Beginner’s Guide to Marrakech
Exploring Marrakech
People are always amazed how relaxed Marrakech is, how kind the people are and how incredibly rich the culture is when exploring Marrakech. You’ll want to come back for more but, if this is your first visit, we’ve created a brief Beginner’s Guide to Marrakech to help get you started.
Plan Ahead
A bit of forward planning for your holiday in Morocco is always time well spent! You’ll get the most out of your stay this way and be able to relax more. It is always helpful to understand what you can see ‘out and about’ so you can prioritise anything ‘must-see’ from the ‘nice to do’ in the limited time you have. The Zamzam team is always on hand to offer advice, make recommendations and help plan your itinerary – it’s all part of our personal concierge service.
Discover Marrakech
One of the most unique things you’ll discover about Marrakech is that there are two sides to the city – the old town and the new town – the best of both worlds. As a visitor to the city, you’ll experience this contrast of old and new. Emma Joyston-Bechal (co-founder of Riad Zamzam) shares her insight and some ideas of good places to visit in her ‘My City: Marrakech’ feature below.
Quintessential Things to do in Marrakech
We’ve also listed a few more Zamzam recommendations of what to do in Marrakech and where to eat or shop:
Bahia Palace
Dar El Bacha
Mellah – Jewish quarter with synagogues.
Saadien Tombs
Koutoubia Mosque
Medrasa Ben Youssef
Explore the Souks
The Tanneries
Experience a traditional hammam (Berber spa)
Take a Moroccan cooking class at Riad Zamzam with market tour
Experience a traditional hammam (Berber spa)
Take a bike tour of the city including tasting tour
Take a horse and carriage (‘caleche’) tour of Marrakech
Marrakech Insiders – vintage motorbikes and sidecars to explore the city
Majorelle Gardens and the YSL Museum (don’t miss the Berber Museum inside, it’s a real treat!)
Camel rides in the Palmeraie (palm grove)
Have a pool day with lunch Beldi Country Club
Quad biking in the Palmeraie
Take a hot air balloon ride
Dine at some wonderful restaurants
Looking to escape the Medina? Check out our unmissable days trips and holiday excursions to see what else Morocco has to offer beyond the souks. For those travelling with family, discovering Marrakech with kids is a lot of fun too!
Our last piece of advice is to have a read of the Do’s and Don’ts in Marrakech, click link below to read. As ever, our team is on hand throughout your stay to help. We hope you love discovering Marrakech and have an incredible holiday adventure!
Shopping in Marrakech Medina
Below are just a few of the Zamzam team’s favourites!
Hanout Boutique – beautiful, high quality handmade kaftan dresses and women's fashion
Max & Jan – fabulous concept store featuring young moroccan designers fashion, lifestyle and rooftop organic restaurant
Riad Yima – Hassan Hajjar’s Gallery (Moroccan Artist, Designer and Photographer)
Faysal – for stunning handwoven scarves and visit the weavers too!
Mustapha Blaoui – an excellent interiors bazaar full of North African furniture and decorative accessories
Maison de la Photographie – Museum of Moroccan photography housing a permanent collection and exhibitions
Please contact Imane in advance with your booking requests.
