3 Days in Marrakech: Itinerary to Maximize Your Trip [2025]

From the loud warbling of the call to prayer and the persistent calls of the men who run stalls in the souks constantly striking your ears, Marrakech is a cacophony and a shock to the senses.

The sights, smells, and sounds of Marrakech are deeply layered, and not always pleasant: the pungent smell of incenses cover up a lingering smell of leather bags and the donkeys who dutifully pull carts through the medina day and night.

But then it’s also incredibly beautifully and captivating. Think of artfully stacked olives that almost beg you to take one away and destroy the whole pile, leather that looks so soft you can’t help but reach out and touch it, plates painted in every hue of the rainbow. It’s mesmerizing.

🇲🇦 Planning your Marrakech trip in a hurry? Here are my quick tips!

🏨 Best Marrakech Hotels
1. Maison Dar Saada (5* riad with full service spa & hammam)
2. Riad EnchantƩ (mid-range boutique riad with rooftop jacuzzi)
3. La Maison Berber Shams (best budget-friendly option)

🐪 Best Marrakech Activities
1. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon
2. Hammam & Massage Experience
3. Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride
4. Morocco Night Market & Food Tour
Note: This post contains affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase something after clicking. Thank you for supporting the free content on this independent site! For more information on affiliate links and cookies, see my disclosure page for more details.
A man wearing a white hat stands in a shop filled with vibrant ceramic plates and traditional tagines, which are used for making stew. The shop is located in the bustling Marrakech Medina, where the colorful ceramics and intricate designs capture the lively atmosphere of the market.

To put it simply, Marrakech is a place you experience with every single one of your senses, often at once. It can be overwhelming to just exist and experience this city — let alone try to navigate it and make decisions in it. So, my hope is that this Marrakech itinerary will walk you through the city’s best sights — without the overwhelm.

Admittedly, Marrakech is a city that will simultaneously confuse you, frustrate you, and delight you… and, for some, maybe even reel you in and get you to fall in love with it.

While I struggled with the overwhelm of the city, I can appreciate it for its highs and lows, and I was happy to spend 3 days in Marrakech: it was just enough to understand its energy, see what I wanted to see, and get out before the chaos consumed me.

A view of a riad in Marrakech, bathed in soft pink tones. The serene courtyard features a cozy seating area with cushions, offering a tranquil place to relax. In the edge of the photo, a small plunge pool shows a nice place to swim.

Don’t let the pretty, girl-twirling-in-dress photos on Instagram lie to you — Morocco is intense, and Marrakech is especially so, as it is the touristic capital of Morocco with the most international flights. While you can find pockets of peace in Morocco, it’s harder to do so in Marrakech.

While Marrakech is generally safe enough in terms of your physical safety, as a woman traveling alone, I found that traveling there required being “on” all the time, my attention always being pulled in several directions at once. That said, other people I’ve spoken to who traveled there as a family or as a couple enjoyed it with less reservations than I did.

Personally, I found Marrakech tiring but ultimately worth all the memories; however, it’s certainly not all floaty dresses and ornate walls like the Instagram girlsĀ would have you believe! I suggest Marrakech being one part of a larger Morocco itinerary (I recommend 10 days) that also includes places like the Sahara Desert, to help you regenerate a bit during your trip.

Sahara desert in Morocco

This Marrakech itinerary covers quite a bit in a short amount of time and is meant to be a standalone post for if you’re planning a long weekend in Marrakech.

If you just have 3 days in Morocco, I’d advise spending them all in Marrakech with one or two half-day outings to tick off a bucket list item — whether that’s a hot air balloon or a camel ride through the desert at sunset.

This post was first written in 2019. It has updated annually since being written, and it was last updated on February 6, 2025 to reflect changes to attractions, renovations, new openings, new activities, etc.

My Top 3 Marrakech Experiences

I go into quite a bit of detail in this guide and lay out every activity, day by day.

If you’re just in a hurry to plan your trip, here are the top activities I recommend planning your Marrakech itinerary around!

#1 TOP PICK

A camel's face smiling at the camera with desert trees in the background

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride
✔️ 1 hour camel ride in palm oasis at sunset
✔️Dinner and Berber show included

#2 PICK

View of hot air balloons over the Agafay desert near Marrakech in the sky around sunrise.

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride
✔️ 1 hour hot air balloon flight covering 10+ scenic miles
✔️ Local village visit for mint tea and home-baked bread

#3 PICK

View of one of the palaces of marrakech with beautiful landscape

Marrakech Palaces Tour
✔️ Guided tour of Bahia & Badi Palaces & the Saadian Tombs
✔️ Skip all the lines with local tour guide

3 Days in Marrakech Itinerary: Day One

large minaret in marrakech and palm fronds

Overview of Your Day 1 Itinerary:

  • Check into your riad
  • Visit the Koutoubia Mosque area
  • Walk around and admire Jemma El-Fna
  • Shop in the Marrakech Souks
  • Finish your evening with a sunset camel ride
🚖 Morocco Travel Tip: Book a Transfer Service
(4.5/5 stars with 2,000+ reviews)

Morocco is notorious for scams and nowhere are scams more ubiquitous than at the Marrakech airport. I highly recommend pre-booking a private transfer from the airport — it’s inexpensive and it’ll save you a lot of headache.

Plus, your transfer service will help you find your riad, which is easier said than done given that Google Maps is virtually useless in the medinas of Marrakech (following my blue dot led me into a brick wall seemingly infinite times).

Pre-book your Marrakech transfer here!

Check into your riad.

Turquoise doors stand out against the pristine white marble floors in a Marrakech palace, complemented by intricate mosaic tiles in shades of green, red, and blue. The vibrant patterns form a stunning visual elegance.

One of the best things about visiting Marrakech is that the price to quality ratio is in your favor. A nice but not fancy riad will cost as little as $25-50 a night, great for travelers on a budget (as I was at the time of my visit)!

However, if you’re visiting Marrakech with a bit more money to spend, you’ll be spoiled for choice after beautiful choice. Here are my riad recommendations broken down by budget. I’ll list my three top picks for a short stay in Marrakech, but I also have a full guide to Marrakech riads here.

For reference, I view budget as under $50 per night for a private room, mid-range as $50-100 per night, and luxury as $200+ per night. Prices generally follow these guidelines but may go up or down due on time of year, availability, etc.

A rooftop canopy of a hotel in Marrakech, providing a shaded area to relax and enjoy the stunning skyline. The canopy offers a comfortable spot with seating, ideal for unwinding while taking in the panoramic views of the city

Budget: Nondescript on the outside, La Maison Berber Shams is gorgeous and cozy on the inside.

Updated design makes the indoor courtyard a lovely place to relax, and comfortable private rooms with AC offer excellent value for the price, although some of the rooms are admittedly a bit small. The riad is family-run and treats you like one of their own.

Check best prices and current availability.

The rooftop courtyard of a charming and chic Marrakech riad offers a cozy and stylish retreat.

Mid-range:Ā The lovely Riad EnchantĆ© certainly lives up to its name – it is sure to delight and enchant you.

With stunning tilework, a rooftop terrace (with jacuzzi!), large rooms with AC, and amazing attention to detail (check out those lovely wooden doors), it’s hard to find a better spot for the price. You’ll probably never want to leave this homey, delightful riad in Marrakech!

Check best prices and current availability!

A serene pool sits in the center of a Marrakech riad courtyard, its clear water reflecting the surrounding beauty. Beside the pool, a beautifully arranged sofa with colorful cushions invites relaxation.

Luxury: For five-star amenities you can’t do much better than Maison Dar Saada.

This is a traditional riad with a comfortable in-house hammam and spa/wellness center, a gorgeous plunge pool in the inner courtyard, gorgeous interior design, and incredible aeshetics in virtually every corner.

Check best prices and current availability!

Didn’t find the right place for your stay? I have 21 more suggestions for riads in Marrakech for all budgets here!

Meander over to Koutoubia Mosque.

he Koutoubia Mosque minaret rises majestically over the Marrakech Medina, its distinct tall structure and intricate design standing out against the skyline. The minaret, with its delicate carvings and elegant proportions, is a symbol of the cityā€™s rich history.

Unfortunately, unlike in other Muslim-majority countries I’ve been, including Turkey, Bosnia, Azerbaijan, Albania, and Kosovo, non-Muslims are not permitted to enter mosques in Morocco.

And while normally, I would find that a bit annoying. I get it. Given the way that Instagram has kind of ruined Morocco, I really can’t blame them for excluding non-Muslims from the mosques and for wanting one place for themselves. I mean, Instagrammers twirling around in revealing dresses inside holy sites isn’t exactly halal.

However, that doesn’t mean you can’t admire the gorgeous mosque from the outside! Built at the height of the Islamic Golden Age, the wonderfully ornate Koutoubia Mosque is an architectural achievement, especially considering its age (nearly a millennium old).

Fun Fact: Originally, there was a different mosque in its place that preceded the current one, but it was leveled because it was found that it wasnā€™t properly aligned with Mecca.

View of the tower of the Koutoubia mosque minaret from a far-away vantage point

After Koutoubia Mosque was built, hundreds of booksellers gathered aroundĀ its base ā€“ giving the mosque its name, as koutoubia means booksellers in Arabic.

The height of the minaret, 69 meters high, is quite an achievement as well, making it the tallest building in Marrakech.

Due to an ancient law that nothing can be taller than a palm tree, the Koutoubia Mosque continues to stick out as an exception to the rule, an important monument… and it serves as a much-needed point of reference as you get lost in the winding alleyways of the medina.

Gawk in awe at Jemaa el-Fnaa… from a distance.

A bustling scene at Jemaa el-Fna, the main marketplace in Marrakech, filled with a vibrant crowd of locals and tourists. The square is alive with activity, as street performers, food vendors, and market stalls attract visitors from all directions.

The famous square at the heart of the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa (spelled many different ways, as Arabic doesn’t transliterate into English exactly), is where you’ll find the best and worst of Marrakech.

And as such, it’s a must on any Marrakech itinerary… with some caveats. It’s a must-visit as it’s been hailed as a Masterpiece of World Heritage by UNESCO since 2001, and the folks at UNESCO are rarely wrong.

You’ll find the freshest, most delicious orange juice at a mere 50 cents (5 dirhams) a cup, the lively sizzle of grilling meat…

… and you’ll also find snake charmers who have abusively de-fanged their cobras, monkeys who have been snatched from the wild and drugged in order to pay tricks, and women grabbing your hand to try to force you into getting a henna tattoo at an exorbitant price.

Pro Tip: To save yourself a headache, do not take any photos of the snake charmers, henna artists, etc. Do not allow anyone to hand you their monkey or put any henna on you as you undoubtedly will be hounded to pay. Just ignore or say no to people and move on (welcome to Morocco — no will be your most-used word here).

I don’t mean to dissuade you from visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa; I just want you to know what to expect. It’s the center of the medina, so it really is the perfect place to start exploring the wonderful yet utterly chaotic city that is Marrakech.

Some items for sale in a Marrakech market in the center of the Medina area

Its many food stalls and grills constantly operate and offer freshly grilled kebabs – follow my rule of thumb to look for locals queuing up, as I’ve always found that the best food to be had is right where you can see the locals eating.

On the busy streetsĀ leading up to Jemaa el-Fnaa, you can find horse-drawn carriages who are happy to take you around for a short ride around Marrakech. If you want to take a ride in the carriages, be sure to bargain to get a fair price — they will certainly inflate the rates.

While I don’t suggest shopping in Jemaa el-Fna proper (save your shopping for the souks just beyond it), I can’t deny the chaotic main square has an ambiance like no other.

At this point on the Marrakech itinerary, you’ll be visiting by day, I highly recommend also coming back at night to see the square in an entirely new light (literally).

Shop in the souks.

A vibrant stall in the Marrakech Medina, showcasing a wide array of colorful powders and spice blends. The rich green, blue, and red hues of the powders and products are arranged in neat mounds, while various spice blends in warm earth tones fill the display.

Let’s be real: if you didn’t come to Morocco to shop, why did you even come at all? While as you might have guessed from the ambivalent tone of this post, I had mixed feelings about my 3 days in Marrakech. But there is one thing I cannot deny: the shopping is unreal.

Unfortunately I visited Morocco when I was still living nomadically (I’ve since settled down and have a proper home base) so I wasn’t able to buy much. However, if you’re visiting Marrakech and then returning home after… seriously, bring a spare suitcase (or better yet, just buy one here) because the shopping here is amazing.

So, what exactly areĀ the souks? Put simply, souks are North African marketplaces and bazaars that sell a variety of goods, everything from food to fabrics to leathers to woodwork and everything in between.

A vibrant display of pink and green olives stacked in a giant mound at a stall in the Marrakech Medina. The olives are arranged in a colorful, eye-catching tower.
A massive pile of olives in Marrakech, AKA heaven

In the case of Marrakech, the souks are entire streets built like a labyrinth that stretch in every direction. These little laneways are filled with shops of all types and sizes, primarily selling leather accessories, clothing, jewelry, and home decor goods.

Due to the nature of the souks, prices vary wildly and you are expected to haggle (you’ll literally be considered a fool if you don’t). Luckily, no matter where you shop, generally the goods are at least of decent quality and they are often handmade in nearby factories and shops rather than being sent in from China as in much of the world.

Be aware that accepting tea in a shop will likely embolden the vendor to demand you make a purchase (unlike the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, where accepting a cup of tea is much less fraught).

A traditional glass of mint tea, served in a beautifully decorated glass, sitting on a ledge overlooking a Moroccan street scene.

Always remember that you are under no obligation to pay for an item if you do not like the price, and feel free to walk away. In fact, walking away will often get you the best price you can get. Don’t show too much enthusiasm (but don’t be rude) and mention that you are shopping around if you want to get the best price.

All vendors speak English as well as a variety of other languages very fluently (they’ll often show off their multilingualism, calling out to you in as many languages as they know). For better or worse, language barriers are not accepted as an excuse to not buy!

A few things I recommend buying, if you’re interested: leather bags, leather shoes, leather poofs (they come un-filled so they are easy to transport), plates, bowls, tajines, and lamps. What I don’t recommend is the clothing, which looks rather gimmicky, and it doesn’t actually appear to be traditional.

If you’re a frequent traveler like I am with little space in your bag, I’d settle on just spices and the delicious, delicious olives that can be had for about two dollars per kilo, so you can consume them before you leave!

End the day with a sunset camel ride.

Three camels stand in the vast Agafay Rock Desert near Marrakech,  contrasting against the rugged, rocky landscape.

Before I could decided whether or not you should do a camel ride, I looked into the topic extensively and did some research specifically on the history of camel riding and the ethics of it.

As an animal lover and someone who tries to be a responsible tourist, I understand animal tourism is complicated, with ramifications for the people who rely on them for tourism as well as for the animals involved.

I always try to address those concerns in all sorts of animal tourism activities, whether I’m talking about dog or reindeer sledding, horseback riding, or whale watching, or anything in between. So where exactly does riding a camel fall into that?

A smiling camel with a rope on his face as 'reins' in the desert of Morocco.
Look for happy faces like this guy’s

Basically, the same rules apply to horses as camels. Camels require adequate food, water, shelter, access to medical care when necessary, and freedom from abuse or overwork.

If a tour operator can provide all that, there is nothing more unethical about riding camels than riding horses. On the other hand, elephant riding is always unethical, as elephants cannot be domesticated without significant abuse.

up close photo of a camels face in morocco

I did some research into reputable companies and while I can’t find any sort of animal welfare certification system in Morocco, this sunset camel tour has excellent ratings with several reviewers remarking that the camels seemed well-looked after.

Note: Please be aware that with 3 days in Marrakech, you can’t actually get out to the proper Sahara sand dunes (those are about a two days’ drive west to the Sahara) but rather the Agafay rock desert outside of Marrakech.

If you do have enough time for a Sahara desert tour because you’re planning to continue your trip beyond Marrakech,Ā pleaseĀ read my review of my Sahara desert tour as I had a really unpleasant experience with my guides I don’t want anyone to experience.

🐪 Camel Tour Suggestion: Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride
(4.6/5 stars, 130+ reviews)

This well-loved sunset camel ride tour from Marrakech includes transfers to and from your hotel, a camel ride at sunset in the Agafay Desert, and a dinner and Berber show.

Check availability and prices for this Palmeraie sunset camel ride!

3 Days in Marrakech Itinerary: Day Two

Overview:

  • Start with the Ben Youssef Madrassa
  • Visit the ruins of the El Badi Palace
  • Marvel at the ornate Bahia Palace
  • Check out the Jewish Cemetery
  • Admire the Saadian Tombs
  • Do an evening souk and food tour

Visit the newly-renovated Ben Youssef Madrasa.

The intricate and ornate tilework at the Ben Youssef Madrasa in Marrakech, a must-see on any itinerary, showcases stunning geometric patterns and vibrant colors. The detailed mosaics, in shades of blue, green, and gold, adorn the walls and courtyards.

Since mosques are closed to non-Muslims, madrasas (Islamic schools) and palaces are the only places you can really see Islamic tilework in their full glory. And nowhere else in Marrakech can you find tilework quite as impressive as at the Ben Youssef Madrasa!

For that reason, the Ben Youssef Madrasa is an absolute must-visit on this Marrakech itinerary. The madrasa’s work was renovated in the last few years, so the mosaic tilework is even more spectacular than ever.

The cost is 50 dirhams ($5 USD) for adults or 10 dirhams ($1 USD) for kids. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM with adjusted hours for Ramadan, when it has a shortened schedule (open from 10 AM to 4 PM).

Marvel at the history of El Badi Palace.

People wander around the expansive grounds of the El Badi Palace, admiring the ruins and reflecting pools that once showcased its grandeur.

Marrakech’s El Badi Palace literally translates to “the incomparable palace.” Perhaps that was true at the time, but a lot has happened in the nearly five centuries since its construction. It’s a bit worse for wear, but at the same time, you can see spots of the former beauty of this ruined palace.

It took 15 years to build, and at the time, it showed the best craftsmanship of the Saadian era, when Morocco was at the height of its power. When it was at its peak, the palace had 360 rooms, decorated to the nines with handcrafted furniture, as well as a courtyard complex with several reflecting pools.

Rich with gold, onyx, Italian marble, and exquisite tilework, the Palace was an ostentatious display of the Saadians wealth. However, today much of the original palace is in a state of disrepair. Think ruins more than palace.

Still, there are some gorgeously preserved parts of the palace with excellent tile mosaics, ornate stained glass windows, and beautiful courtyards. There is still plenty to photograph and visit, all while you imagine the former beauty of it in its heyday.

Entrance costs 100 dirhams ($10 USD) for adults and 30 dirhams ($3 USD) for kids under 12. It is open every day from 9 AM to 5 PM, with modified hours during Ramadan, when it operates from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Continue your sightseeing at Bahia Palace.

The Bahia Palace in Marrakech, showcasing a vibrant rainbow of colors, stands as a stunning example of Moroccan architecture. Its intricate tilework, in rich hues of blue, yellow, green, and red, decorates the walls and floors.

Whereas the El Badi Palace is a bit worse for wear after centuries of disuse, Bahia Palace is in remarkable condition!

Built in the second half of the 19th century, Bahia Palace is arguably the most well-preserved historic monument in Marrakech, and its simple color scheme of white, wood and understated tilework is gorgeous.

Itā€™s a glorious palace, one that was built over the course of 14 years, across an area of two acres, sporting around 150 rooms. To say that itā€™s beautiful would be doing it an injustice: it’s mind-blowing.

With its many ornamental design elements — from its lavishly-decorated doors, breathtaking fireplaces, floors and ceilings of the finest wood — every single detail adds up together to achieve something that is truly spectacular.

The entrance fee is 100 dirhams ($10 USD) for adults and 30 dirhams ($3 USD) for children under 12. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with adjusted hours during Ramadan, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

🕌 Tour Suggestion: Bahia & El Badi Palace Tour
(4.6/5 stars, 150+ reviews)

While you can visit each site individually, you may get more enjoyment seeing it as part of a guided tour and understanding the context and history behind these beautiful buildings.

This guided tour lasts 3 hours and includes El Badi Palace, the Bahia Palace, and the Saadian Tombs (optional). Note that this tour only includes a guide — entry fees are not included. However, you will get skip-the-line entry with your guide.

Book this tour of Marrakesh’s palaces here!

Explore the Saadian Tombs.

Colorful tilework adorns the tombs marking the Saadian Tombs in Marrakech, showcasing intricate geometric patterns in vibrant shades of blue, yellow, and green. The tiles beautifully frame the historic burial sites, adding a touch of artistry to the solemn space.

The Saadian dynasty was an important part of Moroccan history, when Morocco flourished and grew as an important power: hence, their presence in much of the architecture and monuments of modern-day Marrakech that you’ve seen today.

The Saadian Tombs were built by Sultan Al Mansour in the 16th century, and this complex contains marvelous tombstones and mausoleums built to commemorate his family. His successors have since walled off the Saadian Tombs, but theyā€™re still accessible to the public.

The Sultanā€™s own tomb is quite intricate and ornate, and itā€™s surrounded by the tombs of his favorite counselors and princes.

Still, even the Sultanā€™s own resting grounds are overshadowed by his motherā€™s mausoleum! Itā€™s a resting place made for maximum splendor, truly fit for a queen, with many plaques and carvings offering poetic blessings.

The entrance fee is 100 dirhams ($10 USD) for adults and 20 dirhams ($2 USD) for children under 12. It is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM, with adjusted hours during Ramadan, from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Visit the Jewish Cemetery.

Graves at the Jewish cemetery in Marrakech are marked by simple  headstones.
The Jewish cemetery in central Marrakech

While today, Morocco is synonymous with its majority Muslim population, it has historically been an important site for Jews for centuries. You can see that history at the Jewish Cemetery nearby Bahia Palace, where its its simplicity and bareness is quite a contrast to the ornate palace.

The Jewish Cemetery in Marrakech is the largest of its kind in Morocco and has been in continual use since the 16th century. The area around Marrakech is still important to Jewish history, with several important Jewish pilgrimage sites located in the outskirts of the city.

While Morocco’s population is 99% Muslim, the country has done an excellent job of protecting its Jewish citizens and Jewish history. After the Jews were expelled from Spain, many Sephardic Jews fled to nearby Morocco by crossing the straight of Gibraltar, and subsequently, they became integrated into Moroccan society.

During World War II, King Mohammed V protected Moroccan Jews from being shipped to Europe to be exterminated in the Holocaust, defying Hitler’s orders, reportedly saying “there are no Jews in Morocco. There are only Moroccan subjects.”

This is emblematic of the religious tolerance that Morocco has exhibited for centuries, proudly 99% Muslim yet allowing Christian, Jewish, and other religious communities to maintain places of worship.

End the night with a food and souk tour.

Jemaa el-Fna comes alive at night, illuminated by a vibrant array of lights after the sun has set. The bustling square is filled with food stalls, street performers, and market vendors, all glowing under the warm, golden light.

Walking through Marrakech’s souks can be a bit stressful for first-timers to Morocco and the socially anxious amongst us – at least it was for me. Taking a guided tour of the souks is definitely a way to reduce the stress factor!

It’s something I learned by the time I got to Fes and it made my time there so much more rewarding.

This guided food tour takes you through the vibrant streets of Marrakechā€™s Medina, making stops at key locations like Riad Zitoun Jdid and the Mellah. Along the way, you’ll visit (and sample) famous spots in Jemaa el-Fnaa for traditional Moroccan bites, then end the tour with a delicious dinner at Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha, all with the insights of your local guide.

🥘 Food Tour Suggestion: Jemma El Fnaa Food Tour with Dinner
(4.7/5 stars, 350+ reviews)

The souks can be overwhelming – but not if you explore with an expert local guide.
They’ll help you tour the market and point out different local snacks to try to whet your appetite before you sit down for a Moroccan feast for dinner!

Check availability for the Dinner & Souk Food Tour here!

Alternate Ideas for Day Two

A Kefta tagine in morocco made with meatballs and tomato sauce and herbs

If hopping from palace to palace is too on the tourist trail for you, there are ways to get a bit more local.

You could start the morning with a tagine cooking class, learning hands-on how to make Morocco’s most famous dish with the assistance of a local!

Afterwards, you could check out the excellent photography museum, Maison de la Photographie, to see some work from Moroccan artists, or relax in the not-so-secret Le Jardin Secret.

Cap off your evening with visiting the hip, artsy CafĆ© Clock for a meal and drinks (note that there is no alcohol available — read here to learn about the complicated status of alcohol in Morocco) with the locals.

3 Days in Marrakech Itinerary: Day Three

For here, we have two options: A hot air balloon followed by a wander through a colorful garden, some last-minute shopping, and a hammam treatment before you leave.

If you prefer to get out and explore more of Morocco, I suggest taking a day trip out into the Atlas Mountains and the Agafay Desert.

Overview Option One:

  • Take a hot air balloon ride over the desert
  • Explore the beautiful colors of the Jardin Marjorelle
  • Finish any last-minute shopping in the souks
  • Relax in a hammam

Overview Option Two:

Atlas mountains in Morocco
The beautiful Atlas Mountains on the way to the desert.

Take a full-day day trip to the Atlas Mountains, which includes the following:

  • Photo stop at Tahnaout
  • Visit to an argan oil factory
  • Explore the charming towns of Asni, Imlil (a great spot for a short hike), and Tamatert
  • Have lunch with a Berber family in Ait Souka
  • Stop at two beautiful viewpoints
  • Have a camel ride and tea in the Agafay Desert.

Book your day tour of the Atlas Mountains, Imlil Valley, and Agafay Desert here!

Wake up early for a hot air balloon ride over the desert

Worth the alarm at an ungodly hour

If you have the budget for a hot air balloon ride in Morocco, I think it’s the best way to cap off your final day in Marrakech.

I wasn’t able to afford it when I visited Morocco many years ago, which was fresh off of quitting my job to start this blog. However, I rode a hot air balloon in Cappadocia in Turkey and just… wow. It’s one of the most magical experiences I can remember.

As when I went with Voyager Balloons in Cappadocia, it’s always crucial to pick a reputable hot air balloon company with pilots with thousands of hours of flight time under their belt. Here, that would be Ciel d’Afrique.

🌅 Hot Air Balloon Recommendation: Ciel d’Afrique Shared Balloon Tour
(4.8/5 stars, 850+ reviews)

This is the top-rated hot air balloon ride in Marrakech, so you can rest assured you’re in experienced, safe hands. They offer a combined tour of a sunrise hot air balloon plus mint tea in a local home afterwards.

Check availability and rates for this hot air balloon tour here!

Admire the colorful grounds of Jardin Marjorelle.

After a hot air balloon ride, you’ll probably be a bit beat from the early morning wake-up and excitement.

And what better way to relax than in one of Marrakech’s most scenic and colorful gardens? Amidst all the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Marrakech lies the gorgeous Jardin Majorelle.

Itā€™s a quiet and calm reprieve thatā€™s surrounded by the chaotic and active city — an oasis of a different sort among this desert city.

This beautiful house and garden was originally created by Art Deco painter Jacques Majorelle ā€“ who ended being more known for the garden rather than his own paintings, but that’s beside the point ā€“ around 1920. It was later bought and renovated by fashion designer Yves St. Laurent!

While the garden itself is lovely, with cacti and gorgeous blossoming flowers, it’s most famous for the hue of its walls, an intensely vibrant cobalt blue that’s now called Majorelle blue.

The Majorelle Garden is open daily from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, with the last entry is at 5:30 PM. Admission is 170 dirhams for adults ($17 USD) and 95 dirhams ($9.50 USD) for children aged 10 and above. Children under 10 can enter for free.

Enjoy a hammam experience.

The traditional black soap used in a Moroccan hammam experience, with its rich, deep color and thick, creamy texture. Often made from olive oil and infused with essential oils, it is an essential part of the cleansing ritual, helping to exfoliate and soften the skin when used with the rough glove (the green one shown here)

Hammams are common throughout North Africa and the Middle East, a tradition dating back from when private bathrooms with running water weren’t that common. And because of that, at a certain point, hammams became just as much about relaxation and socializing than getting clean.

You can’t miss trying a traditional scrub in Morocco – you’ll literally feel brand new after, as they’ll slough off roughly half a human’s worth of a dead skin. There are several kinds of hammam experiences you can have, from ultra local to ultra luxurious. I recommend going somewhere in the middle.

My friend I was with in Morocco went to the spa at Riad LaĆ¢rouss and found it to be a great experience, as they gave her tea when she got in and explained the whole procedure to her! Meanwhile, I went to some random hole-in-the-wall because I was trying to save money and stumbled (naked, I should add) through the whole experience with my very rudimentary French.

The way a Moroccan scrub works is that first they use a eucalyptus-scented black soap, applying it to your whole body while you are fully nude. Don’t worry, if you’re a woman, you’ll have a female attendant!

After they’ll apply argan oil and then scrub — hard — using a rough glove to exfoliate off the dead skin. You can just get a steam and scrub or finish up with a lovely massage afterwards.

Learn from my mistakes: don’t cheap out and run into a random hammam, unless you want to emerge stressed as well as smooth. I recommend booking with a tour company that caters to English-speaking clientele (I use GetYourGuide for all my travels) and allows you to pre-book online to avoid communication issues as I had!

This tour has generally excellent reviews (4.7/5 stars with more than 190 reviews) and includes hammam, massage, and all hotel transfers.

Book your Marrakech hammam experience here!

36 Comments

  1. This is a wonderful blog! Especially since I’m going here for two days šŸ™‚ I was wondering if u knew or where to go to find the person who showed u around etc as I would like to be guided with my boyfriend? im going in june from uk.

    1. Hi Lynn, I will be going with my family next week…do you have any other suggestions…I want to do the hot air balloon and harman as well…let me know if you tried either. thanks adriana

  2. Thank you so much for curating all of these resources. So excited to be in marrakech in 2 weeks and I am totally planning this trip with the itinerary that you have shared.

  3. Thank you so much for all of the information you’re provided. It certainly makes planning a trip to Marrakech easier.

      1. This was my favourite post in my 3 days tour in Marrakech. It’s outstanding, every story, gem and place is described with rich details, exactly they way I like to travel. Thank you SO much.

        Two updates:
        El Baldi Palace close one day after I arrived there, on 23rd April 2019 for refurbishment. Bahia Palace is still wonderful tho.

        The Hammam at the company you suggested was done by women and we (3 men) were not naked but with shorts. Still, amazing experience.

        Congratulations for the blog. Greetings from a Brazilian who lives in Scotland and is currently on his way to Fes!

        1. Hi Thiago, thank you so much for your kind comments! I’ll update the post shortly to reflect the news about El Badi – such a shame, especially since the madrassa is closed and El Badi is what I suggested as an alternative! And thanks for the info about the hammam, also a very helpful update for future travelers. Muito obrigada e espero que voce tem um perfeito resto do seu viajem em Marrocos (meu namorada tambem Ć© do Brasil e eu estou tentando de aprender!)

  4. Do you have any recommendations on how to travel to these places if you stay at a riad? Did you use a taxi? or did you walk most places? Thanks!

    1. Hi Hannah! I walked almost all places since I love walking and generally things are pretty close together in the touristic part of Marrakech. You could use a taxi if your feet get tired but you will definitely have to haggle so as not to get taken advantage of! There are options for walking tours as well that you could check out šŸ™‚

    1. hi Elliot, I will be travelling to Marrakech next week with my family…did you go to Marrakech? did you do the hot air balloon and cooking class? please let me know. thanks

  5. Great information! Thanks so much, I don’t feel overwhelmed now after reading all of your tips! Can’t wait to visit.

  6. This was super helpful, great information! thank you! we have 5 days enter Marrakech and Fes and cant wait to do everything you write about.

  7. Thank you so very much for sharing your knowledge about Marrakech. Love the practical tips. My husband and i will be visiting Spain in November and are thinking about doing a 3 day side trip to Morocco. I would feel safer hiring a private guide who can accompany us through the itinerary. Do you have any recommendations for guides?

    1. Hi Rags! I’m sorry, I don’t have any recommendations for guides, but I definitely think a guide is a great idea for improving your trip. I suggest speaking with your hotel you have booked — they can definitely make a suggestion!

  8. Super helpful and clear information, i have booked everything through your website!!, thank you
    Heading to Marrakesh Saturday from what i can see we no longer need PCR tests coming from Switzerland, (since 17 Feb)

    1. Hi William,

      I just double checked the most recent reviews and it seems to indicate that while the madrassa’s renovations are complete, it’s not reopen to the public until the King visits for a ceremonial reopening. I’ve edited the post to clarify that.

      Hope that helps!

  9. This is an amazing itinerary, I’m also going solo as a female and I appreciate the time you took to write this!!!!

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