🇲🇦 10 Amazing Things I Did in Morocco: Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains

There are few places on earth that hit all your senses at once like Marrakech does. The colors, the sounds, the spices, the constant hum of scooters darting through ancient alleyways—it’s an intoxicating kind of chaos that you can’t help but fall in love with.On my first visit to Morocco, I dove head-first into the energy of Marrakech and later found peace among the quiet valleys of the Atlas Mountains. Here are 10 unforgettable experiences that made this trip one of the most memorable adventures of my life.

1. The Koutoubia Mosque at Sunset

You can’t miss the towering Koutoubia Mosque—the city’s main landmark that seems to follow you wherever you go. As the sun dips behind the palm trees, the minaret glows in golden light and the call to prayer echoes through the city. It’s the perfect introduction to Marrakech.

2. The Snake Charmers of Jemaa el-Fna

Jemaa el-Fna, the famous main square, is pure sensory overload. Snake charmers, musicians, storytellers, and food vendors all compete for your attention. It’s chaotic and mesmerizing at the same time—grab a mint tea, find a rooftop café, and watch the drama unfold from above.

3. The Secret Garden

Hidden within the medina, Le Jardin Secret offers a quiet escape from the bustle outside its walls. Although the entrance fee feels a little steep, the peaceful fountains and shaded courtyards are a welcome pause between adventures.

4. The Majorelle Garden

Designed by artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, this cobalt-blue oasis feels like stepping inside a painting. The bamboo groves, palms, and desert plants make it one of Marrakech’s most photogenic spots—and one of its busiest, so go early!

5. The Ben Youssef Madrasa

Walking through this former Islamic college is like wandering inside an art piece. The intricate tilework and carved cedar details are breathtaking. The madrasa is a masterpiece of Moroccan craftsmanship and a must-see for photographers and architecture lovers alike.

6. Haggling in the Souks

The souks of Marrakech are a labyrinth of colors and textures—lanterns, rugs, leather bags, spices, and pottery stacked high in every direction. Bargaining is part of the fun. Be patient, smile, and remember that haggling here is as much about connection as it is about price.

7. Sipping Moroccan Mint Tea

No day in Morocco is complete without mint tea. It’s sweet, aromatic, and poured from impressive heights. Sharing tea with locals became one of my favorite small rituals, a reminder to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.

8. The Call to Prayer

Five times a day, the hauntingly beautiful adhan rolls across the city. Hearing it echo through the narrow medina streets as the sky turns orange is something I’ll never forget. It connects you to the rhythm of life here in a deeply moving way.

9. Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains

Just an hour outside Marrakech, the world changes completely. The chaos of the city melts into tranquil mountain scenery dotted with Berber villages. The drive through the Ourika Valley is spectacular, and the cool mountain air is the perfect escape from the city heat.

10. Hiking to a Waterfall

The Setti Fatma waterfalls in the Atlas Mountains are a bit of a climb, but totally worth it. Along the trail, locals sell fresh orange juice and handmade crafts. The view at the top, with water cascading down red rock surrounded by lush greenery, is pure magic.

🌍 Reflections: Lessons and Little Mistakes

Every trip teaches you something new, and Morocco was no exception.

On my first few days, I made the classic traveler’s mistake of trusting Google’s currency converter without realizing it was showing the UAE Dirham (AED) instead of the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). For nearly four days, my mental math was way off—I thought everything was shockingly cheap or absurdly expensive depending on the moment!Lesson learned: always double-check the currency code—MAD for Morocco.

Then came my real “adventure.” On our first day in Marrakech, some friendly locals offered to show us where the tanneries were operating “for one day only.” Intrigued, we followed them deeper into the medina, down twisting alleys and narrow passageways. One guide handed us to another, then another, until we finally reached the leather pits and, eventually, a leather shop where things got uncomfortable when it came time to tip.Looking back, I realize that everyone involved was simply trying to make a living, but the experience taught me a valuable lesson about safety and communication.

💡 Travel Tips for Marrakech First-Timers

1. Verify the currency code before converting or exchanging money. (It’s MAD, not UAE.)

2. Avoid unsolicited guides in the medina. If you want a tour, book it through your riad or a reputable service.

3. Ask for prices upfront—for taxis, guides, and even photos—to avoid awkward misunderstandings.

4. Bring small bills for tipping and market purchases.

5. Take breaks. The medina can be overwhelming; step into a café or riad courtyard to recharge.

6. Stay respectful. Dress modestly, especially outside tourist areas, and always ask before photographing locals.

✨ Final Thoughts

Morocco was a mix of magic and mayhem, beauty and chaos—and that’s exactly what made it unforgettable. From the vibrant markets of Marrakech to the cool breezes of the Atlas Mountains, every experience pushed me just a little further outside my comfort zone.

If you’re planning your first trip, go in with an open mind, a flexible attitude, and maybe a few extra dirhams in your pocket. You’ll come home with incredible stories—and probably a deeper appreciation for the art of travel itself.

🎥 Watch the Video

➡️ “10 Amazing Things I Did in Morocco” now streaming on my channel Divine Eye Adventures

Journey Beyond. Discover Within.