Taghazout Travel Guide: 8 Best Things To Do in Taghazout, Morocco

Are you planning a surf trip to the town of Taghazout in Morocco? Amazing, I’m here to help! Taghazout is a small fishing village on the coast of Morocco, close to the city of Agadir and, although surfing is the most popular activity here, there are some other cool activities to be done around town that should be on your list. 

And you’ll find out about each of them in my Taghazout travel guide below!

First of all, where is Taghazout and why visit?

Taghazout is located 20 km from Agadir and 150 km from Essaouira, on the Western side of the High Atlas Mountains. The map below will clarify its exact location if you’re curious to find out:

where is taghazout map morocco

WHY VISIT TAGHAZOUT?

Good question. Multiple answers. First, there’s world-class surfing with incredible waves and lots of all-inclusive surf camps and surf houses. Both beginner AND advanced surfers are welcome here! Then, the town itself is super cute as well, scattered with pastel buildings, narrow streets, charming cafes and indie shops. We also have yoga, hiking, shopping and some easy day trips as well! 

Taghazout (also known as Taghazout Surf Village) is an excellent place if you want to relax and unwind away from the huge crowds of tourists usually found in the more popular destinations in Morocco. And, if you want to follow the “surf, eat, sleep, repeat” mantra, this place is for you! 🙂

Now let’s find out what to do in Taghazout Morocco:

Taghazout Travel Guide: 8 Things to do in Taghazout, Morocco

I’ll start with surfing, of course, but I promise there are some other cool activities to do in this little town besides riding the waves! Here are some unmissable things to do that I had to add to my guide to Taghazout:

1 – Surf, eat, sleep, repeat

surfing in taghazout

Let’s find out all about surfing in Taghazout! There are numerous surf beaches, surf houses and surf schools in this little fishing village. In fact, there are so many cool surf spots that I made a list of the best ones below for you, sorted by experience level:

By the way, most surf houses / surf camps in Taghazout offer surfing lessons in their stay packages as well. So if you’ve never surfed but want to give it a try here, this is the perfect opportunity!

RELATED READ: Complete Guide to Marrakesh, Morocco: 10 Things to Do

2 – Lay on the beach under the sun

Melissa in the Taghazout beach with sunset
Taghazout beach

In case you’re not the adventurous type and don’t feel like taking on the surf, just laying on the beach and vibing is a pretty popular activity as well around here! 

Although some beaches are a bit rocky and “unfriendly” to tanners, if you walk along the coastline you’ll surely find an ideal spot to lay down your towel.
For example, avoid Taghazout Beach (the main beach of the village) as it’s rocky and not at all sunbathing-friendly, as it’s mostly a fishing beach. Instead, I’d recommend Panorama Beach – you can rent a lounge chair + umbrella for around 30 Moroccan Dirham (3.30 US$) on its large stretch of golden sand.

3 – Sip a smoothie or some mint tea at a beachfront cafe

What better way to start your morning than at a beachfront cafe to grab a coffee, fruit smoothie or some mint tea? Here are some cool cafes with ocean views to check out during your trip (some of them are located on the cliff, how awesome is that?!), great for breakfast or lunch:

TIP: Obviously you can also go to a cliff or beachfront cafe for lunch or sunset, it’s not just a morning thing! The ocean views are beautiful anytime of day!

4 – Do some yoga in Taghazout

Yep, yoga is a pretty popular activity around here and most Taghazout surf hostels and camps offer it in their all-inclusive packages. After all, what could be better than a little bit of stretching after a full day of surfing? All while admiring the sunset, why not?!

In case your chosen accommodation doesn’t offer this, you can join the yoga classes at other hotels. Or, even better, I recommend the classes at Amouage or at Surf Paradise Morocco – they take place on their rooftop overlooking the ocean – what could be a more beautiful way to end the day than this?

The price for 1 yoga lesson is around 100 DH (11 US$).

5 – Explore the town

As I mentioned before, Taghazout village is really cute, full of colourful, whitewashed buildings and winding streets that all seem to end up at the beach. A walk around town is an excellent idea if you want to soak up some Moroccan culture and just enjoy the chilled local vibe of the place. Wander around, admire the ocean views, stop for a coffee in a cute cafe, head up to the skate park and watch the local riders do their thing – there’s a lot to see and do here, I promise!

6 – Go shopping

go shopping in taghazout

While wandering on the narrow streets of Taghazout, you’ll be pleased to find numerous small shops full of authentic Moroccan items. I’m talking about everything from rugs, bags, clothes, jewellery and, of course, lots of surf-related items! While you’re there, you’re sure to find some souvenirs to bring back home as well.

RELATED READ: Where to Stay in Marrakech, Morocco – Best Areas, Hotels and Riads

7 – Go on a trip to Paradise Valley

paradise valley day trip from taghazout morocco

Have some time to spare? An awesome idea would be to visit Paradise Valley, also known as one of the most popular day trips from Taghazout for both tourists and locals! You probably have no idea what to expect here, but Paradise Valley is a true hidden gem, trust me! Paradise Valley is 30 minutes away from Taghazout by car, then you can hike around the valley, do some cliff jumping or just relax at the stunning natural pools. Pretty awesome, eh?!

Most accommodations can arrange this kind of excursion for you; some even organise group trips to Paradise Valley once a week for their guests. If your hotel doesn’t offer them, you can ask if they know another group that you can join. If not, Surf Paradise  always has these trips going!

Alternatively, you can get a taxi from Taghazout town centre or if you have a rented car, you can drive there yourself, just follow Google Maps. 

Another option, you can book this organised excursion online here. They offer pick-up and drop-off.

TIP: Make sure you bring LOTS of water with you, your SPF (the valley is pretty hot and sunny, trust me) and an underwater camera if you want to do some cliff jumping.

8 – Day trip to the longest wave in Imsouane

imsouane morocco

This was by far my favourite day trip! An hour north up the coast, you’ll find a charming, sleepy fishing village called Imsouane. I imagine that it resembles what Taghazout was like 10 years ago, with only a few hostels, fresh seafood food stalls and surf rental shops. Even though the vibe here is super relaxed, the secret is out… Imsouane is home to the longest wave in Africa! Longboarders will love this mellow right-hander that stretches for 800m! It’s a point break, so there is hardly any paddle out to get to the line-up. Just a walk down the beach back to the break to take the ride all over again! 

You can book your shuttle bus from Taghazout to Imsouane right here. Prices start at 12 US$ for the one-way trip.

Best organised tours to and from Taghazout

things to do in taghazout morocco
things to do in taghazout morocco

Although most activities and tours in the city can and usually are organised by your accommodation, I have still chosen some tours for you to choose from, regardless if you want to visit Taghazout as a day trip or do some of the fun activities around it:

Taghazout accommodation

When it comes to accommodation in Taghazout, you have various good choices. You can choose between a surf camp/hostel or a normal hotel. I’ll explain everything you need to know about where to stay in Taghazout below:

TAGHAZOUT SURF CAMPS

Amouage by Surf Maroc

Personally, I think dedicated surf accommodations (hostel or camp) are a great idea, especially if you want to spend chilled days in town, on the beach and you’re all about catching some waves. Most of them offer complete packages that include accommodation, meals, yoga classes, surfboard rental and lessons as well, plus transportation to and from the beach spots. I mean… how easy is that? Plus, most of them organise day trips to Paradise Valley at least once a week.

NOTE: Some of these camps also offer accommodation only as well if you want to ditch the surfing part, just check with them beforehand.

There are various accommodations like this, all different from each other in terms of style and budget. Here are my top recommended ones:

TAGHAZOUT HOTELS

Of course, there are also regular hotels in town that don’t offer surf packages. Here are some of my hand-picked recommendations:

LUXURY. Hyatt Place Taghazout Bay

MID-RANGE. Apparthotel Eden Beach

BUDGET. Sun House Morocco

APARTMENT. Aftas House Apartments

Where to eat in Taghazout, Morocco

best restaurants in taghazout morocco

In case your hotel package doesn’t include meals, I’ve made a list of good places to go for breakfast, lunch and dinner! And even if your accommodation does offer meals, I still advise you to go out for dinner on some days, there are some very good food places around. And yes, the local food is SO good! Here are some notable restaurants to check out:

How to get to Taghazout, Morocco

how to get to taghazout in morocco

Even though it may seem complicated at first, trust me, getting to Taghazout is very easy!

I’ll explain your options below:

BY PLANE

The closest airport to Taghazout is Adagir. Then you can reach the town after a 40-minute drive by shuttle bus. Or you can take a taxi for around 300 DH (33.50 US$).

There’s also the option to fly into Essaouira, but it’s a bit further away from Taghazout (142 km, travel time 2 hours 20’ by private car or taxi). Or Marrakech Airport (the main international airport of the country), but this one is even further away – 274km, travel time 3 hours and a half by car or taxi. But if these two airports are your only options, rest assured that it’s totally doable, you’ll just spend a little more time on the road.

I recommend you to search for flights to and from the nearby airports on Skyscanner.

BY SHUTTLE BUS

From the airport (or if you’re already somewhere in Morocco), I recommend using the Souk to Surf bus. The minibuses will take you to and from Taghazout and the surrounding cities and airports. Check out their website for up-to-date price options and available routes. They’ll transport your luggage free of charge and the drivers speak very good English.

BY CAR

The most convenient way to travel in Morocco is by renting a private car. This will offer you endless opportunities to plan your itinerary, especially if you want to spend some more time in this country. This way you won’t need to struggle with finding a taxi or shuttle bus to get you to Taghazout or other places on your route. I recommend checking for the latest prices and offers for rental cars here.

WAIT – Doesn’t everyone get sick in Taghazout?

people surfing in taghazout

You might have heard that a lot of people get sick when they visit Taghazout. Sadly, I have to warn you that this is completely true. When we first arrived in Taghazout, both Guga and I got really sick. At first, we thought it was food poisoning, but the more people we met, it seemed that EVERYONE was suffering from the same sickness. At least 90% of the people we met said they suffered from symptoms similar to food poisoning (vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness), lasting anywhere from 1-3 days. Personally, I recovered quickly after a day, but Guga was bed-bound for 3 days. This left us asking, what the hell is it that is making everyone so sick

After a bit of research, we learnt that Taghazout has a serious sewage problem. Raw sewage is dumped directly into the ocean and depending on the tide, it can wash up to the surrounding beaches. Seriously, I can’t stress this enough, DO NOT SWIM IN THE BEACHES FOUND DIRECTLY IN TOWN. This is a serious health issue that desperately needs to be properly looked into. 

FAQs & My travel tips for visiting Taghazout

taghazout surf town in morocco

Now that you know all there is to do, see and taste in Taghazout, it’s time for some practical info and tips that will help you when visiting the city:

First of all, because this coastline town has AMAZING waves and perfect weather. But probably the one thing that made Taghazout a top surf spot is the fact that the peak surfing season here takes place during European winter. So it has become an excellent place to switch the cold for the Moroccan warmth!

Taghazout weather

Taghazout has pleasant weather all year round – from 20 to 25°C. The hottest month is August with an average of 32-33°C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 19°C. Which is still pretty good! And because the village has a semi-arid climate, it also means you won’t get much rain.

Best time to surf in Taghazout

Best time to surf in Taghazout/Morocco

The surf season in Taghazout takes place from September to April, with November and December being the peak months for this activity – so this is the most recommended time to travel to this place. Outside of the season (aka during the European summer), you won’t get any big waves, unfortunately. And you’ll also find the town to be quite crowded with tourists.

Is Taghazout safe?

Yes, Taghazout is safe, but I’d always recommend being streetwise (avoiding dark alleys at night, for example). Crime and theft CAN happen. But if you’re careful about it and you don’t leave your belongings unattended while you travel, you’ll find this destination to be very tourist-friendly. After all, most of the village’s economy is based around tourism, so you’ll find the locals are very welcoming to travellers. If you’re a solo female traveller, you might encounter some uncomfortable cat calling at times. This is easily avoided by dressing modestly.

travel tips for visiting taghazout

My most important travel tips for Taghazout

This was my complete guide to Taghazout, Morocco! In this post, I have told you everything you need to know about this amazing place, from the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat, find the best surf and lots of precious information about how to get here from the nearby airports. In short, you should have everything you need for planning your trip here, and more!

People from all around the world travel to Taghazout for surfing, making it one of the best water sports destinations in all of Morocco. If you’re one of them, I wish you lots of fun during your Taghazout holidays, I’m sure you’re gonna love it!

And if you’re planning to travel to more destinations in Morocco (totally recommended!) such as Marrakech, for example, I recommend clicking here to find all my posts about this wonderful country.

xoxo,

Melissa

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Where to Stay in Marrakech, Morocco – Best Areas, Hotels and Riads

Are you wondering where to stay in Marrakech? That’s a legit question with multiple answers, all depending on your preferences, budget and itinerary. There are multiple Marrakech neighborhoods and each of them has its own advantages and vibes, as well as disadvantages. Luckily for you, this article will tell you everything you need to know in order to decide on the perfect area and hotel or riad for you! 

Marrakech is a vibrant city and a wonderful vacation destination catering to all types of travellers. It’s a place of culture, history, exotic gastronomy and stunning buildings everywhere you look. 

Let’s go!

Accommodation options in Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is the third-largest city in Morocco and it’s divided into two main parts: the old city where the historic centre is located (Medina) and the more developed, modern district with European influences. If you want to make the best out of your time in Marrakech, you HAVE to visit both sides!

Regardless of the part you’ll pick, you’ll have a plethora of accommodation options to choose from – luxurious hotels, resorts, traditional riads, hostels, villas and even self-catered apartments. Your choice, of course, depends on your travel style and budget. But to truly experience Marrakech, I recommend booking a room in a riad.

What is a riad?

resort with swimming pool

I’m pretty sure you’ve seen THE pictures before. Beautiful Moroccan houses with an interior garden full of colourful ceramic tiles, lush plants and usually a tiny pool in the middle as well. Yep, that’s a Marrakech riad, my friends. 

To be more precise, a riad is a type of traditional Morrocan accommodation (usually guesthouses and hotels) that has private rooms and a superb common area where you can relax and unwind. They’re usually hosted in restored traditional Moroccan mansions, so they can be pretty impressive. 

Most riads in Marrakech are located in Medina, which is the historical centre of the city. This brings me to a couple of… let’s say downsides that it’s better to keep in mind before you go. In case you decide to stay in a traditional riad (read: not that luxurious), you might encounter some plumbing issues, you might see a cockroach in the bathroom and you will most definitely be woken up in the morning by the prayer call. The call to prayer happens 5 times a day and the first one is at 6 AM in the morning. This is something to keep in mind regardless of your chosen accommodation type! 

This being said, I really believe a riad is the most awesome type of accommodation in Marrakech. Sure, you can find luxurious hotels and resorts everywhere around the world, but Morocco is world-renowned for its beautiful riads. So why not take on the opportunity?

TIP: Riads are extremely popular and they usually have fewer rooms than “normal” hotels, so if you’ve found one you love, I strongly recommend you book your spot in advance!

6 Best areas to stay in Marrakech, Morocco

best areas in marrakech map

Souks, museums, riads, spas, restaurants and more. As I mentioned before, each neighbourhood in Marrakech has different advantages and unique attractions. But which are the best areas in Marrakech for you? I’ve created a personalised list of recommendations by type of traveller below:

1 – Medina

shopping in marrakesh

The historical medina is hands-down the BEST area to stay in Marrakech for first-timers. This neighbourhood is known to be the heart of Marrakech and it’s clearly delimited from the rest of the city by a brick wall that used to defend it. Oh, did I mention it’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

What makes Medina one of the most important areas in Marrakech for tourists is the fact that this is where you’ll find all the most important attractions. I’m talking about places such as Jemaa El Fna (the central square of the city), Bahia Palace, Marrakech Museum and more. This is where the world-famous souks are located as well – traditional Moroccan markets where you can find various items from spices to rugs, shoes, handmade bags, scarves and more.  

Except for the amazing points of interest within the medina, one of the best things to do here is to take a walk on the streets, search for cosy cafes and just take in the unique vibe of this ancient neighbourhood. And admire Koutoubia Mosque from above while you’re there too!

An awesome advantage of staying within the medina is the fact that it’s extremely walkable and you can reach the most important highlights by foot in a 10-minute walk. If you want to visit things outside of the historical centre, you can easily take a taxi and you’re good to go.

RELATED READ: Complete Guide to Marrakesh, Morocco: 10 Things to Do and Reasons to Visit

La Maison Arabe Hotel Marrakech

And here are the best places to stay in Medina Marrakech for you to choose from:

SPLURGE. La Maison Arabe Hotel, Spa & Cooking Workshops – This is one of the most beautiful hotels in Marrakech, close to Jemaa El Fnaa square! It has a swimming pool, a spa and everything else you can wish for!

LUXURY RIAD. Royal Mansour Marrakech – Definitely one of the best places to stay in town with traditional Moroccan designs; some rooms even have a pool view!

MID-RANGE. Riad Spa Sindibad – A good value riad with excellent prices and an awesome location close to Jemaa El Fnaa and not far from Bahia Palace and other local sights either. The roof terrace is just a bonus!

BUDGET. Riad les 2 Portes – This is one of the most affordable riads in the medina, very close to Jemaa El Fna square (no more than 5 minutes away!).

HOSTEL. Mosaic Hostel – This beautiful hostel has a strong local vibe and it’s close to all the main sights in Marrakech!

APARTMENT. BnB MEDINA – One of the best places to stay if you’re looking for an apartment in the medina!

2 – Kasbah

Saadian tombs mausoleum in Marrakech

Kasbah is technically inside the medina, but I still wanted to present it as a special separate neighbourhood. It’s basically located in south medina, near the south gate, also known as the “Royal kasbah entrance”. Of course, Kasbah is way smaller than Medina, being just a tiny part of it, so the accommodation options will be a bit limited. But the charming vibe will be just the same!

The most important attraction in Kasbah is the Saadian Tombs – historical tombs made of marble and gold, dating from the days when the Saadian dynasty was ruling the area. It’s a real proof of opulence and a unique thing to see in Morocco, if I may add! And many riads in Kasbah are clustered around the Saadian Tombs, which is a nice perk. Another highlight of the area is El Badii Palace and the Moulay El-Yazid Mosque.

You’ll also have some pretty nice restaurant options in Kasbah and you’ll be within walking distance to the main attractions in the city center. And there are lots of cute cafes and spas around! As for the prices, I’d say they’re pretty much average – not too high, not too low.

Here are the best accommodation options in Kasbah for a comfortable stay in Marrakech:

SPLURGE. Almaha Marrakech Restaurant & SPA –  Hands-down one of the best places to stay in Marrakech for a complete splurge! This insane 5-star hotel has a swimming pool, a spa and it’s super close to all the important sights.

LUXURY RIAD. Riad Kasbah & Spa This is a gorgeous place to stay in the heart of Marrakech that has a roof terrace and two pool options! The building has been restored in an authentic, local Moroccan style, as you would expect in the medina.

MID-RANGE. Ksar Kasbah & Spa – Here’s a nice riad in the medina that offers very good value for money. Plus, the view of the indoor swimming pool is just incredible! 

BUDGET. Riad Loudaya – A cosy budget riad in the medina, close to the main sights! The on-site restaurant is a nice advantage as well.

HOSTEL. Kasbah Red Castel Hostel – A beautiful, colourful hostel close to the heart of medina, only a 10-minute walk to all the important attractions in Marrakech. The buffet breakfast with local dishes is pretty good as well!

VILLA. Villa with 6 bedrooms in Marrakesh – This cool villa can host up to 12 people, so it’s pretty perfect if you’re travelling with a big group of friends. 2km from El Fna square too!

3 – Hivernage

koutoubia mosque in marrakech
reasons to visit marrakesh in morocco

If you want to stay in one of the coolest parts of Marrakech, Hivernage is for you! This is also the neighbourhood where you’ll find some of the best luxury hotels in the city, as well as world-class restaurants, bars, cafes and shops. Splurgin’ in Morocco in style!

Hivernage has a cool European flair to it and, although you won’t find as many traditional buildings with Moroccan design here compared to the medina, you can enjoy plenty of international restaurants, luxury hotels and lots of green spaces such as Lalla Hasna Park and Cyber Park. But at night? That’s when the magic happens! Hivernage is well-known for its vibrant nightlife so you might want to add it in your itinerary for a fun end of the day. There are so many cool nightclubs and bars here, it will be hard to get bored – or to go to bed early. 

Another cool thing about this neighbourhood is it’s located very close to the city center (including Jemaa El Fna square) and it’s also well-connected to the rest of the Red City by public transport.

Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

And if you think that’s exactly what you need from your Marrakech neighbourhood, here are the best hotels and riads in Hivernage below:

SPLURGE. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech – This hotel is definitely a top place to stay in Marrakech! It offers a plunge pool, a spa, beautiful views of the garden from the balcony and some romantic rooms too!

LUXURY RIAD. Hivernage Secret Suites & Garden – A turquoise swimming pool, a very good restaurant, a terrace, a shared lounge – this is what you’ll find at this luxurious riad and more!

MID-RANGE. The Red HouseThis mid-range bed and breakfast located in a palace in the heart of Hivernage awaits with an on-site restaurant, free Wi-Fi and awesome amenities!

BUDGET. Amani Hotel Suites & Spa – This budget hotel in Marrakech has very good prices and beautiful rooms decorated in a local, Moroccan style. They also have a cafe and a panoramic restaurant which I think is pretty cool!

APARTMENT. Sunshine Apartment Marrakech – An 84 sqm apartment good for up to 4 people. It has a private pool and room service, so you’ll feel spoiled just like in a luxury hotel!

4 – Agdal

agdal gardens in marrakech

Wondering where to stay in Marrakech on a budget? Agdal is definitely your answer! Agdal is a neighbourhood located a bit south of the city center and, although it doesn’t have as many Moroccan buildings with traditional design as the medina, it has its own charm. And it has TONS of accommodation options for all pockets and preferences! Affordable riads, hostels and good value hotels as well. 

If you decide to stay here, you won’t be very far from the centre – let’s say about a 20-minute drive. And there are plenty of public transportation options here that will make your travelling hassle-free. You’ll also have plenty of options for restaurants, cafes and bars. And a few nightclubs too!

I recommend Agdal to all travellers that want to stay in a very nice accommodation that doesn’t have sky-high prices and to those that want to be close to the historical heart of the city, but without the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds. You’ll be close to Jardins de l’Agdal / Agdal Gardens (a superb botanical garden) dating from the 12th century and the Royal Palace as well.

If you feel like Agdal is THE place for you, here’s my list of hand-picked hotels and best riads in this beautiful neighbourhood:

SPLURGE. Kenzi Menara Palace & Resort All Inclusive – This is a cool 5-star all-inclusive resort that offers not one swimming pool, but three! It also has a restaurant, a spa and it’s walking distance to all the main attractions in the neighborhood. 

LUXURY RIAD. Al Fassia Aguedal – An upscale riad decorated in a traditional Moroccan style with cosy rooms and an awesome swimming pool! Make sure you don’t forget to try their restaurant with the same name, too.

MID-RANGE. Kech Boutique Hotel & Spa – If you’re looking for beautiful, good value hotels with family-friendly rooms, this one’s for you. And if you get a room with a pool view from the balcony, you’re golden!

BUDGET. Jnane Leila – Beautiful, traditional rooms, good prices and great amenities – this is how I would describe this B&B. The on-site luxury garden is a pretty cool bonus too!

APARTMENT. Prestigia 16 – A spacious apartment (103 sqm) fit for a family or group of friends. Each room has a modern, minimalist decor and the fully equipped kitchen is a big advantage as well!

VILLA. Villa Prestige – Huge, beautiful villa in Marrakech, perfect to enjoy all the fun you want together with your friends or family. Private pool and sun terrace included!

5 – Gueliz

Majorelle Garden in Marrakesh

Guéliz, located west of medina, is somehow similar to Hivernage because it has a cool European vibe that appeals to youngsters especially. Because of this, it’s often called the “European Quarter”! Gueliz is a beautiful place that caters for various types of tourists. Regardless if you’re looking for an upscale hotel, a fun nightclub or music venue or a cute cafe, you’ll find all of these and more in Gueliz.

Some highlights of this area include Parc El Harti where you’ll find many world-class restaurant options and charming cafes as well – plus lots of upscale shops as well. Here’s where you’ll find the MACMA Museum of Marrakech (contemporary art museum) and lots of art galleries as well (Matisse Art Gallery, David Bloch Gallery etc.). Another unmissable point of interest here is Jardin Majorelle / Majorelle Gardens – a peaceful oasis full of beautiful plants in the middle of the city! 

As for the accommodation options, you’ll have no shortage of those here. There are numerous self-catered apartments and beautiful luxury hotels in Gueliz, as well as superb riads – and they’re not as expensive as in Hivernage. Plus, you’ll be very well connected to the rest of the city thanks to the numerous public transportation options. 

That being said, here are the best Marrakech hotels in Gueliz:

SPLURGE. Radisson Blu Marrakech, Carré Eden – This 5-star luxury hotel is THE way to go if you want to enjoy the city of Marrakech in style! All rooms have beautiful decor and a balcony from where you can admire the city.

LUXURY HOTEL. 2Ciels Boutique Hôtel – This is one of the most stylish hotels in Gueliz! The rooms are simply superb and the accommodation also has an on-site spa, an outdoor pool, an on-site restaurant and more. 

MID-RANGE. Hôtel Ibn Batouta – If you’re looking for a good value hotel in Marrakech that has beautiful, family-friendly rooms and good proximity to the main attractions, this one’s for you!

BUDGET. Marrakech Inn Appart-hotel & Pool – An affordable accommodation in Gueliz, close to Majorelle Garden. Each room is clean, decorated in a modern style!

APARTMENTS. AiM HOUSE – This beautiful, modern apartment close to the heart of Marrakech city is an excellent choice! One of the best perks is the terrace, for sure – just imagine sipping a coffee while admiring the sunrise from there!

6 – Palmeraie

palmeraie gardens in marrakech

Are you wondering where to stay in Marrakech for a dose of adventure without going out of the city? Heh, Palmeraie is for you then! Yes, this neighbourhood is an excellent spot if you’ve had enough of Marrakech medina, traditional buildings and sipping mint tea in a cafe. Here’s where you can ride camels, go on a quad bike adventure, play some golf and more – all without travelling to the desert.

Palmeraie is tucked away between palm trees on the banks of Tensift River and it’s a superb spot for relaxing and splurging in an upscale hotel. It’s quiet and laid-back but you’ll also have enough nightclub options to keep you busy until the morning. Palmeraie has the best of both worlds! 

There are many accommodation options here, from 5-star hotels to resorts and apartments. Most of them offer an excellent service but don’t expect low prices, especially around Jardins de la Palmeraie.

Palais Ronsard Relais & Chateaux

If you think Palmeraie will cater to your needs, here’s my list of chosen hotels for you to pick from:

SPLURGE. Palais Ronsard Relais & Chateaux – Trust me, it simply doesn’t get better than this! Book a room here if you want the most luxurious stay in Marrakech during which you’ll enjoy an outdoor pool, a spa, a romantic room and more.

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Tigmiza Boutique Hotel & Spa – This is among the most charming boutique hotels in the city! It has a spa, superb rooms, a terrace, and an on-site restaurant with delicious dishes.

LUXURY RIAD. Maison Ayda – Yes, I have found a riad (more like a holiday home) in Palmeraie that offers beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains! It also has a garden and BBQ facilities, so that’s pretty neat too. 

MID-RANGE. Villa Le Perroquet Bleu – This beautiful villa offers different types of rooms depending on your preferences and budget. It’s located in a lush location, 10 km away from the main attractions in the city of Marrakech.

BUDGET APARTMENT. Palmeraie Village – There aren’t many budget hotels in Palmeraie, but I have found you this affordable apartment with two rooms instead. Perfect for a convenient, pocket-friendly stay in the city of Marrakech!

BONUS: Other good areas to stay in Marrakech

RELATED READ: 8 Best Things To Do in Taghazout, Morocco

Did you find the perfect place to stay in Marrakech for your trip yet? I hope so, as the article above has every recommendation you might need! I have talked about the 6 best areas to stay in Marrakech and given you my hand-picked options for excellent hotels, riads, hostels, apartments and villas as well. What more could you wish for?

In case you’re planning a trip to Marrakech soon and want to read more about the city and all the cool things you can do there, I recommend this article > Complete guide to Marrakesh, Morocco: 10 Things to Do and Reasons to Visit. And here are all my articles about Morocco!

xoxo,

Melissa

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Complete Guide to Marrakesh, Morocco: 10 Things to Do and Reasons to Visit

Marrakesh is one of the most popular and stylish cities in Morocco and with good reason: it’s a wonderful city full of colours, history and culture. If you’re planning a trip there soon, you’re in luck! This complete travel guide to Marrakesh includes the best things to do, where to stay, where to eat and everything else in-between.

Scroll down to find my complete Marrakesh travel guide!

where is marrakesh located

It is said that Marrakesh is one of the most unforgettable destinations to visit in the world. Once you step foot in Marrakesh and see the superb streets and medina walls… that’s it, it’s in your heart forever! If I think about it, I can say that Marrakesh is a city of senses: strong smells from the spices, beautiful colours, the chatter of people making trades in the souks. It can feel frantic and overbearing, but there is nowhere in the world quite like it. Yep, it’s safe to say that I like it a lot.

That being said, let’s what out why Marrakesh is worth a spot on your bucket list.

First of all, why visit Marrakesh?

reasons to visit marrakesh in morocco

In case you’re not convinced yet, I have some pretty strong arguments for you. First of all, it’s a city full of history – after all, it’s almost 1.000 years old! Second, you can never truly get bored there. There’s shopping, there’s food tasting and there are beautiful buildings everywhere you look, from palaces to mosques. They have riads (local guesthouses), souks (markets) and hammams (public baths). And let’s not forget about the mint tea served in the local cafes, long walks in lush gardens and the red sandstone walls that gave Marrakech its nickname – the Red City.

Marrakesh is “divided” into two different parts: the traditional, ancient half where the ‘medina’ is (Old City) and the colonial half (Ville Nouvelle). In order to truly understand Marrakesh, you’ll need to visit both sides! 

Oh, and is it Marrakech or Marrakesh? To be honest, it doesn’t really matter, as both versions are equally accepted. So, you’ll find both of them used in this article. You know, to keep you on your toes.

Guide to Marrakesh: Top 10 things to do in Marrakech

1 – Explore the medina and Jemaa el Fna Square

Jemaa el Fna Square in marrakesh

The Medina is the name of the old town in Marrakesh and it’s located inside the red sandstone walls. Yes, this is the reason why Marrakech is called the “Red City” or the “Ochre City”! This part of the city is made up of a maze of ancient narrow streets and alleyways and lots of markets, as well as some iconic buildings. If you want to experience authentic Marrakech, this is the first place to add to your itinerary!

Here are some unmissable spots to visit in the heart of the city:

JEMAA EL FNA SQUARE

This is a famous spot, considered to be the heart of the city and one of the best things to do in Marrakesh (think of it as Morocco’s version of Time Square). Jemaa El Fna is a big open square and a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll find snake charmers, food stalls, henna artists, street theatre performances and everything else in-between.

SOUKS

souk in marrakesh

Souks are basically market ensembles found in Morocco where you can find anything you can imagine from spices to colourful carpets, scarves, leather items, hand-carved trinkets and more. And trust me, you HAVE TO visit the souks in order to taste authentic Marrakesh! Let’s be honest, they are impossible to miss. You can find them if you walk north from Jemaa el Fna Square. Some notable souks are:

TIP: Don’t forget about haggling! Sometimes walking away from a sale is the best way to drive down the tourist prices. If you’re looking for a souk tour, I recommend this colourful souks tour

If you want to discover this part of Marrakech with a guide, I recommend this tour. Or this night tour!

2 – El Badi Palace

El Badi Palace in Marrakesh Moroco

El Badi Palace (Palais el-Badi), literally translating to “The Incomparable”, is both a narcissistic and a… pretty accurate name. This palace dating from the end of the 16th century was once a place of luxury with no less than 300 gold and crystal rooms – Present day, we only have some ruins left of the ceremonial part of the palace complex. But it’s enough to soak in the grandeur of it all! Once you step inside, you’ll find lush gardens and a beautiful pool. I’m pretty sure El Badi will show you just how powerful and opulent Morocco’s old dynasties were. 

El Badi Palace entrance fee: 70 Moroccan dirham/person (7.80 US$).

3 – Bahia Palace

bahia palace marrakesh

If you’re a fan of Islamic architecture or if you want to learn more about Marrakesh’s history while taking some incredible pictures, this is THE place for you! Bahia Palace (roughly translating to “beautiful”) is a 19th-century palace that now hosts the Moroccan Ministry of Cultural Affairs. But, of course, you can visit it – and I strongly advise you do!

This superb place is full of colourful mosaics (you’ll hear me say this a lot all through this article!), intricately painted ceilings and impressive engravings and woodwork and, I kid you not, it was once known as the most luxurious palace in Morocco! While you’re there, don’t forget to check out the gardens and the courtyard as well, they’re very pretty!

Entrance fee: 70 DH/person (7.80 US$).

TIP: If you want to visit Bahia, El Badi and the Saadian Tombs altogether with a professional guide, I recommend this one (entrance fees not included).

4 – Ben Youssef Mosque

ben youssef mosque in marrakesh

Next on our list of impressive buildings in Marrakesh is Ben Youssef Mosque (Medersa Ben Youssef) – the most important mosque in the entire city! It is also the oldest one so yeah, it makes sense. It’s actually a former Islamic/Koran school founded in the 14th century that has recently received a gorgeous renovation. You can admire the outside architecture but also visit the inside to see all the traditional elements, including the old dormitories! 

Ben Youssef Mosque entrance fee: 40 Moroccan dirham (4.50 US$).

5 – Jardon Majorelle

Majorelle Garden in Marrakesh

No less than 12 acres of lush greenery and flowers (and birds!) make these gardens a true highlight of the city in the Ville Nouvelle part of the city. And because we’re in Morocco, we need a pop of colour to complete the picture – some Art Deco cobalt blue walls, of course, right in the centre of it all. 

The gardens, built by a French painter called Jacques Majorelle, are an excellent place to relax and unwind after walking through the city all day. Plus, the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech is also located here and it’s worth a combined visit.

TIP #1: Make sure you visit this botanical oasis very early in the morning if you want to avoid the crowds. Trust me, there ARE crowds here, all looking for the same thing: the perfect Instagram picture.

TIP #2: If you have the time, you can visit Menara Gardens as well – it’s less crowded but just as gorgeous.

Entrance fee: 70 DH (7.80 US$). The ticket for the garden + museum is 100 DH (around 11 US$). Or you can take this guided tour that includes a Palmeraie camel ride.

6 – Saadian Tombs

Saadian tombs mausoleum in Marrakech

This has to be one of the most beautiful mausoleums in the entire world! This is Saadian Sultan Ahmed al Mansour ed-Dahbi’s resting place and a laid-back spot, perfect for some relaxation away from the crowds of tourists. 

Just like the palaces I was talking about before, this place is SO luxurious, you can’t even imagine. Think Italian marble, gold, mosaic and any other expensive material you can imagine. You name it and you’ll find it at the tombs. Gorgeous!

Saadian Tombs entrance fee: 70 DH (7.80 US$).

7 – Musée Yves Saint Laurent

Surprised? I thought so! In fact, it’s well known that Yves Saint Laurent loved Marrakesh so much, he even bought the Majorelle Gardens and opened a museum right next to them in 2017. And yes, it showcases exactly what you’re expecting: iconic clothes from the designer’s collections, created over the course of his 40 year-long career. You don’t even need to love fashion to visit it, it’s simply impressive in any way you may look at it. There’s also a cute cafe there, as well as a bookshop, so you might want to check these out as well.

TIP: If you’re super passionate about the subject, I recommend this Yves Saint Laurent tour.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum entrance fee: 100 DH (around 11 US$).

8 – Go shopping

shopping in marrakesh

Do I STILL need to say it? I thought it was as obvious as daylight: you simply cannot go to Morocco (and Marrakesh especially) without buying something. Anything! Shopping their style is so unique and their craft is so intricate that it’s hard to not fall in love with their ceramics, rugs or clothes. And don’t even get me started on their handmade leather bags – to die for!

The best place to go for some authentic shopping and haggling is, of course, at the souks in the Old City. Alternatively, you can try the Ensemble Artisanal as well – a small mall with fixed prices.

9 – Go to a spa or hammam

hammam in marrakesh

They say nothing compares to taking a bath in a local hammam or spa while you’re in Marrakech. And I must admit, you kinda have to tick this off your bucket list!

But first, what’s a hammam? Well, that’s the Arabic name for a steam bath spa. And just like everything in Morocco, even this term has a long and complex history. In short, hammams were once the only place where locals could take a bath, as private bathrooms were considered to be complete luxuries way back when. 

Nowadays, hammams are still everywhere in Morocco, although they’re more developed now: you can choose from luxury ones or public ones which are more traditional. If you choose a public one, you should know that you have to bring your own soap, towel, shampoo and all that jazz, but the entrance fee will be very cheap – 10 DH (1.10 US$), as well as the treatments (a scrub is around 20 DH/2 US$). For the private ones, the entrance can be from 300 to 500 DH (33 to 55 US$) and they offer professional treatments as well such as scrubs and massages.

Two of the best hammams in Marrakesh I can recommend are Hammam de la Rose and La Mamounia. But you MUST reserve your spot in advance, so keep that in mind!

TIP: You can book a hammam experience in advance here.

10 – Grab a bite and drink some mint tea

mint tea in marrakesh

Marrakesh and Morocco in general are often associated with a strong tea culture – and that is completely true! You’ll find people offering sweet mint tea all over the city and there are also some renowned places where you can experience a classic high tea. One such example is La Mamounia (add it to your list people!). 

As for the food… it’s simply incredible and bursting with amazing flavours. Keep reading to find my complete list of must-try dishes while you’re in Marrakesh, as well as some of the best places to grab a bite.

BONUS: Extra things to do in Marrakech, Morocco

cool things to do in marrakech

In case you have some more time to spare on the streets of Marrakesh, here’s a list of some extra activities and things to see:

Best Marrakesh tours by type of traveller

koutoubia mosque in marrakech
best tours of marrakesh

I know, Marrakech is exciting. It’s unique. But it’s also full of unmissable activities, so creating the perfect itinerary might feel like a tedious task. So why spend precious time trying to organise everything when you can hire some help instead? And I’m talking about organised tours, of course. With professional guides and transportation included as well. Here are some of my best suggestions:

CITY TOURS & UNIQUE ACTIVITIES:

DAY TRIPS

If you’re looking for the best things to do around Marrakech, I got you covered with a selection of some of the most popular day trips:

RELATED READ: 8 Best Things To Do in Taghazout, Morocco

Where to stay in Marrakesh

RELATED READ: Where to stay in Marrakesh, Morocco

Prepare to be spoiled for choice, my friends! Although there are plenty of accommodation options in the city, I recommend booking a room in a riad (local guesthouse) if you want an authentic experience while you’re in Marrakech. 

The main area where you want to look for your hotel is inside the medina – Marrakech city centre. There are countless options there, from hostels to traditional riads (local guesthouses). Guéliz is another good choice if you’re looking for mid-range hotels located close to the train station. Last but not least, Hivernage is a modern neighbourhood in the Ville Nouvelle part of the city where you’ll find numerous luxury resorts and hotels.

That being said, here are my hand-picked accommodation recommendations in Marrakesh:

SPLURGE. Four Seasons Resort Marrakech

BOUTIQUE HOTEL. Hotel La Maison Arabe

MID-RANGE RIAD. Riad Palais Calipau

BUDGET RIAD. Riad les 2 Portes

HOSTEL. Mosaic Hostel

ENTIRE APARTMENT. Sweet Jacob’s Appartment Gueliz

Best restaurants in Marrakesh and what to eat

Ah, the food of Morocco… simply incredible! Of course, you have to try some traditional dishes while you’re in Marrakesh, there’s no discussion here. Below you will find my list of recommended dishes, as well as the best places to try each of them:

TAGINE

THE most traditional dish of Marrakech by far! This type of food is what made the city so special in Morocco. Tanjia is basically jugged meat (beef or lamb). You can find it served at various street food stalls in the city centre as well as in more luxurious restaurants. “Tanjia” actually means the jug in which the meat is cooked and the traditional method is pretty interesting to know too: in the old times, people would take their “tagine” to the butcher to buy the meat and the proper spices. Then, they would take their jug to the hammam where it was cooked in a furnace – for hours. Meal: done! I recommend going to Mechoui Alley in the medina for a simple yet delicious tagine experience.

tagine curry dish in marrakech

SNAIL SOUP / BABBOUCHE

Yes, it’s a white snail soup and it’s pretty good! You can eat it at the street food stalls in Jemaa el Fna square but not many tourists are brave enough to try it!

babbouche snail soup dish in marrakech

B’STILLA

A traditional type of pie in Marrakech (it’s a Fes original, actually, but let’s not get stuck on these minor details now). It’s made with pastry, pigeon meat, eggs, spices and almonds as well. A must-try! From the street stalls, of course. Alternatively, you can go to Al Fassia.

b'stilla pigeon pie dish in marrakech

HARIRA

Chickpea-lentil soup which is usually served for breakfast during Ramadan, but you can also find it in several places around the city all year round. Served in cute tiny bowls! I recommend Cafe Caravan for this one.

harira soup in marrakech

ORANGE JUICE

I know, I know – it may sound a bit… underwhelming, but the oranges in Morocco are famous all over the world – and with good reason! So it’s a no-brainer to try some fresh orange juice from the food stalls in the old city square, right? Works perfectly as a refreshment while you’re making your way around the city!

orange juice in marrakesh

CHEBAKIA

Super sweet and super yummy sesame cookies with honey. From the street food stalls, of course. You find these during Ramadan especially.

chebakia cookies in marrakesh

Some other amazing restaurants that serve a delicious blend of Moroccan and European dishes are El Fenn Riad, Le Marocain at La Mamounia and Atay Cafe Food. And, of course, let’s not forget about Café de la Poste – one of the most famous and beautiful cafes in the city, with superb architecture and delicious French dishes!

TIP: If you want to make sure you’re not missing out on any traditional Marrakech dish, I recommend taking a food tour such as this 3.5-Hour Food Tour and Dinner at the souks during which you’ll get to taste several dishes and find out interesting information from your guide as well! Alternatively, if you want to take it a step further, you can try this Tagine cookery class with a local.

How to get around Marrakesh

getting around in marrakesh

Although Marrakech is not that small, it’s really easy to navigate – lucky us, the tourists! You can either walk, rent a scooter or take a bus or taxi. 

WALKING. If you choose walking, I recommend having a local SIM card with data so you can have an online connection for Google Maps – very much needed and very useful with the winding streets! Or you can download offline maps – that’s always a good idea.

ALSA BUS. Buses are very affordable – a single ride is around 2 to 5 DH (0.20 to 0.50 US$) and they run from 6 AM to 10 PM. Very convenient!

SCOOTER RENTAL. It’s not a bad idea to rent a scooter or motorcycle while you’re in Marrakech, especially if you’re already experienced riding them. Prices are around 180 DH (18.50 US$) for half a day. You can rent them in the old city centre.

TAXI. Pretty affordable too – their base price is 7 DH and then they charge you 4 DH/km. But please make sure you ask the driver to start the meter when you enter the taxi and be prepared to pay the exact number shown.

Supratours buses are a valid option too if you’re planning on organising some day trips yourself. You can check out their routes and buy your online ticket here.

HOW TO GET FROM THE AIRPORT TO THE CENTRE. You have different options here as well, for all pockets. You can either take a taxi for around 80 to 100 DH (8 to 10 US$). You can try to negotiate the price before starting the ride, though! There’s also an express airport bus that costs 30 DH one-way (3.30 US$). Or you can arrange for a private car transfer beforehand, which you can book online here.

BONUS: My travel tips for visiting Marrakesh

tips for visiting marrakesh
visit marrakesh in morocco

As usual, I couldn’t let you go without offering you some precious travel tips to get you ready! Here’s what you should keep in mind before your trip:

INTERACT WITH YOUR RIGHT HAND.

In Moroccan culture, the left hand is usually considered to be unclean and the right one cleaner, so keep in mind to use your right hand when interacting with the local people (sorry, lefties!).

FRIDAYS ARE HOLY DAYS.

Don’t be surprised to find that some places are closed on Fridays because of this reason.

VISIT DURING THE RIGHT TIMES.

March, April, May, September, October and November are the months when it’s ideal to book your trip. The temperatures are just right (not so hot that you’ll be sweating the entire time).

TAKE RAMADAN INTO CONSIDERATION.

Ramadan is their most important holiday and it takes places during the 9th month in the Muslim calendar. Ramadan is 30 days long and you won’t see any local people eating or drinking during the day then. Plus, some restaurants and other places might have a shorter schedule.

BEWARE OF SCAMS.

It’s common practice in Marrakech and in Morocco in general for locals to insist on inviting you into their shop and offering you mint tea. Although that seems pretty nice and hospitable, you might be “forced” to buy something in return, even if you don’t want it. So it’s best to avoid it! The same thing applies to locals that insist on offering you directions on the street – they almost always ask you for money in return. No, thank you, I have my Google Maps!

DRESS APPROPRIATELY.

Especially as a woman, it’s best to cover yourself – be warned, bare knees and shoulders will have locals gawking at you. Remember that this is a cultural thing, you’re visiting their country and it’s important to be respectful and most importantly, safe.

BE STREET SMART AND SAFE.

Please, please, please – if you are a solo female traveller, be careful and vigilant. The culture towards women in Morocco is very different to the western world. You will meet many people who are incredible, welcoming and polite. However, as a solo western woman you WILL generate a lot of unwanted attention. Be very stern with men who are bothering you and it might be best to avoid walking the medina alone at night. Sadly with these things, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Aaand that’s about everything I had to say in my complete guide to Marrakech! I tried to cover everything I could think of for a perfect trip to the city – from the best things to do to where to stay, what and where to eat, how to get around and everything else in-between. I hope this information was useful to you and I wish you an excellent time in Marrakesh!

If you have big travel plans and you’re planning on heading to other cities in Morocco as well during your trip, I recommend clicking here to read all about my adventures in this wonderful country.

xoxo,

Melissa

Want to know more about travelling to Marrakesh?

Pin it for later!

Things to Know Before Travelling to Marrakesh Morocco
A Complete Guide to Visiting Marrakesh Morocco

Sign Up For Our Newsletter!

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