Marrakech in 3 days: our day-by-day itinerary
Contents
In short: day 1, the Koutoubia, the souks and Jemaa el-Fna square in the evening; day 2, the palaces and the medersa, then dinner on a rooftop; day 3, Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Gueliz and a hammam. Book Jardin Majorelle and carry cash in dirhams.
Before you go: what to book
- Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum: online tickets, with a time slot.
- The hammam: booking advised in riad hammams and spas.
- Day trips (Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, Agafay desert): the day before at the latest.
Always check opening days and times on the official websites: they can change.
Day 1: the Koutoubia, the souks and Jemaa el-Fna
Morning: the Koutoubia. Start with the Koutoubia minaret, the city’s symbol, and its gardens.
Midday: lunch in the medina. Have a tagine for lunch on a medina rooftop.
Afternoon: the souks. Dive into the souks: spices, leather, slippers, lanterns. Haggle with a smile.
Evening: Jemaa el-Fna. At dusk, Jemaa el-Fna square comes alive: storytellers, musicians and food stalls.
Day 2: the palaces and the medersa
Morning: Bahia Palace. Visit Bahia Palace, its courtyards and painted ceilings.
Midday: El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs. Explore the ruins of El Badi Palace, then the Saadian Tombs and their intricate decoration.
Afternoon: Ben Youssef Medersa. Head to Ben Youssef Medersa, a former Koranic school with remarkable zellige tiles and stucco.
Evening: dinner on a rooftop. Have dinner on a terrace overlooking the medina rooftops.
Day 3: Majorelle, Gueliz and a hammam
Morning: Jardin Majorelle. Arrive at opening time at Jardin Majorelle, with your slot, and its famous blue.
Midday: the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Visit the nearby Yves Saint Laurent Museum, then have lunch in the Gueliz district.
Afternoon: a hammam. Treat yourself to a traditional hammam or a spa.
Evening: a last mint tea. End with a mint tea in a riad or a medina café.
A fourth day? Day trips
- The Atlas Mountains: the Ourika Valley or Imlil, Berber villages and hiking.
- Essaouira, a fortified port on the Atlantic.
- The Agafay desert, for sunset over the stony hills.
- The Ouzoud waterfalls.
Our tips to make the most of 3 days
- Haggle with a smile in the souks, without feeling obliged to buy.
- Beware of fake guides offering to show you the way.
- Petits taxis: ask for the meter or agree the fare before getting in.
- Dress modestly in the medina and religious sites.
- Carry cash in dirhams for the souks and tips.
Where to stay for these 3 days
A riad in the medina is ideal for this itinerary, Gueliz or Hivernage for more calm and modern comfort. Every area is detailed in our guide Where to stay in Marrakech. To go further, see Things to do in Marrakech.
Frequently asked questions
Are 3 days enough to visit Marrakech?
Three days cover the medina, the palaces, Jardin Majorelle and a hammam. Add a day for the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira or the Agafay desert.
Do you need to book Jardin Majorelle?
Yes, tickets are booked online for a time slot, especially in high season.
How do you pay in Marrakech?
The dirham is the currency; cash is essential in the souks and small shops.
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