10 Cool Places to Stay in Marrakech
Discover Marrakech’s Coolest Neighborhoods
There’s no shortage of cool places to stay in Marrakech. Whether you’re looking for a traditional riad in the heart of the city or a luxury hotel on the tranquil outskirts, you’ll find plenty of diverse neighborhoods to choose from. The walled city is brimming with historic buildings, stunning architecture, and bustling souks to practice your bartering skills, while the outer parts of the city are home to thriving design districts and a host of sports and adventure activities.
Locals love to browse the markets, then relax on the terraces of busy cafes, and you can discover some wonderful places to shop and dine in this vibrant city. Discover some of Marrakech’s coolest neighborhoods in this guide.
1. Medina-Noord
A bustling quartier in the heart of the city
Good for: Shoppers, Budget
In central Marrakech, Medina-Noord is a historic neighborhood that is best discovered on foot. You’ll find accommodation for every budget in this area, ranging from cozy guest houses to luxury hotels with hammams. And you’re on the doorstep of some of Morocco’s oldest souks, with their enthusiastic vendors.
Stroll down tiny alleyways and soak up the fragrant rows of spices. It’s easy to lose yourself in the hundreds of stalls, but the souks tend to be divided into sections, with leather goods, textiles, lamps, and rugs in separate areas. Be prepared for some serious haggling, too. To negotiate the best prices, never appear too keen on an item.
Medina-Noord
2. Kennaria
Restaurants and relaxation
Good for: Food, Nightlife
Located deep within the medina’s walls, the bustling area of Kennaria is packed with riads and eateries and is a wonderful choice for foodies. Locals love sitting out on cafe terraces, enjoying refreshing mint tea and watching the world go by. Head to the western end of Kennaria for popular cafes and restaurants.
This area is a cool place to stay if you want to try delicious Moroccan cuisine at a rooftop restaurant or Lebanese dishes in a high-end spa. Be sure to visit one of Kennaria’s numerous hammams for a relaxing treatment, too. Pick up your soap and kessa (hammam glove) at a souk and try a public hammam for an authentic glimpse into daily life in Marrakech.
Kennaria
3. Hivernage
Daytime tranquility and energetic nightlife
Good for: Photo, Nightlife, Food
Stroll along the palm tree-lined avenues of Hivernage, and you’ll be treated to a beautiful landscape of high-end villas and luxury hotels. This neighborhood is one of Marrakech’s most sought-after districts, and with its extravagant casino, thriving restaurants, and enticing cocktail lounges, it’s easy to see why. Most of the popular nightlife centers around Boulevard Mohamed VI, but head east towards Avenue Echouhada for great restaurants with live music.
The spectacular Menara Gardens separate Hivernage from the airport. After the frenetic pace of souks and sightseeing, spend some time enjoying the beauty and serenity of the park, taking Instagram-worthy photos of the reflecting pool, olive groves, and the rugged backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
Hivernage
4. Guéliz
A trendy area for art and clubbing
Good for: Nightlife, Shoppers
Head to Guéliz to explore the modern side of Marrakech. This cosmopolitan district is brimming with art galleries, high-end shops, and plenty of cafes. During the day, the area around Plaza Guéliz is bustling with activity as locals and tourists alike fill the nearby markets and shopping malls. Stop by the magnificent fountains to enjoy the display.
As the evening arrives, the action moves towards Avenue Mohamed V. The cinema, tapas bars, and wide variety of restaurants attract a younger crowd. Lively pool halls and European-style nightclubs stretch along this avenue. If you’re looking for a cool place to stay in Marrakech with great food, drinks, and dancing, this is an excellent choice.
Guéliz
5. Medina-Sud and Mellah
Exquisite architecture
Good for: History, Shoppers
Medina-Sud and Mellah are lovely neighborhoods to soak up the captivating culture of Marrakech. Visiting Bahia Palace is top of many visitors’ lists, thanks to its stunning architecture and impressive interior decor in over 150 rooms. Make sure you check out the pretty gardens too. The intoxicating fragrance from the dozens of orange trees is delightful.
Heading south into Mellah, you’ll find a quieter pace of life despite its central location. You’ll love the different style of architecture, featuring balconies on many of the houses, in this traditionally Jewish quarter. Visit Tinsmiths Square to the west and explore a cobblestoned market, lined with palm trees, known for its spice pyramids and meticulously crafted tin lamps.
Medina-Sud and Mellah
6. Mouassine
A historic district with incredible palaces
Good for: History, Photo
Known as the gateway to the souks, Mouassine is a wonderful combination of traditional markets, chic boutiques, and sought-after riads. It’s a pretty and lively district with a mix of activities. Start by visiting the dyers’ souk, where you’ll be amazed at the vivid colors of yarn strung along stalls and walls.
Then, take Instagram-worthy photos of the spectacular gardens at Le Jardin Secret and the mosaic tilework. To the west, Dar el Bacha is a fascinating complex, too, with its majestic palace and museum. The indoor restaurant is extremely popular, so collect your buzzer as you enter, then stroll around for an hour or 2, until your table is ready.
Mouassine
7. Palmeraie
Serene landscapes and family fun
Good for: Families, Adventure
Given its 150,000 palm trees filling this sublime oasis, Palmeraie is aptly named. Located approximately 15 minutes’ drive north of central Marrakech, it’s home to luxury residences, world-class golf courses, and all-inclusive hotels. This area is a cool place to stay if you want to have easy access to the hustle and bustle of Medina for sightseeing and then retreat to the tranquility of this exotic paradise to unwind.
It’s a great choice for families, with huge swimming pools, plenty of sports options, and adventure activities. Racing across the sandy dunes is a firm favorite with kids of all ages. Book online before arriving to guarantee availability as the slots fill up fast.
Palmeraie
8. Kasbah
For history lovers
Good for: History, Budget
Kasbah is an old, walled district just south of the Medina region. There’s a wonderful array of traditional riads to choose from, and you’ll be surrounded by historic landmarks. The Saadian Tombs are not to be missed for their fascinating history and amazing architecture. The opulent marble and gold honeycomb details throughout the tomb complex are striking. Arrive late in the afternoon to avoid the morning queues.
The gateways to Kasbah are intricately carved with exquisite details. Visit Bab Agnaou, to the west, for a particularly impressive one. For stunning photos, head to one of the southern city gates early in the morning to see the sun rising against a picturesque backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
Kasbah
9. Sidi Ghanem
A thriving design district
Good for: Shoppers, Food
Located on the northwest outskirts of Marrakech, Sidi Ghanem was once an industrial zone. Nowadays, many of the warehouse spaces have been converted into trendy shops, and this up-and-coming neighborhood is one of the coolest places in the city. Art and fashion enthusiasts flock to this area for the wonderful range of clothing, household goods, and eateries to choose from.
Many of the rugs, ceramics, and art in these stores use traditional Moroccan colors and patterns but with a creative modern twist, so you’ll find lots of original souvenirs and homeware to tempt you. Unlike the souks, the prices are fixed in Sidi Ghanem, but you can use credit cards in most of the stores.
Sidi Ghanem
10. Chrifia
Outdoor fun in a tranquil neighborhood
Good for: Families, Adventure
If you’re looking for an escape from the city bustle, Chrifia is an excellent choice. This quiet neighborhood, approximately 20 minutes’ drive south of the city center, has lots of family-friendly activities. Kids will love splashing down the slides and along the lazy river at Oasiria-Amizmiz Waterpark, and it’s a beautiful spot for sunbathing too.
For younger children, Gravity Park has some fantastic trampolines and ball pits to play in. And Chrifia has 2 excellent golf courses set against a glorious backdrop of olive trees and palm groves. Early morning tee-offs are popular at both courses, so be sure to book well in advance to avoid playing in the midday heat.
Chrifia
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