The Koutoubia minaret rising above Marrakech with the snow-capped Atlas behind

The red city

Marrakech

Courtyards, souks and gardens at the foot of the Atlas, a natural start or finish to a Moroccan journey.

Marrakech is where many journeys through Morocco begin. Its walled medina is dense and sensory, with souks, palaces and quiet riad courtyards often a few steps from the busiest lanes.

A tailored visit balances the energy of the old city with slower hours: a garden in the morning, a craft workshop, a long lunch, a rooftop at dusk. How you divide your time depends on what you enjoy most.

Best for

  • First-time visitors
  • Craft and design lovers
  • Food-focused travel
  • Combining city and mountains

Highlights

The medina and souks

Artisan quarters arranged by trade: leather, metalwork, textiles, spices. Best explored with a plan and with room to wander.

Palaces and historic sites

Sites such as the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs show the craftsmanship of earlier dynasties.

Gardens and quiet corners

Green spaces, including the Majorelle Garden, offer calm between medina visits.

Gateway to the Atlas

The High Atlas is within reach of the city, so mountain valleys can be a half-day or a longer chapter.

Marrakech in pictures

See all 47 photos
  • Tiled courtyard of the Bahia Palace in Marrakech with palms and a green-tiled roof
  • Brass and glass lanterns glowing in a Marrakech souk
  • Long terracotta ramparts of Marrakech with a lone walker
  • The Koutoubia minaret rising above Marrakech with the snow-capped Atlas behind
  • Ginger cat asleep in a terracotta pot in a Moroccan courtyard
  • Colourful rugs and ceramics displayed in a Moroccan souk

Practical information

  • Medina lanes are largely pedestrian and uneven; comfortable shoes matter.
  • Midday heat can be intense in summer, so many travellers shift sightseeing to early and late hours.
  • Opening hours and entry rules for individual sites change, so current details are confirmed while planning your journey.

Itineraries that include Marrakech

Useful reading

Rugged High Atlas peaks above a green valley

Planning · 5 min read

When to Visit Morocco

How the seasons differ across the cities, mountains, coast and desert, and how to choose the right months.

Read the guide

Thinking of Marrakech?

Tell us when you’d like to go and what you’d love to do, and we’ll shape the journey around it.