Top 10 Things to Do in Marrakech (Beyond Jemaa el-Fna)

Jemaa el-Fna is unmissable at dusk, but Marrakech rewards anyone who walks a few streets further. Start with the Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs early in the morning, before the coach groups arrive.

Our favourites for first-timers: the Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent museum at opening time, a hammam and argan-oil massage in the afternoon, and a rooftop dinner over the medina rooftops as the call to prayer echoes across the city.

For a half-day escape, the Agafay stone desert is only 40 minutes away — quad bikes, camel rides, dune buggies and lunch at a desert camp with the Atlas mountains on the horizon.

Shopping is a sport here. Head to Souk Semmarine for lanterns and leather, and Rue Mouassine for rugs. Go with a guide the first time; you will pay less and see the workshops behind the stalls.