7 Great Reasons to Visit Marrakech | Morocco

7 Reasons to Visit Marrakech, Morocco

7 Reasons to Visit in Marrakech, MoroccoJust before Andy and I left the UK in 2016, I took one last girls’ holiday to Morocco with a group of friends. Morocco has so many great cities you can visit but we chose to spend a week exploring Essaouraia on the Atlantic coast and the vibrant city of Marrakech. In the chaos that followed as Andy and I prepared to leave on our adventure, I never found the time to write about Morocco; so Safa from Moroccan Zest has written about seven reasons to visit Marrakech for us. Being originally from Morocco, you can be sure the experiences she shares are the best from a locals perspective.

If it’s your first time in Morocco you’ll also find these Morocco travel tips very helpful.

Reasons to Visit Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the most visited Moroccan cities and definitely one that will offer you authentic and unforgettable experiences. Also called ‘’The red Marrakech’’ because of the colour of its walls, most visitors fall in love with the city. In other words, if you can travel to only one Moroccan place, I highly recommend putting a visit to Marrakech high on your list. The city is gorgeous, charming and condenses all the interesting things you can do and see in Morocco. 

Here are 7 reasons to visit Marrakech – the city that has stolen the heart of many and should be included on every Morocco itinerary.

1. Shop in Jamaa El Fna Market

Jamaa el Fna Market in Marrakech, MoroccoLocated downtown, ‘Jamaa el Fna’ is the biggest market in Africa offering visitors many experiences in the same place. It’s where you’ll find many of the souks of Marrakech.

While Jamaa El Fna is open all day long, the best time to be there is just before sunset, when snake enchanters, acrobats, storytellers and musicians start gathering and getting ready for their show. It’s hard to describe the ambience in this animated market, as it’s something I haven’t found anywhere else. All I can say is that it is cosy, enchanting and that you will feel so far away from your everyday troubles, similar to as if you were in a ‘’1001 nights’’ story.

If you start feeling hungry, follow the delicious food smell and head to the place where you see smoke coming up. There you will find dozens of street food vendors with one of the most delicious Moroccan food. Which brings me nicely to my second reason to visit Marrakech.

2. Sample Delicious Food

Vegetable Cous Cous in Marrakech, MoroccoAnyone that knows me will tell you that I am a foodie girl. Sometimes I choose my destinations based on how delicious the local food is. And you know what? If you are like me, Marrakech will be a heaven for you.

Jamaa El Fna market is one of the places in Marrakech where food is extremely delicious and very affordable. I have rarely been deceived. As there are many Moroccan recipes that are worth the try, make sure you learn beforehand about Moroccan cuisine and dishes. What better way to do this than by taking a Clock Kitchen’s cooking class.

When you are in Marrakech, don’t forget to try the ‘Tangia’, a super tender meat tagine that melts in the mouth and which is the local culinary speciality. If you are a vegan, ask for the ‘couscous with seven vegetables’, the vegan tagines and try the different Moroccan salads, all super yummy. 

3. Explore The Medina

medina-marrakech-moroccoIf you love souvenirs of handcrafted products made with good quality materials like leather and silver, or just love exploring Morocco traditions and culture, take some time to visit the Medina of Marrakech. The Medina is located a few meters from Jamaa el Fna in Marrakech downtown and is like an Ali Baba cavern. The best would be to have at least three to four hours to spend there, as the place is gigantic with labyrinthic streets and so many things to see and discover. Grab your camera, your GPS and your wallet (as you might end up buying a lot of things), and go for a long charming walk in the Medina streets.

4. Discover the History

Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, MoroccoBeing nearly a thousand years old, Marrakech was at one-point Morocco’s capital during the Almoravids reign and had big periods of splendours with the Arabic civilizations. It was conquered by the French protectorate before Morocco got its independence in 1956. All this to say, Marrakech is one of the Moroccan cities that is most steeped in history, which is still visible in many historical monuments, just waiting to be discovered.

For a romantic and historical walk, there is the ‘Menara’ and its gorgeous botanical garden. There is also the Koutoubia, Marrakech biggest mosque built by the Almohads, where locals gather in their evenings to chat, meet friends and relax.

5. Take a Moroccan Desert Tour

Moroccan DesertWhile Marrakech weather and palmeraie oasis (a plantation of over 100,000 palm trees) will give you a taste of the Moroccan desert, you need to go a little bit further south for the full Moroccan desert experience. Marrakech is a good starting point for this as there are many desert tours that depart from the city.

The thing to keep in mind is that you should never explore the desert alone. In fact, the risk of getting lost is pretty real.

6. Party in Modern Nightclubs

Dar Anaka Rooftop in MarrakechIf you are a night owl and you like dancing and partying, you will certainly enjoy Marrakech nightlife, as it is one of Morocco’s best festive places. In fact, most trendy Moroccans head regularly to Marrakech to have a good night out.

Head to ‘Le Salama’ restaurant and lounge located in Jamaa El Fna if you like trendy places and dreamy Moroccan decors mixed with a jazzy feel. Another favourite place is ‘Dar Anaka’, a perfect place to have your drinks and chill while watching the sunset from the rooftop. As the night goes by, the ambience gets more hearty with gorgeous belly dancers and live traditional Moroccan music.

7. Stay in an Authentic Riad 

Riad Interior in Marrkech, MoroccoInstead of booking a room in a hotel, I highly recommend checking into an authentic riad in Marrakech. They are in the same price ranges as hotels and will make your stay much more memorable and fancy. You can also find some riad stays on Airbnb.

Authentic riads are small and cosy, some luxurious, and are mostly located downtown. If you don’t find any riad available, don’t worry, there are more and more hotels that replicate the riad-style, so you can get the same fancy and authentic experience. If you make your reservations a little early, you should be able to get good deals.

Other Activities in Marrakech 

These are just some of the reasons to visit Marrakech and the surrounding area. Get Your Guide also has lots of activities you could consider booking.

When to Visit Marrakech

I always recommend visiting Marrakech and the desert either in spring or fall. It doesn’t mean you can’t visit during winter or summer, it’s just that during these seasons, you might not be able to enjoy all the experiences.

I visited Marrakech many times during the summer. While I couldn’t go outside during the day for long walks because of the hot temperatures, I usually waited for the sunset, when locals start leaving their houses. The streets get animated and joyful, the air becomes fresher and the reddish sunset adds to the charm of the moment.


Would you like to go to Marrakech? What would you like to do there most?

Morocco Travel Resources

Planning your trip to Morocco? Here are some of our recommended useful resources to help you have the best time possible:

TRAVEL INSURANCE IS AN IMPORTANT CONSIDERATION FOR TRAVEL. If you’re travelling long-term like us and from the EU, then  True Traveller is our go-to option. 

Another option for long-term travel insurance is  SafetyWing, which you can pay for on a month-by-month basis. This is also good for shorter trips.

● Find amazing flight deals to Marrakech in Morocco on Skyscanner and Kayak.

● Compare Rental car prices for Marrakech in Morocco on Rentalcars.com.

● Booking.com usually have the best hotel prices for Marrakech in Morocco.

● Our go-to for self-catering accommodation in Marrakech in Morocco is Vrbo.

● Before booking accommodation in Marrakech in Morocco, check reviews on Tripadvisor.

● Discover fantastic trips and activities in Marrakech in Morocco with Viator and GetYourGuide.

Bookmundi, G Adventures, and  Intrepid Travel offer group holidays and tours to Morocco.

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Safa from Moroccan Zest

Safa is a travel lover who has lived in many places around the world and enjoys sharing her country of birth culture and inspiration. Visit Moroccan Zest to get her mama’s delicious Moroccan dishes or to find great tips on planning an unforgettable and affordable trip to Morocco.

Tanya Korteling

Tanya is the founder and head content creator for Can Travel Will Travel. She combines freelance SEO, CRO, Data and Marketing consultancy with exploring the world. Passionate about adventure, nature, wildlife and food, she incorporates these in her travels as much as possible. She also loves immersing herself in new cultures. She's visited hundreds of destinations in 50+ countries and lived in 4 countries. Tanya worked as a Data Planning Manager and Digital Marketing Strategist before leaving the UK in 2016 with her husband Andy, to travel, live and work abroad indefinitely. Together they share their experiences and useful information to inspire and encourage others to do the same.

This Post Has 11 Comments

  1. FADRKS KH

    THANKS A LOT FOR YOUR HELPFUL POST
    I REALLY TOOK MANY HELPFUL TIPS FROM IT

  2. Lana

    Marrakesh is a top destination worldwide. The city is unique and it is scarce to find cities where the past and the present meet. Marrakesh and Fez are the two cities that I liked in Morocco/

  3. Mimoun

    Marrakech is one of the best attractions in Morocco. No one can travel to Morocco without spending a day or two in Marrakech. Some prefer to stay there forever. It is a city where the past and the fulture meet.

  4. brahim ait el caid

    Here is some information about Essaouira,
    A one day on your pace will be for sure wonderful since there is no way to get bored. Due to the plenty of activities, you will be able to enjoy amazingly as Essaouira is well renowned for its kite surfing and windsurfing, with the powerful trade wind. Horse riding, camel riding along the beach, quad biking are activities that one can enjoy while staying in Essaouira. It is known by the delicious seafood too.
    In Essaouira, several small art galleries are found all over the town. Since 1998 Essaouira is getting known by its Gnaoua Festival of World Music, normally it is scheduled in the last week of June. It brings artists from all over the world. Although focused on Gnaoua music, it includes rock, jazz, and reggae. In early 1952 the film director and actor Orson Welles made his movie Othello. Now there is a square named Orson Welles.
    Along the half way between Essaouira and Marrakesh, you will see enormous Argan tree on both sides of the road. These Argan trees are frequently climbed by goats. Argan oil is produced by several women’s cooperatives and it is used to prepare couscous, salads. Moreover, it was traditionally used as a treatment for skin diseases before being founded as good enough for cosmetics by Europeans manufacturers. Still stop by one of these cooperatives is worthy to see how Berber women squeezed the Argan fruits between hands to extract this precious oil.

  5. orangewayfarer

    beautifully written post. I was in Egypt a few days back and it looks similar to a certain extent 🙂 I will just wanna add, visit in December and no other time! it gets painfully hot!!!
    (I am saying this even after staying in tripical India!)

    1. TanyaKorteling

      Thanks – althouh credit must go to Safa who wrote it. I loved Egypt – in fact I went there for my hen-do with friends before I got married 🙂

  6. Karen

    We have Morocco in our sights with our camper – although I think not this year. Soon though. Kx

    1. TanyaKorteling

      That sounds great fun – enjoy whenever you do go!

  7. maxx

    good reasons to travel morocco . nice article

    1. Lottie Reeves

      Thank you 🙂

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