Marrakech Travel Guide
spring - the best time to go to marrakech
Earlier this spring, I finally made it to Marrakech – a city that had been on my radar for far too long. What was initially meant to be just a stopover turned into an unforgettable four-day escape that surpassed all expectations. Marrakech is vibrant, chaotic, elegant, spiritual, and surprisingly serene – depending on where you find yourself. From luxury hideaways to sensory overload in the Medina, Marrakech is not a destination, it’s an experience.
The journey from Europe is quite easy – direct flights from major hubs like Paris, Munich, and Zurich make it ideal for a long weekend or as a kickoff point for a longer Moroccan adventure. We landed in the afternoon, and the golden sun already bathed the ochre city in warm light. What followed were four days of total immersion into Moroccan hospitality, breathtaking architecture, rooftop dinners, spice-scented souks, and desert-like calm at some of the world’s most photogenic hotels.
The Sensory Overload: The Medina
You either love it or hate it, but one thing is for sure – you won’t forget it. The Medina is the heart of Marrakech and a place where all your senses are on high alert. Whether it’s the call to prayer echoing from the Koutoubia Mosque, the spicy aromas wafting through narrow alleyways, or the kaleidoscope of colors in the souks – this is where Marrakech reveals its raw, authentic soul.
Our first night we dived right in – after a sunset cocktail, we wandered through the Medina toward Nomad, one of the most stylish rooftop restaurants in the area. Think: contemporary Moroccan cuisine, lantern-lit terraces, and sweeping views over the spice market. It was packed, lively, and just the right dose of “controlled chaos” to start our trip.
EAT
Nomad / elevated Moroccan cuisine with a fashionable crowd / best for sunset / €€
Le Jardin / a green oasis in the heart of the souks / perfect lunch stop when exploring / €€
Atay Café / boho rooftop spot with dreamy views / more chill than chic, but oh so cool / €
The Calm: Majorelle & YSL Museum
Every Marrakech itinerary should include a peaceful morning at Jardin Majorelle, the vibrant blue botanical garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent. If you can, arrive right when it opens to avoid the crowds. The nearby YSL Museum is sleek, quiet, and beautifully curated – a perfect contrast to the chaos of the Medina.
After the museum, we indulged in a long, boozy brunch at Plus61, a minimalist-chic restaurant with Australian vibes, fresh produce, and probably the best flat white in Morocco.
DO
Jardin Majorelle / iconic cobalt blue garden / a must for fashion & design lovers
YSL Museum / refined and educational / visit with a ticket combo with Majorelle
Plus61 / modern dining with global flair / great for lunch or relaxed dinner / €€
Marrakech is a city of contrasts. It’s not for everyone, but it rewards those who dive into its layers with open eyes and a curious spirit. For me, it was a city of moments – wandering through lantern-lit alleys, sipping mint tea in a riad courtyard, watching the sun set over the desert, and waking up in a suite with Atlas Mountain views. Whether you choose the romance of Selman or the tranquility of Fairmont, you’ll leave Marrakech changed – and probably already dreaming of your return.
SEE & do
The Escape: Agafay Desert Day Trip
Craving an escape from the city, we booked a desert day trip to Agafay, a stone desert about 45 minutes from Marrakech. It’s not the Sahara, but it gives you a taste of desert magic without the long drive. Think camel rides at golden hour, drinks in a luxury camp, and a dinner under the stars with live Berber music.
We opted for Scarabeo Camp for a stylish yet authentic vibe. Alternatively, Terres des Étoiles is another fabulous option with a bit more boutique flair.
DO
Scarabeo Camp / cinematic setting with daybeds and lantern-lit dinners / €€€
Terres des Étoiles / eco-lodge with panoramic views and locally-sourced cuisine / €€€
EXPLORE
The Vibes: Evenings in Gueliz
If you’ve had enough of lanterns and tagines, Gueliz is where you’ll find the modern side of Marrakech. It’s filled with concept stores, galleries, and international restaurants. We had an amazing dinner at L'Mida – imagine fusion Moroccan plates, stylish cocktails, and a local-meets-global crowd.
Afterwards, we sipped cocktails at Baromètre, Marrakech’s first mixology bar hidden behind a mysterious door – an insider tip for those who’ve had enough mint tea.
EAT & DRINK
L'Mida / refined Moroccan food with a twist / rooftop setting / €€€
Baromètre Marrakech / stylish cocktail bar with creative drinks and dark ambiance / €€€
Kabana / rooftop party vibes with good music and cool views / €€
SLEEp
The Hideaway: Selman Marrakech
For our first nights, we checked into Selman Marrakech, an opulent sanctuary just 10 minutes from the Medina – yet it feels like you’ve escaped to a private estate in the Palmeraie. Designed by Jacques Garcia, the hotel is a lavish blend of Andalusian-Moorish architecture, dramatic interiors, and tranquil gardens. The showstoppers? The 80-meter-long pool and the hotel’s private Arabian thoroughbred stables. Yes, really.
The atmosphere is quietly decadent – think: embroidered linens, velvet armchairs, and candlelit dinners accompanied by live traditional music. This is not your average hotel – it’s more of a palatial retreat where time slows down, and the only thing on your schedule is whether to book a hammam or sip rosé by the pool. Read our Review here.
The Resort Escape: Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech
We then switched gears and checked in at the Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech, a sprawling luxury resort about 20 minutes outside the city. If Selman is sensual and intimate, Fairmont is grand and serene. Set against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, the estate includes a championship golf course, a huge palm-fringed pool, several restaurants, and suites with private terraces overlooking olive groves.
It’s a destination in itself – ideal for travelers who want to blend city culture with moments of pure relaxation. We spent our mornings on shaded daybeds, our afternoons exploring nearby Berber villages, and our evenings dining under the stars. It’s polished, peaceful, and incredibly spacious – a rare find in a city known for its intensity. Read our Review here.
SLEEP
Selman Marrakech / romantic, theatrical, and distinctively Moroccan / ideal for couples / €€€€
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech / elegant resort with Atlas Mountain views and space to breathe / great for couples or families / €€€
