HOW TO SPEND THREE WONDERFUL DAYS IN MARRAKECH FOR A FIRST TIME VISITOR.
Marrakech is a city that can feel completely overwhelming at first. It is loud, colourful and chaotic at times. Throw in loads of Instagram influencers telling you where you ‘must visit’ in Marrakech. And for a first time visitor, it can be hard to know where to start.
With only a few days in the city, it is tempting to try and see everything. But in doing so, you might miss the best bits of the city – the quieter moments (they do exist in Marrakech), or the chance to notice something unique.
This three day itinerary is designed to give you a balanced introduction to Marrakech. You will see the main sights, explore different neighbourhoods, eat well, and still have time to relax and soak it all in.
What to expect when you first visit Marrakech
If this is your first time in Morocco, expect some culture shock. The medina is a maze of narrow alleyways, motorbikes, donkey carts, and people moving in every direction. It can feel overwhelming, especially on the first day. But actually, comparative to other cities we visited in Morocco, it felt less hectic. The biggest challenge is the number of other tourists.
If you’re not used to walking in alleyways, this can be feel quite unnerving, especially at night. That said, Marrakech is generally a safe city and very used to tourists. With a bit of common sense and confidence, you will settle in quickly.
It can also feel important (for your own peace of mind more than anything) to choose the right location for your hotel – more on that here.
By day two, you will probably feel much more relaxed and capable than you expect. Where possible, try not to let the fear of being scammed stop you from interacting with locals – the vast majority of people are not trying to scam you, and walking around in a panic can somewhat dampen the experience.
Compared to the impression we had of Marrakech before visiting, it was much less daunting. And it seems that some of the tropes about Marrakech and “henna scams” or monkeys on chains, are a thing of the past.
You can find out more about our first impressions of Marrakech here.
Tips for your first time in Marrakech
- Carry cash, including small amounts.
- Dress modestly in the medina.
- Learn a few words of French or Arabic.
- Do not follow people who offer to “show you the way”, or tell you that the road is closed. This is a common scam.
- Say “la shukran” (no thank you) and keep walking if you are not interested.
- Book popular attractions in advance, especially Majorelle Gardens.
About this three day Marrakech itinerary
This three day itinerary is designed for anyone visiting Marrakech for the first time, to help you get the most from your trip.
While I include many of the main attractions and must-do experiences, I have also suggested a few alternatives. These are ideal if the main sights feel too busy, too intense, or just not your thing.
To some extent, Marrakech is a city best experienced by visiting the main sights and being around other tourists. That part is almost unavoidable. But it is also possible to weave in quieter moments and small bits of magic that make the trip feel personal. I hope this itinerary helps you do exactly that.
Three day Marrakech itinerary
Here is a simple overview. You can switch days around depending on weather, energy levels, or what appeals most.
Day one: culture, history and food.
Day two: gardens and modern Marrakech.
Day three: Mouassine, shopping and rooftops.
Day One: Culture, history and food
Your first day is all about easing into Marrakech gently. Start with some of the big sights, but do not try to cram in too much.
BAHIA PALACE
Bahia Palace is one of the most beautiful historic buildings in Marrakech, and one of the busiest. It opens at 09:00 and I would strongly recommend going as early as possible.
The palace itself is stunning, with tiled courtyards, intricate ceilings, and peaceful gardens. But it gets crowded very quickly, and later in the day it can feel more like you’re shuffling around in a queue, than taking it all in.
Going early gives you a chance to enjoy it before the big tour groups arrive.
Tip: You can also book a walking tour which explores this area of the city and takes in Bahia Palace – a gentle way to ease into your first day and learn more than you would if you were walking solo.
Alternative – If Bahia Palace feels too busy, or you simply want to swap it for something slightly different, there are a couple of great alternatives nearby. The Saadian Tombs are a popular option and just a short walk away. Another option is El Badi Palace, which is much larger and more open.
MELLAH
From Bahia Palace, wander into the Mellah, Marrakech’s historic Jewish quarter. This part of the medina feels noticeably different. One thing you will notice here are the balconies, which you won’t see elsewhere. In the Islamic areas of the medina, there are no external facing windows (windows face inwards to courtyards in riads.)
One of the main points of interest is the Jewish Cemetery, one of the largest in Morocco, and a simple but interesting place to visit if you want to learn more about the city’s Jewish history. Nearby, you can find Slat Al Azama Synagogue, open to the public.
Alternative – If you’re into art, craftsmanship, fashion and jewellery and want something to sink your teeth into a little, Monde des Arts de la Parure is a great choice. The museum is found to the south of the medina and is a little off the usual tourist trail.
TEA ON JEMAA EL-FNAA
By midday, or late morning, make your way towards Jemaa el-Fnaa. This is Marrakech’s main square and the heart of the medina. And your first glimpse is bound to be interesting!
The square is overwhelming at first, but in our view, the best way to experience it is from above (i.e. at a safe distance from the snakes!) Go for mint tea at one of the rooftop cafés overlooking the square.
Close to the square are two points of interest worth seeing. Firstly, Kings of Morocco history street, which tells the story of Morocco’s royals through photos. Secondly, the somewhat amusing Deserted Photo Booth – a slight tourist trap, but we couldn’t resist!
KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE
From Jemaa el-Fnaa, walk over to the Koutoubia Mosque. Non-Muslims cannot enter, but it is still worth seeing from the outside.
The gardens around the mosque are calm and green, and it is a nice place to slow down before heading back to your riad.
WELLNESS BREAK
One of the real joys of Marrakech is riad life. Most riads are beautiful, peaceful, and feel like a hidden oasis after a busy day in the medina.
Head back, shower, maybe have a drink on the terrace, and take some time to rest before the evening.
If you are feeling tired or just crave a bit more R&R, this is also the perfect moment to book a hammam, massage, or even a yoga session.
STREET FOOD TOUR
For your first night, I highly recommend doing a street food tour. It takes away the stress of choosing where to eat and lets you try lots of local dishes safely.
You will usually sample things like olives, pancakes, harira soup and Moroccan sweets. It is a great introduction to Moroccan food and a fun way to experience Jemaa el-Fnaa at night. We really loved meeting like-minded travellers on the street food tour we did.
Street food tours in Marrakech are an absolute bargain – you can expect to pay around £25.
Day Two: Gardens and modern Marrakech
This day is all about contrast. You move from the medina into modern Marrakech.
You can either go early to Majorelle and spend the afternoon in Gueliz, or have a slow morning and go later in the day. Both work well.
MAJORELLE GARDENS
Majorelle Gardens is one of Marrakech’s most famous attractions. It is beautiful, colourful, and very popular.
Book your tickets online in advance and try to go early. Even first thing in the morning, it will be busy, but it is still worth visiting.
Expect crowds, queues for photos, and a very curated experience. But it is undeniably stunning and a nice change from the medina.
You can find our detailed guide to Majorelle Gardens including how to book here.
Alternative: If Majorelle feels too busy or too touristy, consider visiting Anima (André Heller Garden._ It is about 30km outside Marrakech and offers a free shuttle bus from the city.
GUELIZ
After the gardens, head into Gueliz. This is the modern part of Marrakech, with wide streets, cafés, shops, and a very different vibe.
It feels much more European and relaxed. No souks, no motorbikes flying past you, and lots of air-conditioned cafés.
This is the perfect place for a long lunch, some shopping, or just sitting with a good coffee and watching the world go by.
You can find our guide to the best things to do in Gueliz here.
Day Three: Mouassine, shopping and rooftops
Your final day brings you back into the medina, but now you will feel much more confident navigating it.
FANCY COFFEE OR TEA
While Bacha Coffee is the viral favourite, located inside the beautiful Dar El Bacha Museum, it does come with a museum entry fee (around 60 MAD / €6) and usually a long queue, so it requires a bit of planning and patience.
If you’d rather skip the crowds, there are plenty of excellent alternatives nearby. One of our favourites was Café 1112, a gorgeous, peaceful tea house with a stunning interior and a really unique menu. It felt like stepping into a calm little sanctuary away from the medina. So peaceful and it smelt amazing in there.
Prices are slightly higher, but for the tranquillity and experience, it’s absolutely worth it.
Other great options include Simple Specialty Coffee (a reliable fallback near Bacha), Hyuna House Café for rooftop vibes, and Café Abaq for a slow, quiet morning.
SHOPPING & SOUKS
Even if shopping isn’t high on your agenda, the souks are impossible to avoid, and doing so would be a bit of shame as they’re woven into daily life in Morocco. And, it’s a bit of a right of passage in Marrakech to get totally ripped off for something ridiculous like a “magic box,” or supposedly handmade items.
The main artery is Souk Semmarine, close to Jemaa el-Fnaa, packed with leather bags, lanterns and colourful textiles. Souk Chouari is known for its woodwork and traditional crafts, while Rahba Kedima is the iconic spice square.
That said, once you’re deep in the medina, everything starts to merge into one vibrant, chaotic maze and it’s easy to lose all sense of where you are (or which souk you’re in).
One thing we quickly noticed: the closer you are to the main square, the more touristy and overpriced things tend to feel.
If the idea of haggling stresses you out, head towards Mouassine, where you’ll find more modern concept stores like Different and Wafl around Rue Amsafah – fixed prices, beautiful products, and a much more relaxed way to shop.
We just loved walking around this area – Cafe Mouassine or Al Riad Spot are great for a break too. And if you’re want to (and haven’t had your fill of gardens), you could visit The Secret Gardens in this area.
SPICE SQUARE & BEN YOUSSEF
Head towards Rahba Kedima, also known as Spice Square. It is one of the most photogenic parts of the medina, full of colourful spices and baskets.
Nearby is Ben Youssef Madrasa, one of the most beautiful historic sites in the city. The architecture is stunning and it feels calmer than some of the other big attractions.
If you need a bite to eat or drink, we love Café des Épices, which looks over the square and onto the Atlas Mountains.
NICHE MUSEUMS
Marrakech also has several smaller, more unusual museums that sit slightly away from the main tourist circuit.
Maison de la Photographie might not appeal to everyone at first glance, but it’s a pleasant place to visit, especially if you enjoy art. The same ticket also gives you access to the Museum of Mouassine Music, making it an easy and interesting way to spend a couple of hours if you’re in the mood for something a little different.
If you don’t fancy any of the smaller museums, you may want to consider a cooking course. We often think about doing a cooking class in cities we visit but find them prohibitively expensive. But in Marrakech, you can book a class for less than £20. So, it’s well worth doing.
ROOF TOP COCKTAILS
For your final night, we recommend heading to a rooftop for cocktails (or soft drinks depending on your preference.)
Mandala Society also has a spacious and lovely rooftop, although it doesn’t serve alcohol.
If you prefer something stronger, Dada, which has a sleek, modern feel and is very Instagram-friendly, Kabana, known for its cocktails and panoramic views, and Bazaar Café, which is a bit more low-key has decent happy hour deals and bottles of wine for around €15 (and yes, it became a regular for us!)
Honestly, it’s hard to go wrong with a rooftop in Marrakech, they’re one of the best ways to soak up the city. Just be wary of places where staff are aggressively trying to lure you in from the street; it’s usually a sign the vibe inside isn’t great.
Where to stay in Marrakech
If you’re wondering where to base yourself in Marrakech, we’ve written a full guide here.
We chose to base ourselves in Mouassine, and if you’re following our itinerary, then this is an ideal place to choose. It’s close enough to the sights and attractions, as well as some good restaurants for the evening. But it feels peaceful and a little fancier than other areas of the medina.
Written by Emma
Wine Lover. Yogi. Hiker. Writer.
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Reading material for your trip
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