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Things to know before going to Marrakesh
Marrakesh is generally safe for visitors but it’s helpful to be aware of a few common situations so you feel confident getting around. In the Medina people may offer to give you directions and then expect payment afterwards. If you do not want help, a polite but firm no usually works. Henna artists in Jemaa el-Fna may approach you and begin drawing without asking then request money, so it’s best to decline clearly if you’re not interested.
The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means you can’t buy it in the UK or outside Morocco. The easiest option is to withdraw cash when you arrive, and the airport has ATMs that are straightforward to use. Cash is essential in Marrakesh as many places do not accept cards, especially in the Medina.
There is now Uber in Marrakesh (as of late 2025) and traditional taxis do not accept card payments. For taxis it is worth noting that fares are usually paid in cash and prices are often agreed before the journey. To avoid this altogether, taxi apps like inDrive and Roby are very useful and tend to feel more straightforward for visitors.
If you’re staying in a riad, use them as a resource. Riad staff are incredibly helpful and can arrange taxis, recommend routes and even walk you to the nearest pick-up point if cars can’t access your street. They’re also great for giving directions inside the Medina where Google Maps isn’t always reliable.
Mobile signal can be patchy in the Medina due to the narrow streets and thick walls so it’s a good idea to download Google Maps offline before you arrive. I’d also recommend buying an eSIM before you travel, so you have data as soon as you land. Holafly is a great option for Morocco and makes navigating, booking taxis and checking directions much easier.
It’s also worth prebooking any tours or experiences you know you want to do, especially guided Medina tours, day trips or hammam experiences. This saves time and avoids having to make decisions on the spot.
Finally dressing modestly really helps you feel more comfortable, particularly when visiting religious or sacred places. Covering shoulders, knees and cleavage is important in these settings and carrying a light scarf is an easy way to cover up when needed.
None of this should put you off visiting. Marrakesh is lively and welcoming but being aware of these small things helps you relax and enjoy the city without stress.
How to Get to Marrakesh
Getting to Marrakesh is pretty straightforward, whether you’re flying in from Europe or further afield. The city is served by Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), which is just a short 15 minute drive from the Medina and most of the main hotels. There are direct flights from a number of European cities and for longer haul travellers, you’ll likely connect through major hubs like Paris, Madrid or London.
Once you land you’ve got a few options to get into the city. Taxis are the easiest and fastest way and the airport has a fixed rate system so you won’t get caught out (around 70-100 MAD). If you’re feeling a bit more adventurous, there are airport buses that can take you into central Marrakesh for a fraction of the price, though you’ll need to factor in a bit of walking or a short taxi ride from the bus stop to your hotel.
I personally always go for a taxi as it’s quick, simple and means you can get straight to your hotel without worrying about transfers or juggling luggage. Just make sure you agree on the price before you get in or look for the official airport taxi desk to avoid surprises.
How long do you need in Marrakesh?
Marrakesh is one of those cities where a little really goes a long way, but it’s also easy to fill your days with more than you might expect. I’d recommend at least 3 full days if you want to get a good mix of the city’s highlights like exploring the Medina, wandering the souks, visiting the palaces and gardens and of course fitting in a few rooftop dinners to take in the views.
If you’ve got 4 or 5 days, even better, because that gives you some breathing room to slow down, enjoy a hammam or spa and maybe even take a half day trip out to the Atlas Mountains. However less than 3 days is still doable if you’re just there for a quick getaway, but you’ll definitely have to pick and choose what to see.
For a girls’ trip I think 3-4 days hits the sweet spot as you get enough time to experience the energy and culture of Marrakesh without feeling rushed and still have moments to relax and enjoy the rooftop bars, cafes and riad pools that make the city so special.
Where to stay in Marrakesh
Where you stay in Marrakesh really shapes how the city feels to you especially on your first visit. Some areas are super busy and others feel calmer, and the right choice depends on whether you want to be in the middle of the action or prefer space to unwind at the end of the day.
If you want a more authentic experience, staying in a riad is something I really recommend. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes built around a central courtyard, often with tiled pools, plants and rooftop terraces. From the outside they usually look very simple, but inside they feel calm and private, like a hidden escape from the busy streets.
Most riads are located inside the Medina or the Kasbah, tucked away on quiet side streets. They usually have a small number of rooms which makes the experience feel personal and relaxed. Breakfast is often included and many riads can arrange airport transfers, hammam treatments, tours and taxis, which makes getting around much easier.
If you’re staying in a riad make sure you use the staff as a resource. They’re incredibly helpful with directions, booking taxis and explaining how to navigate the Medina, especially as cars can’t reach every street.
Medina
Best Riads in Medina
Best Riad’s in Kasbah
Palmeraie
Best Hotel’s in Palmeraie
Hivernage
Best Hotel’s in Hivernage
Things to do in Marrakesh
Koutoubia Mosque is Marrakesh’s most recognisable landmark and can be seen from many parts of the city. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside but it is still well worth visiting to see from the outside. The area around the mosque is calmer than the souks and works well as a short stop between sightseeing. I’d recommend visiting in the early evening when the light softens and the call to prayer adds to the atmosphere.
Jemaa el-Fna is the main square in Marrakesh and completely changes throughout the day. During the daytime you’ll find juice stalls, performers and vendors moving through the crowds. And in the evening the square fills with food stalls, music and activity, and it becomes one of the liveliest places in the city. You don’t need to eat here to enjoy it, simply standing back and watching everything unfold is an experience in itself and one you’ll probably return to more than once.
A hammam is a traditional Moroccan bathhouse experience and one of the most relaxing things you can do in Marrakesh. It usually includes time in steam rooms followed by a full body scrub and sometimes a massage. You can choose between local hammams for a more traditional experience or spa-style hammams in riads and hotels if you prefer something more private and comfortable. Either way it’s a great way to slow down and recharge after busy days exploring the city.
If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh then Menara Gardens is the perfect spot. It’s famous for its large reflecting pool and the striking backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. It’s such a wonderful place to take a walk, enjoy the olive groves or simply just soak up the views. Best of all entry is completely free, making it an easy and budget friendly stop on your itinerary. It’s especially beautiful at sunset when the golden light hits the water and the mountains in the distance.
Where to eat in Marrakesh
Coffee spots in Marrakesh
- Bacha Coffee
- Thirty5ive Marrakech
- Simple Coffee
- Mandala Society
- Savor Coffee Shop
- Hyuna House Cafe
- 1112 Teahouse
- % Arabica
- Palmetto coffee Marrakech
- Bloom House
Brunch spots in Marrakesh
- Blue Ribbon
- Huqqa Garden
- Lili & Oli
- La Môme
- Mozaik’ Art
- Café Carmel
- Le Jardin
Dessert spots in Marrakesh
- Maison Amaj
- Fluffy
- Terra Mia Café
- Pâtisserie Corne de Gazelle
- Patisserie Symphonie
- Ice Mama
Restaurants in Marrakesh
- Buddah Bar
- Limoni
- Sahbi Sahbi
- Rivayat
- Mizaan
- L’mida Marrakech
- Comptoir Darna
- Safran by Kôya
- La Trattoria
Rooftop Restaurants in Marrakesh
- El Fenn
- Nomad
- Dar Dar
- Nobu
- Otto
- Kabana
- Kosybar
- Le Salama
- La Table de la Kasbah
