Searching for a classy hen weekend abroad, a far cry from the obnoxious parties of Prague, Benidorm, and Marbella? A Marrakech hen do is the send-off you’ve been searching for.
(NB for my American readers, a bachelorette party is called a ‘hen do’ in the UK).
You won’t find any strip clubs, dive bars, and questionable beach clubs here, just dreamy spas, exciting activities, and chic rooftop bars where you can celebrate with your besties in style.
I firmly believe Marrakech is one of the best alternative abroad hen do ideas, offering an unforgettable and unique experience for everyone involved. Unlike many other popular hen-do destinations, it even offers attendees the chance to tick an iconic African destination off their bucket list.
What’s more, Marrakech is a city world-famous for its spas and shopping – two popular hen-do activities to suit groups of all ages. It offers the perfect blend of culture, cuisine, creative experiences, and of course, rooftop cocktails to help you toast to the bride-to-be.
Since hosting a Marrakech hen do is a relatively new and unique idea, there isn’t too much in the way of organised tours and information. Therefore, I decided to put together a comprehensive guide for anyone planning on picking this irresistible city as their hen party destination.
It includes a full itinerary with additional details about every activity listed, as well as alternative activities so that you can tailor a weekend in Marrakech to suit the tastes of your group. You’ll find approximate costs and links to book after each activity to help with your planning.
At the end, I’ll include the details of where to stay and how to get around the city, along with some additional accommodation suggestions and top tips.
Marrakech Hen Do Itinerary in Brief
All the details, costs, and links for each activity are listed further on, along with some bonus ideas in case you want to sub anything out for something else.
We flew into Marrakech late on Thursday evening to maximise our time in the Red City. However, this itinerary would also work if you were to arrive in the city early on Friday morning, so pick the flights that work best for you and your party!
You can either skip the sightseeing on Friday morning or slot it in elsewhere in your itinerary.
Friday
- Sightseeing at Ben Youssef Madrasa and Le Jardin Secret
- Lunch at L’Adresse in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
- Shopping in the souks (option for a guided tour)
- Dinner and live music at La Pergola
Saturday
- Optional early morning sightseeing at Badi Palace, Saadian Tombs or Koutoubia Mosque
- Quad biking (or camel ride) and lunch in the desert
- Spa afternoon with traditional hammam
- Sunset cocktails at DarDar Rooftop
- Narawama for dinner and belly dancing show
- Optional late-night dancing at Palais Jal Mahal
Sunday
- Recovery brunch at Bacha Coffee
- Pool day (Or alternative activity such as cooking class, pottery workshop etc)
- Dinner at Kabana
- Optional late-night dancing at Theatro
Monday
- Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum
- Lunch at Moro
- Travel home
Marrakech Hen Do Activities
The best hen party activities in Marrakech include:
- Quad biking or camel riding in the desert
- Shopping in the souks
- Pool day
- Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum
- Traditional hammam and spa
- Moroccan cooking class
- Belly dancing class
- Pottery workshop
- Sunrise hot air balloon
- Sightseeing
The sample itinerary above includes sightseeing at some of the most famous spots in Marrakech, including Ben Youssef Madrasa, Le Jardin Secret and Jardin Majorelle. This ensures no one misses out on ticking these iconic spots off their bucket list!
We found many of the main attractions in Marrakech (such as Ben Youssef Madrasa, pictured below) were very small and doable in just an hour or so. This makes it easy to slot them in alongside other hen do activities.
I do recommend booking one or two group activities, just to give the weekend some structure. Always allow plenty of time between activities and don’t book more than one or two on the same day.
Below you can find more info, costs and links to book all of the activities listed above.
Quad Biking in the Desert
Approx £45 per person
This is so much fun and definitely, something you should incorporate into your Marrakech hen do itinerary if possible.
If you’re following the itinerary above you can book a lunchtime quad biking tour which takes place at a scenic spot with a pool in the desert.
Alternatively, you can opt for an evening experience which also includes dinner and a show, and makes a great way to see the sunset in the desert.
There are also lots of similar tours that swap camel riding for quad biking, or some that include both, if that’s more your thing.
Shopping in the Souks
The price for this one obviously depends on how much you buy and what your haggling skills are like! There are so many treasures for sale in the vibrant and colourful souks of Marrakech, and wandering through them is an experience all in itself.
Whether you want handmade ceramics, exotic aromatic spices, or genuine leather accessories, you’re spoilt for choice here. Always counter with 30% of the first asking price when haggling, and barter from there.
If you feel a bit intimidated, you can also opt for a guided tour of the souks to help you get your bearings.
Pool Day
Approx £60pp
I thoroughly recommend a chilled pool day or afternoon to break up a Marrakech hen party. The city can feel very hectic, and hen weekends are notoriously jam-packed! A pool day gives you a chance to chill out and cool off for a few hours, usually in a beautiful, relaxing setting.
Nobu Marrakech has a rooftop pool with Bali beds, not far from the old town and offers a day pass for £50pp.
There is also El Fenn, a vibrant boutique hotel with a rooftop pool which offers day passes for £60pp, including a welcome cocktail or fresh juice, and a signature lunch.
Alternatively, you can venture further outside the city to the Four Seasons, which offers a day pass including a three-course lunch for £90pp.
If you opt for a hotel with a pool such as Nobu or Riad Alkemia, you can simply stay in the comfort of your accommodation and don’t need to factor in the additional cost of day passes.
Jardin Majorelle and YSL Museum
Approx £15 – 39pp
This super peaceful and aesthetic botanical garden is the ultimate hangover cure. Despite the loud splashy architecture, the garden itself is all trickling fountains and koi ponds – very zen.
It was designed by a celebrated artist called Jacques Majorelle, but discovered and renovated in the 80s by Yves Saint-Laurent, whose ashes are scattered there. There is also a small museum dedicated to the iconic fashion designer which you can visit next door.
I recommend heading to Jardin Majorelle as early as possible to avoid the crowds (it opens at 8 am). You cannot buy tickets at the door, all tickets must be purchased online at least 24hrs in advance.
You can either buy tickets just for the Jardin Majorelle, or a combi ticket which includes access to the YSL Museum and the Berber Museum.
Hammam and Spa Experience
Approx £30pp
Getting a traditional Moroccan hammam is such a unique experience and the perfect activity for a Marrakech hen weekend, particularly if you’re visiting in winter.
A hammam is an ancient cleansing ritual that involves relaxing in a steamy room before being scrubbed down with special black soap, for a deep exfoliation that leaves your skin feeling baby soft.
However, I must warn you, the experience is not for the prudish among you. You may be given some disposable knickers to wear but you will be mostly naked, and the spa therapists are not shy about getting into every nook and cranny!
For an authentic experience, I recommend this 2-hour hammam, which has various time slots throughout the day to suit your plans.
Alternatively, if you are looking for something a little more luxurious and less traditional, many of the top hotels offer hammam treatments in their spa. La Sultana (pictured above), is a great choice.
You can also book spa packages that include a hammam and a massage, as well as round-trip transfers from your accommodation.
Some private riads, like Riad Alkemia, even have their own hammam, so you can organise treatments for those who want them in the comfort of your accommodation.
Moroccan Cooking Class
If you’re planning a hen weekend with a group of foodies, then a Moroccan cooking class offers a fun way to get everyone together over a shared passion.
Choose this class, and you’ll also get a guided tour of the local markets, either lunch or dinner included, and a PDF of the recipes you learnt to take home. Wouldn’t that make a fab souvenir from a destination hen weekend to remember?
Alternatively, this class offers a more immersive all-day experience, with the chance to escape the hubbub of the city and enjoy the fruits of your labour in a fragrant olive grove.
Belly Dancing Class
Approx £50pp
Maybe one for the more extroverted groups, a belly dancing class is a fun activity to get all your girls giggling.
Here you’ll learn the authentic art of belly dancing, and feel as though you’ve stepped straight into the fairytale of Arabian Nights, complete with authentic skirts and chains to wear.
A professional instructor will lead the way and ensure everyone feels comfortable enough to get involved.
Pottery Workshop
Approx £30pp
There is something special about Moroccan ceramics, and this class lets your hens craft their own unique piece to take home.
If you have a creative group of friends that prefer arts and crafts to wild nights out, then this is the ultimate experience to incorporate into your bachelorette party in Marrakech.
The pottery class is located a little outside the city centre, so you may need to organise a taxi to get there. You’ll try your hand at the shaping techniques most commonly used in Morrocan pottery, and watch the entire process unfold from raw clay to firing, glazing and painting.
You can either take your creations home with you or opt to have them sent by freight mail a week later.
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
Approx £160pp
If your budget can stretch a little further and you really want to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for your hen party, you can also book a sunrise hot air balloon experience in the desert.
This is a little more pricey than most of the other activities on this list but I can say with a hand on heart that it was worth every penny.
Read a full review of the experience here.
Sightseeing
Of course, there is so much to see and do in the red city, it would be a crime not to hit some of the key sites while you’re there, especially if it’s your first time!
I’ve already mentioned Jardin Majorelle and the YSL museum because I think they are perfect spots for a classy Marrakech hen do.
I can also recommend Saadian Tombs or Ben Youssef Madrasa for those iconic Insta-worthy tiled backdrops (go early), or Badi Palace for fascinating Indiana-Jones-style ruins.
Unfortunately, Koutubia Mosque was closed for refurbishment during our trip but is another key tourist attraction in Marrakech (be sure to cover up when visiting).
Nearly all of these attractions cost less than £7pp to visit, so make a great low-cost activity for the whole group if you’re on a tight budget.
**You might also be interested in reading 2 Days in Marrakech: The Ultimate Itinerary.**
Best Restaurants and Bars for a Marrakech Hen Party
One thing to note about throwing a hen party in Marrakech is that not every bar and restaurant serves alcohol. Venues in Marrakech have to hold a special license to do so, meaning there aren’t that many of them around.
Read my full guide to restaurants serving alcohol in Marrakech for more information!
I’ve highlighted a few restaurants below that do serve alcohol so you can be sure you can also grab a cocktail if you decide to book a table.
I would recommend booking tables for all restaurants in advance, especially if you are a larger group.
La Pergola
While you don’t get a great view of the city at this cool rooftop bar, the vibe is cosy, the service is great, and the cocktails are excellent! I’ve also heard the food is to die for, although sadly we did not get a chance to try it.
The menu is modern Morrocan with a twist, with lots of tapas-style options, perfect for sharing amongst friends. There are also some international dishes such as burgers in case anyone in your group is fussy.
After dark, a fun atmosphere is created with live music and jazz. I recommend booking a table for dinner and staying for the party!
DarDar Rooftop & Cocktails
This cocktail bar will often pop up as one of the most Instagrammable places in Marrakech when researching for your trip, and with good reason!
Ideal for a sunset cocktail or dinner, it offers gorgeous views over the rooftops of Marrakech.
The decor is to die for, the service is speedy and the food and cocktails were all exceptional. Try the chicken pastilla and the ‘Kech’ Mojito – you won’t be disappointed!
They also have DJ sessions here in the evening, and the place stays open until 2am, which is perfect if you want a little party, without leaving the confines of the city centre.
Bacha Coffee
Bacha Coffee is a historic establishment that is fast becoming a must-visit in Marrakech. If you’re planning a Marrakech hen do, I recommend slotting it in as a recovery brunch option for when everyone needs a little pick-me-up.
As this is primarily a brunch/coffee spot, you won’t find any alcohol on the menu. However, the heritage Moroccan coffee blends on offer are sure to get you livened up. There’s also an extensive menu of cakes, pastries, and brunch options like scrambled eggs if you plan on eating.
Get there at 9.30 am sharp to avoid long queues. However, if you do arrive a little later, the shop issues waitlist buzzers so you can browse the adjoining museum while you wait. Bring cash for the entrance fee.
La Salama Sky Bar
This place has mixed reviews, but we loved the look and feel of this restaurant, so I decided to include it anyway. It’s a centrally located rooftop bar and restaurant offering far-reaching views across Marrakech and a vibrant menu of Morrocan classics and speciality pizzas.
Come at happy hour (between 4pm and 6pm), and you get a two-for-one deal on wine, beer and Aperol Spritz, making it a perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink.
L’Adresse
This is a rooftop restaurant located right in Jemaa el-Fnaa square, making it an ideal location for a low-key lunch.
They don’t serve alcohol here, but there are plenty of freshly squeezed juices and mocktails to sample instead.
The menu offers a variety of international choices from pasta to club sandwiches, for a nice change from spice-heavy Moroccan cuisine.
Narawama
Narawama is a fab restaurant not far from the main square where you can enjoy a free show alongside your meal. The show starts at 9 pm, so I recommend booking your table for around 8:30 pm to make the most of it.
Their menu caters to all, with everything from traditional Moroccan to Thai dishes. The atmosphere is very Arabian Nights, with low lighting, a central fire pit and glamorous interiors.
After a few cocktails for some Dutch courage, the performers even got us up dancing with them – a hilarious experience I will never forget.
Kabana
Kabana is a very cool rooftop bar which we visited a few times during our trip. It always seemed to be buzzing, from sunset cocktails to after-dinner drinks – great if you’re looking for an upmarket party.
This place is definitely more of a restaurant-cum-bar, with loud music and even DJ events during the high season. However, you can also book for table for food, which we did one evening – everything on the menu was delicious!
Make sure to make a reservation if you want to stay for dinner or enjoy sunset drinks. The cocktails are poured incredibly strong, so you only need one or two.
Moro
Moro is a relatively new concept boutique hotel, store and restaurant, and is located right by Jardin Majorelle.
If you are over that way come lunchtime, it is a perfect spot for a laid-back lunch, sans alcohol.
Nobu Rooftop
This one is located a little outside the old town but offers a classic aesthetic vibe that the Nobu brand is renowned for.
With a rooftop pool and stylish bar serving cocktails, you can get a stunning panoramic view over the medina while you sip or swim. Non-hotel guests can pop up for a drink or reserve a sun bed for the day for £50pp.
Palais Jal Mahal
Palais Jal Mahal is a restaurant/club located in the Hivernage district on the outskirts of the old town.
If you or some members of your group want to stay up late drinking and dancing, it offers a vibrant night out complete with Moulin-Rouge style performers.
Theatro
Also located in Hivernage, Theatro is one of the most famous clubs in Marrakech. Here you can enjoy a hedonistic night out complete with international DJs and acrobatics, with bottle service available for those who prefer to sit, sip and people-watch.
Theatro offers special events every day, including ladies’ nights and evenings themed by music genre, so be sure to check their calendars ahead of time. You can also book a table or entrance ticket in advance.
Marrakech Hen Do Accommodation
I recommend staying in a riad for the authentic Marrakech experience. Riads are small guest houses located in the old town, and there’s plenty of choice for all budgets!
From luxurious ultra insta-worthy spots to low-key (but still stylish) hostel-style accommodation, there really is something for everyone. Depending on the size of your hen party, you can even rent a private riad, which is a fab option for those seeking a little more privacy.
Check for private Riad rentals to suit your group size on Vrbo.
Recommended Riads to Stay at for a Hen Party in Marrakech:
Riad Alkemia: A gorgeous private Riad sleeping up to 14 with an incredible courtyard plunge pool and even its own hammam. Free breakfast and in-house staff are included, with the option to arrange a private dinner on the luxurious rooftop.
Riad Vendôme & Spa: A perfectly located riad which can be rented by the room or in its entirety for groups of up to 30. Dedicated spa facilities and even a hot tub on the roof!
Nobu Hotel: If you’re happy to forgo the traditional riad in favour of a super-stylish hotel, this spot is a short walk from the old town. A particular highlight is the rooftop pool and cocktail bar.
The Central House Marrakech: A riad-cum-hostel with a range of room types (from cosy couples suites to sleek 8-bed dormitories) and a whitewashed terrace bar, perfect if your budget is a little tighter.
Getting to Marrakech for a Hen Weekend
Marrakech is one of the main tourism hubs of Morocco, so you should find flights are plentiful. We had a choice of flight times coming from the UK, with various low-cost airlines. I recommend using Way Away to compare prices and get cashback on your bookings (use it to treat yourself to a cocktail in Marrakech!)
You should ask your accommodation provider to arrange your transport from the airport to your riad or accommodation. This is because many riads are located deep in the centre of the pedestrianised medina (old town), with very poor signage.
Online maps are not always accurate, and it’s easy to run into trouble once you start looking lost with your luggage.
For ease and peace of mind, simply enquire with your accommodation provider once you have booked. They should be able to give you a price in advance, and you’ll pay on departure.
Getting Around Marrakech With a Hen Party
Most of the activities listed in this guide are located in the city centre, which is very walkable. However, it is very easy to get lost, so I suggest everyone in attendance downloads maps.me to prevent this from happening.
You can add all of the locations in your itinerary to your offline map, so you can navigate to the next spot if you get separated from the group.
You may need a taxi for the odd occasion or late-night club, if this is the case, try to ask your accommodation or the restaurant where you are to book it for you. Always agree on a price in advance before jumping into a cab.
A Checklist of Marrakech Hen Do Accessories
Here are a few Marrakech hen do accessories I recommend to make the photos extra special and give everyone a little memento of the weekend!
- A classy bow veil for the bride
- White heart sunglasses for the bride
- Pink/black heart sunglasses for the hens
- Personalised fans
- Hen party goodie bags
- Hen party games
- A souvenir bottle of argan oil for each hen
Marrakech Hen Do: Top Tips and Final Thoughts!
Marrakech is a big, vibrant city, and hen weekends can often get merry. I recommended sticking together as a group as much as possible, and always looking out for one another! This is especially important when walking around the medina at night.
Here are a few more top tips for planning a hen party in Marrakech.
- Pack lightweight comfortable clothing that covers your knees and shoulders (out of respect for the local culture).
- Don’t bother bringing heels as you’ll be walking a lot, instead, pack comfy trainers and nice sandals for the evenings.
- Do not engage with anyone who tries to grab your attention in the Medina. There is a common scam where they offer to ‘show you the way’ – only to demand money afterwards.
- Download maps.me to help you navigate the complex streets (even when you don’t have data roaming).
- Always haggle in the souks. Start with 30% of the original asking price and go from there.
- Don’t take pictures of the snake charmers or the monkeys in the main square as you will be expected to pay.
- Bring cash if you plan on buying things from the souks (Morrocan dirham, although euros are also sometimes accepted).
- If you want to have drinks at your Riad, purchase them in duty-free on your way to Marrakech, as shops selling alcohol can be hard to find.
- Print off an itinerary for everyone and pop it in the goodie bags. If anyone wants to skip an activity for any reason, they can always meet you at the next stop!
- Use Splitwise to keep track of restaurant, taxi, and drink costs.
- Be sure to book everything well in advance, especially if you are a large group.
I hope this guide has given you a few interesting Marrakech hen do ideas, but if you have any other planning questions, feel free to fire away in the comments!
Looking for more alternatives abroad hen do ideas? Why not check out my Paris hen do or Barcelona hen do itineraries? Both are equally stunning alternative options for a destination bachelorette.
Alternatively, read about my Cotswolds wedding here for inspo on your upcoming nuptials, or get the full guide to planning a safari and Seychelles honeymoon here.
RECOMMENDED LINKS AND RESOURCES
Booking.com: For the most comprehensive selection of hotels and accommodation in destinations worldwide.
Vrbo: For high-quality private vacation rentals, from huge villas to chic, self-catering apartments.
Get Your Guide: For the best range of tours and activities, rated by previous users.
TripAdvisor: For in-depth reviews of everything from hotels to national parks.
Discover Cars: For rental car price comparison and booking, with no hidden costs and free cancellation.
WayAway: For the best flight comparison platform with cashback on bookings.
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