Things to do in Marrakech
Medina mornings, Gueliz lunches, one riad dinner worth every dirham.
This is Marrakech without the theatre of being a tourist: coffee in the souks, tiled courtyards before the groups arrive, and restaurants where locals are actually eating. It suits anyone who wants value over pageantry, is happy to walk, and knows that the best meal of the trip should happen sitting around a pool in a riad, not in a rooftop tourist trap.
Day 1: Mouassine, Ben Youssef, Dar El Bacha
Start with brunch in Arset Moulay Moussa, work through the medina's two great monuments while they're still cool and quiet, then close the night at Dar Moha's poolside table with a cocktail at La Pergola to follow.
- 9:30 AM
Mozaik' Art, Coffee and Brunch
Brunch café near the Bahia side of the medina: msemen, eggs and fresh orange juice before the walk north.
Map - 10:30 AM
Madrasa Ben Youssef
16th-century Quranic school with zellij tiles, carved cedar and stucco around a marble courtyard pool.
Map - 12:30 PM
Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha Jemaa El Fna
The famous mechoui counter by Jemaa el-Fnaa: pit-roasted lamb sold by weight with bread and cumin.
Map - 2:30 PM
Dar El Bacha Museum
Glaoui pasha's 1910 palace of tiles and carved plaster; add your name for Bacha Coffee on arrival.
Map - 7:30 PM
Dar Moha
Dar Moha's poolside riad setting and refined Moroccan cooking make it the one memorable dinner of the trip, the only $$$ in the day.
Map - 9:30 PM
La Pergola
Low-key cocktail bar close by, a proper drink to close the night without going overboard.
Map
Day 2: Gueliz: Gardens, Food, Craft
Cross into the new city for Majorelle at first light, a long lunch at the all-women kitchen Al Fassia, a calibration session at Ensemble Artisanal, and dinner at Sahbi Sahbi, the locals' favourite in Gueliz.
- 9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
Jardin Majorelle
Yves Saint Laurent's cobalt-blue garden with the Berber Museum inside; book the first entry slot online.
Map - 12:30 PM
- 2:30 PM
Ensemble Artisanal
Government-run craft bazaar with fixed prices. Visit first to establish benchmark prices before haggling in the souks.
Map - 7:30 PM
Sahbi Sahbi
Women-run open kitchen in Gueliz cooking home-style Moroccan dishes with modern plating.
Map
Day 3: Souks, Secret Gardens, Riad Dinner
One last coffee at Majorelle, then a slow walk to Le Jardin Secret for the best rooftop view in the medina, a casual lunch at M Bacha, and a final dinner in the candlelit garden at Le Jardin Restaurant.
- 9:30 AM
Café Majorelle
Kick off the morning with coffee right beside Majorelle, iconic setting, great fuel before the garden.
Map - 10:30 AM
Le Jardin Secret
Restored riad-palace garden in the souks with Islamic and exotic gardens, café, and tower with best medina rooftop.
Map - 12:30 PM
M Bacha Restaurant
Solid mid-range Moroccan near Bab Doukkala, locals' favourite for an honest, casual lunch.
Map - 7:30 PM
Le Jardin Restaurant Marrakech Medina
Green-tiled courtyard café in the souks under banana trees; tagines, salads and mint tea by candlelight.
Map - 9:30 PM
Mizaan
Gueliz lounge for a late cocktail or a mint tea after dinner, a short taxi from the medina.
Map
Where to stay
Riad Tarabel
A well-priced riad in the right part of the medina, close to Ben Youssef and an easy walk to both Mouassine and the Gueliz taxi rank.
Riad Jaaneman
Small medina riad near Dar El Bacha known for warm, personal service at a fair rate.
Make Marrakech your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Jardin Majorelle: a few days ahead
- Berber Museum: a few days ahead
- Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech: a few days ahead
- Les Bains de Marrakech: a few days ahead
- Hammam de la Rose: a few days ahead
- Amal Women's Training Center and Moroccan Restaurant: a few days ahead
Skip these
- The tannery detour: a stranger says your route is closed or today is a special tannery festival, then a shop terrace and a large guide fee follow.
- It's closed, said about whatever you named, almost never is. Smile, say la, shukran, and check your own map.
- The henna grab near the square: hands in pockets, say no early, and do not negotiate afterwards.
- Monkey and snake handlers expect payment the moment a camera rises. Agree a small price before any photo, or do not photograph them.
The full Marrakech travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around