Adventure meets style in Marrakech: A curated itinerary from GQ
This former imperial city in western Morocco is known for its alluring mix of languages, architectural styles and cultures—it's a place where tradition and modernity blend seamlessly, and creativity thrives. You'll find everything here, from hip clothing stores and traditional souks to sublime desert landscapes and, on a clear day, views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. With this insider guide, created by GQ for Chase Travel, you'll go beyond the typical tourist haunts to uncover the city's trendiest hot spots and hippest restaurants, plus a design-forward hotel that's an icon in its own right. This might be your first foray into Marrakech, but its unmistakable magic will keep you coming back time and again.
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Drop Your Bags
Whether you opt for a lavish palace hotel or a design-inspired riad (fashioned after traditional Moroccan homes with interior courtyards), prepare to be pampered like a royal in the Red City. Here's one of our favorites.
Royal Mansour Marrakech
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A celebration of Moroccan design and heritage, this 12-acre estate borders the UNESCO-designated Medina. More than 1,000 artisans contributed handcrafted details to the ornate space, from zellige tiles to tadelakt archways, and every guest gets their own three-story pad with a private courtyard and a dedicated butler—many even have private plunge pools.
The Main Attractions
Spending time getting lost in the Medina, the city's historic center, is essential for every traveler. But those in the know can discover a more modern side to the city through its fresh, fashion-savvy creative scene.
The souks
When you venture into one of the city's jam-packed markets, you'll want to prepare yourself for sensory overload: heaping piles of colorful spices, fragrant oils, clouds of shisha smoke. Once you've experienced the classics, seek out Funky Cool Medina, a boutique where local designer Fahd Al Marsaoui creates fashionable streetwear and accessories from recycled Moroccan and European textiles.
Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Beyond cobalt gates is a botanical garden plotted with more than 300 exotic plant species. Take in the scene before heading to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Through Chase Travel, you can even reserve a private tour of Villa Oasis, where the fashion designer lived with his partner after they purchased the property in 1980.
Discover The Desert
The sparsely populated desert-scapes that surround Marrakech offer a refreshing change of scenery—and are the perfect place to get a change of pace.
Agafay Dune Buggy Tour
Just 45 minutes outside the city center, you'll find the wind-shaped sand dunes of the Agafay Desert. Get your adrenaline fix with a dune buggy safari led by local guides. Keep your phone handy, too: You'll get plenty of action-packed selfies while zipping across dry riverbeds.
Caravan Agafay
After conquering the dunes, retreat to this remote eco-lodge, which features 55 solar-powered tented pavilions scattered across the desert. Refuel at the on-site restaurant Olivar, where chef Youssef Erraji Chahid's menu celebrates the diverse ingredients and cultural influences that define Moroccan cuisine (try the saffron shrimp and chicken kabsa).
Sate Your Appetite
Whether you prefer a fresh spin on traditional Moroccan cuisine or international cuisine, these restaurants showcase the breadth of Marrakech's culinary talent.
Nomad Restaurant
Set above an old carpet shop overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the city's primary public square, Nomad's rooftop terrace is a solid spot to relax while taking in the sights below. Expect a modern twist on classic dishes, with highlights like the cumin-harissa calamari and the saffron-scented date cake.
La Terrasse des Épices
Start your evening with a glass of Moroccan wine on the lantern-lit terrace of this beloved restaurant looking onto Souk Cherifia while a live band plays traditional music—then dig into the Mediterranean-style menu. Don't miss the sardine bruschetta with chermoula cream or the dukkah-crusted eggplant.
Day To Night
Another Marrakech takes shape after dark, thanks to trendy cocktail bars and live entertainment spaces favored by the city's creatives.
Azar Restaurant
Located in the modern Gueliz neighborhood (famous for its cool cafes and Art Deco facades), this Levantine restaurant serves live belly dancing performances with your candlelit dinner. The tasting menu takes you on a culinary journey through Morocco and the Mediterranean, starting with mezze before heartier dishes appear, like tagines prepared with beef shank cooked in a clay pot with vegetables straight from the garden.
Pétanque Social Club
While you drink at the Art Deco-style bar, or dine on Peruvian-Moroccan fusion in the garden, DJs spin house music and fashionable crowds gather to play rounds of pétanque in the courtyard.
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