We spent a week in Marrakech in October of 2023 and it turned out to be everything I dreamed of and more!

If you have been following me for a while then you know I am all about travelling with kiddos in tow. It’s a phenomenal way to introduce young hearts to other cultures, and to help develop empathy. It’s really something to be able to raise true global citizens who will advocate for the disadvantaged around the world.

Morrocco in general is great place to do just that and the best place to start is of course Marrakech. A wonderful destination for all; couples, solo travellers, group of friends and families… and therefore, the mini guide below has been designed for all of these travellers in mind.

So , lets get started.

Itinerary

The below is a suggested 5 day itinerary in Marrakech. You can of course spread these activities over 7 days if you prefer a slower pace of travel, or if you want to head out of the city to the mountains for a couple of nights. Feel free to flex as you wish.

Day 1:

• Start your trip with a visit to the famous Jardin Majorelle, a beautiful garden filled with exotic plants and vibrant colors.
• Explore the Bahia Palace, a stunning palace with intricate architecture and lush gardens.
• Have lunch at Le Jardin, a lovely restaurant with a spacious courtyard that offers a variety of dishes. We saw a tortoise on our visit as it lethargically made its way around the room!

Day 2:

• Head to the Koutoubia Mosque which is the largest mosque in Marrakech and take a walk around the surrounding gardens- they’re beautiful and insta worthy. It was being redecorated inside when we visited so we only managed to catch the outside. Worth it even then.
• Visit the Museum of Marrakech which houses a collection of traditional Moroccan art and artifacts – one for the art lovers for sure.
• Enjoy lunch at Nomad, a rooftop restaurant with a great view of the city and a menu that caters to both kids and adults. Everything was so tasty and the setting was beautiful.

Day 3:

• Take a camel ride in the Palmeraie, a palm grove just outside of Marrakech. You will love the experience of riding camels through the desert landscape.
• Visit the Maison de la Photographie, a photography museum that showcases the history and culture of Morocco through captivating images.. stunning.
• Have dinner at Café Clock, a quirky restaurant that offers a mix of Moroccan and international cuisine and suitable for all. The decor is so cute and hip.

Day 4:

• Spend the day at the Oasiria Water Park where kids can have a blast sliding down water slides, swimming in pools, and playing on the attractions. Or for something a little more bouji, try a pool day pass at the Royal Mansour to experience full luxury and grab some stunning pics too – outfits at the ready.
• Explore the bustling souks of Marrakech also known as the Medina which is UNESCO world heritage site and here you can haggle for souvenirs, spices, and traditional crafts.
• Visit the Ben Youseff Madrasa for an evening show and then finish off with a dinner at Dardar, a rooftop restaurant located in the city walls with views over the medina. It was great!

Day 5:

• Visit the Jardin Menara a peaceful garden with a large reflecting pool and stunning views of the Atlas Mountains.
• Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city which is a really fun and relaxed way to explore Marrakech.
• End your trip with a delicious Moroccan dinner at El Fenn, a stylish riad hotel with a stunning courtyard and fantastic food. Such a beautiful hotel and would def stay here next time we inevitably visit.

When to go

The best time to visit Marrakech is during the spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) when the weather is warm and not too hot. October half term is great for UK travellers but this does also mean the prices are higher. Keep in mind that summers can be scorching while winters are mild and can get chilly in the evenings.

The region has bounced back from the recent earthquake but there are pockets in the mountains that still require some support. Now is a great year to visit to help with tourism and contribute to its recovery.

Safety

Marrakech is considered safe for tourists and this is our experience too. We found it be very kid – friendly and the locals were very accommodating to any food preferences though our kids are not overly fussy. I would be very happy to travel back as a solo traveller too. The Tourism Board has worked closely with the authorities to ensure any instances of pick pocketing and petty crime is kept to a bare minimum so the Medina is generally considered safe. Like any travel destination, it’s always important to exercise caution and practice common travel safety so goes without saying to remain aware of your surroundings especially in crowded areas, and to take necessary precautions to protect your belongings. It’s also a good idea to familiarise yourself with the local customs and laws. For specific and updated travel safety info, I recommend checking your country’s official travel advisory website – FCO for UK travellers to Morocco.

And finally…

I just want to state that I think Marrakech is great for kids because it offers a wonderful mix of cultural experiences and outdoor activities and different food. The vibrant colours, the beautiful architecture and the bustling souks provide a beautiful backdrop but most notably, and the city’s ever so welcoming atmosphere makes it easy to explore with children and I will most definitely be back.

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If you are travelling to Morocco anytime soon , be sure to follow along this blog for further reviews on where to go.

You can also visit Nomad Escapes , an independent travel agency based in the UK who specialises in trips and tours for families especially across the North Africa region

Hope this post inspires you to book your trip to Marrakech.