With lush gardens, red sandstone walls, bustling souks and fragrant spices, the city of Marrakesh is a vibrant oasis in western Morocco. One of the country’s four imperial cities, Marrakesh (or Marrakech) was founded almost a thousand years ago. Its ancient streets are a delight for tourists to explore. In this quick guide, we’ll tell you what to do, where to stay and what to eat  — and why travel insurance is a smart purchase for Morocco-bound travelers.

3 Reasons to Buy Travel Insurance for Morocco 

1. Travel insurance can help ensure you receive appropriate medical care in a covered emergency. While Marrakesh and other large cities offer modern hospitals, not all facilities meet Western standards, the U.S. Department of State says. Outside the major cities, emergency care “is far below U.S. standards and may not be available at all.” Not only that, but rapid ambulance service is often not available after a car crash.ⁱ For these reasons, you need travel insurance for your trip to Morocco that includes emergency medical and dental benefits and emergency transportation benefits.
2. Travel insurance can help you in an emergency. “Crime in Morocco is a serious concern, particularly in major cities and tourist areas,” the State Department warns.ⁱⁱ The most common problems American tourists experience are pick-pocketing, purse-snatching, panhandling, theft from unoccupied vehicles, and street harassment. If you’re the victim of theft or another crime, or if you lose your passport, call our 24-hour assistance hotline. Our experts can help you handle virtually any travel mishap that befalls you.
3. Travel insurance can protect the money you’ve spent. If a trip to Morocco is a lifelong dream, take steps to safeguard your vacation investment. Travel insurance with trip cancellation benefits can reimburse you for your prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you must cancel the trip for a covered reason.

What’s the best travel insurance plan for Morocco? That depends on your budget and your needs. One of the best travel insurance options when traveling to Morocco is the OneTrip Prime Plan, which includes essential benefits for international travel. Plus, kids 17 and under are covered for free when traveling with a parent or grandparent (not available on policies issued to Pennsylvania residents). Get a quote for your next trip.

3 of the Best Things to Do in Marrakesh

1. Spend an afternoon wandering Jemaa el-Fnaa. This sprawling square — the heart of Marrakesh’s ancient medina — truly wakes up at dusk, when storytellers, acrobats, musicians, henna painters, fortune tellers and other performers ply their trades. Order a freshly pressed orange juice and enjoy the show.
2. Take a Moroccan cooking class. Don’t just savor the scents and flavors of Marrakesh while you’re there — take them home with you! Marrakesh is home to several well-known cooking schools that will take you on guided trips to purchase ingredients in the souk and then teach you how to make tagine, kefta, couscous and pastries.
3. Cool off in the Jardin Majorelle. One of the best things to do in Marrakesh is visit the Jardin Majorelle, a botanical garden designed by French artist Jacque Majorelle. It was later home to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, who restored it. Just two-and-a-half acres, it’s a jewel box of pools and fountains, palms and cacti. Don’t miss visiting the Berber Museum on site.

3 Beautiful Riads in Marrakesh

A riad, in Morocco, is a traditional house with an interior courtyard garden, often containing a fountain and orange or lemon trees.ⁱⁱⁱ You’ll find some of the best boutique hotels in Marrakesh in riads — like Dar Darma, which offers six lavish suites just steps from the Marrakech Museum. Relax in the on-site hammam steam room.

For pure luxury, consider the seven-suite Riad Joya, a serene oasis near the Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Enjoy its crisp décor, butler service, and full hammam spa treatment, with exfoliation, a body mask and massage.

If a boho vibe is more your thing, check into the Riad Jardin Secret. Its six rooms feature vintage furniture and books hand-picked for your stay, while the Pink Rooftop restaurant serves vegetarian cuisine. “Televisions and air conditioning are not available, which is our way of encouraging that you adapt to our laid-back slow-life haven and our free-spirit attitude to life,” the proprietors say.

3 of the Best Restaurants in Marrakesh 

While you can easily eat your fill at market stalls and cafés, you don’t want to miss dining at Marrakesh’s excellent restaurants. One iconic establishment is La Grande Table Marocaine at the Royal Mansour. On the menu, you’ll discover extravagant seafood dishes, flavorful tagines and dreamy desserts.

For a fun night out, head to Comptoir Darna. To accompany its sumptuous meals, the restaurant offers a nightly belly dancing show with a live orchestra. Al Fassia is known as one of the best restaurants in Marrakech for traditional Moroccan food  — and notably, it’s staffed mainly by women. It’s known for its special-order dishes for groups, which must be requested 24 hours in advance: steamed lamb shoulder, steamed vermicelli stuffed with pigeons, or mechoui (spit-roasted lamb).

Ready for an unforgettable journey to Marrakesh? Don’t forget your travel insurance! There’s a plan for every budget and every traveler. See your options here.

What Do I Need to Travel to Marrakesh?

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