The Marrakech Guide
Marrakech is all together inspiring. There’s adventure around every corner of this dusty pink maze. From the bustling souks and boutique riad oases to the ancient architecture and out-of-this-world cuisine, this city has so much to offer. But it can be hard to know where to begin. That's why we've rounded up a few of our favorite spots to help you plan your visit to this incredible city...
To Do & See
The Highlights
The trick to experiencing a new city is not trying to do it all. Pick out just a few must-sees and leave the rest of your time open to explore. A few highlights to put on the list:
Medersa Ben Youssef
Perhaps the most beautiful historical monument we visited in Marrakech, the Ben Youssef is truly a work of art. A display of Moorish architecture at its finest, this former school restored in the 16th century holds vast courtyards and countless hallways to explore. We visited early in the morning and spent hours just walking around, admiring the ancient tile work and architectural details. Visit earlier for smaller crowds and explore the beautiful exteriors and interiors during golden hour.
Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum
The Jardin Majorelle provides a little oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. A twelve-acre botanical garden made up of bright “Majorelle” blue buildings and succulent mazes, you can get lost here for hours. Discovered and restored by none other than famed designer Yves Saint Laurent, it now houses his personal collection of ceramics, jewelry, and paintings by Majorelle. Also onsite is the YSL Museum and Berber Museum - a combo ticket can be purchased to visit all three spots!
Souks
There’s nothing quite like shopping in the markets of Marrakech. Bursting with bold colors, foreign spices, and artisanal finds, the souks are sure to engage all your senses. Not going to lie - it can all be a bit overwhelming. But if you simply embrace the chaos, you’ll come to love this one-of-a-kind shopping experience. Trust us, you don’t want to miss out on all the amazing textiles, rugs, and leather goods to be found here. When shopping in the souks, be sure to map out your game plan before. We started at the Djemaa El Fna entry, and we set out early in the morning to beat the crowds and mid-day heat. Plan a few times and places to take a break - our favorite spots to take a load off were Cafe de Spices and Nomad. Oh, and pack snacks and water – lots of water.
To Eat & Drink
Known for its rich, diverse cuisine, us food-lovers were in heaven here in Marrakech. A few of our favorite local spots:
Nomad
You’ll find this little gem hidden deep in the souks of the city. The menu offers a variety of fresh salads, delicious gazpacho, and hearty vegan meals, along with a wide selection of wines. Everything is made with fresh, local ingredients and topped with to-die-for spices. Let’s just say we are already craving it from afar
Bacha Coffee
A lush art-deco style cafe with extensive coffee selection.Located inside Dar el Bacha, wait times for entrance may be long, but take the time to walk around and enjoy the architecture and design of Dar el Bacha in the meantime.
La Famille
The perfect spot for a refreshing lunch under the verdant lemon trees. With a vegetarian and ultra-fresh menu that changes daily, La Famille offers a truly memorable dining experience in a bohemian atmosphere that feels calm and inviting.
Cafe De La Poste
With its old-school 1920s decor and open-air terrace, Cafe De La Poste will have you relaxing in no time. Order up one of their crisp cocktails, kick up your feet, sit back and enjoy some incredible people watching.
Cafe Des Spices
With a shaded rooftop terrace, fresh juices, and even custom made sun hats, Cafe Des Spices offers the perfect haven for worn-out souk shoppers.
The Morocco Collection
Slow Craft. Enduring Traditions. A journey to preserve Morocco's ancient crafts.