15 Unusual Date Ideas to Try in Marrakech

Spice up your love life in Marrakech
Spice up your love life in Marrakech | © hmmmayor / Flickr
Sarah Williams

As one of Morocco’s former imperial capital cities, Marrakech is brimming with history and culture. A perfect destination for all, couples, families with children, groups of fun-seeking friends, and solo travellers will find plenty to keep them occupied in the Red City. Romance might not be readily apparent, as is common in many Islamic nations, but there are several cool ideas for a date with a twist. Read on to discover how to spend time with your significant other in Marrakech that’s a little bit different to the norm.

Watch the sunset over Koutoubia Mosque

Watching a beautiful sunset is always romantic in the right company. Marrakech’s splendid Koutoubia Mosque, framed by the majestic Atlas Mountains, offers a terrific focal point when witnessing the sun going down and the sky changing from shades of blue through reds, oranges, and pinks to finally become dark.

Koutoubia Mosque silhouetted against the darkening sky

Experience the lively atmosphere of Djemaa el Fna

Orange juice sellers in Djemaa el Fna

Chill out on a rooftop terrace overlooking the square

If the action of Djemaa el Fna gets a bit too much, or you want somewhere a bit calmer to enjoy on your date, head up to one of the rooftop terraces for great views of the square below. Although alcoholic drinks aren’t available, loved-up couples can chat over a glass of mint tea or a fruit smoothie while soaking up the atmosphere.

Views over Djemaa el Fna, Marrakech

Ride a camel at the Palmeraie

Many visitors think of camels when they think of Morocco, but most would probably expect to find the hardy beasts in areas closer to the desert. If you and your date would like to experience a camel ride together, however, there’s no need to venture far from the heart of Marrakech; simply go to the lush area of Palmeraie and arrange a ride through the towering palm trees.

Explore the city in a horse-drawn calleche

See Marrakech from a different perspective with a jaunt in a calleche, a traditional horse-drawn carriage. Sit back and relax next to each other as the horse trots through the streets for a different sightseeing adventure.

A horse-drawn carriage in historic Marrakech

Share a tanjia with your sweetheart

Tanjia is a local dish from Marrakech. Perfect for meat-loving couples, the slow-cooked meal can be tipped from the pot and shared with your love. Scoop up the tender chunks of spiced meat with bread and enjoy a local gastronomic experience together.

Go on a foodie tour of Marrakech

Couples who love food are sure to enjoy taking a food tour of the Red City. Not only can you explore local markets together and learn more about typical ingredients and cooking equipment, but you will also be taken to special spots where you can savour local flavours and home-cooked dishes made using recipes that have been handed down through the generations. It’s a great way for foodies to escape the tourist crowds and find hidden authentic spots to dine.

Salad and olives in Marrakech

Shop for gifts in the souks

Whether you want to treat yourself or your date to a couple of gifts, wandering around the bustling souks of Marrakech can be a terrific way to spend a few hours together in the historic city. Navigate the narrow and twisting lanes, peruse an array of local goods, and practice your haggling skills. There will certainly be plenty to talk about on your date.

Assortment of goods in Marrakech’s souks

Indulge in a couple’s hammam

A soothing Moroccan hammam can be fantastic for couples who want to enjoy a little blissful pampering during their special time together. Although most hammams are segregated by gender, there are a handful of spas around the city that offer packages for couples. Let the steam work its magic!

Relax in the Menara Gardens

The Menara Gardens is a terrific spot for romance seekers. Sit in the shade of the olive trees and lap up the calm and tranquil air, stroll arm in arm around the reflecting pool, and snap selfies together in front of the pretty pavillion.

Pool and pavillion of the Menara Gardens

Admire beauty in the Majorelle Gardens

One of Marrakech’s loveliest gardens, the Majorelle Gardens are home to a diverse selection of plants, flowers, and cacti, as well as a pond, statues, and soothing water features. Plenty of semi-secluded nooks offer the perfect place to linger for a while with that special someone, and culture lovers may enjoy viewing the exhibits in the onsite Berber museum.

Greens and blues of the Majorelle Gardens

Hike a nearby waterfall

There are two beautiful waterfalls that are within easy reach of Marrakech and make for great day-trip dates for lovers of the great outdoors. Hike the multi-level waterfall of Setti Fatma at Ourika Valley for an energetic date, helping each other to clamber over the large rocks and step across small streams. Alternatively, visit Ouzoud Falls and admire the large waterfall from above before following the shaded pathways for different views and to see the Barbary macaques that call the area home.

Morocco’s Ouzoud Waterfall

Ride in a hot air balloon at Ourika Valley

If you really want to impress your date, why not consider a ride in a hot air balloon? Drift through the skies over the lush landscapes of the Ourika Valley, just a short distance from Marrakech, and admire the picturesque vistas.

Landscapes of the scenic Ourika Valley, Morocco

Soar through the mountains on a zipline

If an action-packed and adrenalin-fuelled date would be more to your liking, Terres d’Amanar could be just what you are looking for. The adventure park has a range of activities, including mountain biking, hiking, archery, climbing, and horse riding. Ramp up the thrill with the tree-top wire course and the suspension bridge, or, for the ultimate high-octane date, strap up, hold on, and whizz over the yawning valley on the zipline.

Watch the Fantasia show at Chez Ali

While Marrakech has numerous top-notch restaurants that are perfect for a pleasant date, inject something a little different into your dining experience with a trip to Chez Ali. Not only will you be treated to a sumptuous feast, but you and the object of your desires can be thoroughly entertained by the exciting Fantasia show. Skilled riders show their prowess on proud steeds, dramatic music and booming gunshots fill the air, and the atmosphere is electric.

Traditional Fantasia horsemen in Morocco

Art galleries, museums, plentiful bars and restaurants, shopping malls, and markets add to the city’s appeal. Marrakech really is an ideal place for those looking for diverse experiences to enjoy with a special person.

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