At a glance
- Inside the medina: Jemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace and the souks.
- Beyond the walls: the Majorelle Garden, the YSL Museum and the Menara Gardens.
- Visit the madrasa and palaces early in the morning, before the groups.
- Book the Majorelle Garden online; entry is by timed ticket.
- Two full days covers all ten without rushing.
Choosing the best places to visit in Marrakech is mostly a question of time. The medina, a UNESCO site since 1985, holds most of the great monuments within a short walk of each other, while the gardens lie just outside the walls. These are the ten we would show anyone on a first visit.
Inside the medina
1. Jemaa el-Fna
The main square changes through the day: orange juice stalls in the morning, snake charmers and storytellers in the afternoon, and dozens of food stalls with smoke rising over them at night. Watch it from a rooftop cafe at sunset, then walk through.
2. The Koutoubia Mosque
The 12th-century Almohad minaret, about 250 feet tall, is the city's landmark and the model for minarets across the region. Non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but the gardens around it are lovely at dusk.
3. The Ben Youssef Madrasa
Rebuilt by the Saadian sultans in the 1560s, this former Koranic school has one of the finest courtyards in North Africa, with carved cedar, stucco and zellige tilework. Go at opening time.
4. The Bahia Palace
Built in the late 19th century for a grand vizier, the Bahia is a sequence of painted ceilings, courtyards and gardens. It gets crowded by late morning.
5. The Saadian Tombs
Sealed off for centuries and rediscovered in 1917, these 16th-century tombs hold some of the most delicate decoration in the city. Expect a short line.
6. El Badi Palace
Once the most lavish palace in Morocco, El Badi is now a vast ruin of sunken gardens and high walls, with storks nesting on top. Climb the terrace for views over the medina.
7. The souks
North of Jemaa el-Fna, the souks are a maze of lanes organized by trade: leather, metalwork, spices, lanterns, carpets. Wander with a guide the first time; our guide to things to do in Marrakech has tips for shopping without stress.
Tip
Start at the Ben Youssef Madrasa at opening time, walk south through the souks to the Bahia Palace, and finish at the Saadian Tombs. You will beat most of the crowds.
Want a private guide for the medina?
We book licensed guides who know the history and the shortcuts, and plan your days around the quiet hours.
Beyond the walls
8. The Majorelle Garden
Created by the painter Jacques Majorelle from 1923 and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge, the Majorelle Garden is famous for its cobalt-blue villa and cactus groves. Entry is by timed ticket, so book online.
9. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Next door to the garden, this museum opened in 2017 and shows the designer's work and his long connection with Marrakech.
10. The Menara Gardens
An olive grove around a large reflecting pool, with a green-roofed pavilion and the Atlas behind it on clear days. Best in the late afternoon.
How much time you need
Two full days covers all ten comfortably. With a third day, add a trip to the Atlas or an evening in the Agafay desert. Where you stay matters too: see our list of five riads in Marrakech we love, or our 5-day Morocco itinerary for a trip built around the city.
Frequently asked questions
What are the must-see places in Marrakech?
Jemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia, the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, El Badi Palace, the souks and the Majorelle Garden.
How many days do you need in Marrakech?
Two full days for the main sights, three if you want a day trip to the Atlas or the desert.
Can non-Muslims visit the Koutoubia Mosque?
No, the mosque is open only to Muslims, but you can walk around it and through the gardens.
Do I need to book the Majorelle Garden in advance?
Yes. Entry is by timed ticket bought online, and popular slots sell out.
What is the best time of day to visit the Bahia Palace?
Right at opening time. By late morning it fills with tour groups.
Is Jemaa el-Fna worth visiting at night?
Yes, it is at its liveliest after dark. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket.
Is Marrakech walkable?
The medina is very walkable, though the lanes can be confusing. Use a taxi to reach the gardens outside the walls.
