Visiting Marrakech: The Ultimate Guide for a Dream Adventure

Visiting Marrakech is a unique experience that blends history, culture, and stunning landscapes…if done correctly! My recent trip to this vibrant city was nothing short of a dream come true. Over six days, I explored the heart of the Medina, embarked on breathtaking day trips, and immersed myself in the local culture. Here’s a detailed account of my adventures and recommendations for anyone planning to visit Marrakech.

Why Visit Marrakech?

Marrakech is an ideal destination for a slightly longer trip, especially for those based in Europe. So, I recommend at least five, but no more than seven days if visiting Marrakech. Six days was perfect to fully enjoy what the city has to offer without feeling rushed.

With its rich history, vibrant markets, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes, you can experience a lot in just a few days. All in all, a week allows you to explore the city and take a few day trips to the surrounding areas.

How to Get to Marrakech

I flew to Marrakech with TAP Airlines, which offered a two-day layover in Lisbon, Portugal. This allowed Ciara and I to explore another beautiful city before reaching our final destination.

Pro tip: when looking to visit Marrekech, choose TAP Airlines. Their unique lay-over program allows you up to ten days for another cityscape on your way to Marrakech!

I highly recommended TAP Airlines for their excellent service and super cool layover program. If you choose to visit Marrakech from Germany, TAP will give you the option to layover in Porto or Lisbon. If you choose the Lisbon route, give yourself at least an hour to get through customs.

A Priority Pass from Amex Platinum grants access to Lisbon’s airport lounge, whcih will make the layover more comfortable. However, it’s prior to customs, which can take well over an hour. Plan accordingly!

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Before choosing where to stay, consider which accomodation works best for you. In essence, you have two options: Riads or Hotels. Go for the Riads if you want the cultural, unique experience, and go for the hotel if you want more of what your last vacation was.

Riads are traditional Moroccan houses with an interior garden or courtyard, and usually a pool. Hotels are, well, hotels.

My stay at Dar Elkhouda in the northern Medina was absolutely unforgettable! With its private rooftop pool, I spent almost every evening with a cigar, watching the sunset and listening to the prayers from nearby mosques.

The hospitality was outstanding, too! Adil (the host) met Ciara and I outside the Medina, carried our bags to our rooms, prepared breakfast each morning, and provided excellent tips for exploring Marrakech. He’s a true Renaissance man: a guide, historian, advice, big brother, and even taxi if you need to get to/from the airport!

What To Do On Your Visit to Marrakech

The main attractions will definitely get a shout-out here, but I’m also going to give you a few day trip ideas you might not have considered.

Day One: Exploring the Souks and the Grand Bazar

After settling into our accommodation, Ciara and I headed to the Grand Bazar in the heart of the Medina. Reading through other blogs, I noticed the Grand Bazar was a top attraction when visiting Marrakech. It was about 6:00pm in the evening, and with most shops closing around 8:00 or 9:00 that day, we kept it simple. No matter your accomodation, you’ll have to traverse numerous souks to get to the Grand Bazar.

The souks, or markets, in Marrakech are a maze of narrow alleys filled with shops selling everything from spices to textiles. You’ll also see more handmade leather products here than anywhere else in the world! Wandering through the souks, we admired the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and the sheer variety of goods on display.

In a nutshell, exploring the Souks is sensory overload; or just another Tuesday in Korea. It’s the perfect place to start planning your shopping strategy and practice your haggling skills (which I’ll get to later).

Day Two: Kutubiyya Mosque and Saadian Tombs

On the second day, we visited the Kutubiyya Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech. As an architect major, I truely apprecaited this marvel. This attraction stands as a testament to the city’s rich Islamic heritage. The mosque’s towering minaret, adorned with intricate carvings and mosaic tiles, dominates the skyline. No matter what rooftop you find yourself having a drink on, you’ll see the Kutubiyya Mosque in the distance.

Pro tip: If you’re not Muslim, you won’t be able to go inside the Kutubiyya Mosque, so plan to admire from the perimeter.

While non-Muslims are not allowed inside, the exterior itself is a sight to behold. Visiting Marrakech isn’t complete without touring the Kutubiyya Mosque. The surrounding gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, and the sound of the call to prayer echoing through the air added a spiritual ambiance to our visit.

Afterwards, we explored the Saadian Tombs, a hidden gem that dates back to the 16th century. These tombs were rediscovered in 1917 and are known for their stunning architectural details and intricate stucco work.

Walking through the narrow passageways, I marveled at the beauty of the mausoleums, which house the remains of members of the Saadian dynasty. The Hall of Twelve Columns, with its grand archways and detailed tile work, was particularly impressive. However, you have to stand in line for about thirty minutes just to take a peak at it. While you wait, you can try and spot the tortoise that roam around the garden outside!

We ended the day with a delicious dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant just across the street. This was Ciara and my first experience to savory dishes like chicken tagine, chicken skewers, and Berber omelets. Each were bursting with flavors and spices unique to Moroccan cuisine, and some we can’t wait to try again someday.

Day Three: Hot Air Balloon Rides and Camels

Day three of visiting Marrakech was all about adventure. The night prior, I booked a hot air balloon ride through GetYourGuide.com, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of the trip.

On our third day, Ciara and I set our alarms for 5:00am to meet at the pick-up location in the Medina. After verifying our identities, the van drove us to the outskirts of town.

We arrived just before sunrise and were welcomed by the sounds of thousand-degree furnaces blowing up dozens of colorful balloons. After a cup of coffee, climbed into the basket. We set off before dawn, and as the balloon ascended, the first rays of sunlight illuminated the vast desert landscape below.

Floating above the dunes, with the Atlas Mountains in the distance, was nothing short of magical. The serenity and beauty of the experience were unparalleled, and one I’ll cherish forever.

I’ll never forget the look of joy upon Ciara’s face as she looked out across the African desert with the sunrise in the distance.

Upon landing, we ate an authentic Berber breakfast, full of flatbread, olives, honey, and mint tea, all prepared fresh on the spot. Though the food was amazing, the company was probably the best part. We visited with folks from the UK, Germany, and even the United States–swapping travel stories and reminising of times spent away from home.

The day continued with a camel ride, another quintessential Moroccan experience. Ciara’s camel, amusingly named “Olivia,” provided endless entertainment with her noisy antics.

Though the ride was staged, I still felt a deep connection to the landscape and its timeless beauty. These majestic creatures are truely one of God’s unique creations!

The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering the souks, where I finally tried my hand at haggling some unique souvenirs. To cap off an incredible day, we visited Le Bistro Arabe, Marrakech’s only jazz bar. The ambiance was perfect, with great drinks, live music, and the serene setting of a still-water pool at the base of a three-story atrium. I highly recommend making a reservation before visiting this hidden gem!

Day Four: Agafay Desert and Fire Shows

The fourth day of exploring took us to the Agafay Desert, a rocky and rugged landscape just outside the city. Unlike the sandy dunes of the Sahara, the Agafay Desert is characterized by its stony terrain and dramatic vistas. Another great GetYourGuide.com experience I must add, and you can book the same one here!

Having spent the first half of the day wandering the Medina, we arrived in the late afternoon. Thankfully we were just in time to watch the sun set over the desert. The colors of the sky shifted from brilliant oranges to deep purples, casting a magical glow over the barren landscape while we sat by a pool. I didn’t expect visiting Marrakech to be this amazing!

As the light from the sun got lower, we were treated with an amazing fire show. The combination of the delicious food, the amazing sights of the fire, and the stunning desert scenery made for an unforgettable evening. Ciara’s favorite part was probably stealing food scraps to give to the uber-friendly stray dogs that wandered around us; she’s an angel!

As night fell, the stars began to emerge in the clear desert sky. The lack of light pollution allowed for incredible stargazing, and we could see countless stars twinkling above us. It was peaceful and serene; a strong contrast to the hustle and bustle of the Medina. The tranquility of the desert, coupled with the stunning natural beauty, made this one of my favorite highlights for our trip.

Day Five: Hiking in the Atlas Mountains

Hiking in the Atlas Mountains was a bucketlist item for me well before we ever booked our trip. Thanks to GetYourGuide.com, this was another day-trip that made visiting Marrakech so special. Book the same trip here!

We began our excursion with a visit to a small business that produces argan oil. This traditional oil, known for its culinary and cosmetic uses, is produced by hand in many local cooperatives in and around Marrakech. We learned about the process of extracting the oil from the argan nuts, and we even got to try our hand at making it! The locals were incredibly welcoming and eager to share their knowledge and traditions with us.

Next, we continued our journey to Imlil, a picturesque village nestled in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. The village is often featured in photographs of the region, and it’s easy to see why.

The stunning views of the mountains and lush valleys were simply breathtaking.

As we continued on, we eventually arrived at the trailhead in Moulay Brahim Gorges. We then embarked on three hour hike that took us through scenic trails, past waterfalls, and up to many panoramic viewpoints. Along the way, our guide shared fascinating stories about the history and culture of the Berber people who inhabit the region.

For lunch, we enjoyed a traditional Berber meal in a home in Ait Souka. Delicious dishes were served like couscous and lamb tagine; we were in heaven! As we finished, we hiked back down the mountain for one final adventure: another camel ride! The day ended with sore legs, a full heart, and way too many photos to go through.

Day Six: Ouzoud Waterfalls

On our final full day, Ciara and I visited the Ouzoud Waterfalls, one of the most spectacular natural attractions in Morocco. Again, this amazing experience was through GetYourGuide, and you can book the same thing for yourself here!

Though we had to drive three hours to get there, it was most certainly worth it! Visiting Marrakech shouldn’t be about staying within the confines of the city; get out and explore! Located about 150 kilometers from Marrakech, these cascading falls drop over 110 meters into a series of pools below. If you bring your swimsuit, you can even go swimming in them!

Our guide provided a wealth of information about the history and geology of the area, as well as insights into the local culture. We even took a short boat ride through one of the pools to get up close to the falls! Feeling the mist on our faces and feeling the power and beauty of the rushing water brought a smile to our faces the entire time.

After our boat ride, we were treated to another traditional lunch at a nearby restaurant in Ouzoud. At this point, I was pretty sick of chicken tajine, so I opted for the Berber omlete. The setting was idyllic, with views of the waterfalls and lush greenery all around us.

The highlight of the day, however, was the chance to interact with the local monkeys! These playful creatures were curious and friendly, and we had a great time feeding them and watching their antics. It was a perfect way to end our final day in Marrakech, leaving us with lasting memories of the natural beauty and vibrant culture of Morocco.

Recommended Day Trips for Visiting Marrakech

Spending time in the Medina is easy. But visiting Marrakech shouldn’t be about staying within the confines of the city; get out and explore!

• Visit the Deserts: Both the Agafay Desert and the Sahara offer unique experiences, from fire shows to stargazing. For the GetYourGuide experience we used, book here.
• Hiking in the Atlas Mountains: The scenery is breathtaking, and the cultural insights are invaluable. For the GetYourGuide experience we used, book here.
• Hot Air Balloon Ride: An unforgettable way to see the landscape from above. To book the same company we used, book here.
• Visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls: Beautiful scenery and the chance to interact with local wildlife. For the GetYourGuide experience we used, book here.

Tips for Visiting Marrakech

As Ciara and I wandered the Medina, explored the deserts, and ate delicious chicken tajine, here’s some things we picked up:

• Dry Air: The dry, desert climate combined with the constand dust will irritate your throat, eyes, mouth, and nose. A mask can significanly help when walking through the Medina, and I highly recommend wearing one.
• Scooters: Watch out for scooters, they zip by unexpectedly! Everywhere people walk, scooters will ride, so be careful.
• Car Rentals: Cars are impractical in the Medina given how narrow the streets are. Walking is the best way to explore, but pay attention to point #2 above!
• Hard Beds: Beds in Marrakech can be quite firm, no matter where you stay. Extra blankets can help if you need a softer mattress, so kindly ask your host to provide some if you need extra comfort.
• Languages: English and French are widely spoken, so no worries if you speak either!
• Sensory Overload: The Medina can be quite overwhelming. I don’t usually get headaches but I was getting frequent ones towards the ends of our days exploring the city. Take frequent breaks to not only take everything in, but to process everything around you.
• Haggling: Negotiating prices is expected of all shop merchants in the souks. A good, hard rule is to never pay more than 50% of the initial price. When the merchant gives you a price, counter with 25% to start. Be respectful, but have fun trying this!
• Currency Exchange: Use ATMs instead of currency exchanges, which often have unfavorable rates.
• Street Food: Avoid street food in Marrakech like the plague! Due to potential water contamination, your body won’t thank you no matter how delicious the food smells. Stick to restaurants, trust me.
• Bottled Water: Only drink bottled water. Ciara and I even went as far as using it for brushing our teeth.

In conclusion

My visit to Marrakech was an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences. From haggling prices for leather bags in the souks to the breathtaking landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech offers something for every traveler. The hospitality of the locals, the rich culture, and the delicious food made Ciara’s and my trip truly special.

I highly recommend visiting Marrakech and immersing yourself in all it has to offer if you’re stationed in Europe. Whether you’re exploring the bustling Medina, embarking on a day trip to the rocky desert, or simply relaxing at a rooftop pool, Marrakech is sure to captivate your soul.