The Ultimate Top 10: Rooftops, Hammams & Desert Escapes in Marrakech

Woman in a printed dress standing beside the pool at La Trattoria Marrakech, surrounded by tropical plants and lanterns.

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From rooftop cocktails and amazing dinners to hammams and desert sunsets, Marrakech is full of unforgettable moments if you know where to look. I genuinely wished I had stayed longer—there’s so much more to see, taste, and experience than I expected. If you’re planning your trip, I recommend spending at least 5 days here to really soak it all in and explore both the city and its surroundings properly. These are my Top 10 tried-and-loved experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist trail.

La Trattoria – Romantic Dining at Its Best

If you’re looking for a truly romantic dinner in Marrakech, this is the place. La Trattoria is pure magic after sunset, with lanterns hanging above a pool scattered with rose petals. The setting is elegant, intimate, and absolutely unforgettable.

  • Try: The octopus salad, lamb shoulder risotto, or the tuna tartare.

  • Tip: Request a seat in the “CÔTÉ PISCINE” area when booking for the full experience. It’s a popular spot for special occasions, so don’t be surprised if you hear a few rounds of “Happy Birthday” during your dinner—I counted at least six or seven that night!

Woman in a patterned dress dining at La Trattoria in Marrakech with gourmet food and roses on the table.
Lamb shoulder dish and scallop appetizer on a marble table with rose petals and red roses at La Trattoria Marrakech.

El Fenn Rooftop – Stylish Escape in the Medina

This rooftop is the perfect oasis when you need a break from the souks. Expect panoramic views of the Koutoubia Minaret, modern design, and beautifully made cocktails. It’s part of a luxury hotel that’s absolutely stunning inside and out, with an inviting atmosphere and unique design throughout the property. While the rooftop pool looks incredibly tempting, it’s reserved for hotel guests only.

  • Great for a light lunch, sunset drinks, or just enjoying the calm above the chaos.

  • There’s also a boutique shop and a gorgeous stairwell worth snapping photos of.

Colourful rooftop lounge at El Fenn Marrakech with red umbrellas and patterned chairs.
Green tiled rooftop pool at El Fenn with lanterns and a view of the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech.

Nobu Rooftop – Late-Night Vibes

If you want something livelier, Nobu Rooftop is the perfect night spot. With live DJs, a vibrant crowd, and great views, it’s ideal for drinks after dinner.

Come for the music, the views, and the people-watching. They also host live shows with different performances, which turned out to be the highlight of the night—really amazing to watch.

Performer in red costume spinning fire torches on a rooftop stage at Nobu Marrakech, with guests seated nearby under ambient lighting.
Traditional performers dancing on a wooden stage above a lit pool at Nobu Marrakech, surrounded by candlelight and guests.

Bacha Coffee – For Coffee Lovers & Luxury Café Vibes

If you’re a coffee person, Bacha Coffee is an absolute must. Over 200 varieties from around the world are served in what feels like a movie set from the moment you step inside. The reception area is stunning, calm music plays softly in the background, and the service is impeccable—with waiters dressed in beautifully tailored uniforms.

The food and coffee are presented in the most elegant way, making it not just a café, but a full experience. I visited in the afternoon and had a full meal—and it did not disappoint. I highly recommend trying the passion fruit cake, which was a staff recommendation and absolutely delicious.

Tip: Before entering the café, you can visit their boutique shop at the entrance where you can browse and select your coffee. It’s a great way to decide what you want to order once you’re inside—and a perfect spot to pick up some gifts. I got a few blends to take home, and they made beautiful presents.

Just a heads-up: I had to wait about 2.5 hours to get in as it’s incredibly popular, so next time I’ll definitely arrive before opening. Bacha Coffee is located inside the Dar el Bacha Museum, which you can easily explore in under an hour before or after your coffee stop.

Interior of Bacha Coffee in Marrakech with classic design and coffee tins on display
Woman enjoying a cup of coffee at Bacha Coffee in Marrakech, Morocco

Moroccan Cooking Class – Learn to Make Tagine

One of my favourite things to do in a new country is learn a local dish, and this tagine class did not disappoint. The ladies running the class were so lovely, and the recipes were delicious and easy to follow.

  • I chose an afternoon class because I wanted to fit in as many experiences as possible during the day, but I’d recommend doing the morning session if you can. That’s when you get to go with the group to the market to pick up all the fresh ingredients, which adds so much to the experience.

  • At the end of the class, we also prepared Moroccan mint tea. Fun fact: part of Moroccan hospitality is how the tea is poured. They pour it from a height, and they do it three times from the jug into the glass—this ritual symbolises warmth and welcome. If someone pours tea low, it’s actually a sign that you’re not fully welcome in their home.

  • You leave with recipes and a full belly—it’s a hands-on, unforgettable experience.

Woman in apron holding tagine lids, standing in a Moroccan kitchen with two clay pots filled with traditional tagine dishes.
Top-down view of assorted Moroccan tagines with chicken, vegetables, and fish, served with salads on a woven table surface.

Hammam Experience – Berber Ritual With Massage

If you’ve never had a hammam, prepare to feel cleaner than you’ve ever felt before. This was my first hammam experience, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. I chose the Berber package with a 4-hands massage in Maraja Spa, and it definitely delivered.

I have never been scrubbed so much in my life—and I mean that in the best way possible! I felt like a whole new person afterwards. Just a heads-up: the room is already quite hot, and with the sauna on, it became absolutely boiling. If you’re like me and don’t handle heat too well, bring a big bottle of water with you. After the scrub, I was taken to a relaxation area where they served Moroccan tea and almond cookies, followed by a quick foot massage before the main one. The 4-hands massage was good and something I wanted to tick off my bucket list. While the technique was nice, they could work on the coordination a bit more to make it feel smoother and more relaxing. Overall, I would still recommend this to anyone coming to Morocco. It’s cleansing, relaxing, and deeply cultural—a must in Marrakech.

Marajah Spa Marrakech reception area with patterned walls, white fountain, and ambient lighting.
Interior of a Moroccan hammam at Marajah Spa in Marrakech with mosaic tiles, brass fixtures, and soft ambient lighting.

Agafay Desert Day Trip – Glamour, Silence & Stargazing

Although I didn’t get the chance to visit Agafay on this trip, it’s definitely on my list for next time. While staying in Marrakech, I met a few fellow travellers who had just returned from a day out there—and after seeing their videos, I instantly regretted not going.

The landscape looks stunning and peaceful, and the experiences available are just as exciting. You can ride quads through the desert terrain, and there are some beautiful desert camps that make this a perfect day trip (or even an overnight stay under the stars). It’s the kind of place that offers both adventure and relaxation, just outside the city.

Atlas Mountains Day Trip – Culture & Nature Combined

This day trip takes you through valleys, Berber villages, and winding mountain paths.

  • Highlights include: tea with locals, a women’s cooperative, and a home-cooked lunch in the mountains.

  • Bring comfy shoes and some cash for handmade goods. The views and stories make this trip well worth it.

Ouzoud waterfalls destination in Morocco (North Africa)

Jemaa el-Fnaa – From a Rooftop, Not in the Crowd

Traditional Marrakech rooftop terrace with woven lanterns, shaded seating, and city view with mosque tower.
Relaxing on a traditional Marrakech rooftop with views over the medina and mosque towers near Jemaa el-Fnaa square.

I’ll be honest—I don’t love being in the middle of the chaos here, but it’s still worth seeing. The best way to take in the energy of Jemaa el-Fnaa is from above, where you can watch the street performers, musicians, and food stalls light up the square without getting caught in the crowd.

  • Stylish option: Dardar Rooftop Bar – Located just a short walk from the square, this spot offers amazing cocktails, a laid-back vibe, and a perfect view of the Medina skyline. With a modern design and relaxing atmosphere, it’s a great place to unwind after a busy day of exploring. Whether you’re there for sunset or late-night drinks, it gives you the best of the Jemaa el-Fnaa experience—without the noise and chaos.

Koutoubia Mosque & Gardens – Sunset Walks & Calm

One of the most iconic landmarks in Marrakech, the Koutoubia Mosque is beautiful at any time of day, but sunset is something special.

  • The surrounding gardens are peaceful and perfect for a pre-dinner stroll.

  • Bonus: It’s just a short walk to many rooftops, making it an ideal spot to start your evening.

Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech illuminated by sunset light with pink and orange clouds in the sky.
Golden hour over the Koutoubia Mosque — the most iconic landmark in Marrakech, glowing under the warm tones of the evening sky.

Make the Most of Marrakech – Must-Try Activities!

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INES GVOJIC

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Solo Travel & Hidden Gems

Hi, I’m Ines! A solo traveler who loves discovering beautiful places, unique stays, and unforgettable experiences. Sharing tips, stays, and must-do experiences so you can plan your next adventure!

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