With its winding, narrow passage ways, smoky souks, bright-eyed peddlers and crumbling Islamic architecture, a visit to Marrakech’s medina is like stepping back into medieval Arabia.
While Marrakech is amazing, real Morocco lies beyond its cities. We spent three days on a private tour with Rough Tours Morocco traveling to Erg Chebbi in the Sahara Desert. We highly recommend Rough Tours and our guide Youssaf.
The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency. This means you can not obtain dirham before arriving in Morocco or exchange it outside of Morocco. Be sure to exchange any leftover dirhams before leaving for the airport.
Organize airport transfers via your hotel or riad.
EAT
La Relais du Lac About 35 kilometers outside the city, this is a charming, traditional restaurant on Lake Barrage Lalla Takerkoust.
Latitude 31 Romantic outdoor restaurant with delicious traditional food. Try the tagines!
Museu de Marrakech After touring the museum have a simple lunch in the courtyard.
Terrace de Epices Where the cool kids hang. Good music, good vibes on a roof-top stunner. The shops downstairs are fantastic — check out fair trade clothing brand Tribal Chic.
DRINK
While visiting be sure to try the National drink: moroccan mint tea.
Cafe Arabe Beautiful, casual roof-top. Try for drinks at sunset.
Le Salama Take a break from the bustle of Jemaa el-Fnaa square by escaping to this cozy rooftop for drinks, snacks and gorgeous views of the Atlas Mountains and medina.
Restaurant el Bahia Next door to the Palais de la Bahia. Service is slow but it has a quiet rooftop on which to cool down and rest with a beer.
PLAY
Bab Agnaou Gate One of the most well preserved and beautiful gates inside the Medina.
Ben Yousef Madrasa This former Islamic college is now a historical site with beautiful architecture and design.
Heritage Spa Try the hammam and massage package.
Jardin Marjorelle Stunning botanical garden created by the French artist, Jacques Majorelle. Worth the wait of the queue.
Jemma el-Fnaa Square The main square and entrance to Marrakesh's medina quarter. It can be overwhelming but a must.
Mellah The spice souk located within the old Jewish quarter.
Palais el Badi An ancient palace built at the end of the sixteenth century. One of our favorite sites in Marrakech! Spend at least an hour inside.
Palais de la Bahia A small palace with gorgeous mosaic work.
Tombeaux Saadiens Grab coffee at a roof-top terrace across the street before going inside.
STAY
If visiting Marrakech for a few days, stay in the medina. For an authentic experience consider staying at a riad, a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard and garden.
