How to Plan Your Dream Trip to Marrakesh

Marrakesh (or Marrakech), the city of luxury

Marrakesh is the fourth largest city in the Kingdom of Morocco.

Founded almost a thousand years ago, Marrakesh is known for its famous palaces, 5-star restaurants, luxury spas and hammams, and charming riads (traditional houses) in the medina.

From hammams to souks, museums to palaces, there sure are enough to see and do in Marrakesh.

Bahia Palace

Bahia means brilliance. Built for a former slave who became a favorite of the Sultan, it was intended to be the most dazzling palace of its time!

Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs, an immense 16th-century burial ground, are the final resting place for 66 members of the Saadian dynasty that ruled Marrakesh from 1524 to 1668.

The tombs, dating back to 1578–1603, are located on the south side of the Kasbah Mosque, inside the royal kasbah (citadel) district of the city.

Majorelle Garden

Marrakesh is a major economic center and home to mosques, palaces, and gardens.

The Jardin Majorelle in Marrakesh is one of the most visited sites in Morocco.

Majorelle Garden is a two and half acre botanical garden and artist’s landscape garden in Marrakesh, Morocco.

These exquisite tropical gardens are the work of French painter Jacques Majorelle, hence the vibrant “Majorelle blue” juxtaposed against the natural greenery!

Koutoubia Mosque

The 12th century Kutubiyya Mosque (or Koutoubia Mosque) is the largest mosque in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Featuring intricate tile work, salmon-hued walls, expansive archways, and with its 70-meter tall minaret visible for miles around, the Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakesh’s most famous landmark.

Koutoubia Mosque has 112 columns and 17 aisles.

If visiting, bear in mind that only Muslims are allowed in!

Traditional accommodation

Riads – traditional Moroccan houses with private interior courtyards – are a huge part of Marrakesh’s appeal.

Arab word ‘ryad’ (meaning ‘garden’) but is applied to townhouses built around an inner courtyard or garden. True riads will have lush plants in four planting beds and a central fountain, but many variations exist.

Some of the best riads in Marrakesh are now hotels, so it’s worth shopping around for a unique place to stay. Some of the top affordable options include Riad Rbaa Laroub, and Riad Edward.

Experience the soul of Moroccan hospitality at one of the oldest houses in the medina, Dar Hanane.

What you should know before you go

Dress code: Women should avoid outfits that are deemed too revealing. Ask around about the current dress codes at religious sites and landmarks.
Language: Arabic
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Time Zone: UTC (+00:00)
Country dialing code: +212
Best time to visit: Spring or Fall

Plan your trip to Marrakesh

Things to do

Explore the mountains on a camel’s back
Spend a day in Essaouira
Meaner through Menara gardens
With the Atlas Mountains providing a spectacular backdrop, the peaceful Menara Gardens is a favorite for both locals and visitors looking to escape the commotion of the city.
Spend a day at Oasiria Water Park
Treat yourself to a luxurious spa and hammam treatment
Go for a horse ride at Essaouira
Explore the city with eco-scooters
Barter for souvenirs, food, ad clothing at the historic marketplace Jemaa el Fnaa
Find out more about Gueliz
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque
Walk around in the beautiful Ben Youssef Madrasa

Marrakech is a chaotic and delightful, spellbinding, and a mysterious imperial city of Morocco.

Nearest airport

The nearest airport to Marrakesh is the Marrakesh (RAK) Airport which is 4.4 km away. Other nearby airports include Casablanca (CMN) (197.4 km), Agadir (AGA) (197.7 km), Rabat (RBA) (293 km), and Fes (FEZ) (380.6 km).

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