Curator’s statement
Marrakech is a city that hums with color and craftsmanship—amber lantern light, saffron-stained tagines, and the soft whirr of looms in hidden ateliers. The Medina is a maze that rewards curiosity, but step outside the walls and you’ll find serene gardens, design-forward riads, and a desert that glows at golden hour. It’s a place where ritual matters—mint tea, hammam steam, bargaining with a smile—and where time stretches to match the rhythm of the call to prayer. Come for the spectacle; stay for the quiet corners that feel made just for you.
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Things to do in Marrakech
Golden hour over the Agafay, Marrakech — © themaisonsafar
Get lost (on purpose) in the Medina souks
Dive into alleys stacked with babouches, brass, and handwoven carpets; go early for gentler light and friendlier bargaining. A licensed guide can help you reach artisan quarters like Souk Semmarine and Souk Cherratine without the overwhelm.Bahia Palace & Secret Garden pairing
Wander Bahia’s painted cedar ceilings and carved stucco, then reset in Le Jardin Secret’s geometric plots and shaded pavilions—a perfect blend of sultanate grandeur and Medina calm.Jardin Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent Museum
The cobalt-blue garden is a design pilgrimage; pair it with the adjacent museum for couture, sketches, and a deeper look at the city’s influence on fashion. Book timed tickets to avoid the midday crush.Traditional hammam ritual
Schedule a body-scrub and steam at a refined spa or neighborhood hammam; it’s both wellness and cultural immersion. Follow with argan-oil massage to emerge blissfully unhurried.Atlas Mountains day trip (Imlil or Ourika)
Trade the city’s buzz for walnut groves, waterfall paths, and Berber villages. A short hike plus lunch on a terrace with snow-dusted peaks (in season) makes for a soul-filling day.Agafay Desert sunset
Opt for a late-afternoon camel ride or quad, then dinner under a starlit canopy. It’s a quick desert fix—rocky, lunar, and dramatically close to town.Ben Youssef Madrasa
Step through cedar doors into one of North Africa’s most exquisite courtyards; zellij tiles and Kufic script make a photographer’s dream. Arrive at opening for mirror-still reflection shots.Cooking class with a market shop
Start at the spice stalls to learn ras el hanout by scent, then cook in a riad kitchen—think preserved lemon chicken or vegetable tagine—and end with orange slices dusted in cinnamon.MACAAL (Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden)
Explore a thoughtful curation of modern African art that spotlights Marrakech’s creative pulse beyond the Medina walls.Palmeraie hot air balloon
Float at dawn over palm groves and farmland as the Atlas blushes pink—quiet, cinematic, and worth the early wake-up.
Places to eat & drink in Marrakech
Shared starters at Sahbi Sahbi, Marrakech
Nomad
A breezy rooftop for modern Moroccan plates—think spiced cauliflower, grilled fish, and seasonal salads—with a view over the spice square.Al Fassia Gueliz
Women-run institution known for slow-cooked tagines and couscous; order the lamb with prunes and almonds for a masterclass in sweet-savory balance.Sahbi Sahbi
A warm, design-forward dining room celebrating ancestral recipes; the pastilla and baked sardines are standouts, and service feels like a hug.Le Jardin
Tropical courtyard tucked behind a green door; perfect for a mint-lemonade pit stop and light lunch between souk sessions.L’Mida
Contemporary Moroccan with playful twists (herb-packed briouates, bright citrus desserts) and a stellar Medina rooftop at sunset.Comptoir Darna
Dinner-and-a-show vibes: classic dishes, live music, and late-night energy—ideal for groups or a celebratory first night.Dar Yacout
A set-menu feast in a candlelit riad—course after course of salads, couscous, and tagines—old-school, theatrical, and romantic.Bacha Coffee (Dar el Bacha)
Glamorous stop for single-origin coffees and butter-rich pastries inside a palace turned museum; arrive early to snag a table.Plus61 (Gueliz)
Light, sun-drenched plates with Mediterranean-Aussie flair—great when you’re craving crisp vegetables and clean flavors after tagine marathons.Kabana
Lively rooftop for cocktails and small plates with a cosmopolitan crowd; book for late golden hour and stay as the DJ warms up.
Need to know
Best time to go: March–May and October–November for warm days and cool nights; midsummer is blazing—plan early starts and long lunch breaks in the shade.
Cash and bargaining: Small shops prefer cash (dirhams). Start around 50–60 percent of the first price in souks and land where both sides smile.
Dress and respect: Shoulders and knees should be covered in religious sites; always ask before photographing people. Fridays can affect hours.
Getting around: The airport is about 15–20 minutes from the Medina off-peak. Riads are often down pedestrian alleys—porters with carts can help with luggage.
Health and safety: Drink bottled water; skip ice unless you trust the venue. Street food is delicious—choose busy stalls with high turnover.
Tipping: Round up for taxis; 10–15 percent in restaurants with table service is appreciated.
Bookings: Reserve Jardin Majorelle/YSL Museum and popular rooftops in advance; hammams fill quickly on weekends.
Ramadan: Expect quieter days and lively nights; some restaurants adjust hours—plan accordingly.
Travel Advisor
Bianca Bassi
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