World Cup 2030 Marrakech fan guide: what to do between matches

8 June to 21 July 2030 · ProvisionalMarrakech, Morocco

Marrakech will be the World Cup city most visitors already know: the Medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa, riads and gardens, with the Atlas mountains and the Agafay desert an hour away. June and July are very hot, so plan outings for mornings and evenings.

Know before you go

Airport to Grand Stade de Marrakech

Marrakech Menara (RAK) is 6 km from the Medina, 15 to 20 minutes by car. Bus 19 runs to Jemaa el-Fnaa and Gueliz for about 30 dirhams. Taxis ask 150 to 200 dirhams; most riads offer pickups, which helps because cars cannot reach many riad doors.

The stadium is on the northwest edge of the city, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from Gueliz and the Medina.

Public transport directions to Grand Stade de Marrakech

Where to stay by budget

BudgetWhereWhy
BudgetMedina riads near Jemaa el-FnaaCourtyard guesthouses with roof terraces, walk to the souks. Expect noise and narrow lanes.
Mid-rangeGueliz and HivernageModern hotels with pools, restaurants and easy taxis to the stadium.
SplurgePalmeraie and the Medina palacesResorts with gardens and spas, or a palace riad in the old town.

Three hotels we would book

Links search the nights from 7 June to 22 July. Event weekends sell out early and prices rise as the date gets closer: book a cancellable room as soon as you know you are going.

Day plans for the free hours

Built around the usual World Cup stay schedule for 8 June to 21 July 2030. Session times change: check the official timetable and move the blocks around.

Free day between matches

A half-day in the city and a long lunch.

  • Half-dayHot air balloon at sunrise Half day
    Over the palm groves and the Atlas foothills, back by mid-morning.
  • EatCafé des Épices Easy lunch overlooking Rahba Kedima
  • FreeJemaa el-Fnaa square at dusk, when the food stalls light up.

Full day out of town

The best use of a two- or three-day gap.

Before an evening session

Keep it light and close to the venue.

Family day

Something everyone can do, kids included.

Rainy or very hot day

Indoor backups.

  • Rain or heat backupMoroccan cooking class Half day · Food · Indoor
    Spice market, tagine, bread and pastries.
  • Rain or heat backupHammam and massage Half day · Indoor · Low walking
    A full ritual is the best cure for a long match day.

Evening after the match

Dinner and something after dark.

  • EveningStreet food tour after dark Evening · Food · Nightlife
    Jemaa el-Fnaa stalls, tanjia and snail soup with a guide.
  • EatAl Fassia Women-run Moroccan institution in Gueliz; book ahead

Family-friendly picks

Evening · Family · Nightlife

Agafay desert sunset, camel ride and dinner

Rocky desert 40 minutes away, camels at sunset and dinner under the stars.

Full day · Family

Day trip to Essaouira

Ocean breeze, ramparts and a blue fishing harbour.

Half day · Family

Medina and souks guided tour

Ben Youssef Madrasa, the souks and the tanneries without getting lost.

Half day · Low walking · Family

Jardin Majorelle and YSL museum

Cobalt-blue villa and gardens, then the Yves Saint Laurent museum.

Evening and day-trip tours

Evening · Family · Nightlife

Agafay desert sunset, camel ride and dinner

Rocky desert 40 minutes away, camels at sunset and dinner under the stars.

Evening · Food · Nightlife

Street food tour after dark

Jemaa el-Fnaa stalls, tanjia and snail soup with a guide.

Full day · Family

Day trip to Essaouira

Ocean breeze, ramparts and a blue fishing harbour.

Full day

Day trip to Ait Ben Haddou

Over the Tizi n'Tichka pass to the famous ksar.

Full day · Family

Ouzoud waterfalls day trip

Morocco's highest falls and Barbary macaques.

After dark

Ten tours worth booking for World Cup 2030 in Marrakech

TourLengthGood for
Hot air balloon at sunriseHalf dayEveryone
Day trip to EssaouiraFull dayFamilies
Day trip to Ait Ben HaddouFull dayEveryone
Medina and souks guided tourHalf dayFamilies
Jardin Majorelle and YSL museumHalf dayTired legs, Families
Moroccan cooking classHalf dayFood lovers, Bad weather
Hammam and massageHalf dayBad weather, Tired legs
Quad bike in the PalmeraieHalf dayEveryone
Ouzoud waterfalls day tripFull dayFamilies
Atlas mountains and Berber villages day tripFull dayFamilies

Event weeks sell out. Book tours with free cancellation as soon as the session times are published.

Where to eat

Reserve dinner for the nights around the event: restaurants near the venue fill up days ahead.

Rainy-day backups

Half day · Food · Indoor

Moroccan cooking class

Spice market, tagine, bread and pastries.

Half day · Indoor · Low walking

Hammam and massage

A full ritual is the best cure for a long match day.

Getting around on event days

Day trips from Marrakech

Bringing a group?

Corporate hospitality, fan clubs, teams and families travelling together: tell us the dates and group size and we will put together tours, transfers and a group dinner for World Cup 2030 in Marrakech.

Plan a group trip

Questions people ask

When is World Cup 2030 in Marrakech 2030?

The next edition is 8 June to 21 July 2030, following the usual pattern. The organiser has not confirmed it yet.

How do I get from the airport to Grand Stade de Marrakech?

Marrakech Menara (RAK) is 6 km from the Medina, 15 to 20 minutes by car. Bus 19 runs to Jemaa el-Fnaa and Gueliz for about 30 dirhams. Taxis ask 150 to 200 dirhams; most riads offer pickups, which helps because cars cannot reach many riad doors. The stadium is on the northwest edge of the city, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from Gueliz and the Medina.

Where should I stay for World Cup 2030 in Marrakech?

For most visitors the best base is Gueliz and Hivernage: Modern hotels with pools, restaurants and easy taxis to the stadium.

What can we do between sessions at World Cup 2030 in Marrakech?

Good short outings in Marrakech include Hot air balloon at sunrise, Medina and souks guided tour, Jardin Majorelle and YSL museum. See the day plans on this page for a full schedule.

What is there for kids and families near World Cup 2030 in Marrakech?

Family-friendly picks: Atlas mountains and Berber villages day trip, Agafay desert sunset, camel ride and dinner, Day trip to Essaouira. Camel rides in the Palmeraie for younger kids.

How far is Grand Stade de Marrakech from Marrakech centre?

About 11 km in a straight line. The stadium is on the northwest edge of the city, about 15 to 20 minutes by car from Gueliz and the Medina.

More events in Marrakech

More World Cup 2030

Everything we cover in Marrakech