What to do in Marrakech: guide to essential activities (Souk, desert and relaxation)

Marrakech is perfectly defined in three key words: culture, adventure and disconnection. If you are planning your first trip to Morocco and wondering what to do in the so-called Red City, the answer for a well-rounded trip is simple. Your itinerary should include, without exception, the boldness to lose yourself in the fascinating maze of the Souk, experience the vast landscapes of the desert and, finally, retreat to an oasis of pure relaxation to process all those emotions.

We know perfectly well that travelling to such an exotic and vibrant destination can generate a certain amount of apprehension or doubts beforehand, especially when it comes to safety, culture shock or health guarantees. As travellers, we all like adventure, but we also want the certainty of being well looked after. That is where the philosophy of Ona Hotels & Apartments comes into play. Through ourBe Live hotels in Marrakech, we become your trusted European guide and host. We want you to experience the most authentic magic of Morocco during the day, with the peace of mind of knowing that by the end of the afternoon you will return to an environment with the highest standards of quality, safety and comfort.

Get ready for a journey of fascinating contrasts. In this guide, we explain step by step, and without filters, which essential experiences will mark a before and after in your holiday.

Explore the Medina and the Souk: the heart of Marrakech

You cannot understand Marrakech without immersing yourself fully in its historic heart: the Medina. This walled enclosure, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a true assault on the senses. This is where local life beats, where the aromas of spices mingle with freshly tanned leather and where the sound of artisans sets the rhythm of the hours.

The starting point for any exploration should be the mythical Jemaa el-Fna Square. If you visit in the morning, you will find a wide open space filled with snake charmers, sellers of fresh orange juice (delicious and very refreshing!) and women offering henna tattoos. However, the real magic happens at sunset. The square transforms completely, filling with local musicians, storytellers and dozens of steaming food stalls that create an atmosphere that seems to come straight out of an Arabian Nights tale.

From the square, you will naturally make your way into the Souk, the traditional market. Yes, it is a maze. And yes, getting lost is part of the experience and is completely safe. The Medina is closely watched and local traders are more than used to European tourists.

Quick guide to haggling in the Souk without stress

For many travellers, the moment of shopping in the Souk creates a certain amount of anxiety. However, haggling is not a battle, but a deeply rooted social and cultural act in Morocco. Search engines and we both like things to be clear, so here is a step-by-step guide to succeed in your shopping:

The 30% rule: as a general rule, the initial price the seller offers you is usually around three times higher than the real value they are willing to accept. Start your counter-offer at approximately 30% of the initial price you have been given.

Treat it like a game: respect and a smile are your best tools. Never get angry, do not raise your voice and take your time. If the seller offers you mint tea, accept it; it is a sign of hospitality and that the negotiation is going well.

Do not show too much enthusiasm: if a lantern or rug steals your heart at first glance, play it cool. If the seller notices that you are desperate to take the item home, it will be much harder to bring the price down.

The walk-away technique: if you do not reach an agreement that seems fair to you, simply say thank you politely and start to walk away slowly. In 90% of cases, the seller will call you back and accept your last offer.

Carry cash in dirhams: to make small discounts and quick purchases of spices or small souvenirs easier, having the local currency in small notes is essential.

Adventure beyond the city: is the desert trip worth it?

This is, without a doubt, one of the most repeated questions for any traveller arriving in Marrakech. Is the desert worth visiting? The answer is a resounding yes, but it depends on how many days your trip lasts. Morocco offers you two completely different desert experiences, and choosing the right one is the key to success.

The Agafay desert (The stone desert)

If you are travelling to Marrakech for a 3- or 4-day break, the Agafay desert is a smart and spectacular option. It is located just 45 minutes by car from the city. You will not find sand dunes, but rather an impressive lunar landscape of arid, stony hills with the majestic snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the background. It is the ideal setting for an afternoon of pure adventure: you can hire a quad bike to speed across its plains, enjoy a camel ride at sunset and end the day with an authentic traditional Moroccan dinner under a blanket of stars, around a campfire.

Merzouga or Zagora (The dunes of the Sahara)

If you have a full week or more, then you can consider the journey south. This is where you will find the iconic and immense golden sand dunes. However, you should know that it requires a minimum of 2 or 3 days of intense road travel (Merzouga is around 9 hours by car from Marrakech). It is a transformative and beautiful experience, but it requires time and energy.

Our verdict

If you are coming for a long weekend or looking for comfort without giving up adventure, Agafay will leave you speechless without exhausting you physically, allowing you to return to your hotel and rest fully that very same night.

Total relaxation: the art of the hammam and Moroccan gastronomy

After the bustle of the Medina and the adrenaline of the desert, your body will ask you to slow down. Marrakech does not only stimulate, it also knows how to care. Wellbeing here is an ancient tradition experienced through the skin and the palate.

The hammam ritual step by step

You cannot leave Morocco without trying a traditional hammam. More than a bath, it is a ritual of deep purification. The process usually follows a specific order:

Acclimatisation and steam: you will enter a gentle steam room that will open your pores and instantly relax your muscles.

Black soap (Savon Noir): a therapist will apply this natural soap made from black olive oil and eucalyptus all over your body, leaving it to act and soften impurities.

Exfoliation with a kessa glove: using a traditional rough glove, they will give you a deep and vigorous exfoliation that removes all dead skin cells. You will come out with the softest skin of your life!

Massage and hydration: the ritual usually ends with a relaxing massage using argan oil, the liquid gold of Morocco.

Gastronomy without risks and full of flavour

The other great pillar of pleasure in Marrakech is its food. You must try traditional couscous (generally served on Fridays) and tagine, a stew of meat, chicken or vegetables slow-cooked in a conical clay dish that concentrates all the flavours and spices.

And here comes the reassurance we promised: to try local gastronomy with complete peace of mind for your stomach, the restaurants in our hotels use filtered water and comply with the strictest European food hygiene regulations. You will be able to savour a pastilla or fresh salads knowing that your digestive health is fully protected.

Your oasis in Marrakech: where to sleep to truly switch off

The great secret of expert travellers visiting Marrakech lies in the choice of accommodation. Sleeping in a Riad in the middle of the Souk may sound romantic, but the constant noise, night-time bustle and difficulty of arriving with luggage can create stress.

That is why, at Ona Hotels & Apartments, we have located our establishments in the Palmeraie of Marrakech. This area, just a few minutes from the centre (with easy transfer services), is the green lung of the city. An exclusive, quiet and safe environment where birdsong replaces the horns of motorbikes.

Choose your ideal refuge (Be Live Hotels)

We have two tailor-made options depending on who you are sharing this adventure with:

Be Live Experience Marrakech Palmeraie (4 Stars): this is paradise if you are travelling with family or a group of friends. Imagine returning from an intense morning of sightseeing in the Medina and finding enormous swimming pools waiting for you to take a dip. It offers a spectacular All Inclusive board basis, children’s areas so little ones can have fun in a safe environment, theatre entertainment and large garden areas. It is the perfect combination of outside adventure and total comfort within the hotel grounds.

Be Live Experience Marrakech Palmeraie

Be Live Collection Marrakech Adults Only (5 Stars): if your trip is a couple’s getaway or you are looking for a higher level of sophistication and peace, this is your sanctuary. For adults only, this hotel stands out for its elegance, intimate corners, Balinese beds by the pool and exquisite gastronomy. It also has spectacular spa facilities where you can enjoy the hammam ritual with premium products without leaving the resort. It is the calm luxury you need to complete your experience in Morocco.

 Be Live Collection Marrakech Adults Only 

Express itinerary: Marrakech in 3 days

To make things even easier for you, we have structured a quick and optimised itinerary so you can make the most of a long weekend escape.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ) about what to do in Marrakech

What is the best time to go to Marrakech?

The ideal seasons are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, you will avoid the extreme heat of the Moroccan summer and the cold winter nights, allowing you to go on excursions and walk around the city very comfortably.

How should you dress in Marrakech?

Morocco is a conservative Muslim country, so in public areas (such as the Medina or monuments) it is highly advisable to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees out of cultural respect. However, behind closed doors, in our Be Live hotels, you will be able to dress exactly as you would in any European holiday destination (swimwear, strappy dresses, etc.).

Can you drink alcohol in Marrakech?

Yes. Although local culture prohibits alcohol consumption for Muslims, European tourists can consume it without any problem in licensed venues, such as restaurants geared towards international tourism and, of course, in the bars, restaurants and discos of our own Be Live hotels, where you can enjoy cocktails, wines and international beers.

Is it safe to take taxis or public transport?

Transport in the city is safe, but taxis usually require haggling before you get in, as they rarely use the meter with tourists. For greater peace of mind, the reception team at the Be Live hotels in the Palmeraie can arrange safe, reliable transfers for you with fixed prices to the city centre or the airport.