Why go to Marrakech
Marrakech is a sensory city: spice stalls and leather tanneries, calls to prayer, and quiet riads hidden behind plain doors in the medina.
Best time to visit Marrakech
March to May and September to November are warm and comfortable. Summer is very hot, often above 40°C. Winter days are sunny and mild, but nights are cold, and snow caps the Atlas.
Top things to see
Jemaa el-Fnaa
The main square, alive with food stalls at night.
Jardin Majorelle
Cobalt-blue garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
Bahia Palace
Painted ceilings and courtyards.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Exquisite carved cedar and tilework.
Koutoubia Mosque
The city's landmark minaret.
Saadian Tombs
Ornate royal burial chambers.
Things to do in Marrakech
- Get lost in the souks
- Bathe in a traditional hammam
- Day-trip to the Atlas Mountains and Imlil
- Spend a night in the Agafay or Sahara desert
- Take a cooking class in a riad
Local experiences
- Drink mint tea poured from a height
- Eat tanjia, slow-cooked in a hammam's embers
- Shop the Mellah spice market
- Visit a cooperative for argan oil
Where to eat in Marrakech
Dishes to try: tagine, couscous, tanjia, pastilla, harira, mint tea.
Jemaa el-Fnaa food stallsStreet food
Grilled meats, snail soup and spiced tea.
NomadModern Moroccan
Rooftop dining above the spice square.
Le JardinCafé
Leafy courtyard in the medina.
Al FassiaMoroccan
Women-run restaurant famous for lamb shoulder.
Where to stay in Marrakech
La MamouniaLuxury
Palatial hotel with legendary gardens.
Royal MansourLuxury
Private riads within a palace.
Riad YasmineBoutique
A small riad with a famously photographed pool.
Best areas to stay
Medina
Riads and souks; atmospheric.
Gueliz
Modern restaurants and boutiques.
Hivernage
Resorts and nightlife.
3 days in Marrakech
Day 1: The medina
Day 2: Gardens, souks and hammam
Day 3: The Atlas Mountains
See the full day-by-day itinerary
Festivals and events
RamadanDates vary each year
Quiet days and festive evenings after sunset.
Marrakech International Film FestivalNovember or December
Stars and screenings, including free shows in Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Getting around
The medina is best on foot, though navigation is tricky; download offline maps. Petit taxis are cheap: agree a price or insist on the meter. Hire a driver for mountain and desert trips.
Practical information
- Plug types
- C, E (guide)
- Voltage
- 220 V
- Emergency
- 19 (police), 15 (ambulance)
- Tap water
- Drink bottled water
Tipping: About 10% in restaurants; small tips for guides and porters. See our tipping guide.
Entry requirements depend on your nationality; check your government's travel advice and the destination's official immigration site before booking.
How much does it cost?
Approximate US dollar figures covering accommodation, food, local transport and sights; flights excluded.
Good to know
- Dress modestly, particularly in the medina
- Politely decline unofficial guides
- Bargaining is expected in souks
- Many riads are hard to find: ask your host to meet you
Marrakech travel FAQ
What is the best time to visit Marrakech?
The best months are usually Mar–May, Oct–Nov. March to May and September to November are warm and comfortable. Summer is very hot, often above 40°C. Winter days are sunny and mild, but nights are cold, and snow caps the Atlas.
How many days do you need in Marrakech?
Plan on 3–4 days to see the highlights at a comfortable pace.
What currency is used in Marrakech?
The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carry some cash for markets and small vendors.
How much does a trip to Marrakech cost per day?
Roughly US$50 per person per day on a budget, US$140 mid-range and US$700 or more for luxury, excluding flights. Prices vary by season.
What food should I try in Marrakech?
Local favourites include tagine, couscous, tanjia, pastilla, harira, mint tea.
What plug adapter do I need for Marrakech?
Marrakech uses plug type C, E at 220 V. Check whether your devices support this voltage.
Restaurants, hotels and prices change. Confirm opening times and book popular places ahead. Last reviewed October 2026.
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