How to spend a weekend in Marrakech

Founded almost a thousand years ago, Marrakech is one of the great cities of the Maghreb. Somehow this bursting-at-the-seams city exists on the edge of the Sahara Desert, its pink pise (rammed earth) palaces framed by the snow-capped High Atlas. In its seething souks, Europe, Africa and the Middle East mingle and merge, and the past and present are hard to tell apart.

But make no mistake, Marrakech isn’t some petrified piece of history. Instead, this centuries-old trading hub is a creative sweet spot where ideas thrive and a buzz of entrepreneurialism charges the air with an intoxicating, and sometimes, intimidating energy. This isn’t a place you can gracefully glide through. Instead, you’ll find yourself telling jokes with snake charmers, hankering after the latest henna tattoo or getting a scrub down in the local hammam. Pause for unexpected beauty and banter, after all, what are the chances you’ll come this way again?

Explore our interactive map below for all the local highlights, scroll down to find plenty to inspire you for a short break in the city… while here are our guides to Marrakech’s best restaurants, attractions, shopping, bars and hotels. 

Day one

Morning

Start by discovering the city’s history at the 16th-century Saadian Tombs, where Sultan al-Mansour spared no expense decorating his mausoleum with imported Italian Carrara marble and a gilded honeycomb muqarnas ceiling that still dazzles those who look upon it. The entrance to the tombs is unmarked and hard to spot. You’ll find it at the southern end of the Kasbah Mosque, opposite the Kasbah Café. Note you should arrive when it opens to see it at its most peaceful.

Move on to al-Mansour’s once magnificent Badi Palace (Ksibat Nhass), now a monumental ruin with vast reflecting pools and impressive views of the city from its ramparts. Don’t scrimp on your ticket here as the additional MAD 10 (80p) to view the Koutoubia’s original minbar (prayer pulpit) is worth every cent.

From here it’s a short hop to the beautiful Bahia Palace (Avenue Imam El Ghazali), a vast, gorgeously decorated palace once owned by slave-turned-vizier Abu ‘Bou’ Ahmed. Allow plenty of time to enjoy the different spaces, the most impressive of which are the quarters of Bou Ahmed’s favourite concubine, Lalla Zineb.

Afternoon

Lunch on exotic salads and vegetarian tarts in the shady patio of La Famille, before heading northwest across the Djemaa el-Fna and picking up Rue Mouassine, which is lined with some of the souk’s chicest shops. Just past the landmark mosque and Mouassine fountain, you can slip into Le Jardin Secret, one of the Medina’s largest and most important gardens set out in the shell of a 19th-century palace. Divided into two distinct areas, the gardens are a triumph of Islamic design.

The first area faithfully recreates a Persian ‘paradise’ garden, featuring tufty grasses and traditional fruit trees such as olive, pomegranate, fig and date; while the second, smaller garden nurtures exotic plants in a fourfold layout. Just as interesting is the elaborate irrigation system that weaves through the gardens, part of an ancient network that once distributed water from artesian wells (fed by the ring of mountains around Marrakech) throughout the city.

Late

Dining in the Medina is an adventure wherever you choose to eat. Like a magnet, everyone is drawn to the Djemaa el-Fna where smoke rises from hundreds of barbecues and storytellers, Gnawa musicians, acrobats and fortune-tellers attract throngs of Marrakshi’s out for their evening constitutional. You can eat here on long trestle tables, but regardless you should come for the show. Carry a handful of coins so you can tip the performers (a few dirhams is appropriate). If you do decide to eat in the square, stick to your own bottled water and use your bread instead of rinsed utensils.

Afterwards, you can head to the famous Pâtisserie des Princes for ice cream and sweet treats. For a more refined Moroccan dining experience, hunt down Le Trou au Mur, where you can sample traditional dishes in a beautifully renovated traditional house; or, for something more contemporary, head to the rooftop restaurant of Riad El Fenn, where executive chef Tara Stevens serves a plant-forward, modern Moroccan menu.  

Day two

Morning

When fashion icon Yves St Laurent first arrived in Marrakech in 1964 he was overwhelmed by the city’s vivacity. The experience changed the way he saw the world and he ditched his previously rigorous monochromatic look in favour of an outrageously bold palette of Fauvist colours. It comes as no surprise then that Jardin Majorelle, the home where he lived with his partner Pierre Bergé, is painted an intense shade of ultramarine blue. Arrive early to enjoy the extraordinary desert garden filled with giant cacti, palms and bamboo groves.

Then tour the gorgeously curated Berber Museum, which is filled with St Laurent’s personal collection of indigenous jewellery and fashion from which he drew much of his subsequent inspiration. Stay in the garden and enjoy a salad at Café Majorelle or, if its busy, pop across the road to MyKawa for a plate of crunchy briouat (pastries stuffed with spinach and cheese, or meat) and a smoothie.

Afternoon

Continue following St Laurent’s development in the Musée Yves St Laurent next door. Christophe Martin’s stunning choreography presents the clothes in a dramatic all-black hall where dresses stand like paintings and echo the outrageous silhouettes and embellishments of the garments you’ve just seen in the Berber Museum. Suddenly, you can see that the strikingly bold jewellery, shapely clothes and extravagant accessories do just as well at New York dinner parties as Berber weddings.

After such inspiration, it only makes sense to go shopping in Gueliz, where young Moroccan designers like Artsi Ifrach are now attracting international attention. Other makers to look out for are Lalla, who does a chic line of slouchy bags, Atika, for beautifully made leather shoes in rainbow colours, and Moro Marrakech (Rue Yves St Laurent) for chic homewares and accessories.

Late

As the sun sets follow the crowd to the terrace of the Grand Café de la Poste for a glass of rosé on its chic, secluded terrace or beneath the slow-moving fans in its beautiful bistro-style interior.

Then push on to Chez Mado for Oualidia oysters and towering seafood platters, or Al Fassia for a high-brow Fez-style feast in one of Marrakech’s most highly respected Moroccan restaurants. Afterwards, pop in to Le 68 for late-night drinks and an arty intellectual vibe.

Insider tips

Attractions

Time your visit to the Ali Ben Youssef Medersa in the late afternoon when the tour groups have gone and the light is at its best. Once the largest Islamic study centre in North Africa, this 14th-century school is a masterpiece of Hispano-Moresque architecture.

Neighbourhood watch 

Currently undergoing an extensive renovation, the Mouassine neighbourhood showcases the Medina’s changing face with new concept stores, designer boutiques and cafés sandwiched between traditional souk stalls. Make time for Max & Jan and Hanout. 

City hack

Beige petits taxis (small taxis) around town should charge MAD 10 (80p) to MAD 20 (£1.60) per journey, and no more than MAD 30 (£2.40) at night. Hail off the street to ensure better rates as most taxis parked near popular tourist sites, particularly the Djemaa el-Fna and the Jardin Majorelle, quote exorbitant rates.

Hotels

Non-guests can enjoy the beautiful gardens and pool at the Mandarin Oriental by purchasing a lunch and pool pass for MAD 500 (£41).

Did you know?

Hammams (public baths) were first introduced to the city by the Romans and adapted to fit with Islamic ablution rituals. Experience the ritual at Hammam de la Rose, the Farnatchi Spa or the deluxe Royal Mansour.

Where to stay . . . 

Luxury living

Where other properties have borrowed from traditional Moroccan interiors and architecture, the Mandarin Oriental, Marrakech has forged a new modern Moroccan style lexicon informed by the colours of the desert and the rich creative heritage of Morocco’s original Berber inhabitants. The result is a cool, contemporary oasis.

Boutique bolthole

Little L’Hotel, Jasper Conran’s 19th-century riad, is a haven of effortless good taste. Its extravagant green garden and art-filled suites channel the same soignée glamour as the 1942 film, Casablanca. Walk-on roles are played by a cosmopolitan guest list, who look every inch the part lounging fireside in the luxe salons.

Budget beauty

The well-located Riad Jardin Secret (it’s just a five-minute walk from the souks) is arranged around a flourishing green garden. Fashion duo Cyrielle and Julien have worked hard to retain the artisanal authenticity of their historic Medina house while creating five simple, soulful rooms and host of artful niches and lounges. The riad has a unique-for-Marrakech vegan restaurant, which is situated on the bright pink roof terrace.

Doubles from €95 (£82). 43-46 Derb Arset Aouzal; 00 212 524 376 606

What to bring home . . .

French-Algerian designer Norya Nemiche is one of a new breed of Medina designers revamping traditional crafts with a cool contemporary eye. Buy her must-have kaftans, clutches and leather bags at Le Jardin or La Mamounia.

Chabi Chic is a Moroccan lifestyle brand that turns out super trendy homewares including their signature ceramic range in bold colours, embossed leather purses, woven bags and painted glasses. It’s a treasure trove for souvenirs.

When to go . . .

The most pleasant time to explore Marrakech is spring (mid-March to May) when the roses bloom and the days are fresh and sunny. Next best is autumn (September to November), when the summer heat has subsided. Winter can be idyllic in the day time, but nights are chilly enough to warrant booking that bedroom with a fireplace. Don’t underestimate the extreme heat in the summer, when daytime temperatures can hit a sweltering 45C. Also bear in mind that during Ramadan, the traditional month of fasting and purification, some restaurants and cafés close during the day and general business hours are reduced. 

Know before you go . . .

Essential information

British Embassy: Rabat: 00 212 537 63 33 33; gov.uk

British Honorary Consulate Marrakech: 00 212 524 42 08 46; 47 Boulevard Abdelkrim El Khattabi, Gueliz

Tourist police: 00 212 524 38 46 01

Ambulance: 150

Polyclinique du Sud hospital: 00 212 524 44 79 99

Tourism Office: 00 212 524 43 61 79; Place Adbdel Moumen ben Ali, Gueliz

The basics

Currency: Dirham (abbreviated to MAD or Dh)

Telephone code: Dial 00 212 if calling Marrakech from the UK. From inside Morocco, substitute 00 212 in all the above numbers with 0

Time difference: +1 hour

Languages: Darija (Moroccan Arabic); French; Tashelhit (Berber)       

Flight time: London to Marrakech is between 3hr 30min and four hours

Local laws and etiquette

While Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most liberal cities, a degree of modesty in how you dress will be greatly appreciated by your hosts. Both women and men should avoid revealing clothing and keep knees and shoulders covered.

Marriage in Morocco remains a highly respected institution. For this reason it is not in the least rude to enquire about marital status and new acquaintances are questioned early on in a conversation. Solo women travellers, in particular, may be prone to questions as to why they would travel unaccompanied. In addition, Moroccan laws still prohibit extra-marital sex, drinking in public and smoking kif (hashish).

Mosques, zaouias (saint’s shrines) and cemeteries are not open to non-Muslims. Also, the left hand in Muslim society is used for personal hygiene and should not be used to handle food. 

Although Marrakech has largely eliminated the problem of faux guides (false guides), some still linger around the Djemaa el-Fna offering help with directions or recommendations for shops and restaurants (from which they get commission). Be firm, but polite when declining unsolicited company, and don’t feel embarrassed to ask for directions when lost. In such situations its best to ask the nearest hanout (shop owner).

Official guides can be hired through hotels and riads or at the tourist office. The official rates are £12 for half a day and £30 for a full day, but private operators and riads can charge up to £50 for a half-day tour and £90 for a full-day tour. 

Author bio

Paula has been shuttling back and forth between London and the Red City for over 15 years. During that time, she’s authored numerous guides to the city and amassed far too many kaftans. 

Telegraph Travel’s best hotels, tours, cruises and holidays in Marrakech, tried, tested and recommended by our Marrakech experts.