Holidays in Marrakesh: Your ultimate guide to Morocco's Red City

Flights to Marrakesh from the UK

Are you heading to Marrakesh from the UK? Get ready for a quick flight to Morocco's Red City. Several airlines offer direct Marrakesh flights from London, Manchester, Bristol and Edinburgh. Fly with British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair or Wizz Air, with flight times averaging four hours.

You'll land at Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK), which is only four miles from the city centre. You can easily get transport to Marrakesh hotels from the airport. The easiest option is using a taxi, or you can hop onto a bus to save on transport.

Fun things to do in Marrakesh

Get lost in the souks

Marrakesh's souks are a shopper's paradise. You'll find a maze of vibrant stalls, exotic spices, handmade crafts and street food. Wander through Souk Semmarine, where you'll find colourful rugs, leather bags and shimmering lanterns. Do you fancy some Moroccan tea? Head to a spice shop and grab some fresh mint and saffron. Bargaining is part of the fun, so channel your inner haggler to get the best prices. Even if you're not shopping, the sights, sounds and smells make it an unforgettable experience.

Explore Jemaa el-Fna

Jemaa el-Fna isn't just a square; it's Marrakesh's beating heart. By day, it's buzzing with juice stalls, henna artists and street performers, but as the sun sets, the real magic begins. Snake charmers, musicians and acrobats take over while the air fills with the delicious scent of grilled kebabs and sizzling tagines. The best way to soak it all in? Grab a mint tea at a rooftop cafe, sit back and watch the chaos unfold.

FAQs about Marrakesh holidays

Q: Is Morocco a cheap holiday?

A: Holidays in Morocco can be cheap. Whether you're a budget traveller or looking for luxury, there's something for every price range. Street food like tagines, couscous and fresh pastries costs as little as £3 to £5, while mid-range restaurant meals are £10 to £20 per person. Hotels range from £20 a night for budget riads to £150 or more for five-star resorts. Transport is also cheap; petit taxis start at £1, and buses are even less. Souk shopping and activities like hammams or camel rides are reasonably priced, too.

Q: Is Marrakesh a party town?

A: Marrakesh isn't your typical party town, but it definitely has a vibrant nightlife scene with a Moroccan twist. While you won't find wild nightclubs like in Ibiza, the city is packed with rooftop bars, lounges and live music venues. Head to Le Comptoir Darna for belly dancing and cocktails or Theatro Marrakech for a high-energy clubbing experience. If you fancy something unique, try a desert party under the stars. Many riads also offer intimate jazz nights and traditional Moroccan performances.

Q: Do people drink in Marrakesh?

A: Yes, people drink in Marrakesh, but alcohol isn't as widely available as in European cities. Since Morocco is a Muslim country, drinking in public is not the norm, but many hotels, riads, upscale restaurants and bars serve alcohol. Head to spots like Le Comptoir Darna or rooftop bars for cocktails and Moroccan wines. You can also buy alcohol at select supermarkets, like Carrefour and Acima. Just remember to respect local customs and drink responsibly.