7 Must-Dos In Marrakech For Fashion And Culture Lovers, According To An Ex-Editor

When most people think of Africa, they imagine safaris and wide-open plains, chasing the Big Five in the Serengeti or glamping in remote reserves. Morocco offers something entirely different. At the crossroads of Arabic, Berber, and European cultures, it delivers a sensorial, urban experience that is just as memorable. And at its heart is Marrakech.

An explosion of flavours and colours, Marrakech has a certain magic, so moving and powerful, that it became a lifelong source of inspiration to the late, great Yves Saint Laurent. “Before Marrakech, everything was black,” he said. “This city taught me colour, and I embraced its light, its insolent mixes, and ardent inventions.”

Yes, this is Marrakech, a mix of boldness and tradition, light and dark, the solitude of the desert and the chaos of the Medina. It is a city to be experienced at least once in your lifetime–and these are the essential moments to place on your list.

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1. Get “Lost” in the Medina

The Medina is a maze of cobblestoned lanes and alleys, lined with everything from food to fashion, ceramics, art, textiles, dates, olives, and the heady scent of spices. Spanning around 700 hectares (that’s around 529 football fields), it’s very overwhelming. So, I opted to hire a personal guide to help me to get intentionally “lost” in this labyrinth, while uncovering hidden corners and a more authentic rhythm of daily life.

One highlight was a visit to the atelier of Tamy Tazi, the Moroccan designer who introduced Saint Laurent to traditional embroidery techniques, connected him with local fabric suppliers, and helped shape the caftans that would later become iconic.

Pro tip: Contact My World VIP, a luxury concierge service, and tell them you want to focus on fashion or artisanal heritage to get the most out of your private tour.

2. See Morocco Through the Eyes of Yves Saint Laurent

It goes without saying that a stroll at the Jardin Marjorelle is a must for any fashion lover visiting Marrakech. The garden, which Saint Laurent discovered together with Pierre Bergé in the ’60s, became a constant source of inspiration for the designer. Stare at that beautiful house in the iconic shade of Majorelle Blue and take your time to peek at the exotic plants and flowers.

Follow this with a visit to the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech, just next door. The Instagram-worthy entrance features the classic YSL logo against a chic terracotta background. The museum houses photos, videos, sketches, about 30,000 accessories, and over 7,000 garments—all from Saint Laurent’s personal collection, which you will only see up-close and personal here.

Pro tip: Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time (I booked directly on Jardin Marjorelle’s website but remember to go early in the morning for less crowds and more photo ops!)

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3. Stay in a Luxury Riad

Now if this is a bucket-list destination, then you might as well go all out and treat yourself to a few nights of luxury living. Book a stay in a beautiful riad, where the Berber soul of the architecture meets modern cool, with a five-star flair. The pool villa of the Mandarin Oriental Marrakech is a splurge-worthy experience. Imagine having a spacious courtyard, daybeds to lounge in, and a private (heated!) pool and jacuzzi all for you. Inside, hand-woven Rabat rugs and windows etched with Berber motifs filter the light.

Plus, get spoiled every day by wonderful staff who will indulge your cravings. Fresh dates and cakes on the daily? Yes, please! Heartwarming mint tea round-the-clock? Give me some more! Everyone exudes that gracious Moroccan hospitality, service with a smile, and much more.

Pro tip: Ask your personal butler, who will be connected to you via WhatsApp, to arrange for a private barbecue in your villa—private chef, succulent grilled meats, yummy desserts—a perfect chill day by your pool.

4. Watch the Sun Set on the Agafay Desert

Camel riding in the desert felt like stepping into a childhood fantasy; albeit one that comes with a slightly sore back the next day. Still, the reward is incomparable. As the sun dips below the sandy expanse of the Agafay Desert, the light turns molten gold. Book the Camel Ride experience with White Camel Lodge & Camp, which comes with drinks at dusk in a glamorous desert encampment—sit back, sip your Champagne, and stare at the thousands of stars above you. A moment of stillness that stays with you long after.

Pro tip: The travel time from the city centre to the desert takes around 45 minutes to an hour, so time your experience accordingly and don’t let them talk you into renting an off-road vehicle (which is a bit more expensive), the roads are very accessible.

5. Go Up, Up, and Away

If an aerial view is more to your liking, and you’re more of an early riser, then a hot air balloon ride at sunrise is more suited for you. I am personally afraid of heights, so I took a pass on this one, but I have it on good authority that this is one of the most breathtaking experiences you can have in your lifetime.

In Marrakech, the adventure starts at dawn, near the Jbilet Mountains, where the balloon gradually rises to up to a thousand metres, the perfect view to see the golden sky touching the ground below.

Pro tip: If your party consists of more than 10 people, Ciel d’Afrique has a fleet of hot air balloons that can carry up to 19 passengers in four compartments, so everyone gets some space to enjoy the flight.

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6. Discover the Healing Properties of Argan oil

Morocco is known for its argan oil, which holds a deep cultural, medicinal, and spiritual significance in the country. In Berber tradition, the argan tree is often referred to as “the tree of life” and women extract the oil by hand. Treat yourself to a long, relaxing, and healing massage using argan oil, which is central to plenty of local rituals for the face, body and even hair. It offers multiple healing properties, including intense hydration of the skin, improves blood circulation, and helps the skin regenerate. Plus, it smells absolutely divine.

Pro tip: For authentic argan oil, a lovely insider tip is to stop by some of the small cooperatives on the way to Agadir, they are often locally run and produce very high-quality argan oil.

7. Learn to Cook Like a Local

Anthony Bourdain, who was an avid fan of both travel and food, once said: “If I’m an advocate for anything, it’s to move. As far as you can, as much as you can… Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food.” Food is such an important part of travelling. In Marrakech, food is inseparable from culture. To truly understand it, you must cook it, and an authentic cooking class is a fun and extremely satisfying way to bring home a part of Marrakech with you.

For me, it was the famous chicken tagine, cooked in a traditional clay pot. I learned all the spices and the technique from the chef of Shirvan restaurant, Chef Abdeladime Orchi, using the recipe he learnt from his grandmother. And when it was time to go home, he gave me a small bag of saffron and his recipe—a souvenir that’s way better than a fridge magnet.

Pro tip: For local spices, the best experience is in the Medina. There are many small, traditional spice shops where you can find fresh selections, which can be bought in small quantities.

In the end, Marrakech does what it has always done best: it changes the way you see colour ,light, and rhythm. Like Saint Laurent before us, we leave inspired, carrying a little of it with us wherever we go.