Marrakech, Morocco’s Red City. Photo By Paul Macallan/ Unsplash
Marrakech is a world of contrasts, an imperial capital shaped by a thousand years of history,
yet one of the most vibrant and modern cities in Africa. Known as the Red City
for the color of its ancient ramparts, Marrakech blends tradition and innovation in a way no
other city can.
In December 2025, it takes center stage once again as one of the official host cities of the
Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), welcoming fans from all over the continent to its
legendary streets, lively squares, and iconic stadium.
Why Marrakech Is Unmissable During CAN 2025
- 🏨 Thousands of new accommodation options — from luxury palaces to authentic riads.
- 🕌 UNESCO heritage, imperial monuments, and world-famous architecture.
- ⚽ Grand Stade de Marrakech hosting major CAN matches including a quarter-final.
- 🛍️ Souks, crafts, modern shopping districts, and design boutiques.
- 🌅 Desert adventures, palm groves, hammams, rooftop cafés, and gourmet dining.
- 🌤️ Ideal weather: mild, sunny, comfortable for sightseeing.
Introduction
A Thousand Years of Imperial History
Marrakech was founded in 1062 by the Almoravid leader Youssef ben Tachfine,
a visionary strategist and statesman who unified much of North Africa. His dynasty built mosques, madrasas,
and fortifications that shaped Morocco’s identity — earning Ben Tachfine the title of
“Father of Morocco.”
The Almohads, who followed, elevated Marrakech to new heights of prestige. They built the magnificent
Koutoubia Mosque, designed the Kasbah, and expanded the city into a flourishing
intellectual capital. Later dynasties: Marinids, Saadians, and Alaouites, added palaces, gardens,
mausoleums, libraries, and refined craftsmanship that defines Marrakech today.
Marrakech has hosted defining moments of Moroccan history, from royal coronations to major political gatherings, making it a cornerstone of the nation’s identity.
Safety in Marrakech
Marrakech is one of the safest cities in Morocco, especially for tourists.
The Medina can feel intense and maze-like at night, with dim alleys and local activity, but it remains
secure. Just stay alert, avoid isolated alleys late at night, and be mindful of pickpockets in crowded areas.
✔️ Best advice: stay in a riad inside the Medina for authenticity, but take taxis at night if needed.
Essential Practical Information
- 🔌 Electricity: 220V, European plugs.
- 💉 Vaccines: None required.
- 🕒 Time Zone: GMT+1.
- 🛍️ Shops: Generally 09:00–21:00.
- 📞 Emergency Numbers: Police 19 | Ambulance 15 | Country code +212.
What to See in Marrakech
1. Jemaa el-Fna Square – The Beating Heart of Marrakech
This legendary square is a living theatre, a place where tradition, folklore, and modern Marrakech coexist.
By day, expect orange juice stands, herbalists, charmers, artisans, and storytellers.
By night, the square ignites with food stalls, musicians, barbecue grills, and spontaneous shows.
From Jemaa el-Fna, you’re only steps away from the souks, museums, and rooftops overlooking the Medina.
Full Jemaa el-Fna Guide.
Jemaa el-Fna square, Marrakech, Morocco.
Photo credit: Faruk Tokluoğlu/ Pexels
2. The Souks – The Soul of Marrakech
A maze of artisan quarters where each alley specializes in a craft:
leather, spices, lanterns, carpets, pottery, jewelry, textiles, perfumes, and more.
Bargaining is expected, pay around one-third of the first price offered.
Leather bags hang under the brick arches of Souk Cherratine in Marrakech. Photo By Nathan Pineau/ Pexels.
Bright cones of saffron, cumin, and turmeric line the alleys of Souk Semmarine. Photo By Michael Starkie / Unsplash.
Handcrafted brass lanterns shimmer inside a Souk Semmarine workshop. Photo By Florian Bernhardt / Unsplash.
Explore our in-depth souk guides:
3. Koutoubia Mosque – The Icon of Marrakech
Built in the 12th century, the Koutoubia is the city’s most recognizable landmark.
Its 77-meter minaret served as a model for the Giralda in Seville and the Hassan Tower in Rabat.
The gardens surrounding the mosque are perfect for a peaceful sunset walk.
Koutoubia Mosque
4. Majorelle Garden & YSL Museum
A serene botanical paradise designed by Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
The electric Majorelle Blue, water lilies, palms, bamboo forests, and Berber museum make it a
must-see attraction.
Full Majorelle Guide.
5. Bahia Palace – Royal Art at its Finest
Built in the 19th century by Grand Vizir Si Moussa, this palace showcases spectacular zellij mosaics,
marble courtyards, riad gardens, and carved cedar ceilings.
Visit early to avoid crowds.
Bahia Palace Guide.
The grand courtyard of Bahia Palace in Marrakech, where zellij mosaics, marble fountains, and painted arches reflect Morocco’s royal artistry. Photo By Clive Kim From Pexels
6. Saadian Tombs – A Royal Necropolis
Rediscovered in 1917 after centuries of isolation, these mausoleums house Saadian royalty including
Sultan Ahmed Al-Mansour.
The intricate marble and tilework are among the finest examples of Moroccan architecture.
Saadian Tombs, Marrakech. Photo credit : Piotr Arnoldes / Pexels
7. Ben Youssef Medersa – A Masterpiece of Learning
Once the largest Qur’anic school in North Africa, the Medersa features carved cedar, stucco patterns,
and geometric mosaics. A perfect stop for photography lovers.
Ben Youssef Medersa, Photo By Furknsaglam/ Pexels
8. The Palmeraie – Oasis of Adventure
Stretching over 13,000 hectares, the Palmeraie offers camel rides, quad biking, and chic eco-resorts.
Perfect at sunrise or sunset.
Oasis of Marrakech. Photo Credit : voyageavecnous.fr
9. Menara Gardens
A peaceful 12th-century olive grove centered around a large reservoir with Atlas Mountain views —
ideal for an afternoon escape.
Scenic View of Menara Gardens Pavilion in Marrakech. Photo Credit : Ahmet Hilmi Ermiş/ Pexels
10. Museums Worth Visiting
- Marrakech Museum
- Dar Si Saïd – Museum of Moroccan Art
- House of Photography
- YSL Museum
- Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts
How to Get to Marrakech
🛫 Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)
Located 6 km from the city center, Menara Airport is Morocco’s second busiest hub.
It features two modern terminals and receives dozens of international airlines.
Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK). Photo by Artem Zasypalov via Unsplash
🚕 Airport Transfer
- Taxi: Fastest option — around 120 MAD.
- Bus: Exists but not recommended for first-timers.
🚆 By Train From Other Cities
Trains from other cities to Marrakech run regularly throughout the day, for more details, visit:
Marrakech Railway Station. Photo Credit: lesiteinfo.com
How to Move Around Marrakech
🧭 Navigating the Medina
Street names often differ from what appears on maps. Locals commonly guide visitors,
but tipping is expected. Don’t hesitate to decline politely.
🚎 Buses
Very affordable but old and crowded. Best avoided during peak hours.
🚖 Taxis
- Petit Taxis: Inside the city.
- Grand Taxis: For longer distances.
- Always check the meter or negotiate.
🐎 Carriages
A charming way to discover the ramparts, palaces, and gardens.
Taking a horse-drawn carriage in Marrakech is an activity that no visitor should miss out on.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
💎 Luxury Hotels
International-standard resorts with spas, pools, gardens, and fine dining.
Mostly located in Guéliz and along Avenue Mohammed VI.
Park Hyatt Marrakech. Credit archimath.com
Selman Marrakech . Credit chenot.com
Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech. Credit eluxtravel.com
Four Seasons Resort Marrakech.Credit fourseasons.com
🏡 Authentic Riads
Traditional Moroccan homes turned into intimate boutique hotels.
Expect inner courtyards, rooftop terraces, pools, unique rooms, and exceptional hospitality.
Staying in a riad is a signature Marrakech experience.
A serene courtyard inside a traditional Moroccan riad, Marrakech, where architecture, art, and hospitality meet.
Photo by Achraf Borkadi via Pexels
🏨 Standard Hotels
Comfortable, modern, and convenient for travelers who prefer simplicity.
Where to Eat in Marrakech
🥘 Moroccan Cuisine
Signature moroccan dishes like: couscous, tajines, grilled meats, salads, pastries, and the unmissable mint tea.
Moroccan cuisine is deeply tied to hospitality and family traditions. For more traditional Moroccan dishes details, visit:
🍢 Street Food – Jemaa el-Fna
A must-try nighttime experience.
Expect grills, brochettes, soups, fish, vegetarian options, and classic Moroccan dishes.
Jamaa El Fna Night Restaurants. Photo Credit: Faruk Tokluoğlu/ Pexels
🍣 International Dining
Marrakech has become one of Africa’s top gastronomic cities, featuring French, Asian, Italian, vegan,
and fusion restaurants.
Shopping in Marrakech
🧿 Traditional Souks
Marrakech is a shopper’s paradise.
Bargaining is essential, it’s part of the culture and expected by vendors.
Explore our in-depth souk guides:
🏬 Modern Shopping
For fixed prices and Western-style boutiques, head to Guéliz and Avenue Mohammed V.
You’ll find clothing brands, design stores, malls, and stylish cafés.
Activities & Experiences
- 🐪 Camel rides in the Palmeraie
- 🏎️ Quad and buggy tours
- 🎈 Sunrise hot-air balloon flights
- 🧖 Traditional Moroccan hammams
- 🪂 Paragliding
- 🏔️ Atlas Mountains excursions
- 🌵 Agafay Desert luxury camps
- 🌊 Day trip to Essaouira
CAN 2025: Marrakech Host City
🏟️ Grand Stade de Marrakech
A 41,245 seat stadium that will host major matches including a quarter-final.
Easy access from the city center by taxi or private shuttles.
⚽️ Fan Zone In Marrakech
Marrakech – Bab Doukkala Square (60,800 m²), this Fan Zone is designed to be safe, inclusive, and immersive, offering fans of all ages an unforgettable AFCON experience.
🏳️ Teams Based in Marrakech
- Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮
- Mozambique 🇲🇿
- Zambia 🇿🇲
- Tanzania 🇹🇿
📅 Match Schedule
- 22 Dec — South Africa vs Angola (Group B)
- 24 Dec — Côte d’Ivoire vs Mozambique (Group F)
- 26 Dec — Angola vs Zimbabwe (Group B)
- 28 Dec — Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon (Group F)
- 29 Dec — Zimbabwe vs South Africa (Group B)
- 31 Dec — Côte d’Ivoire vs Gabon (Group F)
- 6 Jan — 1F vs 2E
- 10 Jan — Quarter-final
🌤️ Weather During the Tournament
Expect mild temperatures (15–20°C) and sunny skies — perfect for sightseeing.
Finally
Whether you’re visiting for the CAN 2025 or exploring Morocco’s cultural capital, the city offers
unforgettable moments: ancient palaces, vibrant souks, rooftop sunsets, desert adventures, and warm
Moroccan hospitality.
