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Far from the crowds of the Jardin Majorelle, the Secret Garden in the centre of Marrakech is an oasis of elegance. This beautifully restored site offers a peaceful setting in which to admire Islamic architecture and enjoy the mild morning temperatures.
Another charming building is the Maison de la Photographie, tucked away in the Medina. This small museum overlooks the rooftops and offers breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains. Very few people visit the building, making it the perfect place for a calm cultural break with the children.
Just a few steps away, the Musée de la Parure, in a former palace, is a real treasure trove for curious travellers. Find Berber jewellery in the museum, cornes de gazelles pastries in the tea room, and Moroccan cuisine on the terrace. Housed in a former residence, the museum preserves the soul of old Moroccan bedrooms, with their painted ceilings and traditional woodwork. After your visit, take a break on the terrace with a glass of mint tea - an essential part of Moroccan daily life - with a view of the Atlas Mountains.
For a unique thing to do in the Medina that goes beyond the busy Souk Semmarine, stroll along Dar el Bacha Street for a more contemporary immersion in the old town centre. This peaceful spot is home to local artists' shops, exclusive concept stores and a refined, festive atmosphere.
Do not miss the Soufiane Zarib showroom, housed in a charming old house. Its designer rugs and handcrafted items boldly reinterpret Moroccan tradition. In the artisan shops, you will find unique creations as well as typical foodstuffs such as saffron and local argan oil.
When it comes to food, Le Jardin and La Famille are hidden gems in Marrakech's Medina. On the menu: a verdant setting, dishes flavoured with preserved lemon, chill music, and plenty of good cheer. These secret spots offer a refreshing break in lush vegetation, ideal for relaxing in the shade of fig and palm trees or on the hip rooftop terrace. For an immersion in flavour, try the street food in Marrakech - msemen, kebabs, or briouates - in stalls tucked away from the main square, Jemaa El-Fnaa, and its snake charmers.
Want an original way to discover Marrakech off the beaten track? Try a sidecar. Explore the forgotten alleys of the city centre, the old industrial districts or the iconic sites of Guéliz with a private guide.
The tour is fully customisable to suit your preferences: choose between local markets, historic buildings with stunning architecture, old craftsmen's houses or laidback rides to capture photographic memories. Perfect for visitors who easily lose their sense of direction in the Medina's tangled alleyways, this tour helps you better understand the geography of the city and its dozens of small neighbourhoods.
Enjoy a complete change of scenery less than an hour from Marrakech. Visit the Agafay Desert, which enchants with its vast sand dunes, spectacular sunsets and exclusive experiences. Explore the desert on camelback or take a buggy ride along the trails.
The evening continues under a tent in a chic camp such as Scarabeo Camp or La Pause. Accompanied by a Moroccan dinner, a campfire and a starry sky, this is a unique experience to enjoy as a couple or with the family. It is even possible to spend the night on site in comfortable rooms. The décor, featuring lanterns and carpets, pays homage to nomadic traditions, with a dinner under the tent worthy of the bivouacs of yesteryear.
Founded in the 11th century, historically-rich Marrakech also has a vibrant contemporary art scene. Head to Guéliz, a neighbourhood buzzing with creativity, to visit the Comptoir des Mines, MACAAL or the David Bloch Gallery, all focused on contemporary Moroccan art and sculpture. In the modern Guéliz neighbourhood, galleries, cafés and bookshops showcase local creativity.
On the Rue Majorelle near the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum, arty cafés and local bookshops offer an authentic experience far from mass tourism. And for true explorers, Sidi Ghanem is worth a visit. This industrial area on the outskirts of Marrakech is home to galleries such as MCC Gallery and designer concept stores.
Want to escape to the great outdoors around Marrakech? Choose less frequented valleys such as Imlil or Amizmiz, a great way to take a guided hike away from the crowds in Ourika Valley. With cooler temperatures and exceptional landscapes, these remote valleys offer breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains. A trip here is one of the unique things to do around Marrakech that is far from the hustle and bustle of tourism.
For a chic outdoor lunch, head to Kasbah Beldi on the shores of Lake Lalla Takerkoust. With its bohemian atmosphere, Moroccan cuisine and tasteful décor, it is perfect for a family outing.
What better way to discover this region than on a horseback ride through the hills south of the city? Accompanied by an instructor, you will discover another side of Marrakech that is nature-driven and peaceful. The ride's easygoing pace allows you to fully enjoy the landscapes and good views of the Atlas Mountains. An ideal family activity, suitable for both children and beginner riders. Villanovo can easily organise this outing through our concierge service.
Villanovo offers rentals of villas and characterful riads in Marrakech, equipped with private swimming pools, house staff and a private chef or a cook. The rooms are designed for your comfort, combining contemporary design with Moroccan charm.
Our villas and riads are located in the most sought-after neighbourhoods in Marrakech: the Medina, the Palmeraie, Royal Palm, Amelkis, and even on the Ourika Road. We also offer trips or weekends in Essaouira from Marrakech to extend your adventure.
At Villanovo, every trip is tailor-made. Thanks to our concierge service, you can enjoy exclusive services, like booking private drivers, tickets at top attractions in Marrakech, hot air balloon flights, restaurant reservations, a cooking class, excursions to the Agafay Desert, camel rides, guided tours of Guéliz or Berber villages, or an afternoon of pampering in a traditional hammam.
In your villa and riad, you will receive a personalised travel diary with our top recommendations to go off the beaten track in Marrakech and the surrounding area. Whether it is your first time or a return trip to Marrakech, you will appreciate our expert tips: hidden gems, art galleries, where to eat Moroccan cuisine, and activities for young and old alike.
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