Marrakech travel guide

Marrakech is one of the most accessible destinations for a first taste of Morocco: the historic medina, its maze-like souks and the desert just hours away make it ideal for a long weekend or a week-long trip.

Best time to visit

March-May and September-November are the best months: mild temperatures. In summer daytime highs can top 40°C, while winter evenings are cool.

What to see and do

Marrakech medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa square — the beating heart of the old town, especially in the evening.
Souks — covered markets for spices, rugs and local crafts, where haggling is part of the experience.
Majorelle Garden — an oasis of plants and colour in the heart of the city.
Traditional riad — many accommodations are restored historic houses, an experience in itself.
Sahara desert excursion — 2-3 day tours to the Merzouga dunes are organised from Marrakech.

Indicative budget

Budget roughly €35-55 per day per person for food, accommodation and local transport, flights excluded.

Figures are purely indicative and do not represent real or guaranteed prices.

Getting around

The medina is explored entirely on foot, through lanes often too narrow for cars; for areas further out or the Ville Nouvelle (Gueliz), shared taxis (petit taxis) are cheap and widely available. For the desert or out-of-town excursions, it's best to book an organised tour or a private driver.

Where to stay

Staying in a riad inside the medina gives the most authentic experience, with inner courtyards and rooftop terraces, though finding your way through the lanes takes a few days of practice; Gueliz (Ville Nouvelle) is more modern, with Western-style restaurants and shops, convenient if you prefer wider streets and easy-to-find taxis.