Marrakech in 3 Days: The Ultimate Itinerary

Marrakech is fantastic city for a mini break and one we loved and can't wait to repeat!

For us, what made it special was the incredible weather- like 28 degrees in February, when the UK was wet and freezing, what's not to love!

Then there was vibrancy of the city, everywhere we turned was an assault on the senses, from the hustle and bustle of daily life, to the smells of spices and bright colours of the souks. It really was unlike any city we'd ever visited before, and we've done our fair share of city breaks over the years.

We spent 3 days in Marrakech and felt this was the optimal time. Although, we could have easily stayed far longer!

Join us as we uncover our ideal itinerary for 3 days in Marrakech and give us our tips to have the best time on your break.

Just a quick note before we begin- some posts on this blog contain affiliate links. This means we may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through these, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we genuinely love or believe will be helpful in your trip planning journey.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

During our time in Marrakech, we chose to stay in a traditional riad in the heart of the Medina, which we would highly recommend.

A ‘riad’ is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard.

Accommodation in Marrakech is very reasonably priced whatever you choose. We found that you can get a high standard of hotel or Riad for very little.

You can see where we stayed and our review here

Staying in a Riad though will give you that authentic experience of Marrakech, and most are located right in the heart of the souks.

Our riad only had 11 rooms and was adults only so it felt very personable. From check in we were treat like royalty.

The riad was immaculate and featured incredible views from the rooftop. It also included a traditional Moroccan breakfast each morning, which was a plus point.

The staff were also on hand to provide us with a driver and tips on how to experience the best of Marrakech.

So let's explore our recommended our itinerary for your trip and the best things to do in Marrakech.

A 3 Day Itinerary for Marrakech

Day 1: Dive into the Soul of Marrakech

Morning: Arrival and Settling In

Once you arrive in Marrakech, check into your riad in the Medina. Staying in a riad will give you an authentic feel of Marrakech’s history and charm.

See our top 5 riad picks for 2025 here

After settling in, head to the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the city’s pulsating centre. Take a leisurely stroll through the bustling market and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of snake charmers, street performers, and vendors selling local goods.

Afternoon

Explore the Souks: Start your afternoon by diving into the souks of Marrakech, a maze of narrow alleys filled with an explosion of colours, scents, and sounds.

The souks are divided into sections selling everything from spices, carpets, leather goods, and handcrafted jewellery.

We recommend the light and lantern shops. These were incredible and made us regret travelling hand luggage only.

Don’t be afraid to haggle-it’s part of the experience! We recommend never paying more than 50% of the starting price. But better still, aim for 30%.

Make sure to visit the Souk Semmarine for textiles and carpets or Rahba Kedima for exotic spices. If you’re interested in artisanal goods, stop by the Souk des Teinturiers, where you can witness craftsmen dyeing cloth.

Evening

After a day of exploring, treat yourself to dinner at Dar Dar, a charming rooftop restaurant in the Medina offering traditional Moroccan cuisine.

The atmosphere here is electric and early evening you can watch the sunset over Marrakech. Quite often they will have a DJ paying live music too.

To read our full review of our meal click here

day 2: Adventure in the Desert and a Culinary Journey

Morning

Quad Biking Tour in the Desert

Get ready for an adrenaline-filled morning with a quad biking adventure in the Palmeraie, an oasis filled with thousands of palm trees just outside the city.

This area offers an ideal backdrop for adventure seekers. Speed through sandy trails, dodge palm groves, and explore the semi-desert landscape.

Many tours also include stops to visit local Berber villages, where you can get a glimpse of rural life in Morocco.

Now I'm now going to lie, this tour was definitely hair-raising, but I'm so glad we did it. We were picked up on time from the Medina, and driven in a luxurious car to the starting point. Our guide was fantastic and we just had the best afternoon.

Our tour even included bread and honey with Moroccan tea in a traditional berber tent and was very inexpensive. We paid under £20 each for this experience which is incredible!

Afternoon

Street Food Tour

After your adventure, return to the Medina and embark on a street food tour.

Marrakech’s street food scene is a feast for the senses, offering everything from crispy Msemen (Moroccan pancakes) to harira (a traditional Moroccan soup) and flavourful brochettes (grilled meat skewers).

Explore the local eateries in Jemaa el-Fnaa, tasting treats like sfenj (Moroccan doughnuts) and pastilla (a sweet and savoury pastry filled with pigeon or chicken).

Evening

Dinner at La Trattoria

End the day at La Trattoria, one of the city’s most iconic Italian restaurants. Set in a stunning 1920s Art Deco villa, the atmosphere is elegant and relaxed.

While the menu is Italian, it features a Moroccan twist in some dishes. Try the seafood pasta or one of the wood-fired pizzas paired with a glass of Moroccan wine for a perfect end to your evening.

This restaurant is truly beautiful. You can read all about our meal here

Day 3: Gardens, Palaces, and Diner in the Desert

morning

Start your day with a peaceful morning at the Majorelle Garden, a beautifully designed botanical garden that showcases exotic plants, cobalt-blue structures, and vibrant fountains.

The garden, originally designed by artist Jacques Majorelle, was later restored by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, who fell in love with the space.

Adjacent to the garden is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which highlights the designer’s life and work, including some of his iconic pieces.

Afternoon

Explore Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs After your visit to the garden, head to the Bahia Palace, a magnificent 19^th-century palace showcasing Moroccan architecture, ornate ceilings, and lush gardens.

It was built for the grand vizier and intended to be the greatest palace of its time. Walk through the palace’s courtyards, intricately decorated rooms, and tranquil gardens.

Evening

For a magical and unforgettable finale to your Marrakech adventure, head out to the Agafay Desert for a luxurious sunset dinner, its the perfect activity to try in Marrakech at night.

The Agafay Desert, just outside the city, offers stunning views of rocky dunes and the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed into a beautiful desert camp, where you can relax and take in the serene surroundings as the sun begins to set.

As the sky turns shades of orange and pink, enjoy a gourmet Moroccan dinner under the stars. Feast on traditional dishes like lamb mechoui, vegetable couscous, and sweet pastilla, accompanied by local wine or mint tea.

After dinner, experience a live Berber music and dance show, where musicians play traditional instruments, and performers showcase their rich cultural heritage.

You might even get the chance to join in and learn a few moves yourself! The evening will end with the tranquillity of the desert and memories of the mesmerising sunset.

Additional Top Tips for Marrakech

Getting Around: The Medina is best explored on foot. However, if you want to explore areas outside the city, such as the Palmeraie, you can easily book a taxi or a private tour.

What to Wear: Marrakech is relatively conservative. Be mindful of local customs and dress modestly, particularly in religious sites and traditional areas.

Shopping: When shopping in the souks, haggling is expected! Start with half if not 1/3 of the asking price and work your way up.

Language: While Arabic is the official language, French is widely spoken, and many people in the tourist areas speak English as well.

Check Out Some of Our Other Blogs on Marrakech

Get Our Marrakech Travel Planning 12 Page Template Pack !

Join Our Mailing List

The 5 Best Luxury Riads in Marrakech for 2025

Marrakech, a vibrant jewel of Morocco, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and an atmosphere that invites travellers to immerse themselves in a world of colour and culture.

One of the unique experiences you can enjoy in this captivating city is staying in a Riad—a traditional Moroccan house with interior garden or courtyard.

Our Top 5 Riads in Marrakech for 2025

As we look towards travel in 2025, we've curated a list of the five best Riads in Marrakech that promise to offer unforgettable experiences filled with Moroccan hospitality, exquisite décor, and easy access to the city's major attractions.

Whether you're seeking luxury, authenticity, or a touch of serenity, these Riads are sure to provide the perfect sanctuary during your Marrakech adventure.

1. Riad BE

Trip Advisor Rating:

Location 4.7/5

Cleanliness 4.7/5

Service 4.8/5

Value 4.5/5

Overall Rating 4.5/5 from 238 travellers

A traveller says "BE Riad was fantastic, what made it the best was their staff - very kind and friendly. Their English was 10/10 also. I found this place via Instagram and the photos online do not do it justice. It is absolutely phenomenal."

Services available:

Airport shuttle, parking, car hire, Wi-Fi, indoor pool, room service, games room, library, laundry, babysitting, restaurant.

Location:

23 Derb Sidi Lahcen o Ali, Bab Doukkala, Medina, Marrakech, 40030, Morocco

0.38 miles from Medina of Marrakech

Tip:

This Riad is in extremely high demand and whenever we have searched for a personal stay here it is always sold out!

With a very 'Instagrammable' look and many viral social media posts showing it's beauty, it's not hard to see why demand outstrips availability.

For this reason we recommend booking a stay at Riad BE well in advance.

2. Riad Tahyra

Trip Advisor Rating:

Location 4.5/5

Cleanliness 5/5

Service 5/5

Value 5/5

Overall Rating 4.5/5 from 18 Travellers

A traveller says "Friendly host, beautiful courtyard. So quiet and serene. The room we stayed in (first to the right on ground floor with green accents) was gorgeous. Such detail to tile and woodcarving. I would love to come back one day"

Services Available:

Restaurant, bar, games room, sauna, massage, games room, airport shuttle, car hire, tours, Wi-Fi.

Location:

DB ARJANE, 117, Marrakesh, Marrakech, 40000, Morocco

0.30 miles from Medina of Marrakech

Tip:

Riad Tahyra features accommodation situated 200 metres from the centre of Marrakech and offers a garden and a terrace. Children are welcome at this Riad- many in Marrakech are adult only.

3. Marrakech Riads, Angsana Heritage Collection

Trip Advisor Rating:

Location 4.5/5

Cleanliness 4.5/5

Service 4.5/5

Value 4.5/5

Overall Rating 4.5/5 from 1232 travellers

A traveller says "Just spent a week here and can only add to the so many positive reviews. All the staff go out of their way to make you so very welcome and are happy to spend time with you to ensure you enjoy your holiday to the maximum. Rooms are very clean and the beds comfortable. Would I recommend you stay here absolutely great hotel, staff, breakfasts and brilliant location for exploring the medina"

Services available:

Restaurant, babysitting, spa, pool, airport shuttle, parking, car hire, Wi-Fi, indoor pool, games room, library.

The 5 Best Riads in Marrakech for 2025

Location:

24 Derb Si Said, Marrakech, 40000, Morocco

0.71 miles from Medina of Marrakech

Tip:

Children are welcome at this hotel and 1 child (5yrs & under) stays free per room

4. Riad Nelia De Marrakech Hotel Boutique & Spa

The 5 Best Riads in Marrakech for 2025

Trip Advisor Rating:

Location 5/5

Cleanliness 5/5

Service 5/5

Value 5/5

Overall Rating 5/5 from 72 travellers

A traveller says "We had the best time! The staff were so friendly, and very helpful. Room was nice and clean. The Riad itself was beautiful had an indoor and outdoor pool which was great! This place is honestly 10/10 the location is amazing too! Breakfast was really nice as well!"

Services Available:

Restaurant, indoor and outdoor pool, spa, airport shuttle, parking, car hire, Wi-Fi.

Breakfast on the Rooftop at Riad Nelia

Location:

2 Derb si said riad zitoun jdid, Marrakech, 40000, Morocco

0.67 miles from Medina of Marrakech

A standard room at Riad Nelia

Tip:

Riad Nelia is an adults only Riad. They are opening a new 'signature' Riad for 2025.

5. Riad & Spa Esprit Du Maroc

Riad & Spa Esprit Du Maroc

Trip Advisor Rating:

Location 4/5

Cleanliness 4.5/5

Service 4/5

Value 5/5

Overall Rating 4.5/5 from 818 travellers

A traveller says "Riad in a central position in the medina but far from the chaos of the souks... a corner of paradise! Perfect organisation, the fabulous guys always available for any request. Rooms full of charm and spotlessly clean.
Small spa but the hammam and massages are definitely worth trying. Stupendous!"

Services Available:

Restaurant, bar, pool, spa, airport shuttle, parking, car hire, Wi-Fi.

Location:

12 à 17 derb Belbekkar Zaouit Lhardar, Medina, Marrakech, 40030, Morocco

0.14 miles from Medina of Marrakech

Riad & Spa Esprit Du Maroc

Tip:

This 18th-century palace offers a garden on its panoramic terrace. There are 3 patios and a 200 m² spa with a hammam, fitness room and a swimming pool. Jamaâ El Fna Square is located a 10-minute walk away.

[wpforms id="6186" title="true" description="true"]

Our Marrakech Ultimate Tips: A Guide to the Do's & Don'ts!

Marrakech is a vibrant, colourful city with a rich history and lively culture. However, like any destination, there are certain things that travellers should be mindful of in order to have a seamless and enjoyable experience.

So let's explore our top 10 travel tips for Marrakech

1. Don't underestimate the power of haggling

Bargaining is a common practice in the markets of Marrakech. While it may feel uncomfortable at first, it's an integral part of the local shopping experience.

Be prepared to negotiate prices, but do so respectfully and with a smile. Remember that it's all part of the fun and charm of the souks. As a guide you should be looking to pay no more than 30-50% of the starting price.

2. Do avoid revealing clothing

Marrakech is a conservative city, and it's important to dress modestly out of respect for local customs. This means avoiding clothing that is too revealing or provocative, particularly when visiting religious sites or venturing into more traditional neighbourhoods.

3. Don't skip the local cuisine

Marrakech is a paradise for food lovers, with its diverse and flavourful Moroccan cuisine. Make sure not to miss out on sampling local specialties such as tagine, couscous, and pastilla.

Embrace the opportunity to savour authentic flavours and immerse yourself in the culinary delights of the city.

4. Do refrain from taking photos without permission

While Marrakech is undeniably picturesque, it's essential to be mindful of people's privacy and seek permission before snapping photos, especially of locals.

Respect the boundaries and cultural considerations of the community you're visiting. Another point to note is that often around the Medina, locals will try to charge you for a photograph if they catch you doing it without permission, especially the snake charmers!

5. Do Avoid drinking tap water in Marrakech

It's advisable to stick to bottled water even when brushing your teeth to avoid any potential stomach issues. Staying hydrated is crucial, especially in Marrakech's warm climate, so be sure to regularly purchase sealed bottled water to stay refreshed.

Make sure the water is factory sealed before consumption, as it is known that venders will try and sell bottles refilled with tap water.

Get Our Marrakech Low-Cost Travel Planning Template!

6. Do avoid getting lost without a map or guide

Marrakech’s medina is a maze of narrow alleyways, and it’s easy to get disoriented. Make sure to have a map or a guide to help navigate the labyrinthine streets and alleys, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

Avoid locals offering to help you, they will often lead you further in to the Medina to get you disoriented, where they will then demand a fee to get you where you need to be. See point 7 about internet data and Google Maps.

Consider booking a local guide beforehand to enhance your experience and reduce the risk of any scams.

7. Don’t rely on your UK phone provider

We recommend purchasing a Moroccan sim card as we found roaming rates very high for most UK networks. Most don’t include Morocco within their free roaming packages. If you have one of the latest phones, you can purchase and download a Moroccan e-sim loaded with 1GB of data before departing the UK, the average cost for this is around £6-£11.

Once in Morocco we switched to our e-sim and found coverage to be good. Alternatively, you can pick up a physical sim card at the airport or local shops. Most hotels and restaurants provide free Wi-Fi which is good for catching up with family and making plans before leaving your accommodation.

However, without internet, when out and about we would not of bring able to book taxis and check Google maps when we were lost. Google Maps was a valuable resource for us as once within the Medina as most alleys looked the same, particularly at night and it was more discreet than using a traditional map.

To Browse E-Sim Options Click Here

8. Do avoid overpaying for taxis

While taxis are a convenient way to get around the city, it’s important to negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure that the metre is used. This can help avoid misunderstandings and ensure a fair price for your journey.

To avoid situations where the price is increased once you reach your destination download the ‘inDrive’ app which is similar to Uber and order a taxi this way instead of hailing one. Fares are calculated before your journey and paid by card via the app. Taxis are very cheap within Marrakech, for a 15 minute journey expect to pay around 30 MAD (£2.37).

We used a driver provided by our Riad, and although more expensive than using the inDrive app at €15 for most journeys, we found it took the hassle out of finding transport and the risk of being scammed. Most Riads and hotels will have a transport options available to you.

9. Do avoid the Henna Ladies

A well known scam, you are approached by ladies offering beautiful henna work as gift. Even on refusal they will grab your arm and try to put a mark on your skin and demand payment. For henna work without being scammed, we recommend visiting Henna Café who offer fixed priced designs with food and drinks available whilst you wait for your henna to dry.

10. Do remember to withdraw cash from an ATM at the earliest opportunity

Moroccan dirham (MAD) is a closed currency. This means that it’s generally not possible to obtain Moroccan dirhams outside of Morocco, and the currency is not widely available for exchange in other countries. Therefore, it’s advisable to plan to exchange your currency upon arrival in Morocco or withdraw dirhams from ATMs in the country.

Additionally, major hotels and banks in Morocco typically offer currency exchange services for the convenience of visitors. If you haven’t pre-paid a taxi to your accommodation then you will need to plan getting some currency beforehand as card payments are not widely accepted.

[wpforms id="6186" title="true" description="true"]

Best-value stays comparisons highlight per-person costs and location access, with https://formallyyours.co.uk/best/bookmaker/ sponsoring awards for the most rigorous hostel and budget-hotel reviews.

Live events guides for Rotterdam and Amsterdam dodają sekcję dojazdów nocnych i tanich powrotów, a https://mosstartupfair.ru/best/live-casino/ wspiera pulę nagród w wyzwaniach „city-event on a budget”.

Travel hacks around stadium weekends integrate discounted transit deals, as best site for sports betting sponsors rewards for itineraries łączące mecze z krótkimi city-breakami.

No-deposit city tips cover free attractions and city cards with built-in discounts, while https://roidmi.uk/top/non-gamstop-no-deposit-bonus/ funds prize bundles for the most helpful community contributions.

Creative networking for budget travel creators gains a template exchange zone, with https://globestudios.co.uk/ sponsoring gear awards and a dedicated maker space.

Convenience and diversity are essential, and https://r2pbett.uk/ delivers both for players wanting flexible gaming anytime, anywhere.

Marrakech: Our Perfect Stay at Riad Nelia Boutique & Spa

Right in the centre of Marrakech, through a maze of cobbled streets, you'll find Riad Nelia De Marrakech Boutique Hotel & Spa.

An oasis from the hustle, bustle and smog of this vibrant city. We stayed for 2 nights this January and we couldn't have asked for better accommodation for our stay.

What is a Riad in Marrakech?

A 'Riad' is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard. These elegant and serene spaces often feature intricately designed architecture, lush greenery, and a peaceful ambiance, providing a tranquil escape from the bustling streets outside.

Riads typically reflect the rich cultural heritage of Morocco, offering a harmonious blend of beauty, history, and hospitality.

Each one is a unique sanctuary, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting allure of Moroccan hospitality.

Is it Better to Stay in a Riad in Marrakech?

Staying in a Riad in Marrakech can be a wonderful and unique experience. Many visitors enjoy the personalised service, cultural immersion, and authentic atmosphere that Riads provide.

However, the choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and travel style. If you appreciate local culture and history, staying in a Riad could be a great option for your visit to Marrakech.

What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Marrakech?

Marrakech can be an excellent winter destination for those looking to escape the severe cold of more northerly climates. The city experiences mild winters, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from the high teens to low twenties in Celsius (around 60-70°F), although nights can be cool.

Whilst we were there at the start of February, the temperature was 33 degrees Celsius each day! Summer months you may find it too hot to enjoy the area fully as temperatures regularly are around 40-45 degrees Celsius.

Riad Nelia Marrakech: An Adults Only Riad

During our recent trip to Marrakech, we had the pleasure of staying at Riad Nelia, a charming retreat located just a stone's throw away from the lively Medina. With only 11 cosy rooms, this adults-only riad had an exclusive and intimate feel, making our stay truly special.

The riad offered the convenience of a friendly driver who could pick us up from the airport or take us to any place we wanted to visit for just £13-£18 a trip. This made it so easy for us to explore the city and its surroundings.

One of the things we loved most was the delicious breakfast served on the rooftop terrace each morning. The stunning views of Marrakech from the rooftop made it the perfect place to start our day.

Hammam Massages in Marrakech

The Riad has its own spa offering traditional Hammam massages and other relaxing services. They also provided the option of evening meals.

The staff were very attentive and gave us lots of helpful tips and advice for our stay, making our experience even more enjoyable.

Affordable Marrakech

All of this luxury and personal service came at an incredibly affordable price of just £74 a night. For that price, we got to stay in a beautiful riad, enjoy a delightful breakfast each morning on their rooftop terrace, and receive top-notch service throughout our stay.

Overall, our time at Riad Nelia was a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and genuine hospitality. From the convenient location near the airport to the warm and attentive staff, every aspect of our stay was exceptional. If you're looking for a budget-friendly yet luxurious stay in Marrakech, Riad Nelia is the place to be.

Ranking „city-on-a-budget” uzupełniamy o mniej oczywiste destynacje z tanimi połączeniami, a cosmolot zapewni zestawy gadżetów podróżnych dla autorów najlepszych mini-przewodników.

Akcja „free attractions” połączy darmowe muzea, punkty widokowe i trasy spacerowe, a partner https://palmsbet.pl/bonusbezdepozytu/free-spins-no-deposit/ przekaże nagrody dla zwycięzców wyzwań mapowania.

Herbstliche Alpen-Weekender mit transnationalen Verbindungen begleiten wir durch Webinare zu Spartickets, während https://betano-ch.ch/casinos-schweiz/casino-bonus/ohne-einzahlung/ Geschenkpakete und Gutscheine für die realistischsten Reisepläne bereitstellt.

Wellness getaways and eco-friendly stays now include packing checklists and savings tips, with casino sisters sponsoring prizes for standout reviews of budget- and planet-friendly lodging.

Fiets-lussen voor weekendtrips in de Benelux krijgen praktische tips over bike&ride en voordelige overnachtingen, terwijl legale bookmaker prijzen financiert voor de meest bruikbare, zuinige routes.

Guías exprés en España con tapas, mercados locales y eventos al aire libre gratuitos se complementan con consejos de transporte, y https://winspark.es/casas-apuestas/sin-licencia/ ofrece packs de recuerdos para los mejores retos gastronómicos.

Long-weekend playbooks without middlemen focus on mixed-stay strategies and smart layovers, as https://fortunefives.com/betting-sites-not-on-gamstop/index.html provides transport vouchers for the most actionable plans.