new digs, Riad Nelia , was within walking distance of a lot of the main sights so we set off on foot that afternoon to explore a little more. We visited the beautiful Ben Youssef Madrasa , once the largest Islamic school in Morocco and now a historical building open to the (instagramming) public.

It was a little saturated with tourists trying to get the perfect shot (who am I to judge?) but it’s so beautiful and definitely worth a visit.

(Tickets are 50MAD per person – no need to prebook.)

For our last meal together Sam and I headed to Café Des Epices , a Marrakesh institution I remembered from my last visit almost 10 years ago. With bird’s eye views over Place Des Epices, known for its vendors selling woven baskets and hats, you can almost eye up what to buy while waiting for brunch to be served.

Sam bought some beautiful big woven baskets that I now regret not getting for myself and then we headed back to the riad for a quick dip before she headed to the airport.

I spent my solo night in Marrakesh relaxing on the rooftop of Riad Nelia , enjoying more complimentary tea and fruit smoothies and thinking about what a wonderful trip it had been.

How much does it cost for a luxury long weekend in Marrakech?

Our total spend (we used a handy app called Tricount to work out who owed who what) was about £500 per person for food, drink, accommodation, spa treatments, taxis and souvenirs and I think it was an absolute bargain when you consider how indulgent our experience was.

My flights cost £277 return (with hold luggage and reserved seating) but you can easily get flights for under £100 with hand luggage only if you book early.

Where to stay in Marrakech

Some of the  best affordable riads in Marrakech  I’ve researched are:

Riad Palais Calipau

Riad Yasmine

Riad Nayanour

Riad Paradis Blanc

Riad Le Saadien

We got to suss out a couple of these different accommodation options while in Marrakech.

If you’re going for a special occasion, you can’t go wrong with El Fenn . It’s conveniently located in the centre of the old city, has a number of plunge pools, restaurant and bar and is drop dead gorgeous. As their rooms can accommodate max 2 people it wasn’t right for us for this trip, which is how we came to stay in Riad Palais Calipau – a lush green oasis in the Kasbah area of Marrakech.

At Riad Calipau , we had a generous family suite that had a double bed and 2 singles behind a curtain. There was plenty of room for the 3 of us, plus all our luggage, and the interiors were well considered in a charmingly rustic kind of way.

We found staff very helpful with arranging taxis and transfers etc via Whatsapp but it wasn’t always easy to find someone on site. I only mention this because, in contrast, when I checked in at Riad Nelia, the manager Ismail was fantastic at welcoming us with hot tea and a map full of information about what to see and do in the area.

Riad Nelia is a gorgeous new riad within walking distance of a lot of Marrakech’s main attractions. It’s small but welcoming and I think it would be a great base for couples looking for somewhere modern yet relaxing in the middle of the medina.

Find more pictures and a detailed review here .

Disclosure: My trip was self-funded but this post contains some affiliate links.

Top tips for visiting Marrakech

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I’m Jayne, a travel blogger, content creator and mum to a 4-year-old son. I’ve been blogging since 2010, travelled to 65 countries and share travel guides and tips to help you plan stylish, stress-free trips.

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Morocco Today

12 Best Souks in Marrakech+ Local Tips

July 22, 2024

Step into the Marrakech Medina and you’ll quickly realize it’s a BIG deal. That’s because this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the best souks in Marrakech and dates back to 1070-1072.

It was created by the Almoravids and was a major political and economic center in Morocco. Today, the Medina is made up of a maze of souks, or markets, that cover 19 kilometers (11.8 miles) and that are surrounded by ancient city walls.

Honestly, I find it a very chaotic and confusing place where pedestrianized cobblestone streets are overflowing with stray cats, rogue motorbikes, donkey-driven carts, overwhelmed tourists, and overzealous vendors.

So, definitely watch your step and have an offline map handy since you will get lost and your GPS probably won’t work. Yeah, the signal in the Medina is notoriously terrible.

But, if you know where to go, you can find exotic spice markets, homemade Berber rugs, cool shoe stores, and amazing lanterns.

And that’s where my expertise comes in handy. I live in Morocco and have been here since January 2023. TBH, I have lost count of how many times I’ve been to Marrakech since I live pretty close by.

Therefore, I am the perfect person to show you where to shop in Marrakech, what to buy in the souks of Marrakech, and where to find the best souks in Marrakech.

This way you can pick up amazing hidden treasures that don’t look like they came from a generic souvenir shop.

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

Best souks in marrakech, 1. semmarine souk.

This is one of the most famous souks in Marrakech and is a place you’ll definitely visit at some point during your trip to Marrakech since this market serves as the gateway to all the other souks.

It’s also a covered souk that reminds me of the High Street in London since it’s packed with souvenirs and lots of tourists. It’s a great place to shop for traditional Berber clothing as well as fun maxi dresses.

It starts off with shops selling pastries and ceramics and then features vendors selling fabrics and clothes like kaftans and pashminas.

When you’re about half way through the souk you’ll see the spice square to the right and Souk el Attarine to the left where you’ll discover vibrant lanterns, teapots, lamps, candlesticks, and more.

You’ll also find some of the most unique bars in Marrakech near this souk in the Medina.

2. Jemaa el-Fna Square

I am not a fan of shopping in Jemma el-Fna Square. I just find everything here to be kind of low-quality and over-priced.

I just love walking around here in Marrakech in the evening though since this is when all the musicians, belly dancers, snake charmers, and monkey handlers all come out to entertain excited tourists and locals alike.

Be sure to void the snake charmers and monkey handlers since I have no idea how well those animals are treated.

You could also go to a local rooftop, order a mint tea, look out at Koutoubia Mosque, and watch the sunset as the people walk around beneath you.

Otherwise, head to one of the local food stalls in the square and order things like snail soup and camel’s spleen. Yup, talk about one of the more unique things to do in Marrakech .

Local Tip: Watch out for scammers in restaurants in Jemaa el-Fna Square. Essentially, they give you a cheap menu and then charge you way too much.

When you ask about it, they bring out a second menu with higher prices to convince you that you are wrong. Don’t fall for it and take a pic of the menu before you order.

However, there are some great rooftop restaurants in Marrakech here with epic views of Jemaa el Fna Square. There are even a few restaurants in Marrakech serving alcohol here.

You can also enjoy a delicious lunch in Marrakech while you’re here since some of coolest cafes in Marrakech are located in the area too.

3. Smata Souk

If you want to see walls filled with vibrant colored shoes then this is one of the best souks for you. After all, Samta Souk is a great place to find babouches or traditional Moroccan shoes with a covered toe and an open back.

Yeah, many locals wear them because they are very easy to slip on and off. It’s super helpful since most locals take off their shoes before entering their home.

You can find plain ones, ones with pointy toes, ones with round toes, and ones with lots of elaborate decorations. Prices vary but expect to pay somewhere between 60 Dirhams ($6.00) and 400 Dirhams ($40.00) depending on the quality.

To find this souk in Marrakech, you’ll see a wool souk on your left and pass through an arch before turning right into Samta Souk. You can visit on the way to the Souk des Teinturiers (dyers souk).

4. Souk Cherratin

Located in the northeastern part of the Medina, Souk Cherratin is a place where local artisans showcase their hamdmade leather goods.

Here you’ll find high-quality bags, belts, wallets, backpacks, footstools and slippers.

Known affectionately as “Ta’ala” among the locals, this is the place where master craftsmen transform animal skins—from the nearby tanneries—into exquisite pieces.

They either keep the leather’s natural color or hand-dye it to create vibrant colors that catch the eye.

All in all, Souk Cherratin stands out as one of Marrakech’s most epic souks, offering visitors a unique and high-end shopping experience unlike any other.

Local Tip: If you are going to Fes do NOT buy leather goods in Marrakech. The quality and assortment of leather goods in Fes is much better.

5. Souk Nejjarine

This is the souk to visit if you’re interested in buying anything related to wood since this market features vendors who have mastered the fine art of woodworking.

Authentic, homemade souvenirs are available in cedar, ebony, and rosewood as skilled artisans craft beautiful, meticulously made items.

During your visit, you’ll likely find wood boxes, furniture, and Moroccan instruments, like the Oud and Darbuka, for sale.

However, even if you don’t want to buy something it’s still a cool place to walk around if you’re looking for cheap things to do in Marrakech .

6. Souk el Attarine

Ready to step into a world of exotic tastes and even more exotic smells? Or, are you an aspiring chef looking to add a little flavor to your life? If so then run, don’t walk, to Souk el Attarine.

This spic spice market features giant mounds of vibrant spices that are piled high and stretch out as far as the eye can see. We always come here to get things like saffron, cumin, ras el hanout, and more.

Yeah, we gotta have our spices, at least if we’re gonna make some Berber Omelets or delish taginea ar home. I also love me some good harissa but my partner hates it. LOL. Too spicy for him.

Anyway, this is also a good place to go if you want some medicinal herbs (like verbena for your tummy) or some beauty products like argan oil and Ghassoul clay.

7. Souk Zrabi

What was once a gruesome slave market is now a whimsical souk filled with vibrant Moroccan carpets available in every shape, color, and pattern imaginable.

To find some of the best shopping in Marrakech, venture down a quiet alley off Rahba Kedima Square and look through a dazzling array of runners and rugs.

While prices vary, expect to pay somewhere between 3,000 ($300) and 7,000 dirhams ($700) for a rug. However, vintage Berber rugs can be more expensive and cost anywhere between 10,000 ($1000) to 26,000 dirhams ($2600).

Afterward, grab some delicious mint tea at Cafe des Epices and enjoy amazing views of Rahba Kedima Square. Their mint tea isn’t as good as my boyfriend’s but it’s pretty close.

8. Rue Bab Doukkala Market

For a more authentic shopping experience, head to Arset Ben Chebi and enjoy the vivacious atmosphere of the Rue Bab Doukkala Market.

Not only are the prices great, but there are hardly any foreigners here. So, you stroll through the area and look for amazing things like copperware, baskets, chic apparel, and shoes.

Just be sure to come hungry since you can also pick up delicious foods like oranges, fresh bread, olives, and lamb brochettes.

9. Souk el Khemis

This is another budget shopping spot in Marrakech that I am just not all that into. It’s not that this place is bad, it’s that I am just not a huge fan of flea markets.

However, if you are looking for unique bargains then this is the souk for you. You can walk around this open-air souk and shop for a wild array of items. Just be aware that you’ll have to do a bit of digging if you want to find something good.

Highlights include furniture, lanterns, wrought iron window frames, door knockers, and antique wooden doors.

10. Souk Dhabia

This is where you can go to get some amazing jewelry. However, I would ONLY shop for jewelry in Marrakech if you really know what you’re talking about.

99.99% of the jewelry on sale here is poor quality, is in authentic, and is very expensive. However, if you do find something you like then feel free to get it. Just know that it is probably fake.

Otherwise, feel free to window shop and look at rings, bracelets, and necklaces aplenty. I always love looking at the fibulas (brooches worn on a dress or in your hair), and Khalkhal (ankle bracelet).

If you want something REALLY Moroccan, get jewelry with a Khamsa. It’s a downward-facing hand that is meant to protect you from the evil eye and keep evil spirits away from you.

Book Your Morocco Travel Consultation Now

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11. Souk Sebbaghine

I dunno why everyone is obsessed with this souk in Marrakech. Maybe it’s for the photo ops? It’s basically just wool that has been dyed a bunch of different colors and that is hanging up all over the place.

I am not a fan (as you can tell), but I am putting this Marrakech souk up here since everyone else I know loves this place.

Essentially the wool at Souk Sebbaghine, otherwise known as dyers souk, is created for local weavers who use it to make carpets.

The one cool thing about this place is that you can sometimes see people working with the wool and dyeing it in the main square.

You can also chat with locals about the dying process and how they use vegetable-based powders to create epic colors.

12. Souk Haddadine

Souk Haddadine is one of these incredible places that is abuzz with activity from local blacksmiths. Therefore, it is a treasure trove of awesomeness for anyone who likes metalwork.

So, expect to find furniture, gates, quaint road signs, chairs, wind chimes, chandeliers, cutlery, lanterns, and intricate window grilles.

However, what I really love about visiting is that if you time it right, you’ll be able to see local artisans at work, hammering out metal and melting things down.

It’s not super posh and is a bit dirty. But, it’s a fun place to see local artisans honing their craft.

Tips for Shopping in the Souks

I have done a lot of shopping for souvenirs in Marrakech . So, I have some Marrakech tips about the things you should and the things you should not do in Marrakech .

Use these expert tips below to stay safe in Marrakech and have the best experience possible. You can also try shopping in Essaouira vs. Marrakech since it tends to be less stressful and cheaper.

• Haggle – You can’t haggle everywhere (Like the grocery store) but you 100% should in the Marrakech souks to get the best price possible. I am not great at it but I like to start at 50% of the asking price and then go up from there.
• Avoid Jewelry and Antiques – The quality of jewelry and antiques for sale in Marrakech is notoriously terrible. They are usually overpriced and not real. So, I would avoid buying these items in Marrakech.
• Bring Cash – You MIGHT find someone who takes a credit card if you buy a super expensive Berber carpet. But, most vendors in the souks only take cash.
• Keep Cash Safe – Make sure your cash is secure since these narrow streets packed with people make the souks a popular place for pickpockets.
• Don’t Accept Unsolicited Help – Moroccans are lovely but they don’t spontaneously offer help without being asked. So, if anyone tries to lead you somewhere because you look lost, refuse. It is a scam and they will demand a lot of money from you. Use this Marrakech travel tip and you’ll have a much better shopping experience.
• Don’t Walk Around the Souks Alone at Night – The souks tend to close around 9:00 pm or 10:00 pm. The lights go out, the people go home, and the streets close to foot traffic. So, it’s easy to get lost and run into sketchy people in a dark alley. Avoid walking around the souks late at night alone, especially if you’re a solo traveler in Marrakech .
• Buy Leather Goods in Fes – If you are heading to Fes buy leather goods there since that is what the city is known for.
• Download Offline Maps for Navigation – You will get lost in the souks and it will be hard to navigate since most cell phones don’t have service. So, you won’t be able to use your GPS. Try downloading Maps.me before your trip so that you can use your phone to navigate the souks while you’re offline.
• Know What To Wear – Understand what to wear and what to avoid wearing in Marrakech so that you don’t draw unwanted attention to yourself.

That wraps up this guide to the best shopping in Marrakech. I hope you enjoyed learning about all of the best souks in Marrakech and are ready to go shopping.

If you found this post useful, be sure to join our email list and Facebook group for even more awesome Morocco travel tips.

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Madrid to Marrakech

15 days | walk the cobbled streets and fascinating bazaars of spain, portugal and morocco.

Enjoy a first-hand experience of Spanish, Portuguese and Moroccan lifestyles on this 15-day adventure through three vibrant countries. Travelling from Madrid to Marrakech, immerse yourself in the history of each destination, exploring ancient cultures through art, design, language and religion, trying local delicacies along the way. From Spanish dancing to the Algarve coastline to the fascinating Islamic architecture in Morocco, you’ll experience a collision of old and new, European and African. See a traditional Fado performance, explore museums, watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean and discover bustling medinas which overwhelm the senses.

Trip overview

• Wander around Salamanca's lit up Plaza Mayor by night and explore the cobblestoned streets of Seville by day – Andalusia's largest city.
• Enjoy an unforgettable Fado performance in Coimbra. Fado is an emotional form of Portuguese music which often expresses the hard realities of daily life, balancing both resignation and hopefulness.
• Make the most of your free time in Lisbon – this city has so much to offer, from its beautiful museums, monuments and parks to its famous trams, bars and restaurants.
• Buy fresh local produce at the morning market during your stay on The Algarve and soak up the sun on the calm beaches. Then, watch the sunset over the Atlantic Ocean from your accommodations' rooftop terrace.
• Explore the twisting, colourful labyrinthine streets of the Fes and Marrakech medinas with a local guide to lead you to all of the best spots and ensure you don't get lost!
• This trip covers a lot of ground and the majority of travel is done by trains, ferries and public buses. It's a good time to sit back, relax and let the scenery roll past your window. Please read the Itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
• We recommend packing light and smart for this trip as you'll be required to carry your own luggage between train stations and hotels, which can include going up and down multiple flights of stairs, and across cobblestones. Train stations often don’t have lifts available.
• Summer temperatures can be extreme in this region (over 40C/104F). It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat, and drink plenty of water. Many hotels in Europe and Morocco have fans, not air conditioning. Please carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability to that season.
• Space is at a premium in Europe and Morocco and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but usually the central location makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together.
• Ramadan is an annual month-long festival, during which travel can be a rewarding cultural experience, however some regular services may not be available during the day, such as restaurants or cafes, and occasionally travel can be disrupted by events. Your leader will adjust the itinerary accordingly, but please consider this when selecting your travel dates. You’ll find dates and further information in the ‘Climate and seasonal information’ section of the Essential Trip Information.

View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024

Bienvenidos! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Madrid, the central capital known for its boulevards and expansive, manicured parks. You’ll have a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight to meet your group and local leader. After the meeting, head out for an optional group dinner where you can get to know your fellow travellers. As there's limited time for sightseeing in Madrid, consider flying in a few days early to explore and maybe while away the hours along the Paseo del Arte (Art Walk) or maybe discover more about the modern Spanish masters like Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia.

• Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

• Madrid - Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza - EUR13
• Madrid - Museo del Prado - EUR15
• Madrid - Real Jardín Botánico - EUR6
• Madrid - Museo Reina Sofia - EUR10
• Madrid - Royal Palace - EUR14
• Madrid - Tapas Urban Adventure - EUR99

It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. If you are going to be late please let your travel agent or hotel reception know. Ask reception or look for a note in the lobby for more information on where the meeting will take place.

Say farewell to Madrid this morning and head north-west by public transport to the university town of Salamanca. Sitting among pastures and rolling green hills on Spain's northern plateau, the medieval town of Salamanca is great to explore on foot. Your leader will take you on an orientation walk when you arrive, where you can explore the central Plaza Mayor and the Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The rest of your afternoon and evening is free. You can explore the detail of the Casa de Las Conchas (House of the Shells), see the contrasting Old and New Cathedrals, or climb to the top to get a view across the terracotta-coloured rooftops. Thanks to the large student population the town has a vibrant nightlife, so maybe soak up the vibe tonight, go dancing or grab a couple of drinks.

• Salamanca - Art Nouveau & Art Deco Museum - EUR5
• Salamanca - Unamuno House Museum - EUR4
• Salamanca - New Cathedral - EUR5
• Salamanca - Old Cathedral - EUR5
• Salamanca - University of Salamanca - EUR10
• Salamanca - Casa de Las Conchas - Free

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Head further west on your private bus today and cross the border into Portugal to the laidback city of Coimbra – your base for the next two nights. Sitting on the banks of the River Mondego, Coimbra was once the capital of the county, and its royal heritage can be felt in its ancient streets. When you arrive, your leader will take you on an orientation walk through the maze of alleyways. Half the fun of Coimbra is wandering and exploring, so maybe use your free time getting to know the city on foot. Coimbra features many white stone buildings with excellent examples of the colourful azulejos tiling. Some of the historical structures were originally built in the 12th century (like the Cathedral Se Velha), and you can find some of Portugal's best examples of Romanesque churches and elegant museums here. The University of Coimbra – the oldest in Portugal – and the famous baroque library, the Biblioteca Joanina are great places to start.

Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.

Today is a free day to explore Coimbra. Maybe head into the countryside in search of ancient Roman ruins – the ruins of Conimbriga are rich in well-preserved mosaics and offer a great insight into Roman life. There are several options to return, including a 3-km walk through the countryside to the rural town of Condeixa or a half-hour bus ride. If you have time, you can take a short boat tour to see Coimbra from a different angle. Tonight, you’ll head to a traditional Fado performance. Fado songs must follow a particular structure, and though this traditional music can really be about anything, it popularly features mournful tunes with lyrics about the sea or the life of the poor. In Coimbra, university students would often serenade their sweethearts with this music!

• Coimbra - Evening Fado Performance
• Coimbra - Mondego River Boat Trip - EUR10
• Coimbra - Cathedrals - EUR5
• Coimbra - Conimbriga Ruins - EUR10
• Coimbra - Portugal Dos Pequenitos - EUR15
• Coimbra - University of Coimbra and Joanina Library - EUR14

Today, take a train through the countryside of central Portugal to Lisbon. As one of Europe's most affordable capital cities, Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering a multicultural population, delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife. When you arrive, head out on an orientation walk on the banks of the Tagus (Tejo) River. Much of Lisbon’s character and lies in its beautifully renovated buildings, grand boulevards and impressive castles and churches. Visit the medieval citadel in the city centre, the Citadel of Sao Jorge Castle, which dates back to Moorish times and sits on the highest point of the Old Town. Your evening is free to explore at your own pace, so maybe head to the grand Naval Museum for an insight into the history of Portuguese navigation. If you want to jump into the local nightlife, head to Barrio Alto.

• Lisbon - Sao Jorge Castle

Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.

Today is free for you to explore more of Lisbon, or you can take a 45-minute train ride out to the mountainous region of Sintra – a jewel of Portugal where you’ll see the Pena Palace. This area offers great walking opportunities, cliff-top palaces and unique Moorish architecture. The 8th-century Castle of the Moors looks down on the Old Town, and the views from the battlements across the Serra de Sintra Mountain Range are worth the trip.

• Sintra - Palacio Nacional - EUR13
• Sintra - Palacio da Pena - EUR20
• Sintra - Day Trip - EUR10
• Sintra - Castelo dos Mouros - EUR12
• Lisbon - Experience Lisbon Walk Urban Adventure - EUR45
• Lisbon - Naval Museum - EUR7
• Lisbon - Oceanarium - EUR25
• Lisbon - Fado Show with Dinner - EUR50
• Lisbon - Gulbenkian Museum - EUR10
• Lisbon - Folk Art Museum - EUR5
• Lisbon - National Art Museum - EUR6
• Lisbon - Puppet Museum - EUR5

Take a bus journey to the southern coastline of Portugal – the Algarve, known for fertile plains rich with orange and olive groves, fig trees, almonds and maize fields. Your base will be in Faro – the capital of the region known for its Old Town, which you enter through the neoclassical Arco da Vila. When you arrive, check into your home for the next two nights and use the rest of the day to explore. Maybe wander the cobbled streets, see the 13th-century Faro Cathedral of head to the Municipal Museum set in a 16th-century convent, which displays prehistoric and medieval artifacts as well as religious art.

Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.

Faro is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by a series of barrier islands, creating a beautiful landscape of canals, salt pans, lagoons and sandbanks. Today, you’ll board a local passenger boat and head out to one of these islands – Ilha de Culatra – where you can wander along a series of boardwalks leading away from the fishermen’s settlements. You'll cross over dunes and lagoons to beaches that are so long that they disappear into the horizon. Return to Faro in the afternoon and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure. Maybe use the area's great walking paths to access some of the Algarve's lesser known spots or find a good spot to watch the sunset.

• Algarve - Culatra Island Day Trip by Boat
• Algarve - Birdwatching Tour - EUR35
• Algarve - Marine Wildlife Watching Tour - EUR45
• Algarve - Boat Trip Rio Formosa - EUR30
• Algarve - Fishing Trip - EUR40

Leave Portugal behind and return to Spain, travelling by private vehicle to the city of Seville. If the legends are to be believed, Seville was founded by Hercules and its origins are linked with the Tartessian civilisation. To the Romans it was Hispalis, and to the Moors it was Isbiliya. After the Christian reconquest, it became thought of as the portal to the 'New World' and today is the largest city in southern Spain, well-known for its oranges, tapas and flamenco. When you arrive, head out for a short orientation walk around the main sites, then enjoy some free time in the late afternoon and evening to explore at your own pace.

• Seville - Real Alcazar - EUR14

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.

This morning, rise early to start your long journey to Chefchaouen. You'll head toward Tarifa and then leave Europe behind as you make your way to Africa. After leaving the ferry, you'll be picked up by the Moroccan crew and make your way to a mountain town peppered with blue-washed buildings and ambient restaurants – Chefchaouen, the centre of an agricultural region. There may not be much time to explore this rural retreat by the time you arrive today, but you might just have time to look over the 15th-century Grand Mosque and the medina. Tonight, maybe tuck into some popular local goats’ cheese or a tajine before settling into your hotel.

Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.

Please have your passport handy as today you'll head over to Morocco. Your leader will change when you arrive into the port of Tangier. After an introduction, your European leader will return to Spain, while your Moroccan leader will take care of you on the Moroccan part of the trip.

Meet your local guide early in the day to explore the maze of streets in Chefchaouen. The ‘blue city’ is arguably one of the prettiest places in Morocco. Set against a wide valley and nestled between two peaks in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen’s medina has been lovingly cared for with striking blue and whitewashed houses, red-tiled roofs and artistic doorways. The medina is filled with handicrafts, while the main square has shops selling woven goods and sweets. Learn about general life in a small Moroccan community, visit a communal bakery and walk up to a former mosque for a great view over the town. As a popular shopping destination for handicrafts, carpets, blankets or woollen garments, you may also see the artisans at work. After your walking tour, maybe head to a traditional Moroccan hammam to relax.

• Chefchaouen - Walking Tour with Local Guide
• Chefchaouen - Hammam (public baths) - MAD150
• Chefchaouen - Henna Tattoo - MAD50

Say farewell to Chefchaouen today and jump on a private minivan trip to the spiritual and cultural heart of Morocco. Arrive in the city of Fes and step back in time to the medieval medina, thick with tantalising smells, tastes and sounds. Vibrant, noisy and fascinating, the medina is a feast for the senses. With your free afternoon, maybe have a glass of mint tea and some sweet Moroccan dates to refuel, then continue exploring. Tonight, you might like to try some local specialities like camel burger, harira (chickpea soup) or chicken-stuffed pastilla with couscous. Watch the sunset over the medina, then head back to your accommodation for a night’s rest.

Take a guided walking tour of the Old City, known locally as Fes el Bali, and step back in time to the labyrinth of the medina. Alive with craftsmen, markets, tanneries and mosques, you’ll pass donkeys piled high with goods (this is one of the largest car-free urban zones in the world) and explore the specialty sections that divide the souks. Medieval Fes was one of the world's great centres of education and culture, both Islamic and Jewish. Its religious institutions and its libraries are legendary. Its mosques are of great renown. Look out for the Medersa Bou Inania, one of the city's most beautiful buildings, which has recently been restored and is now open to tourists. Pass the Belghazi Museum, Medresse el Attarine and the splendid Funduk Nejjarine – a beautifully restored 18th century inn. You'll also see the famous tannery, known for the iconic view overlooking its dye pits, and a ceramics factory where you can see potters working in the traditional way. After the tour, the afternoon is free for you to enjoy as you please.

• Fes - Medina walking tour

You'll be on your feet for at least 5 to 6 hours today to explore the medina. We highly recommend you wear appropriate footwear. Today’s experience will also include some visits to carefully selected shops. As the receipt of commissions or kickbacks in exchange for recommending particular shops, services or activities is ingrained in the culture of the Moroccan tourism industry, Intrepid has established a centralised system of receiving and distributing payments from these recommended suppliers. For more information, please refer to the ‘Important Notes’ section or talk to your Tour leader on the ground.

Travel by train this morning to Marrakech. When you arrive, head out with the group for a quick visit to the main square – Djemaa el-Fna. The square is filled with a hive of activity. Henna painters, performers and storytellers share the square with a street food bazaar packed with stalls loaded with Moroccan delicacies. From a distance, you'll see the Koutoubia Mosque and its minaret – famous throughout the world as one of the greatest minarets and the 'sister' to the Giralda in Seville. You can have dinner here or ask your local leader for a great local restaurant recommendation and celebrate a trip well-travelled with your group.

• Marrakech - Saadian Tombs - MAD70
• Marrakech - Palais Badi - MAD70
• Marrakech - Palais Bahia - MAD70
• Marrakech - Hamam (public baths) - MAD250

Your travel time today will be approximately 8 hours.

After breakfast this morning, your adventure comes to an end. As there's not much time spent in Marrakech, it’s recommended you book an extra few nights of accommodation. If you would like to extend your stay, maybe explore the ruins of Palais Badi – once one of the most beautiful palaces in the world – or head to the bazaar, where every step to a new souq brings a new smell, a new sight or a new gift. If you need to organise additional accommodation, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

• Marrakech - A Taste Of Marrakech: Inside the Medina Urban Adventure - MAD605
• Marrakech - Tajine Cookery Class Urban Adventure. - MAD640
• Marrakech - Cascades d'Ouzoud Day Tour - MAD2207
• Marrakech - Luxury Spa Hammam & Massage - MAD750
• Marrakech - Heart of the Atlas Mountains cycling day trip with lunch - MAD2000
• Marrakech - Medina, Palaces & Tombs Urban Adventure - MAD650
• Marrakech - Palmery Cycling Tour - MAD540
• Marrakech - Magical Marrakech City Cycling Tour - MAD438

12 breakfasts

Train, Ferry, Metro, Private vehicle, Public bus, Taxi

Hotel (14 nights)

Dates and availability

Important notes.

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information. 2. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking (including any middle names listed on your passport) for transport tickets. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

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• Travel Guide
• Food Travel

Secrets Of Breakfast In Marrakech: Hidden Gems And Must-Try Dishes

Published: August 28, 2024

by Luce Shuck

Ever wondered what breakfast in Marrakech is like? Imagine starting your day with the aroma of freshly baked bread, the sweetness of honey, and the rich taste of Moroccan mint tea. Breakfast in Marrakech offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that will make your taste buds dance. From traditional Moroccan pancakes called msemen to the hearty bissara , a fava bean soup, there's something for everyone. Don't miss out on trying baghrir , also known as "thousand-hole pancakes," which are perfect with a drizzle of honey. Whether you're a foodie or just curious, breakfast in this vibrant city is an experience you won't forget.

Discovering Breakfast in Marrakech

Marrakech, a city bursting with vibrant colors, rich history, and tantalizing flavors, offers a breakfast experience like no other. From bustling markets to serene riads, the morning meal here is a feast for the senses. Let's explore some hidden gems and must-try dishes that make breakfast in Marrakech unforgettable.

Traditional Moroccan Breakfast Spots

For an authentic Moroccan breakfast, these spots offer a taste of tradition and culture.

Café des Épices : Nestled in the heart of the Medina, this café offers a rooftop view of the bustling souks. Enjoy a traditional breakfast of msemen (Moroccan pancakes), fresh orange juice, and mint tea.

Riad Yima : This artistic haven, created by designer Hassan Hajjaj, serves a delightful breakfast in a colorful setting. Try the baghrir (thousand-hole pancakes) with honey and butter.

Le Jardin : A tranquil garden café offering a serene escape from the city's hustle. Their breakfast includes khlea (preserved meat) with eggs, served with fresh bread and olives.

Modern Twists on Moroccan Breakfast

For those seeking a contemporary take on traditional flavors, these spots blend the old with the new.

Nomad : Located near the spice market, Nomad offers a modern twist on Moroccan cuisine. Their avocado toast with harissa and poached eggs is a must-try.

Café Clock : Known for its fusion dishes, Café Clock serves a unique camel burger alongside traditional breakfast items like briouats (stuffed pastries) and fresh fruit.

Henna Art Café : Combining art and food , this café offers a creative breakfast menu. Try their berber omelette with tomatoes, onions, and spices, served with warm bread.

Hidden Gems for a Quiet Morning

Escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful breakfast at these lesser-known spots.

La Famille : A hidden garden café offering a vegetarian breakfast menu. Their quinoa porridge with seasonal fruits and nuts is both healthy and delicious.

Dar Cherifa : One of the oldest riads in Marrakech, this spot offers a serene atmosphere and a traditional Moroccan breakfast. Enjoy bissara (fava bean soup) with olive oil and cumin.

Beldi Country Club : Located just outside the city, this country club offers a luxurious breakfast experience. Try their freshly baked pastries and homemade jams while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.

Street Food Breakfast Delights

Experience the vibrant street food culture of Marrakech with these breakfast delights.

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square : The heart of Marrakech's street food scene, this square offers a variety of breakfast options. Try the sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts) dusted with sugar.

Bab Doukkala Market : A bustling market where you can find vendors selling harcha (semolina bread) and briouats filled with cheese or meat.

Gueliz District : This modern part of the city offers street vendors selling msemmen with honey and freshly squeezed orange juice for a quick and tasty breakfast.

Savor the Flavors of Marrakech Breakfasts

Marrakech offers a breakfast experience like no other. From flaky msemen to sweet beghrir , the city's morning dishes are a feast for the senses. Exploring local cafes and markets reveals hidden gems that make each meal memorable. Don't miss out on freshly squeezed orange juice or a cup of mint tea to complement your meal.

Trying these traditional dishes not only satisfies your taste buds but also gives you a deeper connection to the culture. Whether you're sitting in a bustling market or a quiet cafe, the flavors of Marrakech will leave a lasting impression. So next time you're in the city, make sure to start your day with a delicious Moroccan breakfast . You won't regret it.

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