Marrakech Travel Guide

This city offers a fantastic mix of culture, history, and adventure for families looking for things to do with kids in Marrakech. From exploring lively souks to wandering peaceful gardens, plenty of kid-friendly attractions blend fun with discovery. Kids can dive into Morocco’s history at local museums or join in hands-on activities like cooking classes. Here are some top things to do with children in this incredible city.

Marrakech is a food lover’s dream. Walking around the medina will have your stomach rumbling at every turn as you hear tagine sizzling away in clay pots, admire the adorable, flower-shaped chebakias, and smell the plethora of spices that Moroccan cuisine is known for.

Whether you’re looking for slow food or street food in Marrakech, the city’s culinary scene will impress. From the sweet and savory pastilla to the surprisingly flavorful snail soup, this guide will give you insight into the best food in Marrakech. You can also learn about the origin behind tangia and Ramadan’s influence on culinary traditions.

If it’s your first time in Marrakech, a world of vibrant colors, aromatic scents, and a collision of old and new awaits. From haggling in the souks to sipping mint tea in traditional riads, there are so many things to do in Marrakech for first-timers.

This first-timer’s guide covers all the essential things to know about Marrakech, including travel tips, navigating public transportation, and the best local food. From visiting the Saadian Tombs to exploring the Medina on foot, find out all the things you absolutely must do in Marrakech.

Marrakech: tips for first-timers

1. Cash is king in Marrakech, especially in the souks and smaller restaurants, so always have dirhams (local currency) on hand.
2. Be prepared for the heat — temperatures can soar, particularly in the summer, so bring light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated.
3. Haggling is part of the culture, especially in the souks. Don’t be afraid to negotiate, but always keep it friendly and polite.
4. Stick to bottled water, as tap water in Marrakech is generally not recommended for drinking.
5. Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
6. The medina can be a maze; downloading an offline map app will help you navigate.
7. In Marrakech, prayer times happen daily and at different times. While many larger establishments will stay open, especially in tourist areas, some smaller, family-run shops may temporarily close during prayer.
8. Friday is a holy day in Morocco, and many shops and businesses may be closed or have limited hours, so plan accordingly.

The jewel of Morocco, Marrakech is a city that’s earned many titles in its millennia-old lifetime. “Red City,” “Daughter of the Desert,” and Imperial City are just a few of the monikers that speak to the city’s poetic and historical legacy. If you’re unsure about the best time to visit Marrakech, this month-by-month guide will show you which season is the best for strolling through the artistically imagined Majorelle Garden or exploring native flora at Ourika Valley. Read on and find the best months to explore its iconic markets, architecture, desert landscape, and more.

Choosing the best time to go to Marrakech

Given the unwieldy high temperatures in the summer months and some (albeit minimal) showers in the winter season, spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit the public market and historical sights of Marrakech.

Best time for outdoor lovers

Dry, warm conditions are ideal for properly enjoying the area’s natural beauty. March to June or September to October are ideal times for outdoor lovers to visit.

Best time for people on a budget

The same reasons that make spring and fall the best time to visit Marrakech are why November through March often yield the cheapest flights. If you’re okay with high rainfall each month, a trip in these months might be easier on your wallet.

Best time for sightseeing

If you’re optimizing your trip for sights and events, fall is your best chance to catch moderate temperatures with almost no rainfall, myriad festival options, and gardens in full bloom.

Marrakech throughout the seasons

Spring in Marrakech

March to May

Spring in Marrakech is nice and balmy starting in March, with average temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 F (10 to 26 C). A stop at the Festival of Roses will immerse you in blooming rose valleys.

Summer in Marrakech

June to September

High heat makes summer in Marrakech challenging for most tourists, but most keep occupied with long nights spent dancing at the Popular Arts Festival or via jaunts to the Atlas mountains.

Fall in Marrakech

September to November

As the city transitions out of its scorching hot summer and into milder temperatures, fall in Marrakech offers packed itineraries spent touring across the Agafay desert or celebrating at fall festivals like the Marrakech Short Film Festival or Lost Nomads Festival.

Winter in Marrakech

November to February

Winter in Marrakech offers plenty of chances to leave your house, including the regional New Year’s celebration, Yennayer, and the Marrakech Marathon. Also, Ramadan will move into the winter months starting in 2025.