Top Activities to Do in Marrakesh: A Travey Club Guide
Marrakesh is one of those cities that awakens your senses the moment you arrive. The aroma of freshly ground spices drifts through centuries-old alleyways, the rhythmic call to prayer echoes across the rooftops, and every corner seems to reveal another hidden courtyard, colourful market or intricately carved doorway. It's a city where history, craftsmanship and everyday life blend together in a way that's unlike anywhere else in the world.
What makes Marrakesh so captivating isn't simply the landmarks—it's the atmosphere between them. Wander without a strict agenda and you'll find snake charmers entertaining crowds, artisans shaping leather by hand, locals sharing mint tea in quiet courtyards, and rooftop terraces overlooking a maze of terracotta buildings stretching towards the Atlas Mountains.
Whether you're visiting for a weekend or beginning a longer journey through Morocco, these are the experiences that deserve a place on your itinerary.
Lose Yourself in Jemaa el-Fna
No visit to Marrakesh is complete without spending time in Jemaa el-Fna, the city's famous central square. By day, it buzzes with orange juice vendors, market stalls and local performers. As evening approaches, the square transforms into an open-air theatre filled with food stalls, musicians, storytellers and the unmistakable energy that has made it one of Morocco's most iconic destinations.
Rather than simply walking through, find a rooftop café overlooking the square and watch the transformation unfold as daylight fades. It's one of the best ways to appreciate the rhythm of the city while escaping the crowds below.
Travey Club Tip: Visit once during the day and return after sunset—you'll feel like you've experienced two completely different places.
Wander Through the Medina and Its Souks
The Medina isn't somewhere you simply visit—it's somewhere you experience.
Its narrow lanes twist between colourful spice stalls, handcrafted lanterns, woven carpets, leather workshops and hidden riads. Every turn reveals another artisan at work, another beautifully carved doorway or another quiet courtyard tucked away behind unassuming walls.
While shopping is part of the experience, the Medina is just as rewarding for photographers, architecture lovers and travellers who enjoy discovering places at their own pace.
Take your time, expect to get slightly lost and embrace the unpredictability—that's where some of the best memories are made.
Visit Bahia Palace
Bahia Palace offers a glimpse into Morocco's royal past through elegant courtyards, colourful zellige tiles, painted cedar ceilings and tranquil gardens.
Unlike many European palaces that impress through grandeur, Bahia Palace feels intimate and beautifully detailed. Every doorway, fountain and mosaic reflects the incredible craftsmanship that defines Moroccan architecture.
Visit early in the morning to enjoy quieter courtyards and softer light for photography.
Explore El Badi Palace
Although much of El Badi Palace now stands in ruins, it remains one of Marrakesh's most fascinating historical sites.
Once considered one of the grandest palaces in the world, its enormous courtyards, sunken gardens and towering walls hint at the scale of its former glory. Climbing to the ramparts rewards visitors with panoramic views across the Medina and nearby rooftops.
If you enjoy history and photography, this is one of Marrakesh's highlights.
Discover Le Jardin Secret
Hidden behind the bustling Medina lies one of Marrakesh's most peaceful escapes.
Le Jardin Secret combines beautifully restored Islamic gardens with traditional Moroccan architecture, elegant fountains and shaded pathways that feel worlds away from the busy streets outside.
It's an ideal place to slow down, recharge and appreciate the city's quieter side.
Don't miss climbing the tower for one of the lesser-known viewpoints across Marrakesh's rooftops.
Admire the Koutoubia Mosque
Standing proudly above the city skyline, the Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakesh's most recognisable landmark.
While non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, the surrounding gardens offer wonderful views of its magnificent minaret, particularly in the golden light of late afternoon.
The Koutoubia has guided travellers through the Medina for centuries and remains one of the city's defining symbols.
Visit Jardin Majorelle
Few places in Marrakesh are as instantly recognisable as Jardin Majorelle.
Originally created by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, the garden combines striking cobalt-blue buildings with exotic plants, tranquil water features and colourful walkways.
The vibrant colours make it one of the most photographed places in Morocco.
Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended as entry times often sell out.
Explore the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Located beside Jardin Majorelle, this beautifully designed museum celebrates the life and work of Yves Saint Laurent, whose love for Marrakesh profoundly influenced his fashion collections.
Even visitors with little interest in fashion often appreciate the elegant architecture, thoughtful exhibitions and insight into how the city inspired one of the world's most celebrated designers.
Experience a Traditional Moroccan Hammam
A visit to Marrakesh isn't complete without experiencing a traditional hammam.
This centuries-old ritual begins with steam before moving into a vigorous exfoliation using black soap and a kessa glove, followed by relaxing treatments using nourishing argan oil.
Whether you choose a luxurious spa or a neighbourhood hammam, it's one of the most authentic ways to experience Moroccan culture while giving your body a well-earned reset after exploring the Medina.
Enjoy Sunset from a Rooftop Terrace
One of the simplest pleasures in Marrakesh is watching the sun disappear behind the terracotta skyline.
As the evening call to prayer echoes across the city and lanterns begin to glow, rooftop terraces become some of the most magical places to unwind.
Popular choices include El Fenn Rooftop, Kabana Rooftop and Café de France, each offering a different perspective over the Medina.
Order a glass of fresh mint tea or a traditional Moroccan cocktail and simply watch the city come alive.
Visit the Saadian Tombs
Hidden for centuries before being rediscovered in the early 20th century, the Saadian Tombs are among Marrakesh's most remarkable historical treasures.
Intricate marble columns, colourful tilework and finely carved cedar ceilings showcase the craftsmanship of the Saadian dynasty.
Although relatively compact, the site provides a fascinating insight into Morocco's royal history.
Take a Cooking Class
Moroccan cuisine is one of the country's greatest highlights, and learning to prepare it yourself adds another dimension to your trip.
Many cooking schools begin with a guided visit to the local markets before teaching guests how to prepare classics like tagine, couscous, zaalouk and traditional pastries.
Sharing the meal you've created becomes one of those travel memories that stays with you long after returning home.
Escape to the Agafay Desert
If your schedule allows, spend an afternoon or evening in the nearby Agafay Desert.
Unlike the towering dunes of the Sahara, Agafay offers a dramatic rocky landscape where camel rides, quad biking, luxury desert camps and unforgettable sunset dinners create an entirely different side of Morocco.
It's only about an hour from Marrakesh, making it an easy addition to a short stay.
Discover Menara Gardens
The Menara Gardens provide another peaceful escape from the energy of the Medina.
Centred around a large reflective pool with the Atlas Mountains rising in the distance, it's a favourite place for locals to relax, exercise and enjoy cooler evenings.
The simplicity of the landscape contrasts beautifully with the bustling streets found elsewhere in the city.
Shop for Moroccan Handicrafts
Even if shopping isn't your priority, browsing Marrakesh's artisan workshops is an experience in itself.
Look out for:
- Handwoven Berber rugs
- Leather babouches (traditional slippers)
- Brass lanterns
- Argan oil products
- Colourful ceramics
- Handcrafted wooden boxes
- Spices and Moroccan tea sets
Buying directly from local artisans not only supports traditional craftsmanship but often comes with fascinating conversations about how each piece is made.
Travey Club Insights
Marrakesh isn't a city that reveals itself through monuments alone. Its magic lies in the moments between them—the scent of spices drifting through the Medina, the quiet calm of a hidden riad courtyard, the glow of lanterns as evening falls, and the conversations shared over mint tea on a rooftop terrace.
While the famous attractions deserve their reputation, the experiences that travellers remember most are often the simplest: wandering without a map, lingering over a traditional meal, listening to the sounds of the city from above, or discovering an artisan workshop tucked away down a narrow alley.
At Travey Club, we believe the best Marrakesh itinerary balances iconic landmarks with unplanned moments. Leave room to explore, embrace the unexpected and let the city's rich culture shape your journey. Marrakesh rewards curiosity, and every visit offers another reason to return.
Travey Club is your personal travel planning partner, dedicated to crafting truly bespoke itineraries shaped around how you travel. We believe every journey is unique—no single template, and no purely AI-generated plan, can fit all travel needs. Rather than booking flights or hotels, we focus on thoughtful, human-led planning for our members, working alongside trusted travel agents who manage reservations. Our itineraries highlight key experiences, while Travey Club brings them together through personalized insight, expertise, and attention to detail—ensuring every trip feels intentional, seamless, and distinctly yours.
Look at our three days Marrakesh Itinerary : Travey Club
