Marrakesh
Morocco
- Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Bahia Palace
- Majorelle Garden
- Saadian Tombs
About Marrakesh
Marrakesh, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, was founded by the Almoravids in the 11th century and served as capital for several dynasties. Its walled medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Jemaa el-Fnaa square, which fills with storytellers and food stalls at night, the minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, the Bahia Palace and the Majorelle Garden are its emblems.
How many days do you need?
Two or three days are enough: one for Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Koutoubia area and the souks of the medina; one for the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Mellah and the Ben Youssef Madrasa; and one for the Majorelle Garden in Gueliz. Add a day for a trip into the Atlas Mountains.
Where to stay
- Medina — Stay in a riad, a traditional courtyard house, within walking distance of the souks and the square. Cars cannot enter the inner lanes.
- Gueliz — The new town, with cafés, restaurants and easy access to Majorelle.
- Hivernage — Just outside the medina, with large hotels and wide avenues.
From the airport to the city
Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) lies a few miles southwest of the medina. Airport bus 19 runs to Jemaa el-Fnaa and Gueliz; taxis leave from outside the terminal, so agree on the fare before you get in.
Getting around
The medina is narrow and winding and best explored on foot. Between the medina and Gueliz, use 'petit taxis' or city buses; ask for the meter to be switched on or settle the fare in advance.
Good to know
- Non-Muslims may not enter the Koutoubia Mosque; it can be seen from outside and from its gardens.
- Summer temperatures can exceed 104 °F; spring and autumn are the most comfortable seasons. Clothing covering shoulders and knees is preferred.
- The currency is the Moroccan dirham; taking it out of the country is restricted, so exchange what's left before leaving.
Useful links
- Visit Morocco (Moroccan National Tourist Office) visitmorocco.com
- ONDA (Moroccan airports) onda.ma
When to go?
Best time to visit for the weather: November–April. The warmest month is July (average high 101 °F); the wettest is November (1.8 in).
Monthly climate
| Month | Avg. high °F | Rain in | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 64.4 | 1.49 | Ideal |
| February | 66.6 | 1.42 | Ideal |
| March | 72.0 | 1.57 | Ideal |
| April | 77.4 | 1.01 | Ideal |
| May | 84.9 | 0.55 | Good |
| June | 91.4 | 0.34 | Very hot |
| July | 101.3 | 0.30 | Very hot |
| August | 101.1 | 0.24 | Very hot |
| September | 90.7 | 0.67 | Very hot |
| October | 82.9 | 0.96 | Good |
| November | 72.1 | 1.85 | Ideal |
| December | 66.6 | 1.12 | Ideal |
Source: NASA POWER (MERRA-2 reanalysis), 2005–2024 monthly averages of daily high temperature and total rainfall. Values are estimates for an area of about 50 km and may differ from the city-centre weather station.
Public holidays 2027
- New Year's DayJanuary 1
- Anniversary of the Independence ManifestoJanuary 11
- End of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr) *March 9
- Labour DayMay 1
- Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha) *May 16
- Islamic New Year *June 6
- Feast of the ThroneJuly 30
- Birthday of Muhammad (Mawlid) *August 14
- Anniversary of the Recovery Oued Ed-DahabAugust 14
- Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the PeopleAugust 20
- Youth DayAugust 21
- Anniversary of the Green MarchNovember 6
- Independence DayNovember 18
* Date follows the lunar calendar and may shift by a few days.
Sources: date-holidays and python-holidays open data projects; for Northern Cyprus, its public holidays law.
Practical info
- CurrencyMoroccan Dirham (د.م.)
- Dialling code+212
- Plugs & voltageType C, E · 220 V · 50 Hz
- EmergencyPolice 19 · Ambulance 150 · Fire 15
- DrivingOn the right
Sources: IEC plug types, Wikidata, Wikipedia; unverified details are left blank.