Marrakech, the red city
Morocco's most visited destination: a huge medina, palaces, gardens and Jemaa el-Fna square, which changes face at nightfall.
- Jemaa el-Fna square and the souks are visited on foot.
- Spring and autumn are the best seasons: summer is very hot.
- From Tangier, allow about 6 hours by train with a change in Casablanca.
What to see
Jemaa el-Fna square is the heart of the city: quiet in the morning, in the evening it fills with food stalls, musicians and storytellers. Behind it begin the souks, organised by trade.
The Koutoubia, a 12th-century mosque, dominates the medina with its minaret. The Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the El Badi Palace and the Ben Youssef Madrasa tell the story of the dynasties.
Outside the ramparts, the Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum are among the busiest places: book your slot in advance.
Getting there from Tangier
The Al Boraq high-speed train links Tangier to Casablanca in about 2 h 10. From Casa Voyageurs station, a conventional train continues to Marrakech. Allow about 6 hours in total. There are also domestic flights.
When to go
From March to May and from late September to November. In July and August, temperatures often exceed 40 °C.
How long to plan
Three days for the city. Add a day for the Agafay desert or the Ourika valley.
To prepare your visit to these three monuments, we recommend these sites:
Transparency: these three sites are independent ticketing and booking guides that belong to the same network as MarrakechLocal LLC, the company of TangerLocal's founder. They are not the official sites of the monuments or of the Ministry of Culture. Some of their links are affiliate links.
Limits of this page
Journey times are approximate and train, flight and site timetables change: check them before you leave. We give no price until it has been verified.