How to Spend a Fun Holiday in Marrakech: 14 Thigns To Do

If you’re looking to escape the ordinary and dive into an unforgettable experience, it’s time to spend a fun holiday in Marrakech. This vibrant Moroccan city, where tradition meets adventure, promises an explosion of colors, scents, sounds, and unforgettable moments.

Whether you’re wandering through ancient souks, sipping mint tea in a riad, or riding camels in the desert at sunset, Marrakech will charm you with its magic. Here’s your ultimate guide to having the most fun holiday in Marrakech, like never before.

Here is How to Spend a Fun Holiday in Marrakech:

2. Stay in a Traditional Riad

To truly spend a fun holiday in Marrakech, skip the hotel chains and book a riad—a traditional Moroccan guesthouse with an inner courtyard. Many riads come with rooftop terraces, plunge pools, and homemade breakfast.

Top Riads in Marrakech:

• Riad Yasmine (famous for its chic green-tiled pool)

• Riad BE Marrakech (eco-friendly and beautifully decorated)

• El Fenn (luxurious with a mix of modern art and Moroccan flair)

3. Savor the Flavors of Moroccan Cuisine

A trip to Marrakech is incomplete without indulging in its rich and flavorful cuisine. From street food to fine dining, your taste buds are in for a treat.

Don’t miss:

• Tagine (slow-cooked meat and veggies with spices)

• Couscous Fridays (a Moroccan tradition)

• Fresh orange juice at Jemaa el-Fnaa

• Pastilla – a sweet-savory pie made with chicken or pigeon

Take it a step further by joining a Moroccan cooking class and learning the secrets of the local spices.

4. Relax in a Hammam

Treat yourself to a day of wellness and relaxation by visiting a traditional hammam. These steam bath experiences are deeply rooted in Moroccan culture.

Top-rated hammams in Marrakech:

• Les Bains de Marrakech

• Hammam de la Rose

• Heritage Spa

You’ll leave exfoliated, refreshed, and glowing—ready to explore more.

6. Chase Adventure in the Agafay Desert

If you’re craving adventure, trade the city noise for the serene sands of the Agafay Desert, just 40 minutes from Marrakech. While not a sandy Sahara-style desert, its rocky terrain offers stunning views and unforgettable experiences.

Things to do:

• Camel trekking at sunset

• Quad biking or buggy rides

• Stargazing under the desert sky

• Luxury glamping in stylish desert camps

7. Discover Marrakech by Night

As the sun sets, Marrakech transforms into a city of mystery and enchantment. The narrow alleyways of the Medina glow under the soft light of lanterns, casting golden reflections on the ancient walls. The air fills with the aroma of sizzling street food and the distant beat of drums and Gnawa music echoing from hidden courtyards. At night, Marrakech invites you to explore its more intimate side, whether you’re strolling through lively night markets where locals bargain under the stars, getting lost in the rhythm of impromptu performances in tucked-away cafés, or unwinding in the peaceful serenity of a riad terrace while the call to prayer floats through the night air. The city pulses with a different energy after dark—more soulful, more sensual, and unforgettable in its own right.

8. Take a Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Atlas Foothills

There’s nothing quite like watching the Moroccan landscape unfold beneath you from a hot air balloon. Just before dawn, you’ll be driven from the city into the countryside, where you’ll climb into a massive balloon and slowly rise into the morning sky. As the sun begins to rise over the distant Atlas Mountains, the light washes over olive groves, red-soil villages, and endless stretches of desert plains. Some tours include breakfast served in a traditional Berber tent after your landing—a beautiful way to start the day and experience Morocco from a new perspective.

9. Learn Moroccan Pottery or Zellige Tile-Making

For travelers who love getting their hands dirty, Marrakech offers incredible workshops with local artisans where you can learn traditional Moroccan craftsmanship. You can spend a few hours shaping clay into beautiful bowls or attempting your own zellige (colorful mosaic tile) pattern—guided by skilled craftsmen who’ve been doing this for generations. These workshops often take place in cultural centers or artist studios, and they give you a deep appreciation for the detail behind the décor you’ll see all over the city. Plus, you’ll leave with a handmade piece of art that carries the memory of your time in Marrakech.

10. Day Trip to the Palmeraie

Just a short drive from the Medina, the Palmeraie is a palm grove oasis perfect for outdoor adventure. Picture a landscape dotted with over 100,000 palm trees stretching across the edge of the desert. Here, you can take a peaceful camel ride in traditional nomadic attire or opt for something more adrenaline-fueled like quad biking through the dusty trails. Many excursions end with mint tea in a Berber tent and views of the sun dipping low over the palms. It’s an excellent way to experience Morocco’s desert vibe without traveling far from the city.

11. Take a Photo Walk with a Local Guide

Marrakech is one of the most photogenic cities in the world, and if you’re a shutterbug, you’ll love joining a photo walk through its colorful chaos. Led by a local photographer, these walks take you beyond the postcard views and into the soul of the city. You’ll capture the perfect symmetry of ancient doors, the play of light in covered souks, and the candid daily life of Marrakech’s people. It’s not just about getting great photos, it’s also a lesson in storytelling through your lens.

12. Try Yoga on a Rooftop at Sunrise

Need a break from the sensory overload? Marrakech has a surprisingly strong wellness scene. Many riads and boutique studios offer early morning rooftop yoga sessions where you can flow with the rising sun and the sound of birds echoing across the rooftops. With views of the Koutoubia Mosque or even the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, the atmosphere is serene and soul-soothing. Whether you’re a seasoned yogi or a beginner, it’s an amazing way to reconnect with yourself amid the city’s buzz.

13. Visit a Local Artisan Cooperative

While haggling in the souks is a thrill, there’s a more ethical and personal way to shop in Marrakech. Artisan cooperatives—often run by women or local families—give you the chance to see how traditional Moroccan goods are made, from handwoven rugs to hand-poured argan oil. At these co-ops, you get real stories behind each product and the assurance that your money is supporting sustainable craftsmanship. It’s shopping with heart—and you’ll likely come away with something far more meaningful than a tourist trinket.

14. Catch a Cultural Show

When night falls, Marrakech doesn’t slow down—it simply transforms. One way to experience the city’s cultural soul is by attending a Moroccan dinner show. Places like Chez Ali offer elaborate spectacles combining Moroccan folklore, live music, acrobats, dancers, and even horseback stunts—all while you enjoy a traditional multi-course meal under a caïdal tent. It’s a blend of storytelling, drama, and celebration that will make you feel like royalty for the night.

Final Thoughts

When you spend a fun holiday in Marrakech, you’re not just visiting a city—you’re stepping into a living, breathing world of culture, color, flavor, and spirit. Whether you’re an adventurer, foodie, history buff, or just someone seeking joy in the unexpected, Marrakech offers something unforgettable.

So pack your bags, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to spend a fun holiday in Marrakech like never before.