Marrakech

Travel, through a family lens: from spice-scented markets to desert horizons, in full color.

Morocco on our December holiday break was one of the most unique and memorable experiences for our young family with two girls, as we traveled across its diverse landscapes—starting in Fes, journeying through the Sahara Desert, and ending in Marrakech. While Marrakech isn’t often thought of as a destination for families with young children, our experience proved otherwise: it was absolutely worth adding on as part of a broader Morocco trip.

We were surprised by how laid back the city could feel, with calm moments tucked between the chaos. Crossing into the gated medina felt like time travel. One of our favorite stays on a vacation was here at a beautiful riad in the heart of the medina, where Moroccan design came alive in hand-carved wood and vibrant zellige tiles.

For families, my advice is simple: embrace the mix of history and modernity, slow down with strolls or café people-watching, and you’ll discover a city that’s both vibrant and surprisingly family-friendly.

-Mimi, Cofounder 

Family Travel Journal

Quick insights before you dive into planning…

Perfect for: Travelers craving color, design, culture, and adventure.

Ages: Best for kids 5+ (younger kids can still enjoy it, but the medina’s crowds and pace are easier with school-age children and up and without strollers).

When to Visit: Fall or Winter break is great for families to enjoy mild days, especially in the desert, and cool nights.

Trip Length: 3 nights but it depends if you add-on other nearby experiences.

Combine with: Fes, Atlas Mountains, desert, countryside, or other coastal towns for a longer 10+ day itinerary.

Destination Fit

At a glance


Marrakech is a city that feels like stepping into a storybook—vivid colors, winding alleys, and a rhythm that pulls you right in. Known as the “Red City” for its rose-colored walls, it blends centuries of history with a modern energy that keeps it alive and buzzing. Families will find a mix of adventure and ease here: the medina is a maze of souks overflowing with spices, lanterns, and treasures, while tranquil riads and lush gardens offer a calm retreat when little legs need a break. Beyond the city, day trips to the Atlas Mountains or the desert bring wide horizons and unforgettable experiences like camel rides. It’s a destination that surprises parents with its comfort and value, and delights children with its sense of wonder—making Marrakech a magical choice for a family journey.

Our Favorite Things

Traveled, loved, and chosen for you through our family lens.

  • Marrakech offers no shortage of places to stay—from charming riads and boutique hotels to five-star luxury resorts—catering to families of every size.

    • Riad Zamzam & Spa - in the northern part of the medina, a budget-friendly riad hotel option.

    • Bliss Riad Marrakech - inside the heart of the medina, style-centric travelers will enjoy this perfect balance of value and design, plus an outdoor rooftop pool.

    • La Mamounia - icon of Moroccan luxury in a central location outside the median with a variety of spacious rooms—including family suites and riads.

    • Jnane Tamsna - relaxing hotel experience just right outside Marrakech, this boutique hotel sits on a nine-acre garden, has 5 houses, 5 pools, and a tennis court with kid-friendly amenities.

    • Private riad - similar to what we stayed in inside the medina with 24/7 housekeepers— ours even helped with babysitting. It will take some digging and vetting, but we can connect you through our Custom Planning package.

  • Moroccan staples like couscous, tagines, fresh bread, and mint tea tend to win kids over quickly, while adventurous eaters can dive into the city’s spice-rich dishes. Beyond tradition, Marrakech is also an international dining hub, with everything from local favorites to global names like Nobu.

    • Food Stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa (with a Guide) - by night, the main square becomes a lively open-air food court—best explored with a guide to sample grilled meats, breads, and fresh juices stress-free.

    • Nomad - A modern and upscale (but not fine dining) Moroccan restaurant serving creative takes on local dishes in a chic but relaxed rooftop setting. The menu is approachable for adventurous eaters and picky kids alike.

    • Family Cooking Class in a Riad Kitchen - shop the markets, then cook together in a riad kitchen—kids can knead bread or stir tagines while parents learn spice secrets.

  • You’ll create beautiful memories both inside the city and just beyond it. Planning ahead ensures your family enjoys a variety of moments—some vibrant, some calm, and all memorable.

    • Wander the Medina – The most obvious, but still essential. Our favorite moments were the casual strolls beyond the main square, where we’d pause for lunch, coffee, or a midday snack. Slow down and soak it in—it is a vacation, after all.

    • Sidecar Tour – Hands down, the kids’ most memorable experience. It’s a fun way to weave in culture and history while sparing little legs from too much walking.

    • Jardin Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent Museum – A colorful garden oasis where kids can explore and parents can take in the beauty (and shop).

    • Family-Friendly Hammam – Some riads and hotels offer gentle hammam spa experiences that are suitable for older children—a unique way to relax as a family.

    • Day Trips to the Atlas Mountains or Desert – Perfect for camel rides and wide-open horizons. Book in advance, and if you’re visiting other parts of Morocco, choose the desert experience that best fits your overall route.

    Tip: Choose tour companies, experiences, or guides carefully. Details like private vs group tours, group size, and the style of experience can make all the difference in how your family enjoys it.

  • There are no shortage of shopping opportunities in Marrakech, especially if you’re in the market for Moroccan rugs. The kids marveled at colorful stalls, intricate lanterns, and pyramids of spices, and even without buying a thing, the joy of wandering and “window shopping” was unforgettable.

    Here are 3 things your kids can hunt to take home:

    • Mini Djellabas or Slippers – Traditional clothing or colorful leather babouches in kid sizes.

    • Handmade Toys or Trinkets – Wooden camels, small drums, or beaded bracelets from the souks.

    • Sweet Treats – Boxes of dates, honey cookies, or nougat—easy to pack and fun to share back home.

    Parents you may especially love finding unique jewelry or home decor .

    •  Rugs- A trusted spot is the Ensemble Artisanal (just outside the medina)—a government-backed collective where prices are fixed and goods are authentic, perfect if you don’t want to haggle.

    • Specialty Boutiques – If you want something curated, Chabi Chic offers beautiful ceramics, textiles, and home goods with a modern Moroccan twist, while 33 Rue Majorelle (near Jardin Majorelle) stocks high-quality contemporary Moroccan design pieces.

There's so much more to explore. For a comprehensive list of our favorite spots (including more hidden gems we discovered), reach out for a custom itinerary.

Tips

Language expectations

The local culture is rooted in Arabic traditions, with Arabic as the official language and French widely spoken or used for business.

Money matters

The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Cash is king, so be sure to exchange money before or upon arrival—and keep plenty of smaller bills on hand for markets, taxis, and tips.

A riad experience

A riad in Morocco is a traditional house or guesthouse built around a central, private courtyard, often featuring greenery, fountains, and intricate architectural details like mosaic tiles. The rooms are designed to face this serene inner space rather than the street, offering a peaceful, intimate sanctuary from the busy city. Many have been restored and are now used as hotels, offering a genuine and culturally rich Moroccan hospitality experience.

Staying in or outside the Medina

The word "medina" means city or town in modern-day Arabic, and the medina is the old core of a city in Morocco. Staying inside the medina is best for atmosphere—narrow alleys, souks at your doorstep, and the full “old city” experience. Great if you want to be in the heart of things, but note it can be noisy and harder to navigate with strollers. Also, you’ll want to inquire about luggage transport. Staying just outside the medina means easier car access. Often, you’ll find larger riads or boutique hotels with more space and pools, which can be ideal for families who want a balance of charm and convenience.

“Beware of snake oil!”

Our guide in Fes joked, “watch out for snake oil,” a reminder that Marrakech’s medina has evolved with tourism. Many souvenirs in the main markets today are mass-produced or imported, so it’s worth shopping carefully if you’re looking for something truly authentic.

Safety common sense

Marrakech is generally safe for families, but the medina’s crowds can feel overwhelming—keep kids close, watch your belongings, and use the same common sense you would in any busy city.

Getting around

Marrakech is best explored on foot, especially inside the medina, where narrow alleys and lively souks feel like a maze of discovery. For longer distances, taxis are plentiful and inexpensive—just agree on the fare before hopping in, or ask your riad to arrange one. If you enjoy comfort, like we do, we recommend booking private drivers for day trips or transfers, which is especially handy with kids in tow.

Hiring a guide vs. exploring on your own

Unlike Fes, where a guide is helpful for navigating the medina, Marrakech is easier to manage on your own. We found it simple to get around with Google Maps or by hopping into a taxi. Instead of hiring a guide just for navigation or joining tours, we’d only recommend a guide for a few specialty activities to enrich your experience.

Food allergy concerns

Of all the places we visited in Morocco, Marrakech offers the most accessible and varied cuisine. Moroccan cuisine often features nuts (especially almonds) and spices, so beware, as it’s not easily seen. Carry a digital written allergy card in French and Arabic (Google Translate works well). Street food and market stalls can be riskier, so when in doubt, stick to sit-down restaurants or hotel kitchens where requests can be managed safely.

Trusted Family Voices…

Family Travel Journal 2

KRISTIN PLEASE ADD YOUR NOTE

-Kristin, Cofounder 

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