Marrakech has an abundance of tucked away spots waiting to be discovered outside of its main streets and souks. We list 13 hidden gems in Marrakech located down alleyways, side streets, behind inconspicuous doors, and in neighbourhoods outside of the Medina that you don't want to miss.
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13 Hidden Gems in Marrakech
1. Shop stylish Marrakech labels in the Industrial Quarter
Quartier Industriel Sidi Ghanem is an up-and-coming district in the outskirts of Marrakech, where trendy artisan shops and showrooms are intertwined with warehouses and workshops. Completely off the beaten path, its a shopping hub visited by in-the-know travellers and expats.
The Industrial Quarter is about a 20 minute drive from the heart of the Medina. Get your taxi to drop you off at LRNCE Studio and walk south down the street to continue your shopping.
Our favourite shops in the Industrial Quarter:
- LRNCE Studio - a Marrakech-based lifestyle brand by Belgian designer Laurence Leenaert, selling handmade ceramics, textiles, clothing and furniture in unique patterns. Ari loved their shirts.
- Topolina - for chic womens clothing in vibrant colours and patterns. This was my favourite clothing store I visited - I loved the cut of the dresses and how they fit.
- Naterra Factory - for sustainably made purses and leather goods
- La Marrakechoise - the showroom of the furniture designer's contemporary travertine pieces
- BE the souk - well-curated collection of pottery and clothes made from artisans
- Magasin General - for antique items from the 1900s.
- Tribaliste - for custom handmade Berber rugs
- For contemporary art exhibitions - check out MCC Gallery and Multiples Gallerie d'art
To get a taxi back to the Medina, walk over to the N7 Highway and you will find tons.
2. Stay at the artist-led Riad Jardin Secret
3. Hang out at El Fenn's funky rooftop bar
We only found El Fenn's rooftop bar since we were staying at the hotel, and were happy to hear it's open to non-hotel guests. Their excellent curation of music, signature cocktails and funky furnishings perfectly complement Marrakech. Watching the sunset glow over the minaret tower in the distance and the sky turn different shades of purples, oranges and reds is magical.
Note: the pool/pool chairs are available to hotel-guests only, but the bar area is open to all guests.
4. Shop for unique African treasures behind a large wooden door
Opening the large wooden door of Mustapha Blaoui feels like stepping into Aladdin's Cave of Wonders. The three-story shop sells traditional furniture from all around Africa and the prices are fair. We loved a set of green and white striped side tables made from camel bone. They were quoted at 400 € each, compared to 2,000 € we saw at a shop on the main strip!
5. Have a glamorous brunch in the courtyard of Dar El Bacha Palace
What we first thought was a government building from the outside, was actually one of the most glamorous places we've ever visited. Built in 1910, Dar El Bacha Palace, was once a meeting place for the 20th century's most famous creatives and politicians. Closed for decades because of WWII, it underwent an immense restoration to preserve its intricate architectural features.
Take a walk through the gorgeous palace, which is now a museum, and enjoy lunch in their fabulous coffee room in the courtyard. Once you're served coffee from the gold coffee pot, add Chantilly cream and fresh ground vanilla beans from the pepper mill.
The coffee room does not take reservations, so make sure you get your name on the list to get a buzzer before touring the palace.
6. Enjoy the hammam at a tucked away spa in the Medina
Down the alleyway beside Riad Jardin Secret is Heritage Spa, one of the best day spas in the Medina. Book one of their well-priced spa packages with a hammam and massage or facial for a relaxing retreat. The hammam is a Middle Eastern steam bath where you are exfoliated and cleansed on a warm stone with traditional black soap and a rhassoul clay mask.
7. Sip cocktails at La Mamounia's new rooftop bar
While most non-hotel guests stop by for an overpriced lunch in the garden (the food is nothing spectacular), we recommend partying at this stellar rooftop space instead!
8. Enjoy a poolside lunch at Dar Moha
Inside an inconspicuous entrance on a main street in the Medina, you will find Dar Moha, a poolside restaurant in the former riad of French fashion designer Pierre Balmain. Eating Moroccan-style dim sum in the garden space while listening to a traditional lute play in the background is a welcome respite from the busy streets.
9. Listen to live jazz at Le Bistro Arabe
Located down a discreet side street in the Medina, Le Bistro Arabe is one of the city's hottest new restaurants to dine and listen to live jazz. Located on the ground floor of the same riad as La Pergola rooftop bar, this spot has a sexy vibe with its Orientalist-style interior, poolside seating and mood lighting. What also sets it apart are its innovative Moroccan dishes created by celebrity chef, Myriam Ettahri.
10. Admire handmade lighting pieces at Yayah Creation
Fascinated by the lighting at La Mamounia, we asked the concierge where the best place is to buy high quality Moroccan lanterns. They recommended Yayah Creation, a company founded by a self-taught designer and artist who disrupted the traditional Moroccan lighting scene with his blend of contemporary and classic design.
Located in the modern Gueliz neighbourhood in a strip mall, we weren't prepared to be blown away like we were. The handmade lighting pieces are works of art and walking through their boutique gallery is like visiting an art exhibition.
As we were shown around the boutique by the founder's son, he passionately told us the incredible story of how the company came to be.
11. Discover Marrakech's mixology scene at Barometre
Since Morocco is a Muslim country and a vast majority of Moroccans do not drink, you maybe surprised to hear there is a mixology scene here. In Marrakech's "New Town" district, Gueliz, there is an underground lounge that has put the city on the map for its inventive cocktails. Barometre was not only the first mixology bar in Marrakech, but in all of Morocco. Its inventive concoctions are made with homemade infusions and bitters, and are served in some of the coolest vessels we've seen.
Note: if you don't like cigarette smoke, we recommend skipping this spot
12. Dine at L'mida, the highest rooftop restaurant in the Medina
While most people traveling to Marrakech visit the popular Nomad and Café Des Épices rooftop restaurants in the Medina, L'mida is a newer offering with a better view and food in our opinion.
Not only is it the highest rooftop restaurant in the Medina, its Moroccan fusion dishes are a real treat, created by Moroccan chef, Nargisse Benkabbou, a best-selling food writer based in London. Dining here while watching the sunset over the Medina is dreamy.
13. Shop at Medina Experiences
We happened to walk by this unassuming boutique on a quieter street in the Medina and it became one of our favourites. The three-story shop has an excellent variety of items like vases, tableware, glassware and wall carvings. The items had set prices on them, but were fair compared to similar products quoted to us in the Medina, and can be easily negotiated if you buy more than one item. Make sure you walk to the top of the stairs to see a lovely view from the rooftop!
We hope you enjoyed these hidden gems in Marrakech!
Our top riad picks in the Medina
- Best value in the heart of the Medina: Riad Assala, Riad Agathe or Riad El Youssoufi ($)
- Best for a creative feel: Riad Jardin Secret ($$)
- Best for a happening atmosphere: El Fenn ($$$)
Start planning your trip to Morocco
- 🌃 Book your accommodation: Booking.com is our go-to for finding places to stay. Sort by top reviewed.
- 🚕 Book your airport transfer: with Viator or GetYourGuide
- 🤠 Guided tours: browse food tours and fun outings through Viator or GetYourGuide
- 🛫 Book your flight: use Skyscanner to compare flights across different airlines (we recommend booking direct with the airline however).
- 🏥 Travel insurance: World Nomads. Already traveling? You can purchase insurance with World Nomads while you're abroad. A 48-hour waiting period just applies for coverage.
Trip extension option: combine Marrakech with a trip to the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, or both!
- 5 Day Morocco itinerary - Marrakech & Atlas Mountains
- 6 Day Morocco itinerary to Marrakech & Essaouira
- 7 Day Morocco itinerary to Marrakech, Essaouira & Atlas Mountains
Don't miss our other Marrakech guides:
- 2 Day Marrakech itinerary
- 3 Day Marrakech itinerary
- 18 unique things to do in Marrakech
- 8 things to do in Marrakech at night
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