photo by nighttours.com

Marrakech LGBTQ+ travel

Marrakesh gay travellers guide

Marrakesh is one of those destinations that instantly pulls you into another world. Within the walls of the old town, daily life unfolds in a way that feels timeless. Narrow alleys are filled with market stalls, the sound of bargaining, and the aroma of spices. Cars are mostly absent here, replaced by donkeys, scooters, and pedestrians in traditional dress. It’s a feast for the senses, where every corner feels alive.

For gay travelers, it’s important to understand the cultural context. Officially, there is no gay life in Marrakesh or in Morocco. What exists is discreet, private, and underground. This doesn’t make the city less appealing, but it shifts the focus. Instead of nightlife, Marrakesh offers an immersion into history, architecture, food, and the raw energy of daily life. The city is fascinating, rewarding, and very different from European or American destinations.

Marrakesh is one of Morocco’s four imperial “king cities” and by far the most popular to visit. The weather plays a big role in the experience. Summers are extremely hot, while winters are mild but often rainy. The ideal seasons are spring, or late September through early November, when temperatures are pleasant for exploring.

A trip to Marrakesh can easily expand into more adventures. Spend a night under the stars in the Sahara Desert, take a day trip into the Atlas Mountains, or head out to the Atlantic coast for a change of pace. Marrakesh works well as a base, but it is also a gateway to the many faces of Morocco. It’s a city that rewards curiosity, patience, and a taste for discovery.

Marrakech LGBTQ travellers guide

Gay life in Marrakech

Marrakech gay life is hidden, but it does exist. Every night there is a place to be for gays. It changes frequently. So better ask around on the apps or in a discrete way ask in your Riad for information.

Restaurants

In the Medina (the Old town) there are some very nice fancy restaurants. Most of those are located in old riads, and you can eat at beautiful inside gardens, or on roof terraces. The food is often excellent, and most inside restaurants serve wine and other alcohol. On the outside you will only see a door, as a riad usually has no windows to the outside but only to their inside garden. So these places are sometimes a bit hard to find. For most of these fancy restaurants you need reservations, your hotel will be happy to make them for you. Prices are usually a bit, but not much, less than European standards. Also the new city has nice restaurants, those are more modern and visible from the outside.

Old town or New Marrakech

Choosing where to stay in Marrakesh depends on how close you want to be to the action. The medina, inside the city walls, offers traditional riads with courtyards, pools, and rooftop terraces. Staying here gives you direct access to the souks and squares, though it can feel hectic. Outside the walls, newer neighborhoods provide modern hotels with more space and quieter surroundings. Both options are easy to reach by taxi.

The best times to visit Marrakesh are spring and autumn. In these months the weather is warm but not overwhelming, ideal for wandering through markets and monuments. Summer temperatures often climb above 40°C, while winter is milder but can bring rain. Many visitors also combine Marrakesh with trips to the Atlas Mountains, the Atlantic coast, or an overnight desert camp.

Riads and hotels

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. Many old buildings have been restored to their former glory and are now used as hotels and restaurants. The hotel riads often have 5-20 rooms only. There are several gay-friendly riads in Marrakech. Many are very beautiful. The city itself has a very good atmosphere, but can be experienced as busy. So it might be a good idea to invest in a bit luxurious place to stay, for relaxation after a busy day. Hotels often don't allow local visitors. If you plan to have those make sure to book a private apartment or one of the big 5star hotels where you can enter more discrete. See our hotels page for more information on where to stay.

Riads, hotels and apartments