The most thoughtfully curated guide to Marrakech for lovers of architecture and exceptional food. A considered selection of the city's most aesthetically captivating spaces — places where design, culture, and cuisine intertwine. Experience the true beauty, rich heritage, and effortlessly laid-back spirit that make Marrakech so uniquely unforgettable.
One of the original specialty coffee pioneers in Marrakech. Simple does exactly what the name promises — exceptional coffee, minimal fuss, maximum quality. A serene spot to start the day or recharge mid-afternoon with a well-crafted flat white.
A sleek, modern coffee shop that takes its craft seriously. Single-origin beans, precision brewing, and a calm, well-designed interior that makes it a favourite among the city's creative crowd. Perfect for a focused work session or a slow morning.
The name means black and white — and the aesthetic matches: clean, contrasted, beautifully considered. HeiBai brings a minimalist approach to specialty coffee in Marrakech, with skilled baristas and a menu that rewards coffee lovers who know what they're looking for.
A neighbourhood favourite tucked into Guéliz's café scene. Gless has earned a loyal following for its relaxed atmosphere and quality brews — the kind of place you stumble upon, then keep coming back to. Great for a mid-morning catch-up or a solo read.
A refined, intimate teahouse nestled in the medina that elevates the Moroccan tea ritual. 1112 is the place to slow down, sip something beautifully made, and absorb the quiet soul of the city away from the souk's intensity. A genuine hidden gem.
Tip: Go in the afternoon when the medina light is at its best.
One of the most extraordinary coffee experiences in the world — and it started right here in Marrakech. Bacha Coffee is set inside the stunning Dar El Bacha palace, a 19th-century residence that once hosted Winston Churchill, Franklin D. Roosevelt, and Charlie Chaplin. Over 200 single-origin 100% Arabica coffees, impeccable service, Art Deco interiors, and a coffee boutique stocked with beans from 33 countries. A once-in-a-trip experience.
Tip: No reservations — arrive at 9am sharp to join the queue before opening at 10am. Closed Mondays. Entry requires a 10 MAD museum ticket. Worth every minute of the wait.
Marrakech's most celebrated modern restaurant, set over four floors in a restored 1960s carpet store beside the Rahba Kedima spice square. NOMAD reinvents Moroccan cuisine with fresh local ingredients and serves it with sweeping rooftop views over the medina and Atlas Mountains. The zucchini fritters and lamb burger are legendary.
Tip: Reserve the rooftop in advance — especially for sunset. Does not serve alcohol.
A beautiful secret in the north of the medina — an Italian restaurant set in a tranquil riad courtyard fragrant with lemon trees. Limoni is the perfect escape when you need a break from tagines, offering excellent pizza, homemade pasta, and a serene setting that feels far removed from the souk's hustle.
Tip: The pizza and panna cotta are highlights. Lunch menu is great value.
A legendary street food spot near the Dar El Bacha museum, serving the famous Israeli-Iraqi sabich pita — stuffed with fried aubergine, boiled egg, and an array of vibrant toppings. Completely vegetarian-friendly, quick, cheap, and absolutely delicious. The labneh with candied tomatoes is not to be missed.
Tip: There can be a queue — it's worth it. Go for the egg sabich.
A true Marrakech institution, open since 1949 and still run by the same family three generations later. Set in a 2,000m² garden with free-roaming peacocks, La Rôtisserie specialises in wood-fired grills — the steaks, grillades, and brochettes are exceptional. A beloved local favourite and a rare piece of living history.
Tip: Dine in the garden. Friday is couscous day.
A bright, welcoming all-day café and restaurant in Guéliz built around sustainability and farm-to-table values. Blue Ribbon sources produce with purpose and presents it with real culinary care — from artisan pastries and specialty coffee in the morning to creative, fresh lunches and brunches. Widely regarded as one of the best breakfasts in the city.
One of Marrakech's coolest after-hours hangouts, Kilin serves excellent food alongside cocktails and a soundtrack that shifts from Arabic pop to techno depending on the night. The Korean fried chicken burger is a standout. It also hosts a rotating programme of events — vintage markets, slam poetry, game nights — making it a true cultural hub for the city's creative scene.
Tip: Check their social media for events. Best from 9pm onwards.
The rooftop lounge of the boutique 2Ciels hotel, offering panoramic 360° views over Marrakech with an infinity pool, DJ, and a menu of Spanish-inspired gourmet tapas. Perfect for sundowners with a cocktail in hand. The Sahara-hued decor and resident soundtrack create an atmosphere that is equal parts chic and fun.
Tip: Book ahead. Adults (21+) only. Best at sunset.
One of Marrakech's most distinctive spaces — a 1930s pétanque club lovingly restored into a garden social club scented with jasmine. Mismatched vintage furniture, 1970s La Mamounia chairs, and a working pétanque court make it feel like a private members' club that's actually welcoming to all. The Sahara Spritz is the signature cocktail.
Tip: Ring the doorbell — entrance is through an unmarked door. Reservation recommended.
A stylish bar and lounge space that has established itself as one of Guéliz's most atmospheric evening destinations. Liva combines inventive cocktails with a warm, considered interior and the kind of easy energy that makes it feel equally suited to a quiet drink or a late night. A rising favourite among locals and expats alike.
A proper bar in the classic English mould — reliably stocked, unpretentious, and genuinely welcoming. Luxe Nassim offers a familiar comfort in a city where good bars can be hard to find, with a strong selection of drinks, a relaxed atmosphere, and the kind of unhurried service that encourages you to stay for another round.
A peaceful terrace café that sits at the edge of one of the medina's hidden gardens, offering shade, calm, and simple, honest food and drinks. The ideal spot to decompress after a morning in the souks — mint tea, a light lunch, and the quiet company of birds and greenery.
Tip: Go in the morning or early afternoon to enjoy the garden light.
A no-frills, much-loved local snack spot that delivers some of the most flavourful grilled seafood in the medina at very honest prices. This is where locals eat, not tourists. Small, slightly chaotic, and completely wonderful — a real slice of everyday Marrakech life. Bring cash and come hungry.
Tip: Go at lunch when the fish is freshest.
One of the great palaces of Morocco, built in the late 19th century for Si Moussa, grand vizier of the sultan. The name means "brilliance" — and the palace delivers on that promise. A labyrinth of ornate rooms, painted cedar ceilings, intricate zellige tilework, and tranquil courtyards shaded by orange and lemon trees. One of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech.
Tip: Go early morning on a weekday to avoid the crowds. Entry is around 70 MAD.
Created over forty years by French painter Jacques Majorelle, this extraordinary 9,000m² garden was later rescued and restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. The iconic cobalt-blue villa, vibrant bougainvillea, bamboo groves, and cactus garden make it one of the most photographed spots in Morocco — and rightly so. The adjacent Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts is equally remarkable.
Tip: Book tickets online in advance — the garden sells out frequently. Open daily from 8am.
Opened in 2017 and designed by Studio KO, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech is one of the most architecturally stunning buildings in the city — its woven terracotta façade a masterpiece in itself. Inside, permanent and temporary exhibitions celebrate the life and work of YSL, who fell in love with Marrakech in 1966. The Villa Oasis private garden, once YSL's personal retreat, is open to visitors on selected days.
Tip: Closed Wednesdays. Book tickets via jardinmajorelle.com. Combined tickets with Jardin Majorelle available.
The finest example of Islamic architecture in Marrakech — a 14th-century Quranic school of breathtaking intricacy. Every surface is covered in hand-carved stucco, zouak painted cedar, and zellige mosaic. At its centre, a serene marble courtyard and pool. The northern medina streets surrounding it are quieter and more atmospheric than the main tourist circuit, with excellent cafés and local vendors nearby.
Tip: Combine with a visit to the nearby Bahia-era souks. Entry around 70 MAD.
A dynamic contemporary art gallery and cultural space that has become a genuine anchor for Marrakech's creative community. L'blassa — the word means "the place" in Darija — curates exhibitions from Moroccan and international artists with a thoughtful programme spanning painting, photography, and installation. Stop in to see what's on — it's always worth it.
Tip: Check their social media for opening events and vernissages.
The undisputed queen of Marrakech patisseries. Amandine has been a Guéliz institution since 1997, blending French baking mastery with Moroccan pastry tradition. The display counter alone is a work of art — kaab el ghazal, mille-feuille, macarons, fruit tarts, and dozens of almond-based Moroccan sweets. Order a coffee and a plate of mixed cookies and find a table outside.
Tip: The lemon meringue tart and orange blossom macarons are exceptional.