Marrakech attracts tourists like no tomorrow. You can explore the labyrinths of souks and get a hint of Moroccan culture. It’s commonly mistaken as the capital of Morocco because it’s a city which stands high and proud in travellers’ experiences!
I’ve been living in Morocco for over five months now, and I’ve learned that where you base yourself in Marrakesh makes a massive difference to how the city feels.
Marrakech itself is divided into two parts: the historic Medina and the modern European district. Visiting Marrakech means haggling in the souks for colourful, shiny, Moroccan-made trinkets and wandering around the Medina.
But, honestly, saying that Marrakech can be overwhelming and stressful is an understatement. The locals are HIGH energy – and without some preparation, this can really tar your experience of this lively city.
I’m here to help you navigate between the two districts and their neighbourhoods, because knowing where to stay in Marrakech can completely shape your experience. So let’s find the best place to stay in Marrakech for you!
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Medina
Medina is hands down the best place to stay in Marrakech if you are visiting the city for the first time. A series of winding alleys and narrow streets, the Medina is the heart and soul of historic Marrakech.
Kennaria
Kennaria is a small neighbourhood located within the historic walls of the Marrakech Medina. Home to small shops and rooftop terraces, this neighbourhood is perfect for travellers who want to experience authentic Marrakech.
Gueliz
Located in the newer European part of Marrakech, Gueliz is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the city. Home to high-end shops and fancy restaurants, Gueliz is a playground for travellers looking to experience the new Morrocan style.
Hivernage
Hivernage is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Marrakech. A playground for the young, rich and famous, Hivernage is known for its high-class hotels, elegant restaurants, and sophisticated bars.
Chrifia
Chrifia is a small neighbourhood in Marrakech and the best place to stay in Marrakech for families. Located south of the city centre, this neighbourhood is well connected via public transit and is just a short drive from the Medina, Jemaa el-Fna and the city’s most notable attractions.
A Guide to Marrakech’s Best Neighbourhoods
Like most places you’ll visit in Morocco, Marrakesh is incredibly diverse and easy to get around. For some people, the city centre can be overwhelming. For others, they want to stay right in the historical heart of the Medina walls to experience the chaos.
Home to nearly 840,000 people, it is the third-largest city in Morocco. You can gaze upon the Atlas Mountains and be at the doorstep of the Sahara Desert at the same time.
There’s plenty to see, do, eat, and explore in Marrakech. Depending on the nature of your visit, certain areas of the city will be better suited to you. Perhaps you want to be surrounded by the top restaurants and museums? Or, maybe you want to be within walking distance of the trendiest shops. All of these things are possible if you stay in the right place.
Here are the top five neighbourhoods in Marrakech:
1. Medina – Where to Stay for the First Time
The Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the heart of Marrakech. Within the city walls, you’ll find the bustling Jamaâ el Fna square and the labyrinth of souks. This is home to Marrakech’s top attractions and sights as well as traditional restaurants and cafes.
Tucked away around every bend are tasty eateries, traditional riads, and charming and rustic cafes. You could spend a lifetime here visiting all the stunning artisan stalls, art galleries, and vibrant souks.
The Medina is also where you’ll find two of the city’s top attractions, the bustling Jemaa el-Fna Square and the incredible Bahia Palace. Browse the stalls and bargain for deals, and fight off a few enthusiastic salespeople as you enjoy this traditional Moroccan neighbourhood.
- Best For: Souks, history, rooftop terraces, food stalls and chaos.
- The Vibe: Loud, colourful, wildly chaotic but also kinda intoxicating.
- Proximity to Airport: Around 15-20 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.
- Transport Level: Walkable but intense. Expect narrow lanes, scooters, donkey carts, and a constant sensory overload. Taxis are needed to reach areas outside the walls.
- Budget: Huge range. From affordable riads to high?end boutique stays.
- Crowds: Always busy, especially around Jemaa el?Fna, the souks, and major landmarks like Koutoubia Mosque and Ben Youssef Madrasa.
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Top Things to Do in Medina
- Excite your senses in Jemaa el-Fna Square. Shop for food and snacks, listen to music, watch dancers and hear traditional Moroccan tales.
- Explore the Museum Dar Si Said, home to traditional Moroccan arts and crafts.
- Take a stroll through the famous Bahia Palace, a 19th-century palace decorated with lush gardens and colourful tile mosaics.
- Take a night tour to see the city’s most exciting energy.
- Browse the more than 8,000 photos at Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech.
- Enjoy some peace, visit the Mosque Koutoubia, the largest mosque in Marrakech.
- Wander the labyrinth of alleys in the souks. Haggle for bargains on everything from treats and clothes to pottery and jewels.
- Take a seat on a rooftop patio and savour a glass of traditional Moroccan mint tea.
Best Hotel: Riad & Spa le Secret de Zoraida
If you do want to splash out, this luxury hotel is THE perfect base for your time in Marrakech. Located in the city centre, this four-star palace is close to Marrakech’s top things to do. It’s just 100m away from the Bahia Palace. As well as a stunning rooftop terrace, you can enjoy a heated swimming pool, plus all sorts of spa treatments. Yep, this place is LUSH.
Best Hostel: Riad Layla Rouge
Riad Layla Rouge is a vibrant and colourful hostel at the heart of the Medina. Less than one minute from Jamaâ el Fna square and the Souks, this hostel in Marrakech is within walking distance of everything you could want to see!
Enjoy private or shared accommodations at this safe and comfortable hostel in the city, where you know that your valuables are safe.
Best Airbnb: Bedroom and bathroom – Riad with pool
I loved my stay in this riad, it’s a calm, beautifully kept escape from the medina’s chaos. The room was spotless and comfortable, the pool was an absolute dream on hot afternoons, and Sylvie was one of the warmest, most attentive hosts I’ve ever met. It offers great bang for your buck and feels like a little sanctuary in Marrakech’s old city.
2. Kennaria – Where to Stay on a Budget
Kennaria is a small neighbourhood located within the historic walls of the Medina. Home to small shops and rooftop terraces, this neighbourhood is perfect for travellers who want to experience genuine Marrakech.
Kennaria is also the destination of choice for travellers on a budget. Here you’ll find some top hostels in Morocco and good-value Marrakech hotels, all within easy walking distance of the city’s top attractions. Enjoy all the best of Marrakech at a fraction of the price by making your base in Kennaria.
- Best For: Easy access to Jemaa el?Fna, budget?friendly riads, and rooftop restaurants.
- The Vibe: Busy and semi-chaotic, but more chill than the square itself.
- Proximity to Airport: Around 15-20 minutes by taxi.
- Transport Level: Fully walkable; taxis are needed for anything outside the medina walls.
- Budget: Excellent for budget and mid?range travellers. Lots of good?value riads on quieter side streets.
- Crowds: Busy during the day and evening, but the back alleys are much quieter.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Top Things to Do in Kennaria
- Savour traditional Middle Eastern and Moroccan dishes. One of my favourite places is Roti d’Or.
- Rest, relax, and feel refreshed by spending an afternoon at the Isis Spa.
- Enjoy great food at Kachkach café.
- Offering vegan, halal, and traditional fare, Café Corner is your best bet for a good, cheap and delicious meal.
- Practice your haggling skills in the souks. Pick up unique souvenirs, delicious treats, and authentic Moroccan gifts.
- Dine on delicious tagine at La Cantine Des Gazelles with excellent food (and the roof terrace has great views of the market).
- Visit a Hammam and receive a traditional and thorough scrub down.
- Drink some of the best freshly squeezed orange juice in the world at the fruit sellers in Jemaa el-Fna Square.
Best Hotel: Riad Bamileke
From stunning views to charming rooms and a top location – this amazing Riad offers great value for your money. My room was huge and beautifully traditional, breakfast was generous, and the hosts were genuinely kind. Being so close to Jemaa el?Fna yet able to sleep in total quiet was perfect. If you want a gorgeous, traditional place to stay without breaking the bank, this is it 🙂
Best Hostel: Hostel Riad Marrakech Rouge
This family-run hostel is the best in Marrakech. Located two minutes from Djemaa el-Fna, this hostel is on the border of Kennaria. Bright and colourful, this hostel has clean and comfortable private rooms and dorms as well as all of the necessary amenities for a great stay in Morocco.
Best Big Group Airbnb: Gorgeous riad
This riad has 15 rooms and suites that accommodate from 16+ guests, some with balconies or private terraces. A special treat is the black marble swimming pool, unique in the Medina. Dar Bounouar is located in the historic district of Marrakech and in an exceptionally quiet setting. Access to the steam room, restaurant, terrace, lounge, and patio. Plus, they offer special prices for big groups. So, rally up the troops; this calls for a group trip!
3. Gueliz – Best Place for Nightlife
Located in the newer European part of Marrakech, Gueliz is one of the trendiest neighbourhoods in the city. Home to high-end shops and fancy restaurants, Gueliz is a playground for travellers looking to experience the new Moroccan style. If you have a full Marrakech itinerary planned, this is the right place to base yourself.
Gueliz is also the destination of choice for visitors looking for a night out. Although Moroccan law prevents the sale of alcohol in view of the mosque, this area is home to a large number of bars and clubs where you can enjoy a few discreet bevvies after the sun goes down. This is one of my favourite areas to base myself and then venture to other parts from here.
- Best For: Modern cafes, nightlife, shopping, galleries, and a break from the medina’s intensity.
- The Vibe: Contemporary, buzzing, and more European?feeling.
- Proximity to Airport: Around 15 minutes by taxi.
- Transport Level: Very walkable. Easy access to taxis and buses; far simpler to navigate than the medina.
- Budget: A wide range. From mid?range hotels to boutique stays and affordable apartments.
- Crowds: Busy around the main avenues and shopping streets, calmer in residential areas and cafe?lined side roads.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Top Things to Do in Gueliz
- Enjoy music and a fun show at Faktory’z, Africa’s first coyote bar.
- Dance the night away at 555 Famous Club, where the music is good and the atmosphere is unbeatable.
- Head to the top of the Renaissance Hotel and enjoy an amazing night and stellar views from the terraces of the sky bar.
- Explore the streets of Gueliz, admiring the unique architecture, delicious food, and amazing sights, sounds and smells of the neighbourhood.
- Visit the vibrant and lush Jardin Majorelle, an enchanting garden that was once owned by painter Jacques Majorelle and designer Yves Saint Laurent. With its intense cobalt walls and exotic flora and fauna, this is the ideal place to snap a few pics for the ‘gram.
- Enjoy amazing food and stunning views at the trendy Level 55 restaurant.
Best Hotel: Hôtel Ibn Batouta
If it’s your first time visiting Morocco, it can be a bit of a culture shock. That’s when staying at this cool hotel comes in handy. The rooms are held in a very Westernised style but with a hint of Marrakech’s traditional charm.
Get used to the heat, culture, and traditions while having the option to go back to what you know. You can also make use of the rooftop outdoor pool and step up your tanning game.
Best Budget Hotel: Appartements Ziad Guéliz
These apartments are spacious, clean, and surprisingly quiet for the area. The hot tub is a great bonus after long days exploring, and Samira (the host) is incredibly warm and helpful. It’s the perfect, well?located base in this modern spot in Marrakech.
Best Airbnb: Comfy traditional condominium
A nicely furnished apartment, both traditional and modern, right in the centre of Marrakech in the lively neighbourhood of Gueliz. The private terrace will allow you to enjoy your days in bustling Marrakech. This is a great location for nightlife.
But as a traveller, I’m sure you will want to do some sightseeing as well, and most major tourist attractions are within reasonable walking distance (around 10-30 minutes). All amenities you need, plus a washing machine!
4. Hivernage – Coolest Place to Stay
Hivernage is one of the coolest neighbourhoods in Marrakech. A playground for the young, rich and famous, Hivernage is known for its high-class hotels, elegant restaurants, and sophisticated bars. It’s a very cool place to stay in Morocco. It’s also where you’ll find shopping malls, art galleries and plenty of sidewalk cafes.
Relatively quiet during the day, Hivernage comes alive at night, especially during weekends in Marrakech when tourists and locals flock to the area to drink, dance and party the night away. If you’re looking for the place to see and be seen in Marrakech, look no further.
- Best For: Fancy hotels, big-name restaurants, and a more polished base just outside the medina.
- The Vibe: Elegant, spacious, quiet and modern. Luxury resorts and palm-lined avenues.
- Proximity to Airport: Just 10-15 minutes by taxi.
- Transport Level: Very walkable within the district; taxis are easy to find for trips into the medina or Gueliz.
- Budget: Mid-range to luxury, with high-end hotels, boujee riads, and lush apartments.
- Crowds: Relaxed and spread out. Busy around major hotels and nightlife spots, but generally much less hectic than the medina.
Photo: @Lauramcblonde
Top Things to Do in Hivernage
- Enjoy the VIP treatment at the exclusive and luxurious Lotus Club Marrakech.
- A world-class restaurant and an energetic club, Comptoir Darna is the best place for good food and a great show in Hivernage.
- Take a stroll through the Cyber Park, Arsat Moulay Abdeslam.
- Be entertained by acrobats and dancers at Buddha Bar.
- Dance the night away at Theatro, one of the best nightclubs in the city.
- Indulge your inner hedonist at Epicurien, an urban restaurant and lounge located within the Casino de Marrakech.
- See amazing views and sip on delightful cocktails at the La Perle Skybar.
- Savour delicious local and international cuisines at So Lounge.
Best Guesthouse: Vittoria Guest House
Vittoria Guest House is a fab budget-friendly option on the outskirts of Hivernage. The apartment is spacious, clean, and well?equipped, with everything you could need for a weekend in Marrakech. The location makes getting around simple.
Best Hotel: Longue vie Hotels
When in Rome! If you’re staying in a boujee neighbourhood, why not sample it! This is more of a splurge for us mere backpackers, but I’d still class it as semi-affordable luxury. The included breakfast is generous, and the Hivernage location is convenient and, honestly, just rather lovely.
Best Airbnb: Marrakech Treasure
This Airbnb is modern, spotless, and fully equipped, with everything you could need for a comfortable stay. The Hivernage location is safe and central, perfect for walking to cafés and the main events of Marrakesh. Self-check-in makes the arrival smooth, and having free parking is a huge bonus.
5. Chrifia – Best Neighbourhood for Families
Chrifia is a small neighbourhood in Marrakech. Located south of the city centre, this neighbourhood is well connected via public transit and is just a short drive from the Medina, Jemaa el-Fna and the city’s most notable attractions.
Chrifia is also the perfect neighbourhood for families visiting Marrakech. This quiet district boasts a number of activities for kids of all ages. From fun waterparks and lush gardens to golf courses and interactive games, there is plenty for kids and adults to enjoy in Chrifia.
- Best For: Families, longer stays, and those who want space, quiet, and a calmer base.
- The Vibe: Residential, peaceful, and suburban.
- Proximity to Airport: Around 5-10 minutes by taxi.
- Transport Level: Walkable-ish, but taxis are needed for sightseeing, groceries, and reaching the medina or Gueliz.
- Budget: Generally affordable, with modern apartments and villas which are suited for families.
- Crowds: Very light. Mostly local families and long?stay visitors.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
Top Things to Do in Chrifia
- Beat the heat at Oasiria Water Park, with slides, pools, and a lazy river.
- Play a relaxed round at Atlas Golf Marrakech, Chrifia’s lush 9-hole course.
- Take a day trip to the Sahara for a taste of Morocco’s desert landscapes.
- Visit the Observatoire Astronomie outside the city for stargazing and telescope views.
- Explore La Palmeraie, a vast palm oasis north of Marrakech.
- Test your puzzle-solving skills at Enigma Escape Games in nearby Gueliz.
Best Hotel: Kech Boutique Hotel & Spa
Kech Boutique Hotel & Spa is a contemporary and magnificent hotel located in neighbouring Agdal. A short walk to Chrifia and all the neighbourhood’s top attractions, this hotel is an ideal base for exploring Marrakech. Enjoy a range of wellness features and modern amenities at this four-star hotel. Including a kids’ pool for the kids to enjoy.
Best Airbnb: Stylish and modern flat
This luxury apartment is in the heart of an upscale residence. It has 2 terraces, with a breathtaking view of the swimming pool and the Atlas Mountains, and a second one on the opposite side. The space is very clean and newly furnished. The living room has a beautiful 65-inch QLED TV with several hundred channels. The kitchen has everything you need. It has three bedrooms, so great for families!
FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in Marrakech
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Marrakech and where to stay.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Marrakech
Yes, Marrakech is a safe city to visit. But even so, you can’t plan for everything. That’s why trusty travel insurance should always be top of the list of priorities!
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
Which Part of Marrakesh Should You Choose?
Love it or hate it, Marrakech has an energy unlike any city in the world. It’s chaotic, beautiful, dusty, strange, and exciting (all at once) with plenty to keep you busy for a few days before you go off into the Atlas Mountains or legendary desert.
I found it insanely chaotic, also is one of the most prominent memories I hold close to my heart after 5 months in Morocco. I think it’s a must-see for any curious traveller!
As you can tell, there are a ton of options in terms of places to stay in Marrakesh. My go-to is and forever will be riads; the traditional Moroccan-style homes with traditional decoration, unique furniture, and probably some incredible hospitality to go with it. So you’ll get a more authentic experience than just staying in your usual luxury hotels.
Wherever you end up, I would love to take your take on the city! Be sure to come back and leave a comment 🙂
This post is incredibly helpful! I didn’t realize how diverse the neighborhoods in Marrakech are. The recommendations for staying near the Medina sound perfect for being close to all the action. I can’t wait to explore the local markets and beautiful riads. Thanks for sharing such great insights!