Marrakech travel guide: what to know before you go

Best time to visit

March to May and September to November are warm and pleasant. Summer is very hot, often above 38 degrees, and it is hard to sightsee in midday. Winter days are mild but nights can be cold, and hotels may not have strong heating.

During Ramadan, restaurants may reduce hours in the day, and the medina is quiet until the evening. Check dates, which move each year.

How many days you need

Three days cover the medina and souks, the Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs, the Majorelle Garden and a hammam. A fourth day suits a trip to the Atlas Mountains or Agafay desert.

The medina is easy to get lost in, so allow time. Day trips to Essaouira or Ouzoud Falls take most of a day.

Getting from the airport to the centre

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is close to the city. Bus 19 runs from the airport to the Jemaa el-Fnaa area in about 20 to 25 minutes, roughly every 30 minutes during the day and early evening. Taxis are quick, about 15 to 20 minutes. The airport has an official taxi desk with fares set by destination. If you take a taxi elsewhere, agree the price before you get in.

Many riads arrange a transfer, which is the easiest option for the medina because cars cannot enter the narrow lanes. The driver then drops you at a gate and a porter guides you.

Getting around

The medina is best on foot. Lanes are narrow and mixed with motorbikes, carts and bikes, so watch behind you. Maps are often poor in the medina, so ask your riad for a map.

Small taxis (petits taxis) are used in the city. They should use a meter, so ask the driver to switch it on. Larger taxis serve longer routes. Ride-hailing apps are not always reliable. Gueliz and Hivernage are better for walking in wide streets.

Where to stay

A riad inside the medina gives the best local feel. It is quiet inside but you must walk through lanes with your bags. Choose one close to a main gate.

Gueliz is the modern city, with restaurants and easy taxis. Hivernage has larger hotels and pools. The Palmeraie suits resort stays but is far from the medina.

What to book in advance

Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum have long queues at the gate. Buy tickets online if offered and go early.

A hammam, cooking class and desert dinners are best booked ahead in the season. Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs have queues around midday. Check the closed days of each sight.

Common mistakes to avoid

Be careful if a stranger says the street ahead is closed. This can be a way to lead you to a shop. Do not accept henna or photos with performers if you do not want to pay.

Do not buy at the first price in the souks. Bargaining is normal. Decide your limit first. Do not drink tap water.

Do not dress in a revealing way in the medina. Do not take photos of people without asking. Do not change money with street offers.

Money, tipping and practical notes

The currency is the Moroccan dirham. Only a small amount of dirham cash can be taken out of the country, so exchange extra back before you leave. Cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants. The souks need cash.

Tipping of about 10 percent in restaurants and small coins for service is normal. Plug types C and E are used, at 220 volts. Alcohol is limited to licensed places. Check official government sources for entry rules.

Facts on this page were last checked in November 2026. Routes, rules and opening days change, so confirm important details with the official source before you travel.

Things to do in Marrakech