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.
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Overview >Bucket list experience:
Local craft workshops in Marrakech
Last updated: 07 November, 2022
Marrakech is world-renowned for fine craftsmanship – notably homewares, textiles, and natural beauty products. Browsing and haggling in the souks is of course a must-do, but why not also try your hand at making your own?
Hands-on workshop with local maalem (master craftsperson) will teach you the techniques involved in some of Morocco’s most classic crafts – zellig tilework, carved cedarwood, carpet weaving, and even tadelakt (plaster finishing). For those interested in beauty products, there are also workshops to make Marrakech’s famous ‘black soap’, Oriental wax or ghassoul (a body-cleansing clay).
Whatever you end up making – babouche slippers, jewellery, carpet, a zellig tivet, or a hammered bowl – all participants leave each workshop with their own unique souvenir.
Workshops can be three or five hours long, depending on the depth of knowledge desired – although three hours is usually plenty. Classes take place onsite in the small studios of local artists’ workshops (where you can also browse and purchase some other goods produced).
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Destination Guide >Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience
Marrakech 5-day itinerary
Morocco
Where to go and what to see in Marrakech – a 3-day itinerary from destination expert and travel writer Annabelle Thorpe.
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Overview >Price from: £45
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
Frequency: daily
When: All year round
Duration: 3-5 hours
Getting there & doing it
All tours start in Marrakech and guests are accompanied on foot to the artist’s workshop (often in the Marrakech medina) with the assistance of a hostess who also provides translation services. Workshops outside of town require transportation – taxis are an additional cost.
All materials and tools are provided during the workshops, as well as pots of tea and pastries when a break is needed. Modest dress is recommended given that the workshops take place in functioning artists’ ateliers.
When to do it
Workshops run all year round – days depend on the tour operator. Options during summer months (July and August) and also Ramadan can be limited. It’s common for artists to take Friday morning off, returning mid-afternoon.
Morning workshops are preferred, before the heat sets in, but an afternoon pastry class in a local home is a nice way to beat the heat.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Riad El Fenn
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.2 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:
Royal Mansour
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.3 miles]
A flamboyant, palatial hotel commissioned by the Moroccan king, popular with European royalty and celebrities. The place to stay in Marrakech.
Official star rating:
La Mamounia
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.4 miles]
Sumptuous suites, monumental spa and massive pools make this luxurious legend a royal favourite.
Official star rating:
La Maison Arabe
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.6 miles]
Legendary Medina hotel boasting big swimming pools, spa and hammam, cooking school and country club in a convenient location for sightseeing.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Marrakech
Marrakech-Safi, Morocco
An exotic time capsule of ancient streets and souks, blending Arab culture and French colonial heritage.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Marrakech International Film Festival
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.1 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
Hot-air balloon flights over Marrakech
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.2 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
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Jemaa El Fna
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.5 miles]
UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square that hums with snake charmers, musicians, magicians and other exotics.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
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Souks of the Medina
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.6 miles]
The world’s quintessential Arabic bazaar, the Medina’s maze-like souks are a shopper’s paradise.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Bacha Cafe
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
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Experience
Bab Doukkala Market
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.9 miles]
Bustling with fishmongers and butchers, street vendors selling in-season fruit and veg, bread fresh from the local oven, and more. In between, small kitchens serve street food specialties through the morning and afternoon.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Saadian Tombs
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1.1 miles]
Royal tombs of the Saadi dynasty, dating back to the 16th century, decorated with mosaics and intricate woodwork. There are no explanation panels to explain the historical relevance, so only really worthwhile if you’re interested in decorative arts.
Best for ages: 18+ | £6
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Experience
Dar Si Said Museum
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1.1 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
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