Marrakesh is a city that effortlessly combines the ancient and the new. The city's name provided the root for the name of the country itself, spelling out this town's importance through the ages.
Within the high red walls of the medina, just soaking up the atmosphere is the main tourist attraction with snake charmers and smooth shop touts both competing for your attention amid a noisy, colorful bustle that encapsulates Morocco's vibrant soul.
For shoppers, Marrakesh's souqs are the best place to visit in Morocco, offering the full scope of the country's artisan work, while the medina's scatter of richly decorated heritage buildings are some of the country's most famous monuments.
Marrakesh is also the gateway into the High Atlas region, Morocco's major activity area, with hiking, mountain biking, climbing, and many other active things to do. Even on a short visit, you can experience a taste of Morocco's mountain life on one of the many Marrakesh day trips offered from the city.
Discover what the city has to offer with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Marrakesh.
1. Shop the Medina Souks
For many visitors, Marrakesh's labyrinthine medina (old city) district is the town's star attraction.
The narrow alleyways are a kaleidoscope of colors, scents, and sounds and are bound to be the sightseeing highlight of your trip.
As well as simply wandering (and getting lost) amid the bustling maze, there are myriad shopping opportunities where you can put your haggling hat on and barter to your heart's content.
The main souq area is the tangle of lanes between Place Rahba Kedima and Place Ben Youssef.
