Marrakech, Morocco is an amazing city with tons of things to do. If you don't have a ton of time in Marrakech, check out my list of the Top 5 Things You Must Do in Marrakech, Morocco.
1. Shop at a Moroccan Market
The Marrakech souk is a staple for locals, but offers a ton for tourists as well. From spices to authentic Moroccan apparel to metal lanterns to handmade leather goods, the souk has souvenirs for every style and budget. Once you are done shopping, step outside to souk into the Jemaa-el-Fna and enjoy the orange juice stands, local vendors, snake charmers and children with Barbary apes - who will allow you to take a photo (for a small fee).
2. Enjoy the Local Cuisine
With both European and Arabic influences, the food in Morocco is amazing. From fresh squeezed orange juice to traditional Moroccan chicken, I experienced some of the best meals of my life in Marrakech. To sample a large selection of Moroccan cuisine, head on over to the Solano Atelier de Cuisine Marocaine at the Four Seasons Marrakech and enjoy the Moroccan feast, complete with anappetizer and dessert buffet, your choice of entrée, live entertainment - including belly dancers, and henna, all for approximately $40 USD. For a more local experience, go to one of the many restaurants in the Medina and choose from a wide selection of flavorful meals. If you like poultry, make sure to try authentic Moroccan chicken!
3. Ride a Camel
As touristy as it may be (which isn't a bad thing when you are a tourist), a camel ride was a must on my itinerary in Morocco, and I am so glad that it was. While Marrakech does offer many options, we opted to head to the coastal town of Essaouira to enjoy a camel ride along the Atlantic Ocean. We booked our ride through Ranch de Diabat, which included a 3-hour ride along the coast and picnic lunch in the dunes. This was an amazing way to see a different part of Morocco and offered some amazing views of the coast, as well as some great photo ops with the camels (which are actually Dromedary, as they only have one hump). It's just over 100 miles from Marrakech to Essaouira, so plan on allowing a full day for this - but trust me, it's worth it.
4. Admire Authentic Moroccan Tile
If you have spent 10 minutes watching HGTV, you've seen Joanna Gaines use Moroccan tile as a backsplash in a kitchen. If that sparks your interest even the slightest bit, you will love exploring the beautiful tilework of Morocco. Everywhere you go, there are amazing mosaics that date back centuries, inspiring all interior design lovers. From the intricate designs of the pool, to the amazing walls in mosques, enjoy the beauty of this craft. For the best designs, head to the Ben Youssef Madrasa and admire the 16th century tilework that covers the walls of the former Islamic college and mosque.
5. Stay in a Riad
While Marrakech offers a large selection of lodging options, staying in a riad is definitely the way to go. A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with an interior courtyard. They were originally designed as family compounds with rooms facing into a common area, but many have evolved into a secluded retreat for foreigners. Most riads only have a few guest rooms and the property becomes your own private oasis.
Tips and Tricks
Morocco is a very conservative country so pack accordingly - many places will not allow admission with exposed legs or shoulders
Morocco is one of the few countries in the world with two official languages - French and Arabic - so try to use one of those before resorting to English
Have a local help you arrange a driver for the day - we utilized this for getting to and from Essaouira and to get around to different landmarks in Marrakech and to the airport
Drink the orange juice as often as its available - the freshness will ruin OJ for the rest of your life
If you can (aka aren't backpacking), leave room in your suitcase for souvenirs - the lanterns at the market were to die for and I am still upset that I wasn't able to bring one home
Don't be afraid to barter in the marketplace - they will be more receptive if you do it in French or Arabic, but the majority of the shopkeepers speak English