Marrakech—where do I even begin? Morocco has been on my travel radar for years, and I’m obsessed with everything Moroccan: rugs, textiles, pottery, lanterns, terracotta tiles, and of course, their incredible interior design. The vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and rich textures left me in awe. I finally got to experience it firsthand, and it did not disappoint. Morocco’s creativity is unlike anything else.

Morocco can be an incredibly captivating destination, but it might not be the best choice for the average traveler, especially those seeking a relaxed and easy-going experience. Before visiting, there are several factors to consider: the intense sensory overload, cultural differences, transportation challenges, and safety concerns. Visitors should also be prepared for the local practice of haggling, as well as potential scams and petty theft. I strongly recommend traveling with a group or, ideally, with a male companion. Solo female travelers, in particular, may face unwanted attention or harassment, especially in busy areas or after dark.

Don't get me wrong—Marrakesh was an incredible experience, unlike any we've ever had. Now that you're aware of some things to watch out for, here are the must-see places and experiences you can't miss. If you want to truly immerse yourself in the culture and history of Morocco, these are the things you absolutely must do.

Visit Le Jardin Majorelle
A peaceful botanical garden originally designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. It’s a colorful retreat full of exotic plants.

Stay in a Traditional Riad

Staying in a riad is a must for your trip! A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace, often centuries-old, with a unique and beautiful interior courtyard or garden. Found mainly in the medinas (old city centers) of cities like Marrakech, these beautiful buildings feature intricate tiles, peaceful courtyards, and lush gardens, offering a truly intimate and authentic Moroccan experience in the heart of the city. Most of the time, a traditional Moroccan breakfast is included in your stay. The two different ones we stayed at were: Riad Louhou & Riad Dar Dialkoum .

Book a walking tour.

I highly recommend taking a walking tour on your first day in Marrakech. The guide provides invaluable local tips on where to go, what to visit, and how to avoid scams—unfortunately, they are common in Morocco. We did our tour with our guy Jamal, he’s fantastic. We actually ran into him several times throughout our trip, and he always stopped to chat with us. The tour really helped us get acclimated to Marrakech and taught us how the history of the city shaped its culture. Here’s his tour Marrakech City Tour By Jamal.

Shop at Place des Épices & Walk around the Medina
The spice market was a place I really wanted to visit. The vibrant spices and textiles around every corner. It’s the ultimate shopping haven, with everything from aromatic Moroccan spices and teas to beautiful rugs and unique souvenirs. The Medina, or old city, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, home to the largest souk market in Morocco. Traders have been selling their goods here for over 1,000 years, making it a truly historic and bustling hub of culture and commerce.

I absolutely adore the art of Moroccan rug-making. It is a collaborative process among Amazigh women, involving weaving, knotting, and threading on a loom. The rugs are often adorned with intricate geometric patterns and can take several months to complete. If you're looking to purchase an authentic Moroccan rug but prefer not to buy it directly in Morocco, check out the online shop at Anou Cooperative. It brings together over 600 artisans from cooperatives, associations, and workshops across the country.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

The epitome or Moroccan design! The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a must-see historical and architectural gem in Marrakech. Originally built in the 14th century, this former theological school was once one of the largest in North Africa. After a careful restoration, it has been transformed into a public museum, allowing visitors to admire its extremely intricate architecture, intricate tilework, and serene courtyards.

Photographing this stunning site was a dream come true—its vibrant colors, detailed patterns, and rich textures truly showcase Moroccan craftsmanship at its finest. If you're planning a visit, I recommend arriving right when it opens or just before closing to avoid the crowds and save yourself the hassle of editing out a ton of people. With all the intricate tilework, it took forever, trust me.

Glamping in the Desert

Another experience I was dying to have in Morocco was a glamping adventure in the desert! With so many different options to choose from it was hard for us to decide. From our research we found that the top two are Agafay Luxury Camp and The White Camel. It was a truly beautiful experience and a refreshing escape from the city for the night. Spending the night 'camping' under the stars in Morocco was such a unique experience. The luxury camp also included camel rides, dinner, live music, and dancing.

Ride a Camel

Riding a camel through the Moroccan desert was an adventure. It was Ian's one big request for the trip—he was absolutely stoked to ride a camel! The experience was incredible; however, it was somewhat scary but definitely lived up to the excitement. The beauty of the Agafay, especially at sunset, was very memorable. It felt like stepping into a movie, offering a perfect mix of excitement and tranquility. It was a fun way to immerse yourself in the culture. Riding camels is deeply rooted in Moroccan culture, particularly in the desert regions where camels have long been essential to daily life.

Dinner and a Show

La Maison Arabe - We dined here on our first night in Marrakech. Unfortunately, we didn’t realize how important reservations were, so we missed out on dining poolside. However, we were able to enjoy the rooftop, and it was incredible. We savored a delicious tajine while overlooking the city, with the mosque beautifully lit up at night.

La Trattoria - La Trattoria offers Italian cuisine, a refreshing break from the bold flavors of Moroccan food. The restaurant itself is STUNNING, with the dining areas surrounding an indoor pool and incredible light fixtures that create a mesmerizing atmosphere. It was definitely one of my favorite interiors we witnessed in Morocco— it was surreal.

Comptoir Darna - Comptoir was the perfect spot for our last night in Marrakech, and did not disappoint. The restaurant combines delicious food with live entertainment, including mesmerizing belly dancers balancing lit candelabras on their heads—a truly spectacular touch. It was the ideal sendoff to wrap up our unforgettable Morocco trip.

La Boheme - Want to experience dinner in the Agafay Desert without the glamping? Many spots in the desert offer lunch and pool passes, or sunset and dinner experiences. I highly recommend escaping the city for a night to enjoy an evening under the stars. With a variety of dining locations to choose from, it's an amazing experience.

A Taste of the Culture in Marrakech | Morocco

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