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
With more than 2,500 stalls and shops crammed into a labyrinth of narrow streets, which in turn are also rammed with people, donkeys and mopeds, it’s easy to feel intimidated in the souks. Don’t be. Virtually every type of trade and craft is being practiced here; there are blacksmiths, carpenters, weavers, carpet sellers, purveyors of magic potions and natural cosmetics, fruit and vegetable traders and many more.
To visit the souks is to experience the real heart of this ancient city. There are other souks in Morocco but this is one of Morocco’s liveliest and most special.
Haggling is expected, and part of the fun, so play along. Rule one is never to accept the first price. As a general rule, pay a third to half of the original asking price.
Rule two is be prepared to walk away. (Stallholders will also often run after you and accept your closing bid). Stalls sell a lot of the same goods, so never buy from the first place you see something. If you did get the best price – you can always come back.
Rule three is don’t get angry or frustrated. If the sales pitch gets overly zealous, just smile and walk away.
The best souk buys include Moroccan kilims, bedspreads and cushion covers, teapots and coloured glass tea sets, silver jewellery, kaftans, leather ottomans, perfume bottles and babouche (Moroccan pointy-toed slippers).
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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.
The souks start their sprawl from the centre of the Medina, on the main square, to the north and east of Jemaa El Fna (the main square).
Go first with a guide to appreciate souk daily life – craftsmen, weavers, hole-in-the-wall bakeries, tanneries – and to get tips on the best stores. Return again later to shop.
Most stalls can be relied upon to package and send goods home, but anything remotely breakable will not survive the rough handling of Morocco’s postal service.
Few things are certain in life, but getting lost in the medina is one. Young local boys will happily help you find your way out, but be sure to pay them a small tip.
Shops and stalls within the souks are generally open daily from 9-1pm and 3-7pm, though many are closed on Friday afternoons.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.3 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[0.7 miles]
A classy, colonial-style boutique hotel with an exquisite spa, set in the atmospheric Dar El Bacha quarter of the medina.
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]
UNESCO World Heritage-listed central square that hums with snake charmers, musicians, magicians and other exotics.
Best for ages: 6+ | Free
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.5 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[0.5 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[0.6 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[0.7 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[0.8 miles]
A high terrace provides panoramic views of the medina, including the Atlas Mountains in winter months. Time a visit with when the muezzins call the prayer from the surrounding mosques for additional Arabian atmosphere.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free