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Marrakesh is a city that has a rich history and culture that is distinct from other cities in Africa. From the exquisite architecture to the lively souks, I found several unique things to do in Marrakesh such as shopping in the Medina, visiting the Atlas Mountains, exploring cultural sites, and so much more!
Unique Things to Do in Marrakech
Discover Hidden Gems in the Souks
One of the most unique things to do in Marrakech is to explore its hidden gems in the Medina. The Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a must-see in Marrakech. The narrow streets of the Medina are lined with souks packed with colorful merchandise, delicious restaurants, and stunning architecture. It is easy to spend hours wandering around the Medina, experiencing its vibrant atmosphere. I would suggest taking a tour of the Medina to get your bearings and see parts of the Medina you might miss if you are exploring on your own.
Pro Tip: It is easy to get lost in the Medina. Google Maps is an extremely helpful navigation app. We used it more often than I would like to admit, but the app was a necessary evil when we were short on time and couldn’t risk getting lost.
What are the best things to buy in Marrakech?
Marrakech is known for high-quality rugs, argan products, spices, teas, and design accents. Large, well-made rugs can run thousands of dollars in the United States. So, if you are in the market for a few high-end rugs, it might be less expensive to fly to Marrakech to buy them and have them shipped home rather than purchase rugs in the United States.
Take a Unique SideCar Tour Through Marrakech
One of the more unique things to do in Marrakech is to ride in the sidecar of a classic motorcycle as a guide shows you local life. I sadly discovered this tour as I was headed to the airport, but would have loved to have given it a try! The off-the-beaten-path tour in Marrakech can be tailor-made according to your interests. The three-hour tour includes stops in the Medina, Guéliz district, and the Palmgrove. But there are several different tours giving you the flexibility to find the right tour for you!
Relax at a Hammam in Marrakesh
One of the most luxurious things to do in Marrakesh is to visit a Hammam spa. A Hammam is traditionally known for bathing. The tradition of using a scrub to cleanse the body dates back centuries. Tourists can visit a traditional Hammam where you lay on a mat on the floor and get a scrub down. However, I would not recommend this experience if you want a luxurious experience in Marrakesh. The reviews for these types of Hammams are not for me. Instead, opt for a spa in Marrakech to relax and unwind after exploring the city.
One of the best-known Hammams in Marrakesh is the Hammam de la Rose. Unfortunately, I failed to follow my own advice and neglected to make a reservation in advance. Hamman de la Rose is extremely popular and was booked during our visit. We opted to visit La Sultana, a luxury riad in the Medina. La Sultana exceeded all my expectations and was one of the most unique things we did in Marrakech. The area where you wait for your spa treatment is surrounded by marble archways where Moroccan lanterns illuminate the indoor pool.
The marble continues into the treatment room, accented by a glowing sink basin. After sitting on the warm marble bench, your attendant rinses your body with warm water and applies a cream. Next, you lay on the warm bench for about ten minutes. Some might think this time is a waste, but it sets the mood and tone for the rest of the relaxing treatment. The attendant returns to wash off the cream, scrub your body, and wash your hair. You are then escorted back to the pool area for a cup of tea before your massage. I have had a fair amount of massage treatments around the world. The Hamman experience at La Sultana falls into my top five all-time best spa experiences and is admittedly indulgent. In addition, visiting a Hammam is one of the most romantic things to do in Marrakech and a unique Moroccan experience.
Pro Tip: Book your treatments before you leave for Marrakesh. From experience, I can tell you that high-end spas book up quickly.
Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride
For a unique perspective and an unforgettable experience, take a hot air balloon ride over Marrakesh. This once-in-a-lifetime experience will allow you to see the city from above. You can take in stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, the Medina, and the surrounding countryside. Hot air balloon rides are typically available early in the morning, so book in advance. Some hot air balloon rides are also combined with other activities, such as camel riding and quad/ATV rentals.
Take a Cooking Class in Marrakech
Another one of the unique things to do in Marrakech is to learn how to cook Moroccan cuisine. Moroccan food, known for its bold flavors and exotic spices, is delicious. If you’re a foodie or love to cook, you might enjoy expanding your palate and recipe repertoire with a Moroccan cooking class. You might learn how to prepare traditional dishes like tagine and couscous or pastilla in your cooking class. Your cooking journey may include shopping at the local souk for fresh ingredients.
Take a Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains
If you want to escape the city and enjoy a unique day in Morocco, then taking a day trip to the Atlas Mountains is a perfect option. Our day trip to the Atlas Mountains was one of my favorite things to do in Marrakesh. Our full-day tour included exploring the lush valleys of Morocco, touring the Atlas Mountains, hiking to a waterfall, visiting a women’s argan collective, and enjoying a traditional Berber lunch in a Berber village.
Relax at Royal Mansour, a Luxurious Hotel in Marrakesh
The Royal Mansour is a luxurious hotel in Marrakesh owned by the King of Morocco. The exclusive hotel, while ultra-luxurious, offers a low-key vibe providing privacy to each of its guests. The price of admission to this luxury hotel is off the charts. However, there is a secret way to enjoy the Royal Mansour without paying the high cost of admission. The Royal Mansour offers a day pass that entitles visitors to use the pool for the day and enjoy a delicious three-course lunch. We opted for the day pass and had an incredible day at the Royal Mansour before heading to the airport.
Take a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride from Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
While visiting the Medina, make sure you walk around the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Located in the heart of the Medina, you will find food stalls, music performers, vendors, and snake charmers. A visit to Jemaa el-Fnaa square is one of the unique things to do in Marrakech at night when the square comes alive and the animals come out. You might see snake charmers or monkey handlers. The square is more vibrant and much busier once the sun goes down. After walking around the square, you can take a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride around Marrakech.
Pro Tip: You might be tempted to take pictures of the snake charmers and the monkeys. However, taking these pictures is one of the top things to avoid while in Marrakech unless you first ask permission and agree on a price in Moroccan dirham for the photo. Otherwise, you might get an unwelcome surprise when the photo ends up costing you a significant amount of money.
Visit the Gardens of Marrakech
Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden is a lush botanical garden created in the 1920s by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. The garden includes exotic plants and fountains, accented by vibrant blue buildings. The garden also houses the Berber Museum, which focuses on traditional Berber culture.
The Secret Garden
Step inside the Secret Garden to experience a lush green oasis in the middle of the chaotic Medina. The garden is impressive, given it is in the middle of the city, but I don’t want to oversell it. Walking into the garden, you will see exotic flowers and a variety of trees that provide shade on a hot day. There are tasteful water features that add to the garden’s charm and peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can also visit the small outdoor café upstairs, which offers a tranquil view over the garden.
Ride a Camel in the Palmeraie
On the outskirts of Marrakesh is the palm grove known as the Palmerie. The area is known for palm trees, luxury resorts, and traditional Moroccan homes. One of the unique things to do in Marrakech is to ride a camel. The Palmarie is an excellent place for camel rides and is a fantastic way to see the area.
Watch a Traditional Moroccan Show in Marrakech
Moroccan culture is known for its music, dance, and storytelling. Belly dancing is a unique Moroccan experience highlighting the celebration of life. Accepted in Morocco, the brightly colored customs and hypnotic hip movements lure tourists from around the world. Sometimes the shows even include swords, snakes, and glassware. Several shows in Marrakesch also offer dinner, acrobats, and a horse show.
Watch the Sunset from a Rooftop Bar in Marrakech
Watching the sunset from a rooftop bar is a top activity in Marrakech. Not only can you take in the sunset, but you can also indulge in a cocktail. Alcoholic beverages are permitted in Marrakech. Sweet drinks are offered all over the city to satiate your taste buds. Plenty of rooftop bars in Marrakesh provide stunning city views and are enhanced by the surrounding landscape. For a trendy evening with views of Koutoubia Mosque, check out Restaurant Rooftop DarDar near the Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
Pro Tip: Make a reservation for the rooftop to take full advantage of the sunset views.
Stay in a Riad while in Marrakech
A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house converted into a small hotel. These charming properties often have a courtyard pool, offering a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. The Riads are usually down small side streets hidden away from view. Staying in a Riad is a unique and romantic experience that will allow you to experience traditional Moroccan culture. For luxury travelers, check out La Sultana, one of the best Riads in Marrakech. It is a beautiful oasis in the sea of chaos. It is next to the Saadian Tombs and close to the Bahia Palace.
For those looking for a more casual experience, check out Riad Spice. It is a smaller yet full-service Riad akin to a guesthouse.
Visit Important Heritage and Cultural Sites in Marrakech
While in Marrakesh, you should visit some of Morocco’s significant cultural and historical sites. There are several different cultural tours available.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
One of the most beautiful locations is the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic college. The arches and tile work are exquisite. The artisans take great pride in their craft and are revered for their skills.
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is a 19th century building that lives up to its meaning in Arabic – brilliance. The palace captures the essence of the Islamic and Moroccan style with rooms decorated with stunning stuccos, paintings, and mosaics created by artisans from Fez. The Bahia Palace was intended to be the greatest palace of its time and to house a harem. Yes, you read correctly, a harem.
However, once Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, the Bahia Palace was used as a royal residence. King Hassan II eventually transferred the Bahia Palace to the Moroccan Ministry of Culture to serve as a cultural site.
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque
While staying in Marrakech, you will likely hear the call to prayer from the Koutoubia Mosque. Koutoubia Mosque is a famous landmark in Marrakech. The impressive architecture is highlighted by beautiful gardens, making it a popular spot for a peaceful walk. We walked by the Koutoubia Mosque several times as it is close to the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, and it was on our way to and from other fun things to do in Marrakech.
Pro Tip: If you are not Muslim, you cannot enter the Koutoubia Mosque.
Mellah – Jewish Quarter
In 1558, when the Spanish religious wars were raging, Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib of the Saadian dynasty created the Mellah (also known today as the Jewish Quarter) in Marrakesh. Jewish refugees were offered a place to relocate from Spain. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Mellah was one of the city’s main commercial areas and was home to 30,000 Jewish people. Today, it is estimated that less than a thousand Jewish people live in the Mellah, and only two of the thirty synagogues remain.
The Mellah is just outside the Bahia Palace and has narrow maze-like alleyways. The entrance to the Spice Souk is also in the Mellah.
While in the Spice Souk, you will find Moroccan spices, herbs, herbal tea merchants, and fabric shops.
Explore the Agafay Desert
Thirty kilometers south of Marrakech is in the Agafay Desert. The Agafay Desert is akin to the Sahara Desert, with its white sand dunes and endless desert views. It offers an opportunity for adventure, such as quad riding, camel adventures, and lunch in a Berber tent. You can even spend a night in the Agafay Desert.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days should I spend in Marrakech?
Three to four days is the perfect amount of time to spend in Marrakech. Throughout your stay, you can explore important cultural sites, shop in the souks, relax at a hammam, and take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or the Afagay Desert.
Is Marrakech worth visiting?
Yes, Marrakesh is worth visiting, even if you only have a couple of days. There are many unique activities to do in Marrakesh that you won’t find elsewhere.
What are things to avoid in Marrakesh?
While visiting Marrakesh, tourists should avoid dressing provocatively, eating at a food stand due to unhygienic practices, and taking pictures of people without their permission.
Be aware that it is common for people in Marrakech to provide tourists with directions. Someone might offer to reroute you because a street is “closed” and then insist on being paid for unsolicited directions. This happened to us. Even though I read about this common practice, the guy giving us “directions” was so nice that I mistakenly believed he was trying to help us. Boy, was I wrong. He wanted to be paid. After giving him a couple of dollars and arguing with him, we walked away, and he did the same.
Is Marrakesh expensive?
While you can find cheap hotels or riads and inexpensive restaurants, anything luxurious in Marrakesh will be costly. Our dinners were often more expensive than the same type of meals we ate in Madrid a few days earlier. Alcoholic beverages, especially at hotels, are expensive and often not that good. If you like sweet drinks, then you will be in heaven. If you don’t want sugar in your cocktails, opt for a beer.
Five-star hotels in Marrakesh, such as Royal Mansour, La Mamounia Hotel, and La Sultana, can be pricey. These luxury hotels are in the Medina and within walking distance of shopping and restaurants and are exquisite!
These are just a few of the unique things to do in Marrakech. Whether you’re interested in history or culture or just soaking up the atmosphere, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant city. I hope this guide gives you a few ideas of some non-touristy things to do during your trip to Marrakech. While in Marrakesh, be sure to explore the Atlas Mountains on a full-day trip or explore one of many exciting things to do in the Atlas Mountains.
The spa experience in Hammam de la Rose sounds divine. I would definitely be opting for this post flight.
EKKKK! the hot air balloons look so cool, but I could never ride in one.. I’ll stick to the parks and resorts you mention instead..food looks great, too!
The Majorelle Garden is gorgeous! This would be my first stop when I visit Marrakesh.
Marrakesh is definitely high on my bucket list. I really want to visit the Atlas Mountains so thanks for including a day trip recommendation.
This looks wonderful. I would love to visit Marrakesh again but heard it gets very crowded now. Is that so?
I was in Marrakesh in March and didn’t find it overcrowded. The Medina can get busy, but we didn’t have any lines or trouble getting dinner reservations.