The BEST 3 Days in Marrakech Itinerary

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Exotic spices, towering minarets, and bustling souks – a trip to Marrakech is destined to be a trip of a lifetime! 

This Marrakech itinerary covers all the top sights and best things to do if you only have 3 days in Marrakech. I also give you tips on where to eat, where to stay, and the best tours.

This detailed Marrakech itinerary is designed to help you navigate the bustling streets and have the perfect 3 days in Marrakech, Morocco!

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 3 Days in Marrakech: At a Glance 

Best 3 Days in Marrakech Itinerary

A complete itinerary for 3 days in Marrakech ( plus a map with all the places to see, best restaurants, and things to do in Marrakech, Morocco). 

• Day 1: Historical Walking Tour, Jamaa El Fanah Square, Street Food Tour
• Day 2: Shopping in the Souks, Historical Ruins, Hammam
• Day 3: Jardin Majorelle,  Le Jardin Secret, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Rooftop Bar 

Marrakech Itinerary Day 1: Explore Colorful Marrakech

Breakfast at Your Riad 

Enjoy a delicious Moroccan breakfast at your Riad! Most Riads include breakfast for their guests. A Moroccan breakfast is a lavish spread of delicious fruit, bread, eggs, olives and other local dishes you’ll want to enjoy. Allocate enough time for breakfast, it’s not common for breakfasts to be rushed. 

Historical Walking Tour

Day 1 of your 3 days in Marrakech begins with an historical walking tour! If you’ve never been to Marrakech, a walking tour on your first day will really help you to get your bearings and learn more about Marrakech’s history. 

I recommend this historical and cultural walking tour of Marrakech! Below is more information about the historic sites that this walking tour covers. 

Marrakech Walking Tour Highlights

Stop 1: Koutoubia Mosque

It’s hard not to find a Marrakech guidebook, or postcard without a picture of Koutoubia Mosque. 

The Koutoubia Mosque is the tallest building in Marrakech, and it holds a special place in the heart of Moroccans. Its Moorish architecture is truly breathtaking. Its minaret was even used as inspiration for the Giralda bell tower in Seville, Spain. 

I recommend enjoying the beautiful courtyards around the Koutoubia Mosque lined with trees and fountains. It’s also a great spot for photos! 

Stop 2: Bab Agnaou Gate

The walls around Marrakech’s Medina are surrounded by a series of gates, some old, some new, but each with its own unique story. 

The Bab Agnaou Gate is Marrakech’s famous historic gate. Its original purpose was for a royal entrance which is why the design is unlike any of the other 19 gates in Marrakech. Looking closely, you can see the carvings shaped into flowers at the side. 

Stop 3: Bahia Palace 

This 19th century palace radiates the luxurious lifestyle of the Moroccans elite. Between lavish gardens and exquisite craftsmanship, the Bahia Palace will be a highlight of your 3 days in Marrakech. 

The colorful courtyards and lush gardens are a welcomed escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. The intricate tilework in the Bahia Palace will take your breath away – just look up! 

✔️ Helpful Tip: The Bahia Palace is the busiest in the afternoon between 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. To avoid crowds, visit early in the morning, or an hour before closing. 

⏰ Opening Hours: The Bahia Palace is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Credit cards are not accepted, plan to bring Moroccan dirhams for your entrance fee. 

💰Entrance Fees:

• 70 dirhams for adults 
• 30 dirhams for children under 12

📍 Where to Find : click here for location

Stop 4: Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs are no ordinary cemetery. It’s an architectural treasure that houses the remains of the important rulers from the Saadian dynasty. The tombs are decorated with marble carvings under large dome ceilings. 

After the fall of the Saadian dynasty, the tombs were sealed off and hidden. However, in 1917 a French aerial photographer spotted the ruins, and they were eventually uncovered and restored. 

✔️ Helpful Tip: The Saadian Tombs aren’t very large. You can easily visit the Saadain Tombs in 30-45 minutes. 

⏰ Opening Hours: The Saadian Tombs is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Credit cards are not accepted, plan to bring Moroccan dirhams for your entrance fee. 

💰Entrance Fees:

• 70 dirhams for adults 
• 30 dirhams for children under 12 

📍 Where to Find : click here for location

Have a Traditional Lunch 

Méchoui was my favorite Moroccan dish!  Méchoui is slow-roasted lamb that is cooked in underground clay pits.

The best place to try méchoui in Marrakech is Mechoui Alley. Mechoui Alley is a family run restaurant just a 3-minute walk from Jemma el-Fnna square that specializes in méchoui! Peek behind the counter and see the giant underground clay pits where the lamb is cooked! 

Head to the rooftop of Méchoui Alley and pull up a chair with the other locals – you won’t be disappointed. 

What to Order: At Méchoui Alley you order either a 1/2 kg or 1 kg of lamb. For two people 1/2 kg is perfect for two! 

⏰Hours: Méchoui Alley is open for lunch between 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square at Sunset 

Jemma el-Fnaa Square is the Times Square of Marrakech – there’s always something to do, see, and eat! 

Sunset from a rooftop overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is a magical experience during your 3 days in Marrakech. If you’re a people watcher – you’re in for a treat! 

As the sun sets, Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is bathed in a soft golden hue. Watch the day turn to night as the square comes to life with street food stalls and music. Your eyes, ears, and taste buds will never forget this moment. 

Don’t Miss:  Fresh Juice and Rooftop Views

During your 3 days in Marrakech you need to visit the juice stands in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square at least once (if not twice!) a day! The Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is lined with juice stands serving fresh squeezed juices! Choose flavors from orange, pomegranate, bananas, strawberries – or my favorite a blend of seasonal fruits! The juice is only around 10-15 dirhams ($1-$1.50 USD). 

For the best rooftop in Jemaa el-Fnaa Square overlooking the square, head to the rooftop at Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier. Plan to only order drinks here (cash only) and enjoy the view from the rooftop terrace. The entertainment of watching the crowds and people moving about won’t disappoint! 

📍 Where to Find : click here for location

Skip: The snake charmers, monkeys trainers, and henna artists. 

Take a Street Food Tour

After a day of learning the history of Marrakech, now is your chance to jump into tasting the culinary side of Marrakech! I recommend booking this Marrakech street food tour! 

A street food tour is the best way to experience both the culture and culinary side of a city. On this food tour you’ll visit local food stalls and street vendors. You’ll get to taste a few staples of Marrakech – including Moroccan donuts and Harira (a famous Vegetarian Moroccan Soup). 

Don’t be afraid of the more adventurous options! With so many spices and fresh herbs used in Moroccan recipes, Moroccan food is always filled with flavor! 

Marrakech Itinerary Day 2: Wander the Souks, Historic Ruins, Relax in a Hammam 

Breakfast at your Riad

Start the morning with breakfast at your Riad. Morocco has the best orange juice I’ve ever tasted! A popular breakfast dish in Morocco is Baghrir – light fluffy pancakes. The traditional topping for Baghrir is honey!

Shop in the Souks

Marrakech is famous for their high quality silver pieces, Berber rugs, argan oil, leather slippers, and of course spices! 

Navigating the souks is the first challenge, then comes the haggling! The secret to shopping the souks if you only have 3 days in Marrakech is to hire a local guide! I love this shopping tour with a local guide. A local guide will take you to the best stalls tucked away in the alleyways of the medina. 

When I visited Marrakech, our guide took us to four different stores where I purchased Argan oil, leather shoes, silver pieces, and straw bags. All of these shops specialized in these items! 

We never felt pressured by our guide, or the shopkeepers to purchase anything. When we decided what we wanted to purchase, our guide was able to step in and assist with haggling to make sure we received a fair price. 

If shopping for one of a kind pieces is of interest to you, save time and money and book this private shopping tour!

Rooftop Lunch 

L’Mida has the most beautiful bohemian style restaurant terrace in the heart of the medina! The  abundance of color and panoramic view of the Medina create an inviting atmosphere. 

L’Mida is for both lunch and dinner with a menu that has a slight twist on classic Moroccan dishes. L’Mida has an extensive mocktail list and smoothie list to recharge you after a day in the sun.

What to Order: The Vegetarian pastilla was delicious! The cookie monster is another great choice if you want something sweet for dessert. 

📍 Where to Find : click here for location

Visit El Badi Palace 

If you’re a lover of history and ruins, don’t miss the El Badi Palace during your 3 days in Marrakech. 

In comparison to the ornate Bahia Palace, the El Badi is a shell of its former glory. 

The palace was originally built in the 16th century and decorated with gold and Italian marble. However, after Sultan Moulay Ismail destroyed the El Badi palace to construct his own palaces, the building now stands in ruins.

✔️ Helpful Tip: It’s best to visit with a guide, or learn about the El Badi Palace prior to visiting because there is little visitor information available. 

⏰ Opening Hours: The El Badi Palace is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tickets are purchased onsite. Credit cards are not accepted, plan to bring Moroccan dirhams for your entrance fee. 

Entrance Fees:

• 70 dirhams for adults 
• 30 dirhams for children under 12 

📍 Where to Find : click here for location

Drinks on the Terrace La Mamounia Hotel 

La Mamounia is the ideal place to relax while sipping a cold craft cocktail. Since opening in 1923, La Mamounia has welcomed guests such as Winston Churchill, Ronald Reagan, Tom Cruise, and the Kardashian family. Just a few of its many honors is being named the Best Hotel in Africa and the Best Hotel in the World by Condé Nast Traveler.

It’s the epitome of luxury with extensive lush gardens for guests to explore and marble fountains. 

La Mamounia was also the subject of many headlines after Inventing Anna was released on Netflix in 2022. If you watched the series, you’ll likely remember the scenes at the La Mamounia Hotel when Anna’s credit card was repeatedly declined for their stay. The producers of Inventing Anna actually were actually onsite in Marrakech shooting at the La Mamounia Hotel for the series. 

No reservations are needed, and you do not need to be a hotel guest if you want to have drinks on the Terrace at the La Mamounia bar. You will have to go through a metal detector before going into the property, and any bottles of water you have will be confiscated. 

Relax in a Traditional Morocco Hammam

If you’ve never experienced a hammam – you’re in for a treat! 

Hammams are bathhouses where you receive a vigorous scrub and deep exfoliation by an attendant. A typical hammam experience consists of a steam room, hot water, argan oil, a black soap called Beldi, and a scrubbing glove (called a kessa) the attendants use to remove the dead skin cells.  After the hammam, you’ll feel reinvigorated and your skin will be buttery smooth. 

 I recommend booking this private hammam that includes a transfer from your Riad and a massage to fully unwind. 

Dinner at M Bacha 

Just steps away from BE Riad is a luxurious oasis in the middle of the Medina – this is M Bacha. 

The historic building has open air dining with colorful orange trees providing shade in the courtyard. The menu is unique with classic Moroccan dishes and a variety of delicious Asian dishes! 

In the evening, M Bacha typically has entertainment with a belly dancer performing in the center of the courtyard. 

What to Order: For Moroccan food, the Royal Couscous was delicious! For Asian dishes, the chicken curry blew us away! If you have room for dessert, the Nutella crêpe reminded me of a Snickers candy bar! 

📍 Where to Find : click here for location

Marrakech Itinerary Day 3: The Gardens of Marrakech

Breakfast at your Riad 

Your final day in Morocco starts with one last breakfast at your Riad! If you have felt the service has been attentive during your breakfasts, it is customary to tip the breakfast manager 20 to 50 dh per person. 

Le Jardin Majorelle – The Most Colorful Garden in Marrakech 

Le Jardin Majorelle is an enchanting and colorful garden. It consistently tops the list of Marrakech’s most popular places to visit! 

Le Jardin Majorelle is also known as the Majorelle Garden, or the Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) garden. Le Jardin Majorelle was originally designed by the French artist, Jacques Majorelle. 

The gorgeous signature blue color you see in Le Jardin Majorelle was a color created by Jacques Majorelle. The color blue is named “Majorelle blue” and it’s all over Le Jardin Majorelle and Marrakech. 

Today, the garden has been beautifully restored and enhanced by the French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, after he purchased the garden in the 1980s.

✔️ Helpful Tip: Go as early as possible in the morning, the garden will be less crowded. Book tickets online and skip the queues. Plan to spend anywhere from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours in the gardens. 

⏰ Opening Hours: Le Jardin Majorelle is open every day of the week. Between October 1 – April 30 and the gardens are open from 8:00 – 17:30. Between May 1 – September 30 the gardens are open from 8:00 – 18:00. During Ramadan, the gardens are open from 9:00 – 17:00. 

Entrance Fees for the Garden:

• 70 dirhams for adults 
• Free for children under 12 

📍 Where to Find: click here for location

Lunch at Cuisine De Terroir

Cuisine De Terroir is located in the heart of the medina and has rooftop seating. With great prices, delicious Moroccan food, and flavorful fresh smoothies – there’s nothing we didn’t love about lunch at Cuisine De Terroir. 

What to Order: The lemon chicken tagine was delicious and so flavorful! 

📍 Where to Find: click here for location

Explore Le Jardin Secret   

Compared to Le Jardin Majorelle, Le Jardin Secret isn’t as well known, but I highly recommend that you visit it during your 3 days in Marrakech! 

The Secret Garden is a fully reconstructed traditional Islamic Garden in a historic riad that opened to the public in 2017. Unlike Le Jardin Majorelle, Le Jardin Secret is very spacious and you won’t feel near the number of crowds. 

It’s the perfect getaway from the busy Medina, with several benches and shady spots to relax! 

⏰ Opening Hours: The opening hours of Le Jardin Secret depend on the season. During February and  October, the gardens are open from 9:30 – 18:30. Between March –  September, the gardens are open from 9:30 – 19:30.  Between November  –  January, the gardens are open from 9:30 – 18:00.

Entrance Fees for the Garden:

• 60 dirhams for adults 
• 40 dirhams for ages 7-24
• Free for children under 7 

📍 Where to Find : click here for location

Ben Youssef Madrasa

The Ben Youssef Madrasa will captivate you with its stunning Islamic architecture. Every tile and corner here tells a story.

But first…. what’s a madrasa?  A madrasa is an Islamic school and is specialized in religious studies. Ben Youseef Madrasa is actually the largest Islamic college in Morocco. 

The highlight of visiting the Ben Youssef Madrasa is to see its stunning Moroccan Islamic  architecture.  The madrasa’s colorful tile work with geometric patterns is absolutely stunning! The peaceful courtyard is a welcome escape from the busy streets of the medina. 

For fewer crowds, I recommend visiting the Ben Youssef Madrasa early in the morning, or before closing, to minimize the amount of crowds. 

⏰ Opening Hours: The Ben Youssef Madrasa is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tickets are purchased onsite. Credit cards are not accepted. Plan to bring Moroccan dirhams for your entrance fee. 

Entrance Fees:

• 50 dirhams for adults 
• 10 dirhams for children under 12 

📍 Where to Find : click here for location

Rooftop Cocktails for Sunset 

Sunset cocktails at DarDar Rooftop, is the perfect end to your 3 days in Marrakech. DarDar rooftop has a Bohemian vibe with an absolutely spectacular panoramic sunset view over the medina. 

The rooftop menu has a wide range of homemade Moroccan dishes with a contemporary twist, complemented with a creative menu of their crafted signature cocktails.

 

What to Order: For Moroccan dishes, we loved the briouates (a savory puff pastry)!  

📍 Where to Find : click here for location and to make a reservation

Dinner at Naranj Libanese

One of my favorite restaurants in Marrakech does not serve Moroccan food, but Lebanese food! Naranj Libanese is beautifully decorated with a great atmosphere – it also has a rooftop! 

It’s the perfect place to share a mezze plate of delicious spreads like hummus, falafel, and briouates (a savory cheese-filled puff pastry) over a glass of their homemade iced tea. 

What to Order: In addition to their signature mezzés plate, I recommend the hamshouka. A chopped meat dish sits on top of fresh hummus served with bread.

📍 Where to Find : click here for location 

Where to Stay for 3 Days in Marrakech

For a truly authentic Moroccan experience you must stay in a Riad! 

A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house with an enclosed garden and central courtyard. The indoor courtyard of Riads are typically decorated with colorful ceramic mosaics and emphasized with marble fountains in the center of the courtyard surrounded by plants, trees and flowers. Riads are located within the old city “Medina” walls. 

Below are a few of my favorite Riads from luxury options t0 budget friendly options for your 3 days in Marrakech! 

Popover Tip: When you arrive, your Riad will likely offer you mint tea and more recommendations for what to do in Marrakech. Even if you’re tired from traveling, take advantage of this time to learn more about the city. 

 Luxury: La Sultana

La Sultana is a small luxury historical hotel located in the royal quarter that knows how to spoil its guests! 

La Sultana has 28 rooms and suites and five interconnected Riads – each with its own distinct style with Moorish décor and Moroccan furnishings. A spa area, gym, heated pool and a 2,000-square-foot roof panoramic rooftop terrace are available for all guests to enjoy.

For an unforgettable stay, where you’ll feel like royalty, book La Sultana Marrakech. 

Mid-Range: Riad BE Marrakech 

Tucked in a side alley of the Medina, Riad BE is a colorful magical oasis. The first time I saw Riad BE, I knew this had to be the hotel I stayed at when I visited Marrakech. 

The interior courtyard and rooftop terrace of Riad BE are photogenic and so beautiful. The terracotta rooftop terrace has private little corners to relax for breakfast in the morning. They even have a mattress on the terrace for stargazing at night! 

Riad BE has a traditional Hammam in-house with 100% natural products in their Hammam. Guests can also relax and unwind at their in-house yoga studio where you can book classes in advance. 

We stayed in the “Tawlab” room and loved its colorful decor and location to the courtyard pool. A delicious homemade breakfast is included with your stay.

For a colorful riad with mid-range prices book at Riad BE. 

Budget: Riad l’Oiseau du Paradis

Riad l’Oiseau du Paradis is an excellent choice for a budget friendly option with all the amenities of a traditional Riad. 

The courtyard pool, on-site hammam, and complimentary breakfast are just a view of the riads popular amenities! Guests can also rent bicycles for the day too! 

For a beautiful budget-friendly Riad, check out Riad l’Oiseau du Paradis

Tipping Customs in Marrakech 

Tipping in Morocco is customary, and the amount you should tip depends on the situation and service provided. 

However, you should never feel obligated to tip if it feels forced, or you received poor service. 

Here are some recommended amounts for tipping in Morocco based on the services provided. 

Restaurants 

• Café or Small Local Eatery – 5% to 10% of bill OR 5 to 10 dh per person
• Mid-range or Upscale Restaurant – 10% to 15% of bill

 Transportation

• Airport Transfer (one way) – 20 to 50 dh per person; 100 dh per booking party
• Tour Driver – Multi-Day – Car, Van, or Minibus – 100 dh per day per booking party (More if private driver; pay on final day of tour)
• Tour Driver – Full Day – Car, Van or Minibus – 200 dh per booking party
• Tour Driver – Half Day – Car, Van or Minibus – 100 dh per booking party
• Coach Bus Driver (large group tours) – 10 to 20 dh per person per day 

 Hotels, Riads, and Guest Houses 

• Bellboy – 10 to 20 dh (more if handling many bags)
• Housekeeper  – 10 to 20 dh per day OR 100 dh per week   
• Breakfast Buffet Manager – 20 to 50 dh; (Tip after final breakfast if you feel service was attentive.)

 Tour Guides

•  Tour Guide – Multi-Day Large Group Tour – 200 dh per booking party for every 5 to 7 days (more if your tour is private.)
• Tour Guide – Full Day – 150 dh per person; or 300 to 400 dh per booking party
• Tour Guide – Half Day – 100 dh per person; or 200 to 300 dh per booking party

Activities 

• Camel Ride or Horseback Riding Guide – 20 to 30 dh per person; more for longer treks of 1+ hour  
• Cooking Class Instructor – tipping not expected
• Hammam – 20 to 50 dh per attendant; depending on whether modest or upscale Hammam

What to Wear in Marrakech as a Women

Morocco is a Muslim country and women should dress modestly in Marrakech. Here’s what I recommend women should pack for 3 days in Marrakech. 

Modest Clothing 

The number one rule for clothing in Marrakech is to avoid revealing clothing. I recommend packing clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, and torso. With the desert temperatures maxi dresses or dresses that are below the knee are a great option! 

 Do women need to cover their hair in Marrakech? 

No, in Morocco, the headscarf (hijab) is not enforced by Moroccan law. Also, because mosques in Morocco are not open to non-Muslims, women will not be asked to cover their hair. 

Comfortable Shoes 

Marrakech isn’t very hilly, but they do have uneven cobblestones. Comfortable shoes are essential. Because the streets in the medina can be dusty, I recommend closed toe shoes. 

Layers 

Because Marrakech has a desert climate, and the temperature drops in the evening. A lightweight scarf, or thin jacket is perfect for cooler nights. 

Sun Protection 

Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential in Marrakech! Depending on how easily you burn  you might want to consider a hat, or loose long sleeve linen clothing. 

What to Wear in Marrakech as a Man

Men should dress modestly in Marrakech. Here’s what I recommend men should pack for 3 days in Marrakech. 

Long Pants and Shirts with Sleeves 

In general, you’ll see more men wear long pants in Marrakech rather than shorts. However, as a tourist, shorts are perfectly fine for men to wear as long as they’re at a reasonable length.

It’s not common for men to wear tank tops, or sleeveless shirts in Marrakech. Instead, men should pack shirts with sleeves like t-shirts, or polos. 

Lightweight Clothing 

Marrakech gets very warm, especially during summer between June – August. Opt for lightweight and breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen to stay comfortable. 

Sun Protection 

Sunglasses and sunscreen are essential in Marrakech! Depending on how easily you burn,  you might want to consider a hat, or loose long sleeve clothing.

Safety in Marrakech 

We never felt unsafe during our 3 days in Marrakech, but it’s important to take precautions. Below are three safety tips to stay safe in Marrakech. 

Be Cautious in Crowded Areas 

Keep an eye on your personal belongings – especially in crowded areas in the Medina. Motor scooters are everywhere in Marrakech – including the small alleyways of the Medina! With all the scooters flying, it’s even more important to keep any personal items close to you.

Use Official Taxis 

When using taxis in Marrakech, make sure your taxi has a visible license plate and a meter. If your taxi driver insists on not using a meter, negotiate the price in advance. Taxis will only accept cash. 

Is Uber in Marrakech? 

No, Uber is not available in Morocco.

Stay Hydrated 

Marrakech gets hot! It’s important to be mindful of your hydration and sun exposure. Stay hydrated and pack sunscreen! 

6 Tourist Scams in Marrakech to Watch Out For  

While Marrakech is generally a very safe destination for tourists, you are likely to encounter a few scams. Here’s a list of common scams to be aware of and how to avoid them. 

1. Fake Tour Guides 

Be mindful of unofficial tour guides near popular landmarks who are trying to offer to give you a “free” tour of the city. Official tour guides will always have their tour guide badge displayed where it is easily visible. 

To avoid this scam, I always recommend booking your tours in advance from a reputable company. 

2. “Free” Directions  

The “free” direction offer is the most common scam you experience in Marrakech. When the scammers see someone who looks like a tourist, they’ll approach them and ask if they need help finding something. If the tourist says yes, the scammer will walk them to their destination and then demand money. Even if the tourist doesn’t engage or request any help, the scammer may still follow them until they reach the destination and then claim that they helped guide them there and demand a tip. 

The best way to avoid this scam is by never going with someone who asks if they can guide you. If you want to go with them, negotiate a price beforehand. However, if you are lost, go into a shop and ask the shop owner for assistance. 

3. Photo Opps 

In Jemaa el-Fnaa square it’s common for people to approach you with live animals for photo props. Snake charmers and monkeys are the most common. 

Under no circumstances do I recommend supporting this behavior by taking photos, even from a distance. By taking photos you’re contributing to the cruelty of these animals. If you do take photos, even from a distance, be expected to pay. 

4. The Fake Beggar 

It’s possible children might come up to you and beg for money when their parents are hovering in the distance. Do not ever give money to a begging child in Morocco. If their parents are hovering in the distance, they will typically come up to you and demand more money. 

The best way to avoid this scam is to not “give in”, and avoid taking out your wallet to display how much cash you have with you. 

5. Henna Ladies 

In Jemaa el-Fnaa square it’s not unheard of for the women selling henna designs to approach females and grab their arms for a quick henna design. Even if you expressed no interest in henna, they’ll demand money from you and follow you requesting that you pay.

The best way to avoid this scam is to keep your eyes open and quickly get ready to pull your arm back. If you do get approached, be persistent and do your best to walk away. If you do cave in and give them money, make sure you hide all extra money away from their sight. 

6. Closed Attractions

Be aware of scammers who will say that popular attractions, or landmarks are closed for the day and offer to take you somewhere else. 

To avoid falling for this trick, verify the opening hours with an official source beforehand.

Helpful Tips for Planning 3 Days in Marrakech  

Is 3 days in Marrakech long enough? 

With 3 days in Marrakech you can visit the most iconic landmarks, shop in the souks, and taste local dishes. With 3 days in Marrakech, I recommend prioritizing visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs. Three days will still give you enough flexibility to explore the city at your own pace without feeling too rushed. 

What to do with more than 3 days in Marrakech? 

With more than 3 days in Marrakech, it’s popular to do a day trip to the Atlas Mountains! The Atlas Mountains are known for their hot air balloon rides and camel trekking tours. 

However, if you’re looking for beautiful golden sand dunes, you’ll only find those in the Sahara Desert. The Atlas Mountains have a rocky landscape. 

Are credit cards common in Marrakech? 

Credit cards are becoming more popular in Marrakech with the rise in tourism. However, cash is still the primary form of payment in many places, particularly in smaller shops, food stands, historic sites, and restaurants. Morocco has a closed currency, and you won’t be able to exchange currency, or take out Moroccan dirham until you arrive in Morocco. 

Is it a good time to visit Marrakech during Ramadan? 

In 2025 Ramadan will  begin on February 28, 2025 and conclude on March 30, 2025.  In Marrakech, there will be fasting during daylight hours, and some restaurants or shops may have altered schedules. However, the advantage of visiting Marrakech during Ramadan is to witness an enriching cultural experience and you’ll often find fewer tourists. 

What month should I visit Marrakech? 

A secret I’ll share is how much I love visiting the second week of January! You’ll find very low crowds post New Year’s, and cooler temperatures that are ideal for exploring Marrakech’s landmarks.  January and February are typically the shoulder seasons for visiting Marrakech. 

Can you drink the tap water in Marrakech?

In Marrakech the tap water is chlorinated and will usually cause no harm. However, your body may react to unfamiliar bacteria in the water, and it’s best to drink bottled water whenever possible. Most Riads will provide fresh bottles of water to their guests. 

What essentials should I pack for Marrakech? 

Don’t leave your Riad without a bottle of hand sanitizer and tissues for toilet paper. In most public toilets you won’t likely find toilet paper, or soap. Hand sanitizer and a small packet of tissues are essentials! 

A Map for 3 Days in Marrakech! 

To help you easily navigate Marrakech, I created a map with all the best things to do, eat, and where to stay during your 3 days in Marrakech. 

You can use this map during your trip – you only need internet access. If you do not have cellular data, I recommend downloading an offline Google map to access when you don’t have WiFi.

Final Thoughts: The Perfect 3 Days in Marrakech

Marrakech is a city that’s beautiful, vibrant, and captivating.  Marrakech leaves a lasting impression on travelers and will capture your heart (and taste buds) in a special way that no other city can!

If you’re lucky enough to spend 3 days in Marrakech, you’ll leave with expert bargaining skills,  a refined palate for exotic spices, and an appreciation for Moroccan culture and hospitality. I have no doubt after one visit, you’ll already be planning your next return to the Red City. 

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