Marrakech is a city that captures all of your senses. The scent of orange blossom lingers in the air, the call to prayer softly echoes over the rooftops, and every step you take leads you to something beautifully unexpected. On our recent trip, we immersed ourselves in the rhythm of the city. Despite its organized chaos, Marrakech is not a place to be rushed through. We allowed ourselves to get lost in the labyrinth of souks and found peaceful respite in serene courtyards. We ventured beyond the city for a day in the Atlas Mountains, where we dined on traditional Moroccan dishes with a sweeping view of the snowcapped landscape (truly a “pinch me” travel moment). We wandered through the vivid colorscape of Jardin Majorelle and treated our bodies to the slow healing of massage in our riad’s spa. This trip was the perfect balance of adventure and relaxed indulgence. Here is my Eat + Stay + Play travel guide to Marrakech – everything we ate, where we stayed, and how we spent our time.
Eating and Drinking in Marrakech
On our first evening we dined on the rooftop of our riad (more on where we stayed below). I’ve never met a rooftop dining experience I didn’t like, and this one was just what we needed after our travel day. We stayed at a very small boutique riad and on this particular evening we had the entire roof to ourselves. The staff did a lovely job of creating a romantic table for two tucked into one corner. We were surrounded by soft lamplight, lush flowering plants and trees, and the gentle sounds of a fountain. I recommend staying in a riad and having at least one meal there.
Zeitoun Cafe – Located in Jemaa El-Fna and recommended by our medina guide, Zeitoun Cafe is a go-to for classic Moroccan dishes with a great view. The covered rooftop terrace overlooks the lively square below, making it the perfect spot to take in the energy of Marrakech while enjoying tajines, couscous, and fresh mint tea. It’s casual and provides a relaxed atmosphere to stay cool on Marrakech’s hot days.
Poka by Katsura – For something a little unexpected, Poka by Katsura brings a fresh, modern twist to Marrakech’s dining scene. The restaurant’s vibe reminds me of some Vegas restaurants we have been to, but it’s not just about the fun atmosphere. Poka by Katsure blends Japanese-inspired flavors with a relaxed, contemporary feel. It’s a great option when you want a break from traditional Moroccan flavors.
Les Jardins du Lotus – Tucked behind unassuming doors and down a winding corridor, Les Jardins du Lotus feels like a hidden oasis in the middle of the city. We absolutely loved the entire experience here from the food to the entertainment. Lush greenery, soft pink and green tones, and a luxurious pool set the scene. Just above the pool is a DJ booth and a small stage where we saw belly dancers with flaming batons and a pop singer. They have surprisingly great tacos on the menu. A reservation is a must.
Broc The Kasbah – We came across this super casual falafel burger spot with great reviews. It was perfect for a quick lunch so we could get back to exploring. Broc The Kasbah is part concept store, part restaurant, with unique clothing items and the menus are printed on old vinyl records.
La Table du Riad – Loved the elegant atmosphere here on our last evening. La Table du Riad delivers an authentic Moroccan dining experience in a chic riad setting. Everything here feels intimate and traditional. The courtyard is candlelit and centered around a pool beneath towering palm trees. It’s a great spot to savor rich tajines or Marrakech’s signature dish, tanjia. One thing to note – this restaurant does not serve alcohol. I had a lovely mocktail version of a Hugo Spritz, however.
1112 Teahouse – The name “1112” refers to the Islamic date etched on the beautiful wooden ceiling. This date translates to the year 1700 in the Gregorian calendar, serving as a tribute to the rich history of this centuries-old riad. The serenity of this teahouse could lull you to spend the entire afternoon here, sipping on a curated selection of teas and noshing on light bites. Many people were playing card games and just relaxing. I highly recommend this unique spot in Marrakech!
Where to Stay in Marrakech
Riad Idra – When it comes to booking your accommodations in Marrakech, I cannot recommend staying in a riad enough. Riad Idra is a boutique hideaway ideally located within the medina. We could easily walk everywhere and the staff could not have been more helpful. They attended to our every need and went above and beyond to ensure we had the best possible experience. We booked both our Medina and Atlas Mountain tours through them and they were fantastic experiences.
Another thing I loved about Riad Idra is the overall aesthetic. It blends traditional Moroccan architecture with understated luxury. Everything feels calm and refined from the beautifully intricate tilework to the carved and painted wood of the doors and windows. We loved sipping tea and having an evening glass of wine in the courtyard while listening to birds singing amongst a backdrop of cascading ivy. We also loved our visits to the spa, where we treated ourselves to two luxurious massages. It is truly a retreat from the city’s energy and the ideal place to unwind and experience the quieter, more intimate side of Marrakech.
Things to See & Do in Marrakech
The Medina & Souks
A maze of color, sound, and craftsmanship
The Medina of Marrakech is a maze of narrow alleyways and bustling markets. Seemingly everything is bought and sold here. Housewares, clothing, jewelry, textiles, handmade ceramics, food and more. We purchased a handmade rug and lamp from two amazingly talented artisans. Wandering through the souks is an experience in itself – so let yourself get a little lost – you won’t regret it. If it is your first time in Marrakech like it was for us, I recommend hiring a guide to take you through it (they will also know all the best places for shopping). The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and some of its trade routes date back nearly 1,000 years!
Ben Youssef Madrasa
One of Morocco’s most beautiful historic landmarks
Once the largest Islamic college in North Africa, Ben Youssef Madrasa is now a museum open to the public. At its peak, it housed around 800 students studying the Quran. The structure itself is a sight to behold. I’ve never seen such intricate carvings and detailed tilework. It’s just so beautiful. Be prepared for big crowds as it is quite popular. We toured it with our medina guide, which I recommend doing.
Jemaa El-Fna Square
The living, breathing heart of Marrakech
The famously busy, and possibly a little chaotic, square of Marrakech – Jemaa El-Fna. There are many vendors here selling fruits and vegetables but you’ll also see street performers including snake charmers and monkey tamers. I’m not really into those things so we steered clear of them. But the atmosphere’s overall buzz is a little contagious and worth seeing. It is also recognized by UNESCO for its intangible cultural heritage due to its centuries-old storytelling and performance traditions.
Atlas Mountains
A breathtaking escape from the city
A guided day trip to the Atlas Mountains offers a refreshing escape from the city, with stunning landscapes, traditional Berber villages, and cooler mountain air. This experience shows you a completely different side of Morocco. We started our day at a Berber market seeing locals buying and selling just about everything. Large piles of potatoes, onions, herbs, and salt were placed throughout as other vendors sold live chickens, rabbits, and even electronics. It was THE meeting place for the Berber people and a completely eye-opening experience. Everyone was quite friendly and didn’t seem to mind as we made our way through the winding landscape with our guide.
We also stopped at an argan oil cooperative for a little education on Moroccan argan oil production. It is only made by women who are either divorced or widowed and it is made completely by hand.
Our day culminated with a delicious lunch in a traditional Berber home with an incredible view of the mountains. It was an unbelievable day and one I’ll always remember. Fun fact: The Atlas Mountains stretch over 2,500 kilometers across three countries – Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia!
Dar El Bacha Museum & Bacha Coffee
A palace experience with a coffee ritual like no other
Dar El Bacha is a beautifully restored former palace that now operates as a museum showing a glimpse into Morocco’s rich cultural past. The palace actually hosted some notable figures during the 20th century, such as Winston Churchhill. Inside, Bacha Coffee is a destination in and of itself. Just be aware that it is HUGELY popular and wait times can be very long to get a table (it was a 4 hour wait when we arrived). But, you can access the Bacha Coffee gift shop and the museum rather easily without much of a wait.
Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum
Iconic gardens and fashion history in one stop
Everyone told us this was a must-do and I agree – I don’t think you can come to Marrakech without seeing it. Jardin Majorelle is a striking botanical garden dotted with cobalt blue and forest green accents and many exotic plants. There are fountains full of koi fish with sunbathing turtles and frogs atop large lily pads. It’s a bit hard to believe you’re in the city once you step inside. Next door is the YSL Museum celebrating the life and work of Yves Saint Laurent, who lived part-time in Marrakech. He and his partner helped save and restore the garden.
I hope you have enjoyed my Eat + Stay + Play travel guide to Marrakech! Enjoy planning your trip and I’ll see you back here soon!
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xo – Erin
Eat + Stay + Play: The Ultimate Marrakech Travel Guide (Riads, Souks, Atlas Mountains & More) appeared first on CathedralsandCafes.com. If you see this content published anywhere else, please email cathedralsandcafes@gmail.com.
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