Get Lost in the Cinematic Magic of Marrakech

Marrakech is an overwhelming destination but that’s its allure. It offers an enchanting blend of ancient history and modern charm that’s not quite like anywhere else in the world.

On a recent visit, the trees were in full bloom and the inescapable smell of exhaust and spices in the air was sweetly masked with the intoxicating scent of bitter orange blossoms. Stepping into the bustling medina is like walking onto a movie set—a feast for the senses that will leave you hypnotized, craving more.

Whether you're savoring mint tea in the shade of a riad courtyard, shopping for one-of-a-kind pieces in the souks, or embracing the quiet beauty of the Atlas Mountains on a day trip, there’s a side of Marrakech that goes beyond its most touristic hotspots. If you’re looking for a list of the most popular local attractions, this is not the guide for you.

Marrakech’s energy has lured me back more times than I’d like to admit, each visit revealing hidden gems and stories only those who truly immerse themselves can discover. This guide is crafted to help you do just that—to uncover the best places to eat, stay, and unwind, while delving into local secrets cherished by those who return time and time again. 

There is an endless menu of options when it comes to how to spend your time in Marrakech, from where to sleep and dine to the museums and sites you absolutely can’t miss. My top tip for visitors may seem obvious, but is sometimes overlooked: When in Marrakech, Marrakech is the main attraction.

Head straight to the busy medina and surrender to the sights and sounds of its everyday rhythm. Weave through the labyrinth-like streets, try your hand at haggling, or pop into an artisan shop simply because something caught your eye. When it’s time to rest, find your way to higher ground at one of the city’s many rooftop restaurants to enjoy a refreshing mint tea just in time for the call to prayer to echo across the city.

If you’re hesitant to navigate the food stalls of Jemaa el-Fna square on your own, book a food tour with Moroccan Food Adventures, Marrakech’s original food tour company. Combining “great food with great stories that make the city come to life,” guides Youssef and Amanda will take you on a truly authentic tour of the city while supporting local businesses.

Each night, Comptoir Darna puts on quite a show. We’re talking elaborately dressed dancers balancing fully lit candelabras on their heads while belly dancing for your pure entertainment. When the performance is done, head upstairs to catch local and guest DJs spinning Souktronic—yes, it’s a thing—well into the early hours of the morning.

You’ve made it to the famous Majorelle Gardens, because how could you not? But while you’re there, make sure to also purchase a ticket to the Pierre Berge Museum of Berber Arts. A small but mighty collection housing over 600 items carefully curated by Pierre Berger and Yves Saint Laurent pays homage to the richness of the vibrant Berber culture, which is very much still alive today. Don’t skip the jewelry room with its infinity display.

Sure, you’ve probably gotten your fix of shopping in the souk but there’s a whole new wave of Moroccan designers that are worth exploring. From dishware to babouche slippers and cheeky prints, Chabi Chic has something for everyone and is a perfect spot to pick up gifts for family and friends. Lrnce has a distinct look and feel to their locally made homeware, so be sure to leave room in your carry-on to take home one of their ceramics. Marrakshi Life has found a way of mixing ancient weaving traditions with modern designs in their debut clothing line. It’s not inexpensive but their pieces are truly one of a kind.

Nestled in the heart of the medina, Le Jardin Secret was once a private sanctuary, hidden from public view. Recently transformed and reopened, it now showcases two uniquely designed gardens—the Islamic Garden and the Exotic Garden—inviting all to enjoy its serene space. Consider visiting early in the morning or later in the afternoon before closing as these times are typically quieter. For an insider’s tip, don’t miss the rooftop cafe for your morning java and a bird’s-eye view of the medina.

One of the best salves to fight off your jetlag is a good scrub down in a traditional hammam. Expect to be steamed, lathered, scrubbed, and immersed in cold water only to emerge invigorated with silky-smooth skin. For the crème de la crème treatment, head to the spa at Royal Mansour where you can hide away in private hammam suites, sipping on mint tea and wasting the afternoon away on fluffy daybeds.

If your trip to Marrakech is long enough to squeeze in a day trip, a mere 45-minute trek outside of Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains feels like a true oasis—a different world, entirely. I recommend checking in to Kasbah Bab Ourika and surrendering poolside. Savor the property’s locally-sourced dishes, and save room for dessert—specifically their homemade lemon sorbet. Perfectly balanced between sweet and puckering, it’s so fresh you may even spot a seed or two. In the evening, cozy up in one one of their inviting nooks with a good read and turn-in early to the sound of a roaring fire, a thoughtful touch included in the hotel’s nightly turndown service.

Breakfast/Coffee: Your hotel or riad is likely serving up a delicious and authentic Moroccan breakfast with homemade jams and airy baghrir, a spongy semolina pancake used to soak up honey and butter; piping hot mint tea; and your eggs of choice. Served in their fragrant and lush courtyards, lean in and enjoy this moment of quiet and calm before embarking on your day in the city.

If you’re craving a caffeine fix, head to iconic Bacha Coffee. With a rich and epic history, Bacha Coffee serves over 100 different coffees, all expertly made by baristas donning white uniforms and traditional red fez hats. Head early as their opulent interiors and reputation tends to create quite a bit of buzz.

Open all day, the expat-friendly jaunt Le Grand Café de la Poste is considered one of the most elegant and iconic places in Marrakech. A nod to its French legacy, the colonial architecture and roaring ‘20s vibe takes you back in time. Grab a coffee and a French pastry on the veranda and return at night for live jazz.

Lunch: With a fresh take on classic Moroccan cuisine, Nomad is quickly earning an international reputation and is always my first stop when returning to Marrakech. Nestled in the Place des Epices, grab a table on the rooftop terrace for incredible views. Their sardine tart with flaky thin crust, olive green tapenade, caramelized onions, and green chermoula is not to be missed.

For a relaxed lunch, the rooftop at El Fenn has a great lunch menu with local, seasonal plant-based food. Their Moroccan spin on fish and chips with harissa tartare is light and satisfying along with their burrata served with pistachio pesto and tomatoes marinated in coriander and harissa.

Another casually chic rooftop to add to your list is L’Mida whose take on mocktails is worth a visit alone. Their Marrakech Pacho is a twist on the classic virgin Bloody Mary, enhanced with the bold flavors of olive oil, garlic, and harissa for that extra kick. Piri piri kefta served with mint-flecked yogurt sauce, candied lemon chicken tacos served with green olives, and tender lentil croquettes with sweet and zingy candied lemon and feta are a few of the mouth-watering dishes you’ll find on the menu.

Dinner: If you haven’t heard of Sahbi Sahbi yet, make sure to bookmark it for your next trip to Marrakech. Run by a team of all-female chefs, Sahbi Sahbi’s ethos focuses on recipes that have been passed down for generations. The restaurant is rustic and refined, enveloping you in a warm hug. While you can’t go wrong with anything you end up ordering, don’t skip out on the brania, beef and eggplant tagine that’s smoky and slightly sweet, a comforting bowl of harira soup after a day of exploring the medina, and the pigeon pastilla is definitely worth a try.

If you’re looking for something a bit more romantic, make a beeline for Dar Yacout, an institution in the Moroccan food scene. Dar Yacout’s candlelit courtyard, white tablecloths, and subtle scent of fresh roses create a fully immersive experience from the moment you enter. Serving traditional Moroccan dishes with an elevated presentation, opt for a lamb tagine with sweet, sticky prunes or a traditional couscous dish with assorted vegetables and pair it with an array of vibrant salads.

When you’ve tired of Moroccan flavors, make my way over to La Trattoria for a taste of tried-and-true Italian dishes. This is one of the most beautiful dining spots in the city, with tables set around the swimming pool in a jungle-inspired courtyard. The scenery is Instagram-worthy, as is their vitello tonnato, tartare di tonno rosso, and their vegetarian ravioli stuffed with spinach and ricotta.

La Mamounia ($$$$)
La Mamounia’s 100-year-old history is not the only reason it has a loyal following among travelers. Coveted as one of the most luxurious stays in Marrakech, next to names like Royal Mansour, La Mamounia is a true oasis steps from the vibrant Jemaa el-Fna square. The interiors alone are worth a visit, along with their extraordinary spa. If your budget doesn’t allow for laying your head here at night, you can spend a day roaming the manicured rose gardens and nibbling on overpriced yet delicious salmon avocado sliders while sneaking a peek at their iconic interiors.

El Fenn ($$$)
El Fenn is just as vibrant and immersive as its destination. A boutique hotel in the truest sense, each room boasts its own design, promising for a unique experience with every single stay. The property plays an integral role in the annual Marrakech Biennale and has a selection of the owner’s private art collection woven into the design. Can’t swing the splurge? Head to their rooftop for lunch and stay for a swim.

L’Hotel Marrakech by Jasper Conran ($$$)
There is no shortage of beautiful riads in Marrakech and L’Hotel Marrakech by British designer-cum-hoteliers, and Jasper Conran is no exception to this trend. Walk into a courtyard garden full of fig, orange, and lemon trees, relishing in the quiet and privacy amidst the medina crowds and retreat to one of the property’s six suites, each impressively decorated.

Izza ($$)
Nestled in the medina, Izza’s recent opening was a refreshing palate cleanser in a sea of accommodation options. A design-forward riad initially intended to serve as a private residence, Izza highlights serene interiors—a rare find considering its location—14 beautifully designed rooms, a lap pool, and one of the largest rooftop terraces in the area. Utterly chic and surprisingly easy on the wallet.

Beldi Country Club ($$)
One of Marrakech’s best kept secrets. Each visit, I sneak off to Beldi Country Club to recover from the sensory overload of the medina. Only 10 minutes outside of Marrakech, the hotel’s lush grounds and views of the Atlas Mountains set a tone for rest and relaxation. There’s nothing pretentious about it. Quiet luxury in a cozy, refined way. While I always recommend a snooze here, you can also pay for a day pass and spend it swimming laps in the blue-tiled pool or picking up a memento at their amazing hotel shop.

Kasbah Bab Ourika ($$$)
An inconspicuous dirt road will take you to this lush and green oasis in the Atlas Mountains. Enjoy the lap pool during the day while gazing at the snow-covered mountains. The interiors at Kasbah are divine and the fire lighting turn-down service is one I still dream about. Their spotty Wi-Fi will force you to disconnect and surrender to the nature around you.

Morocco uses dirhams, and currently one US dollar is equivalent to about 11 dirhams. Cash is still king in the country, so always make sure to have some extra dirhams on you for the impromptu haggle at the market or for a mint tea on the go. Credit cards are also widely accepted at restaurants and boutiques.

The main voltage in Morocco is 220 volts and the power plugs and sockets are type C and E. A standard international adapter will have you covered.

Marrakech is a warm destination year round. Expect average temperatures between 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest months and 85 in the summer, with the occasional 100+ days. I recommend visiting during the fall through spring, or when you’ve had enough of the winter weather back home. November and March are still my favorite times to visit.

Tickets to major sites and museums are available online with a bit of digging. When planning your trip, make sure to book well in advance to ensure access to your must-sees.

Keep in mind that Fridays are considered holy days so some things may be closed then. While Marrakech is used to an influx of tourists and relatively open when it comes to dressing, during major holidays like Ramadan, I recommend dressing modestly. For women, carry a shawl that you can quickly throw on to cover your shoulders when needed. When interacting with people and eating, always use your right hand as the left hand is seen as unclean.

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