Marrakesh, also known as the Red City, has landed on your radar and for good reasons, you're in search of tips on the best activities to indulge in while visiting. The good news is that you've arrived at the perfect place with 10 fantastic things for you to do in Marrakesh, Morocco.
The city has become a tourist location that attracts many tourists, making it more than just an ancient city in Morocco. If you are in search of an amazing blend of flavour and unique sights, Marrakesh is just the place for you.
The streets of Marrakesh are bound to lead you into an adventure and an unforgettable experience. The city is a perfect blend of Arab and Berber cultures.
Discover the most interesting things to do in Marrakesh, from exploring grand palaces and mosques to experiencing the many captivating things you can do in Marrakesh in this article and immerse yourself in the beautiful experience.
1. CAMEL RIDING
Your visit to Marrakesh would be incomplete without experiencing a wonderful camel ride. It is an unforgettable experience and a splendid change of scenery as you enjoy the ride in the palm grove. You will be supervised by a specialized instructor as you ride the camel and discover the beautiful scenery of the region. Camel riding is a splendid experience that anybody would enjoy so take the chance and hop on one.
2. KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
The Koutoubia is an iconic landmark and a favourite tourist attraction in the city of Marrakesh. It is the largest and one of the oldest mosques in the city, with impressive landscapes.
The appreciation of the aesthetics and grandeur of the mosque has made it a popular destination that you must visit. The landmark serves as a symbol of Marrakesh's rich history and culture.
Non-Muslims are not allowed entry into the mosque but you can explore the area and take stunning pictures of the building. If you happen to visit on a Friday when the prayers are ongoing, you’ll be lucky enough to get a glimpse of inside the mosque.
Entry is free to tour the mosque but make sure to dress conservatively.
3. MEDERSA BEN YOUSSEF
Located in the heart of Marrakesh, Medersa Ben Youssef is a historic Islamic school built in the 14th century. It is known as one of the largest Islamic schools in North Africa and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Islamic school is an important part of Marrakesh's history and culture with its impressive architectural designs, all thanks to the craftsmanship and skill of Moroccan artisans. The Medersa Ben Youssef contains a mosque and a large library for visitors to explore. It is a worthy tourist attraction that you should definitely see and will no doubt leave a long-lasting impression.
4. BAHIA PALACE
To make Bahia Palace the greatest palace of its time, the historical landmark captures the glorious essence of Moroccan style. Built in the 19th century, it is one of the best-preserved monuments in Morocco. The building consists of rooms decorated with paintings, mosaics, and beautiful stucco, as well as a set of radiant gardens.
The Bahia Palace in Marrakesh, Morocco, is known for its exquisite decoration and is a cultural icon and tourist attraction. The walls of the palace feature stucco carved with Arabic inscriptions and geometric designs. The floors of the palace are paved with marble and zellij tiles.
You get to tour the palace for an hour or more, make sure to dress modestly and take a water bottle along, especially if the weather is hot.
5. HOT AIR BALLOON
Have an exciting adventure in Marrakesh by enjoying a hot-air balloon ride. In a nice weather condition, you get to witness the inflating of the hot air balloon and enjoy a wonderful sight as you take a seat in the basket and enjoy a magnificent ride.
As you embark on a one-hour hot air balloon flight, you will see the contrasting impressive views, peaks of the mountains, and palm trees below. You get to book a ride and there will be a pilot to guide you and also a ground crew that will await your arrival at the landing point.
Get your adrenaline pumping and enjoy a fantastic ride in Marrakesh.
6. QUAD BIKING
Take a moment out of the bustling streets of Marrakesh and explore the palm grove as you enjoy an unforgettable ride on a quad bike. Considered an unusual activity, you are bound to have an amazing time, enjoy the scenery of the sunset and also visit a Berber village and a cafe in the desert.
7. INDULGE IN A HAMMAM/SPA DAY
The Hammam is a Moroccan public bathhouse that is located in every neighbourhood in Marrakesh. The hotel you are staying in might just have one and you can get a spa day experience as you receive a relaxing scrub.
It's an authentic Moroccan experience that will rejuvenate your body. You can get a full body scrub as well as a masque and a good massage.
8. Get lost in the souq markets
It would be a waste of a trip to visit the city of Marrakesh and not purchase something to remind you of the fun experience.
Take a visit around the souk to haggle with the traders if it's something you enjoy and walk away with a nice souvenir. The souk wadif is filled with plenty of markets that have goods like leatherwork, spices, carpets, handcrafts, and many more. Get lost in the beauty of the souq alley and it will be a memory that you won't regret.
9. Moroccan cuisine
It is easy to fall in love with Moroccan culture and cuisine. You can get into souk cuisine by taking cooking classes taught by a group of Moroccan local women. It begins with a tour of the souks to shop for ingredients, try out spices and then go ahead and make one of the tastiest Moroccan dishes you can muster as a beginner.
This is an amazing way to learn more about Moroccan culture and traditions.
10. Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle is a botanical garden created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle. The garden is home to different types of cacti and has an impressive indigo-blue art decor as its masterpiece.
Get ready with your cameras to take plenty of pictures of the amazing scenery, like sculptural cacti and indigo blue villas that scream Instagram-worthy. The Jardin Majorelle also includes a Berber museum showcasing an opulent collection of traditional Moroccan fashion and jewellery.
Now, you have a curated list of amazing things to do when you visit the city of Marrakech in Morocco and grand locations to take Instagram-worthy pictures. I guarantee you are in for a pleasant experience that you will never forget. Check out this guide to things to know before visiting Morocco.