There are only a few things that are more enticing than Marrakech, Morocco. This 3 Days in Marrakech Itinerary explores a different world and let’s you discover a blend of Berber and Islamic cultures where the senses are in constant overdrive.
Life in Marrakech is lived on the streets. Narrow alleyways are lined with endless rows of stallholders selling handmade lanterns, leather bags, souvenirs and even food. Markets are stacked high with dates, nuts and other sweets, fruits and baked goods. The scent of spices waft through the ancient medina and secret laneways echo to the beating of leather.
Here’s how to get the most out of 3 days in Marrakech.
Marrakech is the heartland of Moorish architecture. Mosques, tombs and palaces boast the craftsmanship of mosaic facades, stucco plasterwork and cedar ceilings. Even small riads – a type of traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden/courtyard – can be as mesmerizing as grand buildings.
So dive in with my 3-day Marrakech itinerary and find you people watching over a mint tea in no time.
3 Days in Marrakech – Overview
DAY 1 AM / Exploring Koutoubia Mosque, Bab Agnaou & the Saadian Tombs
DAY 1 PM / Being wowed by the beauty of the Bahia Palace
DAY 2 AM / Enjoying a beautiful Moroccan sunrise at a rooftop terrace
DAY 2 PM / Uncovering local live in the souks & Jemaa el Fna
DAY 3 AM / Learning about Yves Saint Laurent & Jardin Majorelle
DAY 3 PM / Getting energized in a Hammam
Why go to Marrakech?
- Getting lost in the souks of the central Medina
- Exploring Moorish architecture
- Getting scrubbed in a traditional Hammam
- People-watching from street side cafés with a mint tea
Day 1 AM / Koutoubia Mosque, Bab Agnaou & Saadian Tombs
Start your 3 days in Marrakech at the Koutoubia Mosque, the religious centre of the city. This 12th-century mosque with its 70m high tower is a useful way to get your bearings.
From here, it’s just a short walk to Bab Agnaou, one of the nineteen gates – babs – of Marrakech. It was built in the 12th century and forms the border between the old town (Medina) of Marrakech and the former government district Kasbah. It is the most important historical gate construction in Marrakech and an important testimony to Moorish architecture.
The Saadian tombs are in its neighborhood. Before going in, explore a slice of the traditional Moroccan life in the square behind Moulay el Yazid Mosque. While the centre of Marrakech may be touristy, the is a genuinely local market. You can find more of these local markets by walking around the city wall of Marrakech.
Entering through a side door in the Kasbah Mosque, the Saadian tombs are the final resting place of Sultan Ahmed al Mansour, his family and coterie of advisors. The highlight is the Chamber of Three Niches. Here sultan and his closest family members lay in front of a magnificent mihrab (prayer niche).
Koutoubia Mosque | always open | free | Location
Bab Agnaou | always open | free | Location
Saadian Tombs | Mon-Sun 09:00-16:30 | 10 MAD = 0.90€/1.20$ | Location
Day 1 PM / Bahia Palace
After having lunch and mint tea, begin the afternoon at the 19th century Bahia Palace. Set up by Moussa Ba Ahmed, grand vizier of the sultan, for his personal use, only a small section of its 8 hectares and 150 rooms are open. The petit riad has a lush courtyard surrounded by mosaic tile work and inlaid painted cedar ceilings while the grand riad courtyard is an expansive space of blue, white, and yellow tiles.
Afterwards, grab a mint tea and try some of the baklava as you explore the shops on Zitoun el Jdid. If you want to, you can still explore El Badi Palace, a ruined palace. We skipped this one since there is in fact nothing left of the extraordinary architecture that was once built.
Bahia Palace | Mon-Sun 09:00-16:45 | 70 MAD = 6.50€/7.30$
Day 2 AM / Moroccan sunrise & local cuisine
Start your second day in Marrakech by enjoying the sunrise at the rooftop terrace of your Riad. Most riads have a terrace and the sunrise in Morocco is exceptional!
As most riads include breakfast, too, I’d strongly advise you to take the chance and enjoy the local cuisine. In most riads, the breakfast changes every day, but always includes some of the delicious mint tea. Tip: If you do not like tea with sugar, you need to tell the staff beforehand as mint tea in Morocco always includes a high amount of sugar.
Unfortunately, Ben Youssef Medersa was still closed during our visit, but otherwise I’d recommend this place hands down. This Koranic school is the most exquisitely decorated building in Marrakech. Walls are covered with majestic mosaic tiles, arches decorated with intricate stucco plaster and ceilings are inlaid with painted cedarwood. At the moment, it is said that it will reopen in 2020, but be sure and check before your visit if it reopened already.
Optional, you can visit Le Jardin Secret which will set you back 60 MAD.
Day 2 PM / Souks & Jemaa el Fna
After a relaxing morning, it is time to explore the souks of Marrakech. In fact, we needed to pass the souks every day because our Riad was located very nearby. Be aware that some shops are closed on Fridays because it’s the Islamic holy day. Just in case that your second day would be a Friday, switch days then.
Some stalls are focused on touristy souvenirs while others are more local. For example, you can find colorful Moroccan carpets in La Criée Berbère or edgy jewellery in Souk des Bijoutiers. In Souk des Babouche, you’ll find brightly decorated slippers.
Others souks offer a glimpse of the traditional production processes of artisan goods; we saw some men working with leather in Souk Cherratine and were stunned by their work.
Undoubtedly, just strolling around the souks and taking in the thriving atmosphere is a highlight in Marrakech. Nevertheless, be sure that markets in Marrakech are the absolute opposite to those in Europe! Negotiation is a MUST in Marrakech. In addition, you will often be addressed, traders will try to persuade you and random people will guide you to the ‚right‘ way, even without knowing where you want to go. Just ignore them or be confident with a „Non, merci.„
Jemaa El Fna
There is no better place to experience the hubbub of Marrakech than in the main square of Jemaa el Fna (locals also refer to it as the ‚big square‘).
Head up to the Le Grand Balcon du Café Glace just before dusk. The café itself is as bad as the name suggests and entry os only possible with the purchase of an over-priced drink. However, it’s the best view of the square.
Once the sun is down, descend into the square and watch the story-tellers, snake-charmers and fruit sellers cajole you from all sides. But you need to be aware of taking pictures from the snake-charmers. Even if they say it’s free, it isn’t. And in the end, you will end up by paying a high price. Plus, I wouldn’t want to support these businesses.
Day 3 AM / Yves Saint Laurent, Jardin Majorelle & the ’new‘ Marrakech
On the final day of your 3 days in Marrakech, it’s time to leave the chaos of the medina behind with a visit to the new Marrakech. I promise you, it’s like a whole different world!
The building that’s now known as the Yves Saint Laurent museum & Jardin Majorelle originally was designed by Jacques Majorelle. This fascinating villa was later bought by Yves Saint Laurent and gifted to the city. Today Jardin Majorelle’s intriguing architecture and sumptuously landscaped gardens are an excellent place to explore.
Tip: Buy your ticket in advance {you cannot buy it online for the same day!} or buy it at the Jardin Majorelle to avoid standing in line for a long, long time.
YSL & Jardin Majorelle | Mon-Sun 08:00-18:00 | 100 MAD=9.40€/10.40$ | Location
Afterwards, go through the surrounding neighborhood and explore the new Marrakech. There are some good and cheap options for a nice mint tea or even a romantic dinner on the Avenue Moulay El Hassan.
Day 3 PM / Hammam
Having spent three days on your feet it’s time for a rest and clean. And there’s no better way than to visit. Moroccan hammam. There’s a variety of different types, depending on the experience you want. For a local experience try Hammam Mouassine. Don’t expect to come out relaxed – this is a very energetic scrub.
Curious about my other Morocco posts? Check them out here.
All the information you need to plan your own Marrakech Itinerary.
I believe that a little pre-planning, research, and understanding what you are looking for in a destination, will help make your travels far more successful. Here’s some further information I think you might need to plan your own Marrakech itinerary.
Best time to visit Marrakech
The best times to visit Marrakech are from March to May and between September and November. These seasons are known for their desirable weather and affordable hotel rates. You can still visit Marrakech during December though, but be aware that it’s around 10°C in the morning and 20°C during the day. When the sun comes out, it’s still very warm though.
How to get to Marrakech
A wide range of international flights arrive at Marrakech Menara international airport. The airport is only a short and cheap taxi ride into town which most riads will happily organize for you in advance. Given that most riads can be difficult to find for first timers, it’s good to book a taxi beforehand. Ideally, they know someone in the riad who will be waiting for you outside. A taxi usually is between €10 and €15.
Moreover, Marrakech is connected to Casablanca and Rabat by train and there is an extensive coach network between all the major cities in the north.
Getting around in Marrakech
Marrakech is very walkable and I’d recommend walking instead of using local transport or taxis in the city.
Where to stay in Marrakech
Staying in a riad (traditional Moroccan house) is a highlight of visiting Marrakech. Don’t be afraid of staying in the Medina of Marrakech, all riads are very secure and calm. Even if you stay nearby the souks, you don’t need to worry about the noise.
Costs of my itinerary
The total cost of my Marrakech itinerary, for two people, was €528.
With Dec 2019 exchange rates of €1.11 to the US Dollar; this equates to $585.02.
TOTAL COST
for 2 people, including transportation & accommodation
€528
€120 for the flights from Dusseldorf to Marrakech
€28 for the taxi from the airport & to the airport
€150 for accommodation
€100 for food and drinks
€30 for entrance fees
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