Marrakech Bucket List – 10 Touristy Must-Do’s When You Visit

UPDATED MAR 2020. Marrakech is one of the most vibrant cities to visit with energy all of its own. Travelers have a lot to choose from when it comes to things to do and there’s something for everyone from relaxing spa treatments to the hustle and bustle of the Medina. Here’s a look at a Marrakech bucket list with 10 things you can’t miss when you visit.

Marrakech Bucket List – 10 Touristy Must-Do’s When You Visit

Disclaimer:

This post was written in partnership with Riad Star.

I am also an affiliate with Booking.com.

Basic planning information for visiting Marrakech

How long do you need to visit Marrakech?

I stayed for 3 nights and felt like I needed 1 more because 2 days wasn’t enough.

When is the best time to visit?

April – May and September – December is the best time to visit for milder weather and fewer crowds.

Is it safe for solo female travelers?

Short answer, yes.

Comfortability during travel, especially solo travel is so subjective though and I wouldn’t recommend it for your first solo trip.

You can have a great time as a solo traveler in Marrakech but you need to be smart about keeping yourself safe.

Here is my full guide on how to stay safe in Marrakech as a solo traveler.

So many spices, herbs, and teas to choose from

Marrakech bucket list

1. Explore the souks in the Medina

Exploring the Souks was one of my favorite things to do in Marrakech.

As you walk through the Souk area you are met with stall after stall filled to the brim with goodies to buy.

It’s a great place for shopping and you’ll certainly be able to find some unique souvenirs here. Some of the most popular items to buy are sandals, kaftans, rugs and of course the spices.

Haggling is common and expected so you will most likely be able to strike a bargain while you’re shopping. Just remember to haggle respectfully and not be a douchebag tourist.

Travel tip: It’s a good idea to have cash for your visit. You can get cash out at ATMs in the airport after you go through customs and if you need more, there are secure ATMs in the main square.

A quiet area of the Souks

2. Stay in a riad

This was the extraordinary travel experience of my visit. Simply put, it’s heavenly!

I truly felt like a princess staying in a palace and the warm, friendly service made it feel like home.

Location was important to me as a solo female traveler and staying in the heart of the Medina made it easy to get around on foot.

This way I didn’t have any taxi hassles and I could get where I needed to without waiting.

I stayed at Riad Star and you can read my full review of Riad Star here.

Definitely add staying in a riad to your Marrakech bucket list.

3. Get a henna tattoo

Another item for your Marrakech bucket list is to get a henna tattoo.

There are plenty of places where you can get one. Even as you walk in the main square the henna ladies might grab your hand and start to draw one on you as you walk. If you don’t want it, make sure to clearly say ‘no’ and continue walking.

If you want an authentic one, try the Henna Cafe. Here you can get a simple design done for between 50-100 MAD ($5-10 USD).

You can get drinks and snacks there and you will also be giving back to the local communities at this not for profit establishment.

Travel tip: Make sure you get it at the end of your stay so you don’t accidentally stain the sheets where you’re staying.

4. Try the tagine

Tagine is a traditional Moroccan dish that is a slow-cooked, rich stew cooked in a special clay pot called a tagine.

The pot consists of a bowl and a cone-shaped lid. It allows steam to form during the cooking process then fall back into the dish as condensation.

In this way, less water is needed for cooking making it perfect for dry climates.

The slow cooking means the meat is full of flavor and melts in your mouth. Beef, chicken, lamb or vegetables can be served and a tagine can be ordered at most restaurants.

Travel tip: If you’re in the Medina, try dinner on the rooftop at Le Foundouk where you can get a nice tagine under the stars!

Dinner at Riad Star

5. Experience a hammam

I experienced my first ever hammam while visiting Marrakech and I can’t even describe how smooth and silky my skin felt afterward.

A hammam is where you go into a steam room and a lady basically washes you, exfoliates your skin with a scrub, applies a mask and then oils you afterward.

It’s a deep clean for your skin and great treatment to get after the days out exploring in the sun and dirt.

I got one at Riad Star where I was staying and it was convenient to have it right upstairs & even better to laze on the roof with some fresh mint tea afterward.

Drinking tea on the roof after my hammam

6. Get a fresh OJ

Did you know that Morocco exports citrus fruits and it’s famous for its high-quality orange juice?

In the Jemaa El Fna main square, there are lines of stalls out in the middle which will sell you a freshly squeezed juice for a couple of bucks and it puts any other orange juice you’ve had to shame.

It’s pure oranges and so fresh and tasty.

You’ll get a glass of this fresh, liquidy pick-me-up to start your day with breakfast at the Riad and while you’re out and about it’s also a perfect afternoon treat.

Travel tip: It’s common for the juices to be served in a glass at the stalls. If you don’t want to stand there to drink it, ask for a takeaway plastic cup or bring your own water bottle.

The freshest orange juice

7. Go on a day trip

While you’re visiting Marrakech, make sure to allow some time for a day trip to get out of the city.

I booked a day tour through I Go Morocco and chose to visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls which was such a fun day.

I was picked up from my riad in the morning and whisked away to the Atlas Mountains where we hiked to the gushing waterfalls.

There are a lot of day tours on offer from Ourika Valley, to Essaouira which I’ve heard that’s a must-do. No matter which you choose, be sure to plan a tour outside of Marrakech.

Travel tip: If you do the Ouzoud Waterfalls tour, make sure to wear comfortable shoes for walking on dirt trails and bring some water because you’ll need it!

Ouzoud waterfalls

8. Drink endless amounts of mint tea

You just have to try the famous Moroccan mint tea while you are visiting.

Once you do, you’ll probably get hooked because it’s so damn good.

I don’t usually like hot drinks on hot days, but the freshness of the mint made it a refreshing treat.

You can even buy your own mint tea at the Souks to try and recreate when you get back home. I tried to make it at home but it wasn’t quite as good – there’s just something special about the mint tea in Morocco.

Travel tip: Part of your stay at Riad Star includes unlimited mint tea, made fresh upon request!

9. See the sights of Marrakech

Get your tourist hat on and your camera ready because there’s a lot to see.

The oldest building in Marrakech – the Almoravid Kouba, can be seen in the museum district as well as art and cultural artifacts at Musee de Marrakech and the historic Ben Yussef Maddarassa.

Don’t forget a visit to the popular Saadian Tombs and Jardin Majorelle gardens.

Travel tip: If you prefer to travel with a guide, I have heard great reviews for Said from Morocco Daily Tours.

10. Get lost!

All of the narrow alleyways give Medina a maze-like feeling.

It makes it an interesting place to explore, but you’re likely to get lost at some point. To be honest, it’s kind of half the fun.

You’ll also find that people will offer you directions as you are walking. The directions are not free and it’s more of a street scam,

Just say ‘no merci‘ or ‘no shukraan‘ and keep walking.

As you walk, keep an eye out for things you can recognize to help you find your way back. If you get overwhelmed easily you could also book a tour guide to walk with you.

Travel tip: As a guest at Riad Star you can use their app which features an offline map that is perfect for navigating the Medina. Google Maps doesn’t recognize all of the alleyways so don’t rely on this.

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