7 Best Things to Do in Marrakech (2026)

📍 Part of: The Complete Marrakech Travel Guide 2026

7 Best Things to Do in Marrakech (2026 Travel Guide)

Planning your trip and wondering about the best things to do in Marrakech? You’re in the right place. Marrakech is one of the most vibrant, unforgettable cities in the world. From golden desert dunes to ancient medina streets, every corner of this city has something remarkable waiting for you.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more, this guide covers the 7 best experiences you simply cannot miss.

1. Marrakech Desert Tours

One of the most iconic things to do in Marrakech is heading out into the Sahara Desert. People travel from across the world just for this experience and it never disappoints.

You’ll wake up to sparkling sand dunes at sunrise. At night, the sky above the desert is unlike anything you’ve seen before. Stargazing here is a spiritual experience.

During your desert tour, you can expect:

• Camel trekking across golden dunes
• Overnight stays in traditional Berber camps
• Mint tea with local nomadic families
• Sandboarding down the dunes

Local tip: Book a 3-day desert tour from Marrakech to Merzouga for the full Sahara experience. One-day trips exist but feel rushed. Go further if you can it’s worth every minute.

Best time to visit: October to April. Summer heat in the desert can exceed 45°C avoid it unless you’re prepared.

You can read more about planning your route in our guide to Marrakech travel essentials.

2. Atlas Mountains, Three Valleys & Waterfalls

Just 45 minutes from Marrakech, the Atlas Mountains feel like another world. Snow-capped peaks in winter. Wild flowers in spring. Rushing waterfalls and quiet Berber villages all year round.

This is a favourite day trip for good reason. You can hike, bike, or simply sit with a local family and enjoy a glass of fresh mint tea while taking in views that don’t look real.

• Visit the Ourika Valley for waterfalls and local markets
• Explore the Three Valleys: Asni, Ouirgane, and Amizmiz
• Hire a local Berber guide for off-trail hikes
• Stop at a traditional Berber home for lunch

Tourist mistake to avoid: Many visitors underestimate the cold at higher altitudes. Bring a jacket even in summer temperatures drop sharply after 3 PM.

The Atlas range stretches from the Atlantic coast all the way to the northern Rif Mountains, making it one of North Africa’s most spectacular natural landscapes.

3. Marrakech Medina Walking Tours

The medina of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and walking through it is like stepping back in time. Narrow alleyways, hidden courtyards, and centuries-old architecture surround you at every turn.

A guided medina walking tour will take you to:

• Koutoubia Mosque the city’s most iconic landmark
• Jemaa el-Fna Square the beating heart of Marrakech
• Majorelle Garden a stunning blue garden oasis
• Ben Youssef Madrasa breathtaking Islamic architecture
• The souks leather, spices, textiles, and ceramics

Safety tip: Hire a licensed guide through your riad or a reputable agency. Unlicensed “guides” in the medina often lead tourists to shops for commissions. A good guide changes everything.

Local tip: Visit the souks in the morning. By midday, they’re crowded and hot. Early morning light in the medina is also magical for photography.

4. Quad Biking in the Marrakech Desert

If you want a rush of adrenaline outside the medina walls, quad biking in the Palmeraie is exactly what you need. This is one of the most popular adventure activities for tourists visiting Marrakech.

You’ll ride through palm groves, open desert tracks, and traditional villages on a powerful quad bike. Tours usually start at 9 AM and last between 1 and 3 hours.

• Beginner-friendly routes available
• Professional guides accompany all tours
• Helmets and safety gear provided
• Sunset tours also available for a dramatic experience

Practical info: Prices typically range from 200 to 500 MAD depending on duration. Book in advance during peak season (November–March).

5. Private Food Tour in Marrakech

No trip to Marrakech is complete without eating your way through the city. Seriously the food here is extraordinary, and most tourists only scratch the surface.

A private food tour will introduce you to flavours you won’t find in any restaurant back home. Your guide will take you through the souks and street stalls, explaining the history behind each dish.

Must-try dishes on your Marrakech food tour:

• Tanjia Marrakchia slow-cooked lamb, unique to Marrakech
• Bastilla sweet and savoury pigeon pastry
• Harira soup especially during Ramadan
• Msemen flaky Moroccan flatbread with honey and argan oil
• Fresh-squeezed orange juice in Jemaa el-Fna only 4 MAD a glass

Local tip: Don’t eat your main meal at restaurants facing Jemaa el-Fna square. They’re overpriced and aimed at tourists. Walk one street back that’s where the real food is.

For a full list of where to eat, check out our guide to the best restaurants in Marrakech.

6. Camel Ride in the Marrakech Palmeraie

A camel ride in Marrakech is one of those experiences that sounds touristy and is absolutely worth doing anyway. The Palmeraie (palm grove) just outside the city is the perfect setting for it.

You’ll ride through authentic villages and hundreds of palm trees, just like the nomads who crossed these lands centuries ago. It’s peaceful, beautiful, and completely unlike the rest of the city.

• Most rides last 1 to 2 hours
• Sunrise and sunset rides are the most scenic
• Some tours combine camel rides with a traditional Berber lunch
• Costs typically range from 150 to 350 MAD per person

Important tip: Choose operators who treat their animals well. Look for tours with small groups and healthy-looking camels. Ask your riad for a trusted recommendation.

 

7. Marrakech Festivals & Events

Marrakech doesn’t just have things to see it has experiences that pull you in completely. The city’s festival calendar is one of the richest in all of North Africa.

Here are the two most important festivals you should plan around:

• Marrakech International Film Festival held every November, this globally respected event draws top filmmakers and stars from around the world. Founded in 2001, it celebrates world cinema and Morocco’s growing arts scene.
• Oasis Festival if you love electronic music, this is a must. Set against a backdrop of palm trees and desert landscapes, it’s considered the premier electronic music festival in Africa.

Local tip: Book your riad at least 3 months in advance if you’re visiting during festival season. Accommodation fills up fast and prices double.

For more on what to see while you’re here, explore our full guide to the best places to visit in Marrakech.

You can also check the official Visit Morocco tourism website for updated event dates and travel information.

Plan Your Marrakech Trip Today

Marrakech is waiting for you. Whether you have 3 days or 3 weeks, every moment in this city leaves a mark. Book your tours early, stay in a traditional riad, eat where the locals eat, and let the city surprise you.

The best version of your Marrakech trip starts with good planning and you’ve already taken the first step.