🕌 Ben Youssef Madrasa – Tranquility in the Heart of the Medina

This was one of my favorite stops in Marrakech. As soon as you step through the entrance, you leave the noisy Medina behind and enter a space full of intricate tiles, carved wood, and calm. The central courtyard feels like a piece of art – peaceful and incredibly photogenic. I sat there for a while, listening to the sound of the fountain and soaking it all in.

💡 Tip:

• Visit early in the morning to enjoy it without the crowds.
• If you love photography, bring your camera – the natural light is perfect before noon.

ℹ️ Info:

• Location: Kaat Benahid, Medina
• Entry: ~50 MAD (approx. €4.50 / $5)
• Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

🌿 Le Jardin Secret – A Hidden Garden Oasis

Just a few steps from the Medina’s chaos, this quiet garden feels like a hidden world. With palm trees, water features, and a mix of traditional Islamic architecture and modern landscaping, it’s the perfect place to slow down. I grabbed a mint lemonade from the on-site café and sat in the shade – absolute bliss.

💡 Tip:

• A great stop to rest your feet after exploring the souks.
• Bring a book or just enjoy the calm atmosphere and the birds.

ℹ️ Info:

• Entry: ~80 MAD (approx. €7.30 / $8)
• Opening Hours: Daily, 9:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Location: Rue Mouassine, Medina

🫖 Teahouse with a View – Mint Tea & Rooftop Magic

One of the most authentic Marrakech moments for me was sipping mint tea on a rooftop, watching the sun set over the city. There are many lovely teahouses, but find one with a rooftop terrace near Jemaa el-Fnaa – it’s the perfect way to take a break and enjoy the skyline with the call to prayer in the background.

💡 Tip:

• Try the traditional mint tea with fresh herbs – they pour it from high above for that perfect foam.
• Go just before sunset for the best light and atmosphere.

ℹ️ Info:

• Price: Mint tea from ~15–25 MAD (€1.50–2.50)
• Location Suggestion: Café des Épices, Nomad, or Atay Café
• Best time to go: Around 5:30–6:30 PM (depending on season)

🛍️ Souks & Spice Market – A Feast for the Senses

Wandering through the Souks is chaotic and exciting – fabrics, lamps, leather goods, and spices in every direction. My favorite area was the Spice Market (Place des Épices). The colors and smells are unreal, and I couldn’t resist buying some Ras el Hanout and herbal teas to bring home.

💡 Tip:

• Haggling is expected! Start at half the offered price and bargain with a smile.
• Ask before taking photos, especially of vendors or their stalls.

ℹ️ Info:

• Entry: Free (it’s a public market)
• Opening Hours: Shops usually open around 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Location: Place des Épices, Medina

🌆 Jemaa el-Fnaa – The Heartbeat of Marrakech

No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing Jemaa el-Fnaa. During the day, it’s lively – with orange juice stands and snake charmers. But in the evening, it transforms into something else entirely: a buzzing night market full of food stalls, storytellers, music, and life. I tried grilled skewers and sweet pastries, wandered from stand to stand, and just took it all in.

💡 Tip:

• Be aware of your belongings – it’s crowded.
• Try freshly squeezed orange juice from one of the numbered stands (they’re all very affordable and refreshing!).

ℹ️ Info:

• Entry: Free
• Best Time to Go: After sunset (around 6:00 PM)
• Location: Main square of the Medina

🌳 Cyber Park – Calm Just Steps from the Chaos

Right near Jemaa el-Fnaa, the Cyber Park (Arsat Moulay Abdeslam) was such a surprise. Amid the noise and constant energy of the Medina, this park is a green, peaceful escape with palm-lined paths, shady benches, and even free public Wi-Fi. I strolled through in the late afternoon and loved the calmness – locals chatting, birds singing, and no one rushing anywhere.

💡 Tip:

• Ideal for a quick break or picnic after the souks.
• There’s free Wi-Fi if you want to check maps or take a break to upload some photos.

ℹ️ Info:

• Entry: Free
• Opening Hours: Daily, approx. 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Location: Just off Avenue Mohammed V, near the Koutoubia Mosque

🏰 El Badi Palace – Ruins with a Story & Rooftop Views

Visiting the El Badi Palace felt like stepping back in time. Once one of Morocco’s grandest palaces, it’s now a hauntingly beautiful set of ruins with vast courtyards, sunken gardens, and a rooftop where storks nest above the city skyline. I wandered through at my own pace, imagining what it must’ve looked like centuries ago.

💡 Tip:

• Climb the stairs to the panoramic rooftop – the views are fantastic, and you’ll get up close to the storks!
• Bring water and sunglasses – there’s not much shade.

ℹ️ Info:

• Entry: ~70 MAD (around €6.50 / $7)
• Opening Hours: Daily, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Location: South of the Medina, near the Mellah (Jewish Quarter)

🖼️ Dar El Bacha – Beauty, Culture & Incredible Coffee

One of my absolute favorite spots! The Dar El Bacha Museum (Musée des Confluences) combines traditional Moroccan architecture, cultural exhibitions, and one of the most beautiful cafés in the city – Bacha Coffee. The museum is elegant and serene, filled with tilework, courtyards, and historical treasures. After exploring, I treated myself to a coffee in their iconic café – such a luxurious little moment.

💡 Tip:

• Visit earlier in the day before it gets crowded.
• Bacha Coffee serves over 200 types of coffee from around the world – treat yourself to one of their signature brews!

ℹ️ Info:

• Museum Entry: ~60 MAD (around €5.50 / $6)
• Bacha Coffee: Separate cost (~45 MAD and up for coffee)
• Opening Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Location: Rue Dar El Bacha, in the Medina