The city of Marrakech is truly unlike any other we have ever visited before. It is full of winding narrow streets, scooters here and there, cats lazily meandering about, donkeys trotting along, and people shouting from every direction. If this sounds like your nightmare, we know the feeling. But after the initial shock wares off, and you begin to get your bearings, we promise it will be easy to see why so many love this city. Read on for our top 10 favorite things to do in Marrakech!

1. Drink Mint Tea

Almost every place you go, you will be offered a mint tea. And you should graciously accept. Served out of ornate tea pots on silver trays, we fell in love with this tradition. It is made with a blend of green tea and numerous types of mint. We preferred ours sweet, with bricks of sugar. 

2. Get Lost in the Medina

The streets of the medina are narrow and entangled. Around every corner is a souk overflowing with locally sourced goods, a friendly footy match amongst youngsters, or a row of homes with the most beautiful ornate entrances. It is incredibly easy – and we’d actually encourage you – to get lost in the Medina.

3. Haggle at the Souks

When visiting Marrakech it isn’t a matter of IF you’ll be buying goodies to bring home, but a matter of WHAT you’ll be spending the big bucks on. From the famed Moroccan rugs and pillow cases, to knock-off football kits and leather goods, you will be spoilt for choice. Never settle for asking price! What is the fun in that? You can almost always get any item for 50% the original tag. Happy hunting 🙂

4. Gaze at the Mosques

There is a mosque on every corner, each one more beautiful than the next. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest in Marrakech and 100% worth a visit. The large stone tower can’t be missed from almost any point in the city. Note: Unless you are a practicing Muslim, you will not be allowed inside. 

5. Wander the Gardens

Next to the Koutoubia Mosque is the stunning Parc Lalla Hasna. A massive garden with plenty of benches and fountains amongst vibrantly colored bushes of flowers. Pop a squat here and admire Koutoubia. We also really enjoyed visiting Jardin Majorelle. This botanical garden, when facing the threat of being turned into a hotel, was acquired and preserved by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Only 70 DHS to enter, it is worth the trip if you have the time. 

6. Stay in a Riad

Typical in Morocco, these small houses typically have an interior courtyard or garden. We stayed at Riad Dar Kleta and can’t say enough good things about our experience there! The interior design will leave you wanting to redesign your entire flat and the unbeatable hospitality of the family who lives there will have you booking a return trip to Marrakesh before you even leave!

7. Eat Tajine

Tajine. A staple dish in Moroccan cooking, you would be hard pressed to find a restaurant not serving it. And for good reason! With many types of meats and veg slow-cooked in a cone-shaped clay pot, our favorite variations were the fish tagine and lamb tagine.

8. Watch the Sunset Over Marrakesh

There are a number of rooftop restaurants throughout Marrakesh, perfect for watching the sunset. Our all time favorite was Atay Cafe! Other popular spots include Nomad, Cafe Des Epices, which is not to be confued with Terrasse Des Epices.

9. Take a Day Trip (or 2) Outside of Marrakesh

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh to explore Morocco? I know we were anxious to, and would highly suggest the trips below.

Atlas Mountains – Easy to explore in just a day, we decided on an Airbnb experience linked here. Taib was our wonderful host. He is part of an ethnic group called the Berbers, who are the original indigenous people of Morocco. During our tour we were able to see how they live in the mountains and even visit Taib’s family home to meet his family for a traditional home cooked lunch. 

Essaouira – Have more time? A highlight of our trip was a two day visit to the coastal town of Essaouira. Easily accessible from Marrakesh via a 4-hour bus, Essaouira boasts amazing seafood, sandy beaches, and lovely people. Full post coming soon!

10. Honorable Mention

Like most places, there is so much to see and do in Marrakesh. These are the things we missed during out trip for one reason or another, but would have loved to have seen if we were able.

• Have a Hammam: We visited Marrakesh in April. With the weather already beginning to heat up, the thought of a hot, soapy steam-room wasn’t the most appealing. Looking back though, an escape from the hectic streets for a relaxing treatment sounds like pure bliss. We had our eyes on booking a treatment at Les Bains de Marrakech, since they also offer coed treatment rooms. 
•  Visit Ben Youssef Madrassa: Closed for restoration works when we visited, the Ben Youssef Madrassa is an Islamic college. It is incredibly ornate. Google photos of this place and you’ll understand why we were bummed to miss it.
•  Visit Bahia Palace: In English, Bahia Palace translates to palace of the beautiful, brilliant. It boasts a 2-acre garden with tiled rooms opening up to a terrace. We unfortunately just didn’t have time for this one.

There are so many incredible things to do in Marrakech! With that being said, a spot we would consider avoiding is Jamaâ el Fnaa. The square is shoulder to shoulder full of people and everywhere you turn someone is begging for your attention. You’ll find snake charmers and monkeys in chains, which is not entertaining, just cruel. 

As always, let us know if you have any questions and if you end up using any tips from the guide we would love to hear about it!

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Most cities require a long trek out and some full-on planning to get a decent hike. Cape Town isn’t most cities. She boasts the convenience of towering mountain peaks, hiking trails for all levels, and white sand beaches – all within a 10 minute Uber from the city centre. You’ll read about Table Mountain, Lion’s Head, and Signal Hill – but there are almost endless trails within. Read on for 8 of my favorite hikes in Cape Town, plus helpful tips to plan your trip.

1. Table Mountain

An icon – Table Mountain is a can’t miss. It can be seen from virtually every point in the city, often draped by a thin layer of wispy clouds (cleverly dubbed the “table cloth”).

How to Get There

• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – We suggest starting your hike with a waltz through these world renowned gardens. Bonus points if you have time to enjoy a picnic here, before heading upward via Skeleton’s Gorge trail or Nursery Ravine trail. See below for more details on both!
• Aerial Cable Way – incredible views without all the fuss. I suggest hiking up the mountain, and then taking this bad boy down. At the top of the cable way is a restaurant, bar and gift shop.

Time: 12 Hrs (this will take you all day, so worth it!)

Price: R65 for Kirstenbosch, R151 for one-way Aerial Cable Way (R293 return)

2. Skeleton’s Gorge

One of the many trails on Table Mountain. Fun hike with ladders, streams and amazing views.

How to Get There

• Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens – Once inside, follow clear signs to the Skeleton’s Gorge trail. From the trail you can hike to the Table Mountain Reservoir or Maclear’s Beacon. Read on for details.

Time: 5.5 Hrs

Price: R65

3. Nursery Ravine

Similar to Skeleton’s Gorge, but not as difficult. I haven’t personally done this hike, but the Kirstenbosch website suggests hiking up Skeleton’s Gorge and taking Nursery Ravine down.

How to Get There

• Kirstenboch Botanical Gardens – Once inside the gardens follow clear signs to the Nursery Ravine trail.

Time: 5.5 Hrs

Price: R65

 4. Table Mountain Reservoir

A rainbow lake on top of a mountain! Hello. This is fairly easy to get to, and it is just about the halfway point if you’re hiking to the top. That said, the water is super refreshing for a quick dip on a hot day.

How To Get There

• Skeleton’s Gorge Trail – See notes above to take this trail. There will be signs throughout the trail directing you to the reservoir and all of a sudden the terrain will turn from dirt to sand. The reservoir is about 15 minutes from the end of the trail.

Time: 6 Hrs

Price: R65

5. Maclear’s Beacon

The highest point on Table Mountain!

How to Get There

• Skeleton’s Gorge Trail -See notes above. The Beacon is approximately 2 hours from the end of the trail and the views along the way are unbelievable.

Time: 7 Hrs

Price: R65

5. Lion’s Head

If you ask me, the most incredible views in all of Cape Town await at the top of Lion’s Head! It is probably one of my favorite hikes of all time. Plus, this guy doesn’t take nearly as long to hike as Table Mountain. Win, win. 

How to Get There

• Take an Uber to Lion’s Head Hike entrance, where there are clear signs on how to start the summit. Everyone I spoke to said this was an easy hike, but we totally underestimated it. Prepare yourself for lots of ladders.

Time: 2 Hrs

Price: FREE

6. Signal Hill

I wouldn’t particularly call this a hike, more like a walk. So be sure to bring a bottle of wine and some snacks for fantastic sundowners. You can also paraglide from Signal Hill, which I highly suggest!

How to Get There

• Take an Uber to Signal Hill. Your driver will likely drop you off at a large car park. Hang a right around the bathrooms, and follow the trail until you hit the lookout spot. We loved watching the sunset from the paragliding launch pad. You won’t be able to miss it, as tons of people will be posted to watch the sun take an evening dip into the ocean.

Time: 1 Hr

Price: FREE

7. Wally’s Cave

Wally’s Cave is a bitch to find, but when you do, you’ll want to stay for ages. We wouldn’t have found it without help from fellow hikers, but hopefully the tips below can get you there!

How to Get There

• See notes above on how to get to Lion’s Head. From there, follow the main trail until you reach the first ladder. Instead of going up, swing around the left side. You will pass over a small wire fence, and keep going until you reach a broken bench. Lastly, you will reach a rocky ledge with an incredible view. Follow the ledge around the mountain and look up to find Wally’s Cave! 

Time: 2 Hrs (we got lost multiple times, here’s to hoping it takes you less time!)

Price: FREE

8. Devil’s Peak & Elephant’s Eye

We weren’t able to find time for either of these, but we wish we did! Here are links to other sites with great instructions on how to access Devil’s Peak and Elephant’s Eye

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