Marrakesh is a sensory overload in the best possible way. It’s a place of incredible contrasts: the dizzying alleys of the ancient Medina, the fragrant spice stalls, and the raw energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa. For me, this city holds an extra layer of magic, as it’s where I got engaged—taken completely by surprise at sunset in the tranquil oasis of Le Jardin Secret. Having just wrapped up a 4-night, 5-day city break, I distilled all the must-know details into this essential guide to help you plan your perfect, stress-free adventure.
Keep reading for:
- How to get to the city and where to stay in Marrakesh.
- What to do in Marrakesh
- The best sites to see in Marrakesh,
- The best food and drink in Marrakesh
- How to plan a 5-day Marrakesh itinerary
- Other top tips for visiting Marrakesh
The easiest and fastest way to reach Marrakesh is by flying into Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK). It's a major hub with direct flights from many cities across Europe and beyond, often served by low-cost carriers. We flew out with EasyJet and back with RyanAir, and paid for flights and Riad separately, however, many holiday companies are offering affordable packages.
The airport is relatively close to the city centre and most tourists will opt for a taxi / airport transfer. We booked our airport transfer via TripAdvisor, which cost £11 each way. Be prepared: many roads within the Medina are unreachable by car (only mopeds).
Since we were staying deep in the Medina, our taxi dropped us near Jemaa el-Fnaa, requiring a 20-minute walk carrying our luggage to the accommodation. I believe there are buses from the airport too, however, for the cost, it made sense to pre-book our return transfers ahead of our trip.
Where to Stay: Embrace the Riad Life and stay in The Medina (Old Town)
For a truly authentic Marrakesh experience, you must stay in a Riad. These are traditional Moroccan houses, often tucked away down narrow alleys in the Medina, built around a central courtyard or garden. They offer an oasis of calm away from the city's hustle.
By choosing to stay in The Medina, you'll be within walking distance of most major sights, the souks, and Jemaa el-Fnaa.
We were welcomed to our Riad with traditional biscuits and mint tea, and our booking included a plentiful breakfast platter. It’s also worth noting that while many Riads feature pools, they are often small, decorative, or not intended for extensive guest use.
The best food and drink in Marrakesh
Marrakesh has an incredible culinary scene, but to keep travellers' belly to a minimum, please exercise caution: stick to busy, reputable venues, ensure all hot food is served steaming hot, avoid ice cubes and always drink bottled water, checking the seal before drinking.
Must-Try Food & Drink:
- Moroccan Mint Tea: The national drink—a symbol of hospitality. You'll be offered it everywhere!
- Tagine: A slow-cooked stew (lamb, chicken, or vegetarian) prepared in a distinctive earthenware pot.
- Couscous: Often served with meat and vegetables, especially on Fridays.
- Pastilla: A savoury-sweet pastry, traditionally filled with mince chicken meat, almonds, and spices, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
(🍹 Restaurants That Serve Alcohol in Marrakesh)
- 🍹Le Bistro Arabe: This was my favourite dinner spot during our trip and was perfect for our engagement dinner, featuring a rooftop bar for after-dinner drinks and great live jazz music, especially recommend you to try and secure a poolside seat ahead of time.
- 🍹KABANA ROOFTOP FOOD & COCKTAILS: While very tourist-focused, this spot offers a great bar and good food.
- 🍹La Trattoria: This Italian restaurant has much better vibes when dark, however, we had a lovely meal here in the daytime. It’s based in Gueliz (New Town), which is best reached by taxi.
- 🍹Dardar Rooftop Bar: This is a good rooftop lunch or dinner option that serves alcohol and is conveniently accessible from inside the Souks. Will likely require a booking for sunset, but accepted walk-ins at lunchtime.
- Dar Cherifa: This venue offers a nice tagine in a very intimate setting ideal for a cozy date night, though the menu is quite limited.
- Café Des Épices: This spot is great for an affordable lunch featuring burgers and sandwiches.
- L’Mida: A short walk from the main street in the Souks, I’d recommend the tea and tagine at L’Mida.
- Pâtisserie des Princes: You can find very affordable pastries here, including a delicious, large macaron with a great filling.
🏛️ The Best Sites to See in Marrakesh
Historical & Cultural Sites:
- Koutoubia Mosque: The largest mosque in Marrakesh, famous for its towering minaret which serves as a landmark visible across the city. (Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but the exterior and surrounding gardens are beautiful.
- Madrasa Ben Youseff: A stunning former Islamic college renowned for its intricate architecture, carved cedarwood, and delicate tilework.
- Bahia Palace: A magnificent 19th-century palace showcasing intricate Islamic and Moroccan architecture.
- El Badi Palace: The vast ruins of a former opulent palace, famous for its orange groves and sheer scale.
- Saadian Tombs: A beautifully preserved royal necropolis dating back to the 16th century.
- Jardin Majorelle: The famous cobalt-blue gardens, originally created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. A bit of a walk away from the city centre, but an oasis of calm compared to the main square.
- Le Jardin Secret: Open from 9am, but beautiful for a sunset visit (& proposal).
- Jemaa el-Fnaa: The heart of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage site. By day, it's a marketplace; by night, it transforms into a huge open-air food court and carnival filled with storytellers, musicians, and performers. It's a must-see!
- The Souks: The essential vibrant marketplace for souvenirs. Expect to haggle for everything from spices and leather goods to beautiful carpets and lanterns, and be confident in walking away if you’re not happy with the price. Some sellers are prepared to sell you items for as low as 10% of the starting price, so don’t accept the first price you’re offered. Be prepared to get lost too—it's part of the fun - but keep your wits about you.
- Relax with a Hammam: Treat yourself to a traditional Moroccan public steam bath and scrub for a truly relaxing cultural experience. Though we missed out, this is highly recommended for a rejuvenating break.
- The Atlas Mountains: Exploring traditional Berber villages and hiking to the Ouzoud Waterfalls.
- The Agafay Desert: A stone desert just 45 minutes away, perfect for a camel ride or a night in a luxury tented camp, or evening sunset show.
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✈️ Marrakech Adventure: Our 5-Day ItineraryThis itinerary captures the full Marrakesh experience over five rewarding days. We started with a manageable arrival day, allowing time to settle into our Riad and get our first taste of the city's rooftop scene. The following days alternate between deep dives into history (palaces and tombs), serene escapes (Le Jardin Secret), and thrilling adventure outside the city walls.
Day 1: Arrival and Rooftop Views
Early morning flight to Marrakesh, to arrive in Marrakesh just before lunchtime.
Upon landing, getting cash from an ATM in the airport.
Took our transfer and dropped our bags at our Riad.
LUNCH: Enjoyed a delicious meal at L'Mida.
Explored the stunning architecture of Madrasa Ben Youseff.
EVENING: Returned to the Riad, then headed out for tea/drinks with a view at Kabana Rooftop.
Day 2: Atlas Mountains Excursion
Full-day excursion: 2025 Marrakesh: Ourika Valley, Atlas Mountains, Waterfalls & Lunch (booked through TripAdvisor)
Returned to the city to relax and unwind in the Riad.
TEA: Enjoyed a traditional stop at Dar Cherifa.
Day 3: Gardens and Desert Sunset
Breakfast at the hotel and a morning walk.
Visit YSL Museum & Le Jardin Majorelle (Pre-book online before your visit) .
Walked to the modern Gueliz district.
LUNCH: Indulged in Italian cuisine at La Trattoria Restaurant
Grab a sweet treat and Mint Tea from Pâtisserie Amandine.
EVENING ADVENTURE: Headed out for a magical experience: Marrakesh: Agafay Desert Sunset, Camel Ride, and Dinner Show (booked via GetYourGuide)
Day 4: Palaces and History
MORNING: Explore the grandeur of the Bahia Palace
AFTERNOON: Immersed yourself in history at El Badi Palace and the nearby Saadian Tombs.
LUNCH: Stopped for a mid-day meal at Dardar
Evening visit to Le Jardin Secret at sunset
TEA: Enjoyed live jazz music at the stylish Le Bistro Arabe.
Day 5: Souks and Departure
Exploring the vibrant Souks for souvenirs.
LUNCH: Ate at Cafe des Espices
Collected our bags and took the transfer to the airport.
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🧭 Other Top Tips for Visiting Marrakesh
YSL Museum / Le Jardin Majorelle: There is no ticket office for Le Jardin Majorelle, so instead on arrival you will be given a QR code which re-directs to their website to book your pre-booked slot. Instead of risking
Navigation: Expect to get lost in the Medina; embrace it, but keep your map/phone discreet to avoid appearing vulnerable. I’d also recommend you download the Maps.me app and the Marrakesh map before your trip, as its offline functionality and detail are excellent for walking the maze-like streets and often worked better than Google Maps. Also note that some of the 'gates' within the Souks close at night, so your 'usual' route back to where you are staying might not be available.
Mobile Data: Opt for an e-sim, such as Nomad / Airalo to get mobile data when travelling.
Haggling: Haggle respectfully in the souks, aiming to pay 30-50% of the initial asking price.
Dealing with Offers: Be firm and say "La, shukran" (No, thank you) to unsolicited help or offers, as these are often scams.
Cash: Marrakesh is largely cash-based, so ensure you carry plenty of small denominations for taxis and small purchases. Opt to use Al Barid Bank ATMs, as they often have lower or no extra fees compared to other tourist-focused machines. Also, popular ATMs in high-traffic areas can run out of cash, so withdraw from a less central location if possible.
Flights: If you can, opt for a flight that arrives during the day, to avoid the intensity of the main square at night when you first arrive.
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So there you have it—your essential guide to conquering Marrakesh! Embrace the chaos, seek out the quiet moments, and always be ready for another mint tea!
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