Top Things to do in Marrakech
Top 10 Free Things to do in Marrakech, Marrakech-Tensift-El Haouz Region
The “Red City” of Marrakesh is a magical place, brimming with markets, gardens, palaces, and mosques. Exploring the intimate courtyards and snaking alleyways of the historic Medina can easily eat up a day. Find inner peace at the serene Jardin Majorelle or take in the beauty of one of the city’s historic mosques (taking note that, unless you are Muslim, you are not allowed to enter).
Restaurants in Marrakech
1. By Faissal
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 22 reviews
Hi everybody! My business is about hand weaving scarves on a traditional looms. We use only natural materials (cotton, linen, wool, silk, cashemir) and also we use the natural dye in some scarves. From 2007 I started to do this handicraft who is inherited from my father and grandfather. At the first I stared in my father's shop near the photographi museum, and you can see the work on the loom directly, but now I moved to a new shop that is next to the Sacret Garden in a very nice location. And we can plan for a visit to my workshop who is not far from the shop, then you can wach the weaving process. Faissal
Reviewed By BCaseyB - Manchester, United Kingdom
This is a must go to and very friendly shop. It is conveniently located next to Le Jardin Secret which should not be missed either! These scarves are woven on traditional looms using natural fibres and dyes and are exquisite and so reasonably priced. The quality of these scarves makes you want to stay and admire them all day. I treat myself, and usually a lucky friend too, each time I visit. With a huge range of colours and textures there really is something to suit anyone! A gem of a find!
2. Rahba Kedima Square
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 519 reviews
This is a bazaar which mostly offers spices and other specialty goods.
Reviewed By HINAWASEEM - Islamabad, Pakistan
This was one of the most interesting squares of Marrakech Medina. It’s French name is Place des Épices because it has many apothecaries in it. It used to be a grain market in it’s heydays. Besides cosmetics, oils and spices you can find weird stuff like dried leeches and scorpions, zebra skins, live chameleons and turtles, tusks and strange twigs. Most of these are used sihacen, or black magic. You can find shop’s selling local Viagra, bizarre potions, and age old herbal remedies. There are basket stalls and Amazigh hat shops located here too.
3. Marrakech Train Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,475 reviews
Reviewed By Sydneyjaq - Sydney, Australia
A very efficient and clean station with helpful staff, signage in English and Arabic, good public toilets and a coffee shop if you have to wait a while. Make sure you buy your tickets a day or two before you travel so you secure a seat, otherwise you might miss out as the trains get very full.
4. Rue Bab Doukkala Market
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By DMVEAL - Great Torrington, United Kingdom
It was here that I loved mooching and soaking up the essence of Marrakech. Up side was it wasn’t too busy or too many people hassling you... if you ignore and don’t give eye contact you’ll be fine... beware of ‘shark’ alley where children and men offer to take you to ‘ the one day when the Berber come down from the mountains to sell their skins to the tannery ‘... these are people who weave you in and out of the alleys and then walk you round one of the many tannery’s giving a whistle stop tour then on to a leather shop where they try and sell you a leather,bag, belt or anything for 10x its value. If you don’t buy the man then asks for money for the ‘tour of the tannery’ 50 euros and if you don’t pay they leave you to find your way back... DONT pay we didn’t and they can’t do anything... we then asked stall holders who were more honest or policeman or woman who directed us back. These sharks are the minority and shop owners warn you as they don’t like them either....!! Once you know this you’ll enjoy the sound.
5. Rue Dar el Bacha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 38 reviews
Reviewed By iansX8194HP - Ashford, United Kingdom
This is one of the streets leading into the Medina, off Rue dar el Glaoui by the guest Palace. We have seen the King's camels hobbled there once; these are magnificent animals, quite different from the ones you see and can ride on the fringes of the city. Do not try to take photos of the Palace guards, the Brigade they are not, as you will very quickly fall foul of the Palace police. The street has everything along it, museum, wonderful restaurants and hotels, most of the larger ones serve alcohol, street cafés, stalls and a range of shops selling everything you can think of, some the usual Medina wares, some are very upmarket boutiques including chic Moroccan clothing, antiques and jewellery, and our favourite carpet emporium is down towards the start of the Medina proper. We don't seem to get as much pressure to buy as you do once you dive into the main part of the Medina, and this is a gentle introduction to Souk shopping. The street is beginning to be developed with new rendering, more uniform shop fronts and the upmarket boutiques, although there have always been some along here, but you still have the crazy scooter riders, donkeys, locals working and cats sprawled around the parked scooters and they even have shelters and food and water by the Palace.
6. Paroisse des Saints Martyrs
7. Dar Bellarj
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 37 reviews
Reviewed By O4183NVstephans
Interesting exhibition in beautiful architecture. Entry is free, they ask for a donation, which is worth it.
8. Koutoubia Mosque
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 5,573 reviews
Reviewed By MrJD79
A must see site when visiting Marrakech. The grounds are kind the mosque are beautiful. The inside of the Mosque is equally beautiful with stunning architecture. The mosque is the prominent site in Medina and can be seen from most places. Bring a Muslim, I attended Friday prayers at the mosque and would highly recommend this to any Muslim visitors. Be advised to get there early however, as it does get extremely busy.
9. Jemaa el-Fnaa
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 52,604 reviews
This is the entrance to the outdoor market and food court of the city center.
Reviewed By rosarioh660 - New York City, United States
The Jemaa El Fna square represents the heart of the city of Marrakech, With my friends This is the first trip we togather, we loved the souks, street food restaurants and we eat very well, there are several restaurants! We highly recommend visiting this place!
10. Marrakech Ramparts
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 315 reviews
These are the walls that surround the city. Circle them on foot or on a rented bike.
Reviewed By HINAWASEEM - Islamabad, Pakistan
During the 11th century the Almoravids left the desert and found Marrakech. A fortified city wall was built around the city in order to defend it. This wall was built out of pise, which was a mixture of straw, red earth and lime, which hardened on drying. This red mud gives the city it’s pink hue and the name Red City. The western ramparts still retain this shade. The 10 km ramparts have around 200 towers and 20 gates. It is more or less 9 m high. It looks truly enchanting at sunrise and sunset.
