Marrakesh is one of those places that you either fall head-over-heels in love with or one that you’d rather not visit again. When you begin your weekend in Marrakesh, the ancient city can feel like a labyrinth that’s impossible to solve. Its network of winding alleyways is so compact that it can take a lot of time to get around. Throw into the mix eager spice sellers, mysterious fortune tellers, and bizarre snake charmers everywhere you turn, and you’ll start to feel like you’re the lead in a Disney movie instead of on vacation.
To get the most out of the city and have an incredible 3 days in Marrakesh, you need to forget everything you know about traveling and go with the flow. Things will be a little different here than what you’re used to, but some would argue that’s what traveling is all about – experiencing new places and cultures.
In 1956, Marrakesh broke away from French rule and became independent. Shortly after that, this enigmatic city became a hippy haven for all kinds of famous faces. From the painter Andy Warhol and film director Alfred Hitchcock to musical geniuses the Beatles and the Rolling Stones, they all became enamored with the city, finding its intense heat, maze-like streets, and historic appeal relaxing and therapeutic.
Whether you love it or you hate it, your trip to Marrakesh will be something you’ll remember forever!
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How to Spend a Weekend in Marrakesh, Morroco
Getting Around Marrakesh
Even though Marrakesh is a pretty big city (it’s about the same size as San Francisco, California), the best way to get around is on foot. Most of the major attractions are clustered in the central Medina or are at least within walking distance of it. Navigating the maze-like alleyways of the Medina can be a challenge, but it’s all part of the experience.
If you want to pack as much as possible into your 3-day trip to Marrakesh, consider hopping in a taxi. A slightly slower, yet still efficient, method is to climb onboard one of ALSA’s tourist buses. These stop by all the biggest and best tourist sites.
While mopeds, motorbikes, and bicycles are easy to rent throughout the city, the roads can be a nightmare to navigate. It’s best to play it safe and let someone else do the driving for you.
A calèche (traditional horse-drawn carriage) can be a cool way to visit spots that are outside the Medina. Even if you’ve got nowhere specific to go, this ancient form of transport is a great way to get a feel for the city without the risk of getting lost.
Marrakesh Itinerary – Day 1
Jardin Majorelle
Start your Marrakesh itinerary with a trip to one of the most beautiful attractions in the city – the Jardin Majorelle. This stunning, vibrant home was created by Jaques Majorelle, who came up with the unique shade of deep blue that covers the house’s façade. This vivid color is named “Majorelle Blue” and can be found throughout the property’s grounds, as well as all over the place indoors.
Years later, this standout home was purchased by Yves Saint Laurent, who restored the main building and its gardens back to the grandeur it enjoyed during its heyday. As you explore the complex, you’ll be left speechless by its incredible beauty. The garden took more than 40 years to put together and boasts multi-level alleyways, remarkable architecture that combines Moorish and Art Deco styles, and beautiful plants from all over the world.
If you fall in love with Majorelle Blue, make sure you check out the boutique. Here you’ll find all kinds of top-quality products, many of which feature that stunning shade of blue.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Next, it’s onto the largest and most important Islamic school in Morocco. Known as Ben Youssef Madrasa, this outstanding building was constructed in the 14th century and renovated in 1565. It has more than 130 rooms, where more than 900 students studied and lived centuries ago.
The reason Ben Youssef Madrasa is such a popular attraction is that it’s fascinating to look at. The highlight is the spectacular interior patio, boasting Moorish tiles, engraved archways, towering inlaid columns, and a shallow pool in the center. There are plenty of other magnificent parts of the school to explore, too.
Everywhere you look, you’ll spot the iconic red sandstone decorated with carved stucco and intricate geometric patterns. Its stunning galleries, which lead to various prayer halls and classrooms, are adorned with more carved stucco and colorful tiles. Whether or not you’re into architecture, you’ll be snapping away non-stop here.
Restaurant Marrakesh Medina Rooftop Dardar
Stop by Restaurant Marrakesh Medina Rooftop Dardar for some of the most impressive cocktails, food, and views you’ve ever experienced in your life. Just a 15-minute walk away from Ben Youssef Madrasa, this gorgeous location boasts unparalleled views of the Koutoubia Mosque and the rest of Marrakesh. Here you can treat your taste buds to contemporary Moroccan cuisine made using fresh, seasonal, and locally-sourced ingredients.
The Moroccan part of the menu boasts tempting dishes such as couscous with fresh seafood and aromatic chicken tagine. But if you’re looking for a taste of home, you’ll find plenty of international options, too, including a poke bowl, Caesar salad, and fish and chips. There’s even an international tapas section with dishes from all over the world if you’re in the mood for sharing.
Bahia Palace
The last attraction on your first day in Marrakesh is the Bahia Palace. This mesmerizing structure was built in the 19th century and was designed to be the greatest palace of its time. It was originally used by Si Moussa, grand vizier of the sultan, when it was first constructed and was later used as a royal residence following Morocco’s independence in 1956.
Today the magnificent building is an important cultural icon and a hugely popular tourist attraction. The impressive palace is made up of many grandiose rooms. Take a look around, and you’ll discover a school that was also used as a mosque, a beautiful summer room with tall windows, and a magnificent private dining room. What makes the Bahia Palace particularly interesting is that it was the first building in North Africa to use stained glass as decoration.
End your day with a decadent dinner at Dar Yacout. Dining at this gorgeous restaurant will make you feel like royalty. Whether you sit inside under the hanging Moorish lights, on the upstairs patio with fabulous city views, or outside in the courtyard close to the shallow pool, you’re sure to have a fabulous experience.
Here you’ll find a decadent menu laden with traditional Moroccan dishes. If you’re at a loss for what to order, we recommend the set menu. It begins with a selection of flavor-packed local salads, followed by the main course of your choice. The lamb tagine with local, seasonal vegetables is incredible. End your sumptuous meal with some delicious Moroccan pastries and a cup of strong coffee!
Marrakesh Itinerary – Day 2
The Medina
Day 2 of your weekend trip to Marrakesh begins with exploring the Medina. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the cultural and historic heart of the city. Often called the “Walled City” or “Old Town,” the Medina is a densely-packed, maze-like area characterized by narrow alleyways, bustling souks, traditional riads, and iconic landmarks such as the Koutoubia Mosque.
Now is your time to wander around and find out where your feet take you. Don’t bother looking at Google Maps. Data connections can be unreliable around here, and if you spend all your time looking at your phone, you’ll find yourself bumping into donkeys and tripping over wooden carts!
Take time to appreciate the one-of-a-kind designs of the buildings, the tempting smells of freshly-cooked foods and dried spices, and the way of life that’s likely much different from what you’re used to. This part of the city is a fantastic place to hear the call to prayer echoing through the streets.
Cafe Resto Les Almoravides
Cafe Resto Les Almoravides may not look like much from the outside, but it’s well-known for serving up some of the most delicious and authentic food in Marrakesh. The cafe looks tiny, but step through the entrance and head straight up the stairs to the roof terrace, and you’ll discover it’s surprisingly spacious. From up here, you can experience the atmosphere of the city without being overwhelmed by it.
As well as the international pizzas, paninis, and sandwiches, Cafe Resto Les Almoravides also dishes up typical Moroccan tajines, couscous dishes, and grilled meats. Whatever you decide to order, make sure you pair it with one of the fresh fruit juices. They’re delicious!
Jemaa el-Fnaa
Now is the first chance on your 3-day Marrakesh vacation to go shopping. Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square in the city and the most important part of the Medina. At night, the place is like a giant food market, full of stalls laden with all kinds of gourmet delights and local musicians playing fabulous local music.
During the daytime, the market has a completely different vibe. While there are still stalls selling all kinds of spices, leather goods, rugs, carpets, and handicrafts, that’s not the main reason to visit Jemaa el-Fnaa.
This market is known for being a hotspot for street performers, musicians, dancers, artists, and snake charmers. They’re fascinating things to see! Here you’ll also find dentists showing off the teeth they have recently extracted.
It’s a totally bizarre place, but one that’s definitely worth experiencing. If you’re feeling thirsty, stop by one of the juice or tea stalls. The drinks are always fresh and surprisingly affordable.
Next, it’s onto the proper retail therapy in Marrakesh – the souks. Located just steps away from Jemaa el-Fnaa, you’ll find these bustling markets everywhere you look.
From dedicated covered markets with stalls laid out in an organized pattern to networks of tiny streets lined with haphazard stalls all over the place, the souks in Marrakesh can be a little overwhelming at first. For the best experience, try and leave your old shopping routine at home and embrace the hectic chaos that is shopping in Marrakesh!
Even if you’re not actually interested in buying anything, it’s almost impossible not to become entranced by the souks. A melting pot of sights, sounds, and smells, here you’ll be amazed by the intricate patterns of textiles, the heady aromas of mountain spices, the delicate leather craftwork, and the sparkling lights that bounce between the colored lanterns.
If you’re not sure where to begin, we suggest Souk Semmarine – this is the main souk that you’ll come across after leaving Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Le Salama
After a busy day, it’s time to relax with a fruity cocktail at Le Salama. Just a short walk away from Marrakesh’s main square and the surrounding souks, this rooftop bar has created the perfect atmosphere to evoke relaxation.
If you plan your trip for early evening, you’ll be treated to one of the most spectacular sunsets you’ve ever seen! There’s nothing like witnessing the Atlas Mountains bathed in pink, red, and orange hues.
Marrakesh Itinerary – Day 3
You’ve got a few options for the final leg of your 3-day Marrakesh itinerary. Now that you’ve explored most of the Medina, we suggest you get out of the city and embark on a day trip. Whichever one you decide to do, begin your day with an early gourmet breakfast at Taj Moroccan Food.
Taj Moroccan Food
This beautiful restaurant opens every day at 7 am and treats foodies to a fantastic choice of breakfast options. Here you can try everything from homemade pastries, freshly-baked bread with herb butter, and many different kinds of teas to traditional fava bean soups, stewed lentils, and semolina pancakes. There’s something for all palates, however adventurous or safe you want to be.
If you don’t want to wake up early for breakfast, we still recommend swinging by Taj Moroccan Food for lunch or dinner. The portions are huge, the flavors are incredible, and the prices are affordable for most budgets.
Atlas Mountains
Spending a day at the Atlas Mountains is one of the most popular things to do among people who travel to Marrakesh. Organizing this trip yourself can be a bit of a challenge. So take the stress out of it all and sign up for a guided tour instead.
During this fantastic excursion, you’ll have the chance to hike for 2-3 hours through the breathtaking mountains, ride a camel through the rugged countryside, and stop by a genuine Berber household for a traditional lunch with some mint tea.
Make sure your phone has a lot of memory and is fully charged because you’ll want to capture all the stunning things you see forever. It’s important to remember that it’s a lot cooler in the Atlas Mountains than it is in Marrakesh, so take layers to keep warm.
If you’re visiting during winter, you won’t get to go hiking in the Atlas Mountains – but you can have a go at skiing! There are five ski resorts throughout this region with 8 miles of trails served by 15 different lifts.
Aït Benhaddou
An alternative to hiking in the Atlas Mountains is to explore Aït Benhaddou. This fortified village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that looks like something plucked straight from a movie. It’s a little out of the way (it’s located on the former caravan route between Marrakesh and the Sahara), but it’s a fantastic place to spend a day.
Everywhere you turn, you’ll be able to see earthen, sandy buildings that are almost 1,000 years old. The place looks so remarkable that it was used as a backdrop in Game of Thrones. All the buildings are surprisingly well-preserved, making it easy to wander around and imagine what life was like in the 11th century.
Leave the organizing to someone else and sign up for a guided tour to visit Aït Benhaddou. This one also includes an overnight stay in Zagora, where you’ll have the chance to watch the sun set and rise over the impressive sand dunes.
Barometre Cocktails
End your epic Marrakesh tour with a couple of drinks at Barometre Cocktails. The very first bar in the city dedicated to mixology, this cool and trendy hangout has a speakeasy vibe and is where you can indulge in some of the most delicious cocktails in all of Morocco.
Want to get involved? Barometre Cocktails regularly holds mixology classes that you can sign up for and learn how to create your own delicious drinks at home.
As well as the stunning cocktails, the chic bar also has a separate restaurant section with dazzling dishes that look like they belong in a gallery. From beef carpaccio with parmesan and sea bream ceviche to salmon with citronella risotto and tortellini stuffed with porcini mushrooms, there are so many incredible things on the menu that you won’t know what to choose!
More Places to Eat & Drink in Marrakesh
+61 is a wonderful place to go when you’re not sure what you want to eat:
This bright and minimalist restaurant combines local, seasonal ingredients with dishes and cooking techniques from the Mediterranean and Australia. The result is simple, clean plates that pack a serious punch. There are loads of great veggie options here (we love the pea potato dumplings with roast cauliflower and curry leaves) that will win over even the most dedicated carnivores.
Keep it simple and traditional by making a reservation for Le Trou au Mur:
The chefs at this retro Moroccan restaurant pride themselves on cooking classic dishes just like their grandmas used to make. Here you’ll find local specialties you won’t be able to get enough of, such as tihane (offal stuffed with lemons, olives, and kefta) and berkoukesh (housemade pasta with a tomato and herb sauce).
Nomad is one of the most enchanting restaurants in Marrakesh:
The stylish dining spot is littered with colorful cushions and carpets, a not-so-subtle nod to the building’s previous use. The setting is enchanting, with a lofty rooftop that towers above the other buildings and makes you feel like you’re dining on top of the world. There’s a Medi-Moroccan menu available, with decadent dishes like organic harissa chicken and cumin-marinated calamari.
What to do if you Have More Than 3 Days in Marrakesh
Maison de la Photographie
If you’re a fan of art or photography, definitely check out Maison de la Photographie. This stunning gallery is set inside a 3-story riad and features all kinds of vintage Moroccan photography. The pictures were taken between 1870 and 1950. It’s amazing to see how little has changed in the country since then. After, make sure you stop by the rooftop cafe for a cool drink and some fantastic views.
Musée Yves Saint Laurent
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent is also worth a visit. Located next to Jardin Majorelle, this stunning museum has a permanent display with hundreds of gorgeous pieces that span the fashion designer’s 40-year career. Even if you don’t care about fashion in the slightest, the museum is still a fascinating place to explore.
Ateliers d’Ailleurs
Ateliers d’Ailleurs is the place to go if you want to get a little more hands-on. This workshop invites you to learn from master crafters and create your own wonderful trinkets to take home as mementos of your trip. You’ll have the chance to make your own pair of babouche slippers, a beautiful basket, or a one-of-a-kind vase. If you’re more into food, there are also cooking courses you can attend.
Hammam de la Rose
When the sightseeing gets to be too much for you, take a load off at Hammam de la Rose. Much more than a place to wash up, in Morocco, a hammam is somewhere locals go to reconnect with themselves and the people around them. Spending a couple of hours here is a restorative, rejuvenating experience you’ve got to try. You can even enhance your visit with a massage, body scrub, or mask.
Gueliz
If the center of Marrakesh ever gets too to be too much for you, head west of the Medina, and you’ll discover the much more modern Gueliz. Here you can explore European-style shopping malls, contemporary bars, and trendy restaurants. It’s got a much more laid-back vibe than the Medina and provides a refreshing change when you need it.
There you have it! The perfect 3-day Marrakech itinerary. How will you spend a weekend in Marrakech?
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