Marrakech, a city in Morocco, is well known for its rich history, bustling souks and vibrant street life. It is called the ‘Red City’ due to the distinctive red sandstone used in the construction of its buildings and the city walls.
It is home to many iconic landmarks, including the majestic Koutoubia Mosque, the historic Jemaa el-Fna square, and the beautiful Bahia Palace, each offering a glimpse into the city’s storied past.
Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle, a stunning botanical garden, was created in the 1920’s by French painter Jacques Majorelle. Famous for its vibrant cobalt-blue structures and lush greenery, it features exotic plants and water features. Restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in the 1980’s, the garden now includes the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts, which displays traditional art and culture.
Jardin Majorelle is open daily from 8.30AM to 5PM, and the Pierre Bergé Museum is open daily from 9AM to 4.30PM. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at https://www.jardinmajorelle.com/.
A ticket for Jardin Majorelle costs 170 DH (€16) for adults and 95 DH (€9) for children over 10.
A combined ticket for Jardin Majorelle + Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts costs 230 DH (€22) and 130 DH (€12) for children over 10.
A full-access ticket for Jardin Majorelle + Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts + the Yves Saint Laurent Museum costs 330 DH (€31) and 180 DH (€17) for children over 10.
Children under 10 are free.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum, opened in 2017, is dedicated to the iconic French fashion designer. Located next to the Jardin Majorelle, the museum displays a collection of Saint Laurent’s haute couture designs, sketches, and accessories. The building itself combines modern architecture with Moroccan influences. The museum highlights Saint Laurent’s creative journey and his connection to Marrakech.
The museum is open every day except Wednesdays, from 10AM to 5PM. Tickets must be purchased in advance online at https://www.museeyslmarrakech.com/.
A ticket for Yves Saint Laurent Museum costs 140 DH (€13) and 75 DH (€7) for children over 10.
A full-access ticket for Jardin Majorelle + Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts + the Yves Saint Laurent Museum costs 330 DH (€31) and 180 DH (€17) for children over 10.
Children under 10 are free.
Medina
The Medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the historic centre of the city, famous for its lively atmosphere and maze-like streets. Textiles, spices and crafts are available in the vibrant souks. It is a key part of Marrakech’s heritage, featuring traditional riads and Moroccan architecture.
Jemaa el-Fna
Jemaa el-Fna is the vibrant main square of Marrakech, located in the Medina. During the day, the square is filled with food stalls, snake charmers and vendors. At night, it comes alive with storytellers, musicians, dancers and street food, offering an authentic experience of Moroccan culture.
Koutoubia Mosque
Constructed during the reign of the Almohad Caliph Yaqub al-Mansur in the 12th century, Koutoubia Mosque is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, renowned for its decorative arches, intricate tile work, and gardens. Known for its impressive 77-metre-high minaret, it remains a key symbol of Marrakech’s Islamic heritage.
The interior of Koutoubia Mosque is reserved for Muslims and is open for prayers five times a day. The mosque’s exterior and gardens are accessible to visitors from sunrise to sunset. Visitors are asked to dress modestly when visiting the mosque grounds, covering shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.
For more information, visit https://koutoubiamosque.com/.
Souk Semmarine
Souk Semmarine is a bustling market in the heart of the Medina, known for its wide variety of Moroccan crafts. It offers textiles, clothing, lanterns, ceramics, spices, and more. The souk’s lively atmosphere is filled with the scent of exotic goods and provides visitors with a chance to explore Marrakech’s rich culture.
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century, features stunning stuccos, paintings, mosaics, and expansive gardens. Intended to be the greatest palace of its time, its name means ‘brilliance’ in Arabic. Built by Si Moussa, the grand vizier of the sultan, it includes a 2-acre garden and rooms surrounding courtyards. The palace was designed in the Islamic and Moroccan style.
Bahia Palace is open daily from 9AM to 5PM. Tickets are 100 DH (€9.50) for adults, and 30 DH (€3) for children under 12. They can be purchased at the palace entrance or online. Cash and credit cards are accepted.
For more information, visit https://palaisbahia.com/.
Madrasa Ben Youssef
Madrasa Ben Youssef is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, founded in the 14th century and rebuilt by the Saadian dynasty in the 16th century. Once the largest Islamic college in North Africa, it housed up to 900 students. The madrasa is famous for its intricate zellij tilework, carved cedar wood and detailed stucco. Its tranquil courtyard, with a central reflecting pool and graceful arches, is a highlight.
Madrasa Ben Youssef is open daily, from 9AM to 7PM.
Tickets are currently available only at the entrance and cost 50 DH (€5) for adults and 10 DH (€1) for children under 12. Only cash payments are accepted.
For more information, visit https://www.medersabenyoussef.ma/.
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- Image credit: Madrasa Ben Youssef
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs, constructed in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the third ruler of the Saadian dynasty, were built to honour his ancestors and showcase his power and wealth. Located within the Kasbah Mosque, which was established in 1557 and is among the oldest mosques in Morocco, the tombs are divided into two main sections. Each section contains multiple chambers adorned with elaborate stucco carvings and colourful tiles.
The Saadian Tombs are open daily from 9AM to 5PM.
Tickets are 100 DH (€9.50) for adults and 20 DH (€2) for children under 12. They can be purchased at the entrance of the Saadian Tombs. Only cash payments are accepted.
For more information, visit https://saadiantombs.com/.
Le Jardin Secret
Le Jardin Secret dates back over 400 years to the Saadian Dynasty and was rebuilt in the mid-19th century. It has served as a residence for important political figures. After a recent renovation, it is now open to the public, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its gardens and buildings, which showcase exceptional examples of Islamic art and architecture.
Le Jardin Secret is open daily from 9.30AM to 7.30PM. From November to January, the closing time is 6PM, while in February and October, it is 6.30PM.
Tickets are 100 DH (€9.50) for adults. Entry to the tower is 40 DH (€4). Children under 12 are free.
For more information, https://lejardinsecretmarrakech.com/.
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- Photo © Marianne Majerus / Le Jardin Secret Médina-Marrakech
Menara Garden
Menara Garden, dating back to the 12th century, is a historic public garden located just outside the Medina. Known for its large reflective pool and views of the Atlas Mountains, it features rows of olive trees and a traditional pavilion at its centre.
Menara Garden is open daily from 8AM to 6PM, and entry is free.
For more information, visit https://menaragardens.com/.
Dining
La Trattoria
La Trattoria is a popular Italian restaurant in Marrakech’s Gueliz district. It is set in a beautiful Art Deco villa designed by Bill Willis. It offers elegant dining with garden and poolside seating under a glass roof. The menu features refined Italian dishes made with high-quality ingredients. The restaurant also has an Art Deco bar and garden lounge.
It is open daily from 4PM to 11PM. Advance booking is essential.
For more information, visit https://www.latrattoriamarrakech.com/.
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- Image credit: La Trattoria
Safran by Koya
Safran by Koya is a chic restaurant in Marrakech’s medina, offering a fusion of Moroccan and Mediterranean flavours. Known for its lively atmosphere, the venue features nightly entertainment, including a violinist, a saxophonist, oriental dancers, as well as Gnawa musicians. It is a popular spot for dining and entertainment.
It is open daily from 5PM to 2AM. Advance booking is essential.
For more information, visit https://safranmarrakech.com/.
Comptoir Darna
Comptoir Darna is a renowned restaurant and nightclub in the Hivernage district. It offers a blend of Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine, including tajines and couscous royal. Established in 1999, it is famous for its lively nightlife with entertainment including oriental dancers, musicians, and DJs.
The restaurant is open daily from 7PM to 1AM, while the patio and nightclub are open from 7PM to 3AM. Advance booking is recommended.
For more information, visit https://www.uk.comptoirmarrakech.com/.
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- Image credit: Comptoir Darna
La Pergola
La Pergola is a rooftop jazz bar and restaurant located just 100 meters from Jemaa el-Fna, on the terraces of Riad Monceau. It offers a mix of Moroccan and European dishes, with a menu curated by celebrity chef Abdel Alaoui. The venue features live jazz performances every night from 8PM to 11PM, creating a vibrant atmosphere.
La Pergola is open daily from midday to 11PM, with a happy hour from 4PM to 6PM.
Advance booking is recommended.
For more information, visit https://www.riad-monceau.com/pergola-rooftop-2/.
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- Image credit: La Pergola
Our top tips if visiting Marrakech
❖ Getting there: Aer Lingus and Ryanair operate flights to Marrakech from Dublin (3-4 flights per week).
❖ Taxis: Arrange airport transfers in advance, as taxis at the airport can overcharge. Booking a transfer through your hotel or riad is recommended. While taxis are readily available in the city, it’s important to agree on the fare beforehand since most taxis are not metered. For short journeys, we paid around 40 DH (€4).
❖ Language: Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the primary language, with Tamazight (Berber) and French widely used. English is commonly understood in tourist areas.
❖ Currency: The official currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD). Many hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards. Cash is required for tipping, taxis and for smaller purchases, especially in local markets.
❖ ATM’s/Currency Exchange: There is a currency exchange at the airport, but it’s recommended to exchange only a small amount there as the rates are higher. Several ATMs are available on Pass. Prince Moulay Rachid, near Jemaa el-Fna, with the Crédit du Maroc ATM charging a 22 DH fee (€2). There’s a currency exchange at Hotel Ali, also located near Jemaa el-Fna.
❖ Tipping: It’s customary to leave small tips (5–10% of the bill) in restaurants and cafés. Porters, hotel staff, and guides also expect tips.
❖ eSIM: If you plan on using a lot of data eg. using google maps, we would strongly recommend getting an eSIM, as data roaming charges are very high. We got an eSIM with unlimited data prior to our trip from a company called Holafly. For more information, visit https://esim.holafly.com/.
❖ Safety: Marrakech is generally safe, but as with any popular tourist destination, be mindful of pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like the Jemaa el-Fna.
❖ Respect the local culture: Moroccan culture is conservative, so modest clothing is recommended. A scarf or shawl can be useful for visiting religious sites.
❖ Visiting during Ramadan: If you’re visiting during Ramadan (the Islamic holy month), be aware that many locals will be fasting – some restaurants may have limited service during the day. Operating hours at tourist attractions may also change during Ramadan.
❖ Be prepared to haggle: In markets like the souks, haggling is a part of the culture. Don’t be afraid to negotiate prices when shopping for goods. It’s all part of the experience!
❖ Scams: Be aware of scams. Avoid ‘helpful’ strangers offering directions – they often expect a tip.
❖ Pack lightly: If you are staying in a riad in the centre of the Medina, you probably won’t be able to get a taxi directly to the door. The Medina’s streets are often uneven and narrow – rolling suitcases can be tricky – pack light!
