Marrakech, the fourth largest city in Morocco, It is a city rich in colour, culture, and life. With an eclectic array of remarkable architecture and fascinating tradition, it’s no wonder Marrakech has become a popular destination for Europeans and Americans alike to purchase property.

Buying or renting property in Marrakech opens a myriad of opportunities to explore the city in ways many tourists passing through simply cannot. But you have to know where to look, first.

Here are seven things to do in Marrakech after your move.

1. Immerse yourself in the Jemaa El Fnaa Square
The Jemaa El Fnaa Square is a world all its own. It is the main square of the city with a history dating back over 1,000 years. During the day, the square offers a little bit of everything. Along the perimeter, you can find a collection of booths from food stands to snake charmers to any goods vendor you can think of. Come dusk, the square comes alive with musicians, performers, storytellers, and other entertainment.

The Jemaa El Fnaa is a bustling open air market that can be quite intimidating to tourists and newcomers. Vendors are constantly vying for your attention to buy their goods in addition to the already cacophonous buzz of the market.

When visiting the square, come prepared to haggle and deliver firm ‘no’s to merchants you are not interested in engaging with. While a sensory overload at first, the Jemaa El Fnaa Square is undoubtedly a popular tourist destination.

Given its constantly changing nature, you can guarantee every visit will be a new and unique experience.

2. Get lost in the souks

From the Jemaa El Fnaa square, continue north into the maze of alleyways littered with shops of all kinds. The souks make up the largest traditional marketplace in Morrocco.
You can find just about anything there – shoes, pots, scarves, the list goes on. Much of these vendors sell unique handmade artesian goods. Thus, this market makes an intriguing place for the intrepid shopper.

Much like the Jemaa el Fnaa, haggling is a must here. Merchants will pitch ludicrous starting prices to see how much they can get. If you’re unsure where to go first, try researching some popular shops in the souks before going. Or until you’ve gained your bearings.

3. Relax at a Hammam
If you decide to take on the first two suggestions, you will probably be looking to do some unwinding afterward. Visiting a hammam, or public bath house, is a perfect way to do just that.
Many hammams are similar to spas. Guests are given robes to change into and asked to relax and enjoy the warm saunas. Treatments include massages, skin exfoliation, and body scrubbing. You can opt to scrub yourself in the bathhouse or go the traditional route and have the hammam attendant do so for you.
An upscale hammam is a significantly more private experience than more ubiquitous neighborhood bath houses. However, the true experience of the hammam is in checking your modesty at the door and delving into the traditional practice as it has been done for centuries.

4. Learn about Morrocco’s history through Marrakech’s museums
Marrakech has an eclectic variety of museums for any tastes and preferences. With the history of the city dating back thousands of years, there is quite a lot to learn through the many museums.

Among the most popular museums are the Maison de la Photographie, the Dar Si Said Museum, and the Douiria Moussine. The first houses historical photography dating back to the early 1800’s. The other two exhibits ancient craft work, arts, and artefacts.

Museums are often overlooked by tourists passing through as they demand significant time to thoroughly explore. However, anyone who owns or rents a property in Marrakech can indulge in the full splendour of these museums with no pressure for time.

5. Take your time visiting the many historical sites and landmarks
As far as things to do in Marrakech, the city remains home to many historical sites and landmarks. There are numerous palaces and gardens prime for taking in traditional Moroccan culture and history.

The three main palaces include the Badi, the Bahia, and the Royal Palace. Other points of interest include the Saadian Tombs, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Jardin Majorelle. There are hundreds of other ancient landmarks, too. Choosing where to start is the hard part!

Many of these locations are constantly frequented by tourists. However, living in Marrakech gives more options as to visiting times when the tourist rush is scant. Try visiting some of these locations in the middle of the week as opposed to busy weekends.

6. Make friends with the locals
When it truly comes down to finding the best things to do in Marrakech, your best bet is to ask a local. Fantastic cuisine and hidden treasures are aplenty in a city with such a rich culture as Marrakech.

Locals can be met just about anywhere – at the markets, through the souks, wandering neighbourhoods, etc. Moroccans are known for their hospitality. They will commonly invite newcomers to enjoy a cup of tea in their homes. So when meandering through the city, keep an open mind. Other great ways to meet locals are through sports clubs, meetup groups, and – of course – sharing food.

7. Get Out Of The City

It’s pretty difficult to exhaust Marrakech of all its attractions and offerings. However, the city only encapsulates a small part of what makes life in Morocco the way it is.
Opt to spend some time exploring the dunes and the deserts surrounding the city. Moreover, take the time to explore smaller surrounding Moroccan towns. The contrast of bustling city life to the quiet and peaceful desert and Berber villages is bound to captivate any world traveller.

Camels and quads are popular means for exploring outside the city walls.

Once you’ve moved
There are thousands of things to do in Marrakech – many of which warrant more time than travellers just passing through can offer. Renting or owning property in the city allows you to explore the full extent of Moroccan life and culture.

Haven’t decided on a rental or property yet? Contact us via the Email button below and get a little closer to your dream Moroccan villa.