Holiday apartments and riads in Marrakech

Riads offer the best option for Marrakech accommodation. These traditional houses, built around a courtyard, allow you to save money whilst getting a true taste of Moroccan life. HouseTrip also has a number of quality riads in Marrakech, offering affordable accommodation for couples, families and friends alike. If you’re travelling in a group, booking your very own riad offers the ultimate in space and privacy.

Explore Marrakech

Lying at the feet of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech conjours images of stall-lined alleyways, twirling belly dancers and mounds of spices – and that’s exactly what you get. But Marrakech is more than its Medina, with the modern district of Geliz, or Ville Nouvelle, offering well-known stores, modern restaurants and even fast food chains. By day, tourists head to Place Djemaa El-Fna to have their hands tattooed with henna and watch on as charmers mesmorise snakes, or visit the adjacent souks to buy everything from shoes and kaftans to tagines. At night, Djemaa El-Fna is transformed into a magical place of music, dancers and storytellers, jostling for space alongside rows of food stalls in white tents. Here you’ll find the ubiquitous tajine and couscous, as well as potentially less appealing options like lamb head. Whatever you eat, be sure to wash it down with the lovely local tea or orange juice. For the ultimate in relaxation, visitors should take a trip to the Majorelle Gardens, which offer a welcome respite from the city’s hustle and bustle. The more adventurous might want to visit the tanneries, to witness the process of tanning and drying skin for leather, then scrub off the somewhat smelly experience with a trip to a hammam. Whatever your itinerary, you’ll be glad to retreat to the serenity of your Marrakech riad, or traditional guest house, for a cool drink in the central courtyard or rooftop terrace at the end of the day.

When to go to Marrakech

The best times to travel to Marrakech are spring, autumn and winter, when the weather is relatively mild. If visiting in summer, prepare for temperatures that can reach over 40°C.

Getting to and around Marrakech

Flights to Marrakech arrive at Menara airport, 6km from the Medina. If you’re a first time visitor, we recommend arranging an airport transfer through your Marrakech accommodation (around 150-200 dihrams) so you don’t get lost. Once you arrive, forget driving – leave this to the taxi drivers. You’ll probably spend most of your time walking, though, since the Medina is largely closed to traffic.

Written by Travel expert: Simon Dance