Exploring the Marrakesh Medina with Kids: 1-Day Itinerary
Marrakesh’s famous medina is like a city within a city and offers a unique experience of life in Morocco. With a variety of souks, delicious foods, street performers, snake charmers and monkeys, there is something of interest for everyone.
Here is our one-day itinerary to enjoy the famous Marrakesh Medina with kids.
Enjoy a Rooftop Breakfast
There’s no sense in rushing out the door in the morning as the Medina comes to life mid-day. Few people roamed the streets and souk owners were just setting up when we arrived around 1030. Instead, spend your morning enjoying a traditional Moroccan breakfast on the rooftop of your riad. The sweet breads, homemade jams, and freshly squeezed orange juice were a hit with our boys.
Explore the Souks
Once your tummies are full, take your time roaming around the many streets in the Medina. The terracotta-coloured concrete buildings create a maze-like feel once inside and we often found ourselves turned around and circling the same direction. The confusion was a source of fun as we worked together to find our way.
There is a huge variety of souks to see. Spices, ceramics and pottery, textiles and leather goods, clothes, pastries, fruits, and meats. The experience was overwhelming at times, with vendors coming towards us, encouraging us to buy their items, but a polite “no thank you” was all that was needed to deter them. The alleyways are congested with crowds of people walking, donkeys pulling carts, and motorbikes whizzing by at full speed. Be sure to hold onto your little one’s hand.
Tip: Avoid the juicers in the Medina. The fresh fruit and the blended drinks look mouthwatering, but they are often made with tap water or ice, increasing the risk of foodborne illness. Nothing wrecks a trip faster than a stomach bug!
Tour a Tannery
Find your way to a tannery. Take a tour to learn how leather goods are processed or simply walk around at your own pace and take some pictures. Caution, the smell can be overpowering, but the experience is worthwhile and interesting.
Visit the Bahia Palace
Take a break from the busyness of the Medina and walk to Bahia Palace, located just outside the Medina walls. The smell of orange blossoms filled the air as we strolled up the walkway to the entrance. The Bahia Palace showcased some beautiful tile work and gardens. It took us approximately one hour to tour. Cost 154 Moroccan Dirham ($20 CAD) for a family of 4.
Sample the Cuisine
There are so many restaurants inside the Medina that it can be hard to choose. We enjoyed a delicious meal of hummus, vegetable couscous, and beef tajine at Henna Art Café. Owned by an American and Moroccan couple, if you didn’t know where to look, this amazing find is easy to miss. With just a small sign hung above a side door, the restaurant offered incredible flavours in a clean and family-friendly atmosphere.
Take in the View from Above
Seeing the main square of the Medina in the evening is a must-see! The square completely transformed from the open-air market we visited in the morning to a place of chaotic beauty. Hundreds of people weaved between one another, bargaining with souk vendors, squishing to the front of the crowd to get a peek of the street performers, and lining up for restaurants.
One of the best ways to experience the medina at night is from above. Take in the sights from one of the roof-top restaurants. The price of food was high, but we found a café in the center of the square that allowed us to stay for the cost of just two water bottles. We took a seat right up front, overlooking the entire scene. It was a magical evening.
By the end of the day, we were more comfortable navigating the Medina but felt that one day of exploring was enough for us.
Where to Stay
As you plan your time in Marrakesh, you may be wondering whether to stay inside the Medina or not. Since we were staying only a short time in Marrakesh, we chose to stay at Arabian Riad, a family-run riad inside the Marrakesh Medina. However, there are positives and negatives to staying inside the busy streets.
Learn More: The Pros and Cons of Staying Inside a Moroccan Medina
