Marrakesh, the Red City, is Morocco's cultural heart, where centuries-old traditions and modern life coexist in stunning harmony. Behind the city's red walls hide labyrinthine souks, splendid palaces and tranquil gardens. The cavalcade of scents, colours and sounds is guaranteed to offer every traveller an unforgettable experience. Here are the 10 best sights well worth discovering in Marrakesh.
1. Jemaa el-Fnaa square
The beating heart of Marrakesh, the main square is part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and lives a bustling life from morning to late at night. By day, orange-juice sellers, snake charmers and henna artists occupy the square, and in the evening it turns into a huge open-air restaurant. From the terraces of the surrounding buildings an unparalleled view opens over the square's throng, order a mint tea and enjoy the sight. The square shows a different face at every time of day, so it's worth returning several times.
2. Bahia Palace
This 19th-century palace was built by the grand vizier Si Moussa and is one of the finest examples of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture. The 8,000-square-metre building complex enchants visitors with ornately carved stucco walls, colourful zellige tiles and orange-tree courtyards. The palace's name means "brilliance", which perfectly suits the splendour of the interior spaces. It's worth arriving early in the morning so you can photograph in peace before the crowds.
3. Koutoubia Mosque
Marrakesh's tallest and most iconic building is a masterpiece of 12th-century Almohad architecture. Its 77-metre-high minaret is visible from almost every point in the city, and served as the model for the Giralda tower in Seville. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque's interior, but you can take a pleasant walk in the park around the building, which is stunning from the outside too. At sunset the illuminated minaret is an especially photogenic sight.
4. Majorelle Garden (Yves Saint Laurent)
This botanical garden, founded in 1923 by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, was saved from ruin by fashion mogul Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s. The contrast of the intense cobalt-blue buildings, the so-called Majorelle blue, and the lush tropical vegetation is unforgettable. In the garden you can also see the YSL Museum, which exhibits the designer's iconic creations. It's worth buying the ticket online in advance, as the on-site queue can be up to an hour long.
5. Ben Youssef Madrasa
This 14th-century Islamic school is the most beautiful building in the Medina, decorated with fabulous geometric carvings and mosaics. The madrasa once housed 900 students, who studied the Koran and the Islamic sciences here. The central pool of the inner courtyard and the carved cedarwood balconies represent the pinnacle of Moroccan craftsmanship. The site is relatively small, so 30–45 minutes is enough to see it.
6. Saadian Tombs
The royal burial place of the 16th-century Saadian dynasty was hidden by a wall for centuries and only rediscovered in 1917. Of the three chambers, the most splendid is the Hall of the Twelve Columns, decorated with Italian Carrara marble and a gilded stucco ceiling. The tombs occupy a relatively small area, but the richness of detail is captivating. It's worth arriving in the morning hours, as a long queue can form at the narrow entrance.
7. Medina and souks
Marrakesh's UNESCO-protected old town, the Medina, is a huge, walled labyrinth where life has barely changed for centuries. The souks (covered markets) are organised thematically: separate streets for the leatherworkers, weavers, spice merchants and metalworkers. It's worth hiring a local guide the first time, as the system of alleys can even confuse GPS. Among the colourful lanterns, textiles and ceramics, you're guaranteed to find a unique gift.
8. Menara Garden
Dating from the time of the Almohad dynasty, the 12th century, this garden stretches over a huge olive grove on the western edge of the city. In the reflection of the central water reservoir, the snowy peaks of the Atlas Mountains are mirrored, this is one of Marrakesh's most iconic photo spots. The garden is free to visit and offers a pleasant refuge from the city's bustle. It's worth coming in the late-afternoon light for the best photos.
9. Ruins of the El Badi Palace
Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur had this huge palace built in 1578, once decorated with gold, turquoise and crystal. Today only the imposing ruins remain, but the scale of the walls, courtyards and the ceremonial pool still conveys the former wealth. From the top of the walls a panoramic view opens over the Medina and the Koutoubia Mosque. On the palace grounds, dozens of stork nests can be seen, giving the site a special atmosphere.
10. Moroccan gastronomy
Marrakesh is the capital of Moroccan cuisine, where the tagine (meat baked in a clay pot with vegetables), couscous and mint tea are an integral part of daily life. On the evening food rows of Jemaa el-Fnaa square you can taste authentic dishes for a pittance, while the riad restaurants of the Medina serve traditional dishes in more elegant surroundings. Try the pastilla (a pastry filled with pigeon or chicken), which is the perfect meeting of sweet and savoury. A cooking course using ingredients bought at the souk's market can be an unforgettable programme.
Practical tips
- Currency and payment: The official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Bank cards are accepted at larger shops and restaurants, but in the souks and at the market you'll need cash.
- Transport from the airport: Ménara Airport is only 6 km from the centre, a taxi is about 70–100 MAD, but agree the price in advance, or use the Careem app.
- Accommodation: The most atmospheric accommodation is a riad, a traditional Moroccan guesthouse in the Medina, with an inner courtyard and often a rooftop terrace.
- Water and health: Drink only bottled water, and with food available in the souks, watch that it's freshly made. Against the strong sun, use high-factor sun protection.
- Using an eSIM: On arriving in Morocco, with an eSIM you can access the internet immediately without the hassle of buying a local SIM, ideal for navigating the alleys of the Medina.