You have booked your trip and are planning how to spend your 3 days in Marrakech, look no further because here you’ll find the best itinerary. In this itinerary, you’ll find must visit place, some of the best restaurants, the best activities and a cultural activities.
From exploring the vibrant souks to finding a peaceful oasis in the and delighting in the best food Marrakech has to offer, here is everything you need to have the best trip on your first trip to Marrakech. I’ve arranged these activities based on opening times, my experience of peak times and popularity so you should have a nice sequence of activities and not be too slammed by tourists.
I have included clickable links for the tours, activities and accommodation to make planning your trip even easier!
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3 Days in Marrakech - Day One
Morning
Start your first morning in Marrakech with a delicious traditional breakfast at your riad. For the best reads to stay in Marrakech, check out “Where to Stay in Marrakech”. One of the things I love most about staying in a riad – aside from the beautiful and peaceful atmoshphere- is the warm hospitality of the staff.
Expect a generous spread of freshly baked Moroccan bread, yogurt, pastries and of course plenty of sweet mint tea.
Once you are fuelled up, make your way to Ben Youssef Medersa, one of the most stunning historical sites in the Medina. Upon entering you might think this is a palace because due to its intricate tilework and serene courtyard, but it is actually a former Islamic college. Ben Youssef opens at 9am and I would recommend getting there at 8.45am. On my visit, it was opened slightly early which gave me a few peaceful moments to enjoy the space before it became crowded – much better experience than my previous evening visit when it was completely packed with people.
Spend a couple of hours here admiring the architecture and soaking in the history, then continue your morning with a visit to the Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech (House of Photography). This charming museum showcases the diversity of Morocco through exhibitions of photographs and documentaries capturing a glimpse in life in Morocco. It’s definitely not one to miss for art and history lovers.
Afternoon
Time for lunch! For a refined dinning experience, walk or take a short taxi ride to La Table de La Sultana, a rooftop restaurant set within the luxurious La Sultana Marrakech – a five star hotel made up of several beautifully restored riads. Everything about this hotel is absolutely gorgeous, with opulent interiors, a partially open courtyard featuring a grand chandelier and tranquil garden fountain and a stunning outdoor pool (there is a separate indoor spa pool too).
The restaurant serves beautifully presented dished inspired by contemporary Moroccan and French cuisine. We ordered the lamb knuckle tagine accompanied with a bowl of cous cous, as well as a seafood bbq platter. The lamb was tender and full of flavour and the fish dish was absolutely delicious, it did not disappoint. Advance reservations are essential for non-hotel guests, so keep this in mind.
After lunch, take a short taxi back to the Medina and stroll through the souks as you make your way to Le Jardin Secret. As the name suggests, this is a secret garden in the heart of the city ideal when the hustle and bustle of Marrakech gets a little overwhelming and you need a break. The garden is divided into two sections: the Islamic garden, with traditional architecture and a calming atmosphere, and the exotic garden filed with plants from all over the world. I personally loved the Islamic garden more for its elegant design – it actually has a deliberate four-part layout signifying its sacredness and metaphor for heaven. Be sure to stop by the onsite cafe for a drink if the Moroccan heat kicks in.
Once refreshed, return to the souks and enjoy a wander through Marrakech’s maze-like alleyways. From handmade ceramics and woven textiles to article leather goods, the souks are full of treasures. One of my favourite ways to explore is to wander and get a little lost and Marrakech is the perfect place for this.
Make your way back to your riad for a short rest before the evening’s adventure – a local food tour that will introduce you to Morocco’s delicious dished and street food specialties. A perfect end to you first of 3 days in Marrakech.
Evening
There is no better way to spend your first evening in Marrakech than on a Moroccan food tour (book here) and I say this form experience having donee it twice! It’s the perfect introduction to the city, especially on Day 1 of your 3 days in Marrakech, as it combines two experiences in one: an experience of Marrakech’s food scene and a guided waking tour around the famous Jemaa El-Fnaa square.
The bustling square can feel overwhelming at first, but after this tour with an experienced guide, you will feel much more confident navigating it on your own later. As you all through the Medina, your guide will share local insights and lead you to good food stalls that you will likely miss on your own.
Depending on the time of year, the food offerings change slightly to highlight seasonal Moroccan delicacies. On both tours, we sampled at least six dishes each including tangia – a Marrakech specialty, harira – a tomato soup commonly eaten with a sweet bread (chebakia) and msemmen – a flat bread eaten sweet with honey or savoury with garlic.
Make sure to arrive hungry as after all your tasting stops, the night ends with a full sit-down dinner. Honestly is there a better way to end your first day in Marrakech?
After the delicious evening of food, head back to your riad for a well deserved night’s rest – ready to wake up for another day of exploring the Red City.
3 Days in Marrakech - Day Two
Morning
Start your second day in Marrakech with a peaceful breakfast at your riad — a calm moment before a full day of exploration. After breakfast, head to the iconic Jardin Majorelle, arriving just before opening at 8am to enjoy the gardens with fewer crowds if any. Be sure to book your ticket here at least a week in advance especially in peak season.
At Jardin Majorelle, you’ll wander through a lush, green oasis designed by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent. Stroll past cobalt blue buildings, bamboo groves, water fountains, and exotic plants from around the world. If you’re a fashion enthusiast, consider adding entry to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door, which showcases the designer’s iconic work and creative influences ( entry to the museum is an extra fee).
Spend between 1.5 and 2 hours here then take a short taxi ride to your Moroccan cooking class (book here) — a truly hands-on cultural experience and one of the best things to do during your 3 days in Marrakech.
In a small group, you’ll learn about the ingredients, spices, and techniques used in Moroccan cooking. Our class focused on preparing classic tajines — chicken, lamb, and vegetable — guided by our local host in her home. While the tajines aren’t slow-cooked for hours as they traditionally would be, the results were still incredibly flavorful. Our host shared insider tips on where to buy authentic spices and the traditional clay tajine pots, so we can try cooking at home.
It’s a rich, flavour-filled morning that blends culture, history, and food — exactly what makes Marrakech so unforgettable.
Afternoon
After a satisfying lunch from your cooking class, make your way to the Museum of Confluence, a beautifully designed building in Marrakech. Even if you’re not usually into museums, this one stands out for its beautifully restored interiors and serene courtyards. It also houses the renowned Dar El Bacha Coffee House, a must-visit for coffee lovers and design enthusiasts alike.
Dar El Bacha is no ordinary café — it’s an experience. With limited seating and high demand, you’ll receive a buzzer upon registering and can expect a 2–3 hour wait, especially in the afternoons. Arrive by 1.30pm latest to secure your spot, then use that wait time wisely by exploring the nearby souks.
Start with Souk Semmarine, just a short stroll away, and lose yourself in Marrakech’s vibrant streets. You’re probably wondering when I’ll bring up haggling – well wonder no more. Haggling in Marrakech, should you do it, how would you go about it and when – let’s talk. It’s a way of life in Marrakech, especially in the souks and with taxi drivers. I typically start by offering half or a third of the original price, then negotiate from there. But always haggle respectfully — many items are handmade and of great quality, so if you’re visiting from a country with a stronger currency, consider what a few extra dirhams really mean.
When your buzzer goes off, return to Dar El Bacha and savour a specialty coffee paired with a delicate pastry in one of the most aesthetically unique cafés in the city. It’s the perfect moment to relax and reflect on your afternoon in the heart of Marrakech. Afterwards, return to your riad to unwind before heading out for the evening — another unforgettable chapter in your 3 days in Marrakech.
Evening
For a relaxed yet stylish evening, head to Dar Dar Marrakech, a chic rooftop restaurant and bar perfect for watching the sunset over the Medina. The rooftop offers beautiful panoramic views as the city begins to glow in golden hour. We ordered the lamb tangia, a Marrakech specialty, which was tender and full of flavour, paired with refreshing mocktails that were just as beautifully presented as they were delicious. It’s the ideal spot to unwind after a day of exploring, and a great way to spend an evening during your 3 days in Marrakech. Dar Da rooftop is extremely popular, so book in advance!
3 Days in Marrakech - Day Three
Morning
On your final day in Marrakech, treat yourself to a luxurious and relaxing spa experience at the Royal Mansour – one of the most exclusive and breathtaking hotels in Morocco. When you walk through the hotel entrance, you’re welcomed to the most beautiful lounge area lit with the sun shining through the glass ceilings creating a serene and dreamy atmosphere- a more beautiful reception area I am still yet to see.
Stroll through the stunning courtyard, past the outdoor pool and bar area and you’ll feel transported far far away from the hustle and bustle of the busy Medina. The spa itself is a masterpiece decorated with iron walls designed in an intricate Moorish style. After your treatment, take a dip in the indoor spa pool nestled within a lush conservatory – you will be dreaming about this place long after your 3 days in Marrakech come to an end. Believe me, this was one of the highlights of my trip and you do not want to miss it, so be sure to book your treatment here at least two weeks in advance to not be disappointed.
One of Marrakech’s best secrets is that you don’t need to book a spa treatment to experience the Royal Mansour. If you are short on time or prefer to skip the spa, you can still soak in the luxury by dining at one of the hotel’s exceptional restaurants or enjoying a drink at one of it’s stylish bars! I stopped by the Cigar Bar for a drink and oh wow was I impressed by the impeccable service and outstanding quality.
Afternoon
After your relaxing spa morning at the Royal Mansour, take a short taxi ride to Otto, a stylish Mediterranean-inspired restaurant. Choose between dining on the rooftop terrace or the beautifully decorated indoor space. I ordered the octopus, which was cooked perfectly and served with a delicious garnish of potatoes – highly recommend. As a heads up for this restaurant and Marrakech in general, be sure to bring cash to pay for your meal.
From Otto, take a short 5 minute walk to Patisserie Belkabir, a favourite known for its tasty traditional Moroccan sweets. You will know you are in the right place when you spot the queue outside, but don’t be discouraged – when there’s a queue it’s usually for a good reason. I’m not usually big on sweets, but even I couldn’t resist their delicious pastries.
Spend the rest of your afternoon exploring the souks one last time and picking up your souvenirs.
When I first started travelling, my souvenirs were (and sometimes still are) basic tourist items like snow globes and fridges magnets but now I choose items that are useful in my daily life. In Marrakech, I picked up a lovely beach bag, gold earrings that I absolutely love, handmade slippers, matching bookmarks for my best friend and me personalised with our names in Arabic – very chic. The souks are full of hidden gems, so take your time to find the right item(s) to remember your 3 days in Marrakech.
Evening
For your final night in Marrakech, enjoy dinner and drinks on the rooftop of El Fenn, one of the most popular and stylish spots in the city. I found it to be one of the most romantic spots in Marrakech especially in the evenings with stunning sunset views and dreamy ambience. El Fenn is also one of the few restaurants in the Medina that serves alcohol, making it a great choice I you are looking to enjoy a cocktail with your meal. As El Fenn is quite popular, it’s best to to book your table a few weeks in advance especially if you are travelling in peak season.
After dinner, head back to your riad to pack up and get ready for your journey home – the perfect end to your 3 days in Marrakech.
I hope you’ve found this 3 days in Marrakech itinerary helpful and inspiring for your upcoming trip. If you’re looking to dive deeper into what this vibrant city has to offer, don’t miss my guide on the 14 Best Things to Do in Marrakech — perfect for customising your trip even further.
For more travel tips, accommodation recommendations, and destination guides across Morocco, be sure to explore my full Morocco travel page.
If you have any questions or want to follow along with more travel inspiration, feel free to reach out on Instagram — I’m always happy to help!
