What to do in Marrakech in 3 days: our itinerary

Three days is the ideal amount of time to discover the best of Marrakech without rushing: the medina and its souks, the most beautiful gardens and palaces, and a getaway outside the city. Here is our itinerary for a first visit.

Day 1: the medina and Jemaa el-Fna square

Photo: Desert Morocco Adventure / Unsplash

Start with the historic heart of the city.

• The Koutoubia: its minaret is Marrakech's great landmark. The gardens around it are perfect for a first stroll.
• Jemaa el-Fna square: quiet in the morning, it comes alive in the late afternoon with musicians, storytellers and food stalls. Head up to a café terrace to watch the sunset.
• The souks: spices, lanterns, rugs, leather, slippers… Get lost in the alleys and haggle with a smile.

Photo: Hongbin / Unsplash

Tip: the medina is best explored on foot. If you have a car, leave it in a guarded car park outside the walls.

Day 2: gardens, palaces and the Gueliz district

Photo: Bradley Pritchard Jones / Unsplash

• The Majorelle Garden: its intense blue, cacti and pools make it one of the most photographed places in Morocco. Come early and book your ticket online to skip the queue.
• Bahia Palace: a superb example of Moroccan architecture, with zellige tiles, painted wooden ceilings and inner courtyards.
• Ben Youssef Madrasa: a former Quranic school with outstanding carved stucco and cedar wood.
• Gueliz: the modern district, with cafés, shops and galleries, ideal for a quieter evening.

Day 3: a trip to the Agafay desert

Photo: Bradley Pritchard Jones / Unsplash

Less than an hour's drive away, the Agafay desert offers a moon-like landscape of stony hills with the Atlas peaks on the horizon. With a car, you leave whenever you like:

• a camel or quad ride;
• lunch or dinner in a desert camp;
• a spectacular sunset before driving back to Marrakech.

Prefer the mountains? Swap Agafay for the Ourika Valley or Imlil. Find more ideas in 5 road trips to take by car from Marrakech.

Where to stay?

• In a riad in the medina for a traditional atmosphere (cars usually can't get close).
• In Gueliz or Hivernage for easier access by car.

Good news: we deliver your car for free to the airport, your hotel or your riad (at the nearest accessible point).

When to go?

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most pleasant seasons. Summer is very hot during the day; winter is mild by day but cool in the evening.

Ready to plan your trip? Discover our fleet: no deposit, unlimited mileage and free delivery.