Things to Do in Marrakech: 12 Must-Try Activities for an Unforgettable Trip
Discover the best things to do in Marrakech: medina, Majorelle Gardens, souks, Atlas excursions, spa & Moroccan cuisine. Full guide by Villa Dar Laila.
3/28/20264 min read
Marrakech is a city that captivates all the senses. From its ancient palaces and bustling souks to its lush gardens and the snow-capped Atlas Mountains on the horizon, the Red City offers an extraordinary range of experiences that few destinations can match. Whether you're visiting for a long weekend or a full week, here's our guide to the best things to do in Marrakech along with tips on how to make the most of your stay from Villa Dar Laila.
1. Get Lost in the Medina and Its Souks
The historic heart of Marrakech is a sprawling labyrinth of narrow alleyways where every turn holds a surprise. The souks are organised by trade spices, leather, carpets, wrought-iron lanterns, babouches — and the atmosphere is unlike anything else. Take your time, wander without a map, and let yourself get lost. That's where the best discoveries happen.
Our tip: Go in the morning, when the artisans are opening their workshops and the light is still soft. And don't be afraid to haggle it's part of the experience.
2. Soak Up the Energy of Jemaa el-Fna Square
Listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage site, Jemaa el-Fna is the beating heart of Marrakech. Storytellers, musicians, acrobats, fresh orange juice vendors the spectacle never stops, and the atmosphere shifts as the day progresses. In the evening, dozens of food stalls set up across the square, turning it into a vast open-air restaurant.
Our tip: Grab a seat on a rooftop terrace overlooking the square and watch the sunset over this extraordinary scene.
3. Visit the Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Created by painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, then saved from demolition by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, this garden is a botanical gem. Its iconic cobalt blue, towering cacti and water lily ponds make it one of the most photographed spots in Morocco. Next door, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum showcases the couturier's legacy through beautifully curated exhibitions.
Our tip: Online booking is now mandatory. Arrive at opening time to enjoy the garden in peace.
4. Explore the Palaces and Historic Monuments
Marrakech is home to architectural treasures that reflect its imperial past. The Bahia Palace, with its painted ceilings and tiled courtyards, is a must-see. The Saadian Tombs, rediscovered in 1917, offer a stunning glimpse of Moroccan funerary art. And the Ben Youssef Medersa, a 16th-century Quranic school, is one of the finest examples of Hispano-Moorish architecture in the country.
Our tip: Allow a full day to visit all three sites at a comfortable pace.
5. Admire the Koutoubia Mosque
The symbol of Marrakech, the Koutoubia Mosque and its 77-metre minaret tower over the city skyline. While the interior is reserved for worshippers, the surrounding gardens make for a lovely stroll especially at dusk, when the minaret is beautifully lit.
6. Unwind at a Spa and Traditional Hammam
The hammam experience is an essential part of any visit to Marrakech. This centuries-old ritual — black soap, kessa glove exfoliation, ghassoul clay mask is both purifying and deeply relaxing. It's the perfect way to slow down, take care of yourself, and immerse in a tradition that has been passed down for generations.
At Villa Dar Laila, our spa offers this very ritual in an intimate and peaceful setting: traditional hammam, sauna, cold plunge pool and massages by appointment. All the relaxation you need without leaving the villa. Discover our spa →
7. Feast on Moroccan Cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is among the richest and most flavourful in the world. Slow-cooked tagines, Friday couscous, sweet-and-savoury pastilla, tanjia marrakchia, almond and honey pastries… Every meal is a sensory journey. And don't miss the mint tea — it's a true institution.
At Villa Dar Laila, our restaurant invites you to savour authentic Moroccan dishes, delicately spiced and prepared with fresh ingredients, in an elegant and warm setting. Discover our restaurant →
8. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Atlas
For an experience like no other, treat yourself to a sunrise hot air balloon flight. The views are breathtaking: the palm groves, Berber villages, arid plains and Atlas peaks unfold in the golden morning light below you. Most operators include a traditional Berber breakfast after landing.
Our tip: Book several days ahead, especially during peak season (spring and autumn).
9. Escape to the Ourika Valley
Just an hour's drive from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley offers a striking contrast with the city's hustle and bustle. Waterfalls, Berber villages clinging to the mountainside, botanical gardens it's a refreshing getaway and perfect for a half-day or full-day trip.
From Villa Dar Laila, we organise excursions to the Ourika Valley, the Agafay Desert, Essaouira and other destinations around Marrakech. See our excursions →
10. Discover the Agafay Desert
You don't need to travel all the way to the Sahara to experience the desert. The Agafay Desert, just 30 minutes from Marrakech, offers a lunar landscape of stones and dunes with the Atlas Mountains as a backdrop. Camel rides, quad biking, starlit dinners in a luxury camp there's no shortage of options.
11. Explore the Guéliz District and the New Town
For a different side of Marrakech, the Guéliz neighbourhood is well worth a visit. Its Art Deco architecture dating back to the French protectorate, contemporary art galleries, concept stores and trendy restaurants offer an interesting contrast with the medina. It's also the best area for shopping at Moroccan designer boutiques.
12. Relax by the Pool
After busy days of sightseeing and exploring, there's nothing quite like unwinding by the water with a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice, surrounded by gardens and mountain views.
At Villa Dar Laila, you can enjoy the swimming pool in a peaceful, leafy setting just 15 minutes from the medina. The best of both worlds: the tranquillity of the countryside and easy access to the city. Book your stay →
When to Visit Marrakech
The best times to visit Marrakech are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when temperatures range between 20°C and 28°C. Summer can be extremely hot (up to 45°C), while winter remains mild and pleasant during the day with cooler evenings perfect for enjoying the hammam and sauna.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
If you're looking for a stay that blends Moroccan charm with modern comfort, away from the crowds of the medina yet still close to the action, Villa Dar Laila is the ideal base. Located just 15 minutes from central Marrakech, the villa welcomes you in a refined setting with 8 elegant rooms, a swimming pool, a spa with hammam and sauna, a Moroccan cuisine restaurant, a tennis court and expansive gardens.
It's the perfect place to reconnect, slow down, and experience Marrakech at your own pace.
