7 Best Areas to Stay in Marrakech + Secret Local Tips for 2024

Before you visit the red City, you’ll probably want to look for a place to stay. If so, then you’ll need to know a little bit more about the best areas to stay in Marrakech.

I mean, it’s hard to choose a hotel if you don’t know where to find the best neighborhoods in Marrakech. You know, awesome areas that are safe and well-located near many of the city’s top attractions.

Thankfully, I am a local who lives in Morocco and has lived in Marrakech on and off since January 2023. Therefore, I know all about where to stay in Marrakech if you want to have the best trip possible.

So, use this handy guide to figure out where to stay in Marrakech and which neighborhood is right for you based on you and your personal needs.

Just please know that this guide is in no way comprehensive since there are many more neighborhoods in Marrakech.

However, they are more local/residential areas that I do not recommend staying in since they can be unsafe or are extremely far away from the city’s main attractions.

We stayed in one of these remote area once (it was a terrible Airbnb) and had to take a 30-minute taxi ride back and forth from the Medina.

We could never find a group taxi to take us home (it was too far away) and it was a total nightmare since there was nothing near our accommodation.

So, don’t do what we did. Instead, use this Marrakech neighborhood guide to find all of the best areas to stay in Marrakech.

Local Tip: 99.9% of people will want to stay in Medina, especially if you’re only spending one or two days in Marrakech. I prefer the Kasbah since it is a smidge quieter. However, the Mellah is nice too if you want to get a taste for local life.

Also, when booking a stay at a riad in Marrakech, please book well in advance. Many riads are small with only a few rooms to choose from. So, you’ll need to book well in advance to guarantee your stay.

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1. The Medina

This is where 99.9% of people should stay in Marrakech. Essentially, it is a giant UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with vibrant souks (markets), historic buildings, amazing attractions, and bustling, narrow streets.

Most of the streets are pedestrianized.S o, while they are congested, you won’t have to worry (too much) about car traffic.

It’s a great place to stay in the city if you are short on time since it’s easy to walk around and most of the city’s main attractions are concentrated in this area.

It’s also a magical place where you’ll catch a glimpse of what Moroccan life was like in centuries gone by. The downside is that it is packed with people and the maze-like streets make it VERY easy to get lost.

You also may find it hard to use your GPS or find your hotel. Additionally, the traffic, screaming kids, sometimes aggressive vendors, and congested streets can make walking around annoying.

However, if you are short on time and enjoy staying in historic areas then this is the place for you.

Also, while the Medina and Marrakech are safe, you should be cautious and watch out for pickpockets since congested streets make tourists an easy target of petty thieves.

Please note, many people characterize the Jemaa el Fna Square/North Medina, the Kasbah, and the Mellah/South Medina. as separate neighborhoods in Marrakech. However, they are not. They are INSIDE the Medina.

They are all great places to stay in Marrakech and I have stayed in each one. So, these places are easily some of the best areas to stay in Marrakech.

One of my top Morocco tips is to stay in this part of the city and to get a Marrakech SIM card to help you stay connected. You can also use a Marrakech walking tour to explore this part of the city.

Local Tip: If you want to spend Christmas day in Marrakech and enjoy lots of cool decorations then try La Mamounia or the Royal Mansour. But, the Medina is not the most festive part of the country if you spend Christmas in Morocco.

2. Jemaa El Fna and the North Medina

Jemaa el Fna Square is a bit more touristy and centrally located. It is perfect if you want to be at the center of all the action during your stay in Marrakech. After all, Jemaa el Fna Square has sat at the heart of Marrakech for thousands of years.

So, grab some street food from a local vendor, enjoy stunning views of Koutoubia Mosque from a local rooftop, and see snake charmers, belly dancers, and musicians come out into the square at night.

Yes, this place is always packed with people (except during the heat of the day).

However, you can find cheap street food, shop for budget-friendly clothes in the souks (don’t forget to haggle), and are well-located near some of the best activities in the city.

Just be prepared to get lost since the streets are confusing and there is a distinct lack of signage and landmarks in the area.

You will also have to deal with a lot of noise and chaos since the streets are packed with people. Pushy vendors are also everywhere so learn how to say, “no thank you” in Moroccan dialect (la shokran).

But, this is where you’ll find a lot of the most affordable riads in Marrakech and some of the best riads in Marrakech with pools.

Best Hotels in the Area: Riad Karmela (luxury), Riad Dar Kawa (mid-range), and Central House (mid-range/budget). Just be sure to bring an adaptor for the plugs in Morocco so you can charge things.

• Riad Karmela (luxury) – Spread out across three traditional riads in the Medina, Riad Karmela is a bright, white riad that is well-located near the Marrakech Museum. It features exquisite, uniquely decorated rooms with wifi, fireplaces, and even a private terrace in top-tier rooms. The staff is great and a delicious breakfast is included with your stay. Therefore, it’s one of the coolest luxury riads in Marrakech.

• Les Jardins Mandaline (mid-range) – I LOVE this hotel/riad in the Medina. Rooms sit inside a stunning, Moroccan-style building and include access to a sun deck (with loungers) and a decent-sized plunge pool. There’s also a hammam and guests will love the continental breakfast with fresh pastries served on the terrace. The staff is also amazing and Les Jardins Mandaline offers guests a quiet retreat from the chaos of souks in Marrakech.

• Central House (budget/mid-range) – This Marrakech hostel feels more like a boutique hotel and features bright, white, beautifully decorated rooms. Dorm beds come with outlets, privacy curtains, lockers, personal lights, etc. They also have a nice plunge pool on-site and an amazing rooftop terrace for sunbathing. I LOVE this place and recommend it to everyone since I have stayed here more than once and keep coming back. The staff are also great so don’t forget about tipping in Marrakech.

3. The Mellah and South Medina

The Mellah (this means “Jewish Quarter” in Arabic) is a bit quieter and gives you a better feel for what local life in Marrakech. It is filled with local markets and quiet, sometimes run down, streets where locals go about their day.

I love going to the Ironworkers Square (​​Place des Ferblantiers) and sitting on a rooftop cafe while I can admire the views.

However, you can also visit the Mellah Market for cheese/produce, Bab Mellah Spice Souk for fresh spices, and find amazing (and cheap) street food in the area.

Other highlights include the Miaara Jewish Cemetery and the Slat al-Azama Synagogue/Lazama Synagogue. Full disclosure, I wasn’t super impressed by either spot, but that is just me.
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If you love local culture, hate over-the-top crowds, and want to try delicious local cuisine then this is the place for you. It’s also a great spot to see iconic spice pyramids and to find affordable riads in Marrakech.

Please note that there are still a lot of tourists in the area. So, you will not have this place all to yourself. It is just much less touristy than other parts of the Medina.

Best Hotels in the Area: Riad Ksar Anika (luxury), Dar 73 (mid-range), Dar Riad Jomana (budget), and Stork Marrakech Luxury Hostel (budget).

• Riad Ksar Anika (luxury) – This luxurious, 4-star property has all the amenities you could want from a riad, including free breakfast, wifi, a cinema, an outdoor pool, and even a hammam in Marrakech. Relax on a sun lounger by the pool, chill on the spacious sundeck, and retire inside a bright, spacious room with a large canopy bed.

• Dar 73 (mid-range) – This is a 5-star boutique hotel that features stylish, airy rooms with wifi, en-suite bathrooms, waterfall showers, and tiled tubs. There’s also a spa/hammam on-site as well as a hot tub on the rooftop patio. This patio is the perfect place to hang out since it has sun loungers and stunning views of the Medina. You can also chill by the pool and enjoy a complimentary Moroccan breakfast in Marrakech. I also loved the fresh flowers and fluffy towels.

• Stork Marrakech Luxury Hostel (budget) – As far as hostels in Marrakech go, this place is pretty plush. You won’t get breakfast and rooms can be noisy since you’re on a main street near Badi Palace. But, the staff is lovely, the hostel is quiet, and beds come with privacy curtains, lockers with locks, outlets, and individual lights. It’s pretty empty though, so it’s not a great place to meet people if you’re a solo traveler in Marrakech.

4. The Kasbah

Many people will tell you that the Kasbah is quieter than Jemaa el Fna Square.

However, I don’t think that is completely true since this ancient part of the city is home to exquisite attractions like the Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace, Bab Agnaou, and Badi Palace, aka one of the nicest palaces in Marrakech.

Essentially, the Kasbah is a large walled district in the southern part of the Medina that was once the citadel.

Today, the area has been renovated (to make way for mass tourism) and is home to amazing pastry shops as well as some lovely riads.

I have stayed here and it is a bit quieter than staying right in the heart of the Medina. It is also still only around a 15-minute walk from Jemaa el Fna Square.

It’s also a great place to enjoy sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains and to visit La Mamounia, which is one of the best hotels in the world.

Best Hotels in the Area: Riad Le Saadien (luxury), Riad al Nubala (mid-range), and Kasbah Red Castle Hostel (budget).

• Riad Le Saddien (luxury) – This riad is well-located in the Medina and features a unique blend of traditional and modern Moroccan decor. There is a large sundeck on the roof where you can enjoy a complimentary breakfast and relax on a sun lounger while enjoying stunning views of Koutotubia Mosque. Rooms are also exceptionally clean and the staff at Riad Le Saddien is super attentive.

• Riad al Nubala (mid-range) – Enjoy the soothing vibes of Riad al Nubala’s inner courtyard as you relax on the sun terrace and enjoy in-room amenities like wifi, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a walk-in shower. A delicious breakfast is also included with your stay, features pancakes as well as local foods. Additionally, the staff are fabulous and go out of their way to make every aspect of your stay incredible.

• Kasbah Red Castle Hostel (budget) – With 6, 8, 9, and 10-bed dorms available, rooms are pretty basic. So, no privacy curtains or extra snazzy beds at Kasbah Red Castle Hostel. However, you are well-located near the main square (6-minute walk away) and there is an amazing rooftop where you can relax and meet new people. The bathrooms are also super clean and modern. Plus, a delish breakfast is available for 22 Dirhams ($2.20).

5. Gueliz (Nouvelle Ville)

Unlike the Medina, Gueliz is very new and modern. That’s because this area was created by the French in 1912 and features long, wide streets.

These streets are a great place to go for a walk and see high-end stores, modern art galleries, international restaurants, and stylish cafes. It’s a neighborhood in Marrakech with a very modern, European feel.

It’s also a very cosmopolitan part of the city and is filled with young, stylish, worldly professionals as well as expats from all over the world.

So, if you’re looking for beautiful cafes, high-end restaurants, modern art galleries/museums, or vibrant clubs then this is the place to be.

It’s a much quieter place to stay and I recommend it if you are a solo female traveler (you’ll get a lot less unwanted male attention), if you are staying in Marrakech for an extended period of time, or if you have been to Marrakech before.

Additionally, you will be well-located near the Marrakech train station, the Supratours bus station, and you should have no problem getting lost or using your GPS to get around.

The downside is that prices tend to be higher and that you are a bit far away from the Medina and some of the top attractions in Marrakech.

In general, it will be about a 20 or 40-minute walk to the Medina. Otherwise, you can take a local bus to the Medina. Buses 3, 8, 10, 13, and 14 all run from the train station to the Medina and pass through Gueliz on the way.

Best Hotels in the Area: Ari Boutique Hotel (luxury), Hotel Le Caspien (mid-range), and YAAD City Hotel (budget).

• Ari Boutique Hotel (luxury) – This fabulous property is just a 10-minute walk from the train station and features a lovely, outdoor pool as well as a complimentary breakfast buffet that sometimes lacks in options. Spacious rooms also feature flat-screen TVs, electric kettles, and free toiletries. Additionally, the property is adults only and staff are happy to assist you in any way they can while you enjoy one of the best places to stay in Marrakech.

• Hotel Le Caspien (mid-range) – Located along a quiet street in Gueliz, Hotel Le Caspien has a nice outdoor pool and down-to-earth rooms that are well-outfitted with flat-screen TVs, wifi (could be better), and balconies overlooking the pool. Breakfast is also included and features a nice range of items that are both sweet and savory.

• YAAD City Hotel (budget) – This low-key hotel is a bit off the beaten path in Gueliz and has a nice, albeit small, outdoor pool. Rooms are well-decorated and include flat-screen TVs, wifi, and modern bathrooms. Breakfast is available for 65 Dirhams ($6.50) but is not exceptional.

6. Hivernage

Hivernage is a very high-end, luxury neighborhood that is home to many of the best five-star resorts in the city. So, if you plan on staying at a place like The Savoy, The Four Seasons, Es Saadi, etc. then this is where you’ll be.

It’s a very safe neighborhood filled with wide streets, well-maintained sidewalks, and beautiful gardens. You’ll also find some of the best clubs in Marrakech located here.

This one of the best areas to stay in Marrakech that is a bit far away from most major attractions (apart from the Menara Gardens).

It also really isn’t home to any amazing restaurants or local stores. So, it will be difficult for you to get around or catch a glimpse of local life while you’re here – unless you want to hang out at the Menara Mall.

I would only recommend staying here if you are a high-end, luxury traveler staying at a hotel that offers a free shuttle service into some of the more exciting parts of the city.

Best Hotels in the Area: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech (Luxury), AppartHotel Atrani (Mid-Range), and Royal Mirage Deluxe Hotel (mid-range). Honestly, these hotels are some of the top tourist attractions in Morocco.

• Four Seasons (luxury) – Situated near the Menara Gardens, the Four Seasons is the epitome of luxury in Marrakech. Rooms are well-outfitted with a balcony, a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, stunning views, etc. Guests can also indulge in a sumptuous breakfast buffet (so good) before using on-site tennis courts, a hot tub, a spa, two swimming pools, etc.

• AppartHotel Atrani (mid-range) – Rooms at this hotel are large, clean, and well-outfitted with modern decor that includes a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, a kitchenette, and a balcony. It’s a great place to stay if you want to cook and you can purchase a daily breakfast of fresh pastries, juice, and cheese. I’d skip the breakfast and just grab brunch in Marrakech instead. It’s also a very safe hotel to stay in.

• AppartHotel Amina (mid-range) – Guests here have access to an outdoor pool as well as a balcony, an on-site hammam, and a terrace with sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains. Additionally, rooms come well-outfitted with an oven and a fridge in the kitchen. It’s a bit outside the city center but a good option for a quiet stay in Marrakech.

7. Sidi Ghanem

Another neighborhood that you might come across is Sidi Ghanem. Essentially, this is an industrial district that is VERY far away from Gueliz and the Medina.

It’s a vibrant place that is perfect for anyone looking to get off the beaten path and go shopping in Marrakech. It’s also a great place to go for a bike ride through the city.

Personally, I would not stay here since it’s very far outside the city and it can be challenging to get from one place to another within this area. But, it’s a very up-and-coming area that you may want to explore if you’re very fashion-forward.

Best Hotels in the Area: Yanis Guest House (mid-range) and Le Voyageur (mid-range). FYI, there are not many hotels in the area.

• Yanis Guest House (mid-range) – Yanis Guest House is home to an outdoor pool, a lovely garden, and a nice communal lounge. You’ll also enjoy daily housekeeping as well as comfy rooms with flat-screen TVs and excellent wifi. A nice breakfast is also included and features pancakes, fresh pastries, and fruit.

• Le Voyageur (mid-range) – This motel is a bit removed but is a good option if you’re looking for a great place to stay and have your own car. The staff is lovely but the property could do with a bit of maintenance. Rooms also come with a private balcony although there is no fridge.

Best Areas to Stay in Marrakech

That wraps up this guide to the best areas to stay in Marrakech. I hope you now know exactly where to stay in Marrakech during your next trip to Marrakech.

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