There are some great day trips from Marrakech that are worth doing if you have time while you are visiting Morocco.

Just outside of Marrakech is the Ourika Valley. The area’s greenery provides a stark contrast to the dry land around the city. Its water source is from the Atlas Mountains, which tower above the valley and provide stunning backdrops to the landscapes and waterfalls in the area.

The Ourika Valley is an easy day trip from Marrakech. You can get there by hiring a car or taking a tour. There are large bus tours, private tours, and van tours of the Ourika Valley, so you have plenty of options.

Another good day trip is to the Palmeraie. The area surrounds the city, and is home to some of the top resorts and hotels in Marrakech. You can go for lunch at the famous Amanjena hotel and walk around the pretty grounds, or just take a drive and explore.

For trips further afield, consider taking a day trip to Essaouira. At just 2.5 hours from Marrakech by bus, Essaouira is a great way to escape the heat of the city and get some fresh coastal air by the ocean.

Closer in to Marrakech are the stunning Atlas Mountains. No trip to the city is complete without a visit to the peaks. It is difficult to do a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains, but if you can go on an overnight trip or multi-day excursion, it is highly recommended.

Many visitors to Morocco take trips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains.

Given the proximity of the mountains to the city, it is an easy trip and makes for a great escape from the bustle of the souks and the medina.

There are several ways to take trips from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains. These include hiring a car in Marrakech and driving to the Atlas Mountains, taking an organized tour to the mountains, or going on a small group excursion.

Whatever method you choose to get to the mountains, it is best to stay overnight for at least one night.

The distance from the city center is far enough that doing a day trip from Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains is very ambitious, but doing an overnight or several night trip is well worth it.

The best buses from Ouarzazate to Marrakech are run by CTM and Supratours.

CTM buses leave Ouarzazate for Marrakech 5 times a day, from 8:30 until 23:00. They run via Agouim, but do not require a change there.

Supratours buses depart Ouarzazate 3 times a day, from 8:30 to 16:00.

Return buses from Marrakech to Ouarzazate run on similar timetables.

The travel time on buses from Ouarzazate to Marrakech is between 4h0m and 4h45m.

Buses that depart during the day pull over at the midpoint of the journey for a 15 minute food and bathroom stop.

The fare of a single ticket for buses from Ouarzazate to Marrakech is 90 Dh on CTM buses and 80 Dh on Supratours buses.

The best buses from Agadir to Marrakech are run by a company called Supra Tours.

Supra Tours is a subsidiary of ONCF, the national rail company. They run high quality air conditioned buses throughout the country.

Buses from Agadir for Marrakech depart several times a day from morning until evening, and are a great way to travel when visiting Morocco.

The total travel time from Agadir to Marrakech is 5 hours. Buses make a stop mid-way for a food and bathroom break.

Coaches fill up in advance, so consider buying your ticket the day before you travel. The cost of a single ticket on buses from Agadir to Marrakech is 80 to 90 Dh.

Trains from Meknes to Marrakech are a scenic way to travel when you are visiting Morocco.

Trains to Marrakech depart Meknes railway station every two hours. They leave on odd hours at 24 minutes past the hour.

The journey time on trains from Meknes to Marrakech is between 6h36m and 6h41m. Travel can take more time if there are delays en route.

Train tickets are 265 Dh for 1st class and 174 Dh for 2nd class. There are discounts for families travelling together and for people carrying railcards.

It is a good idea to buy tickets for trains from Meknes to Marrakech a day ahead of time if you are travelling in Morocco in peak periods.

Trains from Marrakech to Meknes are a popular way to travel between the two cities when visiting Morocco.

Trains to Meknes depart Marrakech every two hours. They leave the station at odd hours on the hour.

The travel time on trains from Marrakech to Meknes is 6h29m to 6h32m. The journey can take longer if there are delays along the way.

The fare of a train ticket is 265 Dh for first class and 174 Dh for second class. Discounts are offered for families and people that have railcards.

It is advisable to purchase tickets for trains from Marrakech to Meknes a day ahead if you plan to travel in Morocco in the busy season.

Trains from Casablanca to Marrakech offer stunning views of the Moroccan countryside and are a great way to travel in Morocco.

Trains to Marrakech depart every two hours during the day. They depart on even hours at 50 minutes past the hour.

The total journey time on trains from Casablanca to Marrakech is 3h10m to 3h15m if there are no delays along the way.

Tickets cost 90 Dh for second class and 140 Dh for first class. Discounts are available for families and holders of railcards.

It is advisable to buy tickets for trains from Casablanca to Marrakech ahead of time if you are travelling in Morocco in the peak season.

Trains from Marrakech to Casablanca are a good way of getting between the two popular cities while you are visiting Morocco.

Trains to Casablanca depart every two hours throughout the day. They depart at odd hours on the hour.

The travel time on trains from Marrakech to Casablanca is 3h10m to 3h14m if there are no delays.

The cost of a ticket is 140 Dh for first class and 90 Dh for second class. Discounts are offered for families and railcard holders.

Make sure to book tickets for trains from Marrakech to Casablanca in advance if you are travelling in the high season.

Trains from Marrakech to Tangier are a great way to get between the two famous cities while visiting Morocco.

The train service that is operated on this route offers three day trains and one overnight train to Tangier.

Day trains from Marrakech to Tangier involve a stopover at Casablanca Voyageurs train station. The total journey time is 9h20m to 9h30m if there are no delays.

The overnight train is direct. The stated travel time on the overnight train is 10 hours.

The cost of a ticket for a train to Marrakech is 310 dirhams for first class and 205 dirhams for second class. Make sure to book in advance, especially in the high season.

If you are going to take an overnight train from Marrakech to Tangier, it is advisable to book a couchette to sleep on for the journey (only available for first class tickets). You can do this at the Marrakech train station.

Trains from Tangier to Marrakech are a great way to get from one Moroccan city to the other.

The train services offered on this route are several day trains and one overnight train to Marrakech.

Day trains to Marrakech all require a change at either Casablanca Voyageurs or Sidi Kacem train station en route. The travel time is 9.5 hours.

Overnight trains from Tangier to Marrakech take 10.5 hours.

The cost of a ticket for a train to Marrakech is 310 dirhams for first class and 205 dirhams for second class. Make sure to book in advance, especially in the high season.

If you are going to take an overnight train from Tangier to Marrakech, it is best to book a couchette to sleep on for the journey. You can do this at the Tangier train station.

The Marrakech airport bus runs from outside of the airport arrivals hall at terminal 2 to the city of Marrakech.

Bus number 19 departs from Marrakech airport every hour throughout the day from 8am until 9pm, and arrives at the Marrakech city center.

There are no set stops for the Marrakech airport bus, but drivers will stop at major hotels or other requested stops.

The total journey time depends on your final destination, but the trip takes around 30 minutes.

The cost of a ticket for the Marrakech airport bus is 20 Dh for a single and 30 Dh for a return.

W Hotel Marrakech
Address: Plot 3000 at Ennakhil, Marrakech, Morocco

In an anticipated development for luxury hotels in Marrakech, the W Hotel in Marrakech is scheduled to open soon.

The W Hotel in Marrakech will be located just outside the old city walls in the Marrakech medina, right on the doorstep of the bustling souks and the top sightseeing in Marrakech.

With 150 rooms that offer picturesque views of the Atlas Mountains, the W Hotel will offer a unique luxury hotel experience and classic W ambiance in the heart Marrakech.

The W Hotel in Marrakech will feature several restaurants, a hip lounge, two swimming pools, a poolside bar, a fitness center and gym, a luxury spa, and a W gift shop.

The W Hotel will also feature 68 private residences in Marrakech, which are for sale to private owners.

In a new and welcome development for Marrakech luxury hotels, the Rocco Forte hotel in Marrakech is set to open in 2012.

The Rocco Forte Hotel in Marrakech will be called the Assoufid hotel.

The hotel will be located in the countryside outside of Marrakech, offering a haven of peace and calm away from the bustling souks of the Marrakech medina.

Set on 222 hectares of beautiful land and with stunning views of the Atlas Mountains, the Rocco Forte Assoufid hotel will offer a luxury hotel and 80 luxury villas in Marrakech.

The hotel also plans to have a luxury spa and an 18-hole golf course complete with a golf school and private clubhouse. In addition, guest will be able to play tennis, go pigeon shooting, and ride horses on the grounds.

All of the rooms at the Rocco Forte hotel in Marrakech are spacious suites. They are decorated in the classic elegant style that Rocco Forte hotels are famous for.

Some of the Rocco Forte villas in Marrakech are still available for purchase. Just a ten minute drive from the Marrakech airport, they’re a tempting getaway.

In an exciting development for Marrakech luxury hotels, the Four Seasons hotel in Marrakech is now open.

The Four Seasons Hotel and Resort is a 140-room luxury hotel with an adjoining block of 40 private Four Seasons residences and villas in Marrakech for sale to private owners.

The hotel offers stunning views of the Atlas Mountains as well as a convenient location next to the Menara Gardens and close to the best sightseeing in Marrakech.

The Four Seasons hotel in Marrakech’s architecture and design is in keeping with the city’s local and historical influences, creating a unique luxury experience.

The Four Seasons Marrakech offers a number of restaurants, conference rooms, a business center, a swimming pool, a luxury spa, and a fitness center and gym.

Hotel rooms have the classic five star decor, quality, and amenities that make the Four Seasons hotel in Marrakech one of the top luxury hotels in Morocco.

The Sex and the City 2 movie was partly filmed in Marrakech, and those in the know are beating a path to Morocco to follow the footsteps of Carrie Bradshaw and her entourage.

The Sex and the City scenes in Marrakech range from the gorgeous Amanjena hotel and the new Mandarin Oriental hotel in Marrakech to the shopping havens of the Marrakech souks and the famous Djemaa El Fna square.

Other scenes from the six week filming of the Sex and the City movie in Morocco involved locations in Erfoud and Rabat.

Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma
Address: PO.Box 12440 Annakhil, Bab Atlas, Palmeraie 40016 Marrakech, Morocco
Phone: +212 (0) 5 24 32 77 77

Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma was slated to be one of the best luxury hotels in Marrakech. Set to open in the first quarter of 2011, the Mandarin Oriental in Marrakech was going to be a palatial hotel set against the stunning backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.

Unfortunately, due to disputes with the owners of the property, the hotel company decided to pull out.

Located in the Palmeraie, a peaceful oasis of calm just outside the city of Marrakech, the Mandarin Oriental in Marrakech would have been the perfect place to get away from the bustle of the city and relax in tranquil surroundings.

The hotel site was famous for being one of the filming sites for the Sex and the City 2 movie.

The Mandarin Oriental in Marrakech was slated to feature 161 guest rooms and suites as well as several stand alone riads.

All of the rooms were going to be decorated in Oriental themes and come with top luxury ammenities.

The Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma would have also featured an ottoman spa and hammam, swimming pools, and several restaurants and bars.

The best buses from Marrakech to Ouarzazate are run by CTM and Supratours.

Buses leave Marrakech for Ouarzazate throughout the day, with departures from the morning until the evening.

Buses from Ouarzazate to Marrakech return at the same regular intervals, although not the same times.

The total bus time from Marrakech to Ouarzazate is 4h0m to 4h45m. Buses stop half way for a snack and restroom break.

The cost of a one way ticket on buses from Marrakech to Ouarzazate is 80 to 90 DHS. See the Marrakech Bus Guide for more information and tips on bus travel in Morocco.

There are three types of bus companies that run buses from Marrakech to other cities in Morocco: Supra Tours, CTM, and private bus companies.

Supra Tours Bus Company in Marrakech

Supra Tours buses are owned by the state train company, ONCF. Supra Tours runs daily buses from Marrakech to Agadir, Essaouira, Goulimine, and Smara. Most of the passengers who take these buses are visitors, not locals.

Supra Tours buses are direct, fast, and air conditioned. Buses book up in advance, so it is best to go to the office (near the train station on Avenue Hassan II) to book the day before you travel.

Supra Tours run the best buses from Marrakech to other Moroccan cities, and I highly recommend them if you are traveling by bus in Morocco.

CTM Bus Company in Marrakech

CTM bus company is the state bus company in Marrakech. CTM has buses from Marrakech to Agadir, Casablanca, Fes, Goulimine, Ouarzazate, Rabat, Taroudannt, and Zagora. Most of the passengers who take these buses are a combination of visitors and locals.

CTM buses are direct, fast, and air conditioned. Their office is in Gueliz.

Local Private Bus Companies in Marrakech

At the Bab Doukkala bus station there are bus companies that offer daily buses from Marrakech to cities like Agadir, Casablanca, Essaouira, Goulimine, and Tangier. Most of the passengers who take these buses are locals, not visitors.

The local private bus companies run cheap buses, but you get what you pay for. Buses are not air conditioned, make frequent stops, and often serve as the driver’s personal vehicle for running errands en route to the final destination.

Unless you are on a very tight budget, avoid the local private bus companies in Marrakech.

Baggage on Marrakech Buses

There is a surcharge of 5 Dh for every piece of baggage besides hand baggage.

Trains from Marrakech to Rabat run regularly from Marrakech train station to Rabat’s Agdal and Ville train stations.

Trains leave Marrakech train station for Rabat’s Agdal and Ville train stations every odd hour throughout the day from 5:00am until 9:00pm. Trains from Rabat to Marrakech return at the same regular intervals, although not the same times.

The total train time from Marrakech to Rabat is 4h10m hours.

The cost of a one-way train ticket from Marrakech to Rabat is 112 DHS for standard class. Discount train tickets are available for those with youth discount cards, senior discount cards, family discount cards, and loyalty cards.

Trains from Rabat to Marrakech run regularly from Rabat’s Agdal and Ville train stations to Marrakech train station.

Trains leave Rabat’s Agdal and Ville train stations for Marrakech train station every odd hour throughout the day from 3:15am until 7:50pm.

Trains from Marrakech to Rabat return at the same regular intervals, although not the same times.

The total train time from Rabat to Marrakech is 4h50m hours.

The cost of a one-way train ticket from Rabat to Marrakech is 112 DHS for standard class.

Discount train tickets are available for those with youth discount cards, senior discount cards, family discount cards, and loyalty cards.

Trains from Fes to Marrakesh run regularly from Fes train station to Marrakech train station.

Trains leave Fes train station for Marrakech train station at 50 minutes past every even hour throughout the day from 4:50am to 4:50pm.

Trains from Marrakech to Fes return at the same regular intervals, although not the same times.

The total train time from Fes to Marrakesh is 7h10m.

The cost of a one-way train ticket from Fes to Marrakesh is 180 DHS for standard class.

Discount train tickets are available for those with youth discount cards, senior discount cards, family discount cards, and loyalty cards.

Trains from Marrakech to Fes run regularly from Marrakech train station to Fes train station.

Trains leave Marrakech train station for Fes train station every odd hour throughout the day from 5am to 7pm.

Trains from Fes to Marrakech return at the same regular intervals, although not the same times.

The total train time from Marrakech to Fes is 7h10m.

The cost of a one-way train ticket from Marrakech to Fes is 180 DHS for standard class.

Discount train tickets are available for those with youth discount cards, senior discount cards, family discount cards, and loyalty cards.

Grand Cafe de la Poste in Marrakech
Address: Corner of Boulevard El Mansour Eddahbi and Ave Imam Malik, Gueliz 40000 Marrakech
Hours: 8am to 1am daily

The Grand Cafe de la Poste is one of the best restaurants in Marrakech.

The restaurant has a colonial-era feel and great French-Moroccan food.

Grand Cafe de la Poste is the perfect place for a leisurely lunch or afternoon drink among Marrakech’s hip crowd.

The restaurant is one of the best restaurants in Marrakech, and is a must for those weary and in need of an oasis of relaxation after the frenetic atmosphere of the Marrakech souks.

Grand Cafe de la Poste is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

La Mamounia Hotel, Marrakech
Address: Avenue Bab Jdid 40 000 Marrakech
Phone: +212 24 38 86 00

La Mamounia hotel in Marrakech is located in the center of the city.

Set among beautiful centuries-old gardens that have made La Mamounia hotel famous, La Mamounia is a beautiful place to stay when visiting Morocco.

La Mamounia hotel offers 171 guest rooms as well as suites and private villas for romantic holidays in Marrakech.

With five restaurants and five unique bars, La Mamounia hotel offers cuisine and cocktails from all over the world.

NB: La Mamounia hotel underwent a major renovation project in the summer 2006.

The hotel reopened to high acclaim in the spring of 2009.

The maps include road and street maps of Marrakech and other major cities.

Check out the Google map of Marrakech, Morocco below.

View Larger Map

Riad Edward
Address: Derb Marestane 10, Zaouia, Abbassia, Marrakech , Morocco

Riad Edward in Marrakech is located in the Zaouia quarter of the Medina, near the Djemaa el Fna square.

Riad Edward is notable for its beautiful original tile work, carved wood, and sculptures.

Its beauty and detailed decor make Riad Edward one of the top Marrakech riads.

Riad Edward has a large central courtyard with a plunge pool as well as a roof deck with stunning views of Marrakech and the Atlas Mountains.

Room rates at Riad Edward range from 120 to 240 euros per night, depending on the season.

Riad de l’Orangeraie
Address: 61 Sidi el-Yamani St, Mouassine, Marrakesh 44000, Morocco

Riad de l’Orangeraie in Marrakech is located in the Medina just steps away from the Djemaa el Fna square and the souk markets.

Riad de l’Orangeraie has five guest rooms and two suites, all named after amazing spices.

The high quality furnishings and attention to detail make the riad one of the top riads in Marrakech.

There are two patios that are perfect for sunbathing as well as a cool plunge pool at the riad.

The decor and neutral colors makes the Riad de l’Orangeraie a peaceful haven away from the clamor outside.

Room rates at the Riad de l’Orangeraie in Marrakech range from 130 to 160 euros per night, depending on the season.

When planning your trip to Morocco, there are a lot of options for where you can go. While the best cities to visit are in traveling distance of one another, keep in mind that distances can be far and transportation is not always fast, clean, or reliable.

With that said, the top places to visit in Morocco are:

Marrakech
With the bustling Djemaa El Fna, busy souks, and top restaurants, Marrakech is sure to keep your senses stimulated for your entire stay.

Fes (Fez)
The cultural capital of Morocco won’t disappoint with its beautiful architecture.

Essaouira
This seaside town is a great retreat from the heat of the desert.

Atlas Mountains
High above the desert, the Atlas Mountains are a beautiful place to camp or drive.

Casablanca
Famous for the movie by the same name, Casablanca is an amazing city and well worth a visit.

Jardins Majorelle in Marrakech

From hunting for unique Moroccan souvenirs in the souks, to visiting must-see locations like the Koutoubia Mosque, Djemma el Fna, and the Jardin Majorelle, there is a myriad of things to see and do in Marrakech…read on for the top 10.

10. Marvel at the Koutoubia Minaret.

9. Eat traditional spice-laden Moroccan food from a restaurant in the Medina.

8. Stay at a riad near the souks.

7. Sip mint tea at a restaurant above the Djemaa el Fna.

6. Visit the Jardin Majorelle (Majorelle Gardens).

5. Spend a night at a villa outside the city center.

4. Walk through the Djemaa el Fna at night.

3. Bargain in the souks.

2. Take a day trip to the Ourika Valley, Atlas Mountains, or Essaouira.

1. Visit a hammam for a traditional Moroccan bath or massage.

There are lots of options for top Marrakech hotels, as the city has an array of luxury hotels and boutique riads.

Whether you want to stay in the Medina, near the Medina, or as far away from the Medina as you can get, Marrakech has no shortage of top hotels.

My list of top Marrakech hotels is below.

Amanjena Hotel

Four Seasons Hotel

Le Meridien N’Fis

La Mamounia Hotel

Mandarin Oriental Jnan Rahma

Rocco Forte Hotel

W Hotel

Amanjena Hotel in Marrakech
Address: Route de Ouarzazate, km 12, Marrakech 2405, Morocco

For high-end luxury in Marrakech, nothing tops the Amanjena hotel.

Located a short drive from the Marrakech city center in a larger-than-life complex, the Amanjena hotel is a resort haven.

Visitors can relax by one of the swimming pools, get a massage at the world-class spa, or enjoy a cocktail while listening to live music at the bar.

If you can’t afford to stay at the Amanjena hotel, you can head to the hotel for dinner at one of their wonderfully decorated restaurants.

Get there before sunset to take a walk around the grounds and have a drink before your meal.

Room rates at the Amanjena hotel in Marrakech range from 950 to 3350USD per night, depending on the season.

Getting from Marrakech airport to the city center is not difficult. Marrakech airport is located near the city center, so journeys are short (about 10min by car) and relatively inexpensive.

There are several different options for getting from Marrakech airport to the city center:

Taxis from Marrakech Airport to the City Center

Taxis from the Marrakech airport to the city center cost around 6EUR. Make sure to take a licensed taxi. If there is no meter, agree on a price up front.

Buses from Marrakech Airport to the City Center

Buses run from the Marrakech airport to various points in the Marrakech city center. The journey is relatively inexpensive, but it can take a very long time to get to your final destination if you plan to descend at a stop near the end of the line.

Hotel or Riad Airport Shuttle from Marrakech Airport to the City Center

Some hotels and riads have shuttles or drivers from the Marrakech airport. Contact your hotel or riad in advance to find out details and cost (if any).

How to get from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley

The Ourika Valley is located a short distance from the Marrakech city center, and there are several different options for getting from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley.

Car Hire or Taxi from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley

It is easy to hire a car or taxi from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley.

Many tour companies and operators have day trip packages that include a private driver to take you to the main sights in the Ourika Valley.

Ask at your hotel or riad for brochures or bookings for day trips to the Ourika Valley.

NB: Some companies have contracts with local shops in the Ourika Valley, so make sure to be firm with your driver if you don’t want to stop and buy souvenirs.

Buses from Marrakech to Ourika Valley

Bus Number 25 runs from Marrakech to the Ourika Valley.

The souks in Marrakech are vast and labyrinthine, and half the fun of visiting the souks is getting lost in the maze.

The souks have everything from dyes to jewelry to lamps to indigo. Vendors at the souks expect you to bargain, so never take the first price offered!

Villa Dinari
Address: Alpha 41, Lots Bouazaoui, Commune Al Ouidane, Marrakech, Morocco

Villa Dinari in Marrakech is located 13km outside of the city center.

A beautiful property run by friendly British-Moroccan couple Heather and Abdul, Villa Dinari is a great place to relax away from the bustle of Marrakech’s Medina.

Enjoy Villa Dinari’s swimming pool and garden during the day and the option of eating wonderful meals at the villa.

Villa Dinari’s guest rooms are all beautifully decorated, and Heather and Abdul are very helpful in assisting guests with transportation to the Marrakech sights and restaurants as well as day trips.

Room rates at Villa Dinari range from 120 to 175 euros a night.