The big choice: inside or outside the medina?
Inside the medina, you stay in a riad: a traditional house built around a courtyard or garden, usually with a few rooms and a roof terrace. You are within walking distance of the sights and the atmosphere is unforgettable. The downsides: cars cannot reach most doors, the lanes are confusing at first, and the medina is noisy and busy.
Outside the walls, you stay in a hotel or apartment in the modern districts, or in a resort on the edge of the city. It is easier for taxis, quieter and often comes with a bigger pool, but you will need a taxi to reach the medina sights.
For a first visit of three nights or more, we recommend at least two nights in a riad in the medina.
The medina neighbourhoods
Mouassine and around Dar el Bacha
In the northwest of the medina, between Jemaa el-Fna and the souks. Many of the city's best riads, restaurants, concept stores and galleries are here, along with the Mouassine fountain and the Dar el Bacha museum. Best for: first-timers who want charm and a central location. Watch out for: busy lanes close to the souks.
Riad Zitoun and Jemaa el-Fna
The lanes south and east of the main square, towards the Bahia Palace. Very central and lively, with easy taxi access along the Riad Zitoun el Jdid street. Best for: short stays and travellers who want to be close to the action. Watch out for: noise late at night near the square.
The Kasbah
The southern part of the medina around the Saadian Tombs and the Royal Palace. Quieter, more residential, and close to the Bab Agnaou and Bab Ksiba gates, which taxis can reach. Best for: families, light sleepers and anyone arriving with big suitcases. Watch out for: a 15–20 minute walk to the souks.
Bab Doukkala and the north of the medina
Around Bab Doukkala and towards the Ben Youssef Madrasa and Le Jardin Secret. More local, with good-value riads and easy access to taxis from the gates. Best for: returning visitors and those who want a quieter base. Watch out for: some lanes are confusing at night, so arrive in daylight the first time.
The Mellah
The old Jewish quarter next to the Bahia Palace, being restored. Authentic and less touristy, with a lively spice market. Best for: curious travellers. Watch out for: fewer restaurants and riads than elsewhere.
Outside the medina
Gueliz
The "new town" built in the 20th century, about 20 minutes' walk or a short taxi ride from the medina. Wide avenues, cafés, shops, restaurants that serve wine, the Jardin Majorelle nearby, and the train station. Best for: business travellers, longer stays and those who prefer a modern city base. Watch out for: less atmosphere; you will commute to the medina.
Hivernage
The upmarket district between Gueliz and the medina walls, with large hotels, spas, nightlife and the Menara Gardens nearby. Best for: comfort and nightlife, especially for couples and groups. Watch out for: a resort feel, far from everyday Moroccan life.
The Palmeraie
A palm grove about 15–20 minutes' drive north of the medina, with villas, golf courses and resort hotels with large pools. Best for: relaxing holidays, families who want space and a pool, and summer stays. Watch out for: you depend on taxis or your hotel's shuttle.
Agafay and the Atlas foothills
The stony "desert" of Agafay, about 45 minutes away, and the villages of the Ourika valley and Imlil offer luxury camps and guesthouses with mountain views. Best for: one or two nights at the end of a trip. Watch out for: they are not a substitute for the real Sahara; see our Merzouga guide.
Quick comparison
| Neighbourhood | Atmosphere | Walk to the sights | Taxi to the door | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mouassine | Charming, central | Yes | Partly | First trip |
| Riad Zitoun | Lively | Yes | Yes, on the main street | Short stays |
| Kasbah | Calm, residential | 15–20 min | Yes, near the gates | Families |
| Bab Doukkala / north | Local | 10–20 min | Yes, near the gates | Value, repeat visits |
| Gueliz | Modern | No | Yes | Longer stays |
| Hivernage | Upmarket | No | Yes | Comfort, nightlife |
| Palmeraie | Resort | No | Yes | Pool holidays |
Practical tips for riad stays
- Ask your riad which gate or square is closest and whether someone will meet you there. Most riads send a staff member or a porter with a handcart.
- Book an airport transfer for an evening arrival. The riad will usually arrange it at a fixed price.
- Save the riad's address and phone number offline and take a photo of the door. Medina lanes are hard to navigate with a phone signal alone.
- Check the bathroom and heating in winter: courtyard rooms can be cool and some riads are not well heated.
- Roof terraces are great for breakfast and sunset, but rooms right next to them may be noisy.
- Read recent reviews for comments on noise, stairs and access, especially if you have reduced mobility: many riads have steep staircases and no lift.
Our recommendation
For a first trip of three or four nights: a riad in Mouassine or the Kasbah, arranged with an airport transfer. Add one night in the Palmeraie or the Atlas foothills at the end if you want a pool and calm after the medina.
Plan your days with our Marrakech guide and our weekend in Marrakech itinerary.
This guide was last reviewed in October 2026. Entry rules, opening hours, transport timetables and prices change; check official sources shortly before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.