Instagram Guide to Marrakech

Morocco — the clay colored buildings, narrow mazes of the souks with market goods spilling out into the alleyways, sand colored camels and intricately tiled mosques — is beautiful and photogenic.

It’s as enchanting in real life as it is in pictures. Morocco is actually as stunning as the photos you see on Instagram. The city of Marrakech in particular has been the recipient of an influx of tourists, all with cameras in hand. It's a photographer’s retreat, a design lover’s heaven, and an Instagramer’s paradise.

The colors of the Red City draw you in, especially — but not solely — at the hotels. It’s as if each riad (Morocco’s version of a bed and breakfast) was decorated meticulously by an interior designer. Though there is much more to Marrakech, and Morocco in general, then snapping a photo. Sitting at the very top of Africa, Morocco is rich in culture, spice, and a devoted religious community.

Whether you visit Marrakech to mingle with a different social group or tantalize your taste buds with Chicken Tangine and couscous, you will photograph it. For inspiration, here are some of the most Instagramable spots in Marrakech.

El Fenn

Riad El Fenn is dripping in brightly colored interiors. Reds, greens, yellows, and purples… every room is beautiful, luxe, and made for the ‘Gram.

Plus, they have a gorgeous courtyard with couches, lanterns and marble floors that will make your shoe selfie happy.

Le Riad Yasmine

Le Riad Yasmine is the ‘Instagram shot’ that many associate with Marrakech, and maybe even Morocco.

This boutique riad features a private pool adorned with green foliage and daybeds that visitors photograph with a bird’s eye view from the above balconies. Run by a young couple, the pair are also opened a second, smaller riad called Le Petit Yasmine.

Majorelle Jardin

Majorelle Jardin is a beautiful botanical garden and artist's landscape garden featuring two and half acres of lush flowers, cacti, bright colored buildings and a memorial to the late French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent.

Walk the gardens, snap some photos, and enjoy lunch in the misted Garden Café.

YSL Museum

Directly next door to Majorelle Jardin is the Yves Saint Laurent museum.

This photo of the front entrance with monogram ornamentation is about the only Instagram you’ll get here, as there’s no pictures allowed within the exhibit.

Hot Air Balloons at Royal Palm Fairmount

The Royal Palm Fairmount is a luxurious hotel, not riad, that’s located way outside of the Marrakech center, surrounded by land and desert for as far as you can see.

You should expect at least a 30-minute cab drive — and not just any cab. The city cabs in Marrakech aren’t allowed past certain districts, so you’ll need to get a private cabbie to take you.

The Source Marrakech

The rooftop terrace at The Source is an Instagramer’s dream, with lanterns, plants and floor cushions strewn about and views of Marrakech from above.

The columns at La Mamounia

The columns at La Mamounia — a 5-star hotel and spa in Marrakech — might possibly be one of the most Instagram-ed spots, especially among bloggers and influencers.

But not just anyone can walk up and take photos in this beautifully tiled foyer, it’s only accessible to hotel guests. Sorry, day pass holders.

La Mamounia Spa & Poolside Daybed

Did you even go to Marrakech if you didn’t Instagram the spa at La Mamounia?

Now this is one area of the hotel that you do have access to, even if you’re not a hotel guest. Grab a day pass and enjoy the outdoor pools, spa jacuzzi and of course, this iconic daybed

Shopping in the souks

Shopping the souks and haggling with vendors is very much an experience that every visitor to Marrakech should have.

It also makes for beautiful, colorful photos — and you’ll walk away with tangible souvenirs.

Lamp bazaar

Like the pottery makers and the leather vendors, there are also souk shops selling beautiful Moroccan lamps that will light up your Instagram like none other.

BE Marrakech

More tiles, pool and courtyard Instagrams. You’ll notice each riad is unique in its own way, so its worth checking as many out as possible, like BE Marrakech and its symmetrical designs.

NOMAD

Go for the Instagram, stay for the food. NOMAD is a hotspot located inside the Marrakech medina, and offering great rooftop views of the lively streets (even at night!) just below.

Riad Jardin Secret

This riad knew exactly what it was doing when incorporating ‘millennial pink’ walls and a swing — creating an Instagramer’s hangout.

On a Camel in the Desert

Cross this off your bucket list and ride a camel in Morocco — just be sure to have your guide snap a photo.

Scarabeo Camp

If you want more desert action than just a 30-minute camel ride, opt to spend a night under the stars with Scarabeo Camp.

This luxury glamping experience is far removed from the noise and energy of Marrakech, but comes with a (photogenic) price tag.

Es Saadi Marrakech Resort

Turn into a princess or prince at Es Saadi, with its castle-like buildings and archways in bright colors.

The Pool at Es Saadi Marrakech Resort

This marble-clad spa is a tranquil paradise, complete with a circular pool that can be viewed from two-stories above.

Market spices

Marrakech markets are unlike other outdoor markets. The colors, aromas and sights mesh together in a vibrant sensory overload.

But be careful what you photograph. Some merchants will demand compensation just for you taking a photograph of their goods.

Cactus Thiemann

This cactus farm has over 150 varieties of the spiky succulent ranging in all shapes, sizes and colors.

Le Salama Marrakech

Le Salama is a Moroccan restaurant with elegant, colonial style.

It’s location in the medina near the famous Jemaa El Fna square offers views of the Koutoubia Mosque in the distance.

La Sultana Signature Hotels

Each room inside La Sultana has distinctive and unique décor, but it’s the dreamy courtyard pool (yet again) with authentic design details that you will fawn over.

Palais El badi

El Badi Palace is a ruined palace that adventurous souls will enjoy exploring.

It’s believed that the palace once included over 300 rooms decorated in gold, turquoise and crystal!

Mint tea

When traveling throughout Morocco, you will be greeted with fresh mint tea everywhere you go.

The presentation and glassware are as beautiful as the tea is tasty.

Bahia Palace

Bahia Palace, which means brilliance, is exactly that. It’s room after room of beautiful architecture and hand-carved doors, hinges as large as your head, and painted archways.

Go early in the day if you want to grab a photo sans-crowd.

Riad Dar Dama

The names of each suites in Riad Dar Darma corresponds directly with how it’s decorated, from the Red Suite to the Blue Suite to the Suite of Mirrors.

No matter which room you get, you won’t be disappointed.