Marrakech is a city of contrasts: historic palaces and contemporary restaurants, peaceful gardens and lively souks, rooftop sunsets and desert escapes.

For a first visit, most of the essential sights are located in or around the Medina, making it relatively easy to discover the highlights of Marrakech in two or three days.

Here are 25 of the best things to do in Marrakech, from famous landmarks to local experiences, food, shopping, wellness and day trips.

1. Experience Jemaa el-Fna at sunset

No visit to Marrakech feels complete without spending time in Jemaa el-Fna.

The square completely changes atmosphere in the late afternoon, when food stalls, performers and crowds begin to fill the space.

One of the best ways to enjoy it is from a nearby rooftop at sunset.

2. Explore the Marrakech souks

The souks are one of the most iconic experiences in Marrakech.

You will find:

• Moroccan rugs
• Leather bags and babouches
• Lanterns
• Ceramics
• Jewelry
• Spices
• Baskets
• Textiles

Take your time, compare shops and enjoy the atmosphere instead of trying to rush through everything.

3. Visit Jardin Majorelle

With its famous cobalt-blue architecture, exotic plants and shaded pathways, Jardin Majorelle is one of Marrakech’s most recognizable attractions.

It is located outside the Medina and can easily be combined with a visit to the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum.

Visiting early in the day is usually more comfortable.

4. Discover Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace is one of the most beautiful historic monuments in Marrakech.

Its courtyards, painted ceilings, carved wood and intricate zellige tiles make it a great place to discover traditional Moroccan architecture.

5. Admire Ben Youssef Madrasa

The Ben Youssef Madrasa is one of the architectural highlights of the Medina.

Once an important Islamic school, it is known for its elegant courtyard, cedar wood, stucco decoration and geometric tilework.

6. See the Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the symbols of Marrakech.

Its minaret dominates the area around Jemaa el-Fna and can be seen from many rooftops across the city.

Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque itself, but the surrounding gardens are pleasant to explore.

7. Visit the Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are among Marrakech’s most fascinating historical sites.

Their richly decorated mausoleums offer a glimpse into the Saadian dynasty and one of the city’s most important periods.

8. Explore El Badi Palace

Today, El Badi Palace is mostly in ruins, but its enormous courtyard and monumental walls still give an impression of its former grandeur.

It is especially interesting for visitors who enjoy history and architecture.

9. Relax at Le Jardin Secret

Located in the heart of the Medina, Le Jardin Secret offers a peaceful break from the surrounding souks.

Its restored gardens, fountains and shaded corners make it a pleasant place to slow down between visits.

10. Visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Fashion and design lovers should add the Yves Saint Laurent Museum Marrakech to their itinerary.

The museum explores the designer’s work and his close relationship with Marrakech.

It is located near Jardin Majorelle.

11. Wander through the Medina

The Marrakech Medina is more than a collection of monuments.

One of the best experiences is simply walking through its narrow streets and discovering hidden riads, artisan workshops, bakeries, small squares and traditional shops.

12. Explore the Mellah

The Mellah, Marrakech’s historic Jewish quarter, offers a different perspective on the city’s history.

It can easily be combined with a visit to Bahia Palace and the Kasbah area.

13. Visit the Maison de la Photographie

The Maison de la Photographie is a great stop for anyone interested in Moroccan history and photography.

Its collection documents Moroccan life, architecture and landscapes over different periods.

The rooftop is also a nice place for a break.

14. Eat on a rooftop

Marrakech is especially beautiful from above.

Many cafés and restaurants offer views over the Medina, minarets and sometimes the Atlas Mountains.

A mint tea or dinner at sunset is one of the simplest but most memorable experiences in the city.

15. Try a traditional Moroccan hammam

A hammam is one of the most distinctive wellness experiences in Morocco.

You can choose between a traditional neighborhood hammam or a more luxurious spa version.

The experience usually includes steam, black soap, exfoliation with a kessa glove and sometimes a massage.

16. Take a Moroccan cooking class

A cooking class is a great way to experience Marrakech beyond restaurants.

Some classes begin with a market visit before teaching guests how to prepare dishes such as:

• tagine
• couscous
• Moroccan salads
• bread
• pastries

It is especially enjoyable for travelers interested in Moroccan food culture.

17. Have breakfast in a traditional riad

Even if you are not staying in one, a traditional riad is worth experiencing.

Some riads serve breakfast or lunch in beautiful courtyards decorated with zellige, fountains and orange trees.

18. Visit the Menara Gardens

The Menara Gardens offer a quieter side of Marrakech.

The large reflecting pool, olive trees and Atlas Mountain backdrop create one of the city’s most recognizable landscapes.

19. Explore Guéliz

Marrakech is not only about the Medina.

Guéliz represents the more modern side of the city, with restaurants, cafés, galleries, concept stores and contemporary boutiques.

It is a good place to spend an afternoon if you want a change of atmosphere.

20. Take a hot-air balloon flight

A hot-air balloon flight offers a completely different view of Marrakech and the surrounding landscapes.

Flights usually take place early in the morning, when the light is soft and the Atlas Mountains are visible in the distance.

21. Spend an evening in the Agafay Desert

The Agafay Desert is one of the most popular escapes from Marrakech.

You can enjoy:

• sunset dinners
• camel rides
• quad biking
• luxury camps
• pool days
• overnight stays

It works well as a half-day or evening excursion.

22. Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains

The Atlas Mountains offer a completely different experience from Marrakech.

Day trips often combine mountain scenery, Amazigh villages, walking routes and traditional lunches.

23. Discover the Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is another popular day trip from Marrakech.

It is ideal for travelers looking for mountain scenery, riverside restaurants and hiking opportunities.

24. Spend a day in Essaouira

If your itinerary allows, consider a day trip or overnight stay in Essaouira.

The coastal city has a very different atmosphere, with Atlantic views, a historic Medina, seafood restaurants and a slower pace.

25. Leave one evening completely unplanned

Some of the best moments in Marrakech happen when you stop following an itinerary.

Walk through the Medina at sunset, discover a rooftop by chance, stop for mint tea or simply follow a street that catches your attention.

Marrakech rewards curiosity.

Best things to do in Marrakech for first-time visitors

If you only have a short stay, prioritize:

Jemaa el-Fna, the souks, Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Jardin Majorelle, Koutoubia and one rooftop sunset.

With three days, you can also add a hammam, cooking class and an evening in Agafay.

How many days do you need in Marrakech?

For most first-time visitors, 3 days in Marrakech is a good starting point.

Two days are enough to see the main sights, but three days give you more time for shopping, food, rooftops and wellness.

With four or five days, you can easily add Agafay, the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira.

Final thoughts

Marrakech is best experienced by combining its famous landmarks with everyday moments.

Visit the palaces and gardens, but also wander through the souks, spend time in a hammam, enjoy mint tea on a rooftop and leave space for spontaneous discoveries.

Whether you are visiting for culture, food, shopping, architecture or adventure, Marrakech offers far more than a checklist of attractions.

The most memorable trips usually combine a little of everything.