From the ochre walls of the Medina to the palm groves of the Palmeraie, Marrakech brings Morocco’s historic heritage into dialogue with contemporary art, design and a new interpretation of luxury. The UNESCO-listed old city preserves the past through landmarks such as Jemaa el-Fna, the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa, while its labyrinthine souks keep the country’s craft traditions firmly woven into everyday life.
The city’s contemporary character stretches from Jardin Majorelle and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent to the galleries and design boutiques of Gueliz. Alongside iconic hotels such as Royal Mansour and La Mamounia, a new generation of boutique stays, restaurants reinterpreting Moroccan cuisine and ateliers bringing traditional craftsmanship into a modern design language are moving Marrakech beyond the familiar narrative of an exotic escape. In 2026, La Mamounia once again featured prominently in international luxury hotel selections, reinforcing the city’s enduring appeal among high-end travellers.
Art, fashion and cinema are also becoming increasingly prominent in Marrakech’s cultural calendar. Held each year in late autumn, the Marrakech International Film Festival brings leading figures from world cinema to the city, with its 23rd edition scheduled to take place from 20–28 November 2026. From discovering artisans in the Medina and exploring contemporary galleries to wandering through gardens and venturing towards the desert landscapes beyond the city, Marrakech is a destination where history, design, gastronomy and luxury come together at its own distinctive pace throughout the year.
