2 Days in Marrakech: The Perfect Itinerary for Experiencing the Soul of Morocco

Last updated on March 25th, 2024 at 12:03 am

Have you ever dreamt of getting lost in a maze of vibrant colors, intoxicating smells, and the rhythmic hum of a foreign language? If so, then a whirlwind tour of Marrakech, the “Red City” of Morocco, should be at the top of your travel bucket list! And for those who haven’t yet ventured into Africa, Morocco is also the perfect gateway destination to seeing more of the world’s 2nd largest continent.

In this post, we’ll explore the best time to visit, where to stay, and walk through a sample of what 2 action-packed days in Marrakech could look like. So with that – buckle up, get ready to haggle (only a little), and be prepared to be swept away by the magic of Marrakech.

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SAMPLE 2-DAY ITINERARY FOR MARRAKECH

Check out my sample Marrakech itinerary below ⬇️

DAY 1

· Morning coffee at Bacha Coffee
· Sightseeing at Bahia Palace & Ben Youssef Madrasa
· Getting lost in the souks/medina
· Lunch at L’mida
· More sightseeing at Majorelle Garden & Jemaa el-Fnaa square
· Dinner & a live show at Comptoir Darna
· Late night cocktails & hookah at Arkech

DAY 2

· Rooftop morning breakfast at Riad BE
· Sightseeing at Koutoubia Mosque & Saadian Tombs
· Lunch & Moroccan mint tea at La Fontaine des Épices
· Explore the gardens at Le Jardin Secret
· More sightseeing at Maison de la Photographie & El Badi Palace
· Unforgettable sunset dinner at Dardar Rooftop

GETTING TO MARRAKECH

Marrakech is easily accessible by air, with Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) being the main gateway to the city. The airport is located around 3 miles south of the city center and handles flights from numerous airlines across the globe, making it a very convenient option for most travelers.

As always, I flew United Airlines from San Francisco to Frankfurt and then connected from FRA to RAK on Lufthansa. I went during winter so flights were relatively cheaper. I believe I paid around ~$1,200 roundtrip but I am loyal to flying star alliance so there are probably even better flight deals out there.

Ps. If your home airport is SFO, LAX, DEN, IAH, or EWR – I highly recommend checking out the United Explorer Card to earn free miles. I personally carry the Infinite Card which comes with a high annual fee, but that’s because I need lounge access to work remotely during my trips.

BEST TIME TO VISIT MARRAKECH

Spring and autumn are generally considered the best times to visit Marrakech as it offers pleasant temperatures (average highs in the low 70s to low 80s F), abundant sunshine, and fewer crowds. Given its location, Marrakech is definitely a city with seasons, so temperatures can fluctuate quite significantly. Winter is generally pretty mild with sunny days and average highs in the mid-60s F. I visited in early February and was able to walk around in a tank top both days so it really just depends on what you’re comfortable with.

During the summer months, be prepared for intense heat, with average highs exceeding 100°F. While crowds thin out and hotel rates might be lower, the scorching sun can really limit your time outside.

GENERAL TIPS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

RELIGION AND CULTURE – Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country, so it’s important to be mindful of the country’s culture. The typical rule of thumb is to dress more modestly, be aware of prayer times (which can be quite loud and startling at first), and practice general respect towards those around you.

EXPLORE THE SURROUNDING AREAS WITH A DAY TRIP – There are a ton of different options for day trips from Marrakech but my two favorites are Essaouira or the Agafay Desert. Essaouira is a beautiful coastal town located about a 2-hour drive from Marrakech. It’s a great place to relax on the beach, explore the medina, and enjoy some fresh seafood.

The Agafay Desert is also a popular destination for day trips, offering camel rides, 4×4 adventures, and luxury camps under starry skies. My friend and I booked this day trip to the desert which included roundtrip hotel transportation, a camel ride, and a traditional Moroccan dinner at sunset.

BEWARE OF SCAMS – Marrakech is a relatively safe city, but there are always petty scams to be aware of. For example, someone might try to “help” you find your way to your riad (traditional Moroccan hotel) and then expect payment for their services. Be polite but firm in declining unwanted help. If you’re unsure about something, ask your riad or hotel staff for advice.

WHERE TO STAY

Marrakech’s magic extends far beyond the busy souks and desert scenery. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of options for accommodation, ranging from historic riads to modern hotels offering luxurious comfort. Whether you’re looking for a hidden plunge pool (like Riad BE) or a rooftop terrace overlooking the city’s vibrant energy, Marrakech has a stay that reflects your travel style.

You can check out my full review here of Riad BE Marrakech which is where we stayed when we visited. The rooms were nice, the location was central to everything, and the design was impeccable. In addition to Riad BE, here are some of my other personal favorites.

RIAD KASBAH – Riad Kasbah is located in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, a 7-minute walk from Jamaa el Fna square near the Saadien tombs. This charming riad boasts a refreshing outdoor pool and a tranquil interior patio, just steps from the bustling Medina. Restored in a authentic Moroccan style, Riad Kasbah also offers a breakfast each morning, which is served on the terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains.

DAR ANIKA – Guest rooms at Riad Dar Anika have a traditional Moroccan decor and are all equipped with free Wi-Fi access. The best part about Dar Anika has to be its magnificent courtyard swimming pool and the fact that all guests are welcomed with Moroccan pastries upon arrival. Guys, Moroccan pastries are seriously next level. (I saw this lady selling bread near the souks and it was probably the best bread I ever had in my entire life. I was so caught off guard haha). Dar Anika is also only a 5-minute walk from Jamaâ El Fna Square, making it a great home base for exploring the rest of Marrakech.

LES JARDINS DE LA MÉDINA – Set in Marrakesh’s historical center, Les Jardins De La Médina is the epitome of Moroccan luxury. This beautiful property has exotic gardens, an outdoor pool, a hammam spa with steam bath, and an onsite restaurant with beautiful views of the surrounding greenery. In addition to the beautiful grounds, Les Jardins De La Médina’s restaurant has received raving reviews about its delicious Mediterranean and Moroccan cuisine. Similar to Riad BE, Les Jardins De La Médina also offers an onsite cooking course!

DAY 1

(BACHA COFFEE, BAHIA PALACE, BEN YOUSSEF MADRASA, SOUKS, MAJORELLE GARDEN, L’MIDA, JEMAA-EL FNA SQUARE, COMPTOIR DARNA)

Morning: If you follow me on social, you’ll already know that I start every morning with some sort of caffeine, but preferably a cappuccino (which is why Italy is one of my favorite countries in the world). Marrakech is no different – except that I would recommend starting your morning at Bacha Coffee, a beautiful and charming café founded in 1910 that specializes in 100% Arabica coffee.

After you’ve gotten your caffeine fix, you’ll head off on your Marrakech adventure by first immersing yourself in history at the magnificent Bahia Palace. If unfamiliar, Bahia Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing exquisite 19th century Moroccan architecture.

Even if history isn’t your thing, it’s definitely worth quickly checking out as Bahia Palace is truly a stunning example of Moroccan architecture and design (I mean, pretty much all of Marrakech is a beautiful representation of intricate art and design).

After Bahia Palace, you can make your way to the infamous Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Koranic school boasting intricate design and a serene central courtyard. This is a top spot for photography so make sure you get here as early as possible.

Afternoon: For lunch, make sure you head to L’mida – a spectacular rooftop restaurant in the heart of Marrakech. It is hands down one of the trendiest restaurants in the area and it’s conveniently located right next to the medina which will be your next stop of the day.

After you’ve filled up on beef tajine and a delicious mrahba (a L’mida signature raspberry mocktail), you’ll head directly to the labyrinth of alleyways known as the medina. Now, THIS is the true Marrakech.

There will be loud noises, lots of street vendors, and delicious street food around every corner. Get lost in the vibrant souks, where you can haggle for traditional Moroccan crafts, spices, and textiles. Beware, Google Maps will not be your friend while in the souks so make sure you take note of where you’re going. There’s nothing wrong with getting lost either as that’s definitely part of the fun with Marrakech!

After a few chaotic hours getting to explore every nook and cranny of the medina, you’ll want to head to Majorelle Garden next for a touch of serenity. Majorelle Garden is a vibrant oasis designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent. Admission to the Garden cost 70 Moroccan dirhams (less than $8 USD) per person. The garden is also open everyday from 8am to 5pm with the last entry around 4:30pm.

To avoid the potential of waiting in line, I highly recommend purchasing tickets in advance.

Evening: As the sun dips below the horizon, it officially becomes the best time to visit the famous Djemaa el-Fna Square. I highly recommend snagging a seat on the balcony of Balcon du Cafe Glacier to witness the captivating transformation of the square below.

As night falls, you can find talented street performers, delicious food stalls, henna artists, and mesmerizing snake charmers. (No seriously, there is a guy that brings out snakes and lets you pet them for money or in exchange for a photo. I obviously declined but there were definitely people agreeing to it). Djemaa el-Fna Square is definitely a one-of-a-kind place. Even though it’s filled with tourists, I felt like this was the real heart and soul of Morocco.

a happy juice vendor at Djemaa el-Fna Square

It was sensory overload in the best way possible! (If you’re neurodivergent, I would maybe rethink spending more than 10 minutes in this crazy place).

After experiencing Djemaa el-Fna Square, you’ll want to head to your final destination of the night for dinner and a live show at Comptoir Darna Marrakech.

Comptoir Darna Marrakech is a super fun and chic, 2-story restaurant that offers live belly dancing shows while serving authentic Moroccan cuisine. This was seriously one of the most fun things we did. The servers all walk around with plates of candles on their head and they even place them on customers as they go! As you can see, this guy in the picture below was having a blast. I’ve never been to anywhere like this!

The show was honestly so entertaining and the ambiance was great. I had pretty low expectations for the food because I thought people were mostly there for the show but the food was also delicious. (You can also head to my instagram to check out the vibe of Comptoir which are saved in my Marrakech hi-lights).

Even though it’s located about ~10 minutes away from the medina, I highly recommend making a reservation at Comptoir Darna. It was easy to get a cab to and from the restaurant so don’t let the location deter you.

There’s also a cute rooftop bar named Arkech right next to it that’s totally worth visiting. After dinner, we ended up there for a couple drinks and a nightcap hookah session before making our way back to the riad to get some sleep before our second full day in Marrakech!

DAY 2

(RIAD BE, KOUTOUBIA MOSQUE, SAADIAN TOMBS, LA FONTAINE DES ÉPICES, LE JARDIN SECRET, HOUSE OF PHOTOGRAPHY, BADI PALACE, DARDAR ROOFTOP)

Morning: Rise and shine! Hopefully, the cocktails from Arkech didn’t affect you too much. Even if they did – then you’re in luck. If you’re staying at Riad BE like we did, you won’t have to go too far to enjoy some delicious coffee and breakfast up on the roof of the riad.

After you’ve fueled up on a good breakfast, you’ll embark on your second (and final) day around Marrakech! Early mornings are definitely the best time to check out top-rated attractions without the crowds.

This means that you should first head to the Koutoubia Mosque, also known as the largest mosque in Marrakech. Located just outside the medina, the Koutoubia Mosque is a symbol recognized around the world. It’s important to note that while non-Muslims can’t enter the prayer hall, the Koutoubia’s intricate beauty and historical significance make it a must-see for any visitor.

After the mosque, you’ll want to continue south to the Saadian Tombs, a hidden gem showcasing the mausoleums of Saadi dynasty sultans. Built in the 16th century, these royal mausoleums shimmer with intricate stuccowork, colorful mosaics, and imported marble all around.

Afternoon: You’re probably feeling a bit peckish by now after a healthy dose of some history lessons. For lunch, you’ll want to make your way back into the medina to check out La Fontaine des Épices. Even though this restaurant has a couple hundred reviews on Google, I’m seriously shocked it doesn’t have thousands more. It’s a bit hidden and there’s not a ton of signage on display but it’s seriously such an underrated spot to enjoy lunch on the roof.

After enjoying some afternoon sun on the roof of La Fontaine des Épices, you’ll head immediately next door to Le Jardin Secret. Le Jardin Secret is a hidden gem in Marrakech’s bustling medina.

This centuries-old complex boasts a beautifully restored Islamic garden, a historic riad (palace), and a cafe with panoramic views. Inside the garden, you can explore the traditional and exotic plant life, wander the elegant courtyards, and step back in time amidst Marrakech’s vibrant chaos.

Ps. If you’re in need of an afternoon caffeine fix like I always am, I highly recommend checking out Kesh Cup Marrakech which is conveniently located a few steps away from the secret garden.

If you’re not tired of seeing the sights, then I would continue on to visit two more places in Marrakech – Maison de la Photographie (House of Photography) and Badi Palace.

Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech is a museum dedicated to showcasing the rich history of photography in Morocco. It houses a permanent collection that explores the evolution of photographic techniques in the country, featuring early examples alongside contemporary works. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., and admission costs around 40 Moroccan dirhams (less than $5 USD) per person. Children 11 and younger get in for free!

El Badi Palace in Marrakesh was once a grand palace, but is now a fascinating ruin. Built in the late 16th century, it was a symbol of the Saadian sultan’s power and wealth. At the time, it was filled with a dazzling display of gold, marble, and intricate carvings!

Unfortunately, the palace crumbled alongside the fading Saadian dynasty. Treasure hunters eventually came crawling, stripping away the palace’s precious materials (like marble) to add them to other structures around Morocco. Today, you can explore the vast courtyard, sunken gardens, and remnants of the palace, offering a glimpse into its glorious past and the fickle hand of fate.

Evening: For your final night in Marrakech, there’s only one place you’ll want to be to experience the city’s magic and that is – Dardar Rooftop Marrakech.

This chic restaurant and bar boasts breathtaking panoramic views of the Medina, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Atlas Mountains. Savor delicious Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist, sip on handcrafted cocktails, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere – it’s the perfect way to end an unforgettable 2-day adventure in Marrakech.

Remember: This itinerary is just a suggestion based on the things that my friend and I did on our last trip! Feel free to tailor it to your interests, allowing more time to get lost in the medina, join a food tour, or visit a traditional hammam (bathhouse). Marrakech seriously offers endless possibilities, ensuring your 48-hour adventure is an unforgettable one.

MARRAKECH, MOROCCO: FINAL THOUGHTS

Marrakech is truly an unmatched travel destination that offers a rich collection of experiences, making it perfect for a memorable 2-day adventure, especially for first-time visitors to Africa. From exploring historic sites like Bahia Palace and Koutoubia Mosque to the bustling rooftops of La Fontaine des Épices and Dardar Marrakech to getting lost in the bustling souks of the medina, every corner of Marrakech tells a story steeped in culture and tradition. The city’s vibrant colors, intoxicating smells, and warm hospitality will absolutely leave you wanting to come back for more.

Have you visited Marrakech? Share your experiences in the comments below!

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