Where to stay
Medina vs Gueliz: Where Should You Base Yourself in Marrakech?
Marrakech really has two personalities, and where you sleep decides which one you wake up in. The walled <strong>medina</strong> is the atmospheric old city of riads and souks; <strong>Gueliz</strong> (with neighbouring Hivernage) is the modern, French-built new town of boulevards, hotels and restaurants. Here's how they compare so you can base yourself in the right one.
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- 8 min
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- Where to stay
- Updated
- 21 July 2026
At a glance
- Medina: maximum atmosphere, riads, walk to the sights — but busier and car-free.
- Gueliz/Hivernage: modern comfort, pools, restaurants, easy taxis — less character.
- Medina suits first-timers and atmosphere-seekers; Gueliz suits comfort and quiet.
- They're a short, cheap taxi apart — or split your stay between both.
The medina: atmosphere and immersion
Basing yourself in the medina means living inside the story — you step out of your riad straight into the labyrinth of souks, monuments and the pull of Jemaa el-Fnaa, all walkable. The character is unbeatable and it's the classic Marrakech experience. The trade-offs: it's busier and noisier, cars can't reach most doors (so you walk your bags in and navigate the lanes), rooms can be dark by design, and facilities are simpler. Perfect for first-timers, short trips and anyone who wants to be immersed.
Gueliz and Hivernage: modern comfort
A short taxi ride west, Gueliz and Hivernage are a different world: wide, orderly streets, modern hotels with pools and gyms, contemporary restaurants and bars (with alcohol licences), boutiques and cafés, and taxis that drop you at the door. It's quieter, cooler in feel and far easier if you value space, a pool, accessibility or a good night's sleep. The cost is atmosphere — you're staying in a pleasant modern city rather than a medieval one, so you'll commute into the medina for the sights and soul.
How to decide (or have both)
Choose the medina if it's your first visit, you're short on time, or atmosphere is everything. Choose Gueliz or Hivernage if you want a pool, modern comfort, easy access, nightlife or a calmer base, or if you're travelling with young children or mobility needs. Because the two are only a cheap 10–15 minute taxi apart, plenty of people don't choose at all — they split the stay, doing the first nights in a medina riad for the magic and finishing in a new-town hotel to relax by a pool. See our full where-to-stay guides to fine-tune it.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to stay in the medina or Gueliz in Marrakech?
The medina for atmosphere, riads and walking to the sights; Gueliz or Hivernage for modern comfort, pools, restaurants and easy taxis. First-timers and atmosphere-seekers usually prefer the medina; those wanting quiet, space or a pool lean to Gueliz. They're a short taxi apart.
Is Gueliz a good area to stay in Marrakech?
Yes, if you value modern comfort — Gueliz and neighbouring Hivernage have contemporary hotels with pools, good restaurants and bars, boutiques and easy car access, and are calmer than the medina. The trade-off is less old-city character, so you'll taxi in for the sights.
How far is Gueliz from the medina?
Only about a 10–15 minute petit-taxi ride (or a 30-minute walk), and cheap. That closeness means many travellers split their stay between a medina riad and a Gueliz or Hivernage hotel, getting the best of both.