Marrakech Travel Guide: How to Spend 3 Days in Marrakech

Last updated: 7 October 2026

Marrakech is one of those places that lives up to every expectation. It’s hot, dusty, loud and full of hustle, with snake charmers in the main square and tourists around every corner. It’s also one of my favourite cities in Morocco, and the one place on our long trip I’d go back to in a heartbeat.

Whether you’re planning a city break, stopping off on a longer Morocco adventure, chasing some winter sun or organising a girls’ trip, three days in Marrakech is the perfect amount of time to see the highlights without burning out.

We spent three days here at the halfway point of a two-week Morocco trip. We started in Rabat, took the train to Fes, headed on to Chefchaouen for hiking in the Rif Mountains, then crossed the Sahara Desert by 4×4 before arriving in Marrakech.

By that point, no city in Morocco had matched our preconceptions. We’d expected hassle from shop owners, pickpockets, dodgy alleyways in the medina and dodging crazy traffic. Marrakech, though, was all of those things, exactly as everyone had described it. And yet we loved it. Maybe it was the extra satisfaction of finding a kind shop owner, navigating the medina without getting lost for the first time, or finding a pocket of calm in such a busy city. Whatever it was, it’s stuck with me.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your own three days in Marrakech.

3 Days in Marrakech at a Glance

Day 1: The medina and the souks

• Koutoubia gardens and Bab Agnaou at sunrise
• Medersa Ben Youssef
• Marrakech Museum
• Lunch at Atay Café
• The souks
• Pool time at your riad
• Sunset over Jemaa el-Fna

Day 2: Gardens, spices and a hammam

• Jardin Majorelle and the YSL Museum
• Le Jardin Secret
• Place des Épices and lunch at NOMAD
• Hammam
• Sunset drinks on a rooftop, or an evening in the Agafay Desert

Day 3: Palaces and a touch of luxury

• Bahia Palace
• El Badi Palace
• Saadian Tombs
• A day at La Mamounia or afternoon tea at the Royal Mansour
• Final wander through the souks

Essential Information for Visiting Marrakech

How to get to Marrakech

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is around 15–20 minutes from the medina by car. There are direct flights from several UK airports, with a flight time of roughly three and a half to four hours, so it’s an easy long weekend from the UK.

Getting from the airport: The easiest option is to book a transfer through your riad, as most medina riads can’t be reached by car and someone will need to meet you and walk you in. Taxis are available outside arrivals, but agree the fare before you get in.

If you’re staying at one of the larger hotels or resorts on the edge of the city, I’d recommend either using their transfer service, or hopping in an Uber.

Entry requirements

British passport holders don’t need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. According to the UK government’s travel advice, your passport needs at least three months’ validity from the date you arrive. Make sure your passport is in good condition. Some travellers with damaged passports have been refused entry. Make sure the border officer stamps your passport on arrival too, as some people have had problems leaving the country without an entry stamp. Always check the latest FCDO advice before you travel.

Currency and money

Morocco uses the dirham (MAD), which is a closed currency, so you can’t easily get it outside the country. You’re actually only allowed to take up to 2,000 dirham in or out. I’d recommend withdrawing cash from an ATM at the airport or in the city. Cash is essential in the medina, for taxis, tips and smaller cafés, while larger hotels and restaurants take cards.

How much does 3 days in Marrakech cost?

Marrakech can be as affordable or as indulgent as you like. As a rough guide, per person per day, excluding flights:

• Budget: £50 – a hostel or simple riad, street food and café meals, and walking everywhere
• Mid-range: £100 – a boutique riad, rooftop restaurant meals, a few paid attractions and a hammam
• Luxury: £300+– a five-star hotel like La Mamounia or the Royal Mansour, fine dining and private guides

Most of the big monuments, such as Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs, now charge around 100 MAD each. The Medersa Ben Youssef is 50 MAD, and the Jardin Majorelle is 150 MAD for entry to just the garden.

When to visit Marrakech

Marrakech is a year-round destination, but some months are much more comfortable than others.

• Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the sweet spots, with warm days that are pleasant for walking around the medina.
• Summer (June to August) is extremely hot, regularly topping 40°C. If you visit in summer, plan sightseeing for early morning and evening and make sure your riad has a pool.
• Winter (December to February) brings sunny days that are perfect for winter sun, but evenings get surprisingly cold, and riads aren’t always well heated, so pack layers. You may also experience some rain!

It’s also worth checking whether your trip falls during Ramadan. You can still visit, and it can be a really interesting time to experience the city, but some cafés and restaurants close during the day and opening hours at attractions are often shorter.

I’ve been in both April and October, and the weather was absolutely perfect both times.

How long do you need in Marrakech?

Two to three days is ideal for the city itself. If you want to add a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, the Agafay Desert or Essaouira, add an extra day or two.

Getting around Marrakech

Within the medina, you’ll walk everywhere, as most of the lanes are too narrow for cars. Though watch out for mopeds and donkey carts! If you’re travelling with kids in Marrakech, a carrier is best or a lightweight travel pram.

To get between the medina and the newer district of Gueliz, where you’ll find the Jardin Majorelle, take a petit taxi or an Uber. Insist on the meter or agree a price before you set off.

Top tip: Download an offline map of Marrakech on Google Maps (or use Maps.me) before you leave, so you can navigate the medina without Wi-Fi or data.

Is Marrakech safe?

This is one of the questions I get asked most. In general, Marrakech is safe for tourists, including women travellers, but it pays to be street smart. The most common issues are hassle and scams rather than anything more serious. Watch out for:

• “Guides” who offer to show you the way, then demand money. Or they might tell you a street is “closed” and lead you to a relative’s shop
• Snake charmers, monkey handlers and henna artists in Jemaa el-Fna who expect payment if you take a photo or stop for a chat
• Pickpockets in crowded areas, especially around the main square in the evenings

A polite but firm “la, shukran”, which means “no, thank you” goes a long way. My first visit to Marrakech was myself and another female friend, and we felt really safe and fine whilst exploring the medina.

What to wear and local etiquette

Morocco is a Muslim country, and dressing modestly will make you feel more comfortable and attract less attention, particularly in the medina. Covering your shoulders and knees is best, and loose, light layers are perfect in the heat. Mosques, including the Koutoubia, are closed to non-Muslims, but the Medersa Ben Youssef is open to all visitors.

Language

Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Amazigh (Berber) languages are widely spoken, and French is used everywhere, from menus to street signs. English is common in tourist areas. I speak some French and I did find it quite helpful for negotiating or handling unexpected conversations within the medina.

Marrakech Travel Guide: Best Things to See and Do in 3 Days

Day 1: The Medina and the Souks

The first day is all about diving into the old city. Start early, as the medina is at its most peaceful (and coolest) first thing.

Sunrise at the Koutoubia gardens and Bab Agnaou

Begin your three days in Marrakech at the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s most famous landmark. Its 12th-century minaret can be seen from all over the medina. Although non-Muslims can’t go inside, the gardens around it are lovely for an early-morning stroll. Especially with the minaret framed by palm trees.

From here, it’s a short walk to Bab Agnaou, the beautifully carved gateway that once marked the entrance to the Royal Kasbah. Get there before the city wakes up and you’ll have it almost to yourself.

Visit the Medersa Ben Youssef

One of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech, the Medersa Ben Youssef was once among the largest Islamic colleges in North Africa. A college has stood on this site since the 14th century, but the building you see today dates from the 1560s, when it was rebuilt under the Saadian dynasty. Following a major restoration, it’s looking better than ever, with intricate zellige tilework, carved cedar and stucco, and a peaceful central courtyard pool. Upstairs, you can peek into the tiny rooms where students once lived.

Allow an hour or so, and get there for opening at 9am. It fills up with tour groups by mid-morning, so arriving early makes a huge difference, especially for photos. Entry is 50 MAD.

Pop into the Marrakech Museum and Dar Bellarj

The Marrakech Museum is just a minute’s walk from the medersa, housed in a 19th-century palace with a stunning central hall and tiled fountains. It’s a quick stop, so it’s easy to add on. Nearby, Dar Bellarj is a small, free cultural centre in a former stork hospital, and it’s a calm spot away from the crowds. Both are skippable though, if you’re short on time.

Lunch at Atay Café

By lunchtime, you’ll be ready for a break. Atay Café has a gorgeous roof terrace that’s perfect for a fresh mint tea and a tagine above the hustle of the medina. Café des Épices, overlooking the Place des Épices, is another great option. Read my guide to the best cafés in Marrakech for more.

Get lost in the souks

Marrakech’s medina is a true beast. You will absolutely get lost, but that’s half the fun, and after a few days you’ll (probably/hopefully) have the route back to your riad nailed.

I spent hours wandering the tiny lanes of the souks. Take the time to chat to shop owners, hear their stories and pick up some of their beautiful wares. The souks are loosely organised by trade, so you’ll find streets dedicated to leather, metalwork, carpets and spices. Souk Semmarine is the main artery and a good place to start.

What to buy: Leather slippers (babouches), woven baskets, Berber rugs, metal lanterns, ceramics, argan oil, spices and Moroccan mint tea to take home.

How to haggle: Bargaining is expected and a part of the fun. Start at around a third to half of the first price and settle somewhere in the middle. If the price isn’t right, it’s perfectly fine to walk away, and you’ll often be called back with a better offer.

Recharge at your riad

Spending a few days in Marrakech can be surprisingly tiring. The frenetic pace and noise can wear down even the hardiest travellers, so build in some downtime. Many riads have a plunge pool in the courtyard or on the rooftop, and a mid-afternoon dip is the perfect way to recharge before the evening.

Sunset over Jemaa el-Fna

This square is the beating heart of Marrakech, and it’s a must-see, even if it wasn’t my favourite part of the city. By day, it’s full of snake charmers, musicians, henna artists, juice stalls and anyone hoping to make a quick dirham from a tourist. As the sun sets, food stalls fill the square with smoke and noise, and the atmosphere really comes alive.

Enjoy it, but stay vigilant, and watch where you step around the snake charmers! For a calmer view, grab a table on one of the rooftop cafés overlooking the square and watch the city change colour as the call to prayer rings out.

For dinner, either book a rooftop restaurant or join an evening street food tour. A local guide will take you to stalls you’d walk straight past and explain what you’re eating, which takes the guesswork out of the food market.

Day 2: Gardens, Spices and a Hammam

Spend the morning at the Jardin Marjorelle

Beat the crowds and head to the Jardin Majorelle as soon as it opens. This exquisite garden, also known as the Majorelle Garden or the YSL Garden, is like nowhere else, with cobalt-blue buildings, towering cacti and bamboo groves. Together with the Musée Yves Saint Laurent next door, it’s the perfect break from the medina. By mid-morning, it’s packed, so it really is worth setting an alarm.

Entry: Tickets must now be bought online in advance from the official website (tickets.jardinmajorelle.com) and you can no longer pay at the gate. Entry to the garden alone is 150 MAD, or 300 MAD for a combined ticket including the YSL Museum and the Berber Museum.

Afterwards, take some time to explore the cafés and boutiques of Gueliz, the modern district around the gardens.

Read my full guide to visiting the Jardin Majorelle for the best photo spots.

Escape to Le Jardin Secret

Back in the medina, Le Jardin Secret is a beautifully restored garden hidden behind high walls on Rue Mouassine. It’s split into an Islamic garden and an exotic garden, with fountains, palms and an ornate central pavilion, and it’s amazing how quickly the noise of the souks fades once you step inside. Pay a little extra to climb the tower for views across the rooftops. If you only have time for one garden, choose the Majorelle, but this is a lovely, quieter alternative.

Lunch at NOMAD on the Place des Épices

Place des Épices (also called Rahba Kedima) is a lively square tucked into the medina, but it’s much calmer and more pleasant than Jemaa el-Fna. It’s a great spot to pick up spices and local crafts, and it’s also home to NOMAD, one of the best restaurants in Marrakech. It has a gorgeous rooftop terrace and a modern take on Moroccan food. Book ahead if you can.

Experience a traditional hammam

No trip to Marrakech is complete without a hammam. You’ll start in a warm steam room, before being thoroughly scrubbed with traditional black soap and a kessa glove, followed by a wash and, if you choose, a massage. You’ll leave feeling like the cleanest version of yourself!

Public hammams have separate sections for men and women and are very much a social, local experience, so expect a few curious looks. If you’d prefer something more private, many riads and spas offer their own hammam experiences.

Evening: rooftop drinks or the Agafay Desert

For your second evening, you’ve got two very different options.

Stay in the city: Head to a stylish rooftop for sunset drinks. El Fenn’s rooftop bar is one of the most popular in the medina, with views towards the Atlas Mountains on a clear day. Book a table in advance.

Head into the desert: The Agafay Desert is a rocky desert just an hour from Marrakech. Sunset tours usually include a camel ride or quad biking, followed by dinner under the stars at a desert camp, often with live music and a fire show. It’s a brilliant taste of the desert if you don’t have time to travel to the Sahara.

Day 3: Palaces and a Touch of Luxury

Visit the Bahia Palace

Start your final day in the southern part of the medina, which is a little calmer than the souks. The 19th-century Bahia Palace is one of the most photogenic sights in the city, with a series of courtyards, painted cedar ceilings, intricate tilework and gardens planted with orange trees. Arrive at opening time, as it gets busy with tour groups quickly. Entry for foreign adults is 100 MAD.

Explore El Badi Palace

Just a short walk away, El Badi Palace was built in the late 16th century and was once one of the most lavish palaces in the world. Today, it’s a vast, atmospheric ruin, with sunken gardens and storks nesting on the walls. Climb up to the terrace for views over the medina. There’s very little shade, so go in the morning. Entry for foreign adults is 100 MAD.

See the Saadian Tombs

Hidden behind the Kasbah Mosque, the Saadian Tombs are the resting place of the 16th-century Saadian sultans and their families. They were sealed off for centuries and only rediscovered in 1917. The tombs are compact, so you’ll only need 30–45 minutes, but the queues can build up in the middle of the day. Entry for foreign adults is 100 MAD.

You could also wander through the nearby Mellah, the old Jewish Quarter, on your way back.

Spend the afternoon at La Mamounia or afternoon tea at the Royal Mansour

For the ultimate opulent experience, visiting La Mamounia as a day visitor is one of the best things to do in Morocco. I’ve written a full guide on how to visit the spectacular La Mamounia hotel and spa as a day visitor here. If it’s in your budget, then go one better and stay – it is without a doubt one of the best luxury hotels in Morocco.

Alternatively, treat yourself to afternoon tea at the Royal Mansour, another of the city’s most luxurious hotels. It’s a leisurely, multi-hour experience, with mint tea poured with ceremony alongside Moroccan pastries, so book in advance and take your time wandering the beautiful grounds afterwards.

One last wander through the souks

Finish your three days in Marrakech with a final wander through the souks to pick up any last-minute souvenirs, then find a rooftop for one last mint tea as the sun goes down.

Flying home on day three? Beldi Country Club is a peaceful countryside retreat close to the airport, with gardens, a pool and showers, so you can spend your last afternoon relaxing and head straight to your flight.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

Marrakech has a huge range of places to stay, from traditional riads to big resort hotels. I’d highly recommend staying in a riad in the medina for at least part of your trip, as it’s the most authentic way to experience the city. Here are my picks across budgets:

Budget riads:

• Riad Dar Attika (from around £64 per night)
• Riad Palais Calipau (from around £85 per night)
• Riad Mur Akush (from around £85 per night)
• Riad Le J (from around £94 per night)
• Riad & Spa Bahia Salam (from around £90 per night)
• Riad Dar Teranga (from around £90 per night)
• Riad Tizwa (from around £100 for two nights – the minimum stay length)
• Dar Attajmil (from £171 for a two night stay – the minimum stay length)

Mid-range riads:

• Riad Cologne (from around £100 per night)
• Marrakech Riads, Angsana Heritage Collection (from £139 per night)
• Sofitel Marrakech Palais (from around £267 per night)
• Tigmiza Boutique Hotel & Spa (from around £281 per night)
• Riad Star (from around £314 for two nights – the minimum stay length)
• Riad le Clos des Arts (from around £560 for three nights – the minimum stay length)

Luxury riads:

• Palais Ronsard Relais & Chateaux (from around £379 per night)
• Selman Marrakech (From around £529 per night)
• The Oberoi Marrakech (from around £883 per night)
• Four Seasons Marrakech (from around £1,162 per night)
• Mandarin Oriental Marrakech (from around £1,424 per night)
• Royal Mansour (from around £1,454 per night)

We stayed between two beautiful riads, both located right by each other at the edge of the medina. The first, Riad Attika was small but perfect for a 2 night stay, then for our final night we upgraded to the swish Angsana Riads where we stayed in an amazing Heritage Suite. The collection has since been rebranded as Angsana Heritage Collection Marrakech Riads and is made up of six restored riads close to the Bahia Palace.

We also ate in some brilliant places across the city, but I’ve put a guide together of our absolute favourite cafes in Marrakech here.

Got More Time? Day trips from Marrakech

If you have more than three days in Marrakech, or if it’s your second visit, a day trip is a brilliant way to see a different side of Morocco. Here are a few of the best:

• The Atlas Mountains and Imlil: Hike through Amazigh villages in the foothills of Toubkal, North Africa’s highest peak. The region was badly affected by the September 2023 earthquake, and while rebuilding is ongoing, tourism is an important source of income for local communities, so choose a local guide or operator.
  • Atlas Mountains Day Trip with Camel Ride (from £12 per person)
• Ourika Valley: An easy half-day or full-day trip into the mountains, with riverside cafés and waterfall walks.
  • Full Day Desert and Mountain Tour (from £11 per person)
• The Agafay Desert: A rocky desert just an hour from the city, perfect for camel rides, quad biking or sunset dinners at a desert camp.
  • Half Day Desert Quad Biking (from £26 per person)
• Ouzoud Waterfalls: Morocco’s highest waterfalls, around two and a half to three hours’ drive away, so make it a long day.
  • Ouzoud Waterfalls Day Trip (from £12 per person)
• Essaouira: A laid-back coastal town around three hours away. Read my full guide to Essaouira.

Or arrange a tour with a local company, such as Exciting Morocco Travel here who offer both an array of day and overnight trips from Marrakech.

Marrakech FAQs

Is three days in Marrakech enough? Yes. Three days gives you enough time to see the main sights, explore the souks, try a hammam and still have time to relax by the pool. With a fourth day, you could add a day trip to the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira.

What if I only have two days in Marrakech? Combine days one and two, focusing on the Medersa Ben Youssef, the souks, Jemaa el-Fna and the Jardin Majorelle, and save the palaces for your next visit.

Is Marrakech safe for women? Generally, yes. Expect a little hassle in the souks and around Jemaa el-Fna, but we didn’t find it too bad. Remember to dress modestly and be firm but polite.

Do I need cash in Marrakech? Yes. Many souk stalls, small cafés, taxis and monuments are cash only, so withdraw dirham from an ATM when you arrive.

Can non-Muslims visit mosques in Marrakech? No, mosques, including the Koutoubia, are closed to non-Muslims. However, you can visit the Medersa Ben Youssef, a former Islamic college with some of the city’s finest architecture.

What’s the best time to visit Marrakech? Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.

Marrakech Travel Guide

Have you been to Marrakech before? I hope this guide to spending a few days in Marrakech was useful. Feel free to ask any further questions in the comments section below! 

If you are planning a longer trip around Morocco of a week or two, you might find some of my other blog posts useful. I’ve written detailed guides to:

• Fes Travel Guide: Best Things to Do and See in Fes, Morocco
• Chefchaouen Travel Guide: The Best Things to Do & Places to See in Chefchaouen, Morocco
• Hiking in the Rif Mountains near Chefchaouen, Morocco
• Rabat Travel Guide: Best Things to Do and See in Rabat, Morocco
• Sahara Desert Tour in Morocco: A Travel Guide
• Visiting Essaouira from Marrakech: Essaouira Travel Guide
• Visiting Taghazout and Paradise Valley in Morocco
• Visiting La Mamounia, Marrakech as a Day Guest: A Complete Guide

Disclaimer: This visit Marrakech in Morocco was entirely paid for by myself. There was no involvement from the tourism board or any local companies. This is an independent guide.

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