Jemaa el-Fna
The main square. Calm by day, a huge open-air food market and show by night.
All host cities
Host city guide · The Red City
Marrakech
مراكش الحمراء
Souks, riads and rooftop dinners, with the snowy peaks of the High Atlas on the horizon.
Airport
Marrakech Menara (RAK)
Stadium
Grand Stade de Marrakech
Summer weather
Very hot, dry afternoons
By train
Direct from Casablanca & Rabat
Match day
The Grand Stade de Marrakech sits on the edge of the city, so plan your ride there and back before kick-off.
- 1
Leave early. Traffic builds fast near the stadium on match days. [Add official shuttle info when announced]
- 2
Agree the taxi fare first. Beige petit taxis should use the meter; if not, fix the price before you get in.
- 3
Beat the heat. Water, a cap and sunscreen. Rest in the afternoon and go out after sunset like the locals do.
Don't miss
Jardin Majorelle
Cobalt-blue villa and cactus garden. Book tickets online, it fills up.
The souks
Leather, lanterns, spices and rugs. Haggling is expected, and smiling helps.
Bahia Palace
Painted cedar ceilings, zellige tiles and quiet courtyards.
Koutoubia Mosque
The city's landmark minaret. The gardens around it are open to everyone.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
A former Quranic school with some of the finest carved stucco and cedar in Morocco.
Eat like a local
بصحتك
Five dishes to try before you fly home. Say "Bsaha!" (enjoy!) when the food arrives.
- TanjiaMarrakech's own slow-cooked beef, made in a clay jar
- TagineChicken with preserved lemon and olives is the classic
- HariraTomato, lentil and chickpea soup
- MsemenFlaky pan-fried bread, best with honey and mint tea
- Fresh orange juicePressed in front of you at the square's stalls
Where to stay
Medina
Riads with tiled courtyards and rooftop terraces, steps from the souks. Atmospheric but busy, and cars can't reach most doors.
Gueliz
The modern centre: cafés, shops, apartments and easy taxis.
Hivernage
Big hotels with pools, nightlife and wide avenues.
Run a riad or hotel in Marrakech?
Get listed for free in this guide and reach fans planning their trip.
Day trips from Marrakech
Half day
Agafay desert
Stony desert close to the city. Sunset camel rides and dinner under the stars.
Full day
Ourika Valley
Cooler air, riverside cafés and waterfalls in the Atlas foothills.
Full day
Imlil & the High Atlas
Amazigh villages and hiking trails below Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak.
Full day
Essaouira
Atlantic port town with a breezy medina and grilled fish by the harbor.
Local tips
"La, shukran" (no, thank you) politely handles touts and unofficial guides.
Getting lost is normal in the medina. Use offline maps and ask shopkeepers, not people who approach you.
Dress with respect in the medina and religious sites: shoulders and knees covered goes a long way.