Why Marrakesh needs to be on top of your bucket list

It is also well-known for its vibrant Medina and bustling souks (markets), which are crammed full of shops, food and tourists.

With so much going on and so many amazing restaurants to choose from and places to explore, it can become a bit overwhelming.

But don't worry, that's where I come in.

I journeyed to Marrakesh in search of its best restaurants, things to do and the best hotel and this is what I discovered.

@uktoday_ Come take a journey with me to Marrakesh and see why this Moroccan city needs to be top of your bucket list. #marrakesh #marrakech #bestrestaurants #besthotel #thingstodo #marrakechfood #marrakechmedina #souk #bucketlist #bucketlisttravel ♬ Midnight in Marrakesh - Xogut

The best restaurants in Marrakesh

Dardar

If you are in Marrakesh, make sure you do yourself a favour and visit Dardar.

It is one of the most popular restaurants in Marrakesh, and for very good reason.

It's not just the incredible food and delicious cocktails, but the whole unforgettable experience of dining out at Dardar.

Whether it be entrees, mains or desserts, there is sure to be something on the menu to suit everyone's taste buds, and every dish is just as good as the last.

Dardar is one of the most popular restaurants in Marrakesh and it's easy to see why. (Image: Patrick Glover) The chefs at Dardar look to reinvent Moroccan classics by fusing age-old flavours with modern flair.

But it's the location of this restaurant, above the rooftops of Marrakesh, that sets it apart from the rest.

You can enjoy your culinary journey on the rooftop while enjoying 360-degree views of the Medina below.

If that wasn't enough, there are also various entertainers who come through at various stages of the night to interact with diners.

I can't speak highly enough of this place, so be sure to go and check out DarDar for yourself.

Mazel

If you are looking for something a little more low-key with a Moroccan street-food kind of vibe, then Mazel is the place for you.

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Une publication partagée par Mazel مزال (@mazel_marrakech)

I began my culinary journey here, and what a place to start.

We had the pitas filled with chicken and some chips, and boy was the meal tasty.

The pitas filled with chicken, and chips from Mazel were delicious. (Image: Patrick Glover) Plus, the location on Place des Ferblantiers was fantastic, offering us a great viewpoint of the busy Marakessh lifestyle.

The other good things about Mazel is, there are two of them:

• One near Place des Ferblantiers
• And the other on Rue Fatima Zahra, in Bab Ksour

There are two Mazel restaurants in Marrakesh - visited the one on Place des Ferblantiers. (Image: Patrick Glover) Enjoying flavourful, authentic dishes in a relaxed, stylish atmosphere - what more could you ask for while on holiday?

Pazza

If you are a bit of a trend setter, and fancy trying something new - Pazza is the place to go, having only just opened in April 2025.

Also located on Place des Ferblantiers, the new restaurant offers Italian-style food.

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While I was unable to get the full Pazza experience, because we were in Marrakesh just days before it opened, I did get the opportunity to try the menu.

The fresh home-made pasta is a 'must-try', while if you like your desserts the 'Tiramisouk' is delightful (and I'm not usually a Tiramisu kind of guy).

I am told there is a "vintage, laid-back" atmosphere at Pazza where you can enjoy a stellar meal amongst wooden tables, eclectic chandeliers and terracotta pots.

You can just picture it, can't you?

Where to stay while in Marrakesh

If you are looking for somewhere to stay, it has to be Park Hyatt Marrakech.

From Australia to Cannes, and everywhere in between, I've travelled all over the world, and this will go down as one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in.

The Park Hyatt Marrakech was one of the best hotels I've ever stayed in. (Image: Patrick Glover) What makes it so good? Well, it boasts a range of features including:

• Sizable rooms (with the world's best showers)
• Several different pools (both indoor and outdoor)
• Fantastic restaurants and bars
• A gym with free classes for guests (for those looking to do a little exercise while on holiday)
• It's located next to a Al Maaden Golf Course

The hotel was simply stunning with a range of fantastic pools, restaurants and spacious rooms. (Image: Patrick Glover) You know a hotel is good when you want to spend as much time as possible there, rather than fleeting in and out while exploring your surroundings, and that's exactly what the Park Hyatt was like.

Prices for a room at Park Hyatt Marrakech range from MAD 4,801 (around £390) to MAD 20,403 (around £1,658).

Things to do in Marrakesh

As well as checking out the foodie scene, there are several other things that you simply have to do while in Marrakesh.

A trip to Marrakesh wouldn't be complete without a trip to the Medina and/or souks for a little bit of retail therapy.

A trip to Marrakesh wouldn't be complete without a visit a souck. (Image: Patrick Glover) I would also recommend a visit to the Agafay Desert, which you can do by spending some time at the Inara Camp.

You can head there for a range of activities, including camel rides (starting from MAD 300/around £24) and quad bike rides (starting from MAD 450/around £36). You can even stay out there if you fancy.

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Is it worth visiting Marrakesh?

I would recommend visiting Marrakesh, even if just for a few days.

I spent three days there, and that was enough to cram in some amazing meals, a visit to some souks, a trip to the desert featuring a camel ride and spending some time in my incredible hotel.

If Marrakesh isn't already on your bucket list, do yourself a favour and add it right now.