- Stay in a riad in the medina for atmosphere, or Gueliz and Hivernage for space and quiet
- Airport bus 19 costs 30 MAD; agree taxi fares before you get in
- Jardin Majorelle tickets cost 170 MAD (2026) and are sold online only
- Add a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, the Agafay desert or Essaouira
- Airports
- Marrakech Menara (RAK)
- Best time to go
- March-May and October-November
- Type
- City
Marrakech is an assault on the senses in the best possible way. Snake charmers and storytellers fill the great square of Jemaa el-Fna, donkey carts squeeze through lanes piled high with lanterns, rugs and spices, and behind plain doorways hide tranquil riads with tiled courtyards and orange trees. Beyond the city walls, the snow-capped High Atlas rises on the horizon.
It can be intense on a first visit, but with a good base and a few tips it's one of the most rewarding short breaks from the UK, with year-round sunshine less than four hours away. For the rest of the country, see our Morocco guide, and for practical advice read our Marrakech first-timer's guide.
Why go
Founded almost a thousand years ago, Marrakech was an imperial capital, and its medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site packed with palaces, madrasas and gardens. Today it pairs that history with stylish riads, rooftop restaurants, hammams, design shops and a thriving art scene, all at prices that are generally lower than at home.
Where to stay
- The medina – stay in a riad, a traditional townhouse built around a courtyard, for the most memorable experience. Choose one within easy walking distance of a road or taxi drop-off point.
- Kasbah – the southern medina near the Saadian Tombs and Bahia Palace, slightly calmer than the area around the souks.
- Mouassine and Dar el Bacha – a smart, central part of the medina with galleries, boutiques and good restaurants.
- Gueliz – the French-built new town, with wide avenues, cafés, wine bars and modern hotels. Easier to navigate and quieter at night.
- Hivernage and the Palmeraie – upmarket resort hotels with large pools and gardens, best if relaxation is the priority.
Taxis can't drive into most of the medina. Ask your riad to meet you at the nearest drop-off point, or book a transfer that includes a porter with a cart for your luggage.
Top things to do
- Jemaa el-Fna – the main square changes character through the day, from orange juice stalls in the morning to smoky food stalls, musicians and storytellers after dark. Read our Jemaa el-Fna guide.
- The souks – lose yourself in the covered markets north of the square, organised roughly by trade: leather, metalwork, carpets, spices. Haggle with a smile.
- Jardin Majorelle – the cactus-filled garden with its electric-blue villa, restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Garden tickets cost 170 MAD (2026) and must be booked online for a time slot. See our Jardin Majorelle guide.
- Musée Yves Saint Laurent – next to the garden, celebrating the designer's love affair with the city. It's closed on Wednesdays.
- Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs – intricate tilework, carved cedar and painted ceilings in the southern medina.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa – a former Koranic school with a breathtaking courtyard of zellige tiles and stucco.
- The Koutoubia Mosque – the city's landmark 12th-century minaret. Non-Muslims can't enter, but the surrounding gardens are lovely at sunset.
- A hammam – try a local public hammam for an authentic scrub, or book a spa hammam in a riad or hotel for something more comfortable.
- Day trips – the Ourika Valley or Imlil in the Atlas Mountains, sunset in the Agafay desert, the coast at Essaouira (about three hours away) or, on a very long day, the film-set kasbah of Aït Benhaddou.
Getting there and around from the UK
Direct flights from London and many UK regional airports reach Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) in about 3h40. The airport is just 6km from the medina. Bus 19 runs to Jemaa el-Fna for 30 MAD (about 50 MAD return) every 20-30 minutes during the day. Taxis from the rank take 15-20 minutes; fares rise at night, so agree the price in dirhams before you get in, or pre-book a transfer through your riad.
The medina is best explored on foot. Petits taxis are cheap for longer hops, such as to Gueliz or Jardin Majorelle, but insist on the meter or agree the fare first. British visitors don't need a visa for stays of up to 90 days; your passport must be valid for at least three months after you arrive.
Best time to visit
March to May and October to November bring warm, sunny days and comfortable evenings. Summer is extremely hot, often around 40°C in July and August. Winter is sunny and mild by day, around 18-20°C, but nights can be close to freezing and riads are not always well heated. Ramadan in 2027 is expected to run from about 8 February to 9 March, when daytime opening hours change.
Budget tips
- The dirham is a closed currency: withdraw cash at the airport ATM and keep exchange receipts so you can change leftover money back.
- Eat at the food stalls of Jemaa el-Fna or simple local cafés for tagines and couscous at very low prices.
- Agree prices before accepting any service, from taxis to henna, and politely decline unofficial "guides" who offer to show you the way.
- A combined ticket for Jardin Majorelle, the Berber museum and the YSL museum costs 330 MAD (2026), cheaper than buying separately.
- A small nightly tourist tax is usually added to riad and hotel bills; check whether your quoted price includes it.
Top attractions in Marrakech
LandmarkJardin Majorelle
A cobalt-blue villa and botanical garden created by painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent…
LandmarkJemaa el-Fna
Marrakech's main square, a theatre of storytellers, musicians, juice sellers and smoking food stalls that comes alive…
Marrakech on the map
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Marrakech?
Three days covers the medina, souks, gardens and palaces. Four or five days lets you add a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, the desert or Essaouira.
Is Marrakech safe for tourists?
Yes, for most visitors, but expect persistent touts and pickpockets in crowded areas. Keep valuables secure, use official taxis and be wary of people insisting a street is closed and offering to lead you elsewhere.
What should I wear in Marrakech?
Light, loose clothing that covers shoulders and knees is respectful and practical in the medina. Pack a warm layer for evenings, especially from November to March.
Can you drink alcohol in Marrakech?
Yes, in licensed hotels, riads, bars and restaurants, mostly in Gueliz, Hivernage and some medina rooftops. It isn't sold at street stalls, and drinking in public is not acceptable.
Written by
Emma City breaks & deals editor
Emma plans city breaks the way other people plan the weekly shop: on a budget, with a spreadsheet and a backup plan. She covers city guides and deal-hunting.
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