what excursions are in Marrakech

Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most vibrant cities, full of colors, sounds, and unique experiences. Beyond simply walking through the medina, there are many guided excursions and activities that help you discover its culture, history, food, and surrounding landscapes. From walking tours to hot air balloon rides, Marrakech offers something for every type of traveler. The question is what excursions are in Marrakech?

1. Medina & Souks Walking Tours

A guided walking tour of the medina is one of the most popular excursions in Marrakech. The old city can feel like a maze, with narrow alleys, hidden squares, and specialized souks (markets). Having a local guide helps you navigate easily and understand what you see.

On a typical medina tour, you might:

• Explore the souks dedicated to spices, textiles, leather, lamps, and jewelry
• Visit historic madrasas, caravanserais, and traditional riads
• Learn how artisans make carpets, metalwork, and wood carvings

These tours often include stories about Marrakech’s history, daily life, and local traditions, giving you a deeper connection to the city.

2. Historical Monuments & Palaces Excursions

Marrakech is rich in architectural and historical landmarks, and many excursions focus on its major monuments. These tours usually combine several key sites in half a day or a full day.

Common stops include:

• Bahia Palace: A stunning 19th-century palace with beautiful gardens and detailed decorations
• El Badi Palace: Atmospheric ruins of a once-magnificent complex, great for imagination and photos
• Koutoubia Mosque (exterior): The city’s main mosque and iconic minaret, visible from many points in the city
• Saadian Tombs: Beautifully decorated royal tombs hidden for centuries

These excursions are ideal if you enjoy history, architecture, and photography, and want a structured overview of Marrakech’s main landmarks.

3. Food Tours & Cooking Classes

Moroccan cuisine is a highlight of any visit, and food-focused excursions are increasingly popular in Marrakech. They allow you to taste local dishes and learn about ingredients and cooking techniques.

Food tours usually include:

• Sampling street food in the medina, such as msemen (Moroccan pancakes), olives, pastries, and grilled meats
• Visiting spice shops and learning about ras el hanout, saffron, and other key spices
• Tasting traditional dishes like tagine, couscous, and harira soup

Cooking classes often start with a market visit to buy fresh ingredients, followed by a hands-on session where you prepare a full Moroccan meal. You then enjoy what you cooked, often in a riad or cooking school terrace.

4. Jemaa el-Fna Evening Experiences

Jemaa el-Fna, the main square of Marrakech, completely transforms at night and many excursions are built around this unique atmosphere. While you can visit on your own, guided evening tours help you understand what is happening and avoid feeling overwhelmed.

An evening excursion in Jemaa el-Fna can include:

• Discovering food stalls serving snails, grilled meats, soups, and sweets
• Listening to storytellers, musicians, and other traditional performers
• Learning about the square’s role in Marrakchi culture and daily life

Some tours combine a walk through the square with a rooftop dinner, offering panoramic views of the lights and activity below.

5. Spa & Hammam Experiences

A traditional Moroccan hammam (steam bath) is another type of “excursion” many visitors enjoy in Marrakech. It’s a cultural and wellness experience that often becomes a highlight of the trip.

Typical hammam experiences include:

• A steam bath to open the pores
• A black soap scrub (using savon beldi) to cleanse the skin
• A vigorous exfoliation with a kessa glove, followed by rinsing and sometimes a massage

You can choose between more local, simple hammams or luxury spa versions in riads and hotels. Either way, it’s a relaxing break from the busy streets outside.

6. Horse-Drawn Carriage & City Garden Tours

Horse-drawn carriage rides (calèches) are a traditional way to see Marrakech from a different angle. These rides often pass by major city gates, avenues, and gardens.

Popular routes include:

• The Menara Gardens, with their large reflecting pool and olive groves
• The Agdal Gardens, historic royal orchards (open on specific days)
• Circling the city walls at sunset for great views and photos

Some excursions combine a carriage ride with a visit to modern landmarks like the Hivernage district or Gueliz, giving a contrast between old and new Marrakech.

7. Hot Air Balloon & Adventure Excursions

For those who want something more adventurous, Marrakech also offers exciting excursions just outside the city. One of the most memorable is a hot air balloon flight at sunrise over the countryside and nearby foothills.

Typical adventure excursions include:

• Hot air balloon rides: Early morning departure, followed by a traditional breakfast in a village
• Quad biking: Off-road tours in the palm grove (Palmeraie) or nearby rocky desert areas
• Camel rides: Short, often combined with a tea break in a local home or camp

These experiences offer a change of scenery without requiring long travel, and are perfect if you like outdoor activities.

From cultural walking tours and palace visits to food experiences, hammams, and adventure activities, Marrakech offers a wide choice of excursions to suit every interest. You can focus on history and architecture, dive into local flavors, relax in a spa, or seek thrills in the nearby landscapes. If you share your interests and how many days you’ll stay in Marrakech, I can suggest a personalized combination of excursions to make the most of your visit.