Top activities in Marrakech

Top activities in Marrakech

Top activities in Marrakech: Are you looking for must-do activities in the Red City? If so, you’ll find that the experiences on offer in Marrakech are insanely immersive. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the local art of living, the techniques used to make handicrafts, recipes for typical dishes and must-have accessories in a variety of workshops.

The best activities in Marrakech will also enable you to distinguish real culture from tourist folklore. Make no mistake about it, many vendors will be showcasing local traditions to satisfy the expectations of travelers eager for a change of scenery.

In a way, this is the downside of a trip to Marrakech. 

Fortunately, our selection of activities will allow you to discover the most authentic local culture. You’ll meet craftsmen, walk the streets and desert like the locals, and, above all, taste the intense flavors of Moroccan gastronomy.

What to do in Marrakech: 8 ideas for activities

A trip to Marrakech will stimulate you at every turn. The city is colorful, the noise is incessant and the tantalizing smells beckon around every corner. While there’s something exhilarating about this emulation, it can also be a little nerve-wracking. For you and the locals alike, a rejuvenating escape into the desert is in order. Join a Berber campfire and enjoy a convivial meal under the starry sky. You’ll find it hard to believe that the hustle and bustle of Marrakech is so close to such a tranquil oasis.

1. Escape to the desert at sunset in Agafay

Departing from Marrakech, discover the amazing sensations of a camel ride through the vast expanses of the Agafay desert. This excursion immerses you in Berber culture and the craft of Moroccan liquid gold: Argan oil. At sunset, gather around a campfire to listen to Berber music and enjoy a hearty traditional dinner. The richly flavored meal is rounded off with hot tea and local sweets.

2. Fly high in a hot-air balloon.

Enjoy a relaxing and sensational experience in the Moroccan sky. At first light, hoist yourself into the basket of a hot-air balloon for a gentle flight. The comforting sound of flame and wind will punctuate your ascent. You’ll be able to admire the fabulous countryside, picturesque villages and Marrakech.

3. Cook delicious traditional dishes

Top activities in Marrakech: Head to Marrakech’s medina for an authentic culinary experience. You’ll be welcomed and guided by two professionals in traditional gastronomy. At their side, you’ll learn how to work with basic products, recreate local flavors and, above all, enjoy the fruits of your labor in a warm and friendly atmosphere.

4. Explore the souks and their wonders

Discover Marrakech’s emblematic colorful markets in the company of a private guide. You’ll be amazed by the energy that emanates from this lively place, where all the senses are in a frenzy! Against a backdrop of traditional music and lively negotiations, you’ll stroll past stalls brimming with treasures of all kinds. It’s amazing, there are literally treasures from floor to ceiling! It’s customary to chat with the merchants to learn more about the craftsmanship of their products. Whether you’re into babouches, woodwork, bronze, jewelry, carpets, spices or pottery… there’s something for everyone.

5. Savour typical street food

Night-time in Marrakech is a time of life in its own right. The streets light up, the rooftops light up and a variety of tempting smells gradually fill the streets. It’s the perfect opportunity to sample popular street food specialties. Follow your guide through the dusty gloom, in search of the best evening snacks and delicacies. You’ll become familiar with the rich colors and flavors in a whole new setting.

6. Shape traditional pottery with your own hands

Top activities in Marrakech: It’s no secret that craftsmanship is king in Marrakech. Among the most notable of these skills is pottery. Terracotta objects are ubiquitous in Moroccan homes, especially for cooking and decorating. This is the perfect opportunity to try your hand at modeling your own pottery! Alongside a professional, discover the art and mastery of a potter’s wheel. This highly sensory workshop is perfect for those who enjoy manual activities.

7. Create your own leather slippers

If there’s one accessory you’ll see everywhere in Marrakech, it’s babouches. As well as being a staple of Maghreb dress, these leather shoes are ultra-comfortable. Take the opportunity to make your own babouches at a leather-working workshop in the Medina. A local craftsman will guide you through every stage of creation. You’ll also share a tea and snack while discovering Moroccan leather craftsmanship.

8. Deep relaxation in a royal hammam

Experience an exceptional moment of peace in Marrakech. In this private spa, you’ll experience the Moroccan hammam at the height of luxury. Relax with treatments and a massage. Smell the fragrance of high-quality products. During this timeless moment, you’ll enjoy a pampering service followed by a delicious traditional lunch.

Leer More: Visiting Marrakech’s Palmeraie: practical information

Top activities in Marrakech: If you’re lucky enough to spend a few days in Marrakech, you absolutely must visit one of its most popular tourist attractions: the palm grove. Located to the north of the city, it’s one of the many wonders to be discovered in Morocco. Here’s a short guide with all the practical information you need to visit this beautiful oasis!

A historic palm grove

Morocco boasts numerous palm groves throughout its territory, but the one in Marrakech is certainly one of the most impressive. Dating back to the 11th century, it boasts almost 10 centuries of history! It was around 1070 that Moroccan Sultan Youssef ben Tachfine, a member of the Almoravid dynasty, founded this palm grove at the same time as the medina of Marrakech, the country’s new capital. Since then, it has been used to produce dates, palm oil, palm wine, palm hearts and wood.

It reveals over 100,000 palm trees planted at that time, spread over an area of 13,000 hectares. A grandiose sight in a place that has also created an ecosystem that has allowed numerous fruit trees and plantations to grow alongside the palms. It’s a historic palm grove that takes us right back to the Almoravid period and is still a source of wealth for Marrakech today!

How to visit the Marrakech palm grove?

Getting to the palm grove

Top activities in Marrakech: The palm grove is located some ten kilometers from the medina. There are several options, depending on how you wish to visit:

By car: if you opted for a rental car when you arrived in Marrakech, you can reach the palm grove in around ten minutes from the medina. You’ll need to follow the signposted road and avoid the small lanes in the vicinity, which are closed to traffic to protect the site.

By cab: you can order a cab to take you to any point in the palm grove.

By horse-drawn carriage: book a horse-drawn carriage that departs directly from Place Jemaa el-Fna in the medina and takes you on a tour of the palm grove before returning you to the city. This is the longest, but most typical, option!

By bus: line 36 takes you from the medina to part of the palm grove. Take the time to find out about timetables and itinerary beforehand.

Palm Grove Marrakech Morocco

If you’re lucky enough to spend a few days in Marrakech, you absolutely must visit one of its most popular tourist attractions: the palm grove. Located to the north of the city, it’s one of the many wonders to be discovered in Morocco. Here’s a short guide with all the practical information you need to visit this beautiful oasis!

A historic palm grove

Top activities in Marrakech: Morocco boasts numerous palm groves throughout its territory, but the one in Marrakech is certainly one of the most impressive. Dating back to the 11th century, it boasts almost 10 centuries of history! It was around 1070 that Moroccan Sultan Youssef ben Tachfine, a member of the Almoravid dynasty, founded this palm grove at the same time as the medina of Marrakech, the country’s new capital. Since then, it has been used to produce dates, palm oil, palm wine, palm hearts and wood.

It reveals over 100,000 palm trees planted at that time, spread over an area of 13,000 hectares. A grandiose sight in a place that has also created an ecosystem that has allowed numerous fruit trees and plantations to grow alongside the palms. It’s a historic palm grove that takes us right back to the Almoravid period and is still a source of wealth for Marrakech today!

How to visit the Marrakech palm grove?

Camel ride Palm Grove Marrakech Morocco

Getting to the palm grove

The palm grove is located just over ten kilometers from the medina. There are several options, depending on how you wish to visit: By car: if you opted for a rental car when you arrived in Marrakech, you can reach the palm grove in around ten minutes from the medina. You’ll need to follow the signposted road and avoid the small lanes in the vicinity, which are closed to traffic to preserve the site.

By cab: you can order a cab to take you to any point in the palm grove.

By horse-drawn carriage: book a horse-drawn carriage that departs directly from Place Jemaa el-Fna in the medina and takes you on a tour of the palm grove before returning you to the city. This is the longest, but most typical, option!

By bus: line 36 takes you from the medina to part of the palm grove. Take the time to find out about timetables and itineraries beforehand.

What to do in the palm grove

1- Hike

You’ll only see a small part of the palm grove if you decide to visit it on foot, but there are several footpaths that will give you a good overview.

2- Ride a camel

This is certainly the most popular activity in the palm grove. There’s nothing like a camel ride to discover these vast expanses of palm trees in the most typical way! Remember to book in advance to be sure of a place. Some rides are even offered during sunset, a magical moment!

3- Opt for a quad-bike tour

Top activities in Marrakech: This is another popular option for travelers! Aboard your quad bike – or buggy, depending on the location you choose – you set off on a sporty tour to discover the most beautiful corners of the palm grove.

A fun and efficient way to explore this haven of peace! And book well in advance…

4- Choose a horse-drawn carriage tour

The horse-drawn carriages that leave from the center of Marrakech will take you on a tour of the palm grove, with the driver making several stops to give you information about the area. If you’d like to take part in a local activity, we can arrange for the driver to drop you off at the start of a camel or quad ride, for example, and wait for you to return to the medina. In this case, he will receive a commission from the service providers, but be sure to discuss this before you leave!

5- Relax in a spa

Marrakech’s palm grove is now surrounded by numerous hotel complexes, most of which offer swimming pools, hammams and spas. You can therefore take advantage of your day in this oasis to relax in a hammam or during a massage in one of these residences.

6- Play golf

Top activities in Marrakech: Yes, you can play golf right in the heart of Marrakech’s palm grove! In fact, it’s so well known that it was voted “best golf resort in Africa”… In a magnificent setting, you can play a frenzied round of golf on the 27 holes on offer.

All-inclusive excursions: several websites offer excursions that include both the journey from the medina to the palm grove and the activities to be done there. Make sure you get all the information you need to make the most of this unique place! If you’re staying in one of the residences in the Palm Grove, you can book these services directly with your hotel.

When should you visit the palm grove?

This little haven of peace is open to visitors at all times, so you can visit at any time of day. However, if you have the opportunity, we recommend you visit for sunrise or sunset, which are magnificent there. Camel and quad bike rides are also available at this time – and are very popular, so make sure you book in advance! Entrance to the palm grove is free of charge.

Sleeping in Marrakech’s palm grove

In recent years, with the great expansion of tourism in Morocco, the Marrakech palm grove has been invaded by numerous hotel complexes that have sprung up all around it, much to the delight of visitors. It’s now possible to sleep directly in the palm grove and be right at the heart of the show! Here are the different types of accommodation on offer:

Resorts: in these buildings, some of which are huge, you’ll find a host of facilities and services to make your stay unforgettable. Most have swimming pools, hammams and the option of booking a relaxing massage. They also often offer a wide range of activities that you can book directly with them to visit the palm grove to your heart’s content.

Apartments: a number of private apartments can be rented in the palm grove via online booking platforms.

Villas are available for larger groups of travelers, often with an outdoor swimming pool to enjoy sunny days – and cool off on hot days! They often resemble large riads, and traditional Moroccan accommodations. A great alternative if you’re traveling with several people!

In conclusion

Top activities in Marrakech: The Marrakech palm grove is one of Morocco’s must-see attractions. This vast palm-filled natural expanse is a rich legacy of one of the most important periods in the country’s history. You can visit this exceptional oasis on a quad bike, on the back of a camel or horse, or in a horse-drawn carriage! There’s so much to do here, you’ll want to spend several hours, or even several days!