There has never been a better time to visit one of Morocco’s most enchanting cities. Formed 1,000 years ago the central fortified Medina of Marrakech is bursting at the seams with sights, sounds and an intoxicating energy. Expect to see everything from snake charmers to local souks selling traditional textiles, pottery and jewellery mixed in with contemporary art galleries, cafes and shops and let’s not forget many of the most luxurious hotel brands in the world have properties in the city. So if you are looking for a high-energy culture which is within easy reach of Europe then Marrakech is one place not to miss. Here is a selection of the best places to explore, dine and stay at while spending time in the unforgettable city of Marrakech.
New To Marrakech
IZZA
IZZA, the most recent luxury hotel to open in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. The property is a tribute to the late American socialite designer Bill Willis and presents fourteen exquisitely designed rooms (one with a feature alternate tread/witches’ staircase and kitchenette) which are set across seven interconnecting riads. A labyrinth of corridors leads to serene courtyards and plunge pools, a tranquil tearoom, a relaxing wellness spa, a composed library, and a rooftop terrace and restaurant presenting stunning views across the city. Owned by tech company Neon Adventures, IZZA integrates classic Marrakech aesthetics with contemporary art, thanks to its 300+ artwork collection costing £5 million. The hotel is a splendid fusion of contrasts; offering a blend of solitude and social spaces, vintage and modern furnishings, and a focus on local traditions and digital innovation, IZZA stands as a captivating retreat for those looking to explore the magic of Marrakech while enjoying exclusive events, cultural connections, and rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul – all bookings also include a complimentary 45 spa or hammam treatment.
Eat
Petanque Social Club
Petanque Social Club, unveiled in Gueliz, Marrakech’s historic French Quarter, is Kamal Laftimi’s latest endeavor, known for his ventures like Le Jardin and Nomad. It blends international cuisine with a unique flair, set within a space designed by DiegoandAlexeja Art & Design Studio. Their design, inspired by the original club from the 1930s and infused with contemporary Marrakech culture, offers a modern twist. The club serves as a vibrant meeting point for artists, dancers, and life enthusiasts, featuring both indoor and outdoor spaces for diverse gatherings as well as a fantastic food and drink across their restaurant and cocktail bar.
La Trattoria
La Trattoria is one of Marrakech’s oldest international restaurants, designed by Bill Willis and located in one of the few remaining Art Deco villas in the city in the city’s Gueliz, districty. The restaurant includes a cocktail bar, dining room, and courtyard where tables are arranged around a large swimming pool. Throughout the restaurant, vintage Western style mixes with traditional Moroccan details. Enjoy classic Italian dishes, especially seafood spaghetti and fish, but whatever you choose, don’t skip the tiramisu for dessert and make sure you bring a camera as this restaurant really offers the wow factor!
Plus61
Blending the minimalist aesthetic of +61 with the vibrant essence of Marrakesh is exactly what co-founder Cassandra Karinsky, a Sydney-origin designer who joined forces with Nomad entrepreneur Sebastian de Gzell to inaugurate this restaurant in the Gueliz district has achieved. Their vision was to encapsulate the Australian lifestyle’s essence in their dining establishment, aiming for a relaxed, upscale dining ambience rather than a casual beach vibe. The cuisine, influenced by Middle Eastern, European, and South Asian traditions, focuses on a concise, seasonally changing menu. Emphasizing collaboration with local, bio-organic producers, the chefs ensure a commitment to quality and sustainability.
Dar Yacout
Dar Yacout is a landmark restaurant in Marrakesh. It was amongst the first restaurants created around thirty years ago in the medina by Mohamed Zkhiri. Behind a large wooden door, you enter another world – the decor is enchanting with its private rooms and breathtaking panoramic view from the terrace overlooking the medina and the Koutoubia mosque of Marrakesh. Traditional Moroccan gastronomic cuisine with a menu incorporating an amazing succession of flavours feels never-ending as course after course is presented, while traditional live Moroccan music plays in the background serenading you in what is an unforgettable experience.
Amal Womens Centre Restaurant
This vibrant and laid-back courtyard eatery located in Gueliz operates as a charitable organization dedicated to providing hospitality and culinary training to underprivileged women. A number of its trainees gain practical experience by working at the restaurant, making it a favoured spot for lunch. The menu typically features a straightforward yet delicious rotating array of Moroccan staples such as tagines and kebabs, complemented by an international dish and freshly made lemonade infused with mint.
Le Trou Au Mur
If you are not staying in Jonathan and James Wix’s glorious Riad Farnatchi (see below) then pop across the road from the hotel to their restaurant Le Trou Au Mur and you won’t be disappointed. Open for lunch and dinner this destination restaurant is chic, the service is flawless and the food is beautiful. Located in an old riad in one of the oldest parts of the Medina, you can dine on the rooftop in the warmer months and head to the first-floor restaurant during the cooler days. The restaurant uses a traditional clay mechoui oven to create many of the mouth-watering traditional Moroccan menu options. Our favourite dishes are the Moroccan Salad and Tihane for starters and the Lamb Shoulder and traditional Offal Medley for mains and if you want something closer to home they also offer a range of International dishes too.
Nomad
Nomad opened in 2014 by Kamal Laftimi and Sebastian de Gzell in an old carpet store off the famed Rahba Lakdima spice square and the restaurant is a hit with tourists visiting the city. With a strong emphasis on fresh local produce and ample variety for vegetarians, pescatarians, and carnivores alike, the lively restaurant serves simple “Modern Moroccan” cuisine and revisions of traditional local cuisine and international dishes with a Moroccan twist. Spread over four floors, make sure you get a table on the top floor of the roof for the most incredible sunset views over Marrakech.
Quattro Four Seasons
If you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech’s main Medina and relax in complete luxury then head along to the Four Seasons Italian-themed Quattro Restaurant. The interior of Quattro showcases the cultural blend between southern Italy and Morocco and has both an indoor and an outdoor terrace which has views out to their Instagram-perfect central courtyard lined with palm trees. The menu itself weaves flavours of Sicilia, Puglia, Calabria and Campania together while other dishes focus on Arabic-influenced flavours. Signature dishes on the menu include their Paccheri Artiganali – Tiger Prawns and Lime and Millefoglie Di Pasta Fresca Al Cario, a delicious Ricotta cream, bottarga and lemon mint dressing and do not leave without trying a pizzoli, which is a stuffed Sicilian pizza, our favourites are the Spinach and Gorgonzola!
Do
Marrakech Insiders
Marrakech Insiders provides unique and tailor-made sidecar adventures that unveil the hidden gems of Marrakech. Passengers are guided on vintage map-led excursions through the city’s streets on several tour options. Among these, The Iconic Ride stands out as a 3-hour journey that escorts visitors to famous locations associated with Yves Saint-Laurent, in addition to exploring architectural marvels and interiors by Bill Willis. Each sidecar can host up to two guests, with the tour priced at €425 per individual.
Pikala Bikes
Want to discover the beauty of Marrakech in the most fun way? Go on a bicycle tour! Together with a young, native tour guide, you will discover the mysteries of Marrakech while cycling. Pikala Bikes is transforming Marrakech by using the humble bike to bridge cultural divides and foster social and environmental benefits in a city previously unaccustomed to cycling. Founded by Cantal Bakker, Pikala not only introduces sustainable transportation but also creates jobs, empowers youth and women, and offers unique experiences for tourists.
Jardin Marjoelle
A key tourist attraction in Marrakech so expect a long wait in a queue, but it is worth it! Jardin Majorelle is the creation of French painter Jacques Majorelle, who spent 40 years lovingly tending to this enchanting garden. The property was bought by YSL in the 1980s who worked to restore the garden and property and is now open to the public daily.
YSL Museum
Located next door to Jardin Majorelle and opened in 2017 the Museum of YSL is a shrine to the French fashion designer and features a permanent exhibition with hundreds of garments from his 40-year career. Again like Jardin Majorelle, it is a very popular attraction so expect long queues and try to visit early morning or late afternoon when it is quieter.
Shopping in Souk Semmarine
Marrakech was built on its trading in its “souks” (large marketplaces) and many still exist today trading everything from tourist novelties to pottery, rubs, fabrics and leather goods. The biggest is Souk Semmerine which is a maze or winding lanes and shops and you can easily spend a few hours wandering around this magical part of the city, just try not to get lost!
La Mamounia Spa
La Mamounia Hotel is one of the city’s most luxurious and the spa is also open to non-residents who can book individual spa treatments and day experiences. The spa is the definition of Moroccan luxury and offers every treatment you could imagine. There are his and her hammams and you can even book a private spa if you want to completely get away from it all.
Sleep
IZZA
IZZA, the most recent luxury hotel to open in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. The property is a tribute to the late American socialite designer Bill Willis and presents fourteen exquisitely designed rooms (one with a feature alternate tread/witches’ staircase and kitchenette) which are set across seven interconnecting riads. A labyrinth of corridors leads to serene courtyards and plunge pools, a tranquil tearoom, a relaxing wellness spa, a composed library, and a rooftop terrace and restaurant presenting stunning views across the city. Owned by tech company Neon Adventures, IZZA integrates classic Marrakech aesthetics with contemporary art, thanks to its 300+ artwork collection costing £5 million. The hotel is a splendid fusion of contrasts; offering a blend of solitude and social spaces, vintage and modern furnishings, and a focus on local traditions and digital innovation, IZZA stands as a captivating retreat for those looking to explore the magic of Marrakech while enjoying exclusive events, cultural connections, and rejuvenation of mind, body, and soul – all bookings also include a complimentary 45 spa or hammam treatment.
Riad Farnatchi
The ultimate home from home in Marrakech, the five-star Riad Farnatchi is a lovingly converted collection of private houses located in the heart of the oldest part of the Medina. International hoteliers Jonathan and James Wix have created a characterful, luxurious hideaway where ten exquisitely decorated bedroom suites sit alongside five-star service and facilities. Staff outnumber guests, service is slick and discreet, and the new spa in the hotel is worth booking in for. Riad Farnatchi will feel more like your home for a stay in the city than a hotel.
Four Seasons
Whether it’s enjoying the exquisite Quiet Pool and nearby poolside under shady palm trees or enjoying the delights of the Moroccan spa where you can bathe and enjoy the best exfoliating treatments and exotic oils, the Four Seasons is the perfect place to base yourself while exploring Marrakech and beyond. Rooms come with garden and pool views and offer the ultimate in relaxation, replete with Moroccan decor, delightful handcrafts and marble bathrooms. Rooms also offer a recessed balcony presenting the perfect way to unwind with a good book during the heat of the day. Others have large terraces enabling you to enjoy the ultimate in al fresco dining.
La Sultana
A luxurious romantic hideaway within a walled medina of Marrakech, La Sultana is moments away from the royal palaces, museums and souks of this magical city. This is a small, luxury hotel that knows how to spoil its guests, especially in the spa. From almonds to dates, prickly pears to Damask roses, the alchemist-like therapists make the most of Morocco’s natural treasures. There’s a Jacuzzi, two hammams and a sauna here too – not to mention candlelit pools. Each of La Sultana’s evocatively named Riad houses retains its own identity but shares attention to outstanding craftsmanship that is a celebration of Moroccan artisan creativity. Think intricately carved cedar wood ceilings and beams, ornamental plasterwork, striking tiles and extravagant lamps – but without the pastiche or cliché of themed interiors.
