Why visit
Marrakesh is Jemaa el-Fnaa's snake-charmer square, the Medina souks, Majorelle Gardens, the Bahia Palace, and riads with cool courtyards to escape the heat.
Marrakesh at a glance
City population
950k
Metro: 1.5 million
Elevation
466 m
1,529 ft
Time zone
UTC+1
Africa/Casablanca
Airport
RAK
Marrakesh Menara
Founded
1062 (Almoravid dynasty)
Getting around
Taxis (petit + grand) + horse carriages + walkable medina
Signature dish
Tagine, couscous (Friday), pastilla, harira, mint tea ritual
Neighborhoods for travelers
MedinaJemaa el-FnaaGuéliz (modern)HivernagePalmeraie
Morocco at a glance
Country center
32.0°, -5.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
446,550 km²
172,414 mi²
Country population
37.8 million
85/km²
Subregion
Northern Africa
Currency
Moroccan dirham (د.م.)
MAD
Dial
+212
Languages
Arabic, Berber
Demonym
Moroccan
Internet
.ma
UN
Member state
ISO code
MA / MAR
Where in the world
32.0° · -5.0°
Morocco
Open in Google Maps ↗
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world · CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Marrakesh's Jemaa el-Fnaa square is UNESCO-listed for its "intangible cultural heritage": storytellers, musicians, snake charmers.
- The city's medina is one of the largest traffic-free urban areas in the world.
- Marrakesh's defining red color comes from local ochre plaster on its buildings.
- Casablanca is the commercial capital even though Rabat is the political capital: Morocco is one of only 11 countries where the largest city is not the capital.
- The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca has a minaret 210 m tall: the tallest in the world.
Bordering Morocco
Traveler notes
- Stay in a riad inside the Medina
- Jemaa el-Fnaa transforms from day to night
- Atlas Mountain day-trip to Imlil or Ourika Valley
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
- Check opening days. Major sites close on Mondays or Tuesdays in many countries.
Explore more
Frequently asked about Marrakesh
What currency is used in Marrakesh?
Marrakesh uses the Moroccan dirham (د.م.), ISO code MAD.
What languages are spoken in Morocco?
The primary languages are Arabic and Berber.
What is the international calling code for Morocco?
The calling code is +212.
What airport serves Marrakesh?
Marrakesh Menara (IATA: RAK).
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