Is Marrakech Worth Visiting? (2025 Guide)
“Is Marrakech worth visiting?” is a burning question on many travellers’ minds at the moment. But it can be hard to get a straight answer…
Marrakech is an absolutely stunning city and one that has remained at the top of my favourites list for a long time.
Located right in the heart of Morocco, and the perfect destination for exploring the country further, Marrakech is the lifeblood of northern Africa, but with a very distinct culture.
It’s no secret that Marrakech’s popularity has grown over the last number of years, but why? What is it that is drawing all of these new travellers?
This post will act as your answer to the question “Is Marrakech worth visiting?” – spoiler: IT IS! – and give you all the details you need to know before planning an epic trip to the wonderful city.
Is Marrakech Worth Visiting?
Marrakech is absolutely worth visiting! It’s a city full of life, colour, and character – one of those places that just hits different. I still have dreams of my stay in Marrakech and am itching to go back as soon as I can!
There’s no shortage of incredible things to do, the architecture is stunning, the locals are warm and welcoming, the culture is vibrant, and the food? Honestly, it’s some of the best you’ll ever eat. Tagines, fresh bread, mint tea, street snacks – it’s a foodie’s dream.
It’s also a great destination if you’re travelling on a budget. Once you’re there, things are pretty cheap compared to Europe, and you can get a lot for your money, especially if you don’t mind a bit of friendly haggling in the souks!
Of course, Marrakech can be a bit overwhelming at first. The Medina (Old Town) is a maze of narrow alleyways packed with market stalls, motorbikes, locals, and tourists all moving at once. It’s noisy, chaotic, and a bit intense – but that’s part of its charm. If you embrace the madness, you’ll find there’s nothing quite like it.
And if you need a break? Head back to your riad – a traditional Moroccan guesthouse – where you’ll find peace and quiet behind the hustle and bustle, often with a leafy courtyard or rooftop terrace to relax on.
So, is Marrakech worth it? 100%. It’s bold, beautiful, and unforgettable. Just go with an open mind, a sense of adventure, and maybe a bit of extra room in your suitcase – you’ll want to bring a few things home.
Things To Do in Marrakech
Marrakech has so many things to do and see. While many of them aren’t located inside the city itself, you are guaranteed to have a jam-packed itinerary for your trip.
Whether you’re interested in throwing yourself into the vibrant culture, want to explore the natural beauty of the desert city or would prefer to get an adrenaline kick from high-speed dune sports, you’ll have a wealth of activities to choose from to fill your time.
Here is a list of my top five things to see and do in the city of Marrakech:
1. Explore the souks
You simply can’t come to Marrakech and not dive head-first into the chaos of the souks.
The Medina (Old Town) is a maze of narrow alleyways bursting with life, with locals soliciting, motorbikes zipping past mere centimetres from your ankles, and market stalls piled high with spices, ceramics, textiles, lanterns, leather bags…you name it.
This is the heart of Marrakech, and it’s as colourful and overwhelming as you might expect. But that’s all part of the charm.
Get lost (you will), haggle (you should), and maybe bring an extra suitcase for all the treasures you’re going to end up with. Trust me – your living room won’t know what has hit it.
2. Visit Koutoubia Mosque
Even if you’re not religious, the Koutoubia Mosque is a must-see. It’s one of the largest mosques in Marrakech, with its 77-metre minaret towering over the city skyline.
While non-Muslims can’t enter, the surrounding gardens and square are lovely for a stroll, especially in the evening when the call to prayer echoes out across the city. It’s one of those spots that really makes you pause and appreciate the difference in culture.
If, like me, you’ve only really tackled Europe on your travels, then stopping to soak up differences in the atmosphere is really quite fascinating.
3. Wander around Le Jardin Secret
Tucked away in the middle of the Medina, Le Jardin Secret is exactly what it sounds like – a peaceful, beautiful garden that feels like a bit of an escape from the bustle outside.
With fountains, exotic plants and tiled walkways, it’s a great place to catch your breath after the madness of the souks.
Bonus points: there’s a lovely little café inside!
4. Take a Moroccan cooking class
Food is one of the main reasons many people travel, and you’ll not be disappointed in Marrakech! Moroccan cuisine is bursting with flavour, with classic contenders like tagines, fresh flatbreads, zesty salads, sticky pastries.
Taking a cooking class to learn how to make these delicous delicacies is such a rewarding experience.
You’ll usually start with a trip to the market to pick out ingredients, then cook everything from scratch under the guidance of a local chef. And the best part? You get to eat it all at the end.
If you’d like a personal recommendation, you should opt for this one:
5. Experience a traditional hammam
No trip to Marrakech is complete without scrubbing off the city dust in a traditional hammam.
Whether you go for a fancy spa version or a more authentic local bathhouse, expect steam, black soap, exfoliation, and possibly the deepest cleanse of your life. You’ll walk out feeling like a new human.
It might feel a bit intense the first time, and they can feel quite invasive (especially if you’re on the shy side), but once you’ve done it, you’ll totally get why it’s a ritual locals swear by.
Top Tours and Experiences in Marrakech
I’ve completed several tours while staying in Marrakech and like to think that I know all of the best experiences on the market.
While many of the tours require a mid-to-long distance journey outside of the city, the activities are more than worth the time on the tour buses.
Here are my top 3 suggestions for tours and experiences while staying in Marrakech:
1. Sunrise hot air ballooning
If you’re up for a real “pinch me” kind of experience, then you should absolutely book yourself a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Moroccan countryside.
Yes, it means a very early wake-up call (we’re talking pitch-black darkness – you may as well never go to bed), but floating above the desert as the sun creeps over the Atlas Mountains is really magical.
I’ll not lie, I was very apprehensive about this experience as someone who isn’t the best with heights, but I promise you, it is absolutely worth it!
Over just a short flight, you’ll watch the colours shift from dark navy to soft gold, the villages below slowly come to life, and experience one of the most peaceful atmospheres possible.
Most balloon trips include a traditional Berber breakfast afterwards, which, let’s be honest, is the perfect reward for dragging yourself out of bed before sunrise.
It’s not the cheapest activity in Marrakech, but if you’re going to splurge on something unforgettable? This is it.
Also, isn’t a hot air balloon ride on everyone’s bucket list? You may as well do it in one of the cheapest countries rather than forking out hundreds at Cappadocia!
This is the tour that I opted for, and I couldn’t recommend it enough:
2. Day trip to Ouzoud Waterfalls
If you’re craving a little escape from the city heat and chaos, a day trip to the Ouzoud Waterfalls is just what you need.
Around 2.5 hours from Marrakech, these stunning falls are the tallest in North Africa – and yes, they’re every bit as dreamy in real life as they are in the photos.
You’ll hike down through olive groves, spot cheeky Barbary macaques (monkeys) swinging through the trees (hide your snacks and keep a tight grip of your belongings!), and be rewarded with stunning views of water cascading into a deep, green canyon.
You can even take a little boat ride at the base for a close-up view, and maybe a little bit of a refreshing mist!
It’s a full day affair, but so worth it if you’re looking to swap the city’s chaos for a bit of nature and fresh mountain air. This is the best Ouzoud Waterfalls tour available:
3. Camel ride, desert sunset and dinner show in the Agafay Desert
You don’t have to trek all the way to the Sahara to get a taste of the desert – Agafay is just under an hour from Marrakech, and it offers the perfect mini adventure.
This tour, which includes a camel ride, is the perfect introduction to the rocky landscape with beautiful scenery to discover on a gentle journey on a camel’s back.
While I was a bit worried about riding a camel while in Morocco and the way that they may have been treated, I was pleasantly surprised on this tour. All of the animals seemed to have been well-cared for and willing to carry out the rides.
As the sun begins to set, the beautiful golden light makes for some stunning Instagram pictures with and on the camels. It’s guaranteed to become one of those cinematic moments you will never forget.
After the ride, this tour (and most others) leads you to a beautiful desert camp where you’ll enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner under the stars (with a quick stop at an argan oil manufacturer).
The evening will likely be one of the most enjoyable of your time in Marrakech. Think tagines, music, mint tea, and even dancing around the fire (compulsory – you will be dragged up by the tour guides!). The evening then ends with an incredible fire performance!
This tour is equal parts peaceful and magical, and a lovely way to end a day in Morocco with a little sparkle.
If you’re up for a bit more adventure, you’ll likely find some tours that also cram dune biking into the itinerary; however, we decided to skip this option as we didn’t want to arrive at dinner all covered in dust!
When to Visit Marrakech
Marrakech is one of those places that’s buzzing year-round, but some seasons definitely have the edge when it comes to comfort and charm.
The best times to visit are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is warm but not scorching, the city’s gardens are in bloom, and it’s the perfect time for wandering the souks without feeling like you’re going to melt.
Summer (June to August) can be seriously hot (40°C +), so unless you’re a fan of desert-level heat, it might not be the most comfortable time for sightseeing. That said, if you’re planning to lounge by a pool and take things slowly, it can still work.
Winter (December to February) is mild and quieter, which is ideal if you’re not too fussed about sunbathing. Days are pleasant, but it can get chilly at night, so pack a jacket just in case.
I visited in December and found it pretty pleasant. The only time I was particularly cold and needed a couple of extra layers was during the early start for the hot air balloon flight.
If you want that perfect balance of sunshine, energy, and comfort, spring and autumn are your golden windows. Marrakech is one of those places that’s buzzing year-round, but some seasons have the edge.
Is Marrakech Safe?
Generally speaking, yes—Marrakech is a safe city to visit, especially if you use the same common sense you would in any busy destination.
The biggest thing some travellers encounter is petty theft, particularly in crowded areas like the souks or main squares, so keep your bag zipped, don’t flash valuables, and be mindful of your surroundings.
If you’re a solo traveller, especially a woman, you might experience some unwanted attention, usually just catcalling or overfriendly shopkeepers.
It can be annoying, but it’s rarely threatening. Wearing modest clothing (keep your shoulders and knees covered) tends to reduce it, and a confident “no, thank you” is usually enough to stop the interaction in its tracks.
The Medina can feel chaotic at first – there are scooters, donkeys, and people everywhere – but it’s more lively than dangerous. Just watch your step and don’t be afraid to get a bit lost.
Locals are generally welcoming and used to helping tourists find their way (though some may expect a small tip).
At night, stick to well-lit, populated areas, and you’ll be fine. And if you ever feel unsure, ask your riad or hotel for advice; they’ll know the area well and can point you in the right direction.
Is Marrakech Worth Visiting? – FAQs
Is it worth it to go to Marrakech?
Yes, Marrakech is absolutely worth a visit! Known as the jewel in the crown of Morocco, Marrakech has so much to offer tourists, including beautiful scenery, friendly locals and delicious cuisine.
How many days do you need in Marrakech?
Around 4-5 days would give you enough time to explore Marrakech well and have time for some excursions outside of the city. However, with how cheap Marrakech is, staying a couple of extra nights wouldn’t do any harm!
Is Marrakech expensive for tourists?
Marrakech is a very cheap city to visit in comparison to Europe and the West. You can get full-day excursions for around £20, delicious meals for less than a fiver and authentic accommodation for around £30 (or less) per night!
Is 7 days in Marrakech too long?
No. A week in Marrakech would give you the perfect amount of time to fully explore everything that the city has to offer and have some spare time for desert day trips and mountain excursions.
Conclusion: Is Marrakech Worth Visiting?
Without a doubt, Marrakech is 100% worth visiting. It’s a city that grabs all your senses at once: the colours, the smells, the sounds, the atmosphere.
Whether you’re getting lost in the souks, sipping mint tea in a peaceful riad, or watching the sunset from a rooftop terrace, there are memories to be made all over the city.
Yes, it can be a little overwhelming at times – especially if it’s your first visit – but that’s all part of the experience. Marrakech doesn’t just show you its culture; it pulls you right into it. And honestly, that’s what makes it so special.
In short? Go. You won’t regret it.
However, you may end up like me – with a constant obsession of looking for the next flight back when you get home!
