A relaxed 3-day Marrakech itinerary for first-timers — the medina, Jemaa el-Fnaa, Majorelle Garden and a day trip — planned hour by hour with typical prices in dirhams.
Marrakech is loud, colourful and unforgettable — and much easier once you have a plan. Three days is the sweet spot: two in the city, one escaping to the mountains or the desert edge.
Day 1 — Medina, souks and Jemaa el-Fnaa
- 09:00 — Breakfast in your riad. Most riads include a Moroccan breakfast: msemen, honey, eggs and mint tea.
- 10:00 — Koutoubia Mosque. The 12th-century minaret is the city's landmark; non-Muslims can't enter, but the gardens around it are free.
- 11:00 — Get lost in the souks. Spices, lamps, leather. Agree a price before buying and expect to bargain — a calm smile works better than haste.
- 13:30 — Lunch on a rooftop overlooking the medina. A tagine and drink is often around 80–150 MAD.
- 16:00 — Bahia Palace. Carved cedar ceilings and tiled courtyards.
- 19:00 — Jemaa el-Fnaa at night. The square fills with food stalls, musicians and storytellers. Pick a busy stall and eat what locals order.
Day 2 — Gardens and the new town
- 08:30 — Majorelle Garden. Go at opening to beat the queue; tickets are sold online and sell out in high season.
- 11:00 — Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door.
- 13:00 — Lunch in Gueliz, the modern district — cafés and simpler prices.
- 16:00 — Hammam. A traditional scrub; local hammams cost little, spa hammams more.
- 20:00 — Dinner at a riad restaurant in the medina.
Day 3 — Atlas Mountains or Agafay
Pick one:
- Ourika Valley / Imlil (Atlas Mountains): villages, waterfalls and Berber lunch, about 1–1.5 hours away.
- Agafay Desert: a stony desert about 45 minutes away — camel ride and sunset dinner. Much closer than the Sahara.
Book with a licensed guide or through your riad and confirm what's included.
How much does it cost?
Per person, per day, excluding flights (approximate):
| Budget | Comfortable | |
|---|---|---|
| Riad (shared room / double) | 250–450 MAD | 600–1,200 MAD |
| Food | 120–200 MAD | 250–450 MAD |
| Taxis & entries | 80–150 MAD | 150–300 MAD |
| Day trip | 300–500 MAD | 600–1,000 MAD |
Agree taxi prices before you get in (or insist on the meter in petit taxis).
FAQ
Is 3 days enough for Marrakech?
Yes — two days covers the medina, gardens and palaces, and the third gives you a mountain or desert day trip.
What's the best area to stay in Marrakech?
Inside the medina (in a riad) for atmosphere and walking distance to everything; Gueliz for a quieter, modern base.
When is the best time to visit Marrakech?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). Summer days are very hot; winter evenings are cool.