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:
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Last updated: 21 April, 2022
Fashion lovers queue up to step inside this architectural jewel box, which pays homage to the famed designer. Yves Saint Laurent always credited Marrakech as a source of inspiration, and returned to the city frequently, residing in the nearby Villa Oasis inside the Majorelle Gardens.
The interior of the museum resembles a catwalk, complete with energetic music and audio interviews with YSL. The permanent collection features enviable evening gowns, capes and pantsuits divided by collection, while an impressive curiosity cabinet is filled with accessories to complete the looks. In the theatre, footage from previous fashion shows and interviews is shown on a loop.
Alongside the permanent collection, there is also a programme of temporary exhibitions, highlighting artists who made their home in the city, including Jacques Majorelles and works by Christo. Temporary exhibitions change twice a year, while the permanent collection featuring YSL garments changes annually.
The windowless exterior, designed by KO Studios, is intricately designed to capture the city’s famous light throughout the day, using the same techniques as a traditional medina house.
Don’t miss
The curiosity cabinet within the permanent exhibition hall, where accessories created by Yves Saint Laurent are on display, ranging from woven belts to gold-plate jewellery and rigid necklaces.
Inspired by Saint Laurent, Rive Gauche, the Museum’s bookshop, has one of the best selections of coffee table books in town.
While you’re there
Coordinate your visit with a wander through the Majorelle Gardens, where Saint Laurent and partner Pierre Berge resided in Marrakech, and the Berber Museum just steps away from the museum.
Marrakech’s first concept store, Rue 33 Majorelle, is just down the street from the museum and rotates an impressive selection of designs by contemporary Moroccan creators.
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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.
Website >
Overview >Price from: £10
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Getting there & doing it
The museum is located steps away from the Majorelle Gardens. Take a taxi or walk from the medina, but the route lacks shade, which makes for a hot walk during warm months.
Line-ups can be long and online reservations are recommended via the official website. Book in advance to avoid disappointment.
After, head to Le Petit Cornichon, just a 10-minute walk, and in a similar vibrant blue and yellow colour combo as the Majorelle Gardens. It serves up an outstanding seasonal lunch menu that changes weekly.
When to do it
The museum is open all year round, Thursday to Tuesday. Closed Wednesday.
High season months (March to May, October and Christmas/New Year) are the busiest times in Marrakech, but afternoons tend to be quieter times to visit.
Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Riad Olema
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1.3 miles]
A rambling riad with light-filled rooms, shimmering plunge pools and small spa, located in the bustling neighbourhood of Bab Doukkala, home to the medina’s liveliest markets.
Official star rating:
Riad Palais Blanc
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1.5 miles]
Moroccan design and Italian style combine at this elegant hotel, housed in a former manor house with a full-sized pool and chic restaurant.
Official star rating:
Riad Yasmine
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1.5 miles]
Trendy riad in the Bab Taghzout quarter of the medina with a stylish rooftop terrace and picture-perfect plunge pool.
Official star rating:
La Maison Arabe
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1.5 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
Medersa Ben Youssef
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[2 miles]
A splendid former Koranic school, dating to the 14th century, of remarkable architectural detail and beauty.
Best for ages: 18+ | £4
Local craft workshops in Marrakech
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[2.1 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
Marrakech International Film Festival
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[2.2 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[2.2 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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Overview >Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Experience
Berber Museum
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.1 miles]
A superb collection of North African and Islamic art amassed by the late Yves Saint Laurent. The small museum is housed within the former studio of the original owner, artist Jacques Majorelle.
Best for ages: 18+ | £3
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Overview >
Experience
33 Rue Majorelle
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.2 miles]
Marrakech’s first concept store, just down the road from the YSL Museum, rotates an impressive selection of designs by contemporary Moroccan creators.
Best for ages: 18+ | Free
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Experience
Jardin Majorelle
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[0.2 miles]
Luxuriant twelve-acre botanical gardens designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle who lived here in the 1920s and 1930s. Also once owned by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
Best for ages: 18+ | £10
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Experience
Bab Doukkala Market
Marrakech, Marrakech-Safi, Morocco[1.2 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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