Bordering Europe but with a unique character that offers a world of difference, Marrakesh is a city where fairy tales come to life. This enchanting Moroccan imperial city, rich in historical monuments, vibrant markets, and sublime gardens, is a true feast for the senses. The scent of exotic spices fills the air while the majestic contours of the Atlas Mountains provide a stunning backdrop. Marrakesh, a former capital of Morocco, is undoubtedly an essential part of any Marrakech city trip.
To truly capture the essence of this fascinating city, we recommend immersing yourself in the experience of our Marrakesh Highlights Bike Tour. With this tour, guided by a local, you’ll cycle past the most beautiful attractions and discover the hidden gems of Marrakesh. Let yourself be carried away by the captivating stories and find out why Marrakesh has captured the hearts of travelers from around the world.
In the continuation of this article, we take you on a virtual tour of the top attractions in Marrakesh. Each stop is bursting with cultural richness, historical significance, and natural beauty, giving you an in-depth insight into the charm of this city. Discover with us the unforgettable highlights that Marrakesh has to offer.
Top attractions in Marrakech you must see
There’s plenty to do in Marrakech, so read on quickly!
Tanneries
You can’t leave the city without visiting a tannery, or the so-called ‘tanneries’. A true must-see, which you can visit on your own or be guided by a local who will gladly lead you through the maze to get there. Keep in mind that they expect a fee for this afterwards. Tanning as an ancient craft is one of the most impressive attractions in Marrakech. Upon arrival, you’ll receive a bunch of mint as a savior for the intense ammonia smell used to remove all remaining animal residues from the leather. So don’t turn it down.
Jardin Majorelle
Just outside the old city center, the city boasts a beautiful botanical garden designed by the French artist Jacques Majorelle. The deep cobalt blue color and bright yellow are characteristic of the decorative elements of this unique and artistic garden.
The Majorelle Garden was owned by the renowned French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent from 1980. After his death in 2008, his partner scattered his ashes over the rose garden. For a fee, you can visit the garden as well as the adjacent Berber Museum.
Djemaa el Fna
A must-see is the large central square where merchants sell their authentic Moroccan products. Djemaa el Fna is an impressive market square with various curiosities. Admire the skills of a snake charmer or acrobats, buy a set of false teeth, or have yourself weighed for a small fee. One thing is for sure, you’ll be amazed!
Koutoubia Mosque
Wherever you are in Marrakech, chances are you’ll see this landmark. This mosque stands at an impressive 77 meters tall and is the symbol of the city. It is over 1000 years old and was established during the reign of Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur. Today, you can find many vendors and street performers around the mosque. Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not allowed to visit the mosque, but the surrounding area is definitely worth a visit.
The Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are the tomb complexes that house the graves of the Saadian sultans and their family members. These are beautifully decorated with Moorish artworks and stunning mosaics. The building has three rooms, the most important being the room with the twelve columns, the tomb of Sultan Ahmed El Mansour. Surrounding the tombs is a beautiful garden.
Moroccan Hammam
Looking to do something different during your city trip besides visiting Marrakech attractions? Spend a day at a Hammam for some delightful relaxation. It’s the perfect way to unwind. In Marrakech, the cost for such a wellness experience is quite affordable compared to the Netherlands; you can enjoy a full day starting from just 20 euros. Many locals frequent these places, offering you a unique glimpse into the daily life and culture of the city’s residents!
Bahia Palace
This palace was built in 1859 at the behest of Minister Ahmed bin Musa. It was important to incorporate Islamic and Moroccan elements into the palace. The name Bahia means brilliance, which is reflected in all the stunning rooms. There’s a large courtyard in the palace where you can take beautiful photos and enjoy a magnificent view.
Dar Si Said Museum
This museum is a showcase of Moroccan art. It is housed in the residence of Ba Ahmed’s brother. Here, you can admire various artworks, artifacts, and antique objects. Some of the oldest items found in Marrakech are exhibited here. If you’re a fan of vintage art and historical tales, this is definitely a must-visit!
Cycling in Marrakech
Want to explore Marrakech attractions in a fun and informative way? With the Marrakech Highlights Tour, you’ll visit all the must-see spots in and around the city center, including Djemaa el Fna. Other must-sees like the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Souks are also on the itinerary.
Fortunately, there are plenty of other things to do in the Moroccan capital. Curious? Check out what to do in Marrakech!
Map overview of attractions in Marrakech
With this handy map of attractions in Marrakech, you can see at a glance where all the sights are located. By clicking on the map, you can go directly to Google Maps and find all the details you need.
Now that you’re familiar with the top attractions of Marrakech, you might also be interested in other activities and experiences in this enchanting city. Discover our recommendations for what to do in Marrakech and plan a trip you won’t soon forget!
Enjoy your trip!