Marrakech 3-day itinerary
Morocco
Where to go and what to see in Marrakech – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
Bucket list experience:
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
Marrakech’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square epitomises the exotic allure of the city. From dawn until well after dusk it hums with activity, like an open-air theatre.
The scene here has changed little down the centuries; snake charmers, Gnaoua musicians, magicians and myriad other performers congregate here, mainly for local audiences – though at peak times it’s very touristy.
By early evening part of the square becomes a giant open-air kitchen and is given over to countless food stalls serving local specialities. The Medina’s famous souks start on its fringes.
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Morocco
Where to go and what to see in Marrakech – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
Morocco
Where to go and what to see in Marrakech – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
Just stroll around and soak up the sights and sounds. In the evening the smoke billows up from the food stalls, the entertainers and musicians are out in force and the square pulses with people and atmosphere.
Many of the food stalls wash their dishes and cutlery in the same, untreated water. Bring your own cutlery and eat off a paper plate or napkin – or play safe and eat elsewhere. Forgo ice in your drink.
There’s usually not a whole lot going on in the daytime (due to the heat, amongst other things). The action really starts from dusk.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Marrakech
€46 | Rating 4.67 / 5 [236 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.2 miles]
Idiosyncratically decorated in vintage mid-century furniture, this little treasure is Marrakech’s best budget riad.
Official star rating:
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.4 miles]
Trendy boutique hotel in Marrakech’s old city, an easy walk to the medina’s palaces and souks, with the lively Jemaa el Fna just five minutes away.
Official star rating:
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.6 miles]
One of Marrakech’s most luxurious riads, in a super convenient location, with a level of refinement and comfort that’s unmatched.
Official star rating:
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.7 miles]
A chic, minimalist riad in the heart of the medina, complete with an on-site hammam, roof-top bar and heated courtyard pool.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
An exotic time capsule of ancient streets and souks, blending Arab culture and French colonial heritage.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.1 miles]
The world’s quintessential Arabic bazaar, the Medina’s maze-like souks are a shopper’s paradise.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.4 miles]
Float high over dramatic, arid landscapes and look down into traditional Berber villages – a unique and thought-provoking perspective on a spectacular landscape.
Best for ages: 10+ | £150 | 5+ hours
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.4 miles]
A well-respected film festival featuring works from around the globe, and offering the unique chance to watch a movie in the Jemaa el Fna.
Best for ages: 18+ | £5 | 7-10 days
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.5 miles]
Hands-on half or full-day workshops allow students to learn traditional Moroccan handicrafts alongside master craftspeople in their studios throughout Marrakech.
Best for ages: 13+ | £45 | 3-5 hours
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.6 miles]
An impressive 19th-century palace with intricate Byzantine designs, Dar Si Said is home to a huge collection of artworks, instruments, arms and some of the oldest artifacts in the city.
Best for ages: 18+ | £3
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.7 miles]
Nestled inside the Dar el Bacha palace, Bacha Cafe is elegance at its finest. Coffee recommendations are suggested based on time of day, and are best accompanied by a treat from the cake counter.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.9 miles]
Tranquil Medina riad housing an interesting collection of photographs documenting Moroccan life from the 1870s-1950s, that gives the best insight into life in the city before tourism arrived.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.9 miles]
The (shell) remains of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur’s colossal, 16th-century palace. Once one of the world’s great monuments, it was stripped bare in the 17th century.
Best for ages: 18+ | £1