Marrakech is a magical city; a true escape for the senses. Beautiful sights, scents and tastes are sure to lock your holiday into your memory for years to come.
Whether you’re planning your honeymoon or simply seeking a romantic weekend away, there are numerous things to see and do in Morocco’s Red City.
From under-the-stars rooftop dining and authentic cooking classes for two, we’ve included our favorite things to do In Marrakech for couples…
Table of Contents
Stay in a riad
Riads are traditional Moroccan homes similar to bed and breakfasts. They’re far more intimate than typical Marrakech hotels and, in our opinion, far more authentic.
You’ll enjoy your own perfectly private room with access to mosaicked courtyards filled with tinkling fountains and wandering bougainvillea.
What’s more, you can find a riad in Marrakech to suit any budget and you can be sure you’re supporting the local community.
For an extra treat, we’d suggest arranging to have your breakfast served to you in your room.
Dine authentically
There are all sorts of dining experiences to enjoy in Marrakech, depending on your budget.
Go for low-key atmospheric dining in the souks’ food stalls, escape the crowds on a secret roof terrace or splurge on fine dining at one of the city’s five star restaurants.
Whatever you do, we recommend having the local food while you’re here – just about any restaurant will serve tagine and couscous. Our tip?
Dine at Ksar Essaoussan for authentic Moroccan cuisine served in a riad setting – drinks are included in the price!
Buy a memento
Mark your romantic couples’ getaway in Marrakech by purchasing something to remember your holiday by.
Whether it’s a simple fridge magnet, a handmade leather handbag, or a beautiful Moroccan tea set or painting for your home, buying a souvenir allows you to lock the memories in forever. Don’t forget to practice your bartering skills while you’re at it!
Cook and eat in a local’s home
Morocco is known for its fine Middle Eastern cuisine and there are hordes of places offering cooking classes.
But we’d urge you to step away from the typical large group cooking classes you can book through your hotel and go for something more authentic.
Did you know that there are locally organized cooking classes where you can cook in a local’s own home and sit down to eat your creations with your host and their family?
An experience like this is truly unforgettable!
We’d suggest Khadija’s Kuzina where you can support a local business run by a local Moroccan woman.
Indulge in a couples massage
You cannot leave Marrakech without treating yourselves to an intimate couples’ spa session – complete with a traditional Moroccan hammam experience.
This Middle Eastern bathing ritual usually involves a steam room, scrub and massage, and it’s the perfect way to be pampered in Marrakech.
Many spas offer separate hammams for men and women, but some offer a private hammam experience you can share with your loved one.
We’d recommend an oriental petal bath at Les Bains de Marrakech or the Heritage Spa as it welcomes couples of all sexual preferences.
Sip tea on the rooftops
Watch the sun go down and enjoy the activity below with a steaming cup of Moroccan mint tea at one of Marrakech’s hidden rooftop bars.
These roof terraces are scattered throughout the city and offer a view of your choice – Medina, mountains and the sunset.
Our tip? Visit the rooftop of El Fenn that’s been voted one of the best riads in Marrakech or the Photography Museum’s incredible rooftop bar overlooking the Atlas Mountains.
Keep in mind that many roof terraces, especially those in the old Medina, won’t serve any alcohol.
Book afternoon tea
Nothing says ‘luxury’ quite like afternoon tea at Le Table at The Royal Mansour.
Enjoy your choice of English or French tea selections created by the hotel pastry chef.
We’re talking sandwiches, pastries and cakes if you go English, and toast, foie gras and croissants if you go French. They’re to die for!
Have a photo taken in the Medina
As the film location for Sex and the City for the scene when Carrie bumped into Aiden, the Medina has a sense of undeniable romance. Stroll through the souks hand in hand and have a photo taken in the middle of the market or in front of the colourful Bab Agnaou Gate.
Get matching henna tattoos
Steeped in Moroccan tradition, henna is a way of life in Marrakech. Visit the Henna Café and get matching henna tattoos to mark your couples’ holiday.
Sitting on the rooftop terrace, an artist will paint stunning henna creations in a place of your choosing – just be aware that it takes about 40 minutes to dry properly so allow enough time to relax here.
There is a café with free Wi-Fi and two tortoises on the terrace to keep you busy.
Stay overnight in the desert
There’s nothing more romantic than spending a few nights under the stars for the ultimate glamping experience.
In the surrounds of Marrakech, there are many desert camps to choose from where you can enjoy authentic Moroccan cuisine and sensational dune sunsets before retiring to your Berber tent for the night.
Visit the Scarabeo Camp outside Marrakech where you can enjoy exciting activities like camel or quad bike riding.
Go hot air ballooning
Watching the sun rise over the dunes from a hot air balloon is something you’re not likely to forget.
After your early morning flight over the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains, you’ll touch down and enjoy a champagne breakfast. Bliss!
Get around by horse-drawn carriage
Dive back to the romance of olden times by taking a couples’ horse-drawn carriage ride through the streets of Marrakech.
The calleche trots through the old or new city so you can explore little winding alleyways off the bustling centre.
Our tip? Make sure you agree on the price before you climb aboard – these trips can get pretty pricey.
Take a camel ride
The best memories are the adventurous ones. Book yourself and your loved one onto a camel riding experience in Marrakech’s palm groves or the Sahara Desert – you won’t regret it! You’ll ride through the dunes at sunset when the dunes soak up the orangey color of the sun and watch the stars sparkle into brightness.
Many tour companies will offer these activities according to your budget and you can add on extras, such as Berber camping , hot air ballooning or dinner under the stars.
Wander the Jardin Majorelle gardens
The Jardin Majorelle is a garden that’s built for romance. Yves Saint Laurent and his partner, Pierre Bergé, were in awe of this stunning garden when they visited Marrakech for the very first time and saved it from being turned into a hotel.
Now, couples can stroll these gardens filled with exotic plants, tinkling fountains and tranquil pools dotted with water lilies.
Take a seat on a bench and soak up the peaceful ambience.
There is an entry fee for the gardens which is well worth it but if you’d like to save money, you can visit one of Marrakech’s free public gardens like Kotoubia Gardens instead.
Marche Centrale
A local tip: if you’re looking to treat your loved one to a little something special, visit the Marche Centrale located behind Marrakech Plaza.
You’ll be able to pick up a bunch of flowers and a bottle of wine here pretty inexpensively.
Marrakech is a truly romantic city that’s perfect for couples, particularly if you’re looking for an adventure. Make sure to test out these tips on your next trip to Morocco’s Red City!