18 Amazing and Free Things to do in Marrakech in 2025

If you’re on a budget and planning a trip to Marrakech, then you’re gonna need this list of free things to do in Marrakech. 

But, I have good news for you. Marrakech is already a very affordable city. 

So, while this list of cheap things to do in Marrakech will save you hard-earned cash, things are already inexpensive in Morocco. 

Therefore, expect to spend $5.00 per person on a cheap(ish) meal and $10.00 per person at a nice restaurant. 

Additionally, most paid attractions in Marrakech won’t cost more than $10.00. 

You can also find rooms in the dorm of a hostel for around $12.00 per night, depending on where you stay and how many beds the dorm has. 

That’s why, if you’re strapped for cash and are traveling on a budget, then Marrakech is a great choice since your money can go a long way. 

But, to help you make your budget last, let’s look at some of the budget-friendly activities you can enjoy in Marrakech.

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1. Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square in Marrakech. It is free to visit and is especially vibrant in the evening (after 5:00 pm) when musicians come out to play and when street vendors start selling their wares. 

This is mainly because it’s so dang hot during the day that no one wants to sit around sweating to death. 

So, try and time your visit for the evening if you want to see musicians play, belly dancers perform, or have someone take your picture with a monkey/cobra. 

Just be aware that if you take pictures with these animals, their handlers will expect payment. 

Jemaa el-Fnaa is also super well located. So, if you’re staying anywhere in the Medina then it should take you around 15 minutes to walk here (max). 

I also love heading to one of the restaurants surrounding the square and going to a rooftop so that you can watch all the people walk around. 

This isn’t one of the free things to do in Marrakech since it will cost you between 30 Moroccan Dirham and 50 Moroccan Dirham for a coffee. But, it’s worth it IMHO. 

Local Tip: Evenings are best since the square buzzes with activity. Avoid Friday nights though since everyone is at the mosque and the square is less lively. 

2. Visit Café Clock to Enjoy a Free Show

I have a mild obsession with Cafe Clock and have been to each of their locations in Chefchaouen, Marrakech, and Fes. 

Each one has its own amazing vibe and serves up delicious things like Berber Omelet, Spiced Cappuccinos, Camel Burgers, and more. 

It’s a great place to go since the decor is super chic and you can enjoy epic views from the rooftop. 

Plus, all their menu items are affordable with entrees costing anywhere between 55 Dirham and 100 Dirham. Coffees are also affordable and cost around 25 Dirham. 

Additionally, Cafe Clock has a wide variety of cultural activities for you to enjoy, including cooking classes, calligraphy classes, storytelling classes, baking classes, etc. 

Those all cost money though. But, one of the best free things to do is enjoy live musical performances. 

They are held in the evening at every location, with the Marrakech outpost offering live performances every night at 7:00 pm.

Performances include Oud Music with Imad on Mondays/Fridays, Sahara Sounds on Tuesdays, Jam Sessions on Wednesdays (anything goes and it’s super fun), storytelling on Thurdays, Houariyat women’s band on Saturdays, and sunset concerts with the Gnawa group on Sundays. 

But, do check their website for the most up-to-date schedule since things can change. 

3. Enjoy Some Storytelling in the Medina

One of the best free things to do in Marrakech is to enjoy a bit of old-school storytelling. As I just mentioned, you can experience this old-school tradition at Cafe Clock on Thursday evenings. 

However, another great place to listen to a bit of ancient storytelling is The World Storytelling Cafe. They host a bunch of free events amidst a fun and friendly atmosphere. 

It’s also a great, affordable vegan cafe in Marrakech. So, you can grab a delicious coffee with non-dairy milk (impossible to find in Morocco), order some delish bread, and enjoy vegan tapas like hummus and falafel, among other things. 

Local Tip: If you’re really into Storytelling then check out Marrakech’s International Storytelling Festival. It is held during the second week of February and is a fun city event. 

4. Watch Local Craftsman at Work

The Ensemble Artisanal is just a hop, skip, and jump away from a short distance from Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, 

It’s a place where you can watch skilled craftsmen meticulously shaping wood, weaving textiles, crafting leather goods, making exquisite jewelry, and painting ceramics. 

You can also pick up some fun Moroccan souvenirs too. It’s a government supported exhibition space with beautiful architecture and a wide array of Moroccan handicrafts on display. 

The prices are also fixed and generally less than what you would pay in the souks. 

5. Explore the Souks

If you are planning a short one day in Marrakech then you cannot leave the city without exploring the medina. 

It’s basically a giant maze of pedestrian streets where vendors sell everything from spices to clothes to lamps to carpets to lanterns. You name it and they sell it. 

It’s one of the best free things to do in Marrkech. However, vendors can be aggressive and will probably try to get you to buy something. 

Just say no and keep walking if you’re not interested. However, if you do want to buy something then haggle. I start by offering 50% of what they suggest and go from there. 

Also have cash handy since most vendors do not accept cards. 

I would avoid antiques unless you really know what you’re talking about since many vendors like to sell you fake antiques for a lot of money.  

Otherwise, try exploring Souk Semmarine since it is a main street. You can then head to Rahba Kedima spice market and souk Haddadine to see the blacksmith’s wares. 

Local Tip: If you plan to visit a smaller city in Morocco, like Essaoira, I would buy souvenirs there. The prices and quality tend to be better. 

I actually had a guy come up to me in Fes and offer to buy the scarf I bought in Essaouira because the quality was so good. 

In Marrakech, I bought a Soukware sweatshirt that I absolutely love since it has a pop art vibe that reminds me of Andy Warhol.

6. Check Out the Tanneries

This is one of the cheapest things to do in Marrakech that I would ONLY visit if you have a ton of extra time or if you won’t make it to Fes. 

Yeah, the tanneries in Fes are iconic. So, it’s not really worth visiting the ones in Marrakech if you will be going to Fes at some point. 

However, if you have time and want to see a Moroccan tannery then head to Rue Bab El Debbagh. 

The tanneries are ticked away against the ancient city walls. You can do a pad guided tour to explore the tanneries on your own for free. 

Once inside you’ll see people working in vats, treating the hides, and creating lots of leather goods. 

Local Tip: Try to visit early in the day since the smell gets worse as the day goes on. 

7. Say “Hi” to Koutoubia Mosque

This is another Marrakech landmark that you cannot miss when visiting the city. It stands at 77 meters (253 feet) tall  and is the largest mosque in the city. 

Sadly, you can only go inside if you are Muslim. But, you can admire the beautiful, Almohad architecture of the exterior for free. 

The minaret is bedazzled with geometric motifs and topped with a spire and metal orbs. 

It’s one of the best free things to do in Marrakech because you can wander through the surrounding gardens afterward. 

Feel free to sit on a bench and enjoy the peace that the fountains offer beneath the shade of a local tree. 

It’s also not hard to find since it sits right across the street from the main square. 

8. Enjoy Some Modern Art in Gueliz

Tired of the old-world vibes of the Medina? If so then head to the New Town area and check out some of the modern art in Gueliz. 

The walk will take between 20 and 30 minutes, but you’ll pass some lovely parks along the way. 

Once in Gueliz, you’ll see an eclectic assortment of modern cafes, high-end shopping areas, and modern/contemporary art galleries. 

Great places to go include Comptoir des Mines since it is huge and has massive exhibits spread out across three floors. 

Passage Ghandouri at 61 Ave Yougoslavie is also filled with galleries that display bronze lanterns contemporary photography, modern paintings, and more. 

Yup, it’s one of the best free things to do in Marrakech that is a visual feast you will not soon forget. 

9. Explore The Mellah

What many people don’t know is that there is actually a very large, and ancient, Jewish community in Morocco. 

So, one of the budget-friendly activities in Marrkech is to walk over to The Mellah and take a look around this Jewish part of the city. 

What I love about this place is that it is a lot less touristy than many other parts of the city and has a very authentic feel to it. 

Local landmarks include the ancient Al Azama synagogue from the 16th-century, and the Miaara cemetery. It’s the largest Jewish cemetery in the country and you will have to pay to enter both spots. 

10. Take a Stroll Through Cyber Park Arsat Moulay Abdeslam

Is Cyber Park Arsat Moulay Abdeslam the best park I have ever been to? No. 

But, it’s a charming little oasis where you can take a stroll and admire the trees all around you. 

It’s also a great place to stop if you are walking from the Medina to Gueliz. 

Plus, the park is historic and dates back to the 18th century. So, grab a seat beneath a tree and admire the beauty of the trees and fountains all around you. 

Just be aware that the gates to the park are locked at night. So, you can only visit from between 7:00 am 6:45 pm (6:00 pm on Fridays/Saturdays). 

11. Admire Interior Designs from Top Designers

Marrakech is renowned for stunning contemporary interior design. Somehow, this city is able to reinvent traditional Moroccan design and transform it into something new.

So, if you love all things modern then check out epic spots like Studio Augustine and linens from Corinne Bensimon’s Maison. 

You can also find modern rugs at Soufiane Zarib and exquisite lanterns at Maison Blaoui. The items on display are all very Moroccan but have a modern flair about them. 

12. Visit the Menara Gardens

Without a doubt, the Menara Gardens are one of my all-time favorite free things to do in Marrakech. 

It was established in the 12th century by the ruler of the Almohad Caliphate, Abd al-Mu’min. 

Since the , the gardens became a designated  UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985. 

They feature a grove of olive trees that surround a central water basin and reservoir, making this a great place for a stroll. 

The downside is that you will need to take a bus here. The upside is that the orchards of olive trees are amazing and this is definitely one of the less touristy things to do in Marrakech.

Plus, as you walk around the pool, you’ll be able to see planes flying through the sky. 

You can also take photos of the Atlas Mountains in the distance, and can even visit the pleasure pavilion that overlooks the pool. 

You will have to pay to visit the pavilion and I think it’s around 50 Dirham to visit. 

13. Go on a Free Walking Tour

Any time I visit a new city I always like to do a free walking tour. It’s a great way to get oriented to the city and to find out what to do and where to go – and Marrakech is no exception. 

Marrakech with Locals offers amazing free walking tours with a 5-star rating on Google. 

Just choose between a day time or night tour (not currently available) and get ready for an incredible three-hour experience with an English-speaking guide. 

The focus is on historic and cultural highlights. So, you’ll see Koutoubia Mosque, Bab Agnaou, the Jewish Mellah, Marrakech Medina, Jemaa el-Fna, and more.

Just meet your guide daily at L’Adresse Cafe and Restaurant at 10:00 am. However, I would book your spot on their website in advance just in case.  

Per usual, you are expected to tip your guide. Most people give anywhere between $10.00 and $50.00. But, the amount you give is totally up to you. 

Local Tip: Please be generous. Most Moroccans work 6 days a week and make around $200.00 per month (for an entry level job). So, keep this in mind when donating.

14. Watch the Sunset from the Roof of Your Riad

One of the amazing things about staying at a hotel/riad is that many have a rooftop where you can relax and watch the sunset. 

The views are exceptionally amazing because Marrakech doesn’t have a ton of really tall buildings. 

I know I spent a ton of time on the rooftop terrace at the Central House and had a blast. You can just chill and hear the call to prayer echo through the city. 

15. Go For a Swim at Your Riad/Hostel/Hotel

Many hotels, riads, and hostels in Marrakesh come outfitted with a pool. It’s just so dang hot in the summer that it becomes essential. 

So, if you’re paying to stay at a place then be sure to use the pool. 

Some are full-on Olympic-sized pools but most are small, plunge pools where you can take a quick dip to coll off. 

Fancier hotels may even have a heated outdoor pool that you can use in the winter. 

I enjoyed using the small plunge pool at Central House since it was a fun way to cool down in the summer. 

If you want to swim, just be sure you visit Marrakech at the right time if year. The city does cool down and you can really only swim from mid-April through November.

16. Get Some Photos of Bab Agnaou Gate

Bab Agnaou is without a doubt one of the biggest and most impressive gates in the city. 

It was built out of stone and completed in 1188/1190 by the Almohad caliph, Abu Yusuf Ya’qub al-Mansur.

It was the primary public entrance to the royal kasbah and is a local landmark worth checking out. 

Stop, by, take photos, and enjoy before heading to nearby Moulay El Yazid Mosque.

17. Marvel at Moulay El Yazid Mosque

Also known as the Kasbah Mosque, El Yazid Mosque was constructed by Almohad ruler, Yaqub al-Mansur, between 1185 and 1190. 

It sits inside the old citadel and is one of the most important ancient mosques in the city. 

This is another one of the best free things to do in Marrakech that will be a quick stop since only Muslims are allowed to enter the Mosque. 

But, do take photos and time to admire the exquisite architecture of the minaret. 

18. Visit the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum

Honestly, this place BLEW my mind. That’s mainly because the building is so beautiful and it is entirely free to enter. Yup, not having to pay was a wonderfully pleasant surprise that I did NOT expect.

Anyway, as you probably already guessed, this museum is all about cooking in Morocco. To be frank, the actual artifacts on display are a bit lackluster. There are some nice teapots and some cool ceramics.

But, I didn’t see anything that was next-level exciting.

However, it is a good place to go if you want to learn more about traditional Moroccan foods and how they are prepared. So, it might be a nice place to go on your first day in Marrakech.

This way you can get better acquainted with Moroccan cuisine and figure out what you need to try while you’re here.

They also have a nice recreation of a Moroccan tea salon on display, complete with a ton of signage (in English and French) that explains how tea is prepared and about the different types of teas used in Morocco.

This was all super nice but my FAVORITE part of my visit was the architecture. The tilework, traditional architecture, furniture, and woodwork inside this place had me picking my jaw up off the floor.

The central garden was also beyond exquisite and quickly transported me away from the insane chaos of Marrakech. It felt kind of like visiting Bahia Palace but without the crowds and the fees.

Other on-site amenities include a restaurant (stunning decor), a gift shop (overpriced), a rooftop terrace, and a cooking school.

Map Of The Free Things To Do In Marrakech

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Best Free Things to do in Marrakech FAQs

Can You Walk Alone in Marrakech?

Marrakech is a very safe city and you can absolutely walk around alone. The only time you might have a slight issue is if you are a woman solo traveling in Marrakech. 

In this instance you might encounter unwanted male attention but you won’t be in any actual danger. But, I had no problem walking around the medina alone at night. 

Is Morocco Cheap in Marrakech?

Marrakech is expensive by Moroccan standards but cheap for foreigners. So, you can expect to spend $5.00 per person on a budget meal and $10.00 per person on a fancier meal. 

Budget hotels can also start at $40.00 per night for a private room and most attractions won’t cost more than $10.00 per person. 

Do Tourists Have to Cover Up in Marrakech?

You really do not have to cover up in Marrakech. There are a ton of foreigners there and I have even seen locals wearing short skirts. 

The exception to this rule is if you are traveling solo as a woman. I would cover up a bit more so that you don’t draw even more male attention. 

Trust me, you will get a lot of male attention as a solo woman even if you are covered from head to toe. But, if you are walking in a group or with a man then men will leave you alone.

Is 3 Days Enough in Marrakech? 

3 days in Marrakech is the perfect amount of time. You’ll be able to enjoy some of the best things to do but won’t feel rushed. 

That wraps up this guide to the best free things to do in Marrakech. Did your favorite activities make the list? If not, then let me know. 

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