The heart of Morocco, Marrakech is a truly unique destination and a treat for all of the senses. Full of bright colours, rich in aromas of spice and packed full of flavour, this vibrant city is bursting with discoveries at every turn. On a Marrakech city break you can spend your days exploring the city’s maze-like medina (the old walled part of town), cool off in an action-packed waterpark or relax in the hidden oasis gardens.
What are the top hotels in Marrakech?
Marrakech has a variety of top-class hotels for all holidaymakers. Whether you’re seeking an all-inclusive family getaway, one of our last-minute holidays, or an adults-only adventure to the spectacular city – we’ve got you covered.
Aqua Fun Club - The hotel for you if you’re seeking non-stop family fun. Featuring one of the best waterparks in Marrakech, a wide selection of activities for all ages and a kids’ club, there’s something for the whole family at this popular hotel.
Be Live Collection Marrakech - A fantastic five-star adult-only hotel that’s a top pick for couples and friends seeking luxury. Relax by the outdoor pools, unwind at the hotel spa and discover tastes from around the globe at the hotel restaurants. If you want a stylish stay within reach of the city, this is for you.
Iberostar Club Palmeraie Marrakech - This hotel offers modern accommodation with fantastic on-site entertainment. Pools for all ages, activities for every holidaymaker and top-class service – what more could you want?
Radisson Blu Marrakech - A luxury five-star hotel that’s an excellent choice for friends who want to explore the city. Featuring DJ nights, live bands and stylish rooms, this hotel is fantastic for a mates’ escape to Marrakech.
Waterparks in Marrakech
A Marrakech city break can be rather hot in the summer months. So without a sea close by, what better place to cool down than a fun-filled waterpark? Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline-fuelled day out or just fancy floating down a lazy river, Marrakech has something for you. Check out Aqua Fun Club or head to Palooza Land for a blend of both wet and dry attractions. We recommend the world-renowned Oasiria – a mix of high-octane slides, unique attractions and splashtastic kid’s zones.
Popular Marrakech hotels
Weather in Marrakech
JAN
19°C
FEB
20°C
MAR
23°C
APR
25°C
MAY
29°C
JUN
33°C
JUL
37°C
AUG
37°C
SEP
32°C
OCT
28°C
NOV
23°C
DEC
20°C
Let's get down to brass tacks: Marrakech weather! 🌞
From October to April, Marrakech is seriously flexing. The weather's cool, especially in the mornings and evenings, and it's this comfy chill that makes wandering through the souks and palaces an absolute dream. Temperatures? Oh, they're playing it cool between 12°C and 25°C. Perfect for exploring without breaking a sweat.
But then, May through September? Marrakech turns up the heat, quite literally. We're talking temperatures that sizzle between 25°C and 40°C. It's the kind of heat that screams, "Grab a poolside spot or find a shady courtyard!" And honestly, with a fresh mint tea in hand? Not a bad way to roll. 🍵
In short, Marrakech weather doesn't just serve a vibe, it's setting the entire mood. Whether you're lost in the maze-like Medina or soaking in the vibes at Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech knows how to bring it. So, pack according to the season, and maybe throw in a fan or a scarf, depending on your travel dates. Marrakech is ready to show you a good time, no matter the weather.
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FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Marrakech?
It takes about 4 hours to fly to Marrakech from the UK/Ireland, which is enough time for a movie and a nap. Winning!
What’s the time difference between the UK/Ireland and Marrakech?
Good news: there's no time difference in Marrakech, which means no pesky jet lag when you get home. Woo!
What currency do they use in Marrakech?
The official currency used in Marrakech is the Moroccan Dirham.
What language do they speak in Marrakech?
The official language spoken in Marrakech is Moroccan Arabic, but don't worry, all the tourist resorts will be English-speaking, so don't stress too much about brushing up your Arabic skills in Duolingo.
Regular trees? Sure, they're cool, but they're not intricately-carved Moroccan trees, are they? Artists use all kinds of canvases, and apparently when a group of artists saw this tree-lined street in the New Town area, they had a vision. Each tree along this walkway tells a different story, sculpted into curving shapes with intricate carvings that make for the perfect photo opp.
Snag a bargain from the local souks
Is it even a holiday to Marrakech if you don't check out the souks while you're there? Souks are vibrant market stalls selling everything from carpets and spices to artwork and jewellery, and they're the bread and butter of Moroccan culture. Whether you're on the hunt for souvenirs to take back home or just fancy a bit of window-shopping, it's well worth a wander through these iconic stalls for a true taste of the local culture.
Treat yourself to the ultimate hammam pamper
Hammam is a Middle Eastern steam bath where you lie on a warm stone while a friendly professional exfoliates you from head to toe with traditional black soap, followed by a clay mask. Just trust us, it's relaxing as heck and will take your self-care routine to a whole new level. Just wait 'til you get back home and no one recognises the shiny new you.
Check out the biggest cactus farm in Africa
Now there's something for the bucket list, right? Right? Well, even if it's not up there next to climb Mount Everest, it's still something well-worth checking out on your holiday to Marrakech. This place is home to over 150 varieties of cacti, all presented in neat little rows in the Moroccan desert. Are you catching our drift? It's an iconic sight, although a bit on the tricky side to find. A hidden gem, if you will. It's off of the Route de Casablanca down a dirt track - look for the football stadium on the left as you come into Marrakech, and you're on the right lines.
Wander the Saadian Tombs
If you're a history buff (or just like a walk around somewhere different than a park), then you'll love this one. The Saadian Tombs are where important figures from the Saadi Dynasty lay to rest, with private mausoleums and a series of gardens. The tombs are open every day from 9-5, and it's around 70 Dirham to enter.
Learn how to cook a proper tagine
If you're a foodie at heart (whether for the cooking or the eating part - we're personally a big fan of that second one), then you should definitely book onto a tagine-making class during your Marrakech holiday. Most classes will give you the chance to make a sample of different tagine dishes, and it's a great chance to make some new friends while learning about the all-important spices and flavours that go into Moroccan cooking.
What events can I go to in Marrakech?
Strap in, because Marrakech holidays are here to bring the fun all year round. Whether you're up for something sporty, jazzy or somewhere in between - we've got you covered. Check out the calendar below for some of the best events in Marrakech.
Marrakech Dance Festival (March) - a vibrant festival with dance workshops, performances and parties with international DJs - the perfect place to get your groove on (or whatever the kids say these days)
Marrakech Grand Prix (April)- the city centre comes alive in preparation for this sporting event, held on a temporary circuit right in the middle of Marrakech, with the Atlas Mountains as the backdrop
Festival of Popular Arts (June) - a proper cultural mix of Moroccan culture, with folkloric performances, centuries-old traditions, music and art from different regions
Marrakech Du Rire (July) - a laugh-out-loud comedy festival founded by Moroccan-French comedian, Jamel Debbouze, featuring a hilarious mix of stand-up performances from both local and international comedians
Oasis Festival (September) - dance under the stars to the best electronic beats, with big-name headliners and top-notch production in a boujee setting
Marrakech International Film Festival (October) - catch screenings of the latest films from around the world, dive into masterclasses, and brush shoulders with professional actors, producers and directors
Marrakech Biennale (November) - a popular arts festival celebrating all cutting-edge things from the worlds of visual art, literature and film
TanJazz (December) - your chance to sway to the smooth sounds of jazz with performances from professional musicians in a gorg setting at Marrakech Palm Grove
Nightlife
Even if you're on the hunt for a cheap holiday to Marrakech, there's loads to get stuck into at night. From buzzing nightclubs to cosy bars and even bustling medinas that stay open 'til late, here are a few of the best bits to check out after sunset:
Medina - Marrakech's medina is open until around 10 or 11PM, and it's like a twinkling maze come night-time, with musicians and street performers, as well as food stalls and cafés to stop for a bite
Theatro - research says that this place has been known as the best nightclub in Africa since 2003, with the likes of the Rolling Stones and Leo di Caprio having stopped by in the past. It's located right in the bustling medina with extravagant shows on offer, colourful lights and smoke effects.
555 Famous Club - one of the best superclubs in Marrakech, known for its international DJs and big-name artists like Akon, Tyga and Snoop Dog. Themed nights are on the reg around here, and there are always some cracking deals on drinks for you and your squad.
So Lounge - this place is more about delish food and great drinks than it is thumping beats and DJ sets, with a signature cocktail selection that'll have you coming back for more.
Kabana - if rooftop bars are your vibe, then this place will be a bit of you, serving up creative cocktails in a leafy rooftop setting with twinkly lights and gorg sunset views for the perfect Insta pic
Le Bar Churchill - a swanky, romantic bar with relaxing music, delish Moroccan food, a fab drinks menu and even a cigar lounge if you fancy taking some premium cigars for a whirl
Babouchka - a luxury nightclub close to the busy centre, with performances from top DJs, a huge selection of carefully-crafted drinks, and a proper diverse crowd
Montecristo - this unique spot is just begging for a place on your Insta feed, serving as a fab restaurant by day and a quirky nightlife spot after dark, with plush sofas, pink-tinged lights, vibey jazz tunes, and a sky bar with DJ sets and belly-dancers
Cafe Árabe - a popular nightlife spot with a decorative-tiled courtyard downstairs and a swanky rooftop terrace upstairs, offering reasonably-priced drinks, a Moroccan-Italian themed menu and top-notch sunset views
Food & Drink
Marrakech holidays are packed with delish foodie goodness, whether it's sizzling tagine, spicy soups or fluffy couscous. Whatever your mood, here are some of the best dishes to get a taste of that local Moroccan flavour:
Tagine - tender meat and veggies slow-cooked in a blend of spices in a traditional cone-shaped pot
Pastilla - a flavour-packed pie made from paper-thin layers of pastry which are stuffed with pigeon meat, almond and eggs, spiced with saffron and coriander - trust us, it's tastier than it sounds!
Couscous - an absolute staple at any Moroccan table, this fluffy semolina-based side is usually served alongside stews to soak up those tasty juices
Harira - this spicy soup is most traditionally served at the end of Ramada, packed with tomatoes, chickpeas, lentils, lamb and a ton of spices
Ma'qooda - potato fritters dipped in egg and deep-fried to crispy perfection. 'Nough said.
Msemen - a warm, flaky flatbread sold either on its own by the bag, or stuffed with onions, cheese and egg at streetfood carts
That's some of the staple dishes covered, but what about where to try them for yourself? Well, whether you're after a light lunch, an on-the-go snack or a sit-down dinner, here are a few of the best places to eat in Marrakech:
Sahbi Sahbi - if you're looking for traditional, this is it, where highly-skilled and experienced female cooks take centre stage in an open kitchen to celebrate all things traditional Moroccan home-cooking
L’Mida - owned by Belgium-Moroccan chef, Nargisse Benkabbou, this pretty rooftop restaurant is a love letter to home-cooked Moroccan food, with creative dishes including vegan couscous and gnocchi with beetroot and orange blossom
I Limoni - this adorable restaurant gets its name from the lemon trees that droop over the tables, offering an upmarket Italian menu of wood-fired pizzas and flavour-packed pastas, all served in an outdoor courtyard to the soothing sound of jazz music
Amal Centre - a non-profit organisation that supports and trains disadvantaged women, serving proper good Moroccan grub at bargain prices, all in a cosy, heartwarming setting
McDonalds - hear us out - if you do find yourself craving some fast food, the McDonalds menu in Morocco is way different to ours, featuring items like 'McFlavour Fries' (fries loaded with cheese and crispy onions), the Chicken Big Mac, and a McFizz Pina Colada to wash it all down.
Places to visit
Bahia Palace
Just like Prue Leith, this 19th-century palace looks fab and ultra-modern for its age. It's a calm little sanctuary away from the city buzz, and aside from feasting your eyes on some beaut architecture (think decorative tiles everywhere you turn, pretty archways and leafy courtyards), it's also the perfect chance to duck away from the scorchio sun for a bit of shade. At just 70 dirham a pop, you can waltz right in to admire the building's design, explore the different rooms and snap some pics for the 'gram. You'll also find information points dotted around to help give a bit more historical context of the place. Learning never looked so good!
Medina
This is where the magic happens on holidays to Marrakech. We're talking a whirlwind of colours and spicy aromas at this maze of traditional souks, all selling something different. Think everything from handmade lanterns and vibrant spices to handwoven rugs. Whether you're here to haggle like a pro or just do a bit of window shopping, this place is worth a visit for the atmosphere alone. It's the perfect snapshot of Moroccan culture, with a mixture of stalls and cafés serving traditional mint tea so you can rest your legs between all that shopping action.
Jardin Majorelle
We're gonna bet our bottom beachy dollar that blue house probably wasn't the top of your list of things to see in Marrakech, but let's just say this: it should be! This large botanical garden was created by French Orientalist artist, Jacques Majorelle, over the course of 40 years. It's more recently been restored by the likes of Yves Saint Laurent (very boujee), and is a welcome bit of quiet away from the hustle of the markets in the city centre, with a gorgeous landscape of colourful flowers, cacti, marble pools and palm trees. Heavenly, right? Everywhere you turn is an aesthetic photo opp here. We can see the Insta caption now: Feeling blue 💙
Key facts about Marrakech
Flight Time
Around 4hrs
Time Difference
No difference!
Currency
Moroccan Dirham
Language
Moroccan Arabic
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Marrakech?
We recommend checking with your healthcare provider for all of the up-to-date vaccination info before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Marrakech?
You might need to pay tourist tax when staying in Morocco. This is usually between £1-£3 or €1-€4 per person, per night, and it's payable in local currency at the hotel.
Observing Ramadan
Please be aware that the Islamic holy month of Ramadan will take place between 10/03/2024 and 09/04/2024. During this time, eating, drinking and smoking will be restricted to the hours between sunset and sunrise, and visitors are expected to observe these practices in public spaces as a sign of respect, meaning many cafés and restaurants will close during the day, restrictions on alcohol sales may be in place, and hotel dining for non-Muslim guests may take place in private rooms. Playing music, dancing, and eating in public areas may also be restricted during this time.
