The most beautiful places in Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited. It is one I always recommend for the perfect girls trip, baecation and more recently, families as well. For our first time in Marrakech, our baby was just under a year old and we had the most wonderful week exploring the most beautiful places in Marrakech. The next time we visited was as a couple, for our friend’s birthday and like the other time, we had a blast.

Marrakech is really pretty. There is something about the red, brown and orange coloured architecture. I don’t think I have ever seen more beautiful tiles than the ones in Marrakech’s historic buildings and palaces. The green areas are equally as stunning and Marrakech feels like everything is created and curated for beauty. Even in the chaotic souks, it is impossible not to notice the beauty from the carpet shops to the shiny lamp shops. I also became obsessed with the doors as they were so character-full and colourful; like they were telling a story of their own.

I have compiled a list of some of the most beautiful places in Marrakech that we visited. However, it is important to remember that this is a guide; the key to finding beautiful places is to wander and pause when something catches your eye.

15 of the most beautiful places in Marrakech

1. Le Jardin Majorelle

I have gone to a few aesthetic gardens in my travel lifetime and there is just nowhere like Jardin Majorelle. It is the place I have always returned to each time I have visited Marrakech. The garden was established in 1923 and founded by Jacques Majorelle where he lived until the 1950s. Jardin Majorelle was purchased by designer, Yves Saint Laurent and his manager, Pierre Berge in the 1980s. It has the most beautiful vibrant colours especially the “Majorelle blue” which is the prettiest deep blue I’ve ever seen.

Le Jardin Majorelle is a popular attraction in Marrakech and my recommendation is to go when it opens. Whilst most people are there for its beauty, there are notable things to find too like the beautiful fountains, picturesque cacti and dozen bird species endemic to North Africa. It is open every day from 8.30am to 6pm (last access at 5.30pm). Its café is also quite picturesque where you can refresh with tea and coffee. Nearby is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum which is a must see for design lovers or just any curious travellers.

Bahia Palace is one of the Royal palaces of the 20th century and was founded in 1866. There is something so majestic about its architecture and as you step into Bahia Palace, it is very obvious you have stepped into something quite grand. There is a beautiful courtyard once you make your way to the center of the palace with a fountain. Orange trees adorn the palace and there are rows of greenery as you walk through the palace.

Mr E and I visited on a hot afternoon and thankfully, it was not too busy. We enjoyed wandering and taking photos while chatting with strangers. Something about this palace makes one feel quite special.

Another beautiful palace which I have seen in photos is El-Badi Palace. It is one I’ll like to visit when next I’m in Marrakech.

3. Musee des Confluences

As we have come to realise with places in Marrakech, the Musée des Confluences has stunning architecture. All around, there are pretty orange trees that seem intentionally planted which add to the beauty. The museum is used mainly for exhibitions and in fact, when we visited, they were setting up for a Science exhibition.

Musée des Confluences is one of the most beautiful places in Marrakech. It is the perfect picture spot in Marrakech; a combination of gorgeous architecture, vibrant colours and stunning greenery.

4. Dar-el Bacha Coffee House

Within Musée des Confluences, you will find one of the prettiest coffee houses I have ever been to. I think its only rivals are Caffe Florian in Venice and New York Café in Budapest. Bacha coffee house holds its own and its colours and ambiance make it “very Marrakech” Bacha coffee has another location in Singapore which I have not yet visited but I can say for a fact that Marrakech’s is stunning. The interior is designed with gold trimmings and the coffees are in attractive orange containers that form a backdrop at the till.

It is not just a beautiful space but also functional. First, it is located within the gorgeous Musée des Confluences; however, visiting the museum does not guarantee entrance to Bacha coffee house. Then, there is the souvenir shop where you can shop over 200 blends of coffee from around the world. And of course, the café where you can have a sit-down meal. I had the famous hot chocolate and some pastries but could not stop looking around at how beautiful the space was.

5. Ben Youssef Madrasa

This is one of the most popular places to visit and one of the most beautiful places in Marrakech. I thought it was the most beautiful of all the places we visited in terms of Islamic architecture we had seen all around Marrakech. It is an Islamic Madrasa (college) and is notable as one of the most outstanding Saadian and Moroccan architectures. I remember stepping inside the courtyard and I just stood for a minute to take it in. Our toddler was fast asleep in her stroller, the courtyard was quiet, and it seemed like time stood still in that moment for us to enjoy the architecture. The colours were beautiful especially the tiles which just stood out and shone in the morning sunshine. We also explored its rooms and went upstairs for the popular look down window – spectacular!

Ben Youssef Madrasa is a photographer’s dream. There is no part of this building that is not photogenic, and its courtyard is very pretty. We visited quite early and were able to enjoy the architecture before the tourists trooped in. 

6. Musee de Marrakech

The specific part that I think is most beautiful is the front yard. I will admit that on 1st glance there is not much to look at. However, one evening we went in, and the sun seemed to catch the yard in the most gorgeous light. I literally stood there and thought it was the most picturesque sight one ever did see. This is one that is very niche in what is beautiful to you. However, the walls had that Moroccan red paint that I have come to love and it looked unfinished and rustic, yet so pretty. Musee de Marrakech is definitely one of the most beautiful places in Marrakech.

The museum itself is beautiful with the typical Moroccan architecture. Next time you are in Marrakech, have a peek, it is on the way to the popular Ben Youssef Madrasa so often overlooked.

7. Saadian Tombs

The Saadian tombs are a great example of Morocco’s deep history and rich culture. It is located beside the Kasbah Mosque and was constructed in the 16th century and discovered in 1917. They are a set of funeral rooms dedicated to the Princes of Marrakech. I thought it was a beautifully crafted and sacred space to visit. As you walk around, the beautiful, colourful tiles are notable in all their “Moorish-Andalusian” glory. We visited on a very unassuming, hot Tuesday; it was quiet and felt like we had it to ourselves. As I walked around and examined the tiles, I imagined all the religious rites that would have been performed there.

The Saadian Tombs are open daily between 9am to 5pm and you’ll most likely spend about 45 mins there. It is a small complex and the main thing to see are the tombs and not much else.

8. The city from the sky – hot air balloon ride over the city

Marrakech is not the first place to think of for hot air balloon rides but on my last trip to Marrakech, I realised it was a major player in the hot air balloon ride field too. Marrakech is so beautiful anyway but to see it from the sky is something entirely different. Since I never got to do the hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia and Egypt, Marrakech was my next best location.

With the hot air balloon ride, you’re privy to the gorgeous views of the Moroccan desert and Atlas Mountains from the sky. As you are floating up, the Marrakech skyline and all the redness of the earth is just underneath you. It reminded me of Aladdin on his magic carpet floating with Jasmine lol. This adventure is usually organised by tour companies; and logistics like pick up and drop off to and fro your hotel is included. Ours even included a breakfast post ride which was a lovely treat for a sunrise wake up call.

9. The souks in the Medina

People go to the souks in Marrakech’s Medina to shop but not me. My main reason for hanging around the souks is to take in all the beauty. We had a tour which was so lovely as our guide knew the exact places to take us to. They are divided into different parts from crafts to leather goods to spices to jewellery. It is all so fascinating how cleverly the medina is divided for ease of navigating. 

Don’t get me wrong, it is a market so not the first place you think of when you think of pretty aesthetics. However, Marrakech’s Medina is not your typical market that you find in other cities. While it is still raw, there is a gorgeousness to how the sellers display their wares.

The metalwork section was the prettiest with lots of gold lamps that everywhere looked shiny. Another part I loved was the area with all the pretty carpets; again, hello Aladdin! The medina is a lovely place to wander without an agenda; however, a guide was a better way for us to understand the history of the souks we stopped at. 

10. Marrakech’s rooftop restaurants

I love a rooftop moment and Marrakech was no different. They always say that to see Marrakech in its spectacular glory, head to the rooftops. On my first visit to Marrakech, we had lunch at Nomad and the second time, it was Dardar. Both are quite similar in design – very chic and what I loved most of all was that they were both family-friendly. The rooftops allow you a panoramic view of the city of Marrakech.

Both restaurants were very lively and there were different cute sections to sit. They were decorated boho chic style and the colourful drinks formed part of the aesthetic. The food was really good as well and we went for lunch to both restaurants.

11. Le Jardin Secret

This, in my opinion, is a quieter version of Jardin Majorelle. It’s a lesser visited jardin since everyone troops to Jardin Majorelle. Every time we have visited Jardin Secret, it’ s been so quiet, making you feel like you are alone in your own fairytale garden.  

There is a mini fish pond that stands just in front of the most striking plum wall. As you walk further in, there’s a calm spot right under a shaded tiled canopy. It’s the most beautiful spot to sit and take things easy. Children running around, lovers walking hand in hand, and there’s always that one person sat in the corner drawing the garden. 

12. Rahba Kedima Square

This is where you will find one of the most beautiful spice markets there ever was. What I loved even more was the owner who knew that his shop was somewhat a popular spot thanks to Instagram and Pinterest. He is the loveliest man and before I knew it, I was buying spices I did not even need haha. His spice shop is one of the most beautiful places in Marrakech.

I remember him directing my pose and also trying to sell the spices to me; I guess he has the best sales tactic in the square lol. Moroccan spices are a stunning blend of colours and flavours. Here, the stall stacks them up in a colourful way that makes it so photogenic and appealing. It is not to say that other spics stalls don’t stack the same way but I think the owner’s friendliness makes everyone stop there for their photos (and spices too)

13. Koutoubia Mosque

I’m not sure if this is a cheat recommendation; ok I will admit, it is since you cannot go into the Mosque if you are not a Muslim. However, that’s totally ok; we are here for the exterior instead. Some people say they have been able to enter even as non-Muslims; however, I am very particular bout respecting Religion, Tradition and Culture during my travels. If non-Muslims are not allowed in, then I’ll respect that and just admire from where I am allowed.

Koutoubia Mosque is the largest Mosque in Marrakech and sits within its own stunning gardens. It is one of the most beautiful places in Marrakech. Koutoubia Mosque’s minaret which can be seen from most rooftops in Marrakech is the city’s most iconic landmark. Koutoubia mosque was built in the 12th century and is a great example of the Almohad architecture. There is something about looking up from different parts of the city and seeing its minaret, makes you feel like you are all connected to this one thing.

The gardens in front of the Mosque are also quite pretty. We saw some families relaxing there with their picnics in the evening when the sun went down and the temperature was cooler. 

14. Jemaa el-Fnaa Square

Jemma el-Fnaa is one of the most popular squares in the world. I call it the melting pot of everywhere in Marrakech. It feels like the square where everything and everyone tumbles into. Don’t get me wrong, it can be quite chaotic and sometimes, impossible to navigate. However, it is just one of the most mesmerising places in Marrakech.

You walk into the square and there is everything going on. From snake charmers to fruit vendors, business is booming. I paused for a second and stood still, looked around me and took it all in. Sometimes, beauty is what you make of it; it is in romanticising the colours of the fruit stands and souvenir shops.

To get the best view, head to one of the rooftop restaurants; from where you can see the square in all its glory. We once caught the sunset there as there was the call to prayer and it was the most magical evening. Another time, as the sun was setting, we saw an aeroplane fly by and again, magical. I’m not sure if it was the sun setting or the melodious prayer hymn but there was something magical about that moment that I froze it in a series of photos, never to be forgotten.

15. Marrakech’s Riads

It is no brainer that the star of Marrakech is its riads. When looking for where to stay in Marrakech, forget about the hotels, just head to a riad and thank me later. Apart from the fact that they are affordable, they are some of the most beautiful properties you will ever stay at. We stayed at Riad Sakkan and Riad BE which were just incredible. 

Riad Sakkan was totally out of this world; I felt like I was in an oasis of green and art with a very sophisticated feel. Riad BE on the other hand transported me to Aladdin (how many times have I mentioned Aladdin in this post? Lol. Marrakech will do that to anyone) and feeling like I was in a Disney production.

Riads in Marrakech are so beautiful. They often come with a courtyard and some have pools too which are perfect for cooling off after a hot day in the souks. 

Bonus : Marrakech’s Hotels

I will always opt for a riad while visiting Marrakech. However on my most recent visit, we stayed in a hotel. It was a group trip planned by my friend and she booked Sofitel Marrakech Palais Imperial & Spa which we very much enjoyed. I found the hotels in Marrakech more opulent and beautiful in line with how aesthetic the city is in general. Royal Mansour and La Mamounia are also famous for being incredibly stunning. So if you are not a riad type of person, that’s ok, Marrakech’s hotels are beautiful too.

The most beautiful places in Marrakech

Marrakech will always be one of the most beautiful cities I have ever visited. It is very clear that it is very much rooted in North African and Spanish influences. The surprising part is how much greenery you find around the city; from the gardens to the palaces, there is so much beauty. Marrakech is a photographer’s dream. Even the fruit stalls on the street are so colourful, they make you want to snap away. The locals are also all too excited to indulge in the photo sessions (just make sure to ask first) and as much as the city can feel overwhelming at times, there are a lot of places to catch some pockets of peace and to admire its beauty.

Until my next visit to Marrakech (because you know I’m not done with the city yet)…

Bisous, Bugo x