When people ask me which Moroccan city they absolutely must visit, my answer is always the same: Marrakech. After traveling across Morocco—from the coastal charm of Casablanca to the blue streets of Chefchaouen—I can tell you that the Marrakech red city stands out like nowhere else. There's something magical about this place that keeps pulling travelers back, year after year.
Let me share what makes Marrakech so special and why it should be at the top of your Morocco travel list.
What Makes the Marrakech Red City So Special?
The first thing that catches your eye in Marrakech is the color. Red. Everywhere you look, buildings glow in shades of terracotta and rust. This isn't just for show—traditional Moroccan architecture uses local red clay and sandstone. When the afternoon sun hits these walls, the whole city seems to light up from within.
But Marrakech is more than just pretty buildings. Walking through the streets, you'll notice how incredibly clean everything is. This surprised me during my first visit. Many cities struggle with cleanliness, but Marrakech takes real pride in maintaining its beauty. The streets are swept, gardens are well-kept, and even the busiest areas feel organized.
The Best City Center in Morocco
After visiting Rabat, Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier, I can honestly say Marrakech has the most beautiful city center in Morocco. The combination of wide boulevards, lush gardens, and stunning fountains creates an atmosphere that's hard to match.
One of my favorite discoveries was the underground parking system. Yes, I'm talking about parking! But it shows how the city balances modern needs with historic preservation. You get all the conveniences of a modern city wrapped in centuries-old architecture.
A City That Welcomes the World
Marrakech feels like a melting pot. More than any other Moroccan city I've visited, this place attracts travelers from everywhere—Japanese tourists, European families, American adventurers, Asian backpackers. You'll hear a dozen languages in the main square before lunchtime.
This international vibe makes Marrakech easier for first-time visitors to Morocco. Many locals speak some English, restaurants offer diverse menus, and you'll find other travelers to swap stories with. Yet despite all these foreigners, Marrakech never loses its authentic Moroccan soul.
Taking a Horse Carriage Through the Marrakech Red City
Want to see Marrakech like the locals do? Skip the tour bus and take a traditional horse-drawn carriage ride. This is my favorite way to explore the city, and here's what you need to know:
The Experience
For about 200 dirhams (around $20), you get a 30-minute ride through both old and new Marrakech. Your driver will take you past the city's most beautiful spots—historic gates, luxury hotels, modern shopping districts, and quiet residential streets.
The slow pace of a horse carriage lets you actually see things. You'll notice architectural details you'd miss in a car, wave to shopkeepers, and feel the rhythm of daily life. Plus, sitting up high gives you a perfect view for photos.
What You'll See
On a typical carriage route, you'll pass through:
- The modern city with its wide avenues and palm trees
- Luxury shopping districts where international brands share space with local boutiques
- Beautiful fountains and public gardens
- The edge of the historic Medina (old city)
- Residential neighborhoods where locals actually live
Your driver might point out mountains in the distance—on clear days, you can see peaks about 70 kilometers away. These are the Atlas Mountains, and they create a stunning backdrop for the red city.
Exploring the Old Medina
The heart of Marrakech is its ancient Medina—a maze of narrow streets, traditional shops, and hidden courtyards that's been around for centuries. The contrast between the spacious new city and the compact Medina shows you two different sides of Marrakech.
The Medina isn't just for tourists. Real families live here, running businesses that have been in their families for generations. You'll see craftsmen working leather, metalworkers hammering copper, and bakers pulling fresh bread from wood-fired ovens.
Tips for Visiting the Medina:
Don't be afraid to get a little lost. The winding streets all eventually lead somewhere interesting. Keep your phone charged for maps, carry small bills for purchases, and remember—bargaining is expected and part of the fun.
When locals say "big square," they're usually referring to the main plaza (Jemaa el-Fnaa, though names vary). This is where the real action happens, especially as evening approaches. Food stalls, storytellers, musicians, and snake charmers all compete for attention.
The Modern Side of Marrakech
Marrakech isn't stuck in the past. The new city (Gueliz) offers everything modern travelers expect—shopping malls, international restaurants, banks, and hotels ranging from budget to luxury.
You'll spot things that might surprise you: casinos for those who want nighttime entertainment, international car rental agencies, even fast-food chains if you need something familiar. But these modern additions don't overshadow Marrakech's traditional character—they just add another layer to the experience.
Why the Red Color Works So Well
Before visiting, I wondered if an entire city painted red might feel overwhelming or monotonous. Would it be too much? But seeing it in person, I understood. The red actually looks beautiful.
The terracotta tones change throughout the day. Morning light makes the buildings look soft and warm. Midday sun brings out rich, deep reds. At sunset, the whole city seems to glow gold. And at night, with strategic lighting, the historic buildings take on an almost magical quality.
This color scheme also helps in practical ways. Red clay stays cooler in summer heat compared to darker colors, and it blends naturally with Morocco's desert landscape.
Getting Around Marrakech
Marrakech is walkable in many areas, especially the new city with its wide sidewalks. For longer distances, you have several options:
Taxis are everywhere and relatively cheap. Always agree on a price before starting your journey. Most drivers are honest, but confirming the fare prevents misunderstandings.
Scooter rentals are popular if you're comfortable on two wheels. Just be aware that Marrakech traffic follows its own special rules that take some getting used to.
Walking is my favorite option when time allows. You discover small details—a beautiful doorway, a hidden garden, a tiny café—that you'd miss from a car.
What Surprised Me Most
Every visitor has different expectations, but here's what caught me off guard about Marrakech:
The cleanliness. Seriously. After hearing stories about chaotic Moroccan cities, I expected more mess. Marrakech proves that a historic city can stay beautiful with proper care.
The safety. Walking around, even in tourist areas, feels secure. Use normal travel precautions, but don't let fear keep you from exploring.
The variety. One moment you're in a medieval maze of alleys, the next you're on a boulevard that could be in Paris. Marrakech offers many experiences in one city.
Best Time to Visit the Marrakech Red City
Marrakech welcomes visitors year-round, but timing matters. Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) offer the most comfortable temperatures. Summer can get very hot—we're talking 40°C (104°F) or more. Winter stays mild but brings occasional rain.
Consider what you want from your visit. Peak tourist season means more crowded attractions but also more energy and activity. Off-season offers better hotel deals and easier exploration, though some tourist services may have reduced hours.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Start with the basics. Learn a few Arabic phrases. "Salam" (hello), "shukran" (thank you), and "khooya" (brother) will earn you smiles. Moroccans appreciate when visitors try their language, even if it's just a few words.
Dress respectfully. Morocco is relatively relaxed, but modest clothing shows cultural awareness, especially in older neighborhoods.
Stay hydrated. The dry climate and walking under the sun can sneak up on you. Carry water and take breaks in shaded cafés.
Be open to experiences. Try the street food, accept tea invitations, chat with shopkeepers. The best travel memories come from unexpected moments.
Is Marrakech Underrated?
Here's my honest opinion: yes. Despite growing popularity, Marrakech still doesn't get the recognition it deserves. When people plan Morocco trips, they often focus on Casablanca or the blue city of Chefchaouen. But Marrakech offers something those places don't—a perfect balance of history, culture, modern comfort, and visual beauty.
This city rewards curious travelers who take time to explore beyond the main attractions. Every neighborhood has its own personality. Every street tells a story. And unlike some tourist destinations that feel artificial, Marrakech remains a real, living city where actual Moroccans go about their daily lives alongside visitors.
Plan Your Marrakech Adventure
If you're planning a Morocco trip, put Marrakech near the top of your list. Give yourself at least two or three days to explore properly. Wander through the Medina, take that horse carriage ride, watch the sunset from a rooftop café, and just soak in the unique atmosphere of Morocco's red city.
Have you been to Marrakech? What was your favorite part of the city? Or if you're planning a visit, what are you most excited to see? Share your thoughts in the comments below—I love hearing about other travelers' experiences in this amazing city!