Updated: September 15, 2022
If you’re planning to take a trip to Marrakech, Morocco, there are some things you must experience on your trip! In this article, I will share some of my favorite places to eat, shop, and visit from my recent trip:
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Experience a Traditional Moroccan Hammam
Upon arrival, why not relax and ease into your trip with a spa like experience at one of Morocco’s local bath houses? When you enter into the hammam spa, you will receive a bucket, a mat to lie on, some black soap, and exfoliating gloves (or you can hire someone to exfoliate you) and you essentially clean and exfoliate yourself in large steam rooms among everyone else.
Shop in the Local Souks
The Souks (markets) in Marrakech are chaotic yet exciting, confusing yet mesmerizing, and a little intimidating, but exhilarating. The biggest and most exciting souk is at at Jemaa el-Fnaa. Grab your shopping tote or book-bag and prepare for some amazing shopping deals. Below were some of my favorite shopping places:
Kaftan House
Maison Du Kaftan Marocain
65 Sidi el Yamani, Marrakech, Morocco
This was our first shopping stop in Marrakech! Here you can find beautiful and high quality traditional kaftans. The fabrics are beautiful, and their products are handmade (you will see the sewing machines in the backroom!)
Les Nomades de Marrakech (Handmade Rugs & Carpets)
Bennahid N°40 Marrakesh،
Derb Zaouiat Lahdar, Marrakesh, Morocco
During our travels, we learned a lot about the famous traditions of Moroccan textiles. Traditionally, women make all of the carpets by hand, and the men only make blankets by hand. This is still true today. One reason is carpets are made by sitting, and all blankets must be made standing. A small carpet can be made in 2 weeks by hand, but a large carpet can take up to 2-4 months by hand! A good quality rug is typically made from live sheep’s fur (very soft!), and not dead sheep’s fur (poor quality). Rugs made from dead sheep fur like those in the souks will also cause your house to smell over time according to local experts.
The owner of Les Nomades de Marrakech is a 5th generation owner with over 30 years of experience! So he truly knows his rugs! As you’re shopping at Les Nomades de Marrakech, they will bring out various rugs for you to see and feel prior to purchase through a process of elimination. If you like the rug you can reply “Wa-ha” (yes) or if you do not like the rug, you can reply “Lah” (no). During your shopping experience, you will also receive a cup of traditional Moroccan mint tea to enjoy!
La Maison Des Babouches
Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
If you’re looking for a great pair of custom shoes or slippers, be sure to visit the La Maison des Babouches. All of their babouches (slippers) are very good quality and handmade. If you’re also looking for a custom handmade leather bag, they also craft these as well just next door!
Learn Natural Remedies from the Locals
If you’re really into using moroccan oils, herbal teas, and other natural remedies, be sure to visit:
Herboriste du Paradis
Place de La Kissariat Ben Youssef
Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
This pharmacy is unlike the photogenic spice towers in the souks, these spices are kept in sealed containers and aren’t exposed to air pollution. During our visit here, we were also educated by a local pharmacist, and learned natural remedies for allergies, headaches, stomach issues and more. We also purchased real argon oil, since the best quality can only be purchased in Morocco.
Jardin Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent Museum
During your visit in Marrakech, take time away from the noisy bustling streets and unwind in the beautiful gardens of the French painter Jacques Majorelle. This enchanting garden is full of beautiful colors, and great for photos. Also on the property, you will find the Berber Museum, and the Yves Saint Laurent “YSL” Museum a block down the road.
Ride a Camel Through the Desert!
Your journey to Marrakech would not be complete without venturing to the desert! Very close to Marrakech, there is a desert campground managed by a company called:
Scarabeo Camp
Désert Agafay
Marrakech 40000, Morocco
If you do not have enough time to travel all the way to the Sahara Desert, the Agafay desert is quite close and feels very remote. Depending on the package you book, you will receive your own luxury tent, lunch in the desert, a camel ride, ATVs, and you can choose to spend a couple of nights if you’re feeling really adventurous.
Take a Local Cooking Class!
If you enjoy cooking, after one day of Moroccan cuisine, you will be dying to know how they make those flavorful tajines and which spices are used. If your schedule permits, spend two-three hours cooking your own lunch at the Lotus Chef!
Lotus Chef
22 Fhal Zefriti, Medina،
Marrakech 40000، 40000, Morocco
The Lotus Chef is a very professional local school that will teach you how to make a traditional 4 course meal and traditional moroccan mint tea! The classes are offered in a variety of languages, so I was able to watch, learn, and practice in English. During this class, you will also learn about all of the different types of spices and their uses. I received my own prep area and stove. I also learned how to make two salads, a lemon tajine, a dessert, and real moroccan mint tea.
Favorite Places to Eat:
The food in Marrakech is amazing! Everywhere you go, the foods are full of natural spices and flavors. Restaurants near the square are cheap to eat, but don’t serve alcohol. Below you will find a of my favorite restaurants from our trip:
La Mamounia Marrakech
Avenue Bab Jdid
Marrakech 40040, Morocco
La Mamounia is located on grounds previously owned by royalty, and was voted the #1 hotel in Africa in 2018! The restaurant is located in a separate riad on the hotel grounds. This location makes amazing craft cocktails and the food is cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is is a good mix of traditional and modern Moroccan architecture. I would recommend visiting here for a nice dinner.
Comptoir Darna Marrakech
Avenue Echouhada
Marrakech 40000, Morocco
I would definitely recommend a dinner reservation for Comptoir Darna! The ambience, food, and the service is spot on! During your dinner, you can also enjoy an amazing belly dance show! If you want to catch the show during dinner, be sure to book a later reservation since the show begins each night at 10:00 PM.The restaurant is not hard to find, and is situated at a conveniently from the main street.
Le Palace (My Favorite!)
Avenue Echouhada
Marrakech 40000, Morocco
One word describes this hidden gem – Sexy! With its plush red velvet seats, live entertainment on Saturday nights, and food deserving of a Michelin Star, this is a must eat place in Marrakech for dinner. By far, I believe this was my favorite and should definitely be booked if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
Le Salama
40 Rue des Banques
Marrakech 40000, Morocco
If you’re looking for a great place for lunch, traditional Moroccan cuisines with a french twist, great tajine dishes, be sure to visit Le Salama. Le Salama is not too far from the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa market square (walking distance). This restaurant also comes alive at night, but if you’re looking for great photo ops, this would be a lovely place to have lunch during the day.
Hire a Local Guide
If you’re looking to experience Marrakech like a true native, I HIGHLY recommend booking Hanane Chouquir or her brother Mustapha Chouquir. Their tours cover the medina, historical buildings, museums, gardens, souks (and they will help you bargain since they know the locals), and other must-see places in Marrakech. Their family has also toured many celebrities such as Madonna in her recent visit to Marrakech. We spent half of the day with Hanane, and she truly became our long-lost friend. Hanane lived in Italy for some time, so she speaks Arabic, Italian, English, and French. If you wish to contact her, here’s her information:
Hanane Chouquir
Tel. 002126 10465171
hananechouquir7@gmail.com
Instagram: Hanane_chouquir07
I hope you enjoyed this list of recommendations! If you would like advice on how to prepare for a trip to Marrakech, feel free to check this related article for travel tips!
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