12 Top Activities to Enjoy in Marrakesh

Whether you’re a fervent bargain seeker, an interior design enthusiast, a spa lover, a culinary aficionado, a history buff, or a contemporary art admirer, Marrakesh is the perfect destination for you. Few places on Earth can match its vibrant offerings.

With a wealth of creativity all around, figuring out how to spend your time in the Red City can feel daunting, especially if your visit is brief. Here’s how to make the most of your Marrakesh experience.

1. Experience the Moroccan Hammam

The hammam and spa at Dar el Bacha, WA Spa, is the latest gem in the city’s growing wellness scene. What better way to kick off your trip than with a refreshing reset, preparing you for all the exciting adventures ahead?

Morocco’s traditional hammam and beauty rituals have been cherished for centuries, providing both cleansing and relaxation. Begin with a steam session to open your pores, followed by a generous application of black, olive-oil based soap. After that, a thorough exfoliation with a glove known as a kessa will remove dead skin, and then a detoxifying treatment with ghassoul, a mineral-rich clay, will purify your skin before a refreshing shower. For the ultimate spa day, add a soothing massage, an afternoon swim, and a nap by the rooftop pool.

WA Spa provides a variety of treatments, including a detox hammam featuring pelargonium and grapefruit, a hydrating facial with lavender and argan oil, a 20-minute reflexology foot massage, and a delightful 90-minute rejuvenating full-body massage. Prices for treatments start at 350 MAD.

2. Indulge in Moroccan cuisine on the ultimate food tour

Morocco is renowned for having one of the finest cuisines in the world, and for good reason! Influenced by Berber, Arabic, and Jewish traditions, along with French, Spanish, and Portuguese elements, its culinary landscape is enriched with a variety of herbs, spices, aromatics, and floral waters. The combination of ancient techniques and modern twists creates a mind-blowing array of flavors and dishes to explore.

To gain a solid understanding of Moroccan cuisine, visit the Musée D’art Culinaire. For an authentic taste experience, let knowledgeable local guides from Marrakshi lead you on a culinary journey. Moroccan Food Adventures offers various tours, from in-depth explorations of the night market at Djemaa El Fna to experiences that combine food tasting with artisan craft workshops. Tours start at 300 MAD.

Planning tip: If you’d like to turn this culinary adventure into a day trip, consider the Essaouria tour offered by Morocco Food Adventures. It's a full 12-hour day that includes comfortable private transport, guided cultural visits, and an abundance of delicious food.

3. Immerse yourself in the city’s contemporary art scene

Home to the annual 1-54 art fair, Marrakesh has established itself as a center for contemporary art in North Africa. For a relatively small city, the variety and richness of galleries to explore is truly remarkable.

From venues like Comptoire de Mines Galerie, showcasing contemporary Moroccan artists in a charming art deco villa in Gueliz, to cozy spots like Galeries Siniya 28, which highlights the Art Naïf masters of Essaouira and emerging female artists, there's a wealth of artistic discovery awaiting. Notable projects include the African contemporary art museum MACAAL and significant residency initiatives at the Montresso Foundation, making it simple to plan a weekend dedicated to exploring the continent’s art scene.

Planning tip: The 1-54 art fair in Marrakech is scheduled for February 8–11, 2024, across two prominent locations: La Mamounia and the new arts venue DaDa. This busy season means it's wise to secure your flights and accommodation well in advance.

4. Dance at sunset at Cafe Clock

Cafe Clock serves as a vibrant cultural hub that unites locals, expatriates, and visitors alike, offering activities from Darija language classes to cooking workshops. Its evening events, blending storytelling and live music, capture the lively cultural essence of Marrakesh.

On Thursdays, as the sun sets, the courtyard and rooftop transform into a stage for talented storytellers, weaving tales steeped in the nation’s rich heritage. These stories, translated into English, guide guests through Morocco’s folklore and history. Throughout the week, the evenings resonate with sunset concerts that blend traditional and modern sounds, featuring everything from the mystical oud to the lively Sahara Sounds, the women’s band Houariyat, and Sunday performances of traditional gnawa music.

5. Explore the numerous design studios in Sidi Ghanem

The design studios in Sidi Ghanem perfectly blend traditional Moroccan craftsmanship with modern creativity. This vibrant artisan quarter is home to a variety of artists and designers, with each studio presenting a distinctive mix of local artistry and contemporary style, ranging from pottery and textiles to furniture and fashion.

Check out LRNCE's studio where her painted ceramics and artistic pieces come to life. Jajjah (114–116 QI Sidi Ghanem), the new showroom by Moroccan pop artist Hassan Hajjaj, offers prints, sardine-can lanterns, and trendy tea caddies, plus a delightful spot for tea. Atelier Landon is a dream for art deco enthusiasts seeking lighting and architectural hardware, while the charming interiors of Maison Sarayan restaurant and boutique are fun to explore. Don’t miss the Thursday special of saffron-infused lobster rolls or the lively Saturday brunch party.

Planning tip: Returning from Sidi Ghanem can be tricky, so make sure to take your taxi driver's number and call them about 30 minutes before you plan to leave (Google Translate can be helpful), or set up a pick-up time and location in advance.

6. Hunt for gems at the country’s top flea market

Marrakesh’s Bab el-Khemis, located at the main northern entrance of the medina, is famed for being a taxi pick-up area as well as one of Morocco’s finest flea markets. This vibrant marketplace sprawls across several blocks and is divided into sections for lighting, secondhand furniture, antique doors and windows, with a treasure trove of other items packed in between.

Marrakshis know that whenever one of the city’s iconic hotels, restaurants, or homes undergoes renovation, much of their interior decor ends up here. You might just find a silver coffee set from La Mamounia or a chair that once adorned the study of a notable resident.

Planning tip: Thursdays and Sundays are the prime days to explore, and taking the time to converse with the vendors could lead you to some unique finds.

7. Soar through the skies on a hot-air balloon adventure

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, waking up early is well worth it to witness Morocco's stunning cityscape at dawn. With the majestic Atlas Mountains to the south and the ever-changing stone dunes of the Agafay Desert to the west, all contrasted against the vibrant pinks and reds of Marrakesh's famous architecture, the sunrise paints the entire scene in dazzling gold and yellow hues, making for an unforgettable ride.

If you're in the mood to indulge, a breakfast basket paired with a glass of champagne adds to the experience. Several companies now offer this adventure, but Ciel d’Afrique, the original provider, has been safely and romantically taking guests to new heights for over 30 years. Prices begin at 2400 MAD.

8. Daydream by the pool in an olive grove

Curious about what weekends could look like if you settled in Marrakesh? Popular among both locals and expats, Beldi Country Club is only a 10-minute drive from the medina, featuring six swimming pools, two of which are accessible to the public. The stunning black-tiled, 40-meter (131-foot) pool, nestled among olive trees and blooming roses, redefines the idea of a pool day.

In the mood for a massage during your visit? Reserve a session at the spa. Looking for activities for the kids? Enroll them in bread baking or pottery classes. Meanwhile, enjoy a leisurely stroll through the onsite souk, showcasing hand-blown glass, pottery, local embroidery, handwoven carpets, bags, hats, jewelry, and clothing crafted by local designers. A day pool pass including lunch is priced at 440 MAD.

Detour: Farasha Farmhouse, located just a 30-minute drive from Marrakesh, boasts a 50-meter (164-foot) pool surrounded by olive groves. Check their website for updates on a variety of events, including intimate rooftop concerts and weekend pool parties.

9. Explore Gueliz’s contemporary culinary scene

Marrakesh is truly a food lover's paradise. From the bustling night market at Djemaa el Fna, where you can savor everything from grilled lamb skewers to spicy snail soup, to the many riad restaurants offering incredible traditional dishes, there’s an abundance of delicious options. But what about the emerging culinary scene? Head over to Gueliz to explore.

Sahbi Sahbi is a women-led restaurant crafted by Studio KO, featuring Moroccan dishes that are often talked about but rarely seen. Plus 61 puts a unique Australian twist on fresh, organic market ingredients. At Petit Cornichon (27 Rue Moulay Ali), you’ll find a fantastic côte de boeuf (rib steak) paired with incredibly crispy frites. Cantine Mouton Noir (115 Rue Mohammed el Beqal) serves up a delightful weekend brunch with offerings like truffled eggs. Meanwhile, the newcomer Petanque Social Club presents exceptional sharing plates with plenty of vegetarian options in a sprawling, jasmine-scented garden.

Planning tip: Spring and autumn are the ideal seasons to visit Marrakesh for pleasant weather, but do prepare for large crowds. If you come in the summer, you might find great deals on accommodations. The cooler winter days are often blessed with bright sunshine.

10. Enjoy a peaceful morning walk through Jardin Majorelle

Created by French landscape artist Jacques Majorelle in 1922, these botanical gardens feature a stunning array of exotic plants from around the globe, complemented by striking cobalt blue and buttercup yellow buildings, along with serene water features. Strolling through its winding paths and terraces offers a tranquil way to immerse yourself in authentic Marrakshi culture.

The on-site Berber Museum displays over 600 pieces of jewelry, clothing, and household items collected from across the country. In the boutique, you can find unique gifts inspired by this heritage, reinterpreted in bold, contemporary designs. The café provides a charming spot for coffee, juice, or a meal before your next adventure.

Planning tip: Purchase tickets online ahead of time to secure your visit. As Morocco's most popular attraction, it can become quite busy, but arriving for the first slot at 8:30am usually ensures a more peaceful experience.

11. Witness the enchanting performances as the sun sets over Djemaa el Fna

As the sun sets over Marrakesh, the Djemaa el Fna transforms into a vibrant open-air theater filled with acrobats, storytellers, snake charmers, and henna artists on one side, while the other side buzzes with a lively night food market. Settle into one of the many cafés—like the traditional Cafe Restaurant Argana or the trendy Cafe Zeitoun—to enjoy stunning views as the square comes alive.

As darkness falls, the air becomes rich with the scent of spices and grilling meats. Vendors carefully display their offerings, light their lanterns, and begin preparing a feast of traditional dishes, from bowls of harira (a hearty soup often containing lentils, chickpeas, and lamb) and ghoulal (spicy snail soup) to sheep's head, brain, and feet, fragrant tangia cooked in hammam embers, smoky merguez sausages, and silky fried aubergines. Brace yourself for thick crowds, overwhelming smoke, and one of the most energetic evenings of your trip.

Planning tip: Arrive early if you want a seat for sunset. The evening activities in the square attract both tourists and locals alike. When choosing where to eat, opt for places bustling with locals, as this is a strong indicator of freshness.

12. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Bahia Palace

The Bahia Palace—which means 'brilliance' in Arabic—serves as a testament to Morocco's affinity for opulence in its aristocratic history. Commissioned in the late 19th century by Grand Vizier Si Moussa, this architectural treasure was refined over decades by his son and successor, Bou Ahmed, who enlisted master artisans from Fez to craft its renowned interiors.

The vast palace complex features a captivating array of vibrant mosaics, intricately carved wooden ceilings, and ornate stucco work, all set amidst lush gardens. Wander through winding passageways into sun-drenched marble courtyards, each area revealing stories of hierarchy and intimacy, power and prestige, offering a vivid insight into the city’s rich cultural heritage and the grandeur of a past era.

Detour: Adjacent to the palace lies the Mellah (Jewish Quarter), which, from the 16th to the 20th centuries, was home to one of Morocco’s largest Jewish communities, numbering around 30,000, supported by 30 synagogues. Today, two remain—Negidim and Lazama—both open for visits. Because this area is relatively untouched by tourism, its souks are among the best in the city for gathering spices, herbal remedies, and hammam treatments.