3 Days in Marrakech
Marrakech is often the first stop on a trip to Morocco!
And it’s easy to see why—the Red City is full of charm!
Behind its ochre walls lies a maze of narrow alleys, bustling souks, stunning palaces, and intricately carved doors that transport visitors far from their daily routine.
But Marrakech isn’t just a city to see. You also need to listen, breathe, and taste it.
I guarantee a total immersion in this fabulous destination, where living in the moment is not optional.
I was lucky enough to spend a week there less than a year ago and completely fell in love with it. I’m writing this to help you plan your stay, hoping you’ll enjoy this amazing city as much as I did.
Here is your 3 Days in Marrakech itinerary!
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Plan Your Stay in Marrakech in Just a Few Seconds!
In a rush to plan your trip? This mini-guide has all the essentials you need!
WHERE TO SLEEP?
- Sindi Sud (perfect for solo travelers)
- Al Fassia Aguedal (for a luxury stay)
WHERE TO EAT?
- Zaman Food (for its chicken tagine)
- Café chez Zaza (for dinner on a rooftop)
- Restaurant Toubkal (for eating at Jemaa El-Fna Square)
THINGS TO DO:
- Visit the souks with a guide
- Admire the Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Get a henna tattoo
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Practical Information for Visiting Marrakech:
3 Days in Marrakech Itinerary
Of course, nothing is stopping you from spending more time in the Red City and uncovering all its treasures.
However, this itinerary was designed for travelers who want to experience the highlights of Marrakech during a short stay.
Planning a trip to Morocco? Then you’ll definitely be interested in my articles about Fes and Chefchaouen.
Day 1: Immersion in the Medina and Its Treasures
Morning: Visit to the Medina and the Souks
I strongly recommend starting your visit with what I consider Marrakech’s main attraction: the medina!
To put it simply, the medina is Marrakech’s old town, the historic center of the city with its winding alleys and traditional architecture.
It also includes various souks where local artisans work and sell typically Moroccan goods.
Three souks not to be missed:
- Souk el Attarine: The spice and perfume market fills the air with enchanting scents — cumin, saffron, cedarwood, and amber mingle in a true olfactory festival. A delight for the senses!
- Souk Sebbaghine: Here, wool and cotton fabrics, hand-dyed with natural pigments, hang to dry high above. This colorful souk reveals a rich artisanal craftsmanship.
- Souk Haddadine: The clinking of hammers sets the rhythm in this metalworkers’ souk. Artisans hammer, chisel, and shape copper, brass, and iron to create beautiful trays, lanterns, and teapots.
You probably already know that the medina is a true labyrinth, and it might be a bit stressful for some of you to explore without knowing the area.
If that’s the case, I recommend joining a guided tour of the most colorful souks.
Besides sharing essential information, your guide will help you navigate this maze and discover local artisans.
For everyone else, the best thing is literally to get lost in the medina and let yourself be carried by the breeze.
You’ll surely make wonderful encounters and be amazed at every corner — by a stunning door, a marvelous shop, or cats sleeping peacefully.
Lunch
At lunchtime, it’s the perfect moment to try the local cuisine for the first time.
I recommend the chicken and lemon tagine at Zaman Food. Head upstairs to enjoy a lovely view over the medina.
Afternoon: Henna Tattoo and Walk Around the Koutoubia Mosque
Exploring the city is great, but learning more about local customs is just as rewarding.
To avoid too much effort right after lunch, I suggest getting a henna tattoo while sipping a glass of mint tea.
I had mine done at Henna Louaya, and I highly recommend this riad.
First, because the setting is beautiful, the staff is friendly, and the henna used is organic and affordably priced.
Next, it’s time to head to the Koutoubia Mosque, one of Marrakech’s must-see monuments.
Built in the 12th century under the Almohad dynasty, its minaret rises 77 meters high and has watched over the city ever since.
Only Muslims are allowed inside, but I encourage you to get close to the mosque to admire its architecture and soak in the peaceful atmosphere.
Continue walking toward the garden behind it for a well-deserved break surrounded by greenery.
Evening: Stroll through Jemaa el-Fna Square and Dinner
Nightfall is the perfect time to discover Jemaa el-Fna Square. This is when it truly comes to life!
Food stalls pop up like mushrooms, drums echo from every corner, storytellers and musicians take over the area, and tourists begin to gather to admire the show.
Sit on a restaurant terrace to keep watching the vibrant life unfolding in this UNESCO-listed square.
I recommend Restaurant Toubkal for its prune meat dish. A local introduced me to this place — so you can be sure it’s delicious!
ALSO READ: Ultimate Guide to Visit Marrakech
DAY 2:A Dive into the City’s History
Morning: Visit to the Ben Youssef Madrasa and Cooking Workshop
Start your day by visiting a monument that will leave you speechless! The Ben Youssef Madrasa is one of the oldest Quranic schools in Morocco. Upstairs, you can even visit the tiny rooms where students once lived.
But the highlight of the visit is the stunning central courtyard, adorned with colorful zellige tiles, intricately carved stucco, and finely chiseled cedar wood.
To save time, consider purchasing your entry ticket online in advance.
Before diving into more sightseeing, I recommend joining a cooking class to learn how to make one of Morocco’s many delicious dishes yourself.
It’s also a great opportunity to meet fellow travelers and locals, while gaining deeper insight into one of the pillars of Moroccan identity: its cuisine.
Here are a few workshops that might interest you:
- Moroccan cooking class with a local female chef!
- Traditional Moroccan pastry workshop!
- Class focused on Moroccan pancakes and bread!
- Vegetarian and vegan Moroccan dishes!
Lunch
Enjoy the dishes you prepared during your cooking class.
Afternoon: Visit the Saadian Tombs and the El Badi Palace
A must-see, these richly decorated tombs date back to the Saadian era.
It was Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur who commissioned this sumptuous funerary complex adorned with finely carved stuccoes, zellige mosaics, and Italian marble columns.
Not far from there is the El Badi Palace, which I highly recommend.
Its 16th-century ruins invite you to imagine the former grandeur of this monument.
At the time, it had over 300 rooms, lush gardens, and splendid pools.
Today in ruins, it remains an essential site to dive into the history of Marrakech.
Evening: Rooftop Views and Dinner
Enjoy the end of the day watching the city sink into darkness from a rooftop while savoring a delicious meal.
I invite you to dine at Café chez Zaza to enjoy a panoramic view while savoring their vegetarian couscous.
Day 3: Between Nature and History
Morning: Visit the Majorelle Garden and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
The Majorelle Garden is a must-see when visiting Marrakech. This colorful botanical garden is home to over 300 plant species, including cacti, palm trees, and bougainvillea.
The entire setting creates a beautiful and pleasant place to stroll. Take the opportunity to admire the famous blue house and snap some photos for your feed.
Don’t leave without visiting the Berber Museum, which offers a fascinating introduction to the Berber people—their history, customs, and traditional clothing.
For fashion enthusiasts, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum nearby is another must-visit. It showcases sketches and iconic pieces from the legendary designer.
Since the Majorelle Garden attracts thousands of tourists, be sure to buy your ticket online to avoid being turned away at the entrance!
LUNCH
Head back to the medina to find a traditional restaurant where you can savor a tagine or couscous. Even better, if you enjoy the sweet-and-savory combination, it’s time to try the chicken pastilla at Bahia Restaurant Traditionnel.
Afternoon: Visit the Bahia Palace and take one last stroll through the medina.
The Bahia Palace is another must-visit monument. This magnificent 19th-century palace, a prime example of traditional Moroccan architecture, was the residence of the vizier’s family at the time.
It spans nearly 8 hectares and consists of 150 richly decorated rooms adorned with colorful zellige tiles, finely carved stucco, and painted wooden ceilings.
Afterwards, it’s time for one last stroll through the medina to soak up its unique atmosphere. This is also the perfect moment to buy your souvenirs!
WHAT TO BUY IN MARRAKECH, MOROCCO?
- Handmade textiles: plaids made from sabra (vegetable silk), foutas, embroidered towels, Berber rugs with symbolic patterns.
- Everyday objects in copper or ceramics: teapots, hammered trays, clay tagines, colorful tea glasses.
- Natural beauty products: argan oil, orange blossom water, rhassoul clay, black soap, and alum stones.
- Spices and teas: cumin, saffron, ras el hanout, paprika, mint tea, and Berber tea!
Evening: Dinner
Enjoy your last dinner by trying a new dish or savoring your favorite one again.
Do you have more time to spend in Marrakech?
you decide to spend more time in Marrakech, you can of course visit other monuments and participate in additional activities. Here are some ideas:
- The Secret Garden
- The Photography Museum
- The Koubba of the Almoravids
- A hot air balloon flight
You can also choose to take excursions near or farther from the city. Maybe it’s the perfect chance to discover the desert? Here are 5 excursion ideas:
ALSO READ: The Best Day Trips from Marrakech
How is Marrakech, Morocco weather?
Located at the edge of the desert, Marrakech enjoys a Mediterranean climate with a semi-arid influence. The result? Sunshine almost all year round, mild winters, and scorching hot summers!
A quick overview of the year:
- Spring: temperatures between 20 and 30° C (68–86° F), with cool evenings;
- Summer: temperatures often exceeding 40° C (104° F), with dry air;
- Autumn: temperatures between 25 and 35 °C (77–95°F), with bright sunny days;
- Winter: temperatures around 18 to 22° C (64–72° F), often clear skies, with cool evenings and nights.
How to get to Marrakech?
Marrakech is a destination easily accessible from many cities around the world. Moreover, there are several options depending on your budget, available time, and sense of adventure.
✈️ By plane: the simplest and fastest option
It’s the least eco-friendly option, but it’s the easiest! Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK) receives direct flights daily from many major cities like Paris, Lyon, Madrid, Berlin… In short, the list is long!
🛳️🚗 By ferry + car or bus: for an adventure on the road
For travelers who have time and prefer more eco-friendly transport methods, it is possible to reach Morocco by land and sea.
Typical itinerary:
- Reach southern Spain (Algeciras, Tarifa, or Malaga) by car, bus, or train.
- Take a ferry to Tangier or Ceuta.
- Continue to Marrakech by car, train, or bus, with companies such as CTM or Supratours.
🚌 By bus: an economical alternative
Some companies offer combined bus + ferry trips from a few European countries including France, but this can take more than 30 hours!
How to get to the medina from the airport?
Marrakech-Menara Airport (RAK) is located very close to the medina—about 6 km away. To get there, you have several options:
- By taxi: This is the easiest option, especially if you have luggage or arrive in the evening. It takes about 15-20 minutes to reach your destination. Don’t forget to negotiate the price before getting in or ask to use the meter.
- By bus: This is what I did, taking line 19 which stops at the train station and Jemaa el-Fna square. Buses run every 20-30 minutes from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Consider buying a round-trip ticket as it’s a bit more economical.
- By private transfer: To avoid the stress of negotiating, some riads offer this service—don’t hesitate to ask when booking your stay.
How to get around Marrakech?
If you’re used to sidewalks and pedestrian crossings, you’ll probably need a little time to adapt to getting around Marrakech. For others, it should go smoothly.
In any case, the medina is best explored on foot! Stay alert from the first minutes and let yourself be carried by the local rhythm!
If you want to explore the surroundings, the bus is an economical and fairly efficient option—if you have a bit of patience.
Otherwise, there are the famous small beige taxis, often shared. Prices are affordable but should be negotiated before getting in.
Where to stay in Marrakech?
I recommend booking accommodation in the medina without hesitation for a true immersion experience. It’s also much more convenient for visiting tourist attractions, especially if you only have a few days.
Plus, it’s a great opportunity to stay in a traditional riad. Riads are guesthouses featuring refined architecture and typical Moroccan décor.
But beware: the medina remains noisy, even at night. If you’re a light sleeper, consider staying in a quieter neighborhood.
- Riad Sindi Sud ($$): a modest riad with an excellent rooftop breakfast. I recommend it for solo travelers.
- Riad Bensaid ($$$): a beautiful, well-decorated peaceful haven right in the medina, perfect for a romantic stay.
If you prefer more comfort and a bit more calm, head to Guéliz or l’Hivernage. These are the more modern districts of Marrakech, with large hotels, chic boutiques, and international restaurants.
- AppartHotel Atrani ($$): close to the train station, practical studios with private bathrooms and nice terraces.
- B): bright loft-style rooms with balconies. Design and comfort guaranteed.
Finally, if your goal is to relax away from the hustle and bustle, head to the outskirts of the city: the Palmeraie or the Ourika road. However, the main tourist attractions are quite far from there.
ALSO READ: The Best Hotels in Marrakech
I hope this 3 days in Marrakech itinerary will help you organize your stay in this stunning destination.
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