Tips & Tricks

  • Jemaa el Fna

  • Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

  • Dar el Bacha

  • La Mamouina

  • Royal Mansur

  • Les Jardins du Lotus

  • Nobu & El Fenn

1. Cash is King
The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a closed currency, which means you can’t get it outside of Morocco—so make sure to withdraw cash as soon as you land. There’s a limit to how much you can bring in, so don’t count on exchanging large sums. Taxis, souks, markets, and even many attractions are cash-only, so keep a decent stash on hand. Pro tip: Always agree on the price with taxi drivers before hopping in!

2. Stay in a Riad – Trust Us
If you’re arriving early or hanging around after the wedding (yay!), do yourself a favor and stay in a riad. These traditional Moroccan guesthouses are drop-dead gorgeous and full of charm. The service? Chef’s kiss.

3. Book Your Adventures Online
Planning to hit the sights? Skip the lines and book tours and tickets ahead of time. We highly recommend GetYourGuide or Viator for easy, trustworthy bookings.

4. Dress the Part – Respectfully
Morocco is stylish and modest. Ladies, bring along a light kimono, scarf, or overskirt to cover your shoulders when needed. Long dresses and flowy skirts are both respectful and great for those Insta moments.

5. Haggle Like a Pro
In the souks, prices aren’t fixed—it’s all part of the fun! Don’t be shy about bargaining or walking away if the deal feels off. You’ll get the hang of it, and it’s honestly one of the best ways to experience Marrakech’s colorful personality.

6. Street Smarts – Stay Savvy
Jemaa el-Fnaa square is a vibe, but it comes with a side of tourist traps. Snake charmers, henna artists, and monkey handlers might approach you—and they will ask for money if you engage. Also, “free” directions aren’t really free. Just smile, say no thank you, and keep it moving.

Jemaa el Fna

Marrakech is home to Morocco’s largest traditional market, where the souks overflow with carpets, lanterns, leather goods, and spices. Once divided by trade—like pottery, textiles, and metalwork—these bustling alleys still echo their historic roots. Haggling is part of the charm, turning every purchase into a lively exchange.

The Medina is also famed for its street food, especially the slow-roasted lamb of Mechoui Alley. Nearby, the Ensemble Artisanal showcases handmade crafts and teaches traditional techniques to young artisans.

At the heart of it all lies Jemaa el-Fna, a UNESCO-recognized square that comes alive at night. Beneath the glow of lanterns, visitors gather for food, music, storytelling, and mesmerizing performances by Gnaoua dancers, acrobats, and fortunetellers. It’s a place of constant motion, color, and magic—pure Marrakech.

Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

A tranquil oasis in the heart of Marrakech, the Majorelle Garden is a masterpiece of color and calm. Designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, the garden blends Art Deco design with exotic botanical beauty. Cobalt blue walls, vibrant tiles, and winding paths lead through bamboo groves, cacti, and lily-covered ponds—an artist’s vision brought to life.

Just steps away, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum pays tribute to the legendary designer’s deep connection to Morocco. Inside, visitors discover a striking blend of fashion, art, and culture, with a curated collection of haute couture, sketches, and personal archives. Together, the garden and museum offer a serene and inspiring journey into creativity, legacy, and the timeless beauty of Marrakech.

Dar el Bacha

Dar el Bacha, the “House of the Pasha,” is one of Marrakech’s most elegant palaces, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of the Medina. Built in the early 20th century, it reflects the height of Moroccan craftsmanship—zellij tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and serene courtyards filled with orange trees and fountains evoke timeless refinement.

Within its historic walls lies Bacha Coffee, a luxurious café and roastery that elevates the art of coffee to a cultural ritual. With over 200 single-origin beans sourced from around the world, the experience is both sensory and sophisticated. Golden trays, porcelain cups, and fragrant pastries complete the journey, blending old-world charm with modern indulgence. Dar el Bacha is not just a palace—it’s a celebration of heritage, taste, and the quiet elegance of Marrakech.

La Mamouina

La Mamounia is more than a hotel—it’s an icon of Moroccan elegance and timeless grandeur. Nestled just outside the Medina’s ancient walls, this legendary palace has hosted royals, writers, and film stars since 1923. Its lush gardens, once gifted to Prince Moulay Mamoun in the 18th century, stretch over nearly 20 acres, offering serene paths shaded by olive trees and scented with orange blossom.

Inside, every detail reflects the richness of Moroccan craftsmanship—mosaic tiles, carved wood, and glowing lanterns create a mood of opulence and calm. The experience extends to its world-class spa, exquisite dining rooms, and luxurious suites that blend tradition with contemporary refinement.

La Mamounia is not just a stay—it’s a destination in itself, where history, beauty, and hospitality converge in the most poetic corner of Marrakech.

Royal Mansur

The Royal Mansour is the pinnacle of Moroccan luxury—an architectural masterpiece commissioned by the King of Morocco and crafted by the country’s finest artisans. Hidden behind ancient walls in the heart of Marrakech, this palatial retreat is a medina within the Medina, where every guest is welcomed into their own private riad, complete with courtyard, rooftop terrace, and plunge pool.

Every detail is a celebration of Moroccan craftsmanship: carved cedar, hand-laid zellij, tadelakt walls, and silken fabrics that speak to centuries of tradition. Pathways wind through lush gardens of jasmine and olive trees, leading to a serene spa, refined lounges, and Michelin-starred dining that fuses innovation with heritage.

More than a hotel, the Royal Mansour is a sanctuary—where time slows, beauty reigns, and Moroccan hospitality reaches its most exquisite expression.

Les Jardins du Lotus

Tucked away in a lush garden villa just steps from the bustle of the Medina, Les Jardins du Lotus is one of Marrakech’s most stylish culinary hideaways. Set beneath towering palms and fragrant bougainvillea, this vibrant restaurant offers a perfect blend of laid-back elegance and cosmopolitan flair.

The setting feels like a secret oasis—where mid-century design meets Moroccan charm, and guests dine beside a turquoise pool under the shade of olive trees. The menu is globally inspired yet locally rooted, combining seasonal Moroccan ingredients with modern European touches. From brunch to late-night cocktails, every moment feels relaxed, indulgent, and effortlessly chic.

Les Jardins du Lotus isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a lifestyle destination, where food, design, and atmosphere come together in perfect balance.

Nobu & El Fenn

High above the buzz of Marrakech, the rooftops of the Nobu Hotel and El Fenn offer two of the city’s most iconic vantage points—where tradition meets contemporary luxury under open skies.

At Nobu, sleek lines, soft lighting, and a panoramic view of the medina give way to a striking contrast of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. It’s effortlessly chic—an elevated world of curated cocktails, live DJs, and sunset dinners that blend Nobu’s global elegance with a distinctly Moroccan rhythm.

Just across the medina, the rooftop at El Fenn feels like the city’s bohemian soul. Bold colors, handmade tiles, and vintage details create a playful yet intimate atmosphere. With shaded lounges, a plunge pool, and a bar surrounded by potted palms, it’s a place to slow down and soak in the golden light.

Whether for a sunrise coffee or a nightcap under the stars, these rooftops capture the spirit of Marrakech from above—vibrant, timeless, and unforgettable.