Once a capital city of Morocco, Marrakech is a captivating destination that draws visitors in with its unique Moroccan allure. Whether you arrive quickly or take a leisurely tour of the city, you will be immersed in the enchanting ambiance that reminds you of Charles Boyer and his famous Kasbah.
Whether you’re bargaining for great deals in the bustling market or marveling at the skills of a snake charmer, this ancient city in North Africa will continuously entice you with new and fascinating experiences. Let’s take a glimpse at some of the top tourist attractions in Marrakech.
10. Ben Youssef Madrasa

Ben Youssef Madrasa, originally a school dedicated to Quranic teachings, was North Africa’s largest learning center, accommodating up to 900 students. Organized around a spacious courtyard, the madrasa features a beautifully adorned prayer hall at the rear. Today, it stands as a historical site with unique architecture reminiscent of Spain’s Alhambra. The complex is adorned with Arabic inscriptions, and visitors praise its mosaics and 14th-century architectural marvels, making it a worthwhile destination.
9. Bahia Palace

Morocco’s finest craftsmen dedicated 60 years to construct Bahia Palace, located in Marrakesh’s historic medina. The transformation of a large house and several smaller ones into this majestic palace proved to be a patient endeavor. Erected in the 19th century for a grand vizier, Bahia Palace seamlessly blends Islamic and Moroccan design influences. Nowadays, it hosts state visitors to Morocco. As a functioning government facility, not all areas are accessible to the public, but some open spaces, such as the harem quarters and gardens, offer a glimpse into its historical charm.
8. El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace, now in ruins, was once a grand palace financed by the ransom paid by the Portuguese following the Battle of the Three Kings in the mid-16th century. It took 25 years to build the palace, using only the most extravagant materials. Gold and onyx adorned the palace, and the sultan traded sugar for Italian marble used in the columns. The palace, boasting 360 rooms and various pavilions, fell victim to a later sultan who stripped it of its luxurious materials and furnishings for his own palace. Consequently, only the remnants of the palace endure today.
7. Marrakech Medina

The ancient part of Marrakech called the old medina has many charming narrow paths and unique local shops. It is a great place to find a Riad, which is a traditional Moroccan house with a courtyard inside. The Riads usually have windows that face inwards, towards the central courtyard.
This design follows the Islamic tradition, where wealth is not meant to be shown externally and there are no windows for people to look into. Staying in a Riad is a wonderful experience as it provides a cozy and peaceful sanctuary.
6. Menara gardens

The Menara gardens in Marrakesh are loved by both locals and tourists because they offer a refreshing escape from the hot summer weather. These gardens were originally created in the 12th century to provide a cool spot for people and also to cultivate crops.
The gardens have smaller sections surrounding a large lake which receives water from canals. Visitors can admire the orchards filled with palm, olive, and fruit trees and often see people pruning and harvesting the trees.
A great spot to see the gardens is the pavilion or minzeh, which was once used by a sultan and his family, and offers a beautiful view of the pool.
5. Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tomb was a popular burial site for important people like kings and nobles for many years, beginning in the middle of the 16th century. After 1792, no more burials were conducted there and the tombs were left unattended. However, they were then found again in 1917.
The tombs are made up of two main mausoleums where 66 individuals were laid to rest. Additionally, about 100 others were buried in the gardens, and their tombstones were decorated with tiles. The buildings themselves are impressive, with some parts being simple while others are highly adorned.
4. Jardin Majorelle

In busy Marrakesh, there is a place called Jardin Majorelle where travelers can go to relax. It is a beautiful oasis filled with flowers, greenery, and patios for visitors to sit and refresh themselves. The garden got its name from Jacques Majorelle, a French painter who dedicated 40 years to creating it after he moved to Morocco.
Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé have owned the garden since 1980. Although the garden may be small, it is meticulously designed with exotic plants, fountains, and winding pathways, all intended to remind visitors of different aspects of Morocco.
3. Djemaa el Fna

Djemaa el Fna is a popular tourist spot in Marrakesh. It is located in the medina and serves as the main square of the city. The square also functions as a market where visitors can purchase orange juice or enjoy watching snake charmers perform.
As the day progresses, the snake charmers are joined by traditional dancers and magicians, who in turn are eventually replaced by food stalls. On one side of the square, there is a souk that sells everyday items, while hotels occupy another side.
It is worth mentioning that this vibrant market square may seem familiar to movie enthusiasts as it made an appearance in the Hitchcock film called “The Man Who Knew Too Much.”.
2. Marrakech Souks

Visiting the souks in Marrakesh can be an overwhelming experience for shoppers. The city boasts five main souks, each specializing in a different type of product. For example, there is a souk dedicated to selling carpets, and another one solely for traditional Moroccan leather slippers called babouches, where men can find bright yellow ones.
There is also a separate souk that focuses on metalworking, while another one offers a wide range of aromatic spices. Although not technically a souk, the Mellah or Jewish Quarter is a great place to purchase fabrics, trims, and sewing supplies.
When shopping in the souks, it is customary to engage in haggling, and shoppers should begin negotiations by offering no more than half of the merchant’s initial asking price.
1. Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque is an iconic landmark in Marrakesh, located in the southwest medina of the city. It was built in the 12th century and is famous for its tall minaret, standing at a height of 77 meters (253 feet), making it the largest mosque in Marrakesh.
The mosque played a significant role during the French Occupation as it served as the central point for the network of roads. It is made of red stone and consists of six rooms stacked on top of each other, which was a deliberate design to prevent people from the minaret from looking into the king’s harem.
Unfortunately, non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque.