3 days in Marrakech: your ultimate Marrakech guide
Updated February 2025
Marrakech is arguably Morocco’s most popular tourist destination.
And as you’ll find if you visit, 3 days in Marrakech will be 3 days of exploration in a city that blends centuries old traditions with contemporary, modern architecture, and fuses eastern and western influences with North African culture.
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Why spend 3 days in Marrakech?
There’s so much to see and do in 3 days in Marrakech. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the walled medina offers a fascinating step back in time and is home to most of Marrakech’s main tourist spots.
This includes Jemaa El-Fna (a gigantic square home to street stalls, snake charmers and streets performers), the city’s souks and markets, as well as religious and cultural landmarks, including the Koutoubia Mosque.
You can also stay in one of the beautiful riads tucked away down the labyrinth of its narrow streets.
However, if you fancy it, you can still find some modernity in Marrakech. You can venture out of the city walls to the Gueliz district in Marrakech’s new town. Here you’ll feel you are visiting a different country altogether. Representing the modern Morocco, visitors can shop in luxury outlets and dine out in style in fine restaurants.
Read on for information on this wonderful city and 21 of the best things to do in Marrakech.
Where is Marrakech?
With a population of nearly a million inhabitants, Marrakech is located in the mid-southwest of Morocco in north Africa.
About 330 kilometres south west of Morocco’s capital, Rabat, and 240 kilometres south of Casablanca, Marrakech lies to the west of the Atlas Mountains. You can see these rising in the distance from the city.
The city is also 175 kilometres from Essaouira on the Atlantic coast.
Marrakech: A brief history of the city
The Almoravids
Marrakech was founded in the late 11th century under the Almoravids and soon grew into a centre of cultural and religious importance. The Ben Youssef Mosque, the city’s oldest, dates from this very early period.
Almoravid emir Ali ibn Yusuf was the architect behind Marrakech’s distinctive red sandstone walls that surround the medina. These were built in the early 12th century to protect the royal family and its subjects from attack.
You can still see the impressive fortifications as you enter Marrakech’s medina quarter through a series of entrance gates.
When the Almoravids captured Marrakech in the mid-12th century, they began to reshape the city. They reorganised its layout, constructing many palaces and religious buildings. Most significant of these is the majestic Koutoubia Mosque.
The Saadian rule
After a period of decline, the 16th century saw the start of a renaissance in the city’s fortunes and the construction of many important buildings under Saadian rule. It also saw the development of the Jewish quarter (the Mellah).
The French
When the French arrived in the early 20th century, they put their own personal stamp on the city. Stroll through the upmarket Gueliz district and you can spot the French influence through the colonial design of the buildings and the wide avenues.
3 days in Marrakech: top facts
Top facts about Marrakech
– Founded in the late 11th century, Marrakech is reportedly home to Morocco’s largest traditional market (souk).
– There are 18 souks, employing more than 40,000 people making a range of crafts.
– Marrakech is the country’s fourth largest city and is a mecca for tourists It attracted nearly three million visitors in 2019.
– Marrakech is called the “Red City” thanks to the red sandstone that was used to construct the ramparts and the medina quarter.
The medina (the part of the city surrounded by walls) is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
– Arabic is the official language, although Berber and French are commonly spoken.
– Together with Fez, Meknes and Rabat, Marrakech is one of Morocco’s imperial cities.
– The Koutoubia Mosque is the city’s most distinctive landmark and its tallest building. Its name – Mosque of the Booksellers – is taken from the book stalls around the mosque.
– The tombs of Morocco’s seven patron saints are located in Marrakech and the city attracts many pilgrims.
– French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent renovated the Majorelle Garden and his ashes were scattered here after he died in 2008.
Top things to do in 3 days in Marrakech
People often ask what can you do in 3 days in Marrakech? What are the best things to do in Marrakech?
Well, there are many different things you can see and do in 3 days in Marrakech and we can guarantee you won’t be bored!
Read on for more details of 21 of the best things to put on your Marrakech itinerary.
And click here for details of tours that you will take you to the main sights of the city.
Experience the wonderful sights and sounds of the Jemaa el-Fna
This is probably Marrakech’s most popular tourist attraction. As the main square of the city, it is the beating heart of the medina. This vast open space pulls in huge crowds every day, drawn by its amazing sights, sounds and smells.
It’s hard to put into words the incredible atmosphere you experience as you walk through it.
I would recommend that you explore Jemaa el-Fna both during the day and at night to fully capture the essence of this captivating space.
A word of warning however: keep your valuables safe as this is a popular area for pick pockets. Also mind the cars and motorbikes which zoom around the edges of the square.
Wander around the food stalls during the day and then at night head to one of the rooftop bars lining the square. These provide a great spot where you can soak in the atmosphere, people watch and marvel at the colourful spectacle below. It’s perhaps the best way to see the Jemaa el-Fna.
The sheer numbers that pack into the square at this time of the day is really quite something. From some rooftops, you also get a bird’s eye view of the nearby Koutoubia Mosque.
As the light fades, the colours in the sky often turn a magical crimson and orange. Together with the call to prayer, it’s an experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
Marvel at the Koutoubia Mosque
Built in the 12th century, Koutoubia is the largest mosque in Marrakech. It is also the most distinctive landmark on the city’s skyline (it’s the tallest building in the city).
The minaret stands at 69 metres high. Its design was replicated by the Moors in Spain when they built the Giralda (the bell tower), which today forms part of Seville Cathedral.
Non-Muslims are not allowed to enter the mosque (or any mosque), but you can walk around it in the surrounding streets and lush gardens, the Koutoubia Gardens. This is a pleasant place to head for, especially as it’s not as crowded as the main square.
It is only a five-minute walk from Jemaa el-Fna and on the way you’ll pass Place Foucault. Here you can pick up horse-drawn carriages if you want a relaxing way to explore the city.
Explore the Bahia Palace with its spectacular Court of Honour
Marrakech is home to some beautiful palaces. But if you were to choose just one to visit on your 3 days in Marrakech, the Bahia Palace should be top of your list – it’s one of the main attractions in Marrakech. Read my blog post on this to find out more.
Dating from the mid-19th century, this royal palace underwent further expansion at the turn of the 20th century.
Not all of this historically significant building is open to the public. However, what you can see, including attractive patios, well tendered gardens and beautifully decorated rooms is worth every penny.
The highlight is undoubtedly the spectacular Court of Honour. Try and go at a quiet time to avoid the big tour groups.
From the Bahia Palace, you can also walk to Dar Si Said, El Badii Palace and the Saadian Tombs (near the Kasbah Mosque).
To visit the Bahia Palace, click here to purchase tickets.
Visit the El Badii Palace
Unlike the dazzling Bahia Palace, the El Badii is a ruin. However, you shouldn’t let this put you off visiting this historically important building.
Apparently, the sultan Ahmed al-Mansour built the palace in the late 16th century after beating the Portuguese in a decisive battle. Historians believe that the palace had more than 300 beautifully decorated rooms before it fell into decline.
Walk around the huge ruined courtyard as this will give you some sense of the scale of the palace. Some websites advise tourists to hire a local English-speaking guide who can provide more information about the ruins and the dungeons.
Tourists also come here to climb the walls. From these you are gifted excellent views of the city’s historic centre.
Check out these tours that include the El Badii Palace.
Shop till you drop in the souks
A visit to Marrakech would not be complete without a wander through its world famous souks. Go early in the morning if possible to experience the souks in full flow and watch the merchants haggling with tourists over prices. At this time, it will also be a little less crowded.
It’s definitely a place not to be missed during your 3 days in Marrakech. Apart from the motorbikes that weave their way around the pedestrians, you could be mistaken for thinking that you were stepping back in time to the 19th century.
Starting just north of Jemaa el-Fna, the markets cover a vast area.
They take in a labyrinth of narrow streets. These are full of stalls showcasing a mind-boggling range of traditional Moroccan crafts, as well as every day goods and produce. It’s such a tourist draw that it’s easy to forget that the souks also cater for locals as well as tourists.
As you slowly make your way through the procession of people perusing the stalls, you will come across a plethora of impressive items for sale. These include embroidered carpets, soaps in multiple colours, and leather goods.
There are also beautifully decorated lanterns, exquisite pottery and silverware, and every spice under the sun. That’s just a few of the products we can remember.
The quality is exceptional and it is hard to resist the temptation to buy as much as you can carry.
It’s easy to build a wander through the souks into your 3 days in Marrakech.
However, if you’d prefer to join an organised tour, click here. These tours have the advantage of taking you through the city, including on a trip through the souks. They also arm you with personal insights of life in Marrakech’s market area.
Experience a traditional Moroccan hammam
If you have never tried a hammam (essentially a Moroccan spa) before, then you really need to make time for this unique experience during your 3 days in Marrakech.
For those not in the know, Moroccan hammams are not too dissimilar to Turkish baths. However, there are some differences.
Both of these traditional bathing rituals have a long history dating back centuries. But whereas the Turkish experience is apparently based on water, Moroccan hammams use steam.
What to expect from a Moroccan hammam
Moroccan hammams use a famous black soap. You’ll see this on sale with a range of other soaps all over Marrakech’s souks.
During the treatment, the therapist will apply this soap after soaking you in hot water. They then wash the soap off and exfoliate the skin (see my separate post for more information abut what to expect when you visit a hammam).
Visiting a hammam
Hammams can be found all over Marrakech. You won’t find it hard to find one to indulge yourself in. The problem will be more which one to choose.
This will probably come down to a combination of things: location, price, and whether you’d prefer to visit a public hammam or experience one in private.
My separate post on this provides more information on the different types that you can choose from.
It also gives you an overview of our experience of a Moroccan hammam at the Hammam de la Rose. This is somewhere we’d definitely recommend and is only a short walk from the main souks.
I have also included some top tips for visiting a hammam in my post so check this out before booking.
If a hammam is something you’d like to experience, you can find some options here.
Wander around the colourful Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden is a little outside of the main tourist centre. We caught a taxi here, although you can walk from the centre.
It’s worth the time spent to get here. It was definitely one of the highlights of our trip. It’s complete contrast to the hustle and bustle of other parts of Marrakech. In fact, when you walk into this delightful garden and notice the large cacti, you could be mistaken for thinking you are in Mexico.
The brainchild of French artist Jacques Majorelle, who designed the garden’s layout in the mid-1920s, the Majorelle Garden covers two and half acres. It is home to a breathtaking variety of different flowers and plants.
Gigantic palm trees and cacti rub shoulders with small garden plants and pretty flowers. As you stroll through this beautiful oasis, you’ll also find water features decorated with aquatic plants.
First opened to the public in 1947, the botanical and landscape garden also includes an attractive and vibrantly coloured villa which dates from the 1930s.
French fashion designers Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé then restored the garden in the 1980s after purchasing the property.
The grounds have a calming ambience. But it’s worth arriving early to avoid the queues outside. This will also give you the opportunity to capture the beautiful garden without crowds spoiling your photos.
Visitors to the garden can also look around the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech which showcases Islamic art work. The museum is housed in Jacques Majorelle’s former workshop. The outside of this is painted an eye-catching blue.
Learn about Yves Saint Laurent
Fans of the French designer Yves Saint Laurent may want to spend some time in the intriguing looking building next door to the Majorelle Garden.
The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is dedicated to the designer and features permanent and temporary exhibitions, a gallery, a research library with over 5,000 volumes, and a 140-seat auditorium. There is also a bookshop and a terrace café.
If you visit the Majorelle Gardens, you can buy a ticket that also gives you access to the museum: opt for the “combined ticket”.
Escape into Le Jardin Secret (aka the Secret Garden)
This magical oasis can be found tucked away in a hidden corner of the busy market and dates back more than 400 years. Rebuilt in the 19th century, the Secret Garden was only opened to the public in 2016 after extensive restoration work.
The real attraction here is the Islamic garden, which is fed by an underground irrigation system. There’s also a tower you can climb to get some great views out over the medina, plus a boutique, a bookshop and two cafes.
A visit to the Secret Garden is a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the souks. We ducked in here while wandering the souks and were really glad we did.
If you fancy refreshments nearby but outside of the Secret Garden, literally walk across the street from the garden’s entrance to Café Arabe.
This has a fabulous rooftop terrace where you can sit back and sip on a cocktail while admiring the medina rooftop views. The venue also serves food.
See the Atlas Mountains from the Menara Gardens
We visited the Menara Gardens, which are located on the western edge of Marrakech, after we’d finished exploring the Majorelle Garden. There was a taxi rank outside the Majorelle Garden so we hopped in one to the Menara Gardens which was a great detour back to the main city centre.
Established in the 12th century, the main focal point in the Menara Gardens is the large man-made lake and the pavilion. It is another picturesque sights in Marrakech.
And it’s where you’ll get a great view of the Atlas Mountains rising in the distance.
Note that it is very exposed here and it can get very hot. If you visit in the summer months it might be a good idea to go either early in the morning or late afternoon when it’s a little cooler.
Visit the Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs can be reached via the south side of the Kasbah Mosque on Rue de la Kasbah. They date back to the Saadian dynasty, which ruled Morocco from 1549 to 1659.
Located in a closed garden, the tombs are the final resting place for members of the Saadi royal family. They were sealed off for centuries before the French discovered them in 1917 and opened them up to the public.
We unfortunately didn’t get to visit the tombs, but reviews do recommend a trip here. The tombs are not far from the El Badii Palace so it might be worth going there first.
The key attraction is the main mausoleum. This houses the graves of the sultan Ahmad al-Mansur and his family in the crypt. Judging by visitor comments on TripAdvisor, a key highlight is the chamber with twelve pillars.
You can book trips to the Saadian Tombs here.
Take afternoon tea at Hotel La Mamounia
This glamorous hotel with its opulent interior is definitely worth visiting. A leisurely walk from the Jemaa el-Fna, the Hotel La Mamounia is a stone’s throw from the Koutoubia Mosque.
As a non-resident of the hotel, you can sit out on the veranda at the back and order afternoon tea. You can then take a stroll around its immaculate Gardens of Enchantment.
You’ll need to pass through hotel security and leave your bags. Once through, you walk into a small pretty garden. You can then go through the grand entrance and into the gigantic lobby. You’ll no doubt be mesmerised by the extravagant interior with its glamorous cocktail bar.
Continue on and you’ll then come out to a large terrace with steps down to the hotel’s gardens.
According to the hotel’s website, the garden is home to 700 orange trees, 5,000 rose bushes, 21 cactus species, six palm tree species and 200 olive trees.
This is another place to head to if you’re looking for some relaxation.
Experience some traditional Moroccan food
Moroccan food is great and you should sample some on your trip. Things to try while in the city include the aforementioned tagine, a Berber dish.
This takes its name from the earthenware pot in which the food is cooked. They are often cooked with meat (for example beef, goat and lamb), but I did try a few vegetarian versions.
There are also lots of dishes with chicken and seafood. And if you like couscous, you’ll love the food here. It is perhaps the most famous feature in Moroccan cuisine.
Bread is also an essential part of daily meals. You should also make sure you try pastry dishes like Pastilla, a Moroccan pie stuffed with different meats or seafood. Or one of their soups or salads.
There are different ways you can experience some traditional Moroccan food.
In your riad
If you are staying in a riad – a traditional moroccan house – it’s quite likely your hosts will offer you some traditional Moroccan cuisine.
We were served chicken tagine (cooked with lemon and olives) on the first evening of our first trip. It was one of the best meals we had on our holiday. On my second trip, I tried out the vegetable tagine, as well as a vegetables and couscous dish.
In a restaurant
Regardless of whether you’re staying in a riad or not, it’s worth booking a meal in a traditional Moroccan restaurant while you are in Marrakech. Some are restaurants housed in former riads and the luxurious surroundings make the meal a unique dining experience.
We visited Naranj (more of a Lebanese restaurant) and had a wonderful meal which included lots of small meze dishes and salads. We also booked Pepe Nero, a massive and stunning restaurant with a pool in the middle of the main room. It was a really special and romantic experience.
I’d also recommend Cafe Arabe, across the road from the Secret Garden. You can sit and eat while watching the sun go down from the terrace.
On a tour
If you would like to sample some traditional food as well as learning a bit more about the cuisine here, you could also opt to book a food tour. There are tours that include:
See Marrakech’s Bab Agnaou gate
The red sandstone walls that once protected Marrakech’s medina stretch for some 16 kilometres and feature multiple entrances.
Bag Agnaou is the most “impressive” of these according to The Culture Trip. Like the rest of the defensive wall, it was built in the 12th century.
Considered the ‘Royal entrance’, Bab Agnaou is the gateway to the medina’s southern section. It’s not far from the Saadian Tombs, the Kasbah Mosque and the Badii Palace.
If you want to get a decent picture of the Bab Agnaou, you are advised to take it from across the street before you enter the medina quarter.
Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa and mosque
The Ben Youssef Madrasa takes its name from the neighbouring Ben Youssef Mosque. They can be found north of the souks and not far from the Marrakech Museum.
The mosque is said to be the most important mosque in the city and one of the oldest.
The madrasa was founded in the 14th century as an Islamic school for students who attended this mosque to devote their time to religious education. Apparently it is Morocco’s largest Islamic college and is definitely worth a visit.
Reconstructed in the 16th century, it stopped being used as a college in 1960 and was opened to the public in the early 1980s.
Tourists will be particularly impressed by the madrasa’s spectacular central courtyard. This is based around a large reflective pool.
Take a Moroccan cooking class
As outlined above, Moroccan food is wonderful and extremely varied. So if this has (literally) whetted your appetite, you might want to consider enriching your culinary skills with a cooking class while you are in Marrakech.
You can find a range of classes here.
Taking cooking classes is a great way to meet new people and also discover the riches of Moroccan food first-hand. You’ll also get personal tips from local food experts.
Join one of the Marrakech food tours
If a cooking class isn’t for you, but you want to learn more about the traditions of the country, then there are special Marrakech food tours you can join.
This is a walking tour of Marrakech with tastings; alternatively, you can book this food tour which includes dinner.
This tour takes place at night for anyone pushed for time during the day.
And this tour teaches you how to make the traditional tagine dish.
Pop into the Maison de la Photographie
Opened in 2009, the Photography Museum is located on Rue Souk Ahal Fassi in the medina. It comprises around 8,000 images depicting life in Morocco from 1870 to 1950.
Some of the highlights include photos of the native Berber tribe. According to TripAdvisor, visitors can also see the first colour film recorded in the High Atlas Mountains.
We didn’t manage to visit while we were on our 3 days in Marrakech, but apparently the museum is housed in a traditional riad. This places the historical photographs in an especially unique setting.
As it’s a very small gallery, you could probably fit this museum in while wandering around the medina.
Learn about Moroccan art in the Dar Si Said Museum
Otherwise known as the Museum of Moroccan Arts, the Dar Si Said Museum is Marrakech’s oldest museum and is a treasure-trove of art works.
Housed in a palace that was once the former home of Si Said (the grand vizier’s brother), the museum is laid out on two floors and is beautifully decorated. Inside the museum, you’ll find exhibits of Berber culture, including ceramics, jewellery and even musical instruments.
Quite a few websites that you may dip into highlight the stone basin which you’ll come across near the entrance to the museum. Dating back to 1,000 AD, it is an excellent example of Islamic art.
The Dar Si Said Museum is very close to the Bahia Palace and the architecture is quite similar. So it would be interesting and also practical to visit both while you are in the southern part of the medina.
Head to Marrakech’s new town, Gueliz
For those tourists who fancy seeing a different side to the city, head to the modern Gueliz district in Marrakech’s new town. This upmarket neighbourhood is littered with bars, cafes and restaurants which include many famous western outlets.
Avenue Mohammed V is the main centre of activity. It is along this thoroughfare that you’ll also find expensive boutiques and shops. So, if you fancy some shopping away from the souk, this is the place to head to.
Take a trip further afield
You might only have 3 days in Marrakech so want to make the most of the city itself. However, if Marrakech is part of larger trip, then there are options for trips that you can take that are a bit further afield.
You are spoilt for choice with the Atlas Mountains, the Atlantic coast and the desert – all within easy reach. And there are plenty of things to occupy the more intrepid or sporty traveller.
You can also take the train to Casablanca (around 2 hours and 40 minutes away) to explore one of Morocco’s most famous cities.
Maybe visit Casablanca’s Rick’s Cafe, made famous by the film of the same name. Also take in the stunning Hassan II mosque right on the water.
To give you a flavour of the things you can book guided tours for, the options include:
Further information for your 3 days in Marrakech
Marrakech’s climate
The Marrakech climate varies depending on the seasons. At its coldest – in December to January – expect temperatures to hover just under 20 degrees Celsius. This makes it an ideal place for 3 days in Marrakech in the winter.
By contrast, the hottest time of year is July and August. At this time of the year you could be basking in temperatures of close to 40 degrees Celsius.
The best time to visit Marrakech
Because of the climate, the best time to travel to Marrkach is generally considered to be during the spring and autumn (March to May and September to October). At this time, temperatures are warm, but not stiflingly hot. I’ve visited twice – in both February and March and experienced great weather.
The time of year you travel may depend on where else you are going to in Morocco. For example, if you combining Marrakech with an excursion to the High Atlas Mountains, bear in mind that it does get chilly during the winter months.
You also need to be mindful of when Ramadan falls. This important Islamic Festival does affect transport in the country. Because the dates are different each year, it’s worth looking this up before you book your trip so that you can plan accordingly.
How to get from Marrakech airport to the city
Marrakech Menara Airport is 6 kilometres from the medina. You can catch a taxi into the city centre but, if you do, make sure you agree the price before setting off as some drivers apparently won’t switch on the meter.
The alternative is to book an airport transfer service through your hotel or riad, or to pre-book a transfer.
Although this is more expensive than picking up a taxi when you land, it’s a lot less stressful and also more reassuring if you are arriving in the evening.
We stayed in a riad in the heart of the medina on both my trips. The advantage of using the airport transfer service was that the driver walked us to the entrance of our accommodation.
Some of the streets in the medina are so narrow that vehicles cannot access them. When you arrive late at night and are dropped off in the poorly lit streets, having someone guide you to the door is priceless.
What to eat in Marrakech
As mentioned above, we were treated to chicken tagine (cooked with lemon and olives) on our first evening in our riad on my first trip to Marrakech.
Tagine is a Berber dish, which takes its name from the earthenware pot in which the food is cooked.
Learn how to cook tagine here.
More generally in terms of what to eat in Marrakech, you will find that Moroccan cuisine is very varied and the abundance of spices means that dishes are very flavoursome.
Meat eaters will be spoilt for choice as traditional dishes make use of beef, goat, lamb, chicken and seafood. As well as tagines, there are also lots of dishes with couscous, which is perhaps the most famous feature in Moroccan cuisine. Bread is also an essential part of daily meals.
Morocco grows a large variety of vegetables so also expect to find salads and soups. You can also try pastry dishes like Pastilla, a Moroccan pie stuffed with different meats or seafood.
Morocco also caters for western tastes and French and Italian cuisine can be easily found in many restaurants, particularly in Marrakech’s new town.
What to drink in Marrakech
In terms of drinks, make sure you sample the extremely tasty green tea with mint while you’re in the city. It is arguably Morocco’s most popular drink and watching the waiter demonstrate their pouring technique is worth seeing!
Being a Muslim country, alcohol isn’t available everywhere (this tended to be the case in the restaurants lining the main square). But there are some restaurants where you can order locally brewed and imported beers as well as wines.
You can also treat yourself to cocktails in some of the more upmarket hotels in the city.
You are advised to order bottled water and you may want to be careful ordering salads if you have a delicate stomach.
Where to eat in Marrakech
The best places to eat and drink in Marrakech are around the medina and the new town.
There is a huge range of restaurants to choose from and where you go to eat and drink will depend to a certain extent on where you are staying, how far you want to venture out, what type of dining experience you are after and your budget. You may also prefer to just chill out in your riad and eat there.
The medina offers some truly authentic Moroccan dining experiences but it’s worth doing some research online either in advance or while you are in Marrakech. In some cases you may want to pre-book as some restaurants are extremely popular.
Suggestions for where to eat in Marrakech
We ate in the Riad Andalla (the first place I stayed in), Riad Elegancia (the second place I stayed in), Pepe Nero, Cafe Arabe, and Naranj.
Culture and etiquette
Although Moroccans are followers of the Islamic faith, you will find that, on the whole, Moroccans’ approach to tourists is more open and tolerant than some Muslim countries. Having said that, it’s important to respect people’s religious beliefs and be sensitive to the local culture.
You should therefore dress modestly (i.e. covering arms and upper legs) while you are out exploring. Locals also apparently do not welcome public demonstrations of affection such as kissing and cuddling. Some websites advise tourists not to eat or drink in the street when Ramadan takes place.
If you are not a Muslim, you will not be allowed to enter mosques. In Marrakech, the most important one is the Koutoubia Mosque. Although you won’t be able to gain access, there are plenty of opportunities to take photos of the outside from the surrounding area.
Islamic architecture is spectacular and if you are keen to take photos, there will be plenty of other opportunities to capture Islamic decorations in historic sites. The Bahia Palace mentioned above is one such place where photography is permitted.
Personal safety
Marrakech is generally a safe city, but as with a lot of cities, avoid wandering around poorly lit areas at night and watch your valuables in busy streets and squares. Jemaa el-Fna is a popular area for pickpockets and can get very crowded.
Also be careful here and around the souks as motorbikes can whizz by at high speed and catch you off guard at times.
Again, as with most places that you would travel to, we’d advise against carrying a lot of money around with you. Also, be careful when using ATMs as credit card fraud does happen. It’s far better to leave large sums of money in your hotel, many of which will have safes.
Currency
Morocco’s official currency is the dirham which is made up of 100 santimat. The dirham is a closed currency so you can only buy it once you arrive in the country.
There are cash machines at Marrakech Menara Airport where you can pick up some dirhams before you pick up a taxi or your airport transfer.
You can exchange pound sterling, euros and US dollars for dirhams at the Bureau de Change, at banks and in most hotels. We also found that most places said they would accept Euros as payment.
Is 3 days enough in Marrakech?
We had 3 days in Marrakech and found that this was enough time to see the main sights of the city.
Undoubtedly, if you had 4 days in Marrakech, or even longer, there would be more that you could see and do: there’s no shortage of attractions and sights to occupy your time. This is even more of a case if you factor in taking some day trips outside of the city.
However, if time is limited for you, then 3 days in Marrakech or a long weekend is a perfect period of time. You will get a good feel for the sights and culture of the place – and it will give you a good sense of whether you want to return in the future.
3 days in Marrakech: other ideas for short trips
I hope this has outlined for you the best things to do in Marrakech, especially if this is your first time in the city.
If you’re looking for ideas for other short trips, check out some of my other posts. These include:
- The top things to do on short break in Switzerland’s Zurich in winter
- One day in Geneva
- Top things to do on one day in Frankfurt, Germany
- An itinerary for 2 days in Milan
- Top things to do in Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania
- What to do on short break to Gibraltar
- A weekend in the UK’s Bath
- 3 days on Sao Miguel, the largest island in the Azores
Beautiful article! Thanks for sharing. Morocco is an amazing country.