10 Must-See Marrakesh Guided Tour Attractions
Top 10 Must-See Attractions on Your Guided Tour of Marrakesh
Despite not being the capital city, many of the best guided tours of Morocco can be found in Marrakesh. We highly recommend planning your itinerary before travelling because there are so many terrific things to see and do in the ‘Red City’.
When you’re short on time or want to learn as much as possible about the sights of Marrakesh, guided tours are the best way to fully appreciate the majesty and history of this marvellous Moroccan destination.
It wasn’t easy, but we’ve chosen 10 of our favourite must-see guided tour attractions in Marrakesh below to whet your appetite.
1. Beautiful Bahia Palace
Marrakesh is well known for its outstanding architecture, and Bahia Palace is a prime example. This 19th-century building was expertly crafted over 8,000 square metres and has 160 rooms. It’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site as part of the Medina of Marrakesh, so it’s popular with tourists all year round.
We recommend going in the morning or later in the day to avoid the busiest times. The best guided tours will give you plenty of opportunity to explore Bahia Palace and appreciate all the little details that make it so special.
2. Joyful Jardin Majorelle
These gardens celebrated their centenary in 2024 and were bought by iconic French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner in 1980. As you’d expect, they’re aesthetically pleasing and incredibly popular, attracting almost 1 million visitors per pear.
Jardin Majorelle is home to over 300 plant species, so there’s always something to grab your attention. There’s a museum and boutique on-site, plus a memorial to Yves Saint Laurent. Whatever time of year you decide to visit Morocco, a guided tour of these stunning gardens will be a relaxing experience.
3. Fantastic Jemaa el-Fnaa
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square in Marrakesh and another of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are plenty of amazing things to buy from local traders and live evening entertainment to enjoy. You may just want to grab a drink and do some people-watching as you prepare for the next part of your Moroccan guided tour.
Jemaa el-Fnaa dates back to the 11th century and is the perfect place to round off your day in Marrakesh while watching a beautiful sunset.
4. The magnificent Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest in Marrakesh, with an impressive minaret reaching 77 metres into the clear blue skies. It’s a wonderful example of 12th-century Moroccan architecture, and if you’re a non-Muslim, it’s worth noting you won’t be permitted inside.
However, the gardens surrounding the mosque are a lovely spot to rest your weary legs after a guided walking tour, as they’re lined with palm trees and plenty of places to sit and watch the world go by.
5. Le Jardin Secret - a stunning escape
The ‘Secret Garden’ in Marrakesh is centrally located and has two gorgeous green spaces: the Tropical Garden and the Islamic Garden. There are amazing plants from all over the world in this little peace of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the medina.
While it’s not a very well-kept secret these days, it’s definitely part of one of the best guided tours of Marrakesh. A gentle stroll around the gardens gives you the clarity and physical space to gather your thoughts and look ahead to your next adventure.
6. Explore Marrakesh memories at Maison de la Photographie
Since opening in 2009, the House of Photography in Marrakesh has built up a captivating collection of photos from 1879 to 1960. You can take all the best guided tours of Morocco, but you won’t be able to see these precious snapshots capturing a moment in time that’s gone forever.
Some images were taken by famous photographers, while many remain anonymous. The collections will inspire you to take your own photos of Morocco you can share with friends and family back home.
7. Awesome architecture at Medersa Ben Youssef
This former Islamic college is one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakesh. A guided tour of Medersa Ben Youssef will take you back in time to the 16th century when students would learn about religion, philosophy and more in breathtaking surroundings.
If you’re visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa Square nearby, you should make time for Medersa Ben Youssef too, and many of the best guided tours of the city will include both.
8. The superbly stylish Musée Yves Saint Laurent
If fashion is your thing, you’ll find the Yves Saint Laurent Museum just a short stroll from Jardin Majorelle. There’s a mesmerising array of designer outfits on display, which were shipped over from a collection in Paris.
The museum’s exterior is worth visiting in its own right with beautiful curves and lines combining to create a unique aesthetic.
9. 16th century Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs date from the late 16th century and are one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marrakesh. While you won’t need to set aside a long time for a guided tour, you’ll get a fascinating insight into the Saadian family and how people were laid to rest all those years ago.
10. Souk Semmarine - a market like no other
The best guided tours of Morocco should explore popular places such as Souk Semmarine in Marrakesh. It’s the country’s biggest marketplace and you can easily spend all day here looking at the amazing array of items on offer.
Many people choose a guided tour of Souk Semmarine because of its size and how easy it is to get lost in the maze of alleys bursting with stalls.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
If these 10 must-see attractions have made you want to book a holiday in Marrakesh, you need to consider the best time of year to visit Morocco.
For example, July and August are best avoided if you don’t like the heat, with temperatures reaching the high 30s Celsius. Late Autumn and early Spring are much more pleasant when taking a guided walking tour.
If you liked this article, you may also want to read about some of the hidden gems in Marrakesh[1] .
Link this to the first article above when it's published.
