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Marrakesh, also spelled Marrakech, is one of Morocco’s largest cities and one of the best places to discover the country’s heritage, culture, and cuisine. Explore the labyrinthian streets of the historic district by day and enjoy lively nightlife in the modern European portion after dark. You even have the opportunity to explore the Atlas Mountains, with the largest peak of Toubkal situated just a couple of hours away from the city.
Given its size, Marrakesh has a wide variety of neighborhoods and accommodation options for tourists to choose from. In this travel guide, we showcase the best parts of Marrakesh to stay in and highlight some of the city’s best hotels and attractions.
Medina for First-Time Visitors
Photo Credit: posztos
Highlights: Jemaa el-Fna Square, Bahia Palace, Maison de la Photographie, Koutoubia Mosque, museums, souks
Medina is the oldest part of Marrakesh. It’s the very soul of the city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It comprises traditional riads (large houses with central courtyards) and lively souks (marketplaces) encompassed by 30-foot brick walls that were once intended to protect the city’s residents.
Many of Marrakesh’s top attractions can be found in Medina. Jemaa el-Fna Square (sometimes spelled Djemaa el-Fna) is a busy public square on Avenue Mohammed V where the likes of musicians, henna artists, and snake charmers congregate to entertain tourists and sell their wares. There are many beautiful buildings to explore, such as Bahia Palace and Koutoubia Mosque, and several fascinating museums such as the Marrakesh Museum and the Maison de la Photographie.
Medina is easy to get around on foot with many of the main sights within easy walking distance of one another. There are copious opportunities to pick up souvenirs at the bustling souks and enjoy a soothing cup of traditional mint tea in sunny rooftop cafes. Accommodation is fairly affordable, particularly in many of the riads which operate much like bed and breakfasts, although there are also some very luxurious riads and hotels to be found in Medina if you want an opulent experience.
Where to Stay in Medina
These are our top hotel recommendations in Marrakesh’s Medina:
- La Mamounia Hotel is a lavish Moorish property set within exquisite gardens and is considered one of the very best hotels in the city. You can expect exceptional service from the moment you check in, as well as beautiful rooms and delicious food in the on-site restaurants.
- Mandarin Oriental lies ten minutes outside of Medina within 50 acres of garden and olive groves, and it offers fabulous views of the Atlas Mountains. There are 56 private Berber-Arabic-style villas, and guests have access to swimming pools, hot tubs, room service, spa services, and a hammam (bathhouse).
Mouassine District for Grand Buildings
Photo Credit: Alex Andrei
Highlights: Opulent riads, Le Jardin Secret, Mouassine Museum, Mouassine Mosque, Mouassine Fountain
Mouassine is a district within Medina that is known for its impressive architecture. The area is lined with grand riads, most of which are now attractive hotels.
The area was originally established in the Saadian period which lasted from 1510 to 1699, and it has always been considered an affluent area where ornate properties demonstrate the wealth of their inhabitants. The beauty of the properties here makes Mouassine one of the most sought-after neighborhoods within Medina.
There are several points of interest within Mouassine to explore, such as Le Jardin Secret, Palais Dar el Bacha, and the Mouassine Museum. El Mouassine Mosque is set on a complex that includes a library, a hammam, an Islamic college, and a fountain fed from the Atlas Mountains via underground channels that date back to 1072 when the city was first constructed.
Mouassine is a lively area where you’ll find plenty of cool cafes, craft shops, and boutiques, in addition to busy souks. If you want to stay in a nice hotel in the heart of old Marrakesh, this is the place to be.
The Kasbah for History Buffs
Photo Credit: ali caliskan
Highlights: Saadian Tombs, Badi Palace
The Kasbah is another district within the Medina, and it lies near the south gate which was once the designated entrance for royal residents. Much like Mouassana, The Kasbah is packed with attractive riads that serve as mid-range hotels.
The area is very walkable but it takes around 25 minutes on foot to reach the very center of Medina from here. Luckily, buses run through the Kasbah regularly so you can take a break from walking when the heat becomes too much.
A popular attraction in the Kasbah is the Saadian Tombs. This is where important members of the Saadian Dynasty were laid to rest inside opulent tombs constructed from Italian marble and solid gold. There’s also the ruins of Badi Palace to check out, which dates back to 1578. Constructed by Saadian Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the palace blends Moroccan and European architectural styles.
Gueliz for Nightlife
Photo Credit: Andrzej Lisowski Travel
Highlights: Jardin Majorelle, MACMA, bars, clubs
The sale of alcohol is legal in Morocco, but only out of sight of mosques and either in private or in licensed bars and restaurants. Gueliz lies in the new, European portion of Marrakesh and has many bars, restaurants, and clubs, making it one of the best places for tourists to socialize over a few drinks.
The neighborhood is also home to some interesting sights, such as the MACMA Museum of Art and Culture, and the gorgeous Jardin Majorelle which was originally created by French artist Jacques Marjorelle and restored by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in the 1980s.
Gueliz has a mix of hotels and apartment-style vacation rentals, with room rates to suit most budgets. Some of the hotels here have hammams and spas that are much more affordable than in some other parts of the city.
Hivernage for Luxury Vacations
Photo Credit: Panuvat Ueachananon
Highlights: Casino de Marrakesh, bars, clubs, luxury hotels, parks and gardens
Hivernage is considered the most refined and luxurious part of Marrakesh, known for its opulent hotels, upscale restaurants, and chic cocktail lounges. Like Gueliz it has some excellent nightlife on offer, but you can expect to spend more to enjoy Hivernage’s bars, clubs, and casino.
An attractive feature of Hivernage is its abundance of green spaces. Menara Gardens offers idyllic olive groves, an artificial lake, and incredible mountain views. Parc Lalla Hasna is a carefully manicured park with flowers, fountains, sculptures, and benches. Cyber Park features ornamental and botanical gardens and expansive water features. These, along with several other pockets of lush greenery, contribute to Hivernage’s elegant atmosphere.
You can expect to pay more to stay in Hivernage than in other parts of the city, but you’ll get a luxurious experience from the riads and hotels here. If you want a relaxing break in Marrakesh with easy access to the city center, Hivernage is a great base.
Where to Stay in Hivernage
These are the best two places to stay in Hivernage:
- The Royal Mansour Marrakesh is one of the best luxury hotels in Hivernage. It is a medina within a medina, comprised of 53 individual riads to give guests the ultimate comfort and privacy. This friendly hotel offers unparalleled service in a beautiful, opulent setting.
- Four Seasons Resort Marrakesh is a five-star hotel set on a 40-acre property that is ideal for families. It features an outdoor swimming pool, a rooftop terrace, a Moroccan spa, free WiFi, and three on-site restaurants serving dishes inspired by cuisine from Spain, Italy, and Morocco.
The Mellah for Historic Charm
Photo Credit: EQRoy
Highlights: Lazama Synagogue, Miara Jewish Cemetery, Mellah Spice Souk
Mellah is Marrakesh’s historic Jewish Quarter and, having been established in the 1500s, is the second-oldest Jewish Quarter in Morocco. The neighborhood’s synagogues and shrines create an eye-catching contrast with the city’s dominant Islamic style of architecture and decor.
There are some interesting sights to explore in the Mellah. Lazama Synagogue is one of Marrakesh’s best-known and, although the exact date of its original construction is debated, it is believed that it was established even before the Mellah was. The Jewish Cemetery lies nearby and is the largest in Morocco — it dates back to the 16th century and is still in use today.
The Mellah Market is also a great attraction, particularly the Spice Souk at its entrance where merchants sell a huge array of Moroccan spices, herbs, and teas.
There’s a good array of riads to choose from in the Mellah at affordable rates. Plus, this part of the Medina gives you easy access to many attractions.
Palmeraie for Rest and Relaxation
Photo Credit: Annuk
Highlights: Palm trees, quad biking, camel rides, golf
Palmeraie lies in the northern portion of Marrakesh where it’s much quieter than in the bustling heart of the city. It’s a picturesque area lined with tall palm trees, giving it the sense of an oasis in the desert. There are plenty of fun things to do such as riding camels, renting quad bikes, and playing golf.
There are plenty of riads, hotels, and apartment rentals to choose from in the Palmeraie area, many of which have pools and sun decks. If you’re looking for a vacation that centers on relaxation, or you simply like the idea of escaping the bustling city center after a day’s sightseeing, Palmeraie could suit you well.
Just keep in mind that you’ll need to rely on taxis or buses to see the city’s main attractions.
Agdal for Budget Travelers
Photo Credit: Colinmthompson
Highlights: Agdal Gardens, Oasiria Waterpark, Eden Aquapark, Almazar Mall
Agdal is a relatively new area that lies just outside the Medina walls in the south of the city. It’s conveniently close to Menara International Airport, and there are some entertaining attractions in the area such as Oasiria Waterpark, Eden Aquapark, and Agdal Gardens. For retail therapy, head to Almazar Mall which has a climbing wall, a bowling alley, and a children’s ball pool in addition to its wide range of shops and restaurants.
Agdal is a fairly expansive area that stretches out far beyond the city, so it has plenty of accommodation options to choose from including friendly riads, large luxury resorts, and private vacation rentals. The area has some cafes and restaurants but many riads and hotels have on-site eateries for guests.
You could feel a little disconnected from the city in the furthest parts of Agdal but if you’re looking for a quiet stay, you’re more likely to find it here than in the Medina. Plus, since this area is relatively new it tends to be very cheap which is ideal for travelers on a tight budget.
Where to Stay in Agdal
These are the best places to stay in Agdal:
- The Oberoi Marrakesh is a five-star establishment set on 28 acres of fragrant citrus and olive groves. Its architecture is inspired by the famed Medersa Ben Youssef, and it provides spacious accommodation and a mix of Moroccan and international cuisine in its on-site restaurants.
- Ksar Char-Bagh is a very good boutique hotel set in a palm grove with fragrant gardens filled with citrus, olive, and fig trees. The property is a 14th-century riad and despite modern renovations, it maintains its Ottoman opulence.
- Agafay Luxury Camp is a 50-minute drive out of Marrakesh in the heart of the rugged Agafay Desert which is comprised of dunes, ridges, gorges, and canyons. The luxurious tents are equipped with bathrooms, electricity, hot water, air conditioning, coffee machines, and minibars, giving you all the comfort of a hotel with the peaceful seclusion of a desert campsite.
Book Your Stay in Magical Marrakesh
Marrakesh is an incredibly popular tourist destination which is why there’s a fantastic range of hotels, guesthouses, and vacation rentals on offer. Now you’re caught up on the city’s best neighborhoods, you can find the perfect accommodation for your vacation in this beautiful part of North Africa.
