Morocco Trip Planner
Marrakesh, simplified.
Where to stay, how far everything really is from the Medina, how to get around, and when to go. Tap the map, flip the months, and plan it your way. Built from my own trip.
- MADMoroccan dirham
- Uber & CareemUber is back
- Mar – MayBest months
- 20 minAirport to the Medina
- 90 daysVisa-free for many
The map
How far is everything from the Medina?
Marrakesh looks compact, but the new town, the sights and the day trips spread out fast. Tap an area to see the time from the Medina and who it suits.
Where to sleep
Riad or hotel?
Both are great in Marrakesh. It comes down to how you like to travel. Tap what matters to you.
Riad
- A courtyard house with a plunge pool or fountain
- Rooftop breakfasts and a handful of rooms
- Walk to the souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Hosts who book drivers, hammams and tours
- Cars stop at the Medina gates
- Stairs, and some rooms face the courtyard
Best for a first trip and the full Marrakesh feeling.
Hotel or resort
- Big pools, spas and restaurants on site
- Taxis to the door, often lifts
- Room to spread out on a longer stay
- Further from the Medina
- Less local character
Best for families, accessibility needs or a slower trip.
Which one suits you?
Tap a few to see your match.
Where I stayed
Riad Nyla
A riad in the heart of the Medina, a few lanes from Dar el Bacha and Le Jardin Secret. Cars can't reach the door, so tell them your arrival time and someone will meet you and walk you in.
| Area | Medina, Dar el Bacha |
| Walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa | About 10 min |
| Walk to Le Jardin Secret | 2 min |
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Getting around
Your ride, sorted.
Uber left Morocco in 2018 and relaunched in Marrakesh and Casablanca in November 2025, with UberX and UberXL. Careem works too. Download both before you land, and walk inside the Medina: cars can't get into most of the lanes.
Where are you going?
Uber & Careem
Uber relaunched in Marrakesh in November 2025 (UberX and UberXL), and Careem runs here too. The price is fixed before you ride.
Petit taxi
The beige cars, up to 3 people. Ask for the meter, or agree the fare before you get in. Night rates are higher.
Private driver or tour
For the desert, mountains and coast. Priced per car or per seat, with pick-up from your riad or hotel.
Airport transfer
A driver waits with your name. For the Medina, they meet you at the nearest gate and walk you in.
Pre-book a transfer through your riad or hotel. The Medina is about 20 minutes away, and riad hosts meet you at the gate.
Timing
When should you go?
Tap a month. The sweet spots are March to May and October to November: warm days, cool nights and good light.
A sweet spot: around 25°C and sunny. Busy over Easter, so book your riad early.
Ramadan runs from around 8 February to 9 March in 2027. Many cafés close during the day and the city comes alive after sunset. It’s still a lovely time to visit; plan your meals around it and be discreet eating in the street.
My trip · December
What I actually did
I went in December: sunny days, cool nights and the city dressed up for the festive season. Here are the moments I'd do again.
Safran
Lanterns, live music, a saxophonist and belly dancers between the tables. Shows start late, so eat light at lunch and book ahead.
Nouba
A big dinner show on Boulevard Mohammed VI: live singers, dancers and acrobats on a stage under a glass dome, with a pool through the room. A three-course menu, then a DJ.
Buddha-Bar
An aerial dancer over the dining room, a giant Buddha, chandeliers and a DJ. A big night out, in the same complex as Menara Mall.
Le Studio, YSL Museum
The museum café next to Majorelle Garden. Moroccan dishes done in a modern way. The menu adds a 5% service charge.
The Montgomerie
The golf club terrace looks over a lake and the greens. Order a cocktail and slow right down.
Menara Mall
Supermarket, pharmacy, ATMs and phone shops in one air-conditioned stop. Handy on day one for water, snacks and a SIM.
Don't miss this
The big ones I didn't get to
Tap any of them to see it on the map.
Activities on the map
Before you land
Your pre-flight checklist
Tick things off as you go. Your ticks stay on this device.
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Free PDF guide
Marrakesh, simplified.
Explore with Tobi
Take it with you
Download the Marrakesh guide
The whole guide as a PDF for your phone or to print: no signal needed once you land.
- Where to stay, timed from the Medina
- Sights and day trips
- Getting around and when to go
- My trip and the pre-flight checklist