Marrakech Travel Guide: Souks, Riads and Day Trips

Marrakech is a feast for the senses, a former imperial city where a maze-like medina, vivid souks and tranquil gardens sit beneath the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. It can be intense at first, but staying in a traditional riad and learning the rhythm of the old city quickly turns the chaos into magic. For Gulf travellers it offers a familiar Islamic culture wrapped in a distinctly North African flavour. The trick to enjoying Marrakech is to give yourself time to adjust, choosing the right base and easing into the pace rather than trying to see everything at once.

The medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa

The walled old city, the medina, is the heart of Marrakech. Its central square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, transforms through the day from a market into a swirling evening carnival of food stalls, musicians and storytellers. Around it, the souks spread out in a labyrinth selling lanterns, leather, spices and carpets, where good-natured haggling is part of the experience.

• Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa at dusk for the full spectacle.
• Hire a guide for your first souk visit to find your bearings.
• Watch the square from a rooftop cafe with mint tea.

Palaces and gardens

Escape the bustle in Marrakech's serene spaces. The Bahia Palace dazzles with carved cedar and tilework, while the Saadian Tombs reveal exquisite craftsmanship. The Majorelle Garden and the adjacent Yves Saint Laurent museum offer cool, cobalt-blue calm. The Koutoubia Mosque, with its landmark minaret, anchors the skyline.

Staying in a riad

A riad, a traditional house built around an interior courtyard, is the quintessential Marrakech stay. Hidden behind plain medina walls, these tranquil retreats with plunge pools and rooftop terraces are a world away from the lanes outside, and put you within walking distance of the sights.

Day trips

Marrakech is a springboard for adventure. The Atlas Mountains, an hour or two away, offer Berber villages, waterfalls at Ouzoud and hiking. The Agafay desert provides camel rides and camps close to the city, while the coastal town of Essaouira makes a breezy full-day escape.

The new city

Beyond the medina walls, the Gueliz and Hivernage districts are Marrakech's modern face, with wide boulevards, contemporary cafes, boutiques and restaurants. They offer a calmer, more spacious counterpoint to the old city and are handy for an evening when the souks feel overwhelming. Many travellers split their stay or at least an evening between the two, enjoying the medina's intensity by day and the new city's ease by night.

Food and etiquette

Moroccan cuisine is a highlight: tagines, couscous, pastilla and endless mint tea, all halal. Dress modestly, especially in the medina, and ask before photographing people. Friday is the main prayer day, when some shops close briefly. Tipping is customary for guides and good service, and carrying small notes is useful in the souks and cafes.

Getting around

The medina is a pedestrian maze where getting pleasantly lost is part of the experience, though it is worth saving a landmark or your riad's location on your phone. Petit taxis are cheap for crossing the city; agree the fare or ask for the meter before setting off. For day trips to the Atlas Mountains, the desert or Essaouira, hiring a driver or joining an organised tour is the simplest option and lets you enjoy the scenery along the way.

When to visit

Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather. Summer is very hot, suited to early mornings and pool time, while winter days are mild and pleasant, with the Atlas peaks dusted in snow.

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Marrakech?

Three to four days covers the medina, palaces and gardens with time for one or two day trips to the mountains or coast.

Is Marrakech good for Muslim travellers?

Yes. Morocco is a Muslim-majority country with universal halal food, abundant mosques and a culture that feels both familiar and distinctive to Gulf visitors.

Is haggling expected in the souks?

Yes, bargaining is part of the culture and done in good humour. Start below the asking price and negotiate with a smile.

Marrakech rewards travellers who slow down and surrender to its rhythm. Base yourself in a quiet riad, brave the souks, and balance the medina's intensity with a day in the mountains or by the sea. Once the city's rhythm clicks, Marrakech becomes one of the most enchanting places to lose yourself in the region.