Marrakech (also referred to as Marrakesh) is a culturally vibrant city in Morocco and makes for a fantastic vacation destination. Founded in the 11th century, Marrakech has almost 1,000 years of history for visitors to explore. Also known as the Red City (because of its red buildings and ramparts) Marrakech provides a perfect mix of historical sites, delicious traditional food, shopping, sunny weather and stunning views everywhere you turn. Marrakech is a city for all of the senses with lots of interesting stories to discover. Marrakech is a truly unique city, with plenty to do, so to help you plan your trip , I’ve put together my recommendations for 10 Historical Things to do in Marrakech, Morocco.
1. Explore the Medina (Marrakech Old town).
The Medina is Marrakech’s Old Town, and dates back to the founding of the city in the 11th century. One of my favourite things to do in the city is walk around the Medina and explore the architecture. Marrakech is a fascinating city with a real blend of history and modern culture, and the Medina is where you’ll see some of the most historically significant buildings. It doesn’t seem to matter what time of day or night it is, the Medina is always bustling. Not only will you be able to visit tourist sites such as Bahia Palace or Koutoubia Mosque, but you’ll also be able to take in the fantastic sites sounds and smells of this culturally rich centre of the city.
2. Feel the buzz of Jemaa el-Fna Square.
Jemaa el-Fna Square (also referred to as Djemaa el Fna or Jamaa el-Fna) is one of the most recognizable sites in Marrakech. The square is the beating heart of the city and consists of a large marketplace located in the Medina. Its history dates back to the 11th century and it is believed that the square was initially used for public executions. However, over hundreds of years it became a cultural epicentre, that was both a market and a gathering place for individuals to perform local cultural traditions. Today, the square is surrounded by a number of restaurants and filled with performers, shopping stalls and tasty street food.
While wandering the square is a fantastic experience for tourists, I think it’s also important to point out that due to tourism, there has been a fear of certain cultural traditions (such as oral storytelling or performers) being lost, or forced to move out of the way for things that are more catered to tourists. Importantly, in 2001, UNESCO made the Proclamation of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in order to try to protect the heritage and traditions of Jemaa el-Fna.
3. See where Moroccan royalty lived at Bahia Palace.
Bahia Palace is a 19th century palace built by Grand Vizier Si Moussa, but it was his son, Abu ‘Bou’ Ahmed, who later expanded the building into the ornate piece of architecture we know today. With its elements of both Moorish and Arabic architecture, Bahia Palace is often referred to as one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech. It’s also known for its stunning zellij tiles, which is a traditional type of Moroccan mosaic tile-work, hand-crafted from specific type of clay. Visitors to Bahia Palace will be able to explore the magnificent courtyards and impressive rooms of the Petit and Grand Riad.
If you’re interested in seeing an older royal residence, you can also visit the ruins of El Badi Palace, which is only about a 10-minute walk from Bahia Palace.
4. Sip on traditional (and delicious!) mint tea.
Mint tea, known locally as Maghrebi, is one of the most popular drinks in Morocco and is enjoyed at all times of the day. There is not complete consensus on the origins of mint tea in Morocco but it is believed to date back to the 17th or 18th century, then becoming popular among the masses in the 1800s. Maghrebi is made from Chinese Gunpowder Green Tea, which some believe was introduced to Morocco by a British merchant who had an excess amount due to port closures after the Crimean War. Others believe it was introduced by Arab traders much earlier.
You’ll get slight variations of traditional mint tea depending on where you go in Morocco, but generally the tea is a mixture of tea leaves, mint and sugar. Mint tea can be found all over the city and you can even attend a traditional tea ceremony, which symbolizes the link between the tea and the warm Moroccan hospitality.
5. Get lost in the world-famous souks.
If you’ve heard anything about Marrakech, you’ve likely heard of the souks. A souk (also known as a bazaar) is a North-African marketplace. Traditionally, souks are open-air markets where an array of good can be found, including food, spices, clothing, rugs, soaps, dishes and more. For many years souks have also been the centre of community life, where neighbours meet to catch up on the latest news. The souks in Marrakech are well known for their winding streets and array of things to discover. One of the reasons you’ll often hear about “getting lost” in the souks in Marrakech is because the pathways are like a labyrinth and it can be hard to keep your bearings. In my opinion though, this all adds to the fun as you never quite know what you’ll find or where you’ll come out!
6. Stay in a traditional riad.
In terms of accommodation in Marrakech, I would highly recommend staying in a riad. Traditionally, a riad is an interior courtyard and garden that is found in a the middle of a house or palace. More recently however the term has been used to describe a traditional Moroccan upper class house that has been turned into tourist accommodation. Many of the riads are operated by families and feel similar to a small boutique hotel. I personally enjoyed staying at the Riad Mur Akush because of the unbelievable hospitality we received from our Berber hosts. We felt welcomed into their home, the meals were home-cooked and they provided an invaluable insight into the city attractions. Many of Marrakech’s traditional riads are located inside the Medina which means you are also walking distance to many great areas in the city.
7. See the famous landmark, the Koutoubia Mosque.
The Koutoubia Mosque stands towering over Jemaa el-Fna Square at a height over 70 metres. As the largest mosque within the city it is one of Marrakech’s defining landmarks. The mosque was originally founded in the 12th century and is a stunning example of Moorish architecture. While the mosque has a history that dates back over 800 years, the name “Koutoubia” or “Kutubiyya” became more commonly used in the 19th century in reference to the large number of booksellers that used to gather outside the mosque (the Arabic word “kutubiyyin” translates to “booksellers” in English). The entrance to Koutoubia Mosque is reserved for those who practice the Muslim faith, but the outside and gardens are free for all to explore.
8. Take a trip to Ait Ben Haddou.
If you’re looking to take a day trip while in Morocco, Ait Ben Haddou is the perfect historical destination. Ait Ben Haddou is a well-known ksar (foritifed village) in Northern Africa that is located on the old caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara Desert. It’s located about halfway between the two and takes about 3.5 hours to reach by car, and while it is a bit of drive, in my opinion it was worth it. The ksar is still inhabited by a few Berber families who work to preserve the site and act as tour guides for those visiting. If you’re thinking Ait Ben Haddou looks familiar, that’s because the village is also used as a film set, and has featured in movies such as The Mummy (1999) as Gladiator (2000) as well as TV shows like Game of Thrones.
9. Taste a traditional Moroccan tajine.
One of the most amazing things about Marrakech is the abundance of great food there is to eat. As someone who doesn’t eat meat, I also found that there were a number of great vegetarian options to be enjoyed. One of the most popular dishes in Morocco is tajine, which you’ll find at most restaurants. Tajine is a traditional North-African dish whose origins are believed to date back to the 9th century. Tajine is the name of the ceramic or clay vessel that is used to cook components of the dish including vegetables, meat, fish and a variety of Moroccan spices.
10. Visit the historic royal necropolis at the Saadian Tombs.
If you’re looking to get a glimpse of royalty in Marrakech then I recommend a visit to the Saadian Tombs. The Saadian period in Morocco dates back to the 16th and 17th centuries and this particular necropolis contains the graves of individuals connected to the dynasty of the period, including the Saadian sultans. The necropolis is another stunning example of Moroccan architecture with a particular area of note being the Chamber of the Twelve Columns. Within this ornately decorated mausoleum lies Sultan Ahmed el Mansour, one of the most notable Saadi rulers.
Bonus: Explore the Jardin Marjorelle.
Now, I wanted to add in one more attraction because I believe the Jardin Marjorelle is a must-visit when in Marrakech. Unfortunately, I left it too late and turned up to visit on my last morning in the city to face a two-hour lineup and didn’t end up getting in (hence no photograph).
The Jardin Marjorelle was created in 1922 by French painter Jacques Marjorelle. In 1980, the garden was purchased by fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé to save it from destruction. Today, the garden is one of the most popular attractions in Marrakech and visitors can wander through and marvel at the array of flowers, plants and art deco architecture. If visiting, just remember to leave yourself enough time for the lineup and purchase a ticket in advance online if you can!
Learn more about visiting Jardin Marjorelle here.
Key Information for Visiting Marrakech, Morocco
1. What is the best way to get to Marrakech?
International planes fly regularly into Marrakech Menara Airport and from there, the centre of the city can be reached in about 20 minutes by car. If it’s your first time visiting Marrakech, I would recommend checking with your accommodation to see if they have an airport pickup service they can arrange.
2. What is the temperature like in Marrakech?
Marrakech is quite a warm city and if going in the summer months, temperatures are known to reach up to the high 30 degrees celsius. I visited Marrakech at the end of April and temperature was around a beautiful yet comfortable mid 20-degrees celsius.
3. How long should I spend in Marrakech?
Marrakech is a large city with lots to explore so I would recommend visiting for at least a few days. If you have longer, you could easily spend a week or two in the city whilst adding in a few days trips.
5. Where is the best place to stay in Marrakech?
No matter where I go, I always enjoy staying in the historic area of the city. In Marrakech I can highly recommend staying within the Medina as its a great location and close to many attractions and restaurants. If you’re looking for a local Moroccan experience, I can also recommend staying in a riad, which is like a boutique hotel in a traditional family home.
6. What currency is used in Morocco?
The official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), with 10 dirhams being equal to approximately 1 US dollar. Visa and Mastercard are also widely accepted, although I would recommend having some cash for places like the markets.
7. What historical things are there to do in Marrakech?
With nearly 1,000 years of history, there are many attractions to explore in Marrakech. You can get a taste of royal life by visiting Bahia Palace or the Saadian Tombs. You can explore Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, which has been noted by UNESCO as a site of intangible cultural heritage. You can also get lost in the world-famous souks as you explore the North-African marketplace.