Yulia Saf 
Welcome to the “land of Gods” that’s what the name of this Morocco town means, and to be honest it looks like a corner of heaven!
Join me and let’s uncover the 6 best areas where to stay in Marrakech! I went to Marrakech on a birthday trip so I have a lot to share with you about my experience. But, I also did thorough research, handpicked the most amazing hotels in each of those neighborhoods, and made a list of accommodations suited for all pockets!
In short, Medina is the best place to stay in Marrakech! That’s where you’ll find the most iconic attractions and gorgeous riads (you’ll learn all about these types of hotels below).
Marrakech is pretty big so if you read this post, you will orient yourself in the 6 most tourist-friendly areas and will understand which one is right for you! Not to mention I made it very easy to book your perfect accommodation in just a couple of clicks!
Where we stayed: we stayed at Riad Zayane Atlas, a beautiful riad with an amazing spacious common area, a nice tented area on the rooftop, and a swimming pool. My room was a bit small, but we really enjoyed our stay because we mainly hanged out in the courtyard. The owner is super nice too, she always helped us with taxis, food, etc.
If you are in a hurry
If you want to book now, look no more! Here’s a list of the best hotels and riads all located in Medina, Morocco:
Contents
- If you are in a hurry
- 1. Northern Medina – where to stay for the first time
- 2. Southern Medina – for a cultural experience
- 3. Gueliz – trendiest place in Marrakech
- 4. The Kasbah – best place to stay in Marrakech for history
- 5. Hivernage – best neighborhood in Marrakech for luxury
- 6. Palmeraie – where to stay in Marrakech for adventure
- Getting around Marrakech
- FAQs about where to stay in Marrakech
Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:
Here’s a map that will help you visualize all the areas in Marrakech, Morocco that I will be talking about in this post:
- NORTHERN MEDINA: for first-timers
- SOUTHERN MEDINA: for culture
- GUELIZ: trendiest area
- THE KASBAH: for history
- HIVERNAGE: for luxury
- PALMERAIE: for adventure
1. Northern Medina – where to stay for the first time
Medina is the town’s city center and most tourists will probably stay here. It may be a surprise (it certainly was for me), but Medina itself is huuuuge, that is why I have split it into 2 smaller areas in this post so I can offer you more options on where to stay there!
I think Northern Medina is the perfect place to stay in Marrakech for first-time visitors since it is close to everything in the old town and popular attractions like Jardin Majorelle that is a bit more North from there.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site has some of the best attractions in town! Museums, lush gardens, souks, you name it! You’ll find all here!
FUN FACT: The entire Medina area is enclosed by 17km of ramparts and gates.
Although visiting attractions is one of the main things we all hurry to do while visiting a new place, I recommend taking your time to explore the streets of this bustling city! You’ll get a much more authentic experience watching the locals go about their day and admiring the gorgeous architecture, than you would elsewhere!
Still, make sure you drop by to visit some iconic places in Northern Medina like the Maison de la Photographie Museum, the unique Madrasa Ben Youssef (a historic Islamic college), and Le Jardin Secret (map).
Riad or not riad?
Riads (which translates as “garden” in Arabic) are traditional Moroccan houses or palaces with an indoor garden and a courtyard. Most of them have such intricate architecture and although their exteriors look simple, once you step inside you’ll feel as if you’ve landed in paradise! But remember that most of them are quite old, so do not expect modern facilities you’d find in a big hotel like an elevator a gym. I liked my stay in a riad, but they are usually a bit more costly so if you are traveling on a budget, I would say go for a hotel.
Enjoy your coffee in the central courtyard of this amazing riad in ancient Medina that has the most charming rooms with expansive bathrooms and unique furnishings. The accommodation offers a complimentary breakfast that you can enjoy in your luxurious rooms or on the terrace.
Other accommodation options in Northern Medina
Relax in the hammam and enjoy the spa treatments at this riad that offers spacious suites and a roof terrace
Chill by the swimming pool set in the lush central courtyard of this riad that has family rooms
A lovely house in the heart of Marrakech that has a charming traditional design, a spacious room, and a patio
Riad Yasmine – here’s another luxury hotel in Marrakech Medina! This riad is one of the most popular ones in the city and a great option for couples! It looks amazing and it has such a unique design with traditional and modern elements, so definitely check it out!
Things to do in Northern Medina
- Cool yourself during a hot day in the charming Le Jardin Secret
- Get some souvenirs from The Moroccan Doors Souk el Khemis
- See the authentic Marrakech riads in the Bab Taghazout area
- Admire the architecture of the Almoravid Koubba
- Visit the Maison de la Photographie Museum
- Buy some spices in the Mouassine and Rahba Kedima market areas
- Check out the Madrasa Ben Youssef and Dar El Bacha Palace
- Shop for some goodies at Marrakech Plaza Mall
2. Southern Medina – for a cultural experience
This neighborhood is perfect for those who want to dive deep into the city’s culture! Southern Medina is also home to some of the most iconic attractions in Marrakech, such as the famous Bahia Palace (map) which is so big and has lots of courtyards!
Then there’s also the Koutoubia Mosque, the Dar Si Said Museum and of course the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa square (also known as Djemaa el Fna) which is set near the smaller Kennaria area, and is always so busy and has numerous food and souvenir stalls!
If you want to get some pretty shots of those colorful stalls holding all sorts of spices, head to Rahba Kedima, the spice square which is filled with Instagrammable spots.
Let’s talk a little bit about the safety, shall we? We have arrived at 3 am and this is how the Old town looked like with all the stalls closed (a bit sketchy if you ask me). I felt pretty safe walking alone, but I probably would avoid walking alone at night just because the dark alleys look pretty unwelcoming at night.
PRO TIP: Another VERY IMPORTANT thing you should know about staying in Medina is that you cannot get to many of its streets by car, that is very common specifically for the area. In our case the taxi dropped us off in the nearest parking and we needed to walk for another 4-5 min to the actual riad. This may not sound like a big deal but when you have a lot of luggage, a stroller, a sleeping baby and it is 3 am, this added up. So, if you are staying in Medina, consider first asking your hotel/riad about the parking situation and how far is it going to be from the hotel.
Here are a couple more tips I’ve collected during my trip that I think are useful to mention (in no particular order):
If you’re planning to shop for souvenirs (which I’m sure you will since they’re irresistible) make sure to put your haggling skills to use and you may get things much cheaper, depending whether you’re a good negotiator or not!
Money – most currency exchanges will scam you, and cash is king there so just withdraw money from the ATM instead. The local currency in Marrakech is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).
Here are some delicious places to eat I can highly recommend in Medina:
Keep in mind that most nice places open only after 12PM, so if you are looking for a breakfast spot make sure to check the working hours.
As for drinks I recommend checking out the La Mamounia Hotel (map). This almost 100-year-old hotel served as a set for Alfred Hitchcock’s The Man Who Knew Too Much from 1956, and while staying at this place in 1973, Paul McCartney wrote his song Mamunia.
You’re going to love the rooms of this hotel that has rooms dripping in traditional Moroccan craftsmanship! Designed by King Mohammed VI this place offers 3 swimming pools, a spa and 4 restaurants. Each private villa has a terrace, a pool and gorgeous designs! The accommodation is set a short walk away from El Bahia Palace.
Other accommodation options in Southern Medina
Enjoy your stay in Marrakech in this riad that has a swimming pool and a spa center with a steam room
This elegant, affordable riad hotel in Marrakech Medina has a roof terrace where you can enjoy your free breakfast
An amazing room in a riad filled with traditional craftsmanship, that has a heated pool and a roof terrace
RIAD Redous – another more budget-friendly riad in this area. We also stayed here, and like any other riad the rooms are small, but it has a charming courtyard and a nice rooftop terrace with a view of the city.
Things to do in Southern Medina
- Walk around the Jemaa el Fnaa square
- See the Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace in the city center
- Snap a pic of the old Medina walls
- Go shopping for souvenirs in the Semmarine souk
- Visit one of the best attractions in the city the Ben Youssef Mosque
3. Gueliz – trendiest place in Marrakech
Welcome to Gueliz! Also known as the European Quarter, this area is located a 20-min walk away from Medina and it’s definitely super different from the traditional Medina!
Gueliz is the newer part of Marrakech as you’ll tell from the buildings, and the more modern hotels. It’s a great area for shopping since there are many famous brand stores located here. It also has a pretty fun nightlife, which is why many younger tourists prefer to stay here.
NOTE: Make sure to double-check the dates for Ramadan and Eid in the year when you’re visiting Marrakech as it may affect the opening time of some restaurants.
Because the Moroccan law is weird about selling alcohol, anyone who wants to party and drink during their holiday comes here. The rooftop terrace bars here offer the best views of the city, and what can beat watching a sunset in this charming city with a cocktail in your hand! Sky Bar (map) is a great place to start the night!
Don’t worry you still have lots of cool attractions here to see during the day too.
You can go exploring the streets of Gueliz and visit the MACMA Museum of Marrakech and you can also see the French touch in this neighborhood, especially at Majorelle Gardens which is just a 15-minute walk from this area (pro tip – buy your tickets a bit in advance here, when we got here all the tickets for the day were sold out and it was impossible to get it at the door or from resellers).
This stylish spot was created by Jacques Majorelle, a French painter, and was later owned by the famous, and one of my favorite designers, Yves Saint-Laurent. He simply adored Marrakech and actually had a summer home here which is now a museum located North of Gueliz!
Soak up the Moroccan sun by the outdoor swimming pool of this luxury hotel located just a short walk away from all the attractions in Gueliz! You can admire the beautiful views from the private balconies of your rooms and if you want to relax a bit after all the exploring you can enjoy some of the spa treatments.
Other accommodation options in Gueliz
Spend your mornings by the rooftop pool of this hotel that has a dining room and a great location
Enjoy the hammam and other spa treatments at this hotel that has rooms with private terraces
This traditional Moroccan apartment has two cozy rooms, a spacious terrace and free Wi-Fi
Things to do in Gueliz
- See some beautiful Moroccan art at the David Bloch Gallery
- Visit the MACMA Museum of Marrakech in Gueliz
- Relax in my favorite spa in the city – Marajah Spa
- Go shopping
- How some drinks at Sky Bar (map)
- Admire the stylish architecture of Majorelle Gardens
- Eat a traditional Moroccan dish at Mama Afrika (map)
4. The Kasbah – best place to stay in Marrakech for history
Hey dear history enthusiasts, don’t worry! I know you’ve been looking for a neighborhood to stay in Marrakech that has all the big old attractions – the district was founded in the late 12th century and originally served as a citadel.
The Kasbah area is the perfect place in Morocco for you! This area is located a 20-minute walk away from Medina and it’s actually part of a bigger area called Mechouar.
Everyone comes here to see the famous 12th-century Bab Agnaou gate, which has Quranic inscriptions on the surface. Definitely a place you must see!
With brownish buildings and old architecture, this area feels like it has seen the passing of time. But the modern-day Royal Palace (map) brings a new touch to the neighborhood.
Another spot that all history lovers have to see during their trip to Morocco is the Saadian Tombs which were rediscovered in 1917, until then everyone had forgotten about them. They are very unique and made out of marble and solid gold!
Right near Kasbah, you’ll find Badi Palace, another iconic attraction that has a cute little orchard, which remained untouched over time.
There are many riads and cool hotels here, and usually, after a full day out everyone goes back to their accommodation and spends a relaxing night in the garden while drinking some delicious mint tea. Just living the Moroccan lifestyle!
P.S. If you’re looking for areas that offer more budget hotels, you can check out the Agdal and Chrifia neighborhoods which are set right near Kasbah. They are pretty big and closer to the Agafay desert where everyone goes on camel safaris.
One of the best hotels in Marrakech, set near Jamaâ El Fna Square, that has gorgeous rooms with a private terrace where you can relax, a rooftop terrace and a swimming pool where you can cool off during those hot summer days! Their lush oasis is the perfect place to unwind after a day spent at the spa.
Other accommodation options in The Kasbah
An elegant and modern hotel with a swimming pool in the inner courtyard and rooms with a terrace
Admire the Atlas Mountains views from the rooftop terrace of this hotel that has a restaurant
Enjoy your stay in one of the best villas in Kasbah that has a pool, a roof terrace, and modern rooms
Things to do in The Kasbah
- Admire the beautiful Saadian Tombs
- Visit the ruined Badi Palace
- See the unique Bab Agnaou gate
- Check out the the Royal Palace
- Join a camel safari tour in Agafay desert
- Go and explore around the Moulay El Yazid Mosque
- Check the local bars and restaurants in the area
5. Hivernage – best neighborhood in Marrakech for luxury
Want to stay in one of the most luxurious areas in Marrakech?
Then head over to Hivernage, an amazing area, located less than a 10 min drive away from the famous Jemaa el-Fna square in the Medina area.
Hivernage is surrounded by the gorgeous Menara Gardens and also by the Oliveraie green area, meaning you can easily escape the city heat and go hide under a tree in the Menara Botanical Gardens, which also has a lake and a small pavilion right on its shores.
This area is known for hosting some of the most exclusive and fancy hotels! So if you want to splurge during this holiday, this is the place! These hotels are especially great for those of you who want to relax in the amazing spa centers and traditional hammams (which is a type of steam bath or a place of public bathing).
Here you won’t find historic attractions or souks, but rather lots of high-end stores and fine dining restaurants. Head to Menara Mall on a hot afternoon when it is way too hot to roam the streets and check out all the stores there.
The city’s first casino is located in Hivernage and it’s needless to say that since its opening, the atmosphere in this neighborhood has changed completely! Casino de Marrakech is located just a short walk away from the mall and it also has a nightclub, perfect for those who want to party on this holiday.
If you need a break from all the casino fun and dancing you can visit the beautiful Park Lalla Hasna and Cyber Park, which are within walking distance of Hivernage.
And if you are looking for a place to eat, I recommend Comptoir Darna (map), a legendary restaurant where you can have a fancy traditional Moroccan dinner and enjoy a belly dance show. We went there for my birthday and I absolutely loved it both the food and the traditional show!
Dar Rhizlane, Palais Table d’hôtes & Spa
Get the fabulous room that overlooks the lush gardens in this amazing hotel! When you’re not out and about exploring Jemaa el Fna Square and the other attractions you can sunbathe by the swimming pool, drop in at the spa and unwind in the hammam! They also have a restaurant on-site that serves Moroccan cuisine.
Other accommodation options in Hivernage
Enjoy your stay in Marrakech in this hotel that has a Moroccan design, a lush garden and a swimming pool
This simple yet modern place offers spacious suites, a great location, a terrace and breakfast
A really cool place that has so much space, a gorgeous design, a terrace and it also offers access to a shared pool
Things to do in Hivernage
- Try your luck at Marrakech Casino in Hivernage
- Go to the Bab Doukkala to see the historic gate of Marrakech
- Spend a luxurious night at the Secret Room Marrakech (map)
- Explore the beautiful Menara Gardens
- Take a day trip to Ourika, a beautiful nearby town
- Eat at one of the best fine dining restaurants Lotus Club Marrakech (map)
6. Palmeraie – where to stay in Marrakech for adventure
So this area was once a super big garden which went under a lot of transformation over the years and now it is absolutely packed with luxurious resorts, golf courses, and upscale stores!
Located in the northern part of the city around 8 km (5 miles) from Medina, Palmeraie is great for tourists who want a different experience. Just like Hivernage, this neighborhood is perfect for those who want to splurge during this holiday and stay in the fanciest hotels in town!
Here you’ll find numerous resorts, golf courses, theme parks and basically lots of places where you can just relax and unwind. That’s why I would recommend Palmeraie for those of you who just want to relax and just chill at their resort.
Start your day with some delicious food and a cup of Moroccan coffee or a mint tea. Then you can play some golf, take a spontaneous trip to Medina or just join a camel adventure (you’ll find lots of those types of activities in Palmeraie and some other family-friendly ones like exploring the Palmeraie Marrakech Amusement Park here (map).
Although this neighborhood is located a bit further than the other ones, you can always take a taxi to get to the city centre, or if you’re doing the whole road trip thing and visiting other cities, you can use your rental car.
The accommodations and hotels here are a bit more expensive but at least you’ll know for sure you’ll get the celebrity treatment we all crave while on holiday and you can sit by the pool all day long before heading out!
This hotel has some fabulous rooms that come with private pools and a small terrace! Here you can enjoy some breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains, while swimming in one of the 3 swimming pools, in the garden! The resort also offers a cinema, a spa center and 3 restaurants that serve Moroccan cuisine (among others).
Other accommodation options in Palmeraie
A great hotel that has a Moroccan design, rooms with a private pool and a spa center with a hammam
This affordable hotel comes with an outdoor swimming pool, a terrace and a lush garden
Enjoy your stay in Marrakech in this villa that has a tennis court, an indoor fireplace and an outdoor pool
Things to do in Palmeraie
- Go on an adventure camel riding
- Play some golf at PalmGolf Marrakech Palmeraie
- Try quad biking in the desert
- Visit the Water Museum
- Spend a fun day at the family-friendly Palmeraie Marrakech Amusement Park
- Go to the Bab Doukkala to see the historic gate of Marrakech
| 👑 Luxury price: | US$180 |
| 💵 Mid-range hotel: | US$80 |
| 🛏️ Budget: | US$35 |
| 📍 Best area: | Medina |
| 🛎️ Best luxury hotel: | Hotel & Ryad Art Place |
| 🧳 Best mid-range hotel: | Riad Losra |
| 👛 Best budget hotel: | Riad Raffaa |
Getting around Marrakech
Marrakech is quite walkable so you can reach pretty much anywhere by foot if you are staying somewhere in the heart of the city. But if you are staying further away, or you simply want to use transport, then here are some tips for you.
The city has good public transport buses and you can find the schedules and the lines here.
Another option is to use taxis, and there are a few things you need to before:
There are two taxi applications (see pic below) that are available in Marrakech. We couldn’t get Careem to work (no cars would come), but we did use inDrive a few times, and with this app, you have to haggle for the price when booking the cab.
I think the easiest is still to get an official taxi, but you always must make sure they switch on the meter and ask how much it is going to be approximately beforehand. At the end of the drive, they also expect a little tip.
I will repeat one more that if you are staying in Medina, the taxi will often leave you as far as a 5-7 minute walk from your accommodation, as a lot of streets there are not accessible by cars (there is going to be a lot of motorbikes, but no cars).
FAQs about where to stay in Marrakech
🚶♀️ Is it safe to walk around Marrakech?
Yes, it is safe to walk around Marrakech, Morocco but I would recommend avoiding walking alone at night in secluded areas.
🇲🇦 What is the best place to stay in Morocco?
Medina (South or North) is the best place to stay in Morocco, the city center has the most amazing souks and riads and the atmosphere can’t compare with anything else in the city.
💛 What is the best riad in Marrakech?
Riad Yasmine is one of the best riads in Marrakech! This is a super famous place and so Instagrammable!
🏨 What is the best place to stay in Medina, Marrakech?
Riad 111 is one of the best places to stay in Medina! It has a traditional Moroccan design and a lovely terrace
💃 Where to stay in Marrakech for nightlife?
Gueliz and Hivernage are some of the best places to stay in Marrakech for nightlife! Both have clubs and Hivernage even has a casino.
🤔 What are riads?
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses or palaces with an indoor garden and a courtyard. Most of them are embellished with amazing Moroccan craftsmanship and have an outdoor pool, rooftop terraces and authentic decorations like berber rugs and stained glass windows.
📅 When to book a hotel in Marrakech?
I recommend booking a few months in advance, especially if you’re coming during the high seasons (March to May and September to October).
🔝 Is Marrakech a walkable city?
Yes, Marrakech is a compact and walkable city. You can get to the main sites on food but you can also use public transport.
⚖️ Is it better to stay in a riad or hotel?
I would say it’s better to stay in a riad when you visit Marrakech! That way you’ll get a super authentic experience and enjoy all the perks that come with a riad like the unique courtyard, a private hammam and others.
⛔ Where not to stay and which areas to avoid?
I would avoid the Mellah area, which is located south of Marrakech, Medina. According to the locals, it is not a safe area as some people were even robbed of their belongings while there.
Final thoughts
Ready to jump on your magic carpet and head to Marrakech! I mean how magical can this city get?
You’ll definitely find that out on your trips and I do hope that this post helped you decide where to stay in Marrakech!
It’s not easy to decide on a place since there are so many incredible riads and gorgeous luxury hotels! So if you need a bit of help, here are my top 2 favorite options, both set in Marrakech, Medina:
- Royal Mansour Marrakech – a luxury riad in Morocco designed by King Mohammed VI that has villas with a private plunge pool
- Riad 111 – a traditional Moroccan riad that boasts a unique design and a terrace
There you have it! Now all you’ve got to do is book your hotels in advance! Marrakech is a super popular holiday destination and without doubt the good places will sell out fast.
Enjoy your camel rides and dreamy adventures! Don’t forget that I’m still around for questions. All you have to do is drop me a comment below!
Safe travels,
Yulia
Pin it for later!
Pin it for later!
