Fun Things To Do In Marrakesh

Marrakesh, a major Moroccan city, lies near the snowy Atlas Mountains and attracts global travelers. It offers dynamic nightlife, historical architecture, and traditional Moroccan crafts.

The lively markets, energetic nightlife, and beautiful weather make Marrakesh suitable for everyone seeking leisure or excitement.

Activities include touring the old Medina and camel rides in the Sahara desert. Here are the top enjoyable activities in Marrakesh.

Tour The Bahia Palace

The Bahia Palace is a significant structure north of the Jewish Quarter. It’s an architectural masterpiece, featuring intricate tile work and a garden within the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Medina.

The palace, though not fully open to the public, offers guided tours for an entrance fee of 10 Dirhams. It has a traditional Moroccan design, with interiors adorned with local tiles and silk panels.

The ceilings are ornately painted, and the walls are covered in wood. Notable features include zellig-tiled fireplaces and stained glass windows.

Wander Around The Medina

Visiting the medina in Marrakesh is an experience not to be missed. The maze of alleys and narrow streets in the Medina are a photogenic and fun way to spend the day. The Medina is also home to many cultural sites.

The Medina is the oldest part of Marrakesh. The walls of the medina have been enclosing the city since 1122. Today, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to over 200,000 people.

Shop At The Souks

Marrakech’s Souks offer a wonderful experience, but can also be overwhelming. These crowded, narrow alleys of shops can quickly get confusing and disorientating. Use a map.

Shops in the souks are organized by type of goods. For example, the Kissarias is a series of covered textile galleries. You can also watch leather being made in a tannery.

The souks are a great place to buy souvenirs, leather bags, ceramics, and lanterns. You can also find exotic items such as leather skins, rose water, and spice.

Tour The Heritage Museum Of Marrakesh

The Heritage Museum of Marrakech showcases the country’s Jewish heritage. It is located in a 17th-century Moorish riad in the Medina of Marrakech. It has a large atrium covered by a dome.

The museum displays items from pottery and textiles to Andalusian embroidery and tribal jewelry. Many of the items were donated by owners and have been collected over the years.

Some items include a reconstructed minaret, a collection of musical instruments, and an intricate carpet. It also features several exhibitions on Berber rugs and dyeing wool.

Have Fun At Jemaa El Fna

Having fun at Jemaa El Fna in Marrakesh is a great way to get acquainted with Moroccan culture. Located in the Medina, the square is filled with people and performers who perform in the evenings.

People in Jemaa el Fna in Marrakesh are used to haggling. The art of bargaining is a fundamental part of Moroccan culture.

The square is also home to several fortune-tellers. These old men or women known as “Lallas offer predictions about your future by reading your palms.

Visit the Ruins of El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace was built in the 16th century and was constructed in the Muslim-Morrocan style architecture. It features a large pool and courtyards decorated with gold, ivory, crystal, and marble.

The ruins of El Badi Palace are located in a large courtyard. There are also ramparts and high walls. Visitors can climb the ramparts for a great view of the city. The entrance fee is 10 dirhams.

Soak In Some Waterfalls

The Ouzoud waterfalls are located in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains. There are also many hiking options available.

One of the most popular hikes is the hike to the top of the waterfalls. This will give you some of the best views in North Africa.

Other activities include hiking along the trail, picnicking in the spring, or swimming. There are plenty of Berber villages to visit along the way.

Stroll In The Jardin Majorelle

The Jardin Majorelle is an oasis just outside of the bustling Medina. This beautiful garden with tall cacti, lush plants, and fountains. It is one of the most visited attractions in Marrakech.

French artist Jacques Majorelle designed Majorelle Gardens in the 1920s. He expanded his property and developed the Majorelle Gardens, modeled after Moroccan tiles, and the blue veils of the Tuareg people of southern Sahara.

Try Hot Air Ballooning

Taking hot air ballooning in Marrakesh is a fun and exciting way to view the city from above.

The views are impressive, as the balloon glides over the High Atlas Mountains and the Agafay desert.

The best time to go on a hot air balloon tour in Marrakesh is the early morning. This is when the air is cooler, making the balloons go farther.

The flight lasts one to two hours, depending on the altitude and wind conditions. Make sure the ride is included in the overall package, as transportation may be more expensive on a separate trip.

There are a few places in Morocco where you can take a hot air balloon ride. Most tours include a pick-up from your hotel and transport to the launch site.

Visit The Leather Tanneries

The Leather Tanneries are located on the north side of the Medina. You can get there by taxi or bus. Here, skins are transformed into durable leather.

The process is centuries old and looks very authentic. Visiting the tannery can feel like a trip back in time.

The Marrakech tanneries use a traditionally manual process. In the process, hides are scraped and soaked in quicklime and water.

The tanneries have many terraces, offering a good view of the tanning process.

Visit The Saadian Tombs

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Saadian Tombs in Marrakesh were a burial site for royalty. It’s located at the southern end of the Marrakesh Medina.

It is surrounded by high walls built by Alawid Sultan Mulai Ismail. The tombs were sealed off by the sultan for almost four centuries.

After a French aerial photography survey in 1917, the tombs were discovered. Immediately, restoration work began. The tombs were restored to their former glory.

In addition, the cemetery was restored to its original design. There are more than 200 tombs at the site.

One of the tombs is the gold-polished Mausoleum of Mansour Al Ahmed. This mausoleum is a show-stopper. There are 65 other tombs in the complex.

Explore The House of Photography

Located in the Medina of Marrakesh, the House of Photography is a unique tourist attraction that features hundreds of photographs depicting life in Morocco.

It”s an exhibition space, research center, and educational venue. It is open to the public daily from 09h30 to 19h00. Children can explore the House of Photography for free.

The museum houses a collection of more than 4,500 old photographs, photographs of postcards, and documents. It is housed in a former fondouk, or inn, where travelers and merchants stayed.

The museum has a panoramic terrace on the top floor, ideal for a quick bite. For less than $10, you can have a coffee or lunch.

Stay In A Riad

Some of the best riads in Marrakech offer custom Moroccan dinners. The meal is usually served in a private dining room and guests can request the menu beforehand.

It is also a great way to experience local cuisine. In addition to the dining room, many riads offer rooftop dining. Some offer a hammam, a Moroccan spa, and Turkish baths.

Riads are small and often family-run. Guests have access to a central courtyard and a shared sitting room.

The rooms are typically air-conditioned and feature a private bathroom. Some riads offer a plunge pool.

Relax At The Jardin Secret

Located in the heart of the Marrakesh medina, the Jardin Secret is one of the hidden treasures of the city.

This small garden is a great example of a culturally significant garden that has been around for hundreds of years.

In addition to the garden, the Riad Jardin Secret is also home to a small cafe, a shop, and a museum, as well as a pool and indoor spa. It also offers a car rental service.

There is an extensive Islamic Garden area that recreates the image of heaven as depicted in the Quran.

The area also has many plants and flowers you will likely not find anywhere else.

The Riad Jardin Secret offers a rooftop cafe, a concierge service, and dry cleaning. The hotel also offers free Wi-Fi throughout the venue. It’s our favorite place to stay in Marrakesh.

Wrap-Up

There’s so much fun in Marrakesh! The list above encompasses a range of activities suitable for everyone, from families to backpackers.

Various cultures and civilizations have influenced Marrakesh. It has been a capital city and is now a center for arts and commerce. It is a magnificent destination for tourists.