Jemaa el-Fna square
As evening approaches, stalls appear and the square changes pace.
Visiting tips — Jemaa el-Fna square
Take time to watch daily life, then explore the medina lanes. For a break, choose a terrace and check prices before ordering.
What to do in Marrakech? Your guide to the Ochre City.
From Guéliz
to the medina.
Coffee on a terrace, a detour through the souks, a pause in a garden. Choose your first walk from Stars Hotel.
The Koutoubia, seen from its gardens
Chapter 1Get inspired
The Stars guide · 2026–2027
Medina lanes, gardens, Atlas peaks and tables worth lingering at. From Guéliz, plan a stay at your own pace with local landmarks, sightseeing ideas and practical advice.
Koutoubia, a landmark on the skyline.
What to see in Marrakech
Eight highlights,
to suit your mood.
Start with one or two nearby sights, leaving time for unexpected discoveries. Suggested visit lengths below exclude queues and travel.
8 places to discover
28 min on foot
Koutoubia
Its minaret is a landmark across the city.
Visiting tips — Koutoubia
Explore the surroundings and gardens before walking towards Jemaa el-Fna. This suggested visit covers the exterior: please respect worship-only areas. Evening light brings out the warm stone.
Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum
Blue buildings, cacti and pools create a green retreat.
Visiting tips — Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum
The neighbouring Yves Saint Laurent Museum extends the visit. Book through the official ticket office and check each schedule: the two sites open at different times and the museum closes on Wednesdays.
The medina souks
Lanterns, textiles, leather and everyday objects: explore without trying to see everything.
Visiting tips — The medina souks
Keep a landmark to find your way back, ask before photographing craftspeople and take time to compare. Bargain politely; there is no universal rule for an opening price.
Bahia Palace
Courtyards, stucco, painted wood and zellige tiles reward a closer look.
Visiting tips — Bahia Palace
Explore this 19th-century palace slowly, moving between the open rooms and courtyards. Morning is a good choice; allow time afterwards for the nearby Mellah neighbourhood.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
In this former school, the courtyard pool reflects carved decoration.
Visiting tips — Ben Youssef Madrasa
Look up, notice the materials and explore the accessible spaces. Combine the visit with a morning in the souks, leaving time to find your way through the lanes rather than relying on a tight schedule.
Saadian Tombs
In the southern medina, this royal necropolis reveals another chapter of Marrakech’s history.
Visiting tips — Saadian Tombs
The Chamber of the Twelve Columns is a highlight; leave time to examine the decorative details too. A morning visit pairs well with a walk around the Kasbah.
Menara Gardens
The pool, pavilion and olive groves invite a slower walk.
Visiting tips — Menara Gardens
Choose a cooler time and enjoy the views over the water. On clear days, the Atlas appears on the horizon. Check pavilion admission separately if you would like to go inside.
Walk from the hotel: selected places within roughly 30 minutes, using the routes on our map. Adapt your walk to the heat and your mobility.
Updated: November 2026What to do in Marrakech
This month in Marrakech
What to do in Marrakech
in November?
Softer light, cool evenings and a cinema festival: November invites a mix of sightseeing and breaks. Bring a jacket for later in the day and check opening times on public holidays.
Green March anniversary
This national public holiday may affect some administrative opening hours. If you plan a visit or journey that Friday, confirm arrangements with the venue.
Official informationIndependence Day
Another important date in Morocco’s calendar. Plan any administrative tasks ahead and check the services you need. Each monument sets its own admission arrangements.
Official informationMarrakech International Film Festival
The 23rd edition is announced for 20–28 November 2026. Arrange your e-pass with the festival and check its programme before choosing a screening. Admission is managed by the organiser; a hotel booking is not a festival ticket.
Official informationOne festival and two national calendar dates. Check with organisers for programmes, admission and any changes.
Chapter 2Plan
Your local landmarks
For every mood,
a place to explore.
Find the hotel, choose a place and open walking or driving directions.
Your next stop is taking shape…
Choose a place from the list to see its directions.
Open the map in Google Maps ↗Choose a place to see its animated route on the map. Street distances and travel times are estimates without live traffic. Walking times depend on your pace.
Marrakech in 1, 2 or 3 days
Marrakech in 3 days,
without rushing.
For one day, follow the first row. For two, add the next. For three, choose a day trip. These suggested times depend on bookings, season and arrival time.
1 dayMedina essentials
- 09:00Bahia and the Mellah: start in the southern medina.
- 12:30Lunch and a break, keeping travel to a minimum.
- 14:30Ben Youssef Madrasa then the souks, subject to opening times.
- Late afternoonKoutoubia and Jemaa el-Fna, timed around sunset.
2 daysAdd gardens and Guéliz
- 08:30Jardin Majorelle, at your reserved official ticket time.
- 10:00YSL Museum, if open that day, then back towards Guéliz.
- 13:00Lunch at Pensée, then neighbourhood shops and galleries.
- 16:00Pool time or a booked Orélia treatment: leave room to unwind.
3 daysAn escape beyond the city
- 08:30Leave for Ourika or Imlil, according to weather and how much walking you prefer.
- 13:00Lunch and scenery, following a route suited to you.
- 17:00Approximate return to Marrakech; allow extra time for the road.
- AlternativeStay in town in the morning, then visit Agafay in the late afternoon.
Beyond the city
Day trips from Marrakech,
four horizons.
Approximate one-way driving times from Marrakech, excluding stops and depending on traffic. Confirm the route and meeting point with your provider.
Agafay desert
A rocky landscape facing the Atlas, especially rewarding in late afternoon light. These are not Sahara dunes. For an activity or camp dinner, confirm transport, inclusions and the return journey before booking.
Ourika Valley
A river, villages and mountain scenery offer a change of pace. Travel time depends on the destination, especially towards Setti Fatma. Trails can be uneven: choose a walk suited to your confidence and the day’s conditions, rather than aiming for every waterfall.
Imlil & Toubkal
Imlil is a gateway to the High Atlas, with walks around its villages. Climbing Toubkal is a separate undertaking requiring preparation, equipment and appropriate guiding. Check mountain conditions before setting out in winter.
Essaouira
Ramparts, harbour and Atlantic air: set aside a full day. The return drive takes up a significant part of the outing. Bring a layer for the wind and leave time to wander through the medina rather than packing the schedule.
Weather & seasons
When to visit Marrakech?
A rhythm for every season.
Spring and autumn make longer walks easier. Pack layers in winter; in summer, start visits early. Mountain weather can be very different from Marrakech.
On mobile, scroll the table sideways.
| Season | Day / night | What to expect | Our advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Winter · Dec–Feb | 19–21 °C / 6–8 °C | Mild days, cool mornings and evenings. | Monuments and museums; bring a jacket for evenings. |
| Spring · Mar–May | 24–29 °C / 10–15 °C | Gardens and walks, with warmer weather in May. | A good balance for exploring on foot. |
| Summer · Jun–Aug | 34–38 °C / 18–21 °C | Hot weather; some days exceed these averages. | Head out early, rest at midday, explore again in the evening. |
| Autumn · Sep–Nov | 23–33 °C / 11–19 °C | Warm September days, cooler evenings later on. | Culture and day trips, with a flexible programme. |
Chapter 3Live like a local
Our neighbourhood
Guéliz,
contemporary Marrakech.
Staying in Guéliz means discovering several sides of Marrakech: avenues and cafés, gardens, souks and monuments. Around Avenue Mohammed V, combine shops, galleries and terrace breaks. Carré Eden is around an 11-minute walk from Stars.
At the corner of Rue Sebou and Rue Oued Nfis, the hotel is your starting point. In the evening, return to your room, a table at Pensée or a treatment at Orélia Spa, by appointment. Save our address for an easier taxi ride back. Start on the terrace at Pensée, then wander among the cafés and galleries of Guéliz.
Choose my room
Food & drink
The flavours of Marrakech,
made for sharing.
Marrakech tanjia
Slow cooking, a clay jar and spices: this speciality captures the city’s cuisine. Recipes and choice of meat vary between tables.
Tagines
Chicken with preserved lemon, vegetables or meat with dried fruit: this slow-cooked dish changes with the season and menu.
Pastilla
Crisp pastry wraps a generous filling. Some versions combine poultry and almonds; others feature seafood.
Mint tea
A shared pause on a terrace or after a meal. If you prefer less sugar, mention it when ordering.
Msemen
These layered flatbreads are especially popular at breakfast, with honey or other accompaniments. Part of the pleasure is enjoying them freshly made and warm.
A table at Pensée
Find our restaurant’s offers, buffets and practical information on its dedicated page. The specialities in this guide are not a statement of today’s menu.
Discover Pensée restaurantChapter 4Prepare
Good to know
Practical advice,
before you set out.
Currency & payments
The Moroccan dirham (MAD or DH) is the local currency. Keep small notes for everyday purchases and check whether cards are accepted. Use authorised exchange services and keep your receipts.
Taxis & getting around
Before getting in, check the fare arrangement and destination with the driver. Most medina lanes are best explored on foot. Download a map and keep the hotel address available offline.
Languages
Darija and Amazigh are part of daily life; French is widely used, particularly in tourism. A few simple words, such as “choukrane” for thank you, help start a conversation.
Clothing & visits
Choose comfortable clothing and shoes suited to uneven paving. Modest dress suits traditional neighbourhoods; follow guidance at places of worship. Ask permission before photographing someone.
During Ramadan
The daily rhythm changes and some opening hours are adjusted. Check each visit’s schedule and enjoy walks after the fast is broken. Exact dates depend on the lunar calendar and official announcements.
Your arrival
Reception is open 24 hours a day and check-in is from 3 pm. When you book 3 nights or more on this website, the airport-to-hotel transfer is complimentary on arrival; otherwise a fee applies. Contact us in advance to arrange it.
Frequently asked questions
Your stay,
in five answers.
When is the best time to visit Marrakech?
Spring and autumn suit walking and sightseeing. Winter also works well, with cool evenings. In summer, go out early or late in the day. Check the forecast for your dates, especially before an Atlas excursion.
How many days do you need in Marrakech?
Three days allow time for the medina, monuments, gardens and Guéliz without rushing. Four or five days leave more room for a day trip and relaxation. In one day, choose a few sights close to each other.
Why stay in Guéliz?
Guéliz brings together restaurants, shops and open avenues, with convenient routes to the gardens and medina. From Stars, our map suggests around 23 minutes on foot to Majorelle and 28 minutes to Jemaa el-Fna, depending on pace and route.
What currency is used in Marrakech?
The currency is the Moroccan dirham, shown as MAD or DH. Carry some small notes for everyday purchases and check accepted payment methods before ordering. Use banks, cash machines or authorised exchange offices.
How do I reach the hotel from the airport?
Give the address “Stars Hotel & Spa, corner of Rue Sebou and Rue Oued Nfis, Guéliz”. Allow around 20–30 minutes by car, longer in traffic. For 3 nights or more booked on this website, the airport-to-hotel transfer is complimentary on arrival. Contact reception in advance to arrange it; outside the offer, ask for the fare.
The Stars journal
Our latest
articles.
Guides to help plan a visit and explore further.
November 2026 · Cinema
Marrakech Film Festival 2026: a practical guide
Confirmed dates, e-pass and planning your stay from Guéliz.
Read the articleGuide · Gardens & culture
Jardin Majorelle: plan your visit from Guéliz
Official tickets, visiting at your own pace and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
Read the articleGuide · The neighbourhood
Stay in Guéliz and explore Marrakech at your pace
Walks, local routes and breaks between Guéliz and the medina.
Read the articleChapter 5Book
Your address in Marrakech
The city awaits.
Take time to enjoy it.
Book your stay directly with us
A little more
for your stay.
From one night10% off eligible services during your stay at either the restaurant or the spa, your choice.
From three nightsIn addition to the 10% discount, the transfer from Marrakech airport to the hotel is complimentary on arrival. Once per stay, each guest on the booking can choose a complimentary buffet dinner at Pensée (drinks excluded) or a 20-minute massage at Orélia.
Photography credits
Additional photographs: Wikimedia Commons. Resized, converted to WebP and cropped for display; original licences retained. Other images and drawings come from the site’s existing assets.
- Majorelle — mwanasimba from La Réunion · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Souks — Dan Lundberg · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Bahia — FuriousYogi · CC BY-SA 4.0
- Ben Youssef — Ymblanter · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Saadian Tombs — User:AlexandrDmitri · CC BY-SA 3.0
- Menara — Mustang Joe · CC0