1. Admire the Ben Youssef Madrassa

Once the largest Islamic College with around 900 students at its peak. When you walk your way from the crowded souks into the Madrasa you immediately feel a sense of calm. With mind-blowing Traditional Moroccan Architecture, this is one of the most Instagrammable places in Marrakech.

This one was really high on my bucket list, but when we arrived at the entrance we found out that they are currently closed because of renovation.

4. Admire the ruins of El Badi Palace

On the edge of the southern part of the Marrakech Medina, you will find a palace that took 25 years to build. And if you walk amongst the ruins of the El Badi Palace you understand why. The size of the palace is unbelievable and it is hard to believe it can be found inside a city like Marrakech. There is always something satisfying about exploring ruins and walking between these huge walls confirms that once again.

Keep in mind that a visit to the El Badi Palace can quickly add up to a trip of two-three hours. But as one of Marrakech’s most famous tourist attractions this should fit in your itinerary just fine. The entrance fee to the El Badi Palace is 10 Dirham and the location makes it easy to combine with a visit to the Saadian Tombs.

5. Spent the night in an authentic riad

Ever since Marrakech first appeared on my radar, one question repeatedly came to mind; have you truly been to Marrakech if you haven’t spent at least one night in a traditional riad?

To me, it’s simple; there’s only one correct answer to the question and that’s no.

You see, these traditional Moroccan houses offer an authentic insight into traditional Moroccan culture, while also providing an oasis of calm amidst the hectic streets of the Marrakech Medina.

During my time exploring the beautiful city of Marrakech, I was lucky enough to spend 4 nights at the incredible Riad Kheirredine.

Nestled in the bustling streets of the medina, at around a 15-minute walk from Djemaa El Fna, Riad Kheirredine is an exceptional riad marked by several exquisite open-air courtyards, gorgeous traditional Moroccan tile-work & wood carvings, and the most friendly staff ever.

Add to that their mouth-watering cuisine, an outdoor pool with a sun terrace, and tailored-fit assistance throughout your entire stay, and Riad Kheirredine is up there with the absolute best riads in Marrakech!

Given staying in a riad is likely atop of most travellers’ list of ‘things to do in Marrakech’, and the fact that my stay at Riad Kheirredine was absolutely amazing, I’ve also written an in-depth article on my stay here – which you can read here.

8. Explore the Bahia Palace

The Bahia Palace is one of the masterpieces of Moroccan architecture. Bahia Palace meaning brilliance in Arabic is a must-see historical museum in the middle of the medina. With a surface of 8000 square meters and around 160 rooms, it was intended to be one of the most impressive palaces in Marrakech. It costs only 10 Dirhams to enter and have a look at this beautifully decorated piece of architecture.

9 | Experience the famous Jemaa el Fna

Like always, I’d be completely frank with you; I have long been conflicted if I had to include the Jamaa El Fna square on my list of things to do in Marrakech.

You see, the famous Marrakech square is not a place that matches the picture-perfect aesthetics you see when researching Morocco’s beloved ‘Red City’ on Instagram.

No, sadly, Jemaa El Fna is everything but.

Instead, it’s a place where animal cruelty, misleading scams, and shady figures such as pickpockets, drug dealers and prostitutes, largely take the upper hand.

Here, you’ll stumble upon intrusive henna artists who uninvitedly attempt to decorate your arm, men with chained monkeys forced to perform tricks, as well as heaps of thieves and scammers, all with one clear motive; moving the hard-earned money of overwhelmed travellers straight into their own pockets.

While I clearly didn’t like Jemaa El Fnaa, I still choose to write about it here.

The reason for this is that, despite its shady nature, I still believe the square is of significant cultural and historical importance.

Luckily, a way better alternative exists to experience the oh-so-famous square, by grabbing yourself a seat on the terrace of Le Grand Balcon du Café Glace.

At the terrace, you can enjoy a fresh mint tea, while overlooking the hustle and bustle down below from a comfortable distance, which compared to visiting the square itself, is, actually quite special.

Keen to find out more ways to experience Jemaa el Fna, make sure you read this guide here.

9. Immerse yourself in the gardens of Le Jardin Majorelle

Although the botanical gardens and resting place of Yves Saint Laurent contain plants from five continents, don’t expect an oasis of calm. Le Jardin Majorelle is one of the busiest tourist attractions of Marrakech, nevertheless, it is a lust for the eye. The iconic blue buildings in contrast to the garden make an attractive scene.

Try to plan your visit as soon as the doors open or you will have to find yourself a corner where you can enjoy the calm among thousands of other tourists. If you want to enter the garden it costs you 70 Dirhams and 30 extra if you want to visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.