Travel writing based on first-hand experience
Wondering what to do in Gueliz Marrakech? Discover the best spots in the New Town—from trendy cafés and Art Deco gems to Jardin Majorelle, Carré Eden, and local markets—on this self-guided walking tour.
| ➡️Looking for the best things to do in Marrakech? Explore souks, gardens, palaces, and unforgettable experiences. |
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Why Visit Gueliz Marrakech
While most tourists head straight for the Medina, it’s well worth setting aside time to explore Marrakech’s New Town, especially Guéliz. The contrast is striking: where the old city is full of winding alleys, historic buildings, and bustling crowds, Guéliz offers wide avenues, sunny plazas, manicured parks, and sleek modern shops.
Fashion legend Yves Saint Laurent spent much of his time here—and today, his legacy lives on at the museum and Majorelle Garden, which draw countless visitors each year.
Guéliz is much less known than the Medina, but it’s still an essential part of the city. Because it’s so close to the old town, you can easily explore both areas. Guéliz isn’t very large, and you can enjoy it comfortably in a day on foot.
If you’re expecting winding alleys and historic architecture in Guéliz, you’ll be surprised—in the best way. Have fun discovering this completely different side of Marrakech!
Marrakech’s New Town: A Walking Tour Through Guéliz
In this article, I want to share a special set of travel tips for Marrakech with you. Instead of focusing on the traditional sights in the Medina, I’ll take you on a walk through the New Town of Marrakech, located in the Guéliz district. Most tourists explore the old town (the Medina), and yes—it’s absolutely worth visiting. But Guéliz also has some interesting sights you really shouldn’t miss.
Above all, Guéliz shows you a side of Morocco that’s missing in the Medina: young locals, stylish cafés and restaurants, modern buildings—everything feels polished and totally different from the maze of alleys and bustling chaos of the old town.
Marrakech is one of Morocco’s four imperial cities. Medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its countless small craft shops, bustling souks, and historic architecture. You can get lost in the narrow streets of the souks within minutes—but somehow, that’s part of the Marrakech experience.
It’s a pity that so many visitors limit themselves to the old town, because there’s much more to the city than that.
Take an extra day—or two—to explore what’s known as the Red City, and visit the New Town as well. Guéliz has a completely different vibe and will definitely surprise you.
Marrakech’s New Town: How to See It Best
Below, I’ll introduce you to a walking route through the New Town of Marrakech, taking you past all the key sights.
You may already have mental images of Marrakech—narrow alleys, packed market stalls, hidden courtyards, and squares stacked with goods. That’s all typical of the Medina, but not of Guéliz. If that’s what you’re expecting, prepare to be amazed.
Read on to find out more.
A Walking Tour Through Marrakech’s New Town
1. Start at the Train Station
Start your walk at the Marrakech train station. The building is a striking mix of traditional Moroccan design elements and sleek modern architecture. By the way, Marrakech is the final stop of the Moroccan rail network—trains only run north and northwest from here, to cities like Casablanca, Meknès, and Fès.
If you want to travel further south or west to the coast, you’ll need to take a bus or rent a car.
2. The Royal Theatre
Cross the large road in front of the station and turn right. You’ll soon reach the Théâtre Royal de Marrakech—a large and imposing building, clearly visible from afar.
3. Avenue Mohamed V
At the next intersection, turn left and follow Avenue Hassan II for a short while until you reach Rue Yougoslavie. Turn left again and walk down this street until you arrive at Place Abdel Moumen Ben Ali, marked by a fountain and a major crossroads.
Turn right into Avenue Mohamed V, which is the main street of the New Town. This is where you’ll find the most shops, boutiques, cafés, and restaurants in Guéliz.
4. Carré Eden Shopping Center
After a little while, you’ll see Carré Eden on your left—a modern shopping center with a Carrefour supermarket in the basement. The entire mall feels surprisingly familiar if you’re used to European shopping centers. The design of the building and the stores inside wouldn’t feel out of place in any major European city.
5. Marrakech Plaza (Plaza Guéliz)
Continue walking southeast down the boulevard until you reach a large square known as Marrakech Plaza (also called Plaza Guéliz). It’s surrounded by modern apartment buildings and features cafés, clothing stores, spas, beauty salons, perfumeries—and even a fountain system.
There are also palm trees, manicured hedges, and nearby, you’ll find numerous restaurants. If you’ve got some time, this is a great place to sip mint tea or enjoy lunch.
The nearby park is called Jardin 16 Novembre.
6. Panoramic Terrace
On the corner of the plaza, you’ll find a McDonald’s. Grab a coffee and head up to the rooftop terrace—you’ll be rewarded with a wonderful view of the plaza and surrounding streets. On clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the distance, especially in winter.
7. Marché Couvert Central
When you’re ready to continue, cross the square and turn into the second-to-last side street on the left (heading east). Walk to the end of the street, and just off to the right is the Marché Couvert Central.
The contrast couldn’t be greater: here you’ll find a traditional Moroccan market right next to sleek residential buildings and modern shops.
8. Parc El Harti
Now head back to Marrakech Plaza and cross the large street. Just across from the plaza—slightly recessed from the road—you’ll find the lovely Parc El Harti.
The park features lush old trees, lawns, and hedges. Would you expect such a green space in the heart of Marrakech? It’s a real surprise—and a perfect spot to take a quiet break from the city buzz.
9. More Green Spaces, Hotels & Fast Food
After a stroll through the park, continue along Avenue Mohamed V toward the Medina. Along the way, you’ll pass plenty of restaurants, including KFC, Pizza Hut, and several hotels.
On the right-hand side, you’ll also find a green strip decorated with environmental and recycling-themed sculptures.
10. Best Local Cafes
Here’s our cafénomadic pick of the three best spots to slow down with a great brew, snack, and people-watching session in Gueliz — Marrakech’s chic, urban quarter where locals and travelers mingle over espresso and éclairs. Gueliz has quietly become one of the city’s most creative café scenes — from specialty beans to garden-backed brunches.
MARH Coffee Roasters Marrakech – Artisanal Sips & Slow Vibes14
Right in the heart of Gueliz, this roastery-meets-coffee hangout feels like Marrakech’s answer to a European specialty café — minus the pretension. Beans are roasted in-house, the espresso is bold without being bitter, and there’s enough calm here to get some writing or planning done between sips.
Why you’ll love it:
- Perfect for that first café espresso kick or a midday pour-over.
- A minimalist, relaxed interior that somehow feels both local and global.
- Great choice if you’re into quality coffee culture rather than just a quick caffeine hit.
Pro tip: Try to grab a seat outside if weather’s kind — Gueliz sidewalk culture is half the charm.
Terra mia café – Pastry Paradise & Coffee Harmony
If your Marrakech morning demands flaky delights and a well-crafted latte, Terra mia is your unsung hero. On Rue Sourya, this spot blends café vibes with pâtisserie flair — think buttery croissants, elegant mini-cakes, and robust coffee that doesn’t skip on character.
Why you’ll love it:
- Delicately made pastries that rival anything you’ve had in a European café.
- A full brunch and lunch menu if you decide to linger past coffee time.
- Tables inside and out, perfect for people watching or planning the rest of your Marrakech wander.
Pro tip: Go slightly later in the morning to see the croissant lineup at its freshest — and avoid the brunch crowd.
OZEN CAFÉ – Brunch Central in Marrakech
If coffee is just step one and brunch is step two (and three), OZEN Café delivers. It’s more of a café-brunch fusion than a simple coffee stop, with hearty breakfast plates, smoothies, and all the café classics you’d want before a day of exploring — or a midday recharge.
Why you’ll linger:
- A perfect “breakfast + coffee + plan the day” trifecta.
- Friendly staff, generous portions, and an easygoing vibe.
- Ideal for groups or anyone who treats brunch like a small holiday on its own.
Pro tip: Saturdays and Sundays fill up fast, so early seating is worth it if you’ve got hungry companions.
4 Hotel Gems to Stay in Guéliz, Marrakech
Guéliz is Marrakech when it swaps the medina maze for wide boulevards, espresso bars, and “we can actually find our way home” energy. It’s the modern district where you stay if you want easy taxis, good restaurants, galleries, shopping, and a base that feels calmer at night. Here are our four best hotel picks in Guéliz—comfort-forward, well-located, and genuinely good value for the area.
1. 2Ciels Boutique Hotel
If you want Guéliz with a side of rooftop glamour, 2Ciels is one of the easiest “treat yourself” picks that still feels grounded in the neighborhood. Rooms are polished and contemporary, the service tends to be smooth, and the rooftop is the kind of place where you end up staying longer than planned (just one drink becomes dinner, then suddenly it’s midnight).
Best for: couples, friends’ trips, anyone who wants a rooftop base in the city
What we’d do here: rooftop sunset, then a late dinner in Guéliz without needing a medina mission
Pro tip: Ask for a quieter room away from the main road if you’re a light sleeper—Guéliz is lively, which is part of the point, but sleep is also important.
2. Radisson Blu Hotel, Marrakech Carré Eden
This is the “everything is easy” option. The location by Carré Eden is ridiculously practical: shops, cafés, taxis, and daily life right outside the door. The hotel itself is modern and dependable, with a pool scene that makes midday breaks feel like a plan, not an afterthought.
Best for: first-timers, families, travelers who want convenience above all
What we’d do here: morning museum or gardens, lunch nearby, then pool reset before dinner
Pro tip: If you’re visiting in warmer months, this is the kind of hotel that saves your trip—air conditioning and a pool aren’t “nice,” they’re survival equipment.
3. Almas Hotel
Almas is one of those solid Guéliz stays that consistently does what travelers actually need: comfortable rooms, a great location, and good value for money. It’s not trying to be a palace, and that’s exactly why it works—especially if you’re spending your days out in the city and want a reliable place to come back to.
Best for: budget-conscious travelers who still want comfort and a pool
What we’d do here: use it as a base for modern Marrakech, day trips, and medina visits without staying in the medina
Pro tip: Book early in peak season—good mid-range Guéliz hotels get snapped up fast because everyone else is also trying to be smart with their budget.
4. Diwane Hotel & Spa Marrakech
If you want that classic “Moroccan touches but still modern comfort” balance, Diwane Hotel & Spa is a strong pick. It’s well-placed in Guéliz, it has a spa for when Marrakech heat (and bargaining) takes you out, and the overall vibe is relaxed and traveler-friendly.
Best for: travelers who want a spa option without resort pricing
What we’d do here: hammam day after the medina, then dinner in Guéliz
Pro tip: Pair a Guéliz stay with one medina day “on purpose,” not “because we got lost.” You get the best of both worlds—modern ease and old-city magic.
FAQs: What to Do in Gueliz, Marrakech
What are the must-see attractions in Guéliz?
Start with Jardin Majorelle, the iconic cobalt-blue garden designed by Jacques Majorelle and restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Then explore the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dive into contemporary Moroccan art at MACMA (Musée d’Art et de la Culture de Marrakech), and don’t miss the Art Deco Théâtre Royal and Église des Saints-Martyrs.
How much time do I need to explore Guéliz?
Half a day is enough to see the highlights, but give yourself a full day if you want to combine art galleries, gardens, museums, café-hopping, and boutique shopping.
What’s the best way to get around Guéliz?
The area is walkable, especially if you stick to Avenue Mohammed V and the streets around Rue de la Liberté. For longer distances or to connect with the Medina, use taxis (always agree on the price before you hop in) or the city bus network.
What kind of shopping can I do in Guéliz?
Guéliz is Marrakech’s modern shopping hub. Expect designer boutiques, concept stores, local fashion labels, and home décor shops. The Carre Eden Mall and Menara Mall are popular for big brands, while smaller shops near Rue de la Liberté sell handmade leather goods, ceramics, and modern Moroccan design pieces.
Where should I eat in Guéliz?
This district is a food-lover’s playground. Try Café Clock for modern Moroccan fusion, +61 for stylish Mediterranean plates, or Grand Café de la Poste for colonial-era ambiance and classic French-Moroccan fare. Don’t skip the street-side cafés — they’re perfect for people-watching with mint tea.
Is Guéliz family-friendly?
Yes. With leafy parks, walkable boulevards, and museums suitable for kids, Guéliz is one of the easiest neighborhoods in Marrakech to explore as a family. Jardin Majorelle and MACMA are especially good for all ages.
What’s the best time of day to visit?
Morning or late afternoon is ideal for sightseeing before the midday heat. Evenings are perfect for dining, gallery openings, and strolling the boulevards as the neighborhood lights up.
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