Marrakech, the Ochre City and Vibrant Land of the 2025 CAN

Marrakech never does things halfway. Sunny, lively, and generous, the city moves to the rhythm of souks and terraces, framed by ochre ramparts, palm trees, and the Atlas Mountains in the distance. As one of the host cities of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, it offers supporters a truly immersive experience — from the renovated Grand Stade to the modern districts of Guéliz and the vibrant energy of the Medina, where football and culture blend seamlessly.

Here are the key details to prepare for your stay in the ochre city.

The Grand Stade de Marrakech

Located 11 km along the Amizmiz road, the Grand Stade de Marrakech is a modern stadium, inaugurated in 2011 and recently refurbished for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The stadium can host just over 41,000 supporters, with boxes, extensive media facilities, a newly renewed pitch, and larger reception areas. It also houses a panoramic restaurant with 180 seats.

The stadium is surrounded by wide access areas designed to handle the heavy crowds on match days. It also offers spacious parking, a modernized ticket office, and temporary catering points.

How to get there

The Grand Stade de Marrakech lies about 11 km from the city center, roughly a 24‑minute drive depending on traffic.

• By taxi: a practical and affordable option from anywhere in the city. From the Medina, expect to pay 20–30 dirhams.
• By bus: several lines serve the Menara district, with special CAN shuttles available on match days.
• By car: parking is available at the stadium, but anticipate heavy crowds during fixtures.

Getting around the city

In Marrakech, you can explore the city on foot, by car, by bike, or by scooter, depending on your preferences. Here are the main options, with ride‑hailing apps (VTC apps) also available in certain areas.

Bus / public transport

Marrakech’s bus network covers the city with numerous urban lines and remains the most economical option. A ride on a regular city bus costs about 4 dirhams.

To go to or from Marrakech–Menara Airport (RAK), bus line 19 runs every 20–30 minutes from early morning until around 9:30 pm. The journey between the airport and Guéliz / the city center takes about 30 minutes. It’s a convenient and budget‑friendly choice if you’re traveling light or arriving during the day.

« Classic » Taxis

Marrakech has two types of taxis: small taxis and grand taxis.

• Small taxis (metered) are convenient for short trips within the city.
• Grand taxis are better suited for longer journeys or group travel, though fares and conditions vary depending on the destination.

Car rental

If you are staying in the Palmeraie or planning excursions outside Marrakech, renting a car can be a practical option. Both local and international agencies are available, offering greater freedom of movement — though you will need to manage parking, traffic, and driving conditions.

VTC / « Chauffeured Car » Services

Ride‑hailing apps such as Uber, Careem, or InDrive are available in Marrakech and can be a practical alternative to taxis. They allow you to book a car with a driver directly from your smartphone, with the fare displayed in advance. A comfortable and predictable option, though availability may vary by area and time.

Discovering Marrakech: monuments, neighborhoods, and surroundings

Marrakech is an open‑air museum — a city of history and sensory experiences, where millennia‑old heritage, urban energy, and spectacular natural landscapes come together. For a first visit, the essentials are concentrated around the Medina and its gates, though every neighborhood has its own character and hidden treasures. For the more curious, the city and its surroundings offer countless discoveries. Here are the must‑see visits.

The medina: Marrakech’s historic and vibrant heart

Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Medina is a captivating labyrinth of narrow alleys, lined with thematic souks — leather, spices, metals, carpets — and artisan workshops handed down through generations.

Among the highlights:

• Jemaa el‑Fna Square is a true open‑air theater that comes alive at night with food stalls, storytellers, and musicians.

• The Koutoubia is Marrakech’s tallest minaret, rising above the city and visible from several kilometers away. Located just 200 meters from Jemaa el‑Fna, it is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks. The mosque itself is not open to non‑Muslim visitors, but the exterior can be admired freely, especially at sunset when its silhouette dominates the skyline.

• Saadian Tombs — Built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al‑Mansur, this royal necropolis reflects the power and refinement of the Saadian dynasty, with richly decorated mausoleums inside the Kasbah Mosque.
• Bahia Palace — A 19th‑century masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, with gardens, zelliges, and carved woodwork. Admission: 70 MAD.

• El Badii Palace — Built in the late 16th century by Saadian Sultan Ahmed al‑Mansour, once among the most sumptuous in the Islamic world. Today, its vast esplanades remain as majestic ruins. Admission: 70 MAD.

• The Secret Garden — A hidden oasis behind the Medina walls, built in the Saadian era and redeveloped in the 19th century. It features two gardens — Islamic and exotic — irrigated by a traditional khettara system.(See official website for rates)

• Exploring the Medina means embracing the art of getting lost — and always discovering something worth admiring.

Guéliz & Hivernage — Modern Marrakech

To the west of the Medina lie the city’s modern districts, shaped by the French protectorate.

• Guéliz is the urban and commercial heart: cafés, galleries, concept stores, and contemporary restaurants.
• Hivernage offers a more glamorous side, with upscale hotels, lounges, and nightlife.
• Jardin Majorelle — Iconic garden blending botany and design. Admission: 150 MAD.
• YSL Museum — A tribute to haute couture and Marrakech’s creative soul. Admission: 150 MAD. Highly recommended to book online.

The Palmeraie — Between nature and luxury

To the north of the city, this legendary palm grove stretches over thousands of hectares. Once agricultural, it now hosts luxury villas, golf resorts, and outdoor activities like quad biking, camel rides, and cycling — a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle.

Beyond the City — Nature and heritage getaways

Marrakech is the perfect base for exploring Morocco’s diverse landscapes — from mountains to desert.

• High Atlas Mountains — Less than an hour away, with hiking in the Ourika Valley or Imlil.
• Agafay Desert — A lunar, mineral landscape just outside the city, ideal for stargazing dinners and desert walks.
• Kasbahs & Berber Villages — Living heritage sites that preserve ancestral traditions.
• Dams & Lakes — Scenic spots like Lalla Takerkoust, perfect for lunch with a view and water activities.

Where to stay in Marrakech according to your budget

→ Small budget

• Amour d’Auberge (Medina) : Ideally located youth hostel in the heart of Marrakech. Offers free Wi-Fi, a garden, a common lounge, and air-conditioned dormitories (mixed or single-gender). Continental breakfast served on site. Close to Jemaa el-Fna Square, Bahia Palace, and Koutoubia Mosque. From 300 MAD/night/person.
• Kasbah Red Castel Hostel : Dormitory beds from 130 MAD/night/person. Includes concierge service, common lounge, terrace, and free Wi-Fi. Some rooms have balconies. Bed linen provided. On-site restaurant serves African and Moroccan dishes, with vegetarian, halal, and kosher options. Breakfast included.
• Hostel Laksour : Dormitory beds from 160 MAD/night/person. Offers free Wi-Fi, garden, common lounge, air-conditioned rooms, room service, and terrace. Evening entertainment and shared kitchen available. Breakfast options include à la carte, continental, or vegetarian. Moroccan restaurant on site.
• Hotels and apartments in Guéliz : Numerous options between 200 and 350 MAD, close to tram-bus lines and the modern city center.

→ Medium budget

• Hotel Salem Leksor : Offers double or triple rooms. From 430 MAD/night.
• Hotel Le Grand Imilchil : Rooms include a flat-screen TV; some have a seating area or offer mountain or pool views. From 570 MAD/night.
• Riad Les Palmiers de la Medina : Ideally located in the city center. Features free Wi-Fi, a terrace, a bar, air-conditioned rooms, and an indoor pool. From 640 MAD/night.
• The BIRD : Includes an outdoor pool, garden, shared lounge, and free private parking. Rooms have air conditioning, a desk, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, and balcony. Breakfast options include à la carte, continental, or vegetarian. On-site restaurant serves French, Italian, and Moroccan cuisine, with halal options. From 800 MAD/night.

→ High-end budget

• Les Jardins de la Koutoubia: Luxurious hotel located a 2-minute walk from the famous Jamaâ El Fna square. It offers a Carita spa, a jacuzzi, and an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees. All spacious, air-conditioned rooms open onto a terrace and are equipped with a minibar and a TV. Some include an elegant lounge. Starting from 3000 MAD/night.
• Park Hyatt Marrakech: This 5-star hotel features a terrace and accommodations with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and private bathrooms. It includes an indoor pool, a sauna, evening entertainment, and a children’s club. Rooms have balconies. A buffet, continental, or Italian breakfast is served on site. The on-site restaurant offers Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Moroccan cuisine. Starting from 5000 MAD/night.
• Fairmont Royal Palm Marrakech: Located a 20-minute drive from Marrakech — 12 km from the medina, 13 km from the convention center, and 15 km from the Majorelle Garden. Marrakech-Menara Airport is 10 km away. Rooms offer views of the garden, golf course, or mountains, and include a balcony. Guests have access to 4 restaurants, 2 bars, a golf course, and a spa. Starting from 6000 MAD/night.
• Four Seasons Resort Marrakech: Just a 3-minute drive from the Menara Gardens. The property features a rooftop terrace, an outdoor pool surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers, and a wellness center. Free Wi-Fi is available. Rooms and suites include balconies with views of the garden, pool, or mountains, as well as air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom. A buffet breakfast is served daily. The resort has 3 restaurants offering Andalusian, Moroccan, Southern Italian, and international cuisine. Starting from 7000 MAD/night.

Where to eat in Marrakech

Marrakech offers an exceptionally rich and diverse dining scene, spanning all culinary styles and price ranges. From sizzling street food in Jemaa el-Fna to gourmet restaurants and contemporary international tables, the city caters to every taste and budget. The selection below offers a representative overview to help you navigate this vibrant gastronomic landscape.

→ Economical budget — 80 to 200 MAD/person

• Chez Fatima : Traditional Moroccan cuisine. Located in the Medina, Chez Fatima is appreciated for its generous dishes, family atmosphere, and excellent value for money.
• Chez Bejgueni : This restaurant offers popular Moroccan cuisine, including grills. Located in the city center, it serves simple and hearty food, ideal for groups and informal meals.
• Jemaa El-Fna Square (evening) : Street food and local atmosphere. In the heart of the Medina, the square transforms each evening into a vast open-air dining area, offering a wide variety of Moroccan specialties.
• L’mdina : A restaurant serving Moroccan, Mediterranean, and international cuisine. Located two minutes from Jemaa El-Fna, it offers seating for those who want to enjoy a coffee or a drink at the bar. The daily menu is priced at 85 MAD.

→ Intermediate budget — 180 to 350 MAD/person

• Dar Cherifa : Moroccan cuisine in a historic setting. Located in the Medina, this restaurant occupies a 16th-century riad and serves traditional dishes in a remarkable heritage atmosphere.
• Le Grand Bazar Marrakech : Moroccan and international cuisine. Near Jemaa El-Fna, in the Medina, this lively spot offers a varied menu ideal for groups.
• Café des Épices : Moroccan and international cuisine. Facing the spice market in the Medina, this café-restaurant is known for its rooftop terrace and relaxed vibe.
• Nomad : Contemporary cuisine. Overlooking the rooftops and souks of the Medina, Nomad serves modern dishes inspired by Moroccan and Mediterranean traditions.
• Le Loft : Franco-Mediterranean cuisine. Located in Guéliz, Le Loft offers international dishes in a modern, urban setting.
• Comptoir Darna : International cuisine and lounge atmosphere. In the Hivernage district, this restaurant blends global flavors with a festive, evening ambiance.

→ High-End Budget — From 350 MAD/person

• Al Fassia: A benchmark in Moroccan cuisine. Located in Guéliz (with another location in the Medina), Al Fassia is a long-standing institution known for the consistent quality of its traditional Moroccan dishes.
• Dar Yacout: An exceptional traditional dinner. Nestled in the Medina, Dar Yacout offers an immersive experience combining Moroccan gastronomy, traditional architecture, and ceremonial service.
• La Trattoria: Refined Italian cuisine. This elegant address is renowned for its authentic Italian dishes and lush garden setting.
• Buddha-Bar Marrakech: Asian and international fusion. Located in the Hivernage district, Buddha-Bar serves Asian-inspired fusion cuisine in a spectacular setting with a lounge atmosphere.
• Royal Mansour: Prestige dining. Within the Royal Mansour palace near the Medina, these restaurants offer world-class Moroccan and international gastronomy.

Match Schedule in Marrakech

• 22 December 2025: South Africa vs. Angola (Group B)
• 24 December 2025: Côte d’Ivoire vs. Mozambique (Group F)
• 26 December 2025: Angola vs. Zimbabwe (Group B)
• 28 December 2025: Cameroon vs. Côte d’Ivoire (Group F)
• 29 December 2025: Zimbabwe vs. South Africa (Group B)
• 31 December 2025: Côte d’Ivoire vs. Gabon (Group F)
• 6 January 2026: 1st Group F vs. 2nd Group E (H7, Round of 16)
• 10 January 2026: Winner H5 vs. Winner H7 (Q3, Quarter-final)