Marrakesh
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At a glance
- Country
- Morocco
- Region
- Marrakesh-Safi
- Population
- around 900,000
- Best time to go
- March to May, October to November
- Main airport
- Marrakesh Menara (RAK)
- Coordinates
- 31.63°N, 7.98°W
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Overview
Marrakesh is an assault on the senses in the best way: snake charmers and storytellers in the main square, souks heaped with lanterns and spices, and the call to prayer echoing over pink-red walls. The snow-capped High Atlas floats on the horizon.
Inside the medina, quiet riads hide behind plain doors around tiled courtyards. Expect to get lost, haggle and be offered directions you did not ask for; take it in good humour and the city is hugely rewarding.
Things to see
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Photo: Boris Macek, CC BY-SA 3.0 Jemaa el-Fnaa
The great square at the heart of the medina, filled at dusk with smoking food stalls, musicians and performers.
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Photo: Rol1000, CC BY-SA 4.0 Koutoubia Mosque
The 12th-century minaret is the city's landmark, best seen from the gardens beside it at sunset.
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Photo: Val Traveler, CC BY-SA 4.0 Bahia Palace
A 19th-century palace of painted cedar ceilings, zellige tiles and courtyards shaded by orange trees.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Wolfgang B, CC BY-SA 3.0 Ben Youssef Madrasa
A former Quranic school with a stunning courtyard of carved stucco, cedar and tilework.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Viault, CC BY-SA 3.0 Jardin Majorelle
A garden of cacti and bamboo around a cobalt-blue villa once owned by Yves Saint Laurent.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: C messier, CC BY-SA 4.0 Saadian Tombs
Ornate royal tombs from the 16th century, rediscovered in the early 1900s behind a mosque wall.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Adam Harangozó, CC BY-SA 4.0 Explore the souks
Wander north from the square into covered markets organised by craft, from metalworkers to dyers.
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Photo: Robert Prazeres, CC BY-SA 4.0 Visit a hammam
Steam, scrub and relax in a traditional bathhouse or a more luxurious spa hammam.
Find tours -
Photo: Mounir Neddi, CC BY-SA 4.0 Day trip to the Atlas Mountains
Head up to Imlil or the Ourika Valley for walks among Berber villages and walnut groves.
Find tours -
Photo: Jorge Láscar from Australia, CC BY 2.0 Eat in the square
Grab a bench at the evening food stalls for tagine, grilled meat and snail soup.
Where to stay
Medina
Riads with roof terraces put you in the middle of the action; best for a first visit.
Hotels in MedinaGueliz
The French-era new town, with modern hotels, cafés and wine bars.
Hotels in GuelizHivernage
Upmarket and leafy, with large resort hotels close to the medina walls.
Hotels in HivernagePalmeraie
A palm grove on the outskirts with luxury villas and pools; peaceful but you will need taxis.
Hotels in Palmeraie
Getting around
Walk within the medina, where cars cannot reach. Petits taxis are cheap for longer hops; agree a fare or insist on the meter.
The airport is about 6 km from the medina; a taxi takes around 15 to 20 minutes, and an airport bus runs to the main square.
When to go
Spring and autumn are warm and sunny. Summer regularly tops 40°C, and winter nights are cold, though days are often bright.
Plan your trip to Marrakesh
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.