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 need to rush out the door first thing, as the Medina doesn’t truly come to life until late morning. Instead, spend your morning enjoying breakfast on the rooftop of your riad. The distant hum of the bustling Medina slowly began to fill the morning quiet as we dug into a traditional Moroccan meal. The sweetbreads, homemade jams, and freshly squeezed orange juice were a hit with the kids, who couldn’t get enough. It was the perfect start to a day of exploration.
Explore the Souks
Once your tummies are full, take your time roaming the many streets in the Medina. Once inside, the terracotta-coloured concrete buildings create a maze-like feel, and we often found ourselves turned around and circling in the same direction. The confusion was a source of fun as we worked together to find our way.
The souks were a feast for the senses. Fresh spices fill the air, and brightly coloured textiles and pottery will draw you in. Kids will enjoy the many pastries and fruit stands. 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 can ruin a trip faster than a stomach bug!
Tour a Tannery
Find your way to a tannery and watch the intricate process of hammering and stretching leather goods. Take a tour to learn more, or simply explore at your own pace. Caution: The sharp scent lingering in the air can be overpowering, especially for kids, 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 fragrant breeze of orange blossoms surrounded us as we strolled up the walkway to the entrance, and the cool shade of the palace offered relief from the heat. Once inside, the Bahia Palace features intricate and colourful tilework and lush gardens. It took us approximately one hour to tour. It cost 154 Moroccan Dirhams for a family of four.
Sample Cuisine
Dinner time brought more sensory delights! There are so many restaurants inside the Medina that it can be hard to choose. We found a hidden gem, Henna Art Café, where the aromas of beef tagine and vegetable couscous had us eagerly waiting for our dishes. The welcoming staff were great with the kids, suggesting meals they would love. Owned by an American and Moroccan couple, Henna Art Café is easy to miss if you don’t know where to look. 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! The square completely transformed from the open-air market in the morning to a place of chaotic beauty. Hundreds of people weave between one another, bargaining with souk vendors and squishing to the front of the crowd to get a peek at the street performers.
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, Grand Balcon Cafe Glacier, that allowed us to stay for the cost of just two water bottles.
As the sun began to set, we took our seats, enjoying the coolness of the evening. The sound of lively music and cheers grew louder as performers showcased their talents while, the sunset cast a golden hue over the surrounding crowds, providing a stunning backdrop to the vibrant scene below. 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 wonder 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
Looking for More Places to Explore in Morocco?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• 27-Day Morocco Road Trip Itinerary
• Travelling to the Desert – Stops Along the Way
• Exploring the Atlas Mountains: A Hike in Imlil
• Camel Trekking in the Sahara: A Family Adventure You’ll Never Forget
