Holidays to Marrakech are a carnival of colours, flavours, music and markets. The Red City is one of the best places in the world if you love to get lost in the crowd.
A perfect day on a Marrakech holiday starts with a relaxed breakfast of fresh mint tea and baked eggs, looking over the pink and orange-blushed city as the call to prayer rings out.
Next, shop vibrant spices, beautiful fabrics, and ornate tiles in the Medina district. When night falls, head for the bustling Djemaa el-Fna square to eat like the locals do – feasting on huge communal tables to an intoxicating Berber soundtrack. Unwind the next day in a tranquil riad, hammam steam bath or rooftop café.
Whatever your adventure, book a Marrakech holiday package with Etihad to discover the city your way.
Travellers have flocked to experience this historic city for centuries, but no two trips are alike. Here’s how to get the best from your Marrakech holiday.
The Medina is the heart of Marrakech – where a whirlwind of sights and sounds await down every alley, or derb, as the locals call them. Trying to navigate these densely packed medieval streets can be a challenge, so leave the map at home and explore wherever your senses take you. At every turn, expect a dizzying array of stalls, performers and hidden curiosities.
At the centre of the Medina lies Djemaa el-Fna. This square is filled with snake charmers, musicians and street food – and the festivities last long into the night.
Street food is essential to Marrakech – grab a skewer of barbecued lamb and a date milkshake and soak up the atmosphere of Djemaa el-Fna.
Away from the hubbub of the square, the city sparkles with hidden foodie gems. You’ll find bistro-style spots for a caffeine fix, like the Bacha Coffee House. For a decadent art deco blowout, grab a table at the Grand Café de la Poste for oysters and steak tartare. Don’t miss out on classic Moroccan cuisine either – harissa chilli paste, slow cooked tagine stews, rghaif flatbreads and olives.
The souks, or marketplaces, of Marrakech offer something for everyone – but be prepared to do some digging for your treasure. Everything from rugs and leatherware to pottery and spices is available at very reasonable prices if you take the time to find it.
The markets of the Medina can be bewildering and crowded, so make sure to explore the smaller workshops too for lower prices and a slower pace.
Away from the marketplaces, you’ll find a range of serene, stylish boutiques that provide a more personalised shopping experience. Try Atika or Lalla for chic takes on footwear, hats and accessories.
For all its hustle and bustle, nowhere does relaxation quite like the Red City. Sink into a private hammam steam bath to cleanse away the heat and dust of the day – a perfect choice for a Marrakech honeymoon.
Once you’re rejuvenated, unwind in a cosy riad. These shady courtyards are a staple of Moorish architecture and a central feature of many hotels and cafes across the city.
Marrakech is a historic ‘caravan town’ – a meeting place for travellers and traders from across the globe. Today, you can feel the diverse international influences – Moorish, French, Jewish – down every street.
To get a good handle on the city’s fascinating history, head to one of its many acclaimed museums. For a starting point, try the Musée de Marrakech – also a prime example of Islamic architecture.
Just outside the bustle of the souks, the Bab Doukkala neighbourhood is a great choice for a Marrakech family holiday. This calm, residential area has a range of leafy parks and gardens for kids to explore. Its riads and rooftop terrace hotels are perfect for some family downtime after a day out in the city.
If you’re looking for a true Marrakech experience for a city break, try the Derb Dabachi. Located on the outer reaches of the Medina, this maze-like network of alleys retains its authentic feel without the crowds. Here, the food stalls serve more locals than tourists and a wide range of grand mansion hotels and riads offer ample opportunity for indulgence.
Ville Nouvelle was built by the French as a ‘new city’ and flourished in the roaring ‘20s. It’s a glamourous spot for your honeymoon or luxury holiday in Marrakech. Galleries, boutiques, and cafes offer a more genteel experience than the rest of the city – and it has a range of jazz age hotels to suit every budget.
The local currency in Marrakech is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), and most market traders take cash only. You’ll need to spend all your cash before you leave, as it’s illegal to carry it outside the country.
The best way to get around Marrakech is by bus or taxi. In the Medina and other central districts, it’s better to explore on foot.
The main language spoken in Marrakech is Moroccan Arabic. Many people speak French, and English is used at some tourist destinations.
The weather in Marrakech can get extremely hot – reaching highs of 38°C in summer. Autumn is a popular time to visit when temperatures range between 20-30°C.
Religion is woven into the fabric of Marrakech. You can feel it in the rhythm of the city, which for most locals revolves around the six daily calls to prayer. Look around you and you’ll see a skyline dominated by Islamic architecture – including the breathtaking Ali Ben Youssef Medersa, which was the largest Islamic college in Morocco in its era.
The old Jewish quarter also offers a unique insight into the city’s cosmopolitan history, and you can still see a number of old synagogues across the city’s mellah district.
There are around 13 public holidays per year, but these can vary in date, as some of them are determined by the lunar calendar. You should expect some disruption to services during these events, so make sure you plan ahead.
Marrakech celebrates a number of religious holidays including Eid and The Prophet’s Birthday. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are forbidden to eat and drink during daylight hours.
In terms of secular holidays, Revolution Day, Worker’s Day and the Proclamation of Independence are all important events for the city.
Music is essential to the Marrakech way of life. It reflects the city’s diverse culture, history and location.
Expect to hear Sephardic Jewish music, 1920s jazz and traditional Spanish folk. You’ll also find traditional Moroccan styles being performed across the city, including the highly distinctive gnawa genre.
Loud drums, bells and a three-stringed, lute-like instrument called a hajhuj, coupled with bright, traditional costume, characterise these performances. You’ll find troupes across the city – particularly in the Djemaa el-Fna, where they’re integral to the square’s atmosphere and otherworldly vibe.
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