Planning your days in the Red City? The best activities in Marrakech mix the old medina with the open land around it. For example, in one trip you can fly in a balloon at dawn, ride a camel at sunset and eat dinner in a busy square. Below, we group the top activities in Marrakech by type. In addition, it explains how much time each one needs and how to fit them together.
Adventure Activities in Marrakech
First of all, the land around the city is open and dry, which makes it good for outdoor rides. So here are the most exciting activities in Marrakech.
1. Hot air balloon at sunrise. Generally, balloons take off at dawn over the plains near the Atlas Mountains. Then you drift above the villages as the first light hits the Atlas peaks. So, expect a very early hotel pickup, before first light. However, flights depend on the wind, so keep a spare morning in your plan.
2. Quad and buggy rides. Quad bikes and buggies run on the dirt tracks of the Palmeraie and the Agafay Desert. Before you start, a guide gives you a helmet and leads the group. Usually, rides last one or two hours. For quads in the tall dunes, read about quad biking in Merzouga.
3. Camel rides. Of course, a camel ride is one of the most loved activities in Marrakech. For example, the Palmeraie has short rides among the palm trees. In Agafay, by contrast, you ride over golden hills at sunset. For the real Sahara, see the camel ride in Merzouga.
Cultural Activities in Marrakech
4. Walk the medina with a guide. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a maze of narrow lanes. Because of this, a local guide helps you find the hidden squares, fountains and workshops. For the best experience, start in the morning, before the lanes get busy.
5. Evening at Jemaa el Fna. The main square changes at sunset. At that moment, food stalls open, musicians play and storytellers gather crowds. Therefore, read our guide to Jemaa el Fna before you go.
6. Palaces and madrasas. The Ben Youssef Madrasa has a courtyard covered in carved cedar and tiles. Similarly, the Bahia Palace shows how the rich lived in the 19th century. In contrast, the ruins of the El Badi Palace are quieter and full of storks, because fewer groups visit them.
7. Jardin Majorelle. The Majorelle Garden is famous for its cobalt blue walls and cactus beds. It sits in the new town, a short taxi ride from the medina. Also, book a time slot in advance, because it gets busy.
8. Shop in the souks. The souks spread north of the main square. In fact, each lane has its own craft: leather, lamps, spices, rugs or metalwork. Above all, bargaining is normal, so start low and stay friendly.
Relaxing Activities in Marrakech
9. A hammam. A hammam is a traditional steam bath with a scrub. Local hammams are usually simple and cheap. On the other hand, spa hammams in riads and hotels are calmer and more private.
10. A cooking class. Many riads also offer cooking classes. First, you shop for spices. Then you cook a tagine and salads with a local cook. It is one of the best activities in Marrakech for food lovers.
11. Sunset on a rooftop. Rooftop cafés look over the medina and the Koutoubia minaret. For this reason, come about an hour before sunset to get a seat. Read our guide to sunset in Morocco for more spots.
12. A carriage ride. Horse carriages wait near the main square. A ride around the old walls and gardens is a gentle way to see the city, especially with children.
Day Trip Activities in Marrakech
Some of the best activities in Marrakech are just outside the city. Also, our day trips from Marrakech are private, with your own driver-guide.
- Agafay Desert sunset camel ride and dinner: a stony desert 45 minutes away.
- Ourika Valley and the Atlas Mountains: rivers, waterfalls and Berber villages. See our guide to the Ourika Valley.
- Imlil and Toubkal National Park: mountain walks near North Africa’s highest peak. Read about Imlil.
- Ouzoud Waterfalls: the tallest falls in Morocco. Read our Ouzoud Waterfalls guide.
- Essaouira: a windy port town on the Atlantic. See our Essaouira guide.
- Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate: a famous earthen ksar. Read about Ait Ben Haddou.
Activities in Marrakech for Families
Children enjoy the camel rides, the carriage, the gardens and the evening square. In addition, Agafay is a good choice with kids, because the drive is short. Similarly, a pool afternoon at a desert camp gives everyone a break from the busy lanes.
How to Plan Your Activities in Marrakech
In general, two full days cover the main medina sights. After that, add one evening for Agafay and one day for a trip out of the city. Also, do outdoor activities in the morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler. For the weather in each month, read our month by month guide to Morocco.
Still not sure Marrakech fits your trip? Read is Marrakech worth visiting. Then, to see how the city fits a longer route, read 7 days in Morocco. Want to compare it with Fes? See Fes vs Marrakech.
Going Further: The Sahara Dunes
Finally, if you have three days or more, the Sahara dunes are the best trip from the city. Our 3 or 4 day desert tour from Marrakech guide explains the route. In fact, the 3-day Marrakech to the Sahara tour is our most popular trip. Read what the drive is really like before you book.
How to Book with Navigate Morocco
Send us a message on WhatsApp at +212 609 490 681 or use the contact page. Tell us your dates, the number of travelers and the activities you want. After that, we will send you a plan and a price.
Want help planning your days in Marrakech?
Message us on WhatsAppActivities in Marrakech: FAQ
What are the best activities in Marrakech?
Overall, the top picks are a sunrise balloon flight, a camel or quad ride, a medina walk, the Jardin Majorelle and the evening square.
How many days do you need for activities in Marrakech?
In general, two or three days is enough for the city, with one more day for a trip outside.
Are there free activities in Marrakech?
Yes. For example, walking the medina, watching the square at night and visiting the Koutoubia gardens cost nothing.
Where can you ride quads?
Quads run in the Palmeraie and also in the Agafay Desert, both close to the city.
What time do balloon flights take off?
Balloons take off at sunrise. Therefore, pickup is very early in the morning.
Navigate Morocco is a team from the Sahara desert who work as a family, as our ancestors did. We will be glad to help you plan your days in Marrakech.
More Navigate Morocco guides: Moroccan etiquette, tipping in Morocco, cash in Morocco, riad vs hotel, the Moroccan food guide, Agafay vs Merzouga, Morocco for couples.
