The mesmerising city of Marrakech is one of Morocco’s main attractions. Located in the middle of the country’s arid desert landscapes, this city feels like a time capsule. With its bustling souks, gorgeous geometric architecture, and narrow, winding streets, a visit to Marrakech will transport you back to the days when Morocco was seen as a mysterious wonderland. Don’t just take our word for it — see it for yourself! And when you do, here’s what to look out for: 10 best things to see in Marrakech.
Medersa Ben Youssef
If you want cool things to do in Marrakech, then the Madrasa of Ben Youssef has to be right at the top of your list. This 16th-century building started out as the largest educational institution in all of Morocco. It was designed for one simple reason: an Islamic school built to teach Quranic scholarship. In its 16th-century heyday, it could hold 800 students, whose rhythmic, harmonious voices must have been truly spectacular as they learned to chant the words of the Quran.
Today, there are no more students in Ben Youssef, but the old madrasa remains open as a tourist attraction. The main draw here is the geometric architectural designs. Traditionally, Islamic law forbids decorative images of anything that Allah created, which means no humans and no animals. While this may seem like a bit of a blow to any artistic wannabe, Quranic artists have spent centuries perfecting their intricate, mathematical designs, and you can see some of the best of them here at Ben Youssef.
The adjoining Ben Youssef Mosque is also worth a peek. You must admire it from the outside because non-Muslims cannot go in (this is a standard rule for mosques in Morocco). Muslim travellers report that the interior of the mosque isn’t all that impressive anyway, so in this case, you’re not missing much.
One tip: get there early! This is one of the most popular things to see in Marrakech, so it tends to fill up fast. If you can get down there right at the start of the day, you’ll have the place nearly to yourself — and that’s when it’s truly at its most magical.
Jemma el Fnaa
First things first: how the heck do you pronounce that? Well, it’s something like ja-MAH lef-na — but don’t worry if you can’t quite manage it. This is one of the true must-see places in Marrakech, so when you ask for directions, the locals will know what you mean, even if you butcher those complex Arabic vowels.
This is the beating heart of the city, a square that was built in the 11th century and really hasn’t changed all that much in the past thousand years. Jemaa el-Fna Square is a vibrant, thrilling place that —despite its status as a tourist attraction— is just as popular with the locals.
We recommend going both in the morning and after the sun has set, as you’ll see two very different sides of Jemaa el-Fnaa. By day, it’s a colourful marketplace packed with street vendors and performers, which include some traditional characters like belly dancers, fire eaters, snake charmers and monkey tamers (we have to admit that we’re not that impressed from an animal rights point of view, but it is what it is). In the evening, it can be best described as an open-air street theatre venue, as local storytellers, dancers and other performers set up stalls and show off to anyone who’ll watch or listen.
This is exactly what you imagine when you think of a traditional North African bazaar. Keep your wits about you, as in all the hustle and bustle, there are a few inevitable pickpockets about. You’ll also likely be met by very pushy vendors —don’t be afraid to give them a firm no.
Is it chaotic? Yes. Is it overwhelming? Yes. Is it one of the best places to see in Marrakech? Yes.
Bahia Palace
After all the manic energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa, you need something a little more soothing — and that’s why the Bahia Palace is next on our list of things to see in Marrakech. This is a modern attraction by Marrakech’s standards, built in the late 18th century and once home to a grand vizier. The name means “beautiful palace”, and that’s exactly what it is.
This sprawling complex gives you another chance to see some of those glorious geometric designs that this part of the world is famous for. We love the intricate tiles on the floors and walls, the detailed mosaics and the incredible collection of paintings. There’s also a delightful garden to explore as you imagine what life would have been like at this royal court in years gone by.
Jardin Majorelle
While most of Marrakech’s main attractions are located inside the Medina and have been drawing crowds for centuries, the Jardin Majorelle is the new kid on the block. A visit here is one of the most unique things to do in Marrakech. Especially if you love art and fashion.
The story of the Jardin Majorelle began in the Cubist art era of the 1930s, when two Frenchmen, artist Jacques Majorelle and architect Paul Sinoir, decided to collaborate to create something special. Together, they made a unique, modern house and a dazzling garden. The walls of the house were a totally new colour. Who even knew that was possible? Which now carries the name bleu Majorelle. This stylish, hip location soon became one of the coolest locations in Marrakech. Jacques Majorelle took up residence there and became known for throwing the city’s most fabulous house parties.
Sadly, it didn’t last. After Jacques died in 1967, his house and garden fell into disrepair — until help came from another French fashion icon. The legendary designer Yves Saint-Laurent grew up in North Africa and always felt a strong connection to the land. He bought the property with his friend, Pierre Bergé, and the two men worked hard to restore it. Since Saint-Laurent’s death, there’s now a dedicated YSL Museum on site, as well as a fascinating Berber Museum. You’ll need to book tickets in advance if you want to visit the Jardin Majorelle. We reckon it’s definitely one of our favourite things to see in Marrakech.
Saadian Tombs
From French fashion to something that will send a shiver down your spine —yes, Marrakech has it all! The Saadian Tombs, as the name suggests, are a historical necropolis. In fact, around 60 people were buried here, all members of the Saadi family. This royal family ruled Morocco in the 16th and 17th centuries. Their dynasty marked one of the most important chapters in the country’s history. As Morocco stood alone, resisting the expansion of the Ottoman Empire and beating back European invaders. When members of the Saadi family died, they were buried here, but the location of the necropolis was a closely guarded secret until the 20th century.
It wasn’t until 1920 that people were allowed to visit the tombs. Even today, many of the rooms are off-limits, but you can get a good look at them from strategically located windows. These are lavishly decorated tombs, with dazzling tilework everywhere you turn. It’s easy to see that these truly were built for royalty.
Although we reckon there’s always something a little creepy about visiting a mausoleum, the Saadian tombs are remarkably calming and provide a little oasis of peace and quiet in this chaotic city. They’re one of the most interesting things to see in Marrakech, particularly if you’re interested in history, art and architecture.
Badi Palace
Let’s stick with the Saadi family for this one. The name Badii Palace means “Incomparable Palace”. However, that statement is sadly ironic today, as the palace complex now stands in ruins. This 16th-century palace was once home to the Saadian dynasty, and you can still get a feel for its splendour. There are still gardens to wander, and the remains of the towers will give you an idea of just how spectacular this palace was in centuries gone by.
Today, there are storks nesting at the top of the Sultan’s once-mighty towers, but some examples of old mosaics and tiles can still be seen. We love the orange gardens, which smell just as good as they did when the Saadians were running the show.
The Badi Palace complex is huge and will take time to explore. There are no plaques, explanatory panels or audio guides available, which we think adds to the building’s historic harm. However, that does mean that if you want to make the most of this site, you should hire a local guide who can explain everything to you. Without a guide, the Badi Palace is a beautiful and evocative old ruin, but with one, it becomes one of the most essential things to see in Marrakech.
Almoravid Koubba
This is one of those cool things to do in Marrakech that many visitors miss. We don’t know if we’d class the Almoravid Koubba as a true hidden gem, but it’s one of those interesting sites to see in Marrakech that doesn’t attract busloads of tourists — and we’re thankful for that. We’re also a little surprised because this is the oldest monument in Marrakech.
The Almoravid Koubba was built in the year 1117. It is the city’s only surviving example of architecture from the Almoravid dynasty. This was another incredibly important era in Moroccan history. In fact, it was the Almoravids who successfully invaded southern Spain, establishing al-Andalus. Despite their amazing legacy, very few traces of them remain in Marrakech, which makes the Koubba worth a visit.
The term koubba or qubba is usually used in reference to a tomb, but historians don’t believe that this is the case. In fact, nobody is entirely sure why this intricate dome was built. The best guess is that it was used as part of the prayer rituals at the nearby Ben Youssef Mosque. Historians speculate that worshippers would find water and cloth under the dome to clean and purify themselves before going inside for their prayers. It’s a nice story, but we don’t know how true it is. Nevertheless, this beautiful, ancient dome deserves to be on your list of things to see in Marrakech.
The Marrakech Kasbah
Yes, you will get that song by The Clash stuck in your head when you visit Kasbah. Don’t fight it — it really is one of the best things to see and do in Marrakech, Morocco.
In the 12th century, the Almohad dynasty overthrew the Almoravids and began to consolidate power in Marrakech. To do this, they built the Kasbah — a fortified district that would be the epicentre of their dynasty. Many royal families have come and gone since then, as the history of Morocco never runs that smoothly. But the Kasbah remains a regal part of the city. In fact, today, the Dar al-Makhzen in Kasbah is still an official residence of the King of Morocco. He doesn’t spend that much time in Marrakech, but when he does, this is where he stays.
The Kasbah is one of the most fascinating historical neighbourhoods in Marrakech. Some structures actually date back to the Almohad era, including the Bab Agnaou, which is the main gate into the zone, and the impressive Kasbah mosque. We also love exploring the old Jewish quarter, known as the Mellah. Today, there are only around 200 Jewish residents left. But this was once a thriving population centre, and a guided tour will tell you about its history.
The Koutoubia Mosque
You can’t go inside the Koutoubia Mosque unless you’re Muslim, but people of all faiths and none are welcome to admire the exterior and explore the gardens. That’s enough for us because this is one of the most beautiful buildings in the city. So just walking around the outside is one of our favourite things to do in Marrakech.
Parts of the mosque date back to the early 12th century, and some historians think that there were originally two mosques here. One of them fell into disrepair, and its remains were only discovered during excavation work in 1923. The minaret was completed around 1195, and today, it’s a true icon of Marrakech. Standing at a height of 77m, it can be seen from all corners of the nearby Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. It’s one of the most recognisable structures in the city.
Maison de la Photographie
Even if you don’t speak French, you might be able to guess that this place is all about photography! The final entry on our list of things to see in Marrakech really is a hidden gem. It’s found in a traditional riad, and it contains exhibitions of photos from the city’s history.
Our favourite thing about the Maison de la Photographie is how the photos show off Morocco’s cultural diversity. Many of the images on display reflect the local Berber heritage, including traditional garments. This is a side of Morocco that many visitors miss, so it’s well worth taking a look.
Come and join us in exploring Marrakech! We have two epic opportunities for you to discover the city. Our Marrakech to Sahara tour, which takes you from the bustling city into the desert, and our five-day express adventure, which adds the coastal city of Essaouira into the mix. See you there!
