Planning a Marrakech 3 day itinerary? You’re in for a rollercoaster of colors, scents, and culture. Marrakech is chaotic in the best possible way – one minute you’re sipping mint tea on a rooftop, the next you’re in a bustling souk dodging motorbikes and smelling ten different spices.
With just 3 days, we want to help you soak in the best of it: the famous landmarks, the quiet corners, the best eats, and those hidden gems we discovered by accident (the best kind!).
We’ve also added a map at the end of the blog to help you find everything easily!
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When to Visit Marrakech
If you want to follow this Marrakech 3 day itinerary without melting in the sun, aim for March to May or September to November. Spring and autumn are perfect: sunny days, cool mornings and evenings, and fewer crowds than peak summer.
We went in mid May and the weather was ideal – hot enough for pool breaks but not unbearable. Plus, flowers were blooming everywhere!
What to Wear in Marrakech
This isn’t just about fashion – it’s about respect and comfort. Morocco is more conservative, especially in the medina, so leave the crop tops and short shorts at home.
Loose pants, flowy dresses, and light shirts were our go-to. Not only do you feel more comfortable walking through local neighborhoods, but you’ll also stay cooler.
👉 We covered this in detail in our What to Wear in Marrakech guide, so give it a look before you pack!
Where to Stay for 3 Days in Marrakech
You haven’t really done Marrakech unless you’ve stayed in a riad. These are traditional Moroccan guesthouses hidden behind unassuming doors in the medina, and inside they’re stunning: tiled courtyards, little fountains, and rooftop terraces.
We stayed at Riad Esmeralda and loved waking up to birdsong and homemade breakfast on the roof. Staying inside the medina is key for this Marrakech 3 day itinerary, so you can walk everywhere.
Day 1: Dive Into the Medina & Rooftop Magic
Start your day by exploring everything in and around the heart of the medina – it’s all within walking distance, so no stress about transport today.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
This is one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech, and a perfect first stop. The intricate details on the tiles and walls are mind-blowing. We went just after opening and had it nearly to ourselves – highly recommended!
- Location: Rue Assouel, Marrakech
- Opening hours: 9:00 – 19:00
- Tickets: ~50 MAD (~5 EUR)
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
You can’t come to Marrakech and skip the main square – Jemaa el-Fnaa. It’s the beating heart of the city – loud, busy, and full of energy.
Expect snake charmers, street performers, orange juice stalls, and the occasional monkey on a leash (we skipped that part). It’s great for people-watching, especially in the late afternoon when things start getting wild.
Deep-Dive into the Souks
Yes, the main souks around Jemaa el-Fnaa are chaotic and fun. But for a more authentic experience, we really recommend walking deeper into the medina.
From the main square, take the main souk street (you can’t miss it), and then turn into any small alley on your left or right – the deeper you go, the more local it gets. That’s where you’ll find artisans actually weaving rugs, dyeing leather, or carving wood.
It’s calmer, more real, and prices are often much better. Bonus: way less pressure to haggle, since many of these shops aren’t just set up for tourists.
Just make sure to remember the path you took – we suggest going back through the same street you came from. Some alleyways close in the evening, and it can get tricky to find your way back.
👉 If you do get lost, never accept directions from random people on the street. Instead, ask a Moroccan woman or someone working in a shop – they’re much more trustworthy and usually won’t ask for money.
Koutoubia Mosque
The largest mosque in Marrakech, and a great landmark if (when) you get lost. Non-Muslims can’t go inside, but it’s beautiful from the outside, especially around sunset when the golden light hits the minaret.
Right next to it, you’ll also find some peaceful gardens where you can take a break from the medina buzz – perfect for a little rest in the shade or just to slow down and people-watch.
Rooftop Drinks at Sunset
There’s something magical about watching the chaos of Jemaa el-Fnaa from above. We grabbed drinks at Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier (despite bad reviews – an amazing view!), and watched the square come alive with snake charmers, food stalls, and music.
Dinner with a Show at Dar Essalam
Our local tour guide told us about Dar Essalam, and we’re so glad we went. It’s an old palace-turned-restaurant with incredible decor, delicious tagines, and live music with dancers.
It felt like stepping into an old Moroccan movie. Make sure to make a reservation, especially in high season!
- Address: 170 Riad Zitoun Kedim
- Opening hours: 12:00 – 23:00 with shows every day!
Day 2: Gardens, Palaces & Hidden Corners
Start your day with a short ride (or walk if you’re up for it) to the New Town for a green escape before looping back into the medina to explore more gems nearby.
Majorelle Garden & YSL Museum
A calm, colorful escape from the dusty streets. The bright blue walls and cactus garden are Instagram heaven, but it’s also genuinely peaceful. The museum next door is small but worth it, especially if you’re into fashion or design.
Important: You must book your tickets in advance – you can’t buy them on-site, and they often sell out days ahead, so don’t wait until the last minute! We recommend going early in the morning to beat the crowds and snap some beautiful photos before it gets too busy.
- Location: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech
- Opening hours: 8:00 – 18:30
- Tickets: ~330 MAD for garden + museum (~32 EUR)
Le Jardin Secret
Smaller and quieter than Majorelle, and right in the middle of the medina. It’s a great place to take a break, sip some tea, and enjoy the calm.
Note: You can only buy tickets on-site!
- Location: 121 Rue Mouassine, Marrakesh
- Opening hours: 9:30 – 19:30
- Entrance: ~100 MAD (~10 EUR)
Bahia Palace
This was one of our favorite stops. The size, the colors, the details in the ceilings and doors – it’s unreal. It can get busy, so try to come earlier in the day.
- Location: Bahia Palace
- Opening hours: 9:00 – 17:00
- Tickets: ~70 MAD (~7 EUR)
Rooftop Dinner Vibes
There’s no shortage of rooftops in Marrakech, but Atay Café was a favorite. Super chill, great views, and tasty food. Try the chicken pastilla!
Day 3: Unique Finds & Local Culture
For your last day, we’d recommend slowing down a bit and exploring some spots that don’t get as much tourist buzz — but are just as awesome. Everything’s close by, so you can take your time and really soak it all in.
Ensemble Artisanal & Cyber Park
If you want to see real local crafts being made, Ensemble Artisanal is the place. It’s like stepping behind the scenes — artisans weaving, carving, and painting right in front of you, without the usual pressure to buy.
Plus, right next door is Cyber Park, a surprisingly peaceful green oasis where you can take a breather and enjoy a chilled-out walk away from the medina’s hustle.
Hotel La Mamounia
You might’ve heard of La Mamounia — it’s one of the most luxurious hotels in Africa, and its gardens are absolutely stunning.
The best part? You can wander through them for free! They just ask to check your bags at the entrance (big backpacks go in lockers), so it feels like a little secret slice of calm and beauty right in the city.
Mellah – The Old Jewish Quarter
This area has a totally different vibe — wider streets, old buildings, and a slower pace. It’s well-known for its spice market, which we loved for feeling more genuine than others.
Just heads up, though — vendors can be pretty pushy and the bargaining can get intense. Also, try to visit during the day, because it can get a bit sketchy after dark.
End with a Hammam or Cooking Class
To cap off your Marrakech adventure, treat yourself to a traditional hammam — our tour guide recommended us Hammam Semlalia for a local experience.
Just a heads up: avoid any places in the city center that call themselves spas. They’re usually way overpriced and don’t offer the real hammam experience.
Our local guide told us a proper hammam should cost no more than 10 EUR and have three rooms with different temperatures for the full ritual.
If you’re feeling hands-on instead, try a cooking class like Souk Cuisine. You’ll visit a local market, pick fresh ingredients, and learn to whip up classic Moroccan dishes. It’s such a fun way to dive into the culture — and the food? Totally worth it.
Want to explore beyond the city?
If you have an extra day or just feel like escaping the medina for a bit, we put together a full guide to the top day trips and excursions from Marrakech – from the Atlas Mountains to desert adventures and waterfalls. Check it out for our favorites!
Final Tips for a Smooth Marrakech Trip
- Carry small cash – You’ll need it for taxis, souks, snacks, tips… basically everything. Most places don’t take cards, and even if they do, they often add a small fee on top.
- ATMs in the medina are generally fine – we used a few with no issues. Banque Populaire had the lowest withdrawal fees, so keep an eye out for those.
- Google Maps can be messy in the medina – the streets are tiny and twisty. Download offline maps or ask your riad for directions.
- Riads are hidden gems – literally. Many have no signs outside, especially the smaller ones. Always contact your riad in advance so they can send someone to meet you and guide you in.
- Don’t ask random people on the street for directions. Locals warned us about this – it can lead to uncomfortable situations or being asked for money. Instead, ask a Moroccan woman or someone working in a souk/shop.
- No eye contact with pushy vendors, especially around the main square (Jemaa el-Fnaa). If they catch your eye or see you filming, they’ll likely approach and ask for money – even just for looking.
- Wear sunscreen and a hat/cap – it gets hot, even in shoulder seasons. We underestimated the sun and paid the price.
- Buy argan products – this is the real stuff here! You’ll find oils, creams, even soaps – just make sure you’re buying from a proper shop and not a tourist trap.
- Consider a local guide if you have time – we did a walking tour and it gave us so much more context and confidence navigating the city. Totally worth it.
- Be respectful with photos – always ask before snapping pictures of people, especially in the souks.
- Learn a few words in French or Arabic – even just a friendly bonjour or shukran (thank you) goes a long way.
- Prepare to walk – we clocked over 20,000 steps every day. Marrakech is best explored on foot, so wear comfy shoes and stay hydrated.
Here’s a handy map with all the spots mentioned in this guide. You can also click the top right corner to open it directly in Google Maps and use it on the go.
With this Marrakech 3 day itinerary, you’ll get a taste of everything: the buzz, the calm, the flavor, and the real soul of the city. Whether it’s your first time or a return trip, Marrakech has this way of staying with you long after you leave.
Let us know if you have questions or want more details, and don’t forget to check our What to Wear in Marrakech post before you go!