The Best Marrakech, Morocco Itinerary

Welcome to my version of the best Marrakech, Morocco itinerary where I share the ultimate things and places that you cannot miss. The vibrant and enchanting city of Marrakech was on my travel list for years and it was everything I imagined and more. Nestled at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech is a city that pulsates with a unique blend of history, culture, and modernity. From its bustling souks and majestic palaces to serene gardens and traditional hammams, Marrakech offers a sensory overload that will leave you fascinated.

I put together the best Marrakech, Morocco itinerary for you to use as a guide for your unforgettable journey:

Day 1

Check into your hotel, Airbnb, or riad. Thania and I decided to stay at a riad that I found on Airbnb (under $100) which I will link for you here. I would definitely stay here again, although finding it was a bit tricky when checking in at 1 am, however if our flight didn’t get delayed, it would’ve been a breeze. Once we got a lay of the land, it was truly a prime location. As soon as you walk outside, you walk down a couple alleys and you’re in the center of the souks. Most accommodations offer airport transfer and I definitely recommend doing this for a smooth process.

the private rooftop at our riad

Day 2

Bacha Coffee

Start your day at Bacha for coffee and breakfast. This is one of the most unique places because it is hidden in a palace. Unfortunately the line was a 3 hour wait so we we’re only able to pop in and see it, but next time I would love to sit down and have a proper breakfast there:) If the line is too long, you can always have breakfast at your riad.

Shopping Tour

Then do a shopping tour where you have a guide show you the souks of Marrakech, teach you how to negotiate, and our guide also took us to a local herbal store were they taught us about all natural remedies that Moroccans have been using for hundreds of years. I booked a 3 hour shopping tour guide through Airbnb experiences which I will link here, but I also found this shopping tour guide that is highly rated. Having a local show you the city, while explaining the culture and history really enhances the experience. From textiles to pottery to art to jewelry – there is something for everyone in the souks. Make sure to get some dates & teas!

There’s a plethora of different souks and squares. Here are some of the most popular ones below:

Jemaa el- Fnaa market square – the main square and bustling marketplace in the heart of the Medina quarter selling fresh fruit, spices, souvenirs, and traditional crafts. At night this square turns into a place of entertainment with henna artists, snake charmers, musicians, and more. Definitely a sensory experience.
Souk Semmarine – known for traditional Moroccan goods such as textiles, carpets, lanters, ceramics, and spices.
Souk Haddadine – known for it’s metalworking and craftsmanship. you can see the artisans working in some areas
Babbouche – known for traditional Moroccan leather slippers
Bazar du Sud -high quality craftsmanship goods using traditional methods passed down through generations of Moroccan artisans
Mellah – the historic Jewish quarter
bonus – Chez Lahna is a superb rug store

After your shopping tour, you can check our Bahia Palace, where the royal family lived, and Badi Palace. You can book a tour guide that will take you to both by clicking here.

Experience a hammam

Go to one of the many luxurious spas in Marrakech. Es Saadi Hotel, Royal Mansour, and Hammam de la Rose are all highly recommended.

Dinner

La Sultana, Cafe Casbah, Nomad, Terrasse des Epices, or Dardar Rooftop for dinner.

Day 3

Majorelle Gardens

Book tickets ahead of time to go to Jardin Majorelle / Majorelle Gardens (book here for the best deal) and make sure to leave enough time to get a taxi because these gardens are about 15-20 minutes away by car. You have to stand in line for a few minutes before entering, and make sure to have your ticket on your phone for them to scan. You can also check out the YSL museum, but we just explored the gardens which was the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

Lunch at La Mamounia

La Mamounia has been saved on my Pinterest for YEARS and it was more dreamy than I imagined. Everyone was so friendly, the design and decor was breathtaking, the coffee and food was top tier, just 10/10 all around. They really make you feel like royalty.

Day 4

A desert experience

It’s time to explore the Atlas Mountains, a Berber village, the ancient Telouet, and Ait Ben Haddou. I booked this tour ahead of time and will link it here, but you can also book this tour in case it’s booked out. This was a very long day (12 hours), so if you don’t do well in cars for long period of time, I would recommend doing one of these other experiences I’ve placed below that do not include Telouet:

Agafy Desert ( 1 hour) – Oxygen Lodge, Inara Camp – day pass to infinity pool in desert – lunch included, drive ATVS. You can also do a luxury overnight desert retreat with a pool, show, & more.
Ourika Valley waterfalls (1 hour) – go to La Source du Tapis aka The Carpet Source for handmade rugs, and Funky Cool Medina for ceramics and custom clothes
Kasbah Tamadot ( 1.5 hours) – luxury hotel owned by Richard Branson.
Atlas Mountains are 2 hours away from Marrakech – this tour takes you to Berber villages, argan oil co-ops, waterfalls, hikes, and more.
2 day desert excursion to Atlas Mountains, Ait Ben Haddou, & more.
Beldi Country Club for hammam spa, lunch, and glass blowing

Then for dinner go to a traditional Moroccan dinner show with belly dancing and other Moroccan traditions, at one of these places.

Le Comptoir Darna
Dar Essalam
Azar

Restaurants for lunch and/or dinner:

Riad Yasmine
La Mamounia – Le Majorelle Bar, Churchill bar, Le Marocain
Beldi Country Club
Selman – if you love horses, you’ll love this hotel
Palais Mirage d’Atlas for dinner – unforgettable experience.
Cafe des Epices
Le Jardin
Jardin Secret
Palais Namaskar
Zwin Zwin Cafe
La Trattoria – for the ambiance
For traditional food – Dar Yacout, La Maison Arabe, Les Jardins de la Medina

Best places for tea in Marrakech, Morocco

Morocco is known for it’s mint tea, and we made sure to enjoy a few cups every day:) Hands down the best mint tea I’ve ever had.

Nomad
Tea Room Riad Yima
Cafe Arabe
Henna Cafe
A. Montana
Cafe Guerrab
Terrasse des Epices
La Salon Berbere in Mandarin Oriental

The Best Riads In Marrakech

Best Hotels In Marrakech

Other cities in Morocco to explore

If you have more time and want to explore more cities in Morocco, here are some recommendations.

Essaouira
Chefchaouen – known as the blue city
Fez
Tangier
Agadir
Casablanca – go to Rick’s cafe (from movie Casablanca), the Four Seasons, corniche to walk along the beach, El Barocco Time, Old and New Medinas, Patisserie Bennis, Sky 28 Bar with a view. Most people recommend only going to Casablanca for 1 day.

Marrakech is a city full of vibrant colors, tantalizing aromas, unforgettable mint tea, and warm hospitality. From wandering through the labyrinth of souks and savoring the flavors of Moroccan cuisine to exploring the historical treasures and indulging in the city’s luxurious spas, Marrakech leaves a lasting impression on every traveler.

Safe travels, and may your memories of Marrakech inspire future journeys and explorations. Until next time, au revoir!

Get more travel inspiration from my other travel posts here.