Article mis à jour le 14 Oct 2024
What to do in Marrakech in 3 days
Marrakech, located in North Africa, is a lively city where tradition and modernity coexist. Daily life unfolds to the rhythm of bustling markets, terraced cafés and the narrow streets of the medina, where craftsmen perpetuate ancestral know-how. How to visit Marrakech in 3 days? Here’s a detailed itinerary to help you discover what there is to do in Marrakech.
When to go to Marrakech ?
As you may have guessed, it’s very (too) hot in Marrakech in summer. In fact, the thermometer often registers over 40 degrees in the shade, and there’s not much air. I therefore recommend avoiding the period between mid-June and early September. It’s best to visit Marrakech from March to June and from mid-September to November. At the end of September, I had 32-35 degrees all week.
Where to stay : the best hotels ?
For your 3-day trip to Marrakech, I highly recommend staying in a Riad in the center of the medina. Ideal for a true Moroccan experience. I tested and approved 2 of them:
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- Riad Nayanour: this magnificent Riad is ideally located, just a 10-minute walk from the hypercentre and the souk. The staff are very attentive, the food is top-notch and the rooms are sublime. This really is a luxury address at a very low price !
- Riad Zayn & Spa: still in the medina, the decoration of this Riad is incredible. You’ll receive a warm welcome and enjoy the peace and quiet of the 2 swimming pools. In fact, one of the Riad’s greatest assets is its rooftop pool. Ideal for sunbathing and freshening up.
For “pleasure” accommodation outside the medina, I recommend the hotel Tigmiza Boutique Hotel & Spa. The establishment is sublime and very well equipped, with a beautiful swimming pool ! Special mention for the buffet breakfast.
Where can I book a plane ticket to Marrakech ?
We recommend that you compare the best offers and book your flights on Ulysse. You can take advantage of a €10 discount on your first Ulysse air ticket booking by registering via our link !
What’s the budget for a 3-day visit to Marrakech ?
- Flights France – Marrakech: 150€ per person on average.
- Airport – city center: 15€ with a cab or 7€ with the In Drive app (more about that below).
- Hotels: 80€-120€ per night for a 4- or 5-star establishment in the center or near the medina.
- Restaurants: 20€ per day per person for 2 meals.
- SIM card: 20€ for 20Go.
Total = 750€ for a 3-day stay in Marrakech or 375€ per person, excluding activities / visits.
How to get around Marrakech ?
If you’re staying in the center of Marrakech (in the medina), everything can be done on foot. For trips outside the city, for activities, visits or to the airport, I recommend you download the In Drive app. This app is said to be illegal by cab drivers. But I used it for 1 week and had no trouble with the police (even with a checkpoint), nor with the cabs. Just be careful to steer clear of cabs when ordering your driver. The app gives you a base price, and it works on a bidding system. Short trips cost around €4-5.
Do I need to buy tickets online to visit the must-see spots ?
For price, language and ease of use, we advise you to pre-book your activities on one of the following 2 sites :
To book your airport parking : you can save 10% on your reservation through OnePark.
What to do in Marrakech for 3 days ?
I’m off to reveal my itinerary for visiting Marrakech in 3 days. I’d like to point out that I stayed longer and that a week seems like the best time to rest, soak up the sun and not rush.
Day 1 : Visit the medina
Marrakech’s medina, the city’s historic heart, is a labyrinth of narrow lanes, home to numerous riads and bustling souks. Surrounded by thousand-year-old ramparts, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The medina reflects the soul of Marrakech, where artisans work with leather, metal, fabrics and spices.
The secret garden
Marrakech’s secret garden is a haven of peace in the heart of the medina! This palace and its gardens date back to the Saadian era, but have been restored to their original splendor. It comprises two gardens, one Islamic and the other exotic. It’s a peaceful, elegant setting for a serene stroll amid lush, soothing vegetation.
I recommend you get there when it opens at 9.30am. No excuses, it’s not that early 😝. I arrived in front of the doors at 9H20 and was able to take the tour alone and quite quickly.
💰 Entrance fee: 100 dirhams (approx. €10) per person.
Aurélie’s opinion: I’m intruding on Yann’s article to say that I found this place very expensive for what it was! The garden is quite small and I don’t really see the point of the visit.
The Souks
It’s clearly a must-see in Marrakech, and you can spend hours here! Divided into several specialized sections (leather, spices, textiles, jewelry, etc.), this is where you can pick up some great bargains to bring home decorations or souvenirs. I prefer to warn you, you’ll need to be patient 😊. You’ll be approached from all sides, and once you seem to be interested in an item, the sellers won’t let you go. This can be a burden for some people, especially as the amosphere is intense.
Here’s a little tip : if you’re interested in a product, don’t hesitate to divide the advertised price by 4. And if the deal doesn’t go through, you can find the product elsewhere or come back later. Personally, when it comes to craftsmen or very friendly people, I negotiate much less. Think of the difficulty of their work 😇.
Aurélie’s advice
I’m intruding (again!). When you visit the Souks of Marrakech, don’t let yourself be guided by someone who comes up to you to offer you to see this or that place. Even if the person seems friendly and tells you it’s free: run away 🤪. If you follow her, she’ll take you into a store and it’ll be very complicated to leave without buying something you probably don’t need.
So, friendly advice, refuse to be shown the way right away if you want to avoid a potential conflict.
Le café des épices
Le Café des Épices, located in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, is an emblematic place offering a breathtaking view of the bustling souks. It is spread over several levels, including a panoramic terrace from which you can admire the city’s rooftops and the Atlas Mountains if the weather is clear. You’ll find simple, authentic dishes such as tajines, Moroccan salads and, of course, traditional mint tea! The rooftop is in high demand, but turnover is fast – I had to wait 5 minutes max for a table in the middle of the day.
Jemaa El Fna Square
At the end of the day, we head for Jemaa el-Fna Square, the vibrant heart of Marrakech! It’s a landmark that comes alive from early morning until late at night. By day, it’s lined with orange juice stalls, snake charmers and artisans. At nightfall, it transforms into a vast open-air restaurant, with stalls serving traditional Moroccan cuisine. The atmosphere is punctuated by the music of Gnaoua groups and impromptu performances. Place Jemaa el-Fna embodies the bustle and authentic soul of Marrakech.
Day 2 : visits outside the medina
The Majorelle Garden
The Jardin Majorelle is an enchanting botanical garden created in the 1920s by French artist Jacques Majorelle. Bought and restored by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, it is now one of Marrakech’s most visited spots. The garden is distinguished by its shady paths, exotic plants and peaceful pools. The signature Majorelle blue provides a striking contrast with the greenery. Also home to the Berber Museum, Jardin Majorelle is an oasis of tranquility and art in the heart of bustling Marrakech.
Please note that access is limited, and you need to book in advance! I advise you to take the first slot of the day to avoid the tourist buses…
💰Entrance fee: 170 dirhams (approx. €17). But often cheaper on the link above.
The YSL Museum
Located right next to the Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum in Marrakech, inaugurated in 2017, is a tribute to the famous French couturier and his deep connection with the city. It houses an exceptional collection of iconic Yves Saint Laurent creations, sketches and accessories. In addition to permanent exhibitions, the museum features temporary exhibitions, a library, an auditorium and a café. The museum celebrates not only fashion, but also the cultural and artistic influence that Marrakech exerted on YSL.
Lunch at the Kasbah table
I’ve managed to find you a nice rooftop that doesn’t go overboard on prices. I’ve tried a few, but I’ve fallen in love with this one. The food is very good, the service is top-notch and the view is magnificent !
Visit La Mamounia hotel
It’s undoubtedly one of the most beautiful establishments I’ve ever seen. La Mamounia is a legendary Marrakech palace, renowned for its luxury and refinement. Nestled in the heart of an immense 8-hectare garden, given as a gift in the 18th century by a sultan to his son Mamoun, the establishment is a veritable haven of peace. Admission is completely free. All you have to do is go to the reception desk to request access.
Let yourself be tempted by a small mocktail, which are expensive (16€ 🤪), but excellent! As access is free, you can afford it and enjoy this incredible setting.
Please note: the La Mamounia hotel closes its doors to the public at 4pm.
Day 3: Ben Youssef and the Palmeraie
Medersa Ben Youssef, a must-see in Marrakech
The Medersa Ben Youssef is located in the heart of the medina. It is one of the largest and most prestigious Koranic schools in Morocco. Founded in the 14th century, then rebuilt in the 16th under the Saâdians, it welcomed students who came to study the Koran and Islamic sciences. The central patio, with its marble basin, is too stylish 🥰.
💰 Entrance fee: 50 dirhams (approx. €5). Don’t hesitate to go there when it opens to avoid the crowds, or just before it closes at 6.30pm.
The Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is a masterpiece of 19th-century Moroccan architecture. Built for the grand vizier Si Moussa, then enlarged by his son, this palace was intended to be one of the kingdom’s most sumptuous residences, with 150 rooms! Lush gardens add to its charm. Although some parts are closed, the Palais Bahia remains a symbol of oriental elegance and a testament to the refinement of traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
💰 Admission: 70 dirhams (approx. €7). Closes at 5pm.
The Palmeraie
Located 8km north of the Medina, this 15,000-hectare Moroccan natural heritage site boasts over 100,000 palm trees. Known mainly for its production of dates, palm hearts and even palm oil, the area has become a modern, luxury destination year after year. You can discover this impressive place by quad bike or camel. The Palmeraie also boasts a magnificent golf course with over 11 lakes on 120 hectares!
Rooftop dinner with a family
For an inexpensive, authentic Moroccan family address, I recommend Les Almoravides. To get to the rooftop, you’ll have to climb 3 flights of stairs and pass through the kitchens. It’s the perfect opportunity to try the homemade Briouates (a kind of samosa)!
Days 4 and 5 : If you stay longer
The Agafay desert
If the length of your stay allows it, I highly recommend spending a night in the Agafay desert. It’s about 30 kilometers from Marrakech. Unlike the sand dunes of the Sahara, Agafay is made up of vast desert plains and hills of ochre and beige hues. This unique location offers an authentic and peaceful experience, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You can go camel riding, quad biking, or spend a night in luxurious camps under the stars. For an exceptional glamping experience, I recommend booking a night at the Caravan by Habitas Agafay !
The Atlas
This immense mountain range stretches over 1600 km between Morocco and Tunisia, passing through Algeria. South of Marrakech, you’ll have the chance to discover the Toukbal National Park, with its 4,167-meter-high mountain of the same name. The scenery is breathtaking! Snow and arid soil all in one place. There are also numerous waterfalls, rivers and lakes.
For the more sporty, there are some great hikes and activities to be enjoyed. Here are just a few examples:
- Private guided hike to the summit of Djebel Toubkal. Infos here.
- Hiking in the Atlas mountains and overnight in the village. Infos here.
- Discover the Atlas Mountains on a day trip from Marrakech with a 30-minute camel ride and a traditional meal for just €40. Infos here.
- – Quad bike excursion in the High Atlas. Infos here.
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