The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is bringing football fans from across the continent to Morocco, and if you're heading to Marrakech for the matches, you're in for something special. Yes, the football will be exciting, but Marrakech has so much more to offer between games.
When I moved to Morocco, I quickly learned that Marrakech is more than just a city—it's a gateway to incredible experiences. From peaceful gardens where you can escape the match-day crowds to mountain villages where the air is fresh and cool, these Marrakech spots for CAN 2025 will make your trip unforgettable. The best part? Getting to these places is easier than you might think, even if you don't speak Arabic or French.
Let me share seven amazing spots where you can relax, explore, and experience authentic Moroccan life during your CAN 2025 visit. Each location offers something different, and I'll show you exactly how to get there using public transport or taxis.
1. Jardin Menara: Your Peaceful Escape from Match-Day Excitement
Why Jardin Menara Should Be on Your CAN 2025 List
After the energy of a football match, sometimes you need a quiet place to unwind. Jardin Menara (Menara Gardens) is perfect for this. The first time I walked through these olive groves, I understood why Marrakechis come here to relax. The gardens stretch wide under the Atlas Mountains, with a historic pavilion sitting next to a reflecting pool that's been there for centuries.
The pavilion dates back to the 12th century, though the current structure was rebuilt in the 1800s. Local families spread blankets on the grass, sharing meals and conversation. The olive trees provide shade, and the view of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the background is stunning—especially in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is golden.
Getting to Jardin Menara: Easy Public Transport Options
The document shows bus routes for Jardin Menara: buses 11, 12, 18, 19, and 20. I should present this information in a practical, friendly way.
Public transport in Marrakech is straightforward once you know which buses to take. For Jardin Menara, you have several options:
Bus Routes: 11, 12, 18, 19, or 20
These buses run regularly throughout the day. The fare is around 4 MAD (less than 50 cents), making it one of the cheapest ways to explore the city. Look for the bus numbers displayed on the front. Don't worry if the buses look crowded—they usually are, but everyone is friendly and helpful.
Pro tip: Ask the driver "Jardin Menara?" when you board. He'll nod and let you know when to get off. Moroccans are always willing to help travelers find their way.
What to Bring
Pack water, sunscreen, and maybe a book. Many visitors come here just to sit and think, watching the mountains change color as the sun moves across the sky. If you visit during late afternoon, you'll see why photographers love this place.
2. Menara Gueliz: Modern Marrakech Meets Traditional Charm
Exploring the Gueliz Neighborhood
Gueliz is Marrakech's modern district, and Menara Gueliz is where you'll find the blend of old and new that makes this city fascinating. While the medina (old city) gets most of the attention from tourists, many Marrakechis prefer Gueliz for its wider streets, modern cafes, and relaxed atmosphere.
When I need a break from the medina's narrow alleys, I head to Gueliz. You'll find European-style cafes next to traditional Moroccan restaurants, modern shopping centers near artisan shops, and people from all over the world mixing with locals. It's a different side of Marrakech that many CAN 2025 visitors might miss if they only stick to the tourist areas.
How to Reach Menara Gueliz by Public Bus
Bus Routes: 11, 16, 18, 26, or 27
The same bus system that takes you to Jardin Menara also serves Gueliz. These routes connect different parts of the city, so you can easily combine your visit to both locations. Bus 11 is particularly useful as it runs through both areas.
The buses run from early morning until late evening. During CAN 2025, expect them to be busier around match times, so give yourself extra time if you're heading to the stadium.
What to Do in Gueliz
Walk down Avenue Mohammed V, the main street. Stop at a cafe for mint tea and people-watching. Visit the small art galleries showcasing Moroccan artists. Check out the shops selling everything from traditional handicrafts to modern fashion. This is where you'll see how contemporary Moroccans live—a side of the country that's just as authentic as the historic sites.
3. Jemaa el-Fna: The Beating Heart of Marrakech
Experience the World's Most Famous Square
You can't visit Marrakech without spending time in Jemaa el-Fna. This square has been the heart of the city for nearly a thousand years. During CAN 2025, it will be even more electric than usual, with football fans mixing with storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and food vendors.
My first evening in Jemaa el-Fna felt overwhelming—the sounds, the smells, the constant movement. But after a few visits, I learned to relax and let the energy wash over me. Every trip to the square is different. Maybe you'll see acrobats flipping through the air, or hear a traditional Gnawa musician, or smell fresh oranges being squeezed at one of the juice stands lining the square.
Understanding Jemaa el-Fna's History
The name means "Assembly of the Dead," though nobody seems quite sure why. Some say it was once a gathering place for executions (not the cheeriest history), while others claim it refers to a mosque that was never completed. What matters now is that UNESCO recognized it as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Heritage. The square keeps alive traditions that have been passed down through generations.
Getting to Jemaa el-Fna: The ALSA Bus Route
Bus Route: ALSA 1 (Arset El Bilk to Jamaa El Fna line)
This bus starts from Bab Doukkala and makes 18 stops before reaching Jemaa el-Fna. If you're staying near Bab Doukkala—one of the medina's main gates—this is your easiest option. The ride takes you through different neighborhoods, giving you a glimpse of daily life in Marrakech.
Important tip: The square itself is a no-traffic zone, so the bus drops you nearby. Follow the crowds—everyone's heading to the same place.
Navigating Jemaa el-Fna Like a Local
Visit twice: once during the day and once after sunset. The square completely transforms. During the day, you'll see orange juice vendors and henna artists. As evening falls, the food stalls set up, smoke rises from grills, and the entertainment multiplies.
Don't feel pressured to tip everyone who performs. If you stop to watch something and enjoy it, a few dirhams is appreciated. If someone tries to put a snake around your neck or insists on henna, you can politely say "La, shukran" (No, thank you) and keep walking.
4. Agafay Desert: A Taste of Sahara Near Marrakech
Why Agafay Deserves Your Attention During CAN 2025
Not every CAN 2025 visitor will have time to reach the Sahara Desert (it's a 9-hour drive), but Agafay Desert offers a similar experience just 40 kilometers from Marrakech. This rocky desert landscape looks like another planet—rolling hills of stone and dust, with the Atlas Mountains rising in the distance.
I took my first trip to Agafay on a friend's recommendation. We arrived at sunset, and the desert turned shades of pink and orange. Several camps offer traditional Berber dinners, camel rides, and quad biking. Some even have pools—imagine swimming in the desert with mountains all around you.
The Challenge: No Direct Bus to Agafay
Here's the reality: there's no direct public bus to Agafay Desert. But don't let that stop you. You have several good options:
Option 1: Bus + Taxi CombinationTake a bus from Marrakech toward Lalla Takarkoust (more on this destination later). When you reach the nearby village, hire a local taxi for the final stretch to Agafay. This is the most budget-friendly approach if you're not in a hurry.
Option 2: Shared ShuttleMany companies run shared shuttles from Marrakech to Agafay, especially to the desert camps. Prices start around 10 euros per person. Ask at your accommodation—they usually know which companies are reliable.
Option 3: Direct TaxiFor convenience, hire a taxi from Marrakech. You can negotiate for a round trip, including wait time. Expect to pay 300-500 MAD depending on your bargaining skills and how long you want to stay.
Planning Your Agafay Visit
Most people visit Agafay for dinner and sunset. The camps serve tagine cooked in traditional earth ovens, mint tea around fire pits, and sometimes live Berber music. Book ahead during CAN 2025—these places will be popular with visitors looking for an authentic Moroccan experience.
If you're adventurous, some camps offer overnight stays in traditional tents. Waking up in the desert, with nothing but silence and mountains around you, is something you'll remember long after the football tournament ends.
5. Ourika Valley: Mountain Freshness and Berber Villages
Discovering Ourika's Natural Beauty
The Ourika Valley is where Marrakechis go when the city heat becomes too much. Just an hour from the red city, the valley follows a river through the Atlas Mountains, passing through Berber villages where life moves at a different pace.
I visited Ourika on a July afternoon when Marrakech felt like an oven. Within an hour, I was walking beside a cold mountain river, with green terraces rising on both sides. The valley is famous for its seven waterfalls—yes, you can hike to all seven if you're feeling energetic, or just visit the first couple for a refreshing splash.
The Berber Culture of Ourika
The villages here are home to Berber families who've lived in these mountains for generations. Their traditional houses cling to hillsides, built from the same reddish stone as the mountains. Many families run small restaurants where you can eat tagine while sitting on carpets, listening to the river flow below.
Berbers (also called Amazigh, meaning "free people") are Morocco's indigenous people. In Ourika, many still speak Tamazight as their first language. If you visit, you'll see a way of life that hasn't changed much in centuries—though now many villages have electricity and internet.
Public Transport to Ourika Valley
Bus Routes: 25 or 40
These buses leave from Marrakech and head into the Atlas Mountains toward Ourika. The ride itself is part of the experience—you'll see the landscape change from desert red to mountain green, with the river appearing as you climb higher.
The fare is cheap (around 15-20 MAD), and buses run several times daily. They're more frequent in the morning. During CAN 2025, consider taking an early bus to avoid crowds and heat.
Local advice: Some buses only go to Setti Fatma, the main village in Ourika Valley. That's perfect—it's where the waterfall hikes start and where you'll find the best restaurants.
What to Do in Ourika
Hike to at least the first waterfall (it's the easiest and most impressive). Eat lunch at a riverside restaurant. Visit a local argan oil cooperative where Berber women demonstrate how they make this precious oil. Dip your feet in the cold mountain water. Just breathe the mountain air and enjoy being away from the city.
6. Oukaimeden: Morocco's Ski Station in the Atlas Mountains
The Surprising Side of Morocco
Did you know Morocco has ski resorts? Oukaimeden, at 2,600 meters altitude, is the highest ski station in Africa. During winter (December to March), Moroccans and tourists come here to ski and snowboard. By late spring and summer, the snow melts, revealing hiking trails and ancient rock carvings.
If you're visiting for CAN 2025 in the summer months, Oukaimeden offers cool mountain air, stunning views, and a chance to see Morocco from above the clouds. The drive up the mountain is an adventure itself—hairpin turns with valleys dropping away beside you.
Getting to Oukaimeden: Your Transport Options
Distance from Marrakech: 78.2 kilometers
Unlike some destinations on this list, Oukaimeden requires either driving or taking a taxi—there's no bus service. Here are your choices:
Option 1: Rent a Car
- Cost: 112-162 MAD (for fuel and tolls)
- Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Best for: Groups who can split the cost, or travelers who want flexibility to stop along the way
If you're comfortable driving mountain roads, this gives you freedom to explore at your own pace. The road is paved and well-maintained, though it has many curves.
Option 2: Hire a Taxi
- Cost: 700-850 MAD (round trip, negotiable)
- Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Best for: Travelers who want convenience without the stress of mountain driving
Negotiate the price before leaving. Make sure the driver agrees to wait for you (2-3 hours is standard) or arrange a pickup time. Get the driver's phone number in case plans change.
Experiencing Oukaimeden
Even without snow, the mountain station has its charms. Walk to the summit for 360-degree views of the Atlas Mountains. Visit the ancient rock engravings—some are thousands of years old, showing elephants and other animals that once lived in North Africa. Have lunch at one of the small restaurants serving hot soup and grilled meat.
Bring warm layers even in summer—mountain weather changes quickly, and it's much cooler up here than in Marrakech.
7. Lalla Takarkoust: The Lake in the Atlas Foothills
Morocco's Hidden Water Paradise
Lalla Takarkoust (also spelled Takerkoust) is an artificial lake created by a dam in the 1930s. Today, it's a weekend escape for Marrakech residents and a haven for water sports. The lake sits in a valley surrounded by dry hills, with the High Atlas Mountains providing a dramatic backdrop.
My favorite thing about Lalla Takarkoust is how locals use it. On weekends, families come for picnics, young people try paddleboarding or kayaking, and everyone seems to be relaxing in a way that's rare in busy Marrakech. Several lakeside restaurants serve fresh fish—surprising in a country where the ocean is hours away.
Multiple Ways to Reach Lalla Takarkoust
Distance from Marrakech: 36.5 kilometers
You have three good options for reaching the lake:
Option 1: Drive Yourself
- Cost: 53-76 MAD
- Time: 32 minutes
- Best for: Flexibility and stopping at viewpoints along the way
Option 2: Direct Taxi
- Cost: 330-400 MAD (negotiate for round trip)
- Time: 32 minutes
- Best for: Groups or travelers wanting convenience
Option 3: Bus + Taxi Combination
- Steps: Bus line 19 from Bab Doukkala to Marrakech Airport, then taxi to Lalla Takarkoust
- Cost: 307-390 MAD total
- Time: 38 minutes
- Best for: Budget-conscious solo travelers
The bus-taxi combination might seem complicated, but it's actually straightforward. The challenge is coordinating the taxi from the airport, so this works best if you're comfortable with a bit of adventure.
Activities at Lalla Takarkoust
The lake offers jet skiing, paddleboarding, kayaking, and boat tours. Several operators along the shore rent equipment. If water sports aren't your thing, simply find a restaurant with a lake view and spend a peaceful afternoon watching the water change colors as the sun moves.
Some high-end lodges on the hillsides offer day passes to use their pools and facilities. This is perfect if you want luxury in nature—swimming pools with mountain views, comfortable loungers, and often better food than the basic lakeside spots.
Making the Most of These Marrakech Spots During CAN 2025
Planning Your Time Between Matches
CAN 2025 will bring excitement to Marrakech, but the football matches only take up part of your time. These seven destinations help you experience different sides of Morocco—from peaceful gardens in the city to mountain villages where tradition still guides daily life.
For a balanced visit, consider this approach:
- Match days: Stay close to the city. Visit Jardin Menara, Gueliz, or Jemaa el-Fna
- Rest days: Take a full-day trip to Ourika Valley or Agafay Desert
- Half-day trips: Lalla Takarkoust is perfect when you want nature but don't want to be away all day
- Adventurous days: Oukaimeden rewards the longer journey with unforgettable mountain views
Transport Tips for CAN 2025 Visitors
Public transport in Marrakech is affordable and reliable, but here's what you need to know:
- Buses get crowded during peak hours (morning and late afternoon). If you're heading somewhere specific, leave earlier than you think necessary.
- Keep small bills handy. Bus drivers don't always have change for 100 or 200 MAD notes.
- Download an offline map before you start exploring. Mobile data works well in Morocco, but having a backup helps.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help. Moroccans are incredibly helpful to travelers. Even with language barriers, people will make sure you get on the right bus or find the right taxi.
- Negotiate taxi fares before getting in. This isn't rude—it's expected. Have a general idea of fair prices and don't be afraid to walk away if the price seems too high.
Cultural Respect Goes a Long Way
Morocco is welcoming to visitors, but showing respect for local culture makes your experience better. Dress modestly when outside tourist areas—shoulders and knees covered is a good rule. Learn a few Arabic phrases like "Salam" (hello), "Shukran" (thank you), and "Bismillah" (said before eating). Ask before taking photos of people.
During CAN 2025, Morocco will be full of football fans from across Africa and beyond. This creates a unique atmosphere—a celebration not just of football, but of African culture and hospitality. Embrace it, join in the excitement, and let Morocco surprise you.
Your Marrakech Adventure Awaits
These seven spots around Marrakech offer something for every type of traveler. Whether you want peaceful gardens, mountain adventures, desert sunsets, or the electric energy of Jemaa el-Fna, you'll find experiences that go far beyond the football stadium.
Morocco has a way of changing people. You come for one thing—maybe the CAN 2025 matches—and leave with memories of so much more. The kindness of strangers who helped you find your bus. The taste of mint tea shared with new friends. The silence of the desert or the rush of a mountain river. These moments become part of your story.
Now I want to hear from you! Which of these seven Marrakech spots interests you most? Have you visited any of them already? Are you planning to attend CAN 2025, and if so, which matches are you most excited about? Share your thoughts, questions, or your own Morocco experiences in the comments below.
If you're looking for more Morocco travel tips, check out our other guides on navigating Marrakech's medina, finding the best street food, and understanding Moroccan customs. And don't forget to bookmark this page—you'll want these transport details when you're actually in Marrakech!
Safe travels, and see you in Marrakech for CAN 2025!