What to Do in Marrakech & Best Day Trips from Marrakech
- isouktanr
- Sep 3, 2025
- 4 min read
Discover the best things to do in Marrakech and top day trips from Marrakech, from exploring the Atlas Mountains and Ouzoud Waterfalls to Essaouira, Aït Ben Haddou, Ourika Valley, and more. Adventure, culture, and authentic Moroccan experiences await.
Top Things to Do in Marrakech
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
The heart of Marrakech is Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, a UNESCO cultural treasure. By day it is filled with fruit stalls, street performers, and local vendors. At night, it transforms into a lively food market where you can taste traditional Moroccan dishes and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.
Explore the Medina and Souks
The Marrakech Medina is a maze of narrow streets lined with souks selling spices, carpets, leather goods, ceramics, and jewelry. Bargaining is part of the experience, and each section of the souk has its own specialty.
Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum
This iconic garden is one of Marrakech’s most visited attractions. Designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, the Majorelle Garden is filled with exotic plants, fountains, and the famous cobalt-blue walls. The nearby museum showcases Moroccan art and fashion.
Palaces and Monuments
Marrakech has many historical sites worth visiting:
Bahia Palace: A 19th-century palace known for its courtyards and mosaics.
El Badi Palace: Once the jewel of the Saadian dynasty, today a fascinating ruin.
Saadian Tombs: Resting place of Saadian rulers, hidden for centuries and decorated with intricate tilework.
Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and one of its most important landmarks. Its 12th-century minaret dominates the city skyline.
Traditional Hammam and Spa Experience
A visit to Marrakech is not complete without experiencing a hammam. Traditional steam baths combined with scrubs and argan oil massages offer the perfect way to relax after sightseeing.
Moroccan Cuisine and Rooftop Dining
Marrakech is a culinary destination. From tagines and couscous to street food such as msemen (flatbread), there is something for every taste. Rooftop restaurants overlooking the Medina offer beautiful views at sunset, and cooking classes provide a deeper connection to Moroccan gastronomy.
Best Day Trips from Marrakech
Marrakech is ideally located for exploring diverse landscapes including mountains, valleys, waterfalls, and the Atlantic coast. Here are the top day trips:
Atlas Mountains and Imlil Village
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes Imlil is the gateway to Toubkal National Park and an excellent base for short hikes, village visits, and cultural immersion. The area offers stunning views, waterfalls, and authentic Berber hospitality. Activities include hiking, mule rides, mountain biking, and trail running.
Ourika Valley
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes The Ourika Valley is a green escape from Marrakech, popular with locals during the summer. Visitors can hike to the Setti Fatma waterfalls, enjoy riverside cafés, and visit traditional Berber houses and workshops.
Ouzoud Waterfalls
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes The Ouzoud Falls are the highest in Morocco at 110 meters. Visitors can hike around the falls, take a boat ride, spot wild monkeys, and swim in natural pools.
Essaouira
Travel time: 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours Essaouira is a coastal town known for its UNESCO World Heritage Medina, fishing port, sandy beaches, and fortress walls. It is also a hub for water sports such as surfing and kitesurfing. Activities include horse riding, camel rides, quad biking, and seafood tasting.
Aït Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate
Travel time: 3 to 4 hours via Tizi n’Tichka Pass Aït Ben Haddou is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Morocco’s most famous ksars. It has been featured in many films and series including Gladiator and Game of Thrones. Combine it with Ouarzazate, known as the “Hollywood of Morocco,” to explore film studios and desert landscapes.
Oukaïmeden Ski Resort
Travel time: 2 hours Oukaïmeden is the highest ski resort in Africa. In winter, visitors can ski and snowboard. In summer, it becomes a destination for hiking and high-altitude trekking.
Ouirgane Valley
Travel time: 1 hour 30 minutes Ouirgane Valley is quieter than Imlil or Ourika and is ideal for travelers looking for peace and authenticity. Surrounded by olive groves and red-earth mountains, it offers easy treks, biking, and cultural stays.
Adventure Activities Near Marrakech
Marrakech is also a center for outdoor adventures. Popular activities include:
Camel rides in the Agafay Desert or Essaouira beach
Quad biking in the Agafay Desert or Marrakech palm groves
Hot air balloon flights over the Atlas Mountains
Horse riding in Essaouira
Trail running in the Atlas Mountains
Mountain biking and e-biking through valleys and villages
Hiking and trekking, from half-day walks to multi-day expeditions
Practical Travel Tips
Best time to visit: March to June and September to November for mild weather. Summer is hot in Marrakech but cooler in the mountains and Essaouira. Winter is suitable for skiing in Oukaïmeden.
What to pack: Comfortable shoes, a light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, hat, and a reusable water bottle.
Transport: Day trips are easiest with a private guide or organized tour. Shared taxis and buses are available but slower.
Local culture: Dress modestly, especially in rural areas, and always greet locals. Accepting mint tea is a sign of respect and hospitality.
Why Book With Us
At Talamrout Summit, we specialize in authentic Moroccan experiences.
Local Berber guides with in-depth knowledge of culture and mountains
Private and small-group tours tailored to your needs
Eco-friendly and community-based tourism
Adventures from Marrakech city tours to multi-day treks and coastal escapes
Your trip to Marrakech deserves more than standard sightseeing. We provide authentic experiences that connect you with Morocco’s landscapes, traditions, and people.
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