Quick answer: the must-dos in Marrakech are Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk, the souks, Jardin Majorelle (170 MAD, online), Bahia Palace and El Badi Palace (100 MAD each), the Saadian Tombs (100 MAD), a hammam, a rooftop dinner, and a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or the Agafay desert. Visit palaces early, and carry small dirham notes.
Marrakech mixes centuries-old palaces and gardens with a lively street culture and food scene. This list of the 20 best things to do in Marrakech gives 2026 entrance fees (palace prices from Nomado) and local tips.
The medina
- Jemaa el-Fnaa — storytellers and musicians by day, smoking food stalls at night. Watch from a rooftop café at sunset.
- The souks — lanterns, leather, babouches, spices and carpets; haggle politely. See our haggling tips.
- Koutoubia Mosque — the city’s landmark minaret; non-Muslims admire it from the gardens.
- Le Jardin Secret — a restored riad garden hidden in the medina.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa — a former Koranic school with stunning carved cedar and zellige tiles.
- Rahba Kedima (spice square) — spices, herbs and rooftop cafés.
Palaces and monuments
- Bahia Palace — painted ceilings and courtyards; 100 MAD (foreign adults), 9:00–17:00.
- El Badi Palace — vast 16th-century ruins with storks on the walls; 100 MAD.
- Saadian Tombs — richly decorated royal tombs; 100 MAD.
- Dar El Bacha — a palace museum with a famous café.
- The Mellah — the historic Jewish quarter, with the Lazama synagogue.
Gardens and Gueliz
- Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum — 170 MAD for the garden, online only. Tickets.
- Menara Gardens — an olive grove and pavilion reflected in a pool, with Atlas views.
- Gueliz cafés and galleries — the modern side of the city.
Experiences
- A hammam — from a local public hammam to a luxury spa scrub.
- A cooking class — tagine, couscous and pastilla, often with a market visit.
- Rooftop dinner — terraces over the medina, especially at sunset.
- A hot-air balloon ride — sunrise over the plains and the Atlas.
Day trips
- Atlas Mountains — Imlil and Ourika Valley villages, waterfalls and Berber lunch.
- Agafay desert, Essaouira or the Sahara — sunset in the stone desert, a day on the Atlantic coast, or a 3-day dunes trip. Desert options.
Compare Marrakech tours and day trips.
Entrance fees (2026)
| Sight | Foreign adult (MAD) |
|---|---|
| Jardin Majorelle (garden) | 170 |
| Bahia Palace | 100 |
| El Badi Palace | 100 |
| Saadian Tombs | 100 |
| Jemaa el-Fnaa, souks, Koutoubia gardens | Free |
Tips
- Visit palaces at opening (9:00) to avoid tour groups.
- Carry small notes for entrance fees, tips and taxis.
- Dress modestly and ask before photographing people.
- Download an offline map — the medina is a maze.
- Check the best time to visit Marrakech.
More Marrakech guides
- Marrakech itinerary
- Where to stay in Marrakech (riads)
- Jardin Majorelle tickets
- Sahara desert trips from Marrakech
- Marrakech airport to the medina
- Best time to visit Marrakech
- Is Marrakech safe? Scams and tips
- Marrakech travel guide
FAQ: Things to do in Marrakech
What should you not miss in Marrakech?
Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk, the souks, Jardin Majorelle, Bahia Palace and a day in the Atlas Mountains.
How many days do you need in Marrakech?
Three days for the city, plus a day or more for the Atlas or the desert. See our Marrakech itinerary.
What is free in Marrakech?
Jemaa el-Fnaa, the souks, the Koutoubia gardens and walking the medina.
Is a hammam worth it?
Yes — it’s a classic Moroccan experience, from simple local baths to luxury spas.
What is the best day trip from Marrakech?
The Atlas Mountains (Imlil or Ourika), or Essaouira on the coast.
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