Want to discover the hidden treasures of Marrakech and live unforgettable experiences? Staying at Riad Palau lets you enjoy the city with local advice and a warm welcome. Here are our 10 suggestions to make the most of your stay.
The essentials in 30 seconds
- The medina, Jemaa el-Fna square (15 min) and Bacha Coffee (5 min) can all be explored on foot from the riad.
- Majorelle Garden and the Gueliz district: 15 min by taxi, transfer arranged on request.
- The Agafay desert is 30 km away: excursion by private car with driver.
- Hammam, restaurants, souks: our team advises you and books for you.
Contents
- Visit the medina
- Jemaa el-Fna square
- Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- The Bahia and El Badi palaces
- A traditional hammam
- The Agafay desert
- Moroccan cuisine
- The Gueliz district
- The craft souks
- Breakfast at Bacha Coffee
1. Visit the medina, a labyrinth of discoveries
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Marrakech medina is a must for immersing yourself in Moroccan culture. Wander its narrow alleys, discover colourful stalls and watch craftsmen at work: Berber rugs, brass lamps, spices, worked leather. Every corner holds a surprise.
- From the riad: a few minutes on foot
Our tip: our team will point you to the best alleys to explore and the places to avoid.
2. Jemaa el-Fna square, the lively heart of Marrakech
15 minutes' walk from Riad Palau, the famous Jemaa el-Fna square is one of the most iconic places in Marrakech. By day, admire the street performers, snake charmers and fresh orange juice stalls.
In the evening the square turns into a huge night market, tagines, couscous and skewers, in a festive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.
- From the riad: 15 min on foot
Between two visits, a break in the shade on the riad's terrace.
3. Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Majorelle Garden is a haven of peace offering a welcome escape from the busy streets. Its exotic plants, cobalt-blue pools and bougainvillea create an inimitably restful atmosphere.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum, 50 metres away, traces the designer's story and his deep bond with Morocco.
- From the riad: 15 min by taxi, transfer arranged on request
4. The Bahia and El Badi palaces, the royal history of Marrakech
For a dive into royal history, plan a visit to the Bahia and El Badi palaces. Bahia Palace will dazzle you with its colourful mosaics and vast gardens.
El Badi Palace, with its imposing ruins and storks' nests perched on the ramparts, will immerse you in the city's past grandeur.
5. Enjoy a traditional hammam
A stay in Marrakech is not complete without a visit to a traditional hammam: black soap scrub, clay mask, essential oil massage. A moment of pure relaxation.
Our tip: we select and book the best addresses for you according to your preferences, an authentic public hammam or a private spa. See our Services page.
Stay in the heart of the medina. Moroccan breakfast included every morning, personal local advice and excursions organised for you. Check availability and book direct, best rate guaranteed.
6. An excursion to the Agafay desert
For an adventure outside the city, the Agafay desert awaits just 30 kilometres from Marrakech: quad biking, camel rides, dinner under the stars in a Berber camp.
- Distance: 30 km
- Transport: private car with driver, arranged by the riad
7. Taste Moroccan cuisine
Moroccan cuisine is a sensory journey in itself: slow-cooked tagines, Friday couscous, sweet-and-savoury pastillas, fragrant harira. Every dish tells a story.
Our tip: our team recommends the best tables in the medina to suit your budget and tastes, from authentic street stalls to gourmet restaurants.
The riad's rooftop, to enjoy the Marrakech sun.
8. Explore the modern Gueliz district
For a contrast with the medina, visit Gueliz, the modern district of Marrakech: Moroccan designer boutiques, contemporary art galleries, trendy cafés, international restaurants. This is the Marrakech of today.
- From the riad: 15 min by taxi
9. Shop in the craft souks
The souks of Marrakech are the ideal place to discover Moroccan craftsmanship: leather from the Chouara tannery, ceramics from Fez, Berber textiles, wrought iron, thuya wood. Each souk specialises in one craft.
Our tip: our team will guide you to the best souks to find authentic pieces at a fair price and avoid the classic scams.
10. An exceptional breakfast at Bacha Coffee
To start the day well, nothing beats a refined breakfast at Bacha Coffee, in the magnificent Dar El Bacha palace. This historic place, once the residence of the pasha of Marrakech Thami El Glaoui, transports you into an elegant and serene atmosphere.
Carefully selected coffees from around the world, Moroccan pastries, homemade jams, sweet and savoury dishes: a culinary and cultural experience for coffee lovers and food lovers alike.
- From the riad: 5 min on foot
Frequently asked questions
Can you explore Marrakech on foot from Riad Palau?
Yes for the medina, Jemaa el-Fna square (15 min) and Bacha Coffee (5 min). Majorelle Garden and Gueliz are 15 minutes away by taxi, and the team can arrange the transfer.
Can the riad organise an excursion to the Agafay desert?
Yes, by private car with driver. The desert is 30 kilometres from Marrakech.
Is breakfast included?
Yes, a Moroccan breakfast is included every morning.
Your starting point in the heart of Marrakech. Riad Palau is tucked away in the Sidi Ben Slimane district, near Dar El Bacha. Book your stay direct, best rate guaranteed.