7 Unforgettable Experiences In Marrakech
It was a long time ago when I visited Marrakech for the first time. Back then, it was almost the last stop of a two weeks road trip through Morocco. After long driving hours, nights in the desert, being with locals in their homes and villages (my huge advantage at that time was that my boyfriend in those days was Moroccan himself), I was back in a big city with all kinds of amenities. I still remember that the entire trip was magical, and my boyfriend and I had already some unforgettable experiences in Marrakech and Morocco in general.
But, we only had two days and couldn’t explore too much.
That’s why I was so excited to be back in that fabulous city for a whole week this time and discover the city!
There are quite a lot of things to do while you’re here in Marrakech. Some you can do, but a few you have to do otherwise, you can’t say that you’ve been here. So continue reading and find out which unforgettable experiences you can have in Marrakech!
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Resources & Recommendations
- FREEBIE – The ultimate travel checklist so that you never forget anything when you plan your next trip!
- Momondo* – Find the best prices on flights.
- Booking.com*/ Airbnb – Find the best accommodations. You’ll get a discount on your first booking through Airbnb of 25€/ 30$ if you use this code: pbecker105
- GetYourGuide*– Find exclusive and unique sightseeing tours in Marrakech!
- Best Free Travel Apps – Find useful apps for your travels!
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Experiences And Things To Do In Marrakech
I won’t lie to you. Not all things are magical in Marrakech. A couple of them are pretty annoying and, at least for me, pretty stressful. But in the end, they are also kind of unforgettable! No worries, I’ll tell you about those things as well.
But first things first, the following list shows seven things and experiences you can’t miss while visiting Marrakech.
1. Take A Stroll Through The Souk
First of all, take a stroll through the Souk of the Medina. It is part of the old and walled city where you can find all the bazaars, shops, and markets. You’ll find all kinds of goods, like herbs and spices, lamps, wicker works, natural cosmetics, traditional Moroccan clothes, and much more.
Have a walk through the Souk, look at all those goods, and maybe try your luck with haggling with the shop owners about the prices. It is a must-do in every Moroccan city, but it is a fun and unforgettable experience, especially in Marrakech.
But be prepared! As usual on such markets, and (*prejudice-mode on*: in every Arabian country, *prejudice-mode off*) the people try their best to catch your attention to look into their shops and sell you all kinds of things. If you don’t want to deal with them at all, the best is not to pay attention to them. Unfortunately, it also makes it impossible to shop around in a more or less relaxed manner.
Tip: The Souks near Palace de la Bahia are quieter and more relaxed than the one on the other side, at the Dar El Bacha Musée Des Confluences.
One more thing to be prepared for is the fact that these streets are not only for pedestrians. There are all kinds of transport vehicles around like bicycles, donkey carriages, and especially, mopeds. Mainly, the last ones are so annoying and stressful (at least for me). After walking through the souks, I always needed some quiet time to calm down again.
Bonus Tip: Stay on the right or left side but never in the middle of the street, and your life will be relatively more straightforward here in Marrakech!
2. Eat Traditional Moroccan Food
If you are in Marocco, of course, you need to taste traditional Moroccan food and dishes. The simplest way of getting some conventional food is when you stay in a riad. Most of them offer an additional lunch and dinner menu, and you usually can choose from a variety of modern interpreted dishes or traditional Moroccan ones!
The most popular ones are Tajine and Couscous in all variations, with lamb, chicken, or vegetarian! There is something for everyone’s taste! But also Harira, a light vegetable soup which I found perfect for lunch during the hot time of the day! Or a Bissara, a rich and hearty soup made from dried fava beans. Usually, it’s topped with fresh olive oil and a sprinkle of cumin.
Of course, fresh-squeezed orange juice is a real thing everywhere in Morocco and the Moroccan “Whiskey,”; a green tea with mint leaves and a lot of sugar (the national drink of Morocco). I love that tea and could drink it all the time (what can I say, I’m a sugar junkie…). For more traditional food and dishes, check out this “Local Adventurer” article with 21 Moroccan Foods You Must Try In Morocco!
Tips For Eating In Morocco
If you want to eat outside or on one of the markets, be careful. The better restaurants are usually safe, but just in case, consider the following to prevent you from food sickness:
- Don’t eat anything that isn’t pealed, which means eating salad can be an issue, which might be considered well. Mainly in the markets, people usually use dirty water to wash the food. And you’ll never know if your stomach gets used to it.
- Don’t eat raw meat! In general, if it’s cooked well done, it’s safe!
- Don’t drink water from anywhere other than out of a bottle! Also, it’s good to brush your teeth in your riad, hotel, or hostel, but don’t swallow or drink it!
- No ice in your drinks! Although it’s tempting to have a cooling ice cube in your freshly squeezed orange juice, avoid having it in your drinks! You’ll never know which kind of water it’s made!
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3. Have A Hammam
What would be a visit to an Arabian Country without having Hammam treatment? Of course, there might be some differences between a hammam for locals or one for tourists. However, it should be on your list!
I went to the Aphais Spa during my stay in Marrakech, and I loved it! It was my first experience going to a Hammam, and I didn’t know what to expect. And yes, it was quite an experience, and I’m so happy that I had it!
A hammam is an Arabian body treatment involving steam and cleansing black soap. A staff member takes care that you and your body get treated. So close your eyes, relax, and follow the instructions of the staff. That’s all! Afterward, you’ll feel like reborn, and your skin is soft like the one of a baby!
There are a few other Spas in the Medina, like the Hammam De La Rose, Les Bains de Marrakech Morocco, or Hammam Marrakech – Les Bains d’ Azahara. All with great recommendations!
4. Stay In A Riad
A visit to Marrakech is not complete without staying in a Riad.
During my stay in Marrakech, I had the chance to get a room in two different riads. First, I booked with Riad Sofia* and then at Monriad* because I met all the other weirdos from DNKation! Both are great, with lovely and immaculate rooms, a pool, and incredible rooftops!
It’s maybe not the cheapest possibility to stay in the city, at least, about other accommodations in Marrakech. But it’s worth every cent!
5. What About A Day Trip?
When you have enough time, like a week or more, you might think about seeing other places than Marrakech only. So what about a day trip then? The most popular trip destinations are:
Ourika Valley*; climb through a Berber village, over mountains, to spectacular waterfalls! You have several levels of waterfalls. As higher you climb, as better are the views and fewer the people!
Essaouira*; a coastal town about three hours west of Marrakech! Are you interested in learning kite-surfing? That is the place to be for taking some lessons!
More possible day trips are the Cascade D’Ouzud or Ouzud Waterfalls*, Agafay Desert*, Imlil*, Ait Benhaddou, and Ouarzazate, also known as the Hollywood of Morocco as many movies like Gladiator, or 300 were filmed there.
Or my favorite; a trip to the desert of Merzouga*, which usually is a three-day trip.
There are several options for how you can book those trips, whether via a tour agency in Marrakech, your riad or hotel, or you do it all by yourself. All is possible. The most convenient one is probably clicking on the links above and booking it right away online!
6. Of Course, Sightseeing
Of course, when visiting Marrakech, a little bit of sightseeing is a must-do as well! From the Palace de la Bahia, and Dar El Bacha Musée Des Confluences., the newest attraction; the Secret Garden, or Le Jardin Majorelle, and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum!
Be careful when you visit the big square Jamaa El Fna*! Diving into the happenings of the giant court is one of the must-have experiences in Marrakech, that vast market! Afterward, you might love it or hate it, but at least you’ll be impressed by its largeness, lively, and vibrant spectacle! Attention, when taking pictures, especially of the snakes, as they expect money for it!
7. Explore Marrakech’s Rooftops
Away from the busy streets of the Souks with breathtaking views of Marrakech and stunning sunsets, you’ll find a little bit of peace on the many rooftops of Marrakech. Almost every restaurant and riad has seating possibilities at the roof! Perfect for escaping the Souks for a bit of while or finding delicious food! An unforgettable experience in Marrakech!
As many of the restaurants offer free WiFi, it’s also suitable for a work session. Just bring your laptop and call it your office for a couple of hours! With a cool drink, a hot Moroccan Tea, and a light Harissa Soup, it’s like you’re in a different world!
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What are your experiences in Marrakech or Morocco? For me, it was an unforgettable experience not only in Marrakech, and I would love to return once again! Have you been there? Do you want to visit? Tell me more about your memories or plans in the comments!
Woah!! Thanks for sharing.. I loved it… we can capture awesome moments too. Keep writing ya (:
This is such a great guide! I visited Marrakech last year and absolutely loved it.
Looks like an incredible place to visit. I’d love to sample Moroccan food first hand.
Oh, this has been on my bucket list for so long since I love this culture & deserts! 🙂
I absolutely loved Morocco! Can’t wait to go back one day!
This post is so helpful! Thank you for sharing! 🙂 I loved your photos.
Krystianna @ Volumes and Voyages
I have been wanting to go to Morocco and Jordan, but I feel as a solo traveler would be a bit challenging.. I keep reading contradicting posts. In Morocco you went alone?
What a great post with so many helpful tips and info. I have been wanting to visit Morocco for so long and this makes me want to go even more! I would love to stay in a riad and wander the markets. I can imagine that they would be stressful though! 😁
I really want to get myself to Morocco soon. Marrakech looks like a lot of fun. My friends went last year too and talk about it non stop, but your pictures really bring that to life
I’ve not been to Morocco yet so this is super helpful. Love your pics by the way!
Marrakesh looks beautiful. Thanks for the roundup of unmissable experiences!
Hannah | https://getlost.blog/
Great post. I’d love to go to Marrakesh, but somehow it is one of those destinations that I would like to see, but hubby isn’t too keen on. So it keeps being pushed back every year. But reading your post, I think I really need to get this a little further up the bucket list
This post makes me want to book flight to Morocco right away. It’s been on my list for ages!
Love the Riad recommendations. I’ll look into them when I plan my own trip. 🙂
Thanks for the tips. You had a great concern for us, your reader, especially about the given tips of eating in Morocco.
Marrakech has so many incredible things to offer! I was there only one day and I’m dying to go back 🥰
It would be such a dream to stay in a riad. And your recommendations on day trips look great.
Morocco is high on my wish list. It just looks like such a BEAUTIFUL country! Whenever I get there I’m going to do some of these things (likely all of them!)
I’m going to Marrakech in January. Thanks for sharing these amazing tips, they will be useful!
Your food tips are spot on. Marrakesh is a great city and a lovely holiday destination which can turn into a bad one (thinking of a bad case of food poisoning).
This is fantastic, I’m going to be house sitting in Morocco for a month in Marrakech! Thank you!
Wow, that´s awesome! A lot of time to explore the city!
Ah yes, I’ve heard so often about unwanted attention for female travelers in Morocco that it honestly makes me weary of going, even though I’ve wanted to go for so long 🙁 Other than that, Morocco just seems so beautiful, with so much to explore!
Hi Katy, I wouldn´t mind too much about unwanted attention for female travelers. The attention is almost to all tourists (not only female). At least, although it can be annoying if you stay friendly and say “no thanks” they let you go.
This is awesome! Honestly probably would have never considered going there before, but now it’s definitely on my list!
The hammam massage and riad sound magical! I had never heard of the hammam treatment before reading this post and it’s definitely going on my to-do list for my dream trip to Morocco. After all that heat out in the dessert, it’s sounds like a great way to unwind!
Marrakech is high on my list of places to visit. I want to go for the food and my hubby wants to visit for the colors and textures (he is a photographer). Think it would be a great trip in the winter!
These are great tips! I love the idea of staying in a Riad and then going on a trip through the Sahara before sleeping under the stars! Definitely a dream come true 🙂
I wanna do all of these things! Morocco has been on my list forever! I’m dying to stay in a Riad and try all the local food there. A friend of mine actually went to college in Morocco and she always talks about how amazing it is.
I’ve always wanted to do Hammam! Are treatments expensive?
Hi Retha, it depends on what you are used to, I think! In comparison to prices in the US or Germany, I would say that it´s quite inexpensive. I paid about 400 Dirham, which is approx. 40€ for two hours.
Morocco is on my list for early 2020 so this will come in handy. I’ve been saving to visit, but the visa process for South Africans is so annoying and expensive.
Very interesting. I’ve always wanted to visit Morocco, but haven’t had the chance yet. Your article made it feel as if I was there.
Ooooh I love Morocco when I visited almost 10 years ago now! You’ve inspired me to go back – love the rooftop idea, haha…there are so many!
Great tips!
Loved Marrakech when were were there in 2011, whilst travelling for a month in Morocco.
Such a beautiful place so filled with culture! I think my very favorite place would be on the rooftops of Marrakech watching the view!
I would love to visit Morocco! These all sound like great things to do!
<3 Taylor | teansea.org
Marrakesh looks great. Been thinking about visiting a couple of times, but somehow haven’t yet gotten round to it. One day though.
Loved Marrakech! hope to go back there soon, good tips in your post! 🙂
I want to go to Morocco so badly. The food looks incredible and I’d definitely have to do a desert trip. Everything in Morocco looks so colorful and amazing
Marrakech looks like a stunning location! Morocco was never on our travel bucket list but you’ve convinced us to add it to the list!
Hannah | https://getlost.blog/
I want to do ALL these things!!! That’s such a great tip for the quieter souk in Marrakech. I’d love to visit here next year.
Great suggestions. I really want to go next year
Thank you, Bliss! I just can recommend visiting Marrakech!
I love the rooftops…rooftop-cafe-hopping sounds like a fun way to spend an afternoon! All of your photos are lovely. I’d never heard of Moroccan “whisky” before – I love green tea so I’ll definitely be giving it a try when I make it to Morocco!
Oh, you´ll love that tea! I could drink it all the time. If it wouldn´t contain so much sugar 🙈!!! That´s why it´s soooo delicious, of course 😅
I came across morocco first when I was learning about locations where shooting for Game of Thrones was done. . It is certainly an awesome place to visit. Was not aware of this Traditional Moroccan Food. thanks for sharing .
Oh yes, Brajesh, not only Game of Thrones but also Gladiator or 300 and many more were filmed in Morocco!