5 best Marrakech tours to book
Last updated on February 3rd, 2026.
What’s the first thing you do when visiting a new city?
Read up on relevant blogs, speak to friends, or look through travel guides? For me, it’s usually a mixture of all 3.
However, during our travels to Morocco, we decided to try one of the best Marrakech tours in the city.
Taking a tour, similar to the ones I did in Toronto and Porto helps you to find your bearings in a new destination. Tour guides provide you with public, as well as plenty of insider, knowledge, not to mention amusing personal anecdotes.
With the help of Get your Guide, we found the perfect tour to suit our itinerary and budget too. There’s a ton of great activities and tours to choose from, but we wanted to see Marrakech’s palaces and monuments.
5 best Marrakech tours to book
1. Koutoubia Mosque
Bang on 9.30am, our guide for the day arrived to collect us from our riad. Issam, a friendly and well-dressed local, introduced himself before taking us to the van. I was also happy to see only one other couple inside — there’s nothing worse than being on an overcrowded tour.
Our first stop was to the awesome Koutoubia Mosque in the heart of Marrakech. You’ll come across many mosques when in Marrakech, but this one particularly stands out. It’s the largest mosque in the city, and right by the famous Jemaa El Fna souk. We met our main guide there — a wonderfully warm local named Fouad.
The sign of a good tour guide
I immediately warmed to his laid-back yet informative style. Fouad gave us some interesting background regarding Islam, and the colonial influence of the French in Morocco.
His direct way of storytelling is a quality I really enjoy in a tour guide. Fouad was also open to answering all our questions, and gave us sufficient time to take photos.
Taking a tour around Marrakech or Morocco is also a good idea for female solo travelers. You'll feel safer and more comfortable in numbers, and will also meet other like-minded travelers.
Map: iconic palaces and monuments in Marrakech
2. Kasbah Mosque
Given we’d started the tour early, the temperature was perfect to walk to our next attraction.
Fouad gave us the scenic tour of Marrakech, plus entertaining commentary too. It was a great opportunity to take in all the sights and sounds of a typical morning in the city.
Watch the local sellers making traditional Moroccan pancakes for breakfast, and the men catching up over mint tea. It’s the type of scene that comes to life when touring with a local.
See one of the oldest mosques in Marrakech on the best Marrakech tours
The walk took us past another prominent mosque in Marrakech, Moulay El Yazid, also known as Kasbah Mosque. It’s one of the oldest mosques — built in 1190 — and well-known in the city. As with all mosques, it’s forbidden for non-Muslims to enter.
3. Saadian Tombs
Our second stop on the tour was the Saadian Tombs. The mausoleum's home to 60 members of the Saadian Dynasty, including the tomb of sultan Ahmad al-Mansur. Every room's guaranteed to make your jaw drop, but the main attraction is the Chamber of the 12 Pillars.
Italian Carrara marble twinned with pure gold on the pillars captures your gaze as you enter. You can't actually enter the chamber, but instead have to wait in line to catch a glimpse.
Explore the grounds
We spent around 40 minutes here at the Saadian tombs. It’s more than enough time to see each room, admire the symmetry of gardens and take photos. Having Fouad to inform us was really helpful, as I saw no descriptions in the tombs.
Top tip: The line for the Chamber of the 12 Pillars gets busy very quickly. Fouad advised us to line up first, and see the rest of the tombs after.
4. Bahia Palace
Upon leaving the Saadian Tombs, we walked through Marrakech’s red city walls. It was another chance for us to learn more about the country’s history, and to also take more photos.
Walking into Bahia Palace is a quiet retreat from the busy streets outside its gates. Meaning ‘brilliance’, the palace took the name of the grand vizier, Si Moussa’s, first wife. Bahia Palace was built in a Moroccan and Islamic style in the late 19th century. Its intention was to be one of the greatest palaces of all time.
Explore inside Bahia Palace
Given that the palace was built for personal use, you get a real in-depth look at life behind its walls. The many rooms in the palace face a courtyard and actually belonged to Moussa’s concubines.
What’s also interesting is that, concubines in this period typically came from rich families. Fouad explained that Moussa’s concubines were treated like royalty throughout their lifespan.
Immerse yourself in the calm and splendor of the palace’s garden. There’s 8,000m2 to explore, and though not easy with many tourists, it’s still possible to take some great photos.
Top tip: Wear comfortable walking shoes. At this point in the tour, the walk from the Saadian Tombs to Bahia Palace was slightly longer. We also walked through a busy street market, with some uneven surfaces in the road.
5. Majorelle Gardens
After a welcome stop for lunch, we continued to the final place on the tour. By this point, Fouad had said his goodbyes and Issam took us to Majorelle Gardens.
Walking into this 12-acre botanical garden, it’s hard not to be immediately captivated by the scene.
“Walking into this 12-acre botanical garden, it’s hard not to be immediately captivated by the scene.”
The designer, Jacques Majorelle, created this garden and landscape bursting with colour and foliage. The flora and fauna in the garden are species that don’t grow naturally in Morocco.
The history behind Majorelle Gardens
In the 1980s, French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge, bought and restored Majorelle Garden.
Laurent is said to have loved the gardens, so much so, that his ashes were scattered here when he died in 2008. The monument to the designer is a feature in the gardens, and the tranquillity of the place is almost a fitting tribute.
I recommend spending 25 to 35 minutes here. Even with the number of tourists, I found it more than enough time to take everything in.
Why booking a Marrakech tour is a good idea
Issam and Fouad reminded me why having a local guide can really make a difference. Not only did we learn about Marrakech palaces and monuments, but we also enjoyed their hospitality and humor.
Are you looking for accommodation in Marrakech? For a real taste of Moroccan luxury and hospitality, the excellent Riad Farnatchi is one to consider.
Disclaimer: Even though I was invited by Get your Guide, all views are my own and based on my own experience. This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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It seems you were really lucky with your guide in Marakech. I actually prefer wandering through town on my own and stay as long as I want at the sightseeing spots. But this also means that I usually carry several books (or ebooks) with information about the city and the country. Great pictures that brought back memories. Unfortunately the Majorelle Gardens were closed when we visited.
We were, he really was the best and so informative! Definitely head back to the Gardens if you ever go back
I am just in love with the mosaic work! I am a complete sucker for Moraccan Architecture and decor. So stunning!
It's amazing I know! So iconic too
Marrakech looks stunning, I would love to visit one day
You must, it's a great city
I've always wanted to visit Marrakesch, such a fascinating city! Thank you for all the awesome tips!
You're welcome! I hope you get to visit one day
Marrakech is absolutely beautiful! I really want to visit there someday, but in the meantime, pretending while I wander around in Epcot at Disney will have to do!
Lol that still sounds like fun! Add Marrakech to the list for the future 🙂
Wow your pictures are all so beautiful! Marrakech looks like a gorgeous place to visit. I would love to go here someday with my hubby 🙂
You must; I'm certain you'll both enjoy it
The first thing I do when I visit somewhere is try to find food lol! But your way of doing things isn’t half bad. This is such a beautiful place to visit!
That's not a bad strategy to follow either! Marrakech is really a must visit
I've heard about Marrakech many times but have never been and haven't known anyone that went. It sounds like an interesting place with lots of culture to visit.
It really is! And such an interesting city to explore too
What a gorgeous city! The more I see posts like this the more I realize how little of the world I have seen!
Aw you should definitely travel more, the world's a very big place
I have never been to Marrakesh but I would love to visit one day. This is a great guide.
Thank you, I hope you visit one day, it's a must see
This is such a dream trip for me! Your stunning photos make me want to visit even more.
Thanks Christa! I'm glad I could inspire you to visit
Having a local guide for a tour seems essential and practical. They know the place by heart so they can make your tour extra special.
I couldn't agree more, it's the best way to see another city
I have never been to Marrakesh but I hope to get there soon. I agree that any city is best explored with a local. This is how you get the best tips and find out about hidden gems you should definitely visit.
You definitely have to visit! It's such a colourful city
Look at all that detail! It's absolutely beautiful! Would love to visit there someday!
You must! It's really an incredible city to visit
I've never been to Marrakech yet! The place looks gorgeous, will definitely visit it soon. Thank you so much.
I recommend that you do, it's a wonderful vibrant city
Wow. Such beautiful images! That makes me want to travel soon...
You must, it's a great place to explore
Wow! Marrakech looks soooo amazing! They have such a super rich history and a wonderful culture. I will definitely.. definitely include this on my bucket list!
I'm happy to read that! It's a wonderful city, you won't be disappointed
Some of that architecture is stunning! I always enjoy learning about the culture and history of cities I get a chance to visit. Looks like a fabulous trip
Thanks Katie, it really is. I'm big on finding out more about the culture too!
Pretty sure GetYourGuide is the same company I used when I was on Santorini. I loved my experience with them! Your pictures of Marrakech are STUNNING. I'd love to visit it one day.
Me too! The tours are reasonably priced too. Thank for the compliment, I hope you visit one day!
I just can't get over how beautiful those places are in your pictures. It's truly like being there!
Thank you! You must visit, it's an incredible city
Marrakech is on my bucket list, it looks so colorful and interesting. The architecture is so unique and incredible. I would definitely check out the Saadian Tombs and the 12-acre botanical garden, that is insane. Thank you so much for sharing 😀
The tombs are so interesting and with that striking Moroccan architecture too!
I always love exploring a city with a local guide. You get to learn a lot about the culture, traditions and history of the place. You seem to have a great experience with Fouad!
He was an excellent guide! And a tour's a great way to really learn about a new city too 🙂
Marrakech has always been a place I have wanted to visit and your stunning pictures have made me want to go even more! I will definitely look into getting a tour guide when we do visit! Thanks for the tips!
You're welcome! It's a very vibrant city and one worth visiting in your lifetime!
i completely agree with you that some places its better to have guide..i remember visiting Egypt and I dint hire a guide only to realize later how many things i missed...glad u checked out all the hidden gems of Marrakech..great tip
You're welcome! I'll also remember to get a guide when I visit Egypt, thank you back 🙂
Holy crap, 12 acres of botanical garden? That’s insane. I know Marrakesh is known for its vibrant colors, patterns and lush greenery. I’d love to visit because I’ve been seeing a lot more people explore recently.
It's a beautiful country, and with so many nature to explore. You'll get so much out of Marrakech plus great photos too!
The chamber of 12 pillars really had me, it's looking so shiny and bright made me want to go and visit it right now. Morocco is really so beautiful. It's always a good thing to have a local guide along with you, he will show you a lot more around then you have planned. I have had some great experiences with the guides.
That's great to know, I think a local guide can make a real difference!
If you are going to go with a guide, local is the way to go. How is that even a question, right? They know the place best. Of course, the challenge is to find one that doesn't take kickbacks from places they take you to, but that's maybe for another article. At any rate, the beautiful pictures make me want to visit Marrakech and Morocco now.
That's great to read Peter. It's a beautiful city but so much better with a guide!
Wow. Every picture was jaw-droppingly beautiful. Where did you learn all those info? Did you get it from the tour guide or from research? Also congrats on collaborating with Get Your Guide! Did you approach them or did they approach you?
Thanks Justine, they're all my photos 😀 Get you Guide are great - they actually approached me!
It sounds advantageous having a local tour guide whilst in Marrakesh. I see he made your visit very efficient by getting you in line at the right time and also guiding you through the maze like streets! I visited without a guide and one thing that annoyed me was being constantly approached, I guess another advantage of being with a guide already is that people won't approach you!
Excellent point James. No-one bothered us on the tour, even in a small group, and if you've been to Marrakech, you'll know that's not easy to avoid!
I'll definitely be hiring a local guide when we go to Marrakech. Fouad's style sounds great- a fine balance of being laidback and informative is exactly what we'd look for! You always end up learning more from someone who knows the ins and outs-Thanks for sharing!
Fouad was fun, yet informative at the same time. It's so laid back and you can take as many photos as you like 😀
Your photos are breathtaking, especially of the mosque! One of my biggest regrets from Marrakech is that we didn't take enough amazing photos of it. We loved our time there, but it's definitely an overwhelming city--a local guide could definitely help ease the stress of navigating!
Exactly! It's energetic but also quite chaotic at times. Thank you for the compliment on my photos, I'm happy you enjoyed them!
Marrakech looks like a place to seen once and guided tours seem like a perfect way to start. I have not taken much tours yet but lately I have started to incline for them as they are informative in a sense which we might have to spend a lot of effort on. Love the pictures here and Koutoubia Mosque and Saadian Tombs are a must-do for me 🙂
It's an excellent tour, and I can't recommend it enough!
Lisa you have posted this at the perfect time, just on Friday I found out a couple of friends of mine are heading out to Morocco for Christmas, and I've agreed to meet up with them there to spend N.Y.E in Marrakesh! I want to go a few days before hand to explore it, and I've taken note about taking a local tour, I have to say Bahia Palace sounds incredible.
Hey Amit, that's amazing to read! So happy I could help you. I don't know much about partying there for NYE (if that's what you're after) but do check out my essential tips for first-timers to Morocco too. Happy travels!
I agree with you, no matter how much of pre travel research I do on the chosen destination, I always hire a local guide when actually visiting the place. The best part is its interactive and I can ask question and also engage with a local. I prefer a human one over the audio guides though.
I completely agree with a person over an electronic! The guide can really give some insight into the history of a new city.
I completely agree with taking guided tours especially when you're exploring places of cultural significance. The tour guides sometimes have small bits of information which you may not even find on the internet and can show you the places with a very different perspective. I had the same experience when I recently when to Agra and visited the Taj Mahal and other historical monuments in the city. Marrakech looks beautiful to me, especially the Koutoubia Mosque. Did it very feel very conservative to you?
It's conservative in dress and culture, so I'd definitely recommend dressing accordingly. So happy to hear you agree on the upside of having a tour guide, they can really help a lot especially in a new country.
We never thought about getting a guide when we were in Marrakech but I wished we had because we seemed to have missed out seeing some real gems. I never knew about the Marjorelle Gardens and they are just so pretty, I would of love to explore them. We didn't also go to the historic monuments. You have definitely given me a reason to head back there now.
Ah well, now you have a reason to return! Marjorelle Gardens are gorgeous, and though busy, are so worth it once there. Do remember Get your Guide, they have other great choices too.
Marrakech is a beauty, no doubt. I am in love with the monuments and especially Marjorelle Gardens. I love hiring a guide when visiting cities with lots of historic monuments too. I think that it gives you a better appreciation for these monuments knowing their historical value than if you were to marvel at them on your own.
You'll have such a great time there, but having a guide really makes a difference! I hope you get to visit for yourself someday soon.
For me, Morocco as a whole, is a country that has fascinated me for a while. I would totally want to follow in your footsteps by hiring a local guide. Not only do they really know all the main places of interest so well, they also have much further depth of knowledge and insight that just help you understand the culture, history, reasons for things etc, so much better. Aside from really enjoying your write up, I do love the photos you have included as this also gives such a great feel of Marrakech.
Thanks Nicole, I'm so encouraged to read this. It's a great country, and for Marrakech, having a guide really helps to navigate the city.
I love small tours like this one. You can miss out on so much if you aren't with a guide in certain cities. Marrakech looks like an amazing destination, your photo's capture so many beautiful sites!
Thanks Sherrie, the place is so easy to photograph! It's a great tour and you learn so much about the palaces and monuments of Marrakech.
I've been enjoying guides more and more these days! Who better to show you a city than someone who is there every single day. We recently used guides in Thailand, Colombia and Puerto Vallarta. All were wonderful!
Yes, they can be such an enriching experience, I highly recommend taking one in a new destination.
I'm so with you about guided tours. I think it adds so much to a place when you can learn about their history and little-known details from an expert. Your photos are beautiful, and I would love to learn as much as I could about those places. It's hard to do that on your own.
Thanks Lois! It was such a fun tour, and very reasonable for the price too.
Even though I am one who hardly ever takes on the service of tour guide, I do agree that there are some places where it is best to have one, just because you can get to learn and see so much more than you would on your own. Marrakech comes across as a very vibrant and culturally rich place and I really hope to visit it some day.
It's beautiful, and a tour guide really can help make the most of a new place.
Wow. Such a lovely journey. Glad you enjoyed a tour guide journey. Many tour guide usually have large crowd so most times it's always an unpleasant journey. But if Marrakech will be as fun as you've described with a local tour guide, I had better opt-in for one when I visit.
It was a great tour, and really personal with the guide, maybe next time you can try 🙂
Of late I have been seeing loads of pictures of Morocco. Though Morocco was never on my list, of late it is on the top on my list. Hope to make it there soon. The photos of the place are amazing and it is always a good idea to hire a tour guide in places like this.
It's an awesome country, with plenty of rich heritage, a must see!
Looks like an amazing trip and your photos are breathtaking. Now I want to go! With so much to see I can see a tour guide would definitely be a must especially when in a place you don't know.
Thanks Heidi! It's a wonderful place and having a tour guide is the icing on the cake.
Totally agree. I haven't yet visited Marrakech but I have been to Tangiers & Chefchouen multiple times. I would always recommend having a local tour guide for any activity (visiting monuments, shopping etc). Marrakech is also now firmly on my 'must visit' list. Beautiful photos!
Thanks Hanni! It's a beautiful place and I highly recommend Get your Guide to the city!
I kind of do the same research when thinking of doing trips around a new country. for me it depends a lot on the state of public transport. i think from you last post, taking a tour guide was a great choice, especially as you got all bit of important info while visiting the places. the photos looks amazing here too! Marakesh is beautiful.
Yes, you're so right about the transport. The tour is a personal way to see Marrakech and I hope you get to visit soon.
I would love to visit Marrakech and its palaces and monuments. As a tour guide myself I have to say exploring a place with a tour guide is the best way, especially if they're local. You get so much more information and little anecdotes and stories. Tour guides bring a place alive 🙂 Well that's if they're excellent at their job.
Thanks Marteen, that's so great to read especially as you're a tour guide. It was a fantastic tour!
I was not knowing about GetyourGuide and really this must be interesting to hire them. Streets of Marrakech are so cultural and surrounded by traditional houses which makes them photogenic. I would also try local breads and mint tea which are available on streets.
I have to admit, we didn't stop at any of these stalls, but they sure looked interesting to try. Maybe next time for sure!
Wow. This post has officially made me add Marrakech to my bucket list. I have always wanted to visit there, but now I absolutely have to! The beauty is awe inspiring. Such amazing scenery. I cannot wait to go and will definitely be taking at least one tour.
That's so great to hear Shannon! I had such a great time on the tour, and it was pretty much private because there was only one other couple.
I didn't realize how LA meets Dubai this place was! Absolutely amazing scenery but not too sure about a guided tour. I seem to only retain 1/16th of the information and get impatient waiting for the next stop. I might would reconsider though!
I hear you, but honestly, this tour was almost private, given there was only one other couple. Plus, they let you take as many photos as you wanted, and no time limit like other tours!
I think so far I've only taken 2 or 3 guided tours. Its always been self-exploratory for me. Good to know about GetYourGuide. Let me check it out. Just 4 of you on the tour? That's nice. That's almost personalized.
It really was like a private tour. Get your Guide do more tours, and I highly recommend them!
Wow what an incredible looking city - your photos do great justice to it, I definitely want to take the same tour now! I particularly liked the information about YSL purchasing the Majorelle Gardens - this is the sort of information surely only an insider would know and that you would probably miss if you didn't take a tour as you advise. Sound advice therefore, thank you!
Ah you're so welcome Erin! The tour was fantastic and felt like a private tour as there was only one couple. Majorelle Gardens are beautiful, a must see in Marrakech.