Marrakech is Morocco's fourth-largest city and its undisputed tourism capital, sitting at the foot of the High Atlas Mountains on a flat plain roughly 460 metres above sea level. The city divides neatly into two halves: the ancient walled medina - a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985 - and the Ville Nouvelle (new town) built by the French during the protectorate era, centred on the wide Boulevard Mohammed V and the Gueliz district. Most of what travellers come to see is packed inside the medina's salmon-pink ramparts.
Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) handles direct flights from most major European cities and is just 6 km southwest of the medina - a 15-20 minute taxi ride costing around MAD 70-100 (EUR 6.50-9.50). Grand taxis and the Airport Bus 19 (MAD 30, every 20 minutes) also run to Djemaa el-Fna. Getting around the medina itself is entirely on foot - the alleys are too narrow for cars. For longer trips to the Ville Nouvelle or out-of-town day trips, use petit taxis (metered, beige-coloured), ride-hailing apps like InDrive and Careem, or hire a driver for the day (MAD 500-800 depending on distance).
The best months to visit Marrakech are March to May and October to November, when daytime temperatures sit between 22-28°C and the city is not yet in peak-season pricing. Summer (June-August) pushes past 40°C regularly and makes walking the medina exhausting. Winter (December-February) is mild by day (17-20°C) but drops to 5-8°C at night - riads without heating can be cold. Ramadan dates shift each year; the medina is quieter during daylight hours but comes alive after iftar.
Hotels (149)

Riad Ouhmidi

Riad la Lumiere D'etoile

Riads Dar Zao - Logements Entiers

Riad Alida

Riad Dar Saba

Riad Assalam

Riad Khabia

Riad Caracal

Riad 64

Riad Errabii

Riad Mboja

Riad Mahjouba

Riad Rodaina

Riad Les Miroirs

Riad Awa

Riad Sidi Mimoune

Dar Aida

Riad Amin

Riad Le Saadien (Adults only)

Hotel Majorelle

Le Caspien

Almas

Yaad City Hotel

Hotel Safia
Stay in the loop
Get the latest deals, new destinations, and travel tips delivered straight to your inbox.
No spam, unsubscribe anytime.