3 Days in Marrakech

Perfect introduction to Marrakech including medina, palaces, and gardens.

Duration

3 days

Difficulty

Easy

3 Days in Marrakech: The Perfect Introduction

Marrakech is Morocco's most iconic city—a sensory overload of colors, sounds, and scents that has captivated travelers for centuries. This carefully crafted 3-day itinerary gives you the perfect introduction to the Red City, balancing must-see highlights with authentic local experiences.

Trip Overview

In three days, you'll explore ancient palaces, lose yourself in the labyrinthine medina, discover stunning Islamic architecture, and experience the magic of Jemaa el-Fnaa square. We've designed this itinerary to minimize rushing while maximizing your Marrakech experience.

Best Time: March-May and October-November for ideal weather Pace: Relaxed with time for spontaneous discoveries Highlights: Jemaa el-Fnaa, Bahia Palace, Majorelle Garden, traditional hammam

Day 1: Arrival & The Medina Experience

Morning/Afternoon: Arrival & Settling In

Your Marrakech adventure begins upon arrival at Menara Airport, just 15 minutes from the medina. We recommend arranging airport pickup through your riad, as navigating the medina for the first time can be disorienting.

What to expect:

  • Transfer to your traditional riad (allow 30-45 minutes including medina walking)
  • Welcome mint tea and orientation from your host
  • Time to freshen up and adjust to the Moroccan pace

Pro tip: Book a riad in the heart of the medina for the most authentic experience. The winding streets may seem confusing at first, but you'll learn key landmarks quickly.

Late Afternoon: First Taste of Jemaa el-Fnaa

By late afternoon, head to Morocco's most famous square. Jemaa el-Fnaa has been the heart of Marrakech for nearly 1,000 years and is a UNESCO-recognized "Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity."

During daylight hours, you'll find:

  • Snake charmers and monkey handlers (a photo costs a few dirhams)
  • Henna artists offering intricate hand designs
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice stands (4-5 dirhams per glass)
  • Traditional musicians and storytellers

What to do:

  • Take a rooftop seat at Café de France or Café Glacier for an overview
  • Sip mint tea and watch the square transform as sunset approaches
  • Browse the edge stalls selling dried fruits, spices, and argan products

Evening: The Square Comes Alive

As darkness falls, Jemaa el-Fnaa transforms into the world's largest open-air restaurant. Dozens of food stalls set up, each with its own specialty.

Where to eat:

  • Stall #1 and #14 are popular with locals for grilled meats
  • Try harira soup, a traditional Moroccan starter
  • Sample snail soup (a local delicacy—more adventurous!)
  • Finish with fresh pastries and mint tea

Evening entertainment:

  • Gnawa musicians play traditional trance music
  • Storytellers captivate Moroccan audiences (in Arabic/Darija)
  • Acrobats and performers create impromptu shows

Dinner alternative: If street food feels overwhelming on your first night, dine at a traditional restaurant like Dar Moha or Al Fassia for refined Moroccan cuisine.

Accommodation: Traditional riad in the medina Included meals: Dinner (at the square or restaurant)

Day 2: Palaces, Gardens & Hammam

Today focuses on Marrakech's architectural treasures and a quintessentially Moroccan experience—the hammam.

Morning: Bahia Palace & Ben Youssef Madrasa

8:00 AM - Breakfast at your riad Most riads serve breakfast on the rooftop terrace—fresh bread, olives, cheese, eggs, and endless mint tea.

9:00 AM - Bahia Palace Start your day at this stunning 19th-century palace, built for a grand vizier's harem. The name means "brilliance," and you'll understand why when you see the intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and peaceful courtyards.

  • Allow 1-1.5 hours for a thorough visit
  • Best photography light is in the morning
  • Entry fee: 70 MAD

11:00 AM - Ben Youssef Madrasa Walk through the medina streets to this 16th-century Islamic college, once the largest in North Africa. The courtyard's reflection pool and intricate stucco work represent the height of Moroccan-Andalusian architecture.

  • Entry fee: 70 MAD
  • Photography permitted (no flash)

Midday: Souk Exploration & Lunch

12:30 PM - Navigate the Souks From the madrasa, plunge into the nearby souks. The medina contains distinct areas for different crafts:

  • Souk Semmarine: Main artery with textiles and clothing
  • Souk des Babouches: Traditional slippers in every color
  • Souk Haddadine: Metalworkers creating lanterns and hardware
  • Souk des Teinturiers: Where leather and fabrics are dyed

Bargaining tips:

  • Start at 30-50% of the asking price
  • Walk away if the price doesn't feel right—you can always return
  • Enjoy the process; it's part of the experience

1:30 PM - Lunch Escape the souk chaos at Nomad, a rooftop restaurant near the spice square. Modern Moroccan cuisine with excellent views.

Afternoon: Majorelle Garden

3:30 PM - Majorelle Garden & Berber Museum Take a taxi or walk to the Ville Nouvelle (new city) to visit this extraordinary garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent.

Highlights:

  • Striking cobalt blue buildings

  • Exotic cacti and bamboo groves

  • Berber Museum showcasing traditional crafts and costumes

  • YSL Memorial (separate building)

  • Entry fee: 150 MAD (garden + museum)

  • Allow 1.5-2 hours

5:30 PM - Gueliz District The modern Gueliz neighborhood offers a different perspective on Marrakech:

  • Browse contemporary Moroccan design at 33 Rue Majorelle
  • Coffee at Café 16 or Grand Café de la Poste
  • Window-shop the boutiques on Avenue Mohammed V

Evening: Traditional Hammam

7:00 PM - Hammam Experience No visit to Morocco is complete without experiencing a traditional hammam (public bath). This centuries-old ritual cleanses both body and mind.

What to expect:

  • Hot steam rooms of varying temperatures
  • Black soap (savon noir) scrub
  • Vigorous exfoliation with a kessa glove
  • Ghassoul clay mask
  • Massage (optional)

Where to go:

  • Heritage Spa or Les Bains de Marrakech for upscale experiences
  • Hammam Mouassine for a more authentic local experience

9:00 PM - Dinner After your hammam, you'll feel completely relaxed. Enjoy dinner at a palace restaurant like Dar Yacout or Le Foundouk, where you'll dine in stunning surroundings with live music.

Accommodation: Traditional riad Included meals: Breakfast and dinner

Day 3: Local Culture & Departure

Your final day offers flexibility for deeper exploration or relaxation.

Morning: Local Life & Hidden Gems

8:00 AM - Early Riad Breakfast Enjoy another rooftop breakfast before the city heats up.

9:00 AM - Saadian Tombs These 16th-century royal tombs were sealed for centuries and only rediscovered in 1917. The mausoleum's decoration rivals the finest palaces.

  • Entry fee: 70 MAD
  • Visit early to avoid crowds (opens at 9 AM)

10:00 AM - Badi Palace Ruins Walk to the remains of what was once one of the world's most magnificent palaces. Built in the 16th century, it was stripped of its treasures and left in ruins. Today, storks nest on the walls, and the vast courtyard hints at past glory.

  • Entry fee: 70 MAD
  • The underground prison and rooftop views are highlights

11:00 AM - El Badi District Explore the mellah (Jewish quarter) and its markets. This area feels more authentic and less touristy than central souks.

Midday: Cooking Class (Optional)

12:00 PM - Moroccan Cooking Experience Several riads and schools offer half-day cooking classes:

  • Visit the spice market with your chef
  • Learn to prepare traditional tagine, couscous, or pastilla
  • Enjoy your creations for lunch
  • Receive recipes to recreate dishes at home

Recommended: La Maison Arabe, Café Clock, or Faim d'Épices

Afternoon: Final Exploration

2:00 PM - Choose Your Adventure:

Option 1: Jardin Secret A recently restored palace garden offering peaceful refuge and great views from its tower.

Option 2: Photography Walk Return to your favorite spots for golden afternoon light. The souks, riads, and alleyways photograph beautifully.

Option 3: Shopping Final opportunity to buy souvenirs. Fixed-price shops like Ensemble Artisanal offer stress-free shopping if bargaining isn't your style.

Option 4: Rooftop Relaxation Return to your riad for mint tea and reflection. Sometimes the best moments are simply sitting on a rooftop watching the swallows circle the minarets.

Evening: Farewell to Marrakech

6:00 PM - Final Jemaa el-Fnaa Visit Return to the square for golden hour and sunset. You'll appreciate it differently now that you understand the rhythm of Marrakech.

7:30 PM - Farewell Dinner End your trip with a special dinner. Options include:

  • Dar Moha: French-Moroccan fusion in a stunning palace
  • Al Fassia: All-female team serving traditional cuisine
  • Le Jardin: Contemporary setting in a hidden garden
  • Riad Square: Dinner at your own riad (if offered)

Departure: Transfer to airport or onward destination.

Where to Stay

Luxury Riads ($200-500/night):

  • La Mamounia (legendary palace hotel)
  • Royal Mansour (ultimate luxury)
  • Riad Farnatchi (intimate boutique)

Mid-Range Riads ($80-200/night):

  • Riad Yasmine (Instagram-famous pool)
  • Riad Be Marrakech (contemporary design)
  • Dar Attajmil (excellent location)

Budget-Friendly ($30-80/night):

  • Riad Layla (great value)
  • Equity Point Hostel (backpacker favorite)
  • Numerous basic riads in the medina

Practical Tips

Getting Around:

  • The medina is best explored on foot
  • Use petits taxis for trips to Majorelle Garden or Gueliz
  • Agree on taxi prices before departure (or insist on meter)

Money:

  • Cash is king in the medina; ATMs are available
  • Credit cards accepted at upscale restaurants and hotels
  • Budget 500-1000 MAD per day for moderate spending

What to Wear:

  • Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) for palaces and mosques
  • Comfortable walking shoes for uneven medina streets
  • Layers—evenings can be cool even in summer

Safety:

  • Marrakech is generally safe for tourists
  • Be aware of common scams (fake guides, "closed" attractions)
  • Keep valuables secure in crowded areas

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is 3 days enough for Marrakech? A: Yes! Three days covers the highlights comfortably. With more time, add day trips to the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, or Ouzoud Waterfalls.

Q: Should I hire a guide? A: A half-day guide is worthwhile for understanding the medina and avoiding getting lost. Budget 300-500 MAD for 3-4 hours.

Q: Is it safe to walk at night? A: Main routes and Jemaa el-Fnaa are safe. Avoid dark, empty alleyways late at night.

Q: What's the best area to stay? A: Near Jemaa el-Fnaa or Mouassine for walkability to attractions. Quieter riads are found in Kasbah or northern medina.

Q: Can I extend this itinerary? A: Absolutely! Add the Atlas Mountains (1 day), Essaouira (1-2 days), or continue to Fes or the desert.