MARRAKECH
Marrakech is a feast for the senses — from the winding alleys of the Medina to the vibrant souks filled with color, texture, and craftsmanship. Around every corner, there’s something to admire: handwoven rugs, hammered metal lanterns, zellige tilework, and the quiet beauty of everyday details. Walking through the city feels like stepping into a living canvas — layered with history, creativity, and connection. As a designer, I found endless inspiration in the artistry of the city and the warmth of its people.
Full Marrakech guide is below — with design stops, local gems, and all the inspiration we uncovered along the way.
Check out more images + videos from our trip in my Morocco Highlights.
STAY
Jnane Rumi
📍 Palmeraie
Instagram: @jnanerumi
We spent three nights at Jnane Rumi, and from the moment we arrived, our senses were awakened. Mornings began with birdsong, the occasional rooster call, and the kind of crisp air that makes you slow down without trying. Inside, color and creativity were everywhere — layered through textures, shapes, and light in ways that made me stop and look (and pull out my phone for photos) every time.
We were warmly welcomed by Amrir & Gert whose kindness set the tone for our stay. The property had just opened a couple of weeks prior, so we were among the first guests to experience it, which made it feel even more special. We sat down with Gert, the owner, and immediately connected over our shared love for art, design, and tranquility. The team made us feel right at home.
Originally built as a private residence by Tunisian architect Charles Boccara, the home’s transformation is thanks to the vision of Gert-Jan van den Bergh and his wife Corinne, along with architect Nicolas Bodé.
Curated by Moroccan artist Samy Snoussi, the property holds an incredible collection of North African and European art. Each piece is placed with such care, I found myself pausing to admire them every time we wandered through the house.
We stayed in the Burhan Suite — green, vibrant, and earthy — a perfect choice as we celebrated my birthday and our anniversary this week in May. Surrounded by rich emerald tones, it couldn’t have felt more fitting. The bathing and shower experience alone made it unforgettable: a marble basin stood in the center of the bathroom, caught water from a bold brass rain shower above — falling hard and steady like a waterfall. It felt meditative. Outside, the tub opened to the garden, where the breeze and light spills moved through the drapery as birds sang overhead.
What a gem.
Riad Sakkan
📍 Mouassine (Medina)
Instagram: @riadsakkan
Following Jnane Rumi, we stayed at Riad Sakkan for the next three nights and loved the experience. It’s a beautiful way to immerse yourself in riad-style living, right in the heart of the Medina. You can step outside and be in the middle of the souks, grab a bite, wander, and return to your peaceful retreat.
We stayed in the master suite overlooking the pool — a serene, spacious room that made the stay feel even more special. The riad itself is stunning, the team incredibly polite, and we especially loved greeting the turtles and parrots in the courtyard every morning.
Highly recommend Riad Sakkan if you’re looking for a thoughtfully designed riad stay in Marrakech.
EAT
Plus61
📍 Gueliz
Instagram: @plus61marrakech
Palais Dar Soukkar
📍 Nouvelle Zone Touristique
Instagram: @dar.soukkar
L'Mida
📍 Derb Nkhal (Medina)
Instagram: @lmidamarrakech
Bombay Medina
📍 Derb Dabachi (Medina)
Instagram: @bombay_marrakech
QUICK BITES + CAFES
Jajjah by Hassan Hajjaj
📍 Sidi Ghanem
Instagram: @jajjah.tea
A fun, colorful, and quirky café + store that’s worth a stop. Highly recommend picking up their Moroccan mint tea along with a box of cookies — the verbena and olive were our favorites, perfectly sweet and savory.
Bacha Coffee
📍 Dar el Bacha (Medina)
Instagram: @bachacoffee
Attention coffee lovers!! Housed in the historic Dar El Bacha palace, this elegant café offers over 200 varieties of 100% Arabica coffees sourced from 35 countries worldwide. The selection is a dream for anyone who appreciates the art of coffee. Be prepared for long lines, especially midday — we recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the larger crowds.
THINGS TO DO
Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech
📍 Gueliz
Instagram: @myslmarrakech
Jardin Majorelle
📍 Gueliz
Instagram: @jardinmajorellemarrakech
Ben Youssef Madrasa
📍 Bennahid (Medina)
Instagram: @medersa.benyoussef
Bahia Palace
📍 Mellah (Medina)
Jemaa el-Fnaa
📍 Jemaa el-Fnaa Square (Medina)
Le Jardin Secret
📍 Mouassine (Medina)
Instagram: @lejardinsecret_marrakech
Dar Si Said Museum
📍 Riad Zitoun (Medina)
Instagram: @darsisaidmuseum
El Badi Palace
📍 Kasbah (Medina)
Saadian Tombs
📍 Kasbah (Medina)
Instagram: @saadiantombs
Anima Garden
📍 Ourika Valley
Instagram: @animagardenofficial
SHOPPING
LRNCE Studio
📍 Sidi Ghanem
Instagram: @lrnce
A design studio and shop filled with playful and artfully colorful pieces. We picked up a few espresso cups, but honestly, everything here is tempting. The team is so warm and welcoming — definitely worth a visit.
Chabi Chic
📍 Sidi Ghanem
Instagram: @chabichicmorocco
Such a beautiful shop filled with handmade pieces for everyday dining. We picked up a couple of mugs — each one is unique, with different patterns and colors. It’s hard to choose just one, and there’s truly something for every decor palette and style.
Tribaliste
📍 Sidi Ghanem
Instagram: @tribaliste
Tribaliste was our favorite rug shop in Marrakech — a must visit if you’re rug shopping. They carry an incredible selection of vintage Moroccan rugs alongside more contemporary styles. We ended up choosing one for our own home. The shop itself is beautifully curated and so worth the stop.
Soufiane Zarib
📍 Dar el Bacha (Medina)
Instagram: @soufiane.zarib
Les Nomades De Marrakech
📍 Bennahid (Medina)
Instagram: @lesnomadesde.marrakech
Funky Fahd
📍 Mouassine (Medina)
Instagram: @funkyfahd
Funky Fadh is a hidden gem tucked in the middle of the Medina — and it’s exactly what the name promises. The shop is full of bold, funky pieces made from upholstery fabrics and other unexpected textiles, all in playful colors and patterns. If you’re on the hunt for something truly one-of-a-kind, this shop is a must.
Maison Sarayan
📍 Sidi Ghanem
Instagram: @maisonsarayan
Maison Sarayan is a design lover’s dream. Part interior design studio, part concept store, it’s a spacious, beautifully curated space filled with furniture, lighting, and objects in all shapes, forms, and materials. Whether you’re shopping for your home or simply looking for inspiration, this studio is so beautiful.
Marrakshi Life
📍 Sidi Ghanem
Instagram: @marrakshi.life
Maison Blaoui
📍 Sidi Ghanem
Instagram: @maison.blaoui
Bibi Art Moroccan Carpet
📍 Mouassine (Medina)
Instagram: @bibi_gallery_workshop
Khalidoun Art
📍 Mouassine (Medina)
Instagram: @khalidounart
Herboriste Avicenne
📍 Mouassine (Medina)
Instagram: @spicy_herby
ETIQUETTE + TIPS
Dress respectfully, even in the heat. While Marrakech is fashionable and expressive, it’s still a conservative city. Covering shoulders and knees — especially in the Medina — shows cultural awareness and respect. Flowy pants, linen shirts, kaftans, and scarves go a long way.
Friday is a Holy Day. Fridays are sacred in Islam, so expect slower pace in the morning and closed shops during midday prayer. Plan key activities around it.
Carry cash (and small bills) Many places, especially in the souks and small cafés, don’t accept cards. Cash is king, and vendors often don’t have change for large bills.
Don’t overpay for taxis. Most rides from the Medina to popular tourist spots should cost around 50 dirhams. If a driver quotes significantly more, feel free to haggle politely — or simply decline and move on to the next cab.
Haggling is expected — but keep it light. Bargaining is part of the culture, especially in the souks. Do it with a smile, and don’t be afraid to walk away. It’s part of the fun.
Glovo was the best app for ordering food. It’s reliable, easy to use, and delivers from a wide range of restaurants (and even shops) straight to your riad.
Say “La, Shukran” to decline politely. You’ll hear offers constantly in the Medina — from guides to shopkeepers. “La, Shukran” (no, thank you) is a polite way to decline.
Beware of ‘helpful strangers’ in the Medina. If someone insists on helping you find your way and then asks for money, it’s a common hustle. Use Google Maps or ask inside a store/restaurant if you’re lost.
Riads can be tucked away — don’t be surprised. Most riads are hidden down alleys with no car access. Call ahead so they can send someone to meet you or help with luggage via cart.
Don’t drink the tap water — stick to bottled water, even for brushing your teeth, to avoid digestive issues.
Always ask before taking photos of people. Especially in the souks or of locals — some may decline or ask for money. Be respectful.
Be mindful at religious sites — Dress conservatively, and follow any signage or spoken guidelines closely.
Tip generously. Tipping is appreciated, especially for porters, guides, and café staff.
Heat can be intense — plan accordingly. Midday sun in spring and summer can be overwhelming. Early morning and golden hour are the best for exploring and photography.
Don’t expect everything to run on time — time flows differently here — slower, more fluid. Embrace it, and don’t overpack your schedule.
Learn a few key words — a little Arabic or French goes a long way.
*Every trip I take to a new country, I choose a new fragrance to wear throughout the trip. It becomes intertwined with the places, moments, and memories of that adventure. Whenever I wear it again, I’m instantly transported back to the travel memories. For this trip, I wore Casablanca Lily by Byredo — a scent that will forever remind me of Marrakech.