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.

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

If you are in Marrakech for work or as a layover for a day to other destinations, consider the option of staying near the airport. Find the best solutions and selected hotels on booking.com.

Medina, best for first-timers

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.

Recommended accommodation

Mellah, good for families and couples

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

Recommended accommodation

Kasbah, best for nightlife

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

Recommended accommodation

Gueliz, for young and budget travelers

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

Recommended accommodation

Hivernage, for families and luxury seekers

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

Recommended accommodation

Palmeraie, green and quiet

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

Recommended accommodation

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.

Marrakech accommodation price map

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