Photo: Herokk, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Morocco · North Africa · City

Marrakech

Souks, riads and the nightly theatre of Jemaa el-Fna square.

Best timeMar to May, Sep to Nov
Ideal stay3 to 4 nights
GatewayMarrakech (RAK)

Marrakech is intense and wonderful. Shop the souks, sleep in a riad around a tiled courtyard, visit the Bahia Palace and the Jardin Majorelle, and eat at the food stalls in Jemaa el-Fna as the sun goes down.

Highlights

  • Jemaa el-Fna square
  • The souks
  • Jardin Majorelle
  • Day trips to the Atlas Mountains

Where to stay

Riads in the medina for atmosphere; hotels in Gueliz or Hivernage for space.

Getting there

Direct flights from many European cities; about 20 minutes from the airport to the medina.

Tips

  • Agree on prices before any service, and haggle with a smile.
  • Politely ignore people who offer to show you the way.
  • Summer is very hot; spring and autumn are best.

Best time to visit

Mar to May, Sep to Nov. See where to go in Africa in March and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Plan your stay

Hotels on Booking.com Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

These searches open on the booking sites. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Always check reviews and the operator’s licence.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Marrakech?

Mar to May, Sep to Nov. Agree on prices before any service, and haggle with a smile.

How long should I spend at Marrakech?

3 to 4 nights.

How do I get to Marrakech?

Direct flights from many European cities; about 20 minutes from the airport to the medina.

Have you been to Marrakech?

Rate it

Tips from travellers

Been to Marrakech? Share one tip for the next traveller. The first good one goes right here.

Share a tip

We read every tip before it goes live. No links, please, and nothing personal about other people.

Questions from readers

Got a question about Marrakech? Ask it here.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.

Nearby and similar

Zanzibar

Spice island beaches and the winding alleys of UNESCO-listed Stone Town.

Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb 4 to 7 nights

Cape Town

Table Mountain, beaches, penguins, wine and food in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Oct to Apr 4 to 6 nights

Fes

The world’s largest car-free urban area, a medieval medina still working as it always has.

Mar to May, Sep to Nov 2 to 3 nights

Chefchaouen

A blue-washed mountain town in the Rif.

Mar to May, Sep to Nov 1 to 2 nights