Welcome to the ‘Red City’! This comprehensive Marrakech travel guide gives you suggestions for an amazing 3/4 day Marrakech itinerary and advice about how to book a DIY break.
Contents
- Introduction to My Marrakech Travel Guide
- About Marrakech
- Marrakech Travel Guide to Planning Your DIY Trip
- Marrakech Itinerary: Things to Do in 3 Days
- Day 1: Introduction to the City from a Local Guide
- Day 2: Explore the Kasbah District Historic Sites and Hammam Spa Experience
- Day 3: Contrasting Landscapes from Jardin Majorelle to the Agafay Desert
- Extra Day: Atlas Mountains
- Local Cuisine and Dining
- Marrakech Travel Guide Helpful Tips
- Useful Links
Introduction to My Marrakech Travel Guide
I had the pleasure of visiting this intoxicating city twice last year. In this guide I have included all the places, activities and restaurants that we recommend, complete with website and Google Maps links.
Explore our extensive Marrakech travel guide featuring a detailed 3 day itinerary with must-see attractions, cultural gems, unique experiences and travel tips, for an unforgettable adventure in Marrakech – enjoy!
About Marrakech
Situated in northwest Africa, Morocco is bordered by the Sahara Desert, Mediterranean Sea and North Atlantic Ocean. Marrakech is the fourth largest city, located in the south of Morocco close to the Atlas Mountains.
Marrakech was founded in 1062 by the Berber empire. Since then, Marrakech has had a multitude of reigning powers, each building beautiful monuments; shaping the city’s fantastic architecture – many of which you will learn about further on.
Marrakech is vibrant and cosmopolitan. It has an ever growing new city surrounding a walled, bustling medina (old city), which is steeped in tradition and culture.
Outside of the medina, the modern districts feel very European, with wide roads, pavements, a financial centre, shopping mall, apartments and villas.
Most tourists come to experience the hubbub of the pulsing medina; the heart of the city. The medina is colourful, energetic, chaotic and fun but it also has peaceful gems that are so beautiful and magnificent you will be hooked.
Marrakech has a reputation for being a place where tourists are continuously hassled. It is true that as you walk around the souqs in the medina, the sellers will call out to you and invite you to look at their wares.
This is all part of the souqs experience. Outside of the medina, Marrakech is a regular city and everyone is just getting on with their lives.
We found the people we met to be warm and welcoming and great fun.
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Getting About
🚶 The easiest way to get around the medina is by foot.
🚖 You will see taxis in a few places in the medina until later when they are required to move.
🛺 There are tuk-tuks and horse and carriages too.
The streets of the medina are too narrow for cars, which is why there are so many mopeds. If you are travelling further afield, there are plenty of taxis and buses.
🌟 Tip: Make sure you agree a price before you get into a taxi.
🌟 Tip: Download the map of Marrakech from the Google Maps app on to your phone so you can find your way by foot. You will still make a few wrong turns but it does make life easier.
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Marrakech Travel Guide to Planning Your DIY Trip
Best Time of Year
🗓️ The best time of year to visit is in the spring and autumn, when you can expect pleasant, warm temperatures. In the winter, the temperature is around 18-22′ Celsius in the day but it gets a little cooler at night. Summer temperatures can reach the 40s, with averages of 37′ Celsius.
We visited in January and the weather was dry and sunny and around 26′ but in December, it was more cloudy and around 22 degrees.
✈️ Flights
Marrakech Menara airport is 20 minutes away from the city by car. Flights from the UK are very reasonable. My daughter paid £25 return with Ryanair and we paid between £60-£70 return with EasyJet.
🌟 Tip: Take a look at Skyscanner, to find the cheapest flights from your nearest airport
👉 Search for Flights on Skyscanner
Transfers
🚍 The No 19 airport shuttle bus operates between 0630-2330, between the airport, Jemaa El-Fna and some major hotels.
🚖 You will find available taxis waiting outside too. We organised a transfer service with our riad.
This cost 10 Euros each way but the driver walked us to our riad, and as we were arriving in the middle of the night, this was convenient and reassuring.
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Where to stay in Marrakech
🏩 Marrakech has accommodation suitable for every kind of traveller from hostels to 5* hotels and villas.
🌟 Tip: I would recommend that you stay in one of the many riads.
Riads are mini palace like houses that were once owned by the richest families. In recent years most have been transformed into fabulous guest houses.
The beautiful architecture and style, combined with the personal hospitality you receive at a riad is wonderful, and will certainly enhance your stay in Marrakech.
🔗 Blog to read: We loved our riad stays, you can read about them and see the booking links here!
If you want to be close to all the main tourist sights then staying in the medina is more convenient and there are lots of riads and hostels to choose from.
If you prefer a modern 5 star and all inclusive hotel, there are lots to choose from in the new part of the city.
👉 Search for Accommodation on Booking.com
Tours and Experiences for Your Marrakech Itinerary
🚶 Walking Tours
I would recommend taking a walking tour around the medina to help you get your bearings and learn about the history and culture.
We always book free walking tours through GuruWalk, where you pay a tip at the end of the tour. Alternatively there are lots of walking tours available on Get Your Guide and Viator, including street food tours.
🐪 Agafay Desert
Fun things to do in the Agafay Desert include hot air balloon rides, quad bikes, camel rides and sunset dinners. We chose a sunset camel ride and Berber dinner experience, which you can read about further on.
⛰️ Atlas Mountains
Discover the Berber settlements in the Atlas Mountains and hike along scenic treks. People we spoke to highly recommended this and there are a range of activities to choose from.
How to Book
You can find all these experiences and more on Get Your Guide and Viator.
🍽️ Restaurant Reservations
Depending on your preferences and budget, you will need to make reservations for the more popular restaurants in Marrakech.
The restaurants recommended in this itinerary are best booked beforehand to ensure you get a table.
The exception is Bacha Coffee, where you will queue to enter.
🔗 Blog to read: Read about Marrakech restaurants and street food here!
Marrakech Itinerary: Things to Do in 3 Days
Day 1: Introduction to the City from a Local Guide
Day 1 of your Marrakech Itinerary, spend your morning exploring the medina (old city) with a local Marrakech travel guide. Finish your tour in the main square Jemaa el Fnaa.
Have a relaxing lunch at Le Jardin, before exploring the Secret Garden. Discover the beautiful architecture of Ben Youseff and the Marrakech museum.
🍹 Finish the day with sunset cocktails and dinner at Dardar rooftop.
Day 1
- Morning – Free guided walking tour with GuruWalk
- Lunch – Le Jardin
- Afternoon – Explore The Secret Garden
- Visit Ben Youssef
- If you have time see the Marrakech Museum
- Dinner at Dardar Rooftop
Guru Walk
A great way to explore the medina, to get your bearings and learn about the history and culture, is to go on a walking tour with a local guide.
GuruWalk have a good selection of free walking tours available on their website. It gives you a chance to explore the lesser known parts of the medina, learn about Marrakech from a local’s point of view, walk without anyone trying to sell you things and be able to take photos (with permission of course) of the colourful souqs.
You will also get some great suggestions for more places to add to your Marrakech itinerary.
You will meet your guide outside Cafe L’Adresse in Jemaa El Fna.
🗺️ Google Maps link to Cafe L’Adresse
🔗Blog to read: Read more about our experience here!
Lunch at Jardin
After your tour, make your way to Le Jardin restaurant for traditional Moroccan and European cuisine. Le Jardin was a 1960’s riad that has been turned into a serene garden restaurant.
There are trees and plants growing in the centre courtyard and tortoises roaming around.
🌟 Tip: It is very popular so it is best to make a reservation.
Alternatively, try one of the guide’s recommendations.
🗺️Google Maps Link to Le Jardin
Secret Garden
Not far from Le Jardin, Le Jardin Secret was built during the Saadian Dynasty and was rebuilt in the mid-Nineteenth century. Over the years, it has been home to important political figures, but was recently renovated and opened to the public.
One of my personal favourites, the gardens are a peaceful and calm escape from the hectic medina.
You can enjoy a drink at the cafe, while admiring Islamic art and architectural structures amidst the pretty landscaped gardens.
👉Visit Le Jardin Secret Website
🗺️Google Maps links to Le Jardin Secret
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Once an Islamic college, the Ben Youssef Madrasa is a stunning example of Andalusian-Arabic architecture. Featuring intricate mosaics and a courtyard with a beautiful pool, the architecture is wonderful.
You can explore the dormitories of the former students and even see a room furnished how it was originally.
👉Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa Website
🗺️ Google Maps link to Ben Youssef
Museum of Marrakech
The same foundation that purchased the Ben Youseff Madrasa bought and restored the Museum of Marrakech. The Defence Minister once lived in this impressive building situated in the Dar Menebhi Palace.
It dates back to the late 19th century and is very similar to Ben Youseff but not as well preserved. The architecture is also stunning, and it is worth visiting to see the amazing mosaic floors and incredible ceilings.
👉Visit Marrakech Museum Website
🗺️ Google Maps link to Marrakech Museum
Dinner at Dardar
Sunset cocktails and dinner at Dardar is a great way to spend an evening. The view is fantastic and the food and cocktails are delicious. A DJ plays and there is entertainment like magicians or dancers.
🌟 Tip: It is very popular so best to reserve ahead.
👉Visit Dardar Rooftop Restaurant
Jemaa el Fnaa
This public square is a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the day Jemaa el Fnaa is fairly quiet with fruit markets, story tellers and other stalls.
Unfortunately, there are also snake charmers and men with monkeys on leashes that are brought in tiny cages, which we avoided.
In the evening, the square truly come to life. Every night until very late groups of musicians from different cultures entertain the crowds with their music and dancing. There are street food vendors and literally hundreds of people enjoying the atmosphere.
🗺️Google Maps Link for Jemaa el Fnaa
Day 2: Explore the Kasbah District Historic Sites and Hammam Spa Experience
Start the day with a unique coffee experience at Bacha Coffee before setting off to the Kasbah District to visit the ancient Saadian Tombs and the beautiful Bahia Palace.
After lunch, indulge in a relaxing hammam spa and massage.
Enjoy an ambient dinner under the lanterns at La Trattoria in the new city.
Day 2
- Morning – Morning coffee at Bacha Coffee Museum
- Visit the Saadian Tombs
- Explore Bahia Palace
- Lunch
- Hammam spa experience at Al Ksar Spa
- Dinner at La Trattoria
Bacha Coffee
For a gourmet coffee experience, Bacha Coffee Museum offers beautiful gardens and a luxurious cafe, which serves breakfast, brunch and lunch. Unfortunately, on both my trips to Marrakech I never got to try the coffee.
There is an entrance fee to look at the gardens and then you have to wait for a seat at the cafe, this is why you should get there as early as possible.
We paid the entrance fee but didn’t have time to wait for the cafe, so we looked around the gardens and coffee shop and then had a coffee at the bicycle cafe further down the road.
🌟Tip: It is best to arrive at least 20 minutes before it opens at 10am and be aware that it is closed on Mondays.
🗺️ Google Maps Links to Bacha Coffee
Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace was originally built for Si Moussa, Grand Vizir of the Sultan, a former slave who had climbed the ranks. His son Bou Ahmed occupied the palace. He gained control over the state until he died in 1900.
After the French occupation, the royals used it as their residence until King Hassan II transferred it to the Moroccan Ministry of culture so it could become a tourist attraction.
It is well preserved and consists of stunning gardens, mosaics and paintings.
🗺️ Google Maps Link for Bahia Palace
Saadian Tombs
In the 16th century, the Saadian dynasty built the beautiful Saadian Tombs which were sealed and hidden by the Alawi sultan, Moulay Isma’ll. They were rediscovered in the 20th century. The tombs are exquisite and a most luxurious burial place.
We found the entrance a little tricky to find but a kind shopkeeper gave us directions.
🗺️ Google Maps Link to Saadian Tombs
Lunch
You will find lots of eating establishments to choose from before your visit to the spa. We ate at the restaurant directly across the road from the entrance to the palace. The food was delicious and very reasonably priced.
Spa
There are lots of hammams to choose from in Marrakech from public hammams to luxury spa experiences. You might even find that your riad has a hammam available. The public hammams are very cheap to enter and they are single sex.
Al Ksar and Spa offer private and couple hammams at reasonable prices compared to the well known high end spas.
We had a wonderful hammam and massage, followed by mint tea on the rooftop terrace for 78 euros for the two of us. It was a well organised and relaxing experience.
🔗 Blog to read: You can read more about it and what a hammam entails in my Long Weekend in Marrakech blog.
🗺️ Google Maps Link to Al Ksar
Dinner at La Trattoria
La Trattoria is an Italian restaurant in the new city. The restaurant is lit by lanterns and candles and has a wonderful ambiance and romantic atmosphere. We found the food and service was fantastic and we loved the whole experience.
🌟 Tip: Ask for a table by the pool for the most magical lighting.
It is quite a walk from the medina so you might want to get a taxi.
🗺️ Google Maps Link for La Trattoria
Day 3: Contrasting Landscapes from Jardin Majorelle to the Agafay Desert
Begin the day early at the captivating, artistic, landscaped gardens of Jardin Majorelle.
See the Yves Saint Laurent Museum before heading back to the medina for an authentic Moroccan lunch at the beautiful M Bacha restaurant. Explore the nearby souqs and buy your souvenirs.
Finally, end your Marrakech adventure with a sunset camel ride and Berber dinner experience in the Agafay Desert.
Day 3
- Morning – early visit to Jardin Majorelle
- Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- Lunch at M Baccha
- Shopping in the souqs
- Agafay Desert experience
Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle is located in the new city. A French artist called Jaques Majorelle, created the garden over 40 years ago. Later, Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Berge bought it and started its restoration.
Jaques combined exotic plants, water features and bright blue wooden structures and ornaments to create a stunning landscape.
🌟 Tip: It is the most popular attraction in Marrakech so it is best to buy tickets for the earliest available time so you can avoid the crowds. Tickets are only available online and it opens at 0830.
On the website you will also see an option to visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Pierre Berge Museum of Berber Arts.
👉 Visit Jardin Majorelle Website
🗺️ Google Maps Link to Jardin Majorelle
M Bacha
This exceptionally beautiful establishment is a riad that once belonged to the son of the supreme commander of the Moroccan army. The riad is an example of historic Moroccan architecture and design and it is absolutely stunning.
They serve traditional Moroccan and Asian cuisine. The service and food are fantastic.
🗺️ Google Maps Link for M Bacha
Souq Shopping
After a delicious lunch at M Bacha, it’s time to explore the souqs. Enjoy the colourful sights and buzz of the souqs as you admire the handmade crafts and beautiful ceramics, silverware, rugs and spices.
There is so much to see and tempt you, we wished we had brought an empty suitcase to take everything home! You are expected to barter if you wish to purchase something. We are slowly improving at our bartering skills.
🌟How to Barter
Basically, you ask how much, they give you a high price, you say a much lower price and you meet somewhere in the middle. Walk away if you are not happy with the price and they might go a bit lower.
We bought a teapot, glasses, mint tea leaves, soaps, argan oil products and a ceramic pot that appears not to contain anything but if you wet your finger and rub the inside, your finger turns red and you can use this as make-up. Apparently it’s all the rage on TikTok!
Agafay Desert
Spend your final evening in Marrakech in the Agafay Desert. A minivan picks you up from your hotel or meeting point and you are driven to the desert with a brief stop to learn about argan oil.
🌟 Tip: Don’t buy anything here as it is extremely expensive.
As you are driven through the desert, you will witness beautiful landscapes and the Atlas mountains in the distance.
Your next stop is a sunset camel ride, which is quite comfortable and only about 20 minutes. After you have the choice of a quad bike experience before reaching the desert camp.
At the camp you are welcomed by Berber musicians and a campfire. Once everyone has gathered from other groups, you will be served a delicious authentic Moroccan feast, before being entertained with a fire show, music and dancing.
It is a wonderful experience and a great way to end your adventure in Marrakech.
Extra Day: Atlas Mountains
If you have more time in Marrakech, why not book a day out to the Atlas Mountains? You will meet Berber villagers, hike to waterfalls and enjoy lunch at a Berber house.
Local Cuisine and Dining
From the moment you arrive at your accommodation and are welcomed with mint tea and biscuits, you will fall in love with Moroccan hospitality. Steeped in tradition, exotic spices and flavours, Marrakech is a foodie’s paradise.
🔗 Blog to read: Read about our street food and restaurant recommendations here!
🌟 Marrakech Travel Guide Helpful Tips
1. SIM Cards
Buy an ESIM before your trip or SIM card at the airport (after passport control) and download Google maps before you arrive. We navigated our way through the medina and souqs using this and had no trouble finding our way around.
2. Money
You can pay with Euros at the majority of places. We took Euros and bought some Dirham at the airport. We were told by our guide that the post office in the town square was a good place to exchange money.
3. Guided Tours
Book a guided tour with a professional, local guide so you can see the more interesting parts of the medina.
4. Appropriate Dress
There aren’t any official dress rules but it is advisable to dress modestly and keep shoulders and knees covered so as not to draw any unwanted attention.
5. Alcohol
Although alcohol is available in some restaurants, riads and hotels, it is not served everywhere.
6. Dining with a Host
It is polite to eat 50 -75 percent of the food on your plate when dining with a Moroccan host. If you eat all the food, they will think they did not give you enough!
7. Photos
Don’t assume it is ok to take photos, many signs request that you don’t – so if in doubt, check. Also, do not take photos of people without their permission.
8. Walking
Walk on the righthand side around the streets in the medina. Watch out for motorcycles!
9. Directions
If you need directions ask shopkeepers. Do not trust people who approach you because there are scam guides, unfortunately.
11. Taxis
There are no cars in tiny streets of the medina, but taxis are available in the town square and surrounding streets. You should agree a price or insist they use the meter before your journey.
12. Being Approached
You will be approached a lot by locals wishing to sell things to you or inviting you into their restaurants. If you are not interested, just smile and say, ‘no thank you and maybe later’. This is usually enough and keeps them happy.
13. Getting Lost
Make sure you learn your way from the town square to your accommodation. The square is easy to find. Accept that you are going to take a wrong turn and don’t panic!
14. Spoken Languages
People speak 3 main languages – Classical Arabic, Moroccan Arabic and French. The Berber dialect is widely spoken also. The staff in riads and hotels speak English and is it becoming more popular with the younger generations.
15. Water
Water in Marrakech comes from the Atlas Mountains. It is treated and safe to drink.
Is Marrakech Safe?
Marrakech is generally a safe city and in recent years the tourist police have worked hard to ensure visitor safety but there are a few things to be aware of that our guide warned us about:
- Direction scams – Only ask for directions from restaurant and store owners. Scammers will approach tourists on the street and offer to take them. This can end up with them expecting money from you or worse.
- Jemaa el-Fnaa watch out for henna ladies who reach out and grab your hand. They will try and put henna on you and expect payment. Also, pickpockets operate while people are distracted by the entertainment.
- Scooters are the only way for locals to get through the medina quickly. Walk on the right side and keep your wits about you.
- Female travellers may receive unwanted attention. Dress modestly to avoid this. We found that my daughter’s long hair was attracting too much attention so she wore it in a bun.
Our Experience
We found Marrakech to be a fantastic experience and did not encounter any problems. The people are extremely warm and welcoming; they literally say ‘welcome’ to you as you walk around the streets.
When we first arrived, we felt like we were walking through a film set with the wooden ceilings through the medina, the market stalls, sights, sounds, motorbikes zipping through and donkeys. It is an artist’s dream – so colourful and full of beautiful mosaics and pottery.
We are planning our next trip to explore more of Morocco. I can’t wait to return and explore further to see the Sahara, Atlas Mountains, Chefchaouen (Blue city), and Agadir on the coast.
Have you been to Marrakech? Tell me about your experience in the comments!
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Useful Links
Marrakech Tourist Information Website
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