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Photo credit Angela Marin and Thiébaud Faix

Free things to do in Marrakech

Marrakech delights the senses at every twist and turn, through dazzling souks, mouth-watering food stalls and intricate architecture. The fantastic thing is, you can explore many of the sights without even cracking your wallet open. Here are some of the best free things to do.

Koutoubia Mosque

The largest mosque in Marrakech, Koutoubia Mosque is famed for its towering minaret, dominating the Medina. Rising almost 70 metres, it can be seen from much of the city, but it warrants a closer look. Non-Muslims can’t enter the mosque, however, you can relax in the surrounding gardens to take in the view.

Djemaa el Fna

Located right at the centre of the Medina, Djemaa el Fna is famous worldwide as an open-air market to be reckoned with. As the city’s main hub, Djemaa el Fna provides endless opportunities for free entertainment, with snake charmers, storytellers, acrobats, dancers and the delicious aroma of sizzling vegetables and grilled meats from the food stalls.

The Medina

Getting lost in Marrakech’s old city is one of the best free things you can spend days, or even weeks, doing. Behind the coral, ramparts hide a labyrinth of alleyways with historical surprises at every step. Visit Mellah, the old Jewish quarter, to see the city’s tallest mud-brick buildings.

Ville Nouvelle

Marrakech’s new town is a modern centre of spacious boulevards, vibrant cafes and upmarket shopping malls. Stroll along the leafy Avenue Mohammed V as you window shop in chic boutiques and check out the array of high-end hotels, a world away from the chaos of the Medina.

Menara Gardens

The lush environs of the Menara Gardens in Ville Nouvelle provides the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. You can see the peaks of the Atlas Mountains as you wander around pretty royal olive groves, orchards and a 19th century pavilion.

Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park

If you want to check your emails in a tranquil setting, this is the place to do it. Originally commissioned in the 18th century as a food-producing area, the Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park is a free retreat with tinkling fountains and beautifully landscaped gardens, complete with outdoor cyber areas and a cyber café.

Explore the Souks

You don’t need to buy anything to have an amazing time exploring the colourful souks, lining the alleyways branching off from Djemaa el Fna. Escape into a dazzling array of carpets, lanterns, leather goods, spices and perfumes and know that a friendly local will help you to find your way back out!

Rahba Kedima Square

The Rahba Kedima Square is the home of spices and a sight not to be missed. It’s a vibrant, chaotic mix of lotions and potions, herbal stores, spices, essential oils and real life chameleons to add to the magical, ancient atmosphere.

Jardin el Harti

Located in the district of Gueliz, the Jardin el Harti Gardens have playgrounds for children, sports areas and lovely gardens including roses, palm trees and water fountains, making it a perfect place to escape to for a picnic.

Marrakech Ramparts

Marrakech’s famous shade of coral pink comes from the walls, or ramparts, of the Medina. The towering walls stretch around the city and there’s good walking paths to explore the magnificent gates and architecture, entirely for free.


Picture of Andy

Posted by Andy
on 14th May 2015 and
updated on 18th February 2021

Destinations

Morocco Marrakech

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