Marrakech Travel Guide: Medina, Riads and Accommodation

Marrakech is an assault on the senses, in the best possible way. Spices and leather in the souks, minarets lit up at sunset, internal courtyards with orange trees and fountains, mosques, hammams and a square that transforms into an open-air theatre at night.

It's a four-day destination that can easily stretch to a week, especially if you add excursions to the Atlas Mountains, the Agafay Desert or the coast of Essaouira. This guide covers attractions, neighbourhoods, flavours, transport and accommodation.

For accommodation, we recommend a combination: a traditional riad inside the medina and, if you fancy a pool and some peace and quiet, a hotel in Hivernage or the Palmeraie.

A brief introduction to Marrakech: geography, history and identity

Marrakech is located in southwestern Morocco, at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, and has a population of approximately one million. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravid dynasty, it served for centuries as an imperial city and a hub for caravans crossing the Sahara.

The city is divided into two worlds. The medina, the old walled city with its red clay walls, is a labyrinth of narrow streets, souks, riads and mosques, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gueliz and Hivernage comprise the new city, built during the French protectorate, featuring wide avenues, art galleries, bars and modern hotels.

The climate is semi-desert: very hot and dry summers with temperatures reaching 40°C, and mild winters with sunny days around 18–20°C and cold evenings. The languages spoken are Arabic and Amazigh, while French is widely used, and English is spoken quite a bit in the tourism sector. The currency is the dirham, and cash is essential in the souks.

Marrakech's top attractions

The sights that make up the Marrakech experience:

1. Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
   The heart of the medina. At night, it fills with food stalls, musicians and storytellers.
2. Medina Souks
   Dozens of markets dedicated to specific crafts: leather, spices, carpets, lamps, silver. Haggling is the norm.
3. Koutoubia Mosque
   The city's largest mosque, with a 77-metre minaret that serves as your landmark.
4. Bahia Palace
   A 19th-century masterpiece with zellige tiles, carved ceilings and serene courtyards.
5. Saadian Tombs
   A royal mausoleum with exquisite Moroccan decoration, hidden for centuries.
6. Majorelle Garden and YSL Museum
   The electric blue of the buildings amidst bamboo and cacti, along with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
7. Ben Youssef Madrasa
   A historic theological college with an impressive courtyard and intricate wood carvings.
8. Menara and Agdal Gardens
   Olive groves and reservoirs against the backdrop of the snowy Atlas Mountains, ideal for sunset.
9. Traditional Hammam
   Exfoliation with beldi soap and argan oil massage, from €15 in a public hammam.
10. Excursion to Ourika Valley or the Atlas Mountains
    Amazigh villages, waterfalls and mountains, just an hour from the city.

Where to stay in Marrakech: the best areas

Where you stay depends on whether you want to be in the thick of the action or prefer a pool and quiet surroundings:

Medina

Authentic riads in narrow streets, a stone's throw from the souks. No car access right to the door.

Gueliz

New city with modern flats, restaurants and easier transport links.

Hivernage

Luxury hotels with swimming pools and spas, close to the medina but peaceful.

Palmeraie

A palm grove outside the city, with resorts, golf courses and large swimming pools.

Kasbah

Southern part of the medina, near the Saadian Tombs, generally quieter.

Agdal

A modern residential area with good prices and family-friendly accommodation.

14 recommended accommodations in Marrakech

Below you'll find selected accommodations for every budget, with direct links to their pages on Booking.com. These links are affiliate links: if you book, you support Travelo at no extra cost to you.

• Swiss Continental Hôtel — Gueliz
• Fashion Boutique Hotel — Gueliz
• Ari Boutique Hôtel - Adult Only — Gueliz
• Longue vie Hotels — Hivernage
• Hotel & Ryad Art Place Marrakech — Medina
• Tigmiza Boutique Hotel & Spa — Palmeraie
• Dar Rhizlane, Palais Table d'hôtes & SPA — Hivernage
• Les Jardins De La Koutoubia — Medina
• The Lemonary Marrakech — Marrakesh
• YVES Marrakech — Medina
• Savoy Le Grand Hotel Marrakech — Hivernage
• Grand Mogador Agdal & Spa — Agdal
• Wazo Hotel — Marrakesh
• Hotel Relax Marrakech — Marrakesh

Accommodation comparison table

Accommodation	Area	Style / Amenities	Indicative Price
Swiss Continental Hôtel	Gueliz	Hotel	€€–€€€
Fashion Boutique Hotel	Gueliz	Hotel	€€–€€€
Ari Boutique Hôtel - Adult Only	Gueliz	Hotel	€€–€€€
Longue vie Hotels	Hivernage	Hotel	€€–€€€
Hotel & Ryad Art Place Marrakech	Medina	Hotel	€€–€€€
Tigmiza Boutique Hotel & Spa	Palmeraie	Hotel	€€–€€€
Dar Rhizlane, Palais Table d'hôtes & SPA	Hivernage	Hotel	€€–€€€
Les Jardins De La Koutoubia	Medina	Hotel	€€–€€€
The Lemonary Marrakech	Marrakesh	Hotel	€€–€€€
YVES Marrakech	Medina	Hotel	€€–€€€
Savoy Le Grand Hotel Marrakech	Hivernage	Hotel	€€–€€€
Grand Mogador Agdal & Spa	Agdal	Hotel	€€–€€€
Wazo Hotel	Marrakesh	Hotel	€€–€€€
Hotel Relax Marrakech	Marrakesh	Hotel	€€–€€€

Prices are indicative for a double room and vary depending on the season, city events, and how far in advance you book. Always check the final price and cancellation policy on the accommodation's page.

Food and flavours in Marrakech

Moroccan cuisine is among the richest in the Mediterranean. Try tagine with chicken and preserved lemon, tagine with lamb and prunes, couscous traditionally served on Fridays, harira soup, pastilla, briouats, and zalouk and taktoka salads. In the square, you'll find lentil soup, grilled meats, and the daring tanjia.

Mint tea is constantly offered and is part of the hospitality. A meal in a popular restaurant costs €5–€10, in a riad or rooftop restaurant €15–€30, and gourmet options range from €40–€70. Many riads serve dinner upon request in the morning, and it's well worth it.

When to visit Marrakech

The best months are March to May and September to November, with sunny days and temperatures between 22–30°C. In July and August, the heat is intense and visits to the souks can be exhausting, making hotels with a pool almost essential.

Winter is mild and economical, ideal for sunbathing on a terrace and excursions to the Atlas Mountains, where you might even see snow. Ramadan changes the pace of the city, with many restaurants closed during the day and a festive atmosphere in the evening.

Period	Weather	What to expect
March–May	Warm, sunny	The best period, blooming gardens, ideal for excursions.
June–August	Very hot, dry	Up to 40°C, lower prices, need for a pool.
September–November	Warm, comfortable	Excellent weather, less crowded than spring.
December–February	Mild, cold evenings	Sunny days, snow in the Atlas Mountains, good prices.

Transport and practical information

Marrakech Menara Airport is just 6 km from the city centre, a 15-minute taxi ride away. Agree on the price before getting in or use an app. Within the medina, you can only get around on foot, as the streets are very narrow. For Gueliz, Hivernage and Palmeraie, use taxis, which are inexpensive.

Take cash in dirhams with you, as many shops in the souks do not accept cards. Haggling is normal: start at half the initial price and aim to settle somewhere in the middle. Dress modestly, especially women, and ask permission before photographing people. Download an offline map, as GPS can get confused in the medina.

Indicative travel costs

Expense	Budget	Mid-range option
Accommodation/night	€35–€70	€90–€250+
Meal	€5–€12	€20–€45
Transport/day	€3–€8	€10–€25
Activities	€10–€25	€40–€90

Suggested 4-day itinerary

1. Day 1
   Jemaa el-Fnaa, Koutoubia, first acquaintance with the souks, dinner on a rooftop.
2. Day 2
   Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Kasbah, hammam in the afternoon.
3. Day 3
   Majorelle Garden, YSL Museum, Gueliz for food and coffee, Menara at sunset.
4. Day 4
   Excursion to the Ourika Valley or the Atlas Mountains, return and last-minute shopping.

Useful tips before you travel

• Book a riad with airport transfer or ask them to meet you at the medina entrance.
• Do not follow impromptu "guides" who offer their services in the souks; they will demand a tip at the end.
• Drink only bottled water and avoid ice from makeshift stalls.
• Carry a light scarf: it's useful for sun, dust and visits to religious sites.
• Allow one day for relaxing by the pool, especially if travelling in summer.

Points of interest: detailed guide

Jemaa el-Fna Square

The heart of the city and a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site. In the morning, it has stalls with fresh orange juice and dried fruits; in the evening, it fills with Gnawa musicians, storytellers, and open-air kitchens with steam rising from charcoal fires.

See it from above, from the rooftops of the surrounding cafés with a mint tea, before descending into the crowd. Photos with people with monkeys or snakes are charged, so agree on a price or avoid them.

Koutoubia Mosque

The 77-meter minaret from the 12th century is the symbol of the city and defines its silhouette. The interior is not accessible to non-Muslims, but the surrounding gardens are open to all and ideal at sunset.

Bahia Palace

A 19th-century palace with 150 rooms, zellige tiles, carved cedar ceilings, and internal courtyards with citrus trees. It's the best example of Moroccan decorative art you can see in an hour, with an entrance fee of around 100 dirhams.

Saadian Tombs and El Badi Palace

The Saadian tombs are small but impressively decorated with Carrara marble and gold. The ruined El Badi Palace opposite gives a sense of lost grandeur, with storks nesting in its walls.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

The 14th-century Islamic school, recently renovated, features 130 student cells around an impressive courtyard with a marble basin. It is one of the most photogenic spots in the medina and relatively quiet in the morning.

Medina Souks

A labyrinth of streets organised by guild: leather goods in Souk Cherratine, dyers in Souk Sebbaghine, metals, carpets, and spices. Get intentionally lost and find your way back to the square by following the crowds or using GPS.

Mellah Quarter and Jewish Heritage

The historic Jewish quarter with the Slat al-Azama Synagogue, the cemetery, and the spice market. Less touristy, offering a more everyday glimpse of the city.

Gueliz and the New City

The French quarter with boulevards, boutiques, contemporary art galleries, cafes and restaurants serving alcohol. It's the easiest way to take a break from the intensity of the medina.

Walls and Gates

Nineteen kilometres of red clay walls with twenty gates. Bab Agnaou is the most ornate, while a carriage ride around the walls costs 150-250 dirhams an hour after negotiation.

Palmeraie

The palm grove north of the city, with hundreds of thousands of palm trees, luxury hotels and quad bike or camel rides. It is touristy, but the sunset here offers the most beautiful light in the area.

Museums, art and culture

Yves Saint Laurent Museum

A contemporary brick and terracotta building, next to the Majorelle Gardens, housing iconic collections from the designer who lived in the city. A pleasant, air-conditioned visit lasting an hour and a half.

Dar Si Said Museum and Museum of Moroccan Arts

Housed in an old mansion, featuring wood carvings, carpets, Berber jewellery and musical instruments. Provides a cultural context often missing from a souk tour.

Marrakech Museum and Dar El Bacha

Dar El Bacha, the Pasha's house, boasts stunning courtyards and the famous Bacha Coffee. The Marrakech Museum showcases contemporary Moroccan art in a historic building.

Maison de la Photographie

A collection of historical photographs of Morocco from 1870 to 1950, spread over three floors with a rooftop terrace offering views of the medina. Small entrance fee and one of the best views of the old city.

Parks, nature and outdoor spaces

Majorelle Garden

The garden of painter Jacques Majorelle, with its characteristic cobalt blue, cacti, bamboos, and lily ponds. It's small and gets crowded, so go early or late in the afternoon.

Menara Gardens

Olive trees and a huge 12th-century reservoir with a pavilion and views of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Free, popular with locals, and ideal for sunset without crowds.

Agdal Gardens and Cyber Park

The Agdal Gardens are historic royal gardens with orchards, while Cyber Park on Avenue Mohammed V offers shade and tranquility in the city centre.

Le Jardin Secret

A restored garden within the medina, featuring Islamic and exotic sections, an ancient khettara hydraulic system, and a tower with views. A perfect respite just a stone's throw from the souks.

Activities and experiences

Hammam and spa

A public neighbourhood hammam costs 20-60 dirhams and offers an authentic experience, while a hotel one is 400-900 with black soap, exfoliation and argan oil massage. It's the perfect way to end a tiring day in the medina.

Cooking classes

Four-hour workshops including a market visit in the souk, tagine, couscous and Moroccan salads, 350-600 dirhams. Many take place on riad rooftops with a view.

Excursion to the Atlas Mountains and Ourika Valley

An hour's drive brings you to Berber villages with Setti Fatma waterfalls and hiking trails. Day trips cost 200-400 dirhams including transport.

Agafay Desert

A rocky desert forty minutes from the city, offering camel rides, quad biking, dinner with live music and overnight stays in luxurious tents. A good alternative if you don't have time for the Sahara.

Hot air balloon and cycling

A hot air balloon flight at sunrise over the semi-desert costs 1,500-2,500 dirhams, while cycling routes in the Palmeraie are an inexpensive and pleasant morning activity.

Haggling with method

In the souk, ask for prices at two or three shops first, start at 40% of the initial offer and settle around 60%. The tea they offer does not oblige you to buy, but respect and a smile work better than aggressive negotiation.

Where to eat: specific suggestions

Tagine and couscous

Tagine with chicken and lemon, with lamb, prunes and almonds, or with vegetables, is slow-cooked in a clay pot. Couscous is traditionally served on Fridays. Prices are 60-120 dirhams in local restaurants.

Street food in the square

Harira lentil soup, snails in broth, grilled skewers, tanjia cooked in a hammam oven and mechoui lamb. Choose a stall with locals and watch your food being cooked in front of you.

Riads, rooftops and fine dining

Many riads serve dinner in a courtyard or on a rooftop for 250-500 dirhams, while in Gueliz there are modern Moroccan restaurants with more creative cuisine and a wine list.

Sweets, tea and coffee

Mint tea with plenty of sugar is served at every opportunity, and almond and honey sweets like chebakia accompany it. In the city's modern cafes, you'll find good espresso and French-style patisserie.

Alcohol and Ramadan fasting

Alcohol is served in hotels and selected restaurants, but not in traditional medina eateries. During Ramadan, many shops close during the day and open for iftar, so adjust your schedule accordingly.

Food safety

Drink bottled water, wash fruits, and prefer grilled and cooked dishes. Freshly squeezed juices in the square are safe when made in front of you without ice.

Nightlife and drinks

Rooftops and live music

Nightlife in the medina is gentle: dinner on a rooftop, Gnawa music and tea. It's more of an atmospheric experience than a wild one.

Gueliz and Hivernage

In the new city, you'll find bars with cocktails, clubs with live music and nightclubs with an entrance fee of 200-300 dirhams and a minimum spend. Hivernage has the most luxurious venues.

Practicalities

After midnight, the medina gets dark and the narrow streets can be confusing. Keep the name and a nearby landmark of your riad, ask your accommodation to arrange transport, and agree on a taxi fare beforehand.

Shopping

What to buy

Berber carpets, leather babouches and bags, teapots and glasses, argan oil, spices and ras el hanout, hammered metal lamps and ceramics from Safi and Fez.

Where to buy

In the souks with haggling, in Gueliz concept stores with fixed prices and good aesthetics, at the Ensemble Artisanal for quality without negotiation, and at women's cooperatives for certified argan oil.

Shopping caution

Ask to see the back of a carpet to check the knots, do not accept impromptu shipping services without documentation, and check import restrictions for leather and food products.

With children: what works best

With children in the city

Children are usually thrilled by the square, the horse-drawn carriages, the camels, and water parks like Oasiria and Aqua Fun. The Majorelle Gardens and Le Jardin Secret offer peaceful breaks.

Practical tips for families

Summer heat is extreme, reaching 40 degrees and above. Choose a riad with a pool, restrict outings to mornings and evenings, and bear in mind that the narrow medina streets are not pushchair-friendly.

Day trips

Essaouira

Two and a half hours west, on the Atlantic, with a fortified medina, seagulls, grilled fish at the port and ideal conditions for kitesurfing. It's cool when Marrakech is scorching.

Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate

Four hours through the Tizi n'Tichka pass, with the impressive ksar made of clay where dozens of films have been shot. Ideally with an overnight stay, so you can continue towards the Merzouga dunes.

Ourika Valley and Imlil

An hour away and you're in the Atlas Mountains. Imlil is the base for climbing Toubkal, the highest mountain in North Africa, while easier routes can be done in half a day.

Ouzoud Waterfalls

Two hours northeast, with 110-meter waterfalls, boats beneath the cascades, and monkeys. A refreshing choice for a hot month.

When to go: month by month

Winter

Days with 18-20 degrees and sun, cold nights with 5-8 degrees. It's an ideal time for walking and excursions to the Atlas Mountains with snow on the peaks. Check that your riad has heating.

Spring

March to May is the best period, with 22-28 degrees and blooming gardens. It's also the most popular, so book early.

Summer

July and August with 38-45 degrees. Prices drop significantly and the city empties of visitors. A pool is essential, and plans should involve outings only in the morning and evening.

Autumn

September to November, with consistent 25-30 degrees and light rain. October is one of the most pleasant months of the year.

Suggested itineraries by duration

Three days

First day in the medina: Koutoubia, souks, Ben Youssef and Jemaa el-Fna in the evening. Second day Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, Mellah and a hammam. Third day Majorelle Gardens, YSL Museum, Gueliz for lunch and coffee, and sunset at the Menara Gardens.

Five days

Add a day in the Atlas Mountains or Ourika Valley, a day in the Agafay Desert with dinner, and a cooking class. If you have a sixth day, go to Essaouira.

Marrakech as a base

Many combine three days in the city with a three-day excursion to the Sahara via Ait Ben Haddou and Dades, returning from Todra. It's a demanding drive but well worth it.

Practical travel information

Documents and entry

Greek citizens do not need a visa for tourism up to 90 days, only a valid passport. Upon arrival, a form is completed and the passport is stamped.

Transport

Menara Airport is six kilometres away, with taxis costing 100-150 dirhams after negotiation, and buses costing 30. In the city, petits taxis are cheap, but the meter rarely runs, so agree on a price. The medina is explored only on foot.

Money

The dirham is a closed currency and not easily found outside Morocco. Change upon arrival or withdraw from an ATM, keep plenty of small notes for tips and taxis, and do not accept payments in euros at poor exchange rates.

Dress code and behaviour

The city is accustomed to tourists, but modest dress with covered shoulders and knees makes life easier, especially for women. Ask permission before photographing people and respect places of worship.

Safety and harassment

Violent crime is rare. However, you will frequently receive offers for tours, directions, and shops; a polite but firm no resolves everything. Avoid unofficial guides and be mindful of motorbikes in narrow streets.

Health

Drink bottled water, use sunscreen and a hat, and bring medication for stomach upsets. Private clinics in Gueliz are good, and travel insurance is recommended.

Budget and savings

Typical prices

Tea 15-25 dirhams, meal in a local restaurant 60-100, dinner in a riad 250-400, hammam 60-500 depending on type, day trip 200-400. A four-day trip for two people in a good riad typically costs 450-750 euros excluding flights.

How to save money

Stay in a medina riad with breakfast, eat lunch at local spots, use petits taxis with an agreed price, arrange excursions locally instead of online, and avoid the high season of April and October.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need for Marrakech?

Three days for the city itself and an additional day for an excursion to the Atlas Mountains or the Agafay Desert.

Do I need a visa for Morocco?

Greek citizens do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days, with a valid passport.

Is it safe for women travelling alone?

Yes, with the usual precautions. Modest dress, avoiding isolated streets at night, and a firm "no" to sellers.

Riad or hotel?

A riad for authenticity and location within the medina, a hotel in Hivernage or the Palmeraie for a pool, spa, and quiet surroundings.

How does haggling work in the souks?

Start at 40–50% of the initial price they quote and aim to settle around 60–70%. If you're not satisfied, politely walk away.

Which excursion is most worthwhile?

The Ourika Valley for mountains and waterfalls, or Essaouira on the coast for sea breeze and fish, if you have a full day.

How many days do you need for Marrakech?

Three days are enough for the medina and the main sights. With four or five days, you can add the Agafay Desert, the Atlas Mountains, or Essaouira, and have time for a hammam and relaxation.

Is it safe for solo female travellers?

Yes, with caution. Sexual harassment is greatly reduced with modest clothing, a decisive attitude, and avoiding empty alleyways late at night. Many riads arrange transfers and excursions for solo female guests.

Should I stay in a riad or a hotel?

A riad in the medina offers atmosphere, personal service, and a location close to the attractions. Hotels in Hivernage and the Palmeraie provide pools, space, and quiet. With children or in summer, the latter option is more practical.

Do I need a guide in the medina?

A three-hour guided tour on the first day helps you understand the structure of the old city and reduces hassle. Afterwards, you can comfortably navigate on your own with a map on your phone.

What is the best time to visit?

Spring and autumn. Winter is also good with cool nights, while July and August have extreme heat and are only suitable for stays with a pool.

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We conclude with a piece of advice: the best way to enjoy a destination is to combine organisation with room for unexpected discoveries. Book your main visits, but also leave time for strolls, chats with locals, and unplanned culinary experiences. Happy travels!

If you're planning your trip and want more ideas for accommodation, tastes and experiences, take a look at Travelo.gr's links for destinations, hotels and flights. Each of our articles is written to help you create a trip you'll remember.