Souks, Rooftops and Sahara Stars — Marrakech

Morocco's most visited tourist attraction, drawing around 900,000 visitors a year — a striking cobalt-blue garden built by French painter Jacques Majorelle, later saved and restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Home to over 300 plant species from five continents around the iconic Majorelle Blue studio. Beautiful and photogenic, but crowded and pricier than most Marrakech attractions — book tickets online in advance and arrive early to beat the lines and heat.

The garden gets very crowded, and you must book tickets in advance to enter. The entrance queue is outside the fence under the sun, which is something you should take into account. It is probably the best attraction in the city. Cool and refreshing even during the day, with a great variety of plants.

Great place for a relaxing hour or so. The plants create a cool micro climate in the heat of Marrakech. The bright colours of the structures in the garden contrast sharply with the green flora. The same combination of colours can be seen in the shop too. The noise from the water fountains and pools provide a soothing soundtrack. A great place for some chill time.

Firstly, the entry was truly painful. I had a ticket for 11:30 and arrived at about 11:20. There were really long queues labelled for 10:30 (that still hadn't gone in) and 11:00, but not for 11:30, so I joined the 11:00 queue knowing that it would be well after 11:30 by the time we got to the front. However, nearing the front, guards were checking ticket times in the queue and I was redirected to a new 11:30 queue that had been opened after I arrived and which was by now really long! (So if you arrive and your queue time isn't available yet - hover until it is opened and join it immediately!) Once in, the garden is beautiful but it gets CRAZY-BUSY and it did feel like you were herded through like cattle. At one point I wanted to back-track just a few metres to take some more botanical photos, and I wasn't allowed to walk back the way I had come, and instead had to walk a long way around with the crowd to get back to the same point again. There were ridiculous queues of people waiting to take selfie's at certain points and it felt like most people were ignoring the actual garden and focusing only on the buildings. It was good to see but I probably wouldn't have bothered if I'd known how crowded it would be. I understand that they have to stagger the visitor numbers, but clearly too many tickets are sold for each time slot, and I visited in December! Please note: My photos don't reflect the crowds, because I simply didn't photograph the most popular bits and I timed my shots very carefully between groups of people. It was actually rammed!

the Majorelle Gardens turned out to be bigger than I expected. honestly, if you’re not a hardcore fashion fan, I think the ticket for the gardens alone is more than enough! you can easily skip the other two museums. we spent 3 hours there just walking around and enjoying the atmosphere. the cactus collection was such a pleasant surprise, there’s actually a lot to explore, and the whole place feels very peaceful and alive. they also have clean toilets and good infrastructure, which makes the visit even more comfortable. my favorite part was the interaction with animals and nature: there are turtles, fish, frogs, so many birds, and overall it’s just a really calming place to be. I’d highly recommend going on a sunny day with clear skies: the light makes the colors and the gardens look even more stunning.

Majorelle Garden is a beautiful and calming escape from the busy streets of Marrakech. The contrast between the deep blue buildings and the lush greenery is stunning, and the garden is extremely well maintained. It’s not very large, but every corner feels thoughtfully designed and peaceful. ⚠️ Important tip: if you want to visit the museum, make sure you buy your tickets online at least one day in advance. Same-day tickets are often unavailable, especially during busy periods.

Marrakech's historic city center, a UNESCO World Heritage site, once a political and economic hub whose influence radiated across the Middle East. An 11th-century labyrinth of narrow alleyways with the intact energy of centuries past. Vibrant, chaotic, and sensory-overload in the best and worst ways — the medina is best explored at night, with most food and merchandise stalls centered around Jemaa el-Fna. Getting lost is part of the experience, though many travelers recommend hiring a guide to n

Highly recommend, Achraf and the staff were very welcoming. We did not wait long and the service was attentive and excellent. The lamb couscous was delicious with lots of sauce on the side 😋 Great ambience and view of the Koutoubia. Nicely decorated and clean. Thanks!

Absolutely wonderful food! If you visit, you must try the beef skewers—they are incredible and I highly recommend them. 🔥 The service was super fast and the prices are very reasonable. Definitely a 5-star experience! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Good food, fast service, friendly staff especially Hamza 👌 and moreover rooftop with shade, ventilators and humidity/waterdrop dispenser which was amazing on a 39 degree day

The food was good, but the portions are very small. Ask about the menu before entering, because they didn’t have all the stuff from the menu. On minus: you can pay just cash.

A UNESCO-recognized Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage since 2001, this legendary square has hosted storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and acrobats for centuries. Quiet in the morning, transforming into a full sensory circus by evening — food stalls, drums, smoke, and crowds. Best viewed from a rooftop café around sunset, arriving by 4pm for a good seat. Genuinely unmissable, but come prepared: agree on prices before photos with performers or animals, and watch your belongings.

Just as I expected – lively, full of music, and filled with the amazing aromas of food. The square is alive until 1 a.m., with people gathering in circles around musicians playing their instruments. You can wander from group to group, soaking up the atmosphere. You have to pay for photos. There are market stalls and fresh juice stands everywhere. You can keep wandering and wandering, completely absorbed by the place.

The energy here in the evenings is awesome. As a solo female traveler, I felt very comfortable roaming the square, listening to music, and interacting with vendors. It's different night-to- night, so wander the area after dinner and enjoy!

Wonderful square, very lively. During the day there are people with monkeys and snakes. Make sure to not show interest, looking too closeby or having a monkey on your shoulder can be expensive, as the people demand payment. During the evening the food stalls are built. We were advised not to eat there as the hygene regulations are not followed.

Chaotic in the best way possible but I never felt unsafe. There are a lot of vendors who will try to get your attention, call out to you, or invite you to look at what they’re selling. Just be mindful and keep walking if you’re not interested. I usually just ignored it and was left alone. Trying to be polite and saying “no thank you” only invites more conversation. They speak Arabic, French, English, and Spanish, so switching languages won’t get you out of it. There’s so much to do and see here. It’s full of life and energy, with tons of food stalls, juice stands, restaurants, and places to grab a drink. There’s music, street performers, and all kinds of entertainment everywhere you look. It’s also where I saw the most tourists in all the cities I visited. You’ll see animals that people offer to take pictures with, but just keep in mind they may or may not be treated well. Still, the overall experience is unforgettable. Jemaa el-Fnaa really feels like the heart of Marrakech.

It's cool to see all the cultural products. A lot of people. Busy. Fun till it wasn't🙃 2 ladies forced me to buy experiences I didn't want. 1 wouldn't let go of my hand and got aggressive. Just be careful out there. Avoid talking and eye contact unless you are actually interested. We left after the altercation with the woman. It ruined our short visit there. On another note: Don't ride horses to protest the animal abuse! They do not detach the horses at night. They sleep attached to the carriage all night standing. 24 hours standing! Sleeping in the rain storm! I was watching them switch their legs to rest one by one😭😭😭💔 They stay in lines on a road walking to the Medina.

A 19th-century palace built for a grand vizier, famous for its intricately carved cedar ceilings, zellige tilework, and a series of peaceful courtyards and gardens. Go early — the courtyards fill up fast with tour groups, and the delicate details are easiest to appreciate in the quiet. A relatively affordable, low-key contrast to the chaos of the souks.

The Bahia Palace in Marrakech, Morocco, is definitely worth visiting if you are nearby and interested in history, architecture, and Moroccan culture. This impressive landmark offers visitors a glimpse into the luxurious lifestyle of Moroccan royalty during the late 19th century. The palace is beautifully designed, featuring elegant courtyards, colorful mosaic tiles, carved cedar wood ceilings, peaceful gardens, and traditional Islamic architecture that reflects the artistic craftsmanship of the era. Walking through the palace feels like stepping back in time. Every room and courtyard has its own charm, and the detailed decorations show the importance and prestige of the palace when it was built. Although the palace is not filled with furniture or historical objects, the architecture itself is the main attraction and provides plenty of opportunities for photography and exploration. One of the best ways to experience Bahia Palace is by visiting with a tour guide. While the palace is visually stunning, many areas can seem similar without proper explanation. A knowledgeable guide can provide historical background, explain the symbolism behind the designs, and share interesting stories about the palace’s former residents and Moroccan history. This makes the visit much more meaningful and enjoyable. The palace can become crowded during peak tourist hours, so visiting early in the morning is recommended for a quieter experience. A visit usually takes about one to two hours, depending on your level of interest and whether you choose a guided tour. Overall, Bahia Palace is an important historical site in Marrakech and a worthwhile stop for anyone exploring the city. Its beauty, cultural significance, and peaceful atmosphere make it one of Marrakech’s most memorable attractions.

Stunning architecture and incredible detail in the craftsmanship especially the beautiful ceilings, zellige mosaics and doors. The detail is amazing! A couple of hours well spent. It was a scorching day but the building provided much needed coolness. Beautiful gardens. Stunning artwork as well by Aicha Aherdane who is a member of the European Academy of Arts. Lots of photo opportunities - a must see if you're visiting Marrakech. I wouldn't say it's wheelchair or buggy friendly but it is possible to navigate with some effort. Some construction taking place.

Being our second day in Marrakech, had a fascinating encounter with the city’s history. Surrounded by ornate carved walls, of the palace, it feels like each one has a story to tell. Touring the palace gives you a real glimpse of life there and how it shifted over the years during French occupation. It’s well maintained and preserved & easily transports you to another era.

I enjoyed visiting Bahia Palace and found it to be one of the more interesting historical sites in Marrakech. The architecture, courtyards, and decorative details are beautiful and worth seeing. However, visitors should be aware that significant restoration work is currently taking place. This was not clearly mentioned before entry, and several sections of the palace were closed off during my visit. Some areas were covered with large printed images and construction barriers, which affected the overall experience. Despite this, the palace remains an impressive place to visit, but expectations should be adjusted while the restoration work is ongoing and it’s 100 dirhams per person.

The palace was beautiful in parts. It was extremely crowded, no flow of people or controlling how many went in at the first few courtyards. The main courtyard and entrance is under construction. There was very little information anywhere, only some parts which were repetitive. €10 is too much to simply just walk around in the mass crowds with little context/information to the palace.

Built under Sultan Abdullah Al-Ghaleb Assaadi in 1564-1565, once the largest Islamic college in the Maghreb, housing up to 900 students across 130 rooms. Widely considered the most architecturally stunning site in Marrakech — some say its zellige tilework and stucco carving even surpass Bahia Palace. A serene central courtyard with a water basin sits at the heart of it, a genuine contrast to the medina's chaos outside. Arrive right at opening (around 8:30am) to beat the crowds — by mid-morning t

Amazing historic building with beautiful architecture. It was fascinating to explore and see the rooms where students once lived and studied. The only downside was the number of visitors more interested in social media photos than the history of the site. Seeing people leaning against the historic walls and treating it as a photo backdrop took away from the atmosphere somewhat. Still, a must-visit in Marrakesh.

Absolutely stunning. Mesmerizing. The architecture, the intricacy. Id say this place is easily a MUST GO TO place when you are in Marrakech. The sun reflecting of marvellous marble tiles gives this place true Moroccan vibes. Buying tickets didnt take long, and option to pay by card as well. Family friendly and kids will have fun too. Just remember to go early in the morning to avoid massive crowds.

The madrasa in Marrakech is a very beautiful and atmospheric place. It was reopened a few years ago after renovation, and it was definitely worth it. Everything is very clean, with beautiful tiled courtyards, and three floors open to visitors. There are also clean and working restroom facilities. I recommend coming right at opening time around 9:00 — there are very few people, so you can take great empty photos. Another good tip is to go upstairs while a group is downstairs, and then switch — a nice little hack to avoid crowds and get better shots.

A very nice place to visit this former school. You can discover marvelous architecture in the hart of the city. It’s a must if you are visiting Marrakech. At the ticket counter only cash money is accepted which is unfortunate.

Wonderful to see such a beautiful historic place kept alive to be enjoyed by so many tourists. Was particularly great to see the student’s rooms and gain insight into what life living there would have been like. Only thing to note is there isn’t much written guidance so maybe read up on the historical context before visiting.

A centuries-old ritual tracing back to Roman baths, adapted by the Arab conquest into what's now known as the Turkish bath tradition. Steam rooms, black soap exfoliation, and a full-body scrub are the core of the experience, usually followed by an argan oil massage and mint tea. Men and women typically get separate time slots or areas, so check schedules before booking. Tourist hammams (often attached to spas or riads) are more comfortable for first-timers, while local neighborhood hammams give

My regular hammam in Marrakech. The staff are really nice. The woman in the reception is very attentive and helps you pick which services are suitable for you so you can manage your time. I had a vip room and the woman was really thorough and gentle at the same time. I also had a 30 minutes massage which was perfect i fell asleep during it, afterwards they gave me a calming herb tea and were responsive to my needs. The salon is also satisfying, they were so organized and managed to handle a lot of clients at the same time. I had my nails done and a haircut. The prices are reasonable. I can’t wait to go back next week.❣️❣️

I went for a hammam session and chose gommage and savonnage, but the service was not done the way it should be. There is no receptionist, and the place feels unorganized. The guy was friendly, but the work itself was not professional and very rushed. The gommage and savonnage did not meet basic expectations. I came expecting a proper hammam experience and left disappointed. First and last time.

There is three sections, one for men, one for ladies and saloon ,I can’t take more pictures because of privacy of clients and it was a nice experience in this spa ,and I tried Hammam Royal they gave me all what I needed no need to bring anything with you I recommend this place.♥️

Had an amazing time here, came for a manicure and pedicure and received the best quality treatment credit to Asmae for a great experience she was very sweet and did a fabulous job with my nails. I had a great time.

Always first impression is very important I called at the phone to make a reservation for a vip hamam the Mme told me that hamams are without reservation even without know which hamam I wanted than when I arrive I found lot of people just waiting to enter no is here to talk to him or her or even to welcome people than the Mme came didn’t even say hello ana went again and finally she came and said that the vip hamam it’s just with reservation because the jaccusi doesn’t work now and when I told her that at the morning I called to make a reservation she told I didn’t know that you want a vip hamam So the next lady before to close the ligne with your guests you have to know what exactly they’re looking for And if people will pay 300 dh to stay for lot of time waiting they can just go to the traditional hamam The way treat the guest is more important than everything

Rocky desert about 40-50 minutes from Marrakech — close enough for an easy overnight without the long haul to the Sahara. Luxury tents come with private patios, some even with outdoor bathtubs, overlooking the Atlas Mountains and stark, otherworldly terrain. Reviews praise the setting for its stunning desert views, beautiful pools, and instantly relaxing atmosphere. Camel rides, quad biking, and sunset dinners with live music are the standard activities, and nights end with a bonfire under an in

We spent a night there. The evening show was too loud for me but the accommodation was excellent. The staff were all kind and friendly, especially Sammy. He takes good photos too. My favorite part is sunrise and a little morning hike alone. Beautiful

Unfortunately, our experience was not at all what the tour operator promised. We were promised a 30 minute camel ride with Berber clothing and scarves. When we arrived, there was no one to let us know what was happening and no one told us that we had to go to the counter and rent the scarves and there were no Berber robes. We had a dinner, but they only used the tagine vessels for show and the chicken did not appear to have been cooked in them. They had bread, morrocan salad, chicken, couscous but barely any edible vegetables,(they were barely warm) no olive oil, no olives and no dessert. A very disappointing meal. The fire show was good, but there was very little communication and after the initial show, most people left the compound to get on their buses but there was another part of the fire show that unfortunately was spoiled by vehicle tail lights reducing the impact of the show. There is no real desert here, it is all fake to get tourist dollars. If you go, take food and drinks because the limited selection is extremely expensive and there is nothing to do while you wait for dinner at about 8 pm.

Very disappointing experience. We booked the excursion through Booking, but the pick-up never took place, and we were left without any prior notice. We had to hire another agency at our own expense to reach the location. Once there, the organization was extremely poor, with long waiting times and no clear communication. The program was not respected. Only the quad ride was acceptable. Dinner, which was included, was never provided. The camel ride, also included, was unacceptable: the camels appeared visibly undernourished, the ride lasted only a few minutes, and it was already dark, making the experience pointless. The organizers were arguing among themselves in front of guests, showing a total lack of professionalism. We eventually had to leave without having dinner. Thankfully, we had a private taxi arranged, otherwise the situation would have been even worse. Poor organization, failure to deliver the promised service, and no customer care. Not recommended at all.

A classic Marrakech bucket-list activity, usually done either through the palm groves (Palmeraie) or out in the rocky Agafay Desert at sunset. Guides dress riders in traditional djellabas and turbans, and rides are typically followed by mint tea and, often, a small palm-leaf ring made as a keepsake. Some travelers note the camel ride can feel short relative to the full excursion, so ask about ride length before booking if that's the highlight for you. A few reviewers have raised concerns about t

We had an amazing experience, and Titrit made it even more special. She was our tour guide for the camel ride, quad biking, and dinner show, and she was absolutely fantastic. She was punctual, professional, and very well organized. Throughout the entire experience, she made sure everything ran smoothly and that we were comfortable and enjoying ourselves. Her friendly attitude and helpful nature really stood out. We truly appreciated her guidance and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a great tour experience! Aurora travels

What a wonderful trip and evening, my family and absolutely loved it. Camel riding in the desert, then a dinner in a glamping camp site with swimming pool, bathroom, very comfortable bedroom. The entertainment was great at dinner too, very interactive and my kids were immersed. If your kids, like mine, love animals there are loads to interact with donkey, horse, camel, geese etc. The party at the end was great fun as well with the wife, kids and I dancing around with all the other guests, just having a good time. Would recommend this in a heartbeat.

Great quad bike and camel rides with this company. Collected from Medina on time and all arrangements, whilst appearing slight chaotic, worked seamlessly. All staff helpful and friendly. An exciting time, safe and memorable.

We did the quad ride in Agafay desert and Camel in Palmeraie. Overall experience was excellent. Just the two of us for both the experiences, no lines of tourist. It fell like a vip treatment. 1h camel ride in the sunset wit, the animals were well kept and rested. Thanks to all the drivers and guide, who were very professional and welcoming. A serious company

Rocky desert about 40-50 minutes from Marrakech — close enough for an easy overnight without the long haul to the Sahara. Luxury tents come with private patios, some even with outdoor bathtubs, overlooking the Atlas Mountains and stark, otherworldly terrain. Reviews praise the setting for its stunning desert views, beautiful pools, and instantly relaxing atmosphere. Camel rides, quad biking, and sunset dinners with live music are the standard activities, and nights end with a bonfire under an in

We spent a night there. The evening show was too loud for me but the accommodation was excellent. The staff were all kind and friendly, especially Sammy. He takes good photos too. My favorite part is sunrise and a little morning hike alone. Beautiful

Unfortunately, our experience was not at all what the tour operator promised. We were promised a 30 minute camel ride with Berber clothing and scarves. When we arrived, there was no one to let us know what was happening and no one told us that we had to go to the counter and rent the scarves and there were no Berber robes. We had a dinner, but they only used the tagine vessels for show and the chicken did not appear to have been cooked in them. They had bread, morrocan salad, chicken, couscous but barely any edible vegetables,(they were barely warm) no olive oil, no olives and no dessert. A very disappointing meal. The fire show was good, but there was very little communication and after the initial show, most people left the compound to get on their buses but there was another part of the fire show that unfortunately was spoiled by vehicle tail lights reducing the impact of the show. There is no real desert here, it is all fake to get tourist dollars. If you go, take food and drinks because the limited selection is extremely expensive and there is nothing to do while you wait for dinner at about 8 pm.

Very disappointing experience. We booked the excursion through Booking, but the pick-up never took place, and we were left without any prior notice. We had to hire another agency at our own expense to reach the location. Once there, the organization was extremely poor, with long waiting times and no clear communication. The program was not respected. Only the quad ride was acceptable. Dinner, which was included, was never provided. The camel ride, also included, was unacceptable: the camels appeared visibly undernourished, the ride lasted only a few minutes, and it was already dark, making the experience pointless. The organizers were arguing among themselves in front of guests, showing a total lack of professionalism. We eventually had to leave without having dinner. Thankfully, we had a private taxi arranged, otherwise the situation would have been even worse. Poor organization, failure to deliver the promised service, and no customer care. Not recommended at all.