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Marrakech Culture & history

Our most recommended Marrakech Culture & history

From Marrakech: Essaouira & Atlantic Coast Full-Day Trip

1. From Marrakech: Essaouira & Atlantic Coast Full-Day Trip

Experience the bohemian vibe of Essaouira on the Atlantic coast on a full-day tour from Marrakech. Transfer by air-conditioned vehicle across west Morocco, enjoying views of the arid landscape and argan trees en route. Stop at the town of Chichaoua for coffee. Arrive in Essaouira approximately 2 hours after your departure from Marrakech. Get your 1st views of more than 6 miles (10 kilometers) of golden beaches, popular with surfers for the constant, bracing winds. Once in Essaouira you are free to explore the medina and Portuguese architecture on your own. Alternatively, meet your local guide for a 1.5-hour tour of the Skala du Port and bastion southeast of the medina.  Stroll the labyrinthine streets of the medina, hearing traditional Gnaoua Muic music on every corner. Watch artisans at work, crafting thuya wood crafts. Continue to the fishing port to see the fishermen selling their catch of the day. Taste fresh seafood over lunch in the port. Then, take a walk along the beach before your transfer back to Marrakech.  En route, stop at an argan oil cooperative to see how the Berber ladies process the traditional argan oil, known locally as “liquid gold.”

Bahia & Badii Palaces & Saadian Tombs Skip-the-Line Tour

2. Bahia & Badii Palaces & Saadian Tombs Skip-the-Line Tour

Discover this medieval desert enclave's beautiful and spectacular treasures on a guided walking tour.  Stroll through the old Marrakech medina with an expert local guide as you discover an array of hidden gems. Benefit from skip-the-line access to the Bahia & Badii Palaces, then pay an optional visit to the Saadian Tombs. Begin your walking tour by passing the ruins of Sultan Ahmed El Mansour's 16th-century Grand Badi Palace. Catch a glimpse of the former affluence of this majestic city. Learn about how, at the height of its glory, the palace was considered the 8th wonder of the world. Then, continue your tour to the Bahia Palace - the jewel in the crown of Marrakech and a monument of breathtaking magnificence. Enter the monument with skip-the-line admission.  As you explore inside, find out how it was constructed in the latter part of the 19th century and took the most skilled workers and artisans 6 years to complete. Finally, pay an optional visit to the Saadian Tombs, sealed for centuries until their rediscovered in 1917. Hear about how the tombs date back to the time of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. See the two main mausoleums within the enclosure, consisting of 66 tombs with 100 more lying outside the gardens.

From Marrakesh: Essaouira Guided Day Trip

3. From Marrakesh: Essaouira Guided Day Trip

Discover the Atlantic city of Essaouira on a full-day guided tour from Marrakech. Following pickup from your accommodation in Marrakech and along the way, stop to take pictures of goats climbing argan trees and visit an argan oil cooperative to learn how this healthy oil is produced. Upon arrival at Essaouira, follow your guide and explore Essaouira’s most important monuments, such as the old fish market and seaport, the old medina where the labyrinth of streets is lined with heavy wooden doors and whitewashed houses. See the 16th-century ramparts of Essaouria from where you'll be able to see astonishing views of the Atlantic Ocean. After the guided tour of the city, you will have free time for lunch at a place of your choice as well as time to relax on the beach.

Marrakech: Half-Day Historical and Cultural Tour

4. Marrakech: Half-Day Historical and Cultural Tour

Enjoy a private, half-day excursion through bustling Marrakech begins after meeting your guide in front of the Café de France, an iconic landmark on Marrakech’s main square.  Discover the majesty and vibrancy of Marrakech’s medina, beginning with a jaunt across the Jemaa el-Fnaa square to the Koutobia Mosque. Gaze at the mosque’s massive minaret, the largest in Marrakech, as your expert guide informs you of the stunning building’s history. Onwards, you’ll head towards the Saadian Tombs, sealed for centuries until their rediscovery in 1917. Marvel at the ornate carvings in a Hispano-Moorish style that frame the crypts of the 16-century royal family.  Afterwards, head to the equally ornate Bahia Palace, a 19th-century royal dwelling intended to be the most splendid palace of its time. Gaze at the elaborately-painted ceilings, manicured gardens replete with fruit trees, and elaborate stucco patterns adorning almost every surface of the building. To cap the tour off, you’ll wander through the buzzing souks, with their wide array of local artisans and craftspeople, your guide showing you insider tips about the best stalls.  The tour ends back at the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, where hundreds of locals meet every day to enjoy the storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, acrobats, jugglers, and performers of each and every sort.

From Marrakech: Imperial Cities of Morocco 3-Day Tour

5. From Marrakech: Imperial Cities of Morocco 3-Day Tour

Join a 3-day tour from Marrakesh that covers the highlights of Morocco's historic imperial cities of Fez, Rabat, Chefchaouen, and Casablanca. Travel in the comfort of a private vehicle, benefit from the undivided attention of your local guide, and spend 2 nights in a comfortable hotel. Day 1: Marrakech – Béni Mellal – Azrou - Ifran – Fez Depart Marrakech and cross the Atlas Mountains, in a green environment populated by baboon monkeys. Surrounded by colorful fields and hills, the road leads to the dam of Beni Mellal. Stop to make beautiful photos in the cedar forest, then drive to one of the world’s cleanest and most fascinating cities, Ifrane, known in Morocco as “Little Switzerland.” Enjoy a quick city tour around Fez before heading to your half-board hotel for the night. Day 2: Fez – Chefchaouen Following breakfast at your hotel, get ready to continue your visit by the labyrinthine streets of Fez and explore the oldest medina of Morocco built in the 7th century with its Souks, palaces, mosques, Koranic schools, and Mellah. Travel through the mountains of Rif to the beautiful Berber city of Chefchaouen. Accompanied by your guide, spend your time exploring the whitewashed streets of Chaouen, animated by the beautifully dressed locals. Spend the night in a local riad. Day 3: Chefchaouen – Rabat – Casablanca - Marrakech Head to Rabat to explore the capital of Morocco and the residence of the king. Visit the Hassan Tower with its mausoleum of King Mohammed V. Then it’s on to Casablanca for a visit to the majestic Hassan II mosque, the largest mosque in the world.

Marrakech: Bahia Palace Skip-the-Line Tour

6. Marrakech: Bahia Palace Skip-the-Line Tour

Discover the most distinctive sites of Marrakech on a 1.5hour private guided tour with a professional guide. Start the tour with a stroll through the Medina (Old Town). Then, visit the El Bahia Palace where you will enter with skip-the-line tickets. Immerse yourself in Morocco's imperial history as you explore this grandiose royal residence built for the Grand Vizier Sultan Moulay El Hassan I. The palace features fountains, pleasure gardens, extraordinary living quarters, and several shady courtyards which are closed to the public. However, visitors can enter the apartments of the Vizier's favorite concubine and the council chamber. Admire the illuminated cedarwood ceiling and tiled walls, then marvel at the expansive marbled central courtyard with its many fountains and zelliges.

Marrakech Monuments & Souks 3-Hour Tour

7. Marrakech Monuments & Souks 3-Hour Tour

Enjoy a comprehensive sightseeing tour of Marrakech, exploring the medieval streets, souks and medina of Morocco’s “Red City” through its palaces and monuments. Following a pick-up from your hotel or riad, explore one of Morocco’s oldest imperial cities at sites such as the Koutoubia, one of the largest and most beautiful mosques of the western Muslim world. Marvel at its 221-foot minaret and masterful architecture that evokes the Giralda of Seville. Continues to a peaceful enclosure in the Kasbah to see the Saadian Tombs, dating back to the 16th century of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansu. Admire the colorful tiles, Arabic script, and intricate carvings, hidden to the world after they were sealed up until 1917. Next, spend an hour at the 19th-century Bahia Palace, built in 7 years by 1,000 craftsmen from Fez. Intended to be the greatest example of Moroccan and Islamic architecture in the world, a haphazard arrangement of secret apartments open onto inner courtyards, set in the center of a 2-acre garden.  Then go to Jemaa El-Fnaa, Marrakech's main square and the market place. Through the medina, there are different souks to explore. From the silk-spinners and the spice sellers to carpets to crystals. Each little street has its own identity and its own unique selling point.

Marrakech: Medina Nightlife Walking Tour with Tastings

8. Marrakech: Medina Nightlife Walking Tour with Tastings

Join a certified tour guide and experience the overwhelming magic of Medina nightlife on this walking tour. Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa square and marketplace and learn local traditions and customs while taking in the surrounding sounds and smells. Taste Moroccan tea and other specialty products. After sunset, step into a lively and colorful souk (market), filled with musicians, dancers, and acrobats. Experience an exciting nighttime atmosphere, surrounded by the clamor of customers bartering for discounts and the smells of exquisite fragrances. Shop for souvenirs and marvel at the collection of colorful fabrics, handmade crafts, and one-of-a-kind trinkets that line the boutiques. As you stroll, listen as your guide gives intriguing information and anecdotes about medina's history, culture, and traditions. Conclude your tour by heading to a rooftop pub for some much-needed drinks. Sip on traditional Moroccan tea and taste olives and dry fruits (both included). Sit back and relax with the cheerful sounds of musicians in the background. 

Marrakech: Private 4-Hour City Highlights Tour

9. Marrakech: Private 4-Hour City Highlights Tour

Get picked up from your accommodation and head to the enchanting and picturesque Le Jardin Secret. Stroll through the luscious trees and exotic plants of this magical oasis. Continue the tour to the New City next, built by French settlers in the early 1900s. Today it is a busy hub of international brands and trendy cafés, as well as "the Champs Elysées of Marrakech". Next, visit the exquisite Bahia Palace to admire the fine Moorish architecture and gorgeous ceramic tiles. From here, stroll through the Jewish Quarter where you can better understand the vital role of the Jewish culture and community in developing the unique identity of Marrakech. Arrive at the stunning Moulay El Yazid Mosque then see the Bab Agnaou, one of the 19 gates of Marrakech and the main entrance to the Royal Kasbah. Finally, wander through the fascinating labyrinths of the city's most vibrant and colorful open-air marketplace.  Wander through bazaars full of charm and character, stalls packed with mysterious potions, colorful piles of spices, exquisite rugs, and much more. The combination of sounds, sights, and smells is enough to leave even the most hardened of travelers feeling completely mesmerized.

Marrakech: Private Full-Day City Tour

10. Marrakech: Private Full-Day City Tour

Discover the old city of Marrakech with its labyrinthine streets, famous markets, and the Majorelle Garden on this tour. Visit the famous Palais de Bahia, a beautifully decorated palace full of enchanting inner rooms and elaborate mosaic walls.  With a distinctly different architecture from the rest of the medina, walk through the Jewish Quarter. Discover the incredible Saadian tombs and the Medersa Ben Youssef, an old school of Quranic study with beautiful Arabian-Andalucían architecture. Admire the wood carvings and visit the tiny students' rooms, then see the Koutoubia Mosque, an icon of Marrakech and a point of orientation for tourists. Head to the world-famous Jemaah el Fna square with its countless orange juice stands, snake charmers, traditionally-garbed water sellers and henna women. Enjoy a refreshing midday pause on one of the terraces with a panoramic view and take in the sights of the colorful crowds below. Then continue on to the incredible Majorelle Garden and make your way through this oasis of calm in the midst of the bustling new city at your leisure. Visit the Berber Museum housed in the bright blue villa and learn about the history and traditions of Berber people and see some of their beautiful traditional clothing. 

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Frequently asked questions about Marrakech

What top attractions are a must-see in Marrakech?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Marrakech?

The best day trips and excursions from Marrakech are:

Essaouira

Other Sightseeing Options in Marrakech

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What people are saying about Marrakech

Overall rating

4.2 / 5

based on 4,112 reviews

Very enjoyable tour.Tour Guide was excellent....The weather was awful but despite that the guide managed to get us to all the places with so much facts and history .All delivered very passionately. Sorry cannot remember the name of the guide.

We had a few issues with the bus breaking down but that wasn’t their fault. The guide and driver still got us to our destination and we had a great day.

Great experience. Tour guide was very informative with excellent English.. it's a long day but well worth it. Would highly recommend this tour.

The trip was really good organized, the guide was excellent, very kind and helpfull. Also the lunch was prepared (must pay extra).

Great Trip, very friendly and safe driver! Recommending it 100%