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...
[READ MORE]
TO DO & SEE
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:
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 tilework and architectural details.
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.
A fan favorite among tourists, be sure to get here early to avoid the crowds.
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 STAY
The mark of a good hotel is its ability to make you feel right at home – especially when you are thousands of miles away. Our three picks did just that:
Nestled in the heart of Marrakech, this boutique hotel is a haven for design, architecture, and hospitality. Begin your day (coffee in hand) over a delicious breakfast of fresh jams, sliced fruit, and bread before heading out to explore the souks which are just steps away. After a long day of exploring, there's nothing more refreshing than a quick dip in its dreamy courtyard pool.
Exotic plants, pools galore, arched hallways – El Fenn is laid-back riad living at its finest. The tranquility of this place makes it easy to forget you are right in the middle of Marrakech, steps away from famed attractions like the Djemaa el Fna square.
Our favorite feature of this hotel? The rooftop patio – you can’t beat that view of the city at sunset.
Fresh white walls, soft turquoise accents, the Ryad Dyor features a more modern take on Moroccan decor. We felt right at home in this small boutique hotel. We even lucked out with a balcony room overlooking the bright and breezy courtyard – this little nook turned out to be the perfect spot for morning coffee.
TO EAT
Known for its rich, diverse cuisine, us food-lovers were in heaven here in Marrakech.
A few of our favorite local spots:
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.
A lush courtyard brimming with banana palm leaves and bright green tile, Le Jardin is a little garden oasis in the middle of the Sidi Abdelaziz souk. Featuring a variety of light dishes, from sandwiches to couscous and tagines, it’s the perfect lunch spot. They even offer a library of books and crafts, as well as nightly showings of old black and white movies.
TO DRINK
Whether there is cause for celebration (maybe the textile score of a lifetime) or need for a break after a long day of walking, it's important to have a couple of go-to spots for a refreshment. A few of our picks:
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.
WANT TO KEEP EXPLORING? SHOP THE MOROCCO COLLECTION.