Best Places to Visit in Marrakesh

Planning a group trip to Marrakesh for my birthday bash? Oh, the pressure! But don’t worry – this jet-setter thrives under the heat (and not just Moroccan sun). With my friends, we landed in the vibrant heart of Morocco’s red city and turned every day into an adventure.

Meet the M-Gang (M for Marrakesh, of course). If you’re planning a group trip to this bustling Moroccan city—do it! From rooftop bar cocktails, ‘what-a-view’ moments to camel rides, quad biking, and bargaining in the buzzing souks, Marrakesh is live. Add in tasty tagines and all-day sunshine, and you’ve got the perfect recipe for an unforgettable group getaway.

Here are my top Marrakesh activity picks based on great value and guaranteed good Moroccan vibes. Looking for budget-friendly fun with big smiles? These are must-adds to your to-do list!

Be sure to bookmark my recommendations if this vibe speaks to you, or follow my travelgram for more inspo.

Gear up and go full throttle—this was hands down the best £25 we’ve ever spent! 💸️

This 5-hour adventure was full on high-energy and incredible value. We booked it through Get Your Guide (honestly, best decision ever – for this trip). I love that you can reserve now and pay later—a total lifesaver when organising for a big group of friends!

Included in the price, we got villa pickup and drop-off (just double-check you’re within the pickup radius). First up, 1-hour quad biking session through the dunes. Heads up: it’s two people per quad bike—solo rides would’ve been nicer, but for the price, no complaints. You’ll get 30 minutes each.

It’s a revved-up ride with unbeatable value, let’s just say—we left a little dustier, but a whole lot happier.

Saddle up and ride – meet the camels of Morocco 🐪

After pretending to ride our quad bikes like Ferrari’s through the desert, we geared down and saddled up! No trip to Marrakesh is complete without hopping aboard one of these tall, humpback legends. Camels—aka the OG all-terrain vehicles of Morocco—aren’t just a ride, they are an experience.

From the (graceful or not) mount-up to the sunset trot through Agafay—felt unreal. It was only a 30-minute camel ride—but honestly, that’s all you need to tick off this bucket list experience!

Caught on cam:

Get comfy first—or end up like me, clinging to a camel for dear life, after sitting too far back!

Flames, feasts & Moroccan nights 🔥

It doesn’t end here! Along with the price, dinner and show was included!

Before that, we enjoyed a complimentary snack with Moroccan tea (so good by the way). We saw an argan oil demo at a local shop—and couldn’t resist grabbing some oud roll-ons!

And then off to the desert tents of entertainment! This is where we truly ate like locals, diving into our first taste of traditional tagine. It was cooked right in the heart of the desert, making the whole experience feel extra authentic. And just when you think it couldn’t get any better… Show time!

Traditional Berber music, dance, and a fire show lit up the night. These performers really knew how to set things ablaze—they had everyone up and dancing. And yep, you guessed it… we were right in the centre of the dancefloor!

The Niagara falls of Morocco offers a truly breathtaking view

Did you know Ouzoud Falls is the highest waterfall in North Africa?

Plunging over 100 meters into my heart the El-Abid River, I can see why this is popular. I know this isn’t exactly Marrakesh, but my friends and I couldn’t stop raving about this whole-day activity. Despite the long drive from the red city, it was worth it to see such a unique natural wonder!

For just £18 (again via Get Your Guide), this day trip was incredibly budget-friendly, with villa pick-up and drop-off included. It featured a guided hike and a boat ride that brought us up close to the falls. The boat was more like a raft with seats—which made it even cooler!

We learned about the natural resources, habitat and Berber culture, this top activity is definitely a must-do for nature lovers.

This 4-hour trip will fly by! Expect Insta-worthy pics and unforgettable memories for your camera roll. Chances are, you won’t find anything quite like this back home (depending on where that is)!

Stop Monkeying Around! 🐒

As much as we wanted to jump into the river to cool off, no monkeying around was allowed—except for the Atlas mountain monkeys, of course!

If you want a personal encounter, and want to get touchy-touchy, there’s a small fee. Some of my friends grabbed a quick selfie since the monkeys are calm, friendly, and used to humans—at no cost!

Along the way, you’ll find shops offering natural argan oil and unique gifts like handcrafted stone ornaments and woven baskets. I just want to take it all home!

Among other things, the girls got hennas done. And for lunch, there were plenty of spots serving skewers and more tagines— but this time with an epic view!

Best decision ever! I was super nervous about the whole experience, but my FOMO and friends’ influence won me over! As a first-time hot air balloon flyer, I knew I’d either 100% hate it or 100% love it—and guess what? I absolutely LOVED it!

This was an unforgettable experience, and I’m officially over my fear of hot air balloons. Bring on Cappadocia (Turkey)!

This £90 sky adventure included villa pick-up, drop-off, and started with a calming Moroccan mint tea to ease the nerves. We then enjoyed a 40-minute sunrise ride over the Agafay Desert and Marrakesh city. In the distance, the Atlas Mountains came into view. The whole experience truly touched my soul. The highest point we reached was 3,500 feet above ground level.

To top it all off, once we landed, we were handed our very own flight certificate—which was such a cute touch and made the whole experience feel extra special!

We then dived straight into a Moroccan breakfast paired with more refreshing mint tea. Of course, we had to snap more pics with the vibrant balloons repping Morocco’s flag colours 🇲🇦!

Time to hustle, haggle and repeat – let’s go 🛍️

Let’s be real—we all do this. We buy things we don’t need just because they’re handmade, artsy, and we convince ourselves we’ll never find them anywhere else. Thankfully, I didn’t come home with a massive Moroccan carpet!

The souks, aka the traditional Arabic markets—are a full-on sensory experience. Think the smell of spices, vibrant textiles, handmade crafts, and the constant buzz of haggling. We found some unique souvenirs and definitely put our bargaining skills to the test!

We were wary about eating street food in the Medina. My stomach is soft like candy floss than hard like steel, so I didn’t want to take any chances! Shame, I know.

That said, we did try msemmen for breakfast at a small local spot tucked down one of the narrow streets. It was actually delicious—no side effects included… if you know what I mean!

Ben Youssef Madrasa – Where Every Tile Tells a Story

A madrasa, meaning “place of study,” was built in the 14th century. It was once the largest Islamic school in North Africa. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With stunning mosaic tiles, Islamic calligraphy, and intricately carved cedarwood, this restored college is a sight to behold. You can also visit the first floor, where around 130 student dorms are arranged around sunlit courtyards.

The designs are breathtaking, and trust me, you’ll look amazing in every shot, so be sure to grab your camera!

At less than a fiver to enter, it’s a steal. It can get crowded, though, as everyone gathers around the main areas for that perfect shot. Just be patient—your moment will come!

You don’t need a lot of time here, especially if you have other activities planned. About 30–40 minutes is plenty to take in the site. It’s right next to the markets, so it’s easy to pop in and out. There are plenty of nearby spots too, like the Secret Garden and views of Koutoubia Mosque. You can soak souk it all in and move on to your next adventure without feeling rushed.

Le Jardin Secret… That’s Not So Secret Anymore! 🤫

From the bustling streets of Marrakesh to a peaceful haven. Le Secret Jardin is a beautiful place to relax, soak up the sun, and admire the diverse flora.

This botanical garden isn’t much of a secret anymore—it’s a popular spot for tourists. Le Jardin Secret is actually one of the largest and oldest palace complexes in Marrakesh’s Medina. With its elegant 19th-century design and traditional Islamic gardens, it’s definitely a must-see. You only need about 30–40 minutes to explore, but honestly, lunch here would be a real treat with such atmosphere!

We didn’t know there was a café terrace overlooking the garden! If we had, we definitely would’ve had lunch there—or at least stopped for a drink to unwind. But time wasn’t on our side—we were on a city tour and couldn’t wait for a table to free up.

As you can see in my photo, the seats were packed with people enjoying drinks! We couldn’t get an ice-cold beverage without a table. So, be prepared to wait—or give yourself enough time to grab a seat. It’s first come, first served!

Jemaa el-Fnaa + Koutoubia Mosque: An Exterior Wonder

Jemaa el-Fnaa (the main square) felt quieter than expected — probably because we visited during Ramadan. Still, it had its charm. Snake charmers and flute players gave it an almost Aladdin-like feel. The monkey photo ops, though? Not really my thing — I’m not a fan of seeing monkeys in chains. If you’re after a more natural (and ethical) experience, head to the Ouzoud Waterfalls where monkeys roam free.

The Koutoubia Mosque, the largest in Morocco, can only truly be appreciated from the outside. Its stunning architecture, intricate details, and towering minaret are best admired from a distance. The beauty of this mosque lies in its grandeur and the surrounding gardens, making it an iconic landmark in Marrakesh.

Access to the interior is reserved for worshippers, so non-Muslims are not permitted inside.

The best spot to photograph the Koutoubia’s iconic minaret is under the archway to the left of the main entrance. Framed by ancient stone and date palms, it’s the perfect picturesque shot. That said, there are also plenty of rooftop bars where you can enjoy stunning views of the mosque as well.

Mud Fortress Ait Ben Haddou: Where the Walls Whisper History

Ait Ben Haddou, just outside Ouarzazate, ended up being one of my favourite solo day trips.
I’d worn out the M-gang with all my adventures and our late-night shenanigans. So, I channeled my inner Dora the Explorer, backpack on, and off I went into the desert. This was another group tour, so I wasn’t totally on my own—and the guide made the day extra special!

Ait Ben Haddou is a historic ksar, or fortified village.
“Ksar” in Arabic means palace or fortress. Famous for Game of Thrones and Gladiator, it’s a standout clay site and has been UNESCO-listed since 1987. Ait Ben Haddou, is along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh, hence ‘The Door of the Desert’.

Upon arrival it felt like stepping into another era—like the streets of Aladdin brought to life. It was unreal—like nothing I’d ever seen! So glad I didn’t let the long journey put me off. Totally worth it for those views and experience.

Queen Cleopatra for the day at Atlas Studios 🎬

I had an absolute blast at Atlas Studios! I learned so much about Morocco’s film industry. I also saw some incredible sets, like those from The Mummy, Prison Break, Vikings, and more!

It’s crazy to think everything is made from plasterboard—except the stairs, of course (or you’d be falling straight through)!

A lot of my friends thought I was in Egypt for the day—fooled ya! Guess it’s pretty convincing, right?

What really made the day unforgettable was the group video. In my head, I imagined a chill mobile clip of tourists raising their hands to the sky. Little did I know, I was the star of the show! Check out my Oscar-worthy acting in the video—you’ll be mesmerised!

The best part? There was no charge for this insane, high-quality cinema video! We all chipped in and tipped the guide—he totally deserved it for making that day unforgettable!

High on Life in the Atlas Mountains

This adventure to Ouarzazate kicked off bright and early with a drive into the magnificent Atlas Mountains. First stop? The stunning Tizi n’Tichka pass. This winding mountain road cuts through the heart of the High Atlas, connecting Marrakesh to Ouarzazate.

Let me tell you—every twist and turn came with jaw-dropping views. I was running out of storage on my phone from all the photos and videos I couldn’t stop taking. It was the perfect start to a day full of discovery.

My amazing guide (@pelheem)—who you’ll spot tagged in my photos and who also snapped these Instagram-worthy shots—shared a cool fact with me. Tizi n’Tichka is actually the highest road in Morocco, sitting at 7,234 feet! Wild, right? Especially when you think about the hot air balloon ride earlier, which soared to less than half that height.