Top 5 Things to See and Do in Marrakech

Few cities leave as deep an impression on your soul as Marrakech—at least if you are prepared for the sensory overload of its bustling streets and labyrinthine alleyways. To me, the city felt like a gateway to Africa, which is perhaps not surprising considering its strategic location on the old caravan routes across the Sahara Desert, where merchants once brought goods from far and wide. Visiting Marrakech is like stepping into the pages of an old storybook, and if it weren’t for the smartphones in the hands of locals, you might feel as though you had truly travelled back in time.

There is so much to see and do in Marrakech that it is best to do a little planning before visiting. In this post, I want to share some of my personal favourite sights and activities from my visit to this remarkable city. Here are my top five recommendations.

1. Jardin Majorelle

Without a doubt, the most famous garden—and overall popular attraction—in Marrakech is Jardin Majorelle, or the Majorelle Garden. This expansive garden, located a short walk from the medina, was created by the French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle over nearly forty years, beginning in 1923. Today, it is perhaps best known as the former residence of fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, who purchased and restored the property in the 1980s.

I must admit, I did not have particularly high expectations for the garden. Having already enjoyed a visit to Le Jardin Secret, I feared Jardin Majorelle might be an overrated spot overrun by selfie-stick-wielding “influencers.” I could not have been more wrong. Jardin Majorelle is stunning—without question the most beautiful garden I have ever visited, and worth every penny of the entry fee and every minute spent in line. The striking colours, exotic plants, and elegant water features make it my number-one attraction in Marrakech.

To visit, you must purchase your ticket online in advance. Once there, you join the queue for your allocated time slot—but don’t be discouraged; the experience is worth it. Tickets can be purchased here.

2. Ben Youssef Madrasa

Where Jardin Majorelle offers greenery and tranquility, the Ben Youssef Madrasa immerses you in history and Moroccan culture. This 16th-century Islamic madrasa (college), named after the adjacent Ben Youssef Mosque, was once the largest madrasa in the Maghreb (the western Arab world). Today, it stands as a remarkable architectural gem in the heart of the old medina.

It is easy to see why the Ben Youssef Madrasa is celebrated as a pinnacle of Moroccan architecture. While Marrakech is full of historic sites, none quite match the intricate mosaics, carved wooden details, and grand courtyard of this madrasa.

This site can get busy, so it is best to visit right when it opens at 9 am. There is an entrance fee of 50 dirhams (as of December 2025), payable at the ticket office.

3. Day Trip Across the Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate & Aït Benhaddou

One of the highlights of our Marrakech trip was a day excursion across the Atlas Mountains to Ouarzazate and Aït Benhaddou. We left our riad at 7:20 am, winding our way up into the High Atlas. The landscapes were constantly changing—terraced villages, red cliffs, long stretches of quiet road framed by snow-dusted peaks. A brief stop at the Tizi Tishka viewpoint offered a chance to breathe in the vastness of it all.

Crossing the Tizi n’Tichka Pass at 2,260 metres was spectacular. Every turn revealed a new, breathtaking horizon. By the time we descended into Ouarzazate, the sky had stretched into a wide desert blue.

Known as the “Gateway to the Sahara,” Ouarzazate is a fascinating city nestled between mountains and desert, famous for film tourism, desert adventures, and vibrant Berber culture. Our first stop was Atlas Film Studios, showcasing sets from films and series such as The Mummy, Gladiator, Game of Thrones, and Kingdom of Heaven.

After lunch at Restaurant Lakasbah Etoile, we visited Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic ksar (fortified village) has existed since the 11th century and is a superb example of Moroccan earthen architecture. Positioned at the crossroads where lush northern valleys meet the arid southern desert, it was historically a vital stop for caravans.

Though it is a long day trip—returning to Marrakech after 8 pm—it is an unforgettable experience. We booked our tour through GetYourGuide here.

4. Tea Break at 1112 Marrakech

Sweet mint tea runs through the veins of the Moroccan people; no meal is complete without at least one pot. As an avid tea drinker, I am often disappointed by the average tea I encounter outside the comfort of my own kitchen—but at 1112 Marrakech, I was delighted. This may well be Morocco’s finest tea house.

Tucked into the bustling streets of the medina, 1112 Marrakech offers a calm oasis centred around a lush courtyard. The tea itself is exquisite, and the food among the best we enjoyed on our trip. While slightly pricier by Moroccan standards, the experience is worth every penny. For more details, see my dedicated post on 1112 Marrakech here.

5. Dinner and Live Jazz at Le Bistro Arabe

No visit to Marrakech is complete without a meal at Le Bistro Arabe, a Moroccan jazz restaurant nestled within Riad Monceau in the heart of the medina (near Jemaa el-Fna). From the moment you step inside, the service is attentive, the lighting soft, and the food impeccable. The real highlight, however, is the live jazz music, which made this our most memorable dinner in Marrakech.

Le Bistro Arabe combines intimate interior spaces with poolside patios and romantic lighting, perfect for a memorable dinner with live music. It is ideal for jazz lovers, romantic dinners, or anyone looking for something beyond the usual tagine-and-tea experience. Be sure to book in advance and request a table in the courtyard near the stage.

Final Thoughts

There is so much to see and do in Marrakech that this list could easily be longer. If time allows, I highly recommend visiting other gems such as Le Jardin Secret, the Ourika Valley, and sampling tagines and couscous at Café Restaurant Dar L’hssira.

Marrakech is not a city to rush. It is a place to let your senses adjust—sipping fragrant mint tea in a quiet riad after exploring the bustling souks, or sitting beneath a pomegranate tree admiring intricate zellij mosaics. Given the chance, Marrakech will linger in your heart long after you return home, inspiring a sense of wonder few other destinations can match.