Marrakech is one of my favourite destinations for a long weekend. Lots of people don’t consider Morocco for a quick trip, but it’s perfect because it’s a real adventure without needing to travel halfway around the world. In less than four hours from the UK, you can swap grey skies for sunshine, sip mint tea on beautiful rooftop terraces and immerse yourself in a culture that’s completely different from home.
One minute you’re wandering through peaceful courtyards filled with orange trees and trickling fountains, and the next you’re weaving your way through colourful souks where every corner is bursting with spices, lanterns, leather bags and handcrafted treasures.
Whether you’re travelling with your partner or a group of girlfriends, Marrakech is one of those cities that stays with you long after you’ve unpacked your suitcase.
Here’s a perfect itinerary for 3 days in Marrakech!
The best time to visit
Winter and early spring are the best times to visit Marrakech. It’s generally a hot and sunny destination so take it as an opportunity to escape from the British winter. I’ve always been in November or January.
How to get to Marrakech
You’ll need to fly into Marrakech Airport (RAK). I’ve always found ridiculously cheap flights with Ryanair. It’s the easiest to take a taxi to your accommodation from the airport. There will be taxis queueing up but you can also arrange one via your accommodation.
Where to stay in Marrakech
If you’re travelling as a group or a family, staying in a private villa gives you much more space, flexibility and privacy than a hotel. Villanovo’s collection of luxury villas in Marrakech includes carefully selected villas and riads that are particularly well suited to families and groups.
Here’s how I’d spend three unforgettable days in Marrakech.
Day 1: Discover the magic of the medina
After arriving in Marrakech, drop your bags at your accommodation and head straight into the heart of the city. The sooner you get out exploring, the sooner you’ll start soaking up the incredible atmosphere.
Your first day is all about getting your bearings and embracing the organised chaos that makes Marrakech so unforgettable.
Enjoy lunch at Kabana
Start your adventure with lunch at Kabana, one of Marrakech’s most popular rooftop restaurants.
It’s the perfect introduction to the city. The relaxed atmosphere, stylish interiors and rooftop views make it an ideal place to ease yourself into the pace of Marrakech.
The menu combines Moroccan flavours with international favourites, so whether you’re keen to dive straight into tagines or you’d rather keep things familiar for your first meal, you’ll find plenty to tempt you.
It’s also a lovely spot to enjoy your first fresh mint tea while looking out across the rooftops towards the Koutoubia Mosque.
Explore Le Jardin Secret
After lunch, escape the busy streets with a visit to Le Jardin Secret.
Hidden behind traditional walls in the middle of the medina, these beautifully restored gardens feel like a peaceful oasis. Palm trees sway gently above elegant fountains while colourful flowers fill every corner.
It’s amazing how quickly the noise of the city disappears once you step inside.
Take your time wandering through the Islamic and exotic gardens before climbing the tower for panoramic views across Marrakech.
Get wonderfully lost in the souks
No visit to Marrakech is complete without exploring the famous souks.
You’ll find yourself wandering through endless narrow streets lined with stalls selling everything imaginable. Handwoven rugs, colourful ceramics, leather slippers, woven baskets, jewellery, spices and beautiful homeware!
Yes, the shopkeepers can be enthusiastic, but don’t let that put you off. Smile, have a laugh, negotiate politely and remember that walking away is perfectly acceptable if the price isn’t right. Even if you don’t buy anything, simply soaking up the atmosphere is an experience in itself.
Keep your camera handy because every corner seems more photogenic than the last.
Stop for drinks at El Fenn rooftop bar
As the afternoon begins to cool, make your way to El Fenn rooftop bar.
This is one of the most stylish rooftops in Marrakech and easily one of my favourite places to spend golden hour. The colourful interiors are effortlessly chic, the cocktails are excellent and the views across the city towards the Atlas Mountains are absolutely stunning on a clear day.
It’s the kind of place where you’ll happily lose track of time while watching the sun dip below the rooftops.
Travel Hack Tip: It’s best to book in advance for a table here!
Choose between a romantic dinner or a street food adventure
If you’re looking for a special meal, book dinner at Maison Arabe.
The beautiful courtyard setting feels wonderfully romantic, especially once the lanterns are glowing and dinner is served beneath the stars. Traditional Moroccan dishes are given an elegant twist, making it a fantastic place for your first evening in the city.
Alternatively, if you’re the kind of traveller who loves discovering local food, book an evening street food tour instead.
Joining a local guide takes away all the uncertainty of navigating the bustling food markets. You’ll visit hidden stalls that you would almost certainly walk straight past, sample authentic Moroccan dishes and learn more about the city’s fascinating history through its food.
It’s one of the best ways to experience Marrakech beyond the guidebooks and you’ll probably discover a few dishes you’ll spend the rest of the holiday trying to recreate at home.
Day 2: Gardens, relaxation and a desert adventure
After yesterday’s whirlwind introduction to Marrakech, today is all about slowing the pace slightly while still ticking off some of the city’s most iconic experiences.
It starts with one of Marrakech’s most famous attractions, followed by a little relaxation before finishing with an unforgettable evening in the desert.
Arrive early at Jardin Majorelle
Set your alarm because this is one place that’s worth arriving early for.
Jardin Majorelle is one of the busiest attractions in Marrakech and the queues quickly build as the morning goes on. Arriving close to opening time means you’ll enjoy cooler temperatures, softer light for photos and a much more peaceful experience.
Originally created by French artist Jacques Majorelle before later being restored by Yves Saint Laurent, the gardens are a beautiful mix of towering cacti, tropical plants, bamboo groves and tranquil pools. The famous cobalt blue buildings almost glow against the greenery and it’s easy to see why this is one of the most photographed places in Morocco.
Even if you’re not normally someone who loves botanical gardens, this place feels completely unique.
Enjoy brunch at Café Nomad
Once you’ve finished exploring, you’ll definitely have worked up an appetite.
Head to Café Nomad, one of the city’s most popular brunch spots. Overlooking the rooftops of the medina, it’s the perfect place to pause for a while and watch everyday life unfold below.
The menu offers a great mix of Moroccan flavours alongside lighter dishes, fresh juices and excellent coffee. Whether you fancy shakshuka, salads or fluffy pancakes, it’s a lovely place to recharge before the afternoon.
Experience a traditional Moroccan hammam
No trip to Marrakech feels complete without experiencing a traditional hammam.
If you’ve never had one before, prepare to leave feeling like the cleanest version of yourself imaginable. The treatment usually begins in a warm steam room before you’re exfoliated with a traditional black soap and a kessa glove, followed by a relaxing wash and, if you choose, a massage.
Many riads have their own hammams, which can be a lovely, private experience. If yours doesn’t, there are plenty of excellent spas across the city offering treatments for visitors.
After a busy morning exploring, it’s the perfect opportunity to slow down for a couple of hours.
Spend the evening in the Agafay Desert
One of my favourite experiences near Marrakech was heading out to the Agafay Desert for sunset.
Most organised tours include a camel ride, although some now offer quad biking if that’s more your style. Afterwards you’ll settle into a traditional desert camp where dinner is served beneath the stars.
The evening usually finishes with live music, dancing and a fire show, creating one of those magical travel moments you’ll remember long after you’ve arrived home.
Day 3: Escape to the Atlas Mountains
As wonderful as Marrakech is, it’s worth spending one day exploring beyond the city walls.
The landscapes surrounding Marrakech are incredibly diverse and after two busy days in the medina, the fresh mountain air feels like a welcome change of pace.
Explore the High Atlas Mountains
The easiest way to visit is by booking an organised day trip.
Your guide will collect you from your accommodation before driving through the changing landscapes towards the High Atlas Mountains. Along the way you’ll pass traditional Berber villages, olive groves and spectacular mountain scenery.
If you enjoy being active, look for a tour that includes a guided hike.
The walks are generally suitable for anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. Depending on the time of year, you may even spot snow-capped peaks in the distance while enjoying warm sunshine lower down.
After your hike, you’ll usually stop for a traditional Moroccan lunch at a local guesthouse.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about sitting on a terrace overlooking the mountains with a freshly cooked tagine after a morning outdoors.
Or enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Beldi Country Club
If your idea of a holiday involves more lounging than hiking, I’d recommend spending your final day at Beldi Country Club instead.
Just outside Marrakech, this beautiful countryside retreat feels worlds away from the busy streets of the medina.
Book a leisurely lunch, spend the afternoon by the pool and enjoy the peaceful gardens before heading back into the city for your final evening. If you’re flying home today, Beldi Country Club is close to the airport and there are showers available so you could get ready for your flight and head straight to the airport from here.
It’s a wonderful option if you’ve packed a lot into the first two days and fancy ending your trip on a more relaxed note.
Enjoy one final evening in the medina
By your final evening, you’ll probably notice that Marrakech already feels much more familiar.
The streets that seemed chaotic on your first day now feel exciting rather than overwhelming. You’ll know your way around a little better and feel more confident weaving through the crowds.
Spend your last evening soaking up the atmosphere around Jemaa el-Fnaa. Street performers, musicians, food stalls and market traders create an energy that’s unlike anywhere else I’ve travelled.
Find a rooftop café overlooking the square and order one final pot of fresh mint tea.
Watching the city come alive as darkness falls is one of the best ways to end your trip.
Is three days in Marrakech enough?
Absolutely.
Three days gives you enough time to experience the highlights of the city without feeling rushed. You’ll have time to wander the souks, visit the famous gardens, enjoy incredible food, relax with a traditional hammam and even venture beyond the city into the mountains or the desert.
Of course, you could easily stay longer, especially if you want to spend more time relaxing by the pool or taking day trips around Morocco.
But if you’re looking for an exciting long weekend that’s packed with culture, sunshine, amazing food and unforgettable experiences, Marrakech is hard to beat.
It’s vibrant, colourful and completely different from anywhere else you’ll visit in Europe, yet it’s close enough for a spontaneous weekend escape.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself planning your next trip before you’ve even boarded the flight home.
Things to know before visiting Marrakech
Marrakech is exciting, colourful and chaotic in the very best way, but it isn’t your typical European city break. Knowing what to expect before you arrive will help you relax and enjoy every minute.
The medina is a maze and you will almost certainly get lost. Don’t worry about it because that’s part of the fun. Some of my favourite moments came from wandering down tiny alleyways and stumbling across beautiful courtyards, hidden cafés and little artisan workshops.
Dress respectfully, especially if you’re visiting religious sites or exploring quieter neighbourhoods. Lightweight trousers, midi dresses and tops that cover your shoulders are ideal, especially during the hotter months.
Cash is essential too. While many restaurants and hotels accept cards, lots of market stalls, cafés and smaller shops only take cash.
If you’re planning to shop in the souks, remember that bargaining is expected. Keep it friendly, smile, don’t be afraid to negotiate and don’t feel pressured into buying something if you’re not completely sure.
