Where to stay in Marrakech: best areas and neighborhoods

Marrakech, the gateway to Morocco, is a unique city with undeniable charm. It is divided into 5 large districts, which are further divided into smaller neighborhoods. The districts are Ennakhil, Gueliz, Marrakech-Medina, Menara, and Sidi Youssef Ben Ali, where the central district is Marrakech-Medina, which represents the heart of the city and also the best area to stay in. Here are all our tips on where to stay in Marrakech.

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In a hurry? Here's our recommended accommodation

Useful tips: the best neighborhoods to stay

Not recommended areas: Marrakech is a safe destination, but in the evening it's better to be cautious throughout the city. Avoid dark and narrow alleys, especially in the Medina and Mellah, and stay on well-lit and frequently tourist-traveled streets.

If you have a few days available or if you are visiting Marrakech for the first time, the best area to stay is the Medina: here you will be within walking distance of the main attractions and you can find accommodation for every budget.

If you travel with children or, more generally, want to enjoy a quiet area, we recommend the neighborhoods of Mellah, Palmeraie, and Hivernage. The latter is a very quiet luxury district with all the services, often chosen by business travelers.

Finally, if you are looking for fun and nightlife, we recommend Medina, Kasbah, and Gueliz. The Medina is very lively in the evening, thanks to the night market of Jamaa El Fna, Kasbah is a slightly quieter but still very lively area. Finally, Gueliz is one of the trendiest neighborhoods with a more Western atmosphere, full of clubs.

Best accommodation: we have selected the best hotels, b&b, and hostels in Marrakech. Discover our recommendations and book on Booking

Medina, best for first-timers

• Pros: The heart and soul of Marrakech, souks, riads, and historic sights
• Cons: Can be overwhelming with the crowds and labyrinthine alleyways
• Main attractions: Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the souks, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Koutoubia Mosque.
• Average prices: From €35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

The Medina is one of the best areas to stay in Marrakech. It represents the heart of the city and here you can immerse yourself in the real Moroccan atmosphere. Enclosed by kilometers of walls, the center is the famous Jamaa El Fna square, from which the traditional souks, or markets, selling all kinds of products, branch out.

This is the best area to stay if it is your first trip to Marrakech. Here you can discover the soul of the city, easily reach most of the attractions on foot such as the Ben Youssef Madrasa and the Marrakech Museum.

The Medina, in fact, is a completely pedestrian area. Enclosed within the ancient walls, here you can only move on foot through the narrow streets and market stalls. Even to reach your accommodation, you can only move on foot, but often the hotels organize airport pickup.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €35,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Experience a riad: staying in a riad means experiencing Morocco in an authentic way. These are, in fact, traditional accommodation that develop around a central courtyard, often equipped with a pool. They are a small corner of paradise, a silent oasis away from the chaos of Marrakech.

Mellah, good for families and couples

• Pros: authentic part of the Medina, historically the Jewish quarter
• Cons: Some parts can feel a little more residential and less tourist-oriented
• Main attractions: The Jewish cemetery, Lazama Synagogue, and easy access to the Bahia Palace.
• Average prices: From €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

The Medina is not the only neighborhood enclosed within the millenary walls of Marrakech. And right in contrast to the liveliness and chaos that characterize the Medina, you can find the quiet neighborhood of Mellah, which is the old Jewish quarter of the city. Here you can visit the beautiful Place des Ferblantiers and, a few steps away, you will find the famous El Bahia Palace, one of the most beautiful in Marrakech.

Mellah is a neighborhood ideal for those seeking tranquility and still wanting to be a few steps from the Medina and its markets. In this area, you will mainly find typical riads, ideal if you are traveling with your partner, but also hotels with a few more services ideal for families.

Since we are still within the walls, you will also have to move on foot here. But no problem, the main attractions are a few steps away: the Medina can be reached in about 10 minutes, the famous Saadian Tombs in just 5 minutes.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Kasbah, best for nightlife

• Pros: Located just south of the main souks, lively evening scene
• Cons: It's a bit of a walk to the main Jemaa el-Fnaa square
• Main attractions: Saadian Tombs, Bab Agnaou, and the Kasbah Mosque.
• Average prices: From €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

And if the Medina represents the chaos and liveliness of Marrakech while Mellah represents its quieter side, Kasbah is a middle ground between the two and is one of the best places to stay. It is located right next to the walls and hosts the large gate Bab Agnaou. But not only: here you will find the famous Saadian Tombs and the wonderful El Badi Palace.

If Mellah is more suitable for families and those seeking tranquility, Kasbah is mainly recommended for young people and those who want some fun. Here, in fact, there are several cafes and trendy clubs, as well as lively street food markets and souks. Again, most of the accommodations present are traditional riads.

And since we are still inside the walls, moving on foot is a mandatory choice. But like Mellah, you will still be close to the main attractions: the Medina can be reached in less than 10 minutes on foot.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €50,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Gueliz, for young and budget travelers

• Pros: Marrakech's modern city center. It's got wide avenues.
• Cons: Lacks the historic charm of the old city
• Main attractions: Majorelle Garden, Yves Saint Laurent Museum, shopping on Avenue Mohammed V.
• Average prices: From €40,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

We now exit the ancient walls of Marrakech to recommend the Gueliz neighborhood, the modern soul of the city. The neighborhood is characterized by large tree-lined avenues, elegant buildings, and a lively nightlife, with clubs and cabarets. A few steps away are also the Jardin Majorelle, one of the main attractions of the city.

Gueliz is a neighborhood especially recommended for young people and those looking for nightlife. Among its streets, you will find numerous clubs, restaurants serving both Moroccan and international cuisine, shops, and shopping streets.

Staying here, you will need to use taxis to reach the Medina (about 10 minutes due to traffic). Golden rule when traveling to Marrakech: always remember to bargain, not only in the markets but also for the taxi.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €40,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Hivernage, for families and luxury seekers

• Pros: luxurious neighborhood in Marrakech,  five-star hotels
• Cons: It's a significant distance from the Medina
• Main attractions: Casino de Marrakech, various luxury spas and hotels
• Average prices: From €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Next to the Gueliz neighborhood, we find Hivernage, the most luxurious neighborhood in Marrakech. It is a chic and elegant area, where some of the most beautiful and famous hotels in the city are located, such as the iconic 5-star La Mamounia hotel. On the western side, the neighborhood also borders the wonderful Menara gardens, an oasis of greenery in the city.

Given these characteristics, Hivernage is a neighborhood suitable for those who want to experience luxury, but due to its tranquility and elegance, it is also recommended for families. The most famous hotels are located right here. It is also recommended for those traveling to Marrakech for business.

Finally, staying here you will have to move by taxi. Depending on the location of your accommodation, to reach one of the entrances to the Medina you should plan an average travel time of 5 to 10 minutes, depending on traffic.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €60,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Palmeraie, green and quiet

• Pros: An oasis of calm and luxury on the outskirts of the city.
• Cons: Very far from the city center, making it a poor base for sightseeing.
• Main attractions: Camel rides, quad biking, and golf courses.
• Average prices: From €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Recommended accommodation

Finally, if you stay for more than a weekend in Marrakech, we recommend considering the Palmeraie neighborhood, a real oasis in the city. It is located a few kilometers north of the Medina and develops along the Tensfit river. This area is mainly known for the camel rides and quad tours organized here, but not everyone knows that it hosts wonderful hotels.

It is an area especially recommended for families with children. It is a very quiet neighborhood, away from the traffic and chaos of the center. But, above all, here you will find all-inclusive hotels with all the services, accommodations with pools, and wonderful solutions. And if you want to take some time for yourself, here you will also find numerous golf courses.

Given the distance, you will necessarily have to move by taxi. To reach the entrance gates to the Medina, plan an average travel time of 15 minutes, variable depending on traffic conditions.

Average prices in the neighbourhood range from €80,00 per night - compare the best accommodation on booking

Places to stay near Marrakech

b Whether or not it is your first time visiting the Moroccan city, staying in Marrakech is the best solution. As we have seen, the different neighborhoods offer many opportunities, from traditional riads to more modern accommodation in line with Western style, from budget solutions to luxury hotels.

We do not recommend staying outside Marrakech also for practicality and safety reasons. Marrakech is a safe city, but it is better not to venture alone into the desert or small surrounding villages. Not to mention that to reach the Medina and the various attractions you will have to use a taxi every day and negotiate the price.

Travel Tips for Marrakech

Marrakech is a city of magic and chaos, a place where ancient traditions and a vibrant modern energy collide. To make the most of your trip, it's essential to understand a few key things about getting around and respecting local culture.

• Public Transport: Getting around Marrakech is an adventure in itself. The Medina, the old walled city, is best explored on foot. Its narrow, winding alleyways are a labyrinth of sights and sounds, but watch out for the constant stream of motorbikes and scooters. For trips outside the Medina, "petit taxis" (small beige cars) are the most common and affordable option. They should use a meter, but you might need to insist on it. For longer distances or groups, "grand taxis" (larger shared taxis) are available, but you should agree on a fare before you start the journey. Horse-drawn carriages (calèches) are also a scenic way to get around the city's wider avenues.
• Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Marrakech is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The weather is pleasantly warm without the scorching heat of the summer months (June to August), when temperatures can soar above 35°C (95°F). Winter (December to February) is cooler, especially at night, but still a good time for sightseeing with fewer crowds.
• Local Currency: The currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It is a "closed currency," meaning you can only obtain it once you arrive in Morocco. You'll find ATMs and currency exchange offices readily available, especially in tourist areas. While some hotels and upscale restaurants accept credit cards, cash is essential for most purchases, particularly in the souks and for street food.
• Local Vibe/Culture: Moroccan culture is deeply rooted in Islamic traditions, and a sense of respect is paramount. When in public, especially for women, it's best to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. This is particularly important when visiting religious sites like mosques. Bargaining is a key part of the shopping experience in the souks; it's a social ritual, so engage with a friendly attitude and be prepared to haggle for a good price. Be polite but firm if you're not interested in a purchase. Avoid taking photos of people without their permission, as it can be considered rude. Finally, the left hand is traditionally considered unclean, so use your right hand for eating, greeting, and handling items.

Marrakech accommodation price map

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