Things to Do in Central Morocco

Some say the entrance to Ben Youssef Madrasa is purposefully humble and bland. Little more than a wooden door facing out towards the buzzing medina, the entrance is nothing more than perhaps a storefront, office, or home. The inscription, however, written above the door, beckons travelers in further: “You who enter my door, may your highest hopes be exceeded.” Indeed, once you duck through the narrow entrance and the medina noise fades behind you, what emerges before you is the soaring courtyard of a 16th-century madrasa.

Constructed back in 1570 as an Islamic place of learning, Ben Youssef Madrasa would swell to include over 900 dedicated students. At its peak, it was North Africa’s largest Islamic school and had 132 dorms—some of which are so tiny and small you must crouch down low to enter. Though the madrasa formally stopped educating students back in 1960, extensive refurbishment has turned it into an informative site for visitors. Learn how the patterns, archways, and styles are of Andalucian design, similar to those of Granada’s Alhambra or the Alcanzar in Sevilla. Stroll around the reflection pond that shimmers within the courtyard, and soak in the silence and calming surrounds away from the bustling medina. For over 500 years this building has served as a temple to education—and while students no longer memorize the Quran or study Islamic law, visitors continue to learn today through windows into the past. 

Just minutes from the bustling medina of Marrakech, the Menara Gardens offer a tranquil oasis with olive groves, towering palms, and citrus trees. Arranged around a 12th-century pavilion, the botanical gardens feature a large lake and a stunning view of the distant Atlas Mountains. 

 

The Menara Gardens are often included on sightseeing tours of Marrakech, and a full-day tour might also visit central attractions such as Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Jemaa el-Fna square. Another popular choice is to combine a stroll around the Menara Gardens with a visit to the equally beautiful Majorelle Garden.

 

 

The Menara Gardens are in the Nouvelle Ville (New Town). A horse-drawn carriage (calèche) from Jemaa el-Fna makes a relaxing journey; alternatively, a taxi will get you there in 10 minutes.

 

Outside of the pavilion, there is little shade at the Menara Gardens, so it’s best to avoid visiting during the hottest part of the day. For the most beautiful views, time your visit to watch the sunset with a backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.

 

The Menara Gardens were laid out during the 12th century by Abd al-Mu'min of the Almohad dynasty and initially served as a reservoir, fed by aqueducts. The pavilion was added later, during the Saadi Dynasty in the 16th century, and was used as a summer residence for the royal family into the 19th century.

The UNESCO-listed Kasbah Ait Benhaddou is one of Morocco’s most impressive historic landmarks and a popular film location for Hollywood movies. Sculpted from traditional mud bricks and fortified by walls of dark red pisé, this kasbah lies on the old trans-Saharan trade route, at the border of the High Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert.

 

A guided tour of Ait Benhaddou takes in highlights such as the Telouet Kasbah, once the lavish 20th-century home of Thami el Glaoui, “The Lord of the Atlas”; the magnificent hilltop Granary; and the elaborate Mausoleum of Benhaddou. Full-day tours to Ait Benhaddou from Marrakech usually combine a tour of the hillside kasbah with a scenic drive along the Tizi N’Tichka mountain pass and a visit to the desert town of Ouarzazate.

 

Multi-day tours into the Sahara Desert from Marrakech or Fez also often make a stop at Ait Benhaddou, en route to Erg Chebbi or Merzouga, where you can trek through the dunes on a camel and spend a night at a traditional desert camp.

 

 

Ait Benhaddou is about 3.5 hours’ drive south of Marrakech, or a 30-minute drive northwest of Ouarzazate. There is no direct public transport to Ait Benhaddou, and most travelers opt to visit as part of a guided tour or to take a taxi from Ouarzazate.

 

For the most impressive photo opportunities, time your visit for sunrise, when the golden light is most magical, or stick around until the evening to watch the sunset from the hilltop. Most day-trippers arrive during the mid to late morning, so it’s worth making an early start to avoid the crowds.

 

Ait Benhaddou boasts an impressive resumé of film credits, having served as a set location for a number of international movies. The city’s dramatic edifice and mountain backdrop have appeared in films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Gladiator, Jesus of Nazareth, The Mummy, and Babel. Most recently, the site was used to film on location for HBO’s hit TV series Game of Thrones.

A lush expanse of terraced fields, forested hillsides, and cascading waterfalls in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley is a natural oasis just an hour from the city of Marrakech.

 

A popular day trip destination from Marrakech, the Ourika Valley is often visited as part of a full-day tour of the Atlas Mountains. Combine it with a thrilling drive along the Kik Plateau and a stop at Lake Takerkoust, or take an Atlas Mountains Four Valleys tour and visit the Ourika, Oukaïmeden, Sidi Fares, and Asni valleys.

 

Alternatively, savor your visit on a hiking or mountain biking tour, explore the Berber village of Setti Fatma, trek to the Setti Fatma Falls, or visit in winter to enjoy the ski resort of Oukaïmeden.

 

 

The Ourika Valley is located about 25 miles (40 kilometers) south of Marrakech, in the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains. Buses run from Marrakech to the main town of Setti Fatma in high season. You can also hire a taxi for the day or join a guided tour.

 

Time your visit for a Monday, when the local market (souk) of Tnin Ourika sprawls through the village and a mix of locals and tourists haggle for goods, sip sweet Moroccan mint tea, and catch up on gossip. The prettiest time to visit is in spring (February to April), when the valley is speckled with colorful wildflowers and the surrounding cherry and almond orchards are in full bloom.

 

For many visitors, the Ourika Valley’s principal attraction is its traditional Berber settlements. The village of Setti Fatma maintains a traditional way of life, tending to its communal saffron farm and organic herb farm, producing handicrafts to sell, and serving traditional tajines and breads in local restaurants. At the heart of the valley are the dramatic Setti Fatma falls, which flow into the Ourika River and offer a thrilling scramble for adventurous travelers. 

The majestic landscapes of Oukaimeden Valley are among the most visited of the High Atlas Mountains and along with the nearby Ourika and Asni valleys, it makes a popular choice for a day trip from Marrakech. A lush gorge carving its way through a tableau of jagged peaks, Oukaimeden is strikingly beautiful, and it also boasts a rich cultural heritage, dotted with traditional Berber villages and prehistoric rock art sites.

During the winter months, the slopes of Oukaimeden are also a celebrated ski destination, home to Africa’s highest ski lift and a selection of runs for all levels, including a number of hair-raising red and black runs.  

Capped with snow throughout the winter months and cloaked with wildflowers through the summer, the rocky plateaus and lush valleys of Morocco’s Atlas Mountains provide a striking backdrop for hiking and mountain biking treks, as well as cultural visits to Morocco’s remaining Berber tribes. Sprawling along the frontier of the Sahara, the range runs from the Atlantic coast to the northern Rif Mountains. 

The vast mountain range is split into three main regions: the centrally located High Atlas, the Middle Atlas to the north, and the remote Anti Atlas, tucked away in the south. Easily reached from Marrakech, the High Atlas range draws many visitors, with hotels clustered around popular spots like the picturesque Ourika Valley, Ouirgane, and Imlil. It’s also home to the 13,671-foot (4,167-meter) Mount Toubkal, Morocco’s highest peak. For many, a stay in the High Atlas Mountains is a pit stop en route to Ouarzazate, the launch pad for camping tours and desert camel treks. Experience the grandeur of the Atlas Mountains on a day trip from Marrakech, which might include activities such as quad biking, hot air ballooning, or a visit to a Berber village.

The easiest way to experience the Atlas Mountains is on a guided tour that offers round-trip transportation from a city such as Marrakech, Fez, or Agadir.

For most travelers, the best time for a trip into the Atlas Mountains is March through November. While summers can be hot, temperatures in the Atlas Mountains are cooler than in the Moroccan lowlands. Mountain snow is usual from mid-January to mid-February, making this an excellent time for skiing in North Africa. Note that some businesses will be closed during Ramadan.

The Atlas Mountains are dotted with interesting places to explore. Azzaden Valley is a quieter alternative to neighboring Imlil Valley and a popular base for guided treks. Dades Gorge, famous for growing Damascus roses, is a favorite destination for climbers, hikers, and white-water rafters. The rivers of the Middle Atlas feed the beautiful Ouzoud Falls, while Ifrane, the gateway town of the region, looks right out of the French Alps.

A short taxi ride from the bustling Djeema el Fna, La Palmeraie offers a tranquil escape from the lively souks and traffic-laden streets of the Old Medina and Marrakech’s most affluent district has often been nicknamed the ‘Beverly Hills of Marrakech.' A quiet, sun-soaked oasis of palm and orange tree-fringed boulevards, neatly-tended rose gardens and vast swimming pools, La Palmeraie is home to many of the city’s most extravagant resort hotels and luxurious private villas. 

Even if you can’t afford to stay in La Palmeraie, the scenic district makes a worthwhile detour from downtown Marrakech and the 32,000-acre stretch of palm groves provides a shady backdrop for leisure activities. As well as walking and biking tours, horseback riding and camel riding are popular pastimes, and there’s also a beautifully situated golf course overlooking the villas. 

The name of the Bahia Palace nods to its greatness: "Bahia” translates as “Brilliance.” Part of Marrakech’s UNESCO-listed medina and located on the northern edge of the Mellah (the Jewish quarter), the palace was the 19th-century residence of Si Ahmed ben Musa (or Ba Ahmed), the Grand Vizier of Marrakech.

 

Bahia Palace is one of Marrakech’s most popular attractions. It’s often visited during Marrakech sightseeing tours, as well as day trips to Marrakech from cities including Essaouira, Agadir, or Casablanca. Guided tours typically visit the Petit Riad; Grand Riad; the Grand Courtyard, where Ba Ahmed lived with his four wives, 24 concubines, and numerous children; the Room of Honor; and the Harem.

 

 

Bahia Palace is located at the southern end of Marrakech’s medina, close to the Mellah Jewish quarter. Taxis stop right outside the palace, or else it’s an around 15 minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna square.

 

The palace is open daily, but it can get busy. Plan to visit before 10am to avoid the crowds.

 

This richly decorated masterpiece is one of Marrakech’s most magnificent buildings. The palace showcases a mix of Islamic and Moroccan architectural styles, with dazzling floor-to-ceiling embellishments, including intricate mosaics, inlaid wooden ceilings, molded stucco, and gilded finishes. Highlights include the grand marble-paved courtyard with its beautiful zellij tile-work lining the walkways; and the harem, a series of rooms encircling a vast courtyard, where the ladies of the house once congregated.

The rugged highlands of the Kik Plateau make a popular destination for hiking in the High Atlas Mountains, with numerous trails running from nearby Berber villages like Asni, Moulay Brahim and Ourigane, and easily accessible from Marrakech.

Renowned for its unique limestone topography, the plateau is a scenic spot, blanketed with alpine wildflowers and wheat fields, and offering magnificent views over the surrounding peaks, including the looming Mount Toubkal, Northern Africa’s highest peak.

Housed in the 19th-century Dar Mnebhi Palace, at the heart of the medina, is the Museum of Marrakech (Musee de Marrakech). Founded by Moroccan journalist and activist Omar Benjelloun in 1997, the museum houses a small but impressive collection of Moroccan art and artifacts.

 

Visitors can explore the museum as part of a tour of Mumbai’s highlights, or on a self-guided tour. Tickets include access to the temporary exhibitions, housed in the palace’s old hammam. Highlights of the permanent collection include ceramics, jewels, arms, costumes, calligraphy, and a collection of Judaica, reflecting the diverse cultural history of the city. Also on display is a fascinating series of etchings, which show Morocco over the centuries.

 

 

The museum is located in the souks area of the medina and is best reached on foot; it’s about 15 minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna square. It can be tricky to find your way amid the maze-like lanes of the medina, so it may be best simply to ask for directions to Ben Yousef Madrasa, which is right next door.

 

The museum is open from 9am to 6:30pm daily, year-round, and although small, it rarely gets crowded.

 

Other museums of note are also located in the medina and can be reached on foot from the Museum of Marrakech. The Tiskiwin Museum is a restored riad (a house built around a courtyard) with a large display of North African arts and crafts. The Museum of the Palmery combines stunning gardens with traditional art, and the Photography Museum showcases photos of Marrakech through the ages.

Trips begin from the town of Imlil about an hour south of Marrakech, where temperatures can still be blazingly hot despite the hillside perch. By the end of the first day of walking, however, the trail levels out at Toukbal Refuge near 10,000 feet elevation, where the air is suddenly crisp, cool, and a welcome break from the heat. Reaching the summit means rising early—often well before dawn—for the final, 3,000 foot vertical climb on a steep, scree-laden slope. Going up is often easier than down, though the view from the top is more than worth the six hour round trip climb. Finally, while climbing the mountain in two days is possible, most hikers break the journey up into a slower, three day climb. 

The Sahara Desert has two major dunes that are tourist attractions – Erg Chebbi near Merzouga, and Erg Chigaga near M'hamid.

Both dunes are difficult to access – you can only reach them via 4x4 vehicles or camels, or by walking – although Erg Chebbi is better known and more visited. Erg Chigaga offers a somewhat wilder dune experience. You can do camel treks, 4x4 excursions, or overnight camping trips at Erg Chigaga, all provided you've got a guide. There is even a luxury camp at Erg Chigaga, with 10 large tents or a smaller private camp with four tents.

This well-restored former fondouk – a place where traders took lodgings and stored and sold their goods during the 18th century – is now home to the Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts. Opened in 1998, the museum allows visitors to marvel at such artefacts as craftsmen’s tools, prayer beads, ancient chests, and musical instruments.

Much care has been taken with regards to the presentation of the displays, and the building is almost an attraction in itself, although photography is now allowed. Displays are presented within an attractive inner courtyard, in rooms through intricately-carved wooden archways, and beneath cedar ceilings.

The Nejjarine Museum of Wood Arts and Crafts is located in the picturesque setting of the Place el-Nejjarine (Carpenters' Square). Here you’ll find one of the medina’s best-known mosaic fountains, plus small alleys that lead off to the Nejjarine Souk, where carpenters still chisel, carve, and sell their cedar wood items.

With its bold blue color scheme, towering palms, and gigantic cacti, set around pools of water lilies and gardens filled with exotic plants, the Majorelle Garden (Jardin Majorelle) is one of the most idyllic spots in Marrakech. Owned by designer Yves Saint Laurent, it’s also one of the city’s most visited attractions.

 

A stroll through the Majorelle Garden is a highlight of sightseeing tours and a welcome change from the busy medina. Visit as part of a full-day tour that includes the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs, followed by lunch in Jemaa el-Fna square and shopping in the souks. Alternatively, combine a visit with a camel ride through the Marrakech Palmeraie, a horse-drawn carriage ride through the medina, or a tour of Menara Gardens.

 

 

The Majorelle Garden is in the Nouvelle Ville (New Town) and can be reached in less than 10 minutes by taxi from Jemaa el-Fna.

Majorelle Garden is open daily. October through April, the hours are 8am to 5:30pm; May through September, the gardens are open 8am to 6pm. The shady gardens offer a chance to escape the midday heat, but the narrow walkways can get crowded by 11am. To avoid the crowds, visit first thing—the softer morning light is also best for photos.

 

The Majorelle Garden was founded by French painter Jacques Majorelle during the early 20th century, and it opened to the public in 1947. After Majorelle’s death, the garden fell into disrepair until 1980, when it was purchased and restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered in the garden after his death in 2008.

Built in the 16th century by King Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadi dynasty, the lavish El Badi palace was designed to be one of the grandest in the world: "El Badi” means “The Incomparable.” Today, this architectural masterpiece lies in ruins, but it’s still among the most visited monuments of Marrakech’s UNESCO-listed medina.

 

Located within strolling distance of the equally magnificent Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace is a popular destination on Marrakech sightseeing tours, as well as day trips to Marrakech from cities such as Essaouira or Casablanca. Visitors can admire the vast prayer hall and grand courtyard; spot the storks that now nest in the old palace walls; and see the famous Koutoubia minbar (pulpit), which dates back to the 12th century.

 

 

El Badi Palace is located at the southern end of Marrakech’s medina, close to the Mellah Jewish quarter. Taxis stop right outside the palace. It’s about 15 minutes’ walk from Jemaa el-Fna square.

 

The palace is open daily, but it’s best to visit before midday to avoid the heat, because there’s little shade at the palace. Each year in June or July, the palace hosts the National Festival of Popular Arts, with live music and dance performances taking place within the palace grounds.

 

King Ahmad al-Mansur spared no expense when building El Badi; the original palace was adorned with Italian marble, Sudanese gold, and intricately carved Indian woodwork. Sultan Mawlay Ismail of the succeeding Alaouite dynasty plundered those riches, leaving it almost completely bare. However, visitors can get an idea of the palace’s former grandeur, with its towering walls enclosing the traces of stately reception halls and other regal chambers.

The youngest of Morocco’s four imperial cities, Meknes makes a less-crowded alternative to nearby Fez or Rabat, and the comparative lack of tourists means you’ll be able to explore free from the chaotic pace and over-zealous vendors of its neighbors. Don’t let its lesser fame stop you from visiting though—Meknes’ striking landscape of palaces, gardens and mosques is well deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status. 

Start your tour at the Place el-Hadim, the lively central square that fronts the grand city walls, and then explore the walled medina, with its winding souks and array of architectural gems. Sultan Moulay Ismail erected many of the city’s most impressive buildings and his most fanciful designs include the monumental gate of Bab Mansour, the Koubba el Khayatine Ambassador’s Hall and the Heri el Souani stables. The opulent Tomb of Moulay Ismail is another fitting tribute to his legacy, while additional attractions of Meknes include the Museum of Moroccan Arts, the ornate Grand Mosque and the Madrassa Bou Inania.

An outdoor market by day and packed to bursting with diners, shoppers, storytellers, and singers by night, Djemaa el-Fna is the epicenter of Marrakech life, where locals and tourists come night after night to see the clash of colors, sounds, smells, and sights that make up this memorable location.

 

Moroccans have been gathering in Djemaa el-Fna in Marrakech’s Medina (walled town) for almost 1,000 years. From the traditional storytellers who spin their yarns to rapt groups of locals to the snake charmers and the many food stalls selling traditional snail soup and sweet mint tea, a visit to the square—especially after dark—is a truly special experience.

 

The best ways to enjoy the square are to go with the flow and enjoy the different performances that spring up from place to place or to tour the area with a knowledgeable local guide who can take you to the most authentic spots.

 

 

Djemaa el-Fna square is in the center of the Marrakech Medina. The square is pedestrianized, but you can get a taxi to the southern edge, or visit the square as part of a tour.

 

Activity in the square kicks off at sunset—during the day, there’s not much more than fruit stalls here. The best times to visit Marrakech are spring and fall, as the weather can be very hot in summer, with daytime temperatures of over 100°F (38°C) at times.

 

The lanes leading off from the northern side of Djemaa el-Fna head into the warren-like complex of Marrakech's souks, or markets. Here you’ll find everything from rugs and pottery to beauty products, leather goods, and more for sale at stalls crowded with piles of goods. The items make great souvenirs, and haggling over prices is common practice here and even expected, but once you’ve agreed to a price you will be expected to purchase.

Rue Dar el-Bacha marks the northern edge of Marrakech’s Central Medina — the city’s heart and soul. This area is also home to many of Marrakech’s top shops, restaurants and hammams. Walk along the road, and you’ll find shops selling antiques, Oriental rugs, Berber jewelry and housewares, as well as a handful of fondouks — a sort of Middle Eastern caravanserai — dealing in artisan wares like bags, tapestries, hand-painted tile and ottomans.

Dar Moha, ranked among the city’s top Moroccan restaurants, occupies a beautiful riad along Dar el-Bacha, where diners can eat al fresco around a patio swimming pool. For a bit of relaxation after a day wandering the medina, Dar el-Bacha boasts two excellent spas, the more traditional, public Hammam Dar el-Bacha (the largest traditional hammam in the city) and the upmarket, spa-style Hammam de la Rose.

The largest and most famous of Marrakech’s many mosques, Koutoubia Mosque is also the city’s most prominent navigational landmark. Just a short stroll from Djemaa el Fna square, the mosque’s soaring minaret stands proud at the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed medina.

Whether you’re exploring the medina on a walking or bike tour, sightseeing with a private guide, or visiting Marrakech on a day trip from Casablanca or Agadir, a photo stop at the Koutoubia Mosque is a must. Combine a stroll around the mosque’s beautiful grounds with a visit to the bustling Djemaa el Fna square, shopping in the souks, or other popular attractions such as Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs.

 

It’s impossible to miss Koutoubia Mosque. Wherever you are in the medina, look up and you’ll spot the mosque’s distinctive minaret. Buses and taxis stop right outside the mosque, or walk two minutes southwest of Djemaa el Fna square.

The mosque is busiest during prayer times, and the call to prayer can be heard all around the medina. For the most atmospheric photos, arrive in time for sunset or ride past in a caleche (horse-drawn carriage) at night, when the minaret is dramatically floodlit.

The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most influential buildings in the Muslim world. Buildings from the Hassan II Mosque in Rabat to La Giralda in Seville, Spain, echo Koutoubia Mosque’s intricate geometric stone work, graceful arches, and imposing square minaret. The 220-foot (61-meter) minaret is the star attraction. It’s the highest point in the city, and local laws even prevent any building from exceeding its height.