You only have 2 days in Marrakech? Well, that’s plenty of time to see the city’s highlights! With this itinerary and selection of the best things to do in Marrakech, I will help you make the most of your limited time. In fact, I have visited Marrakech several times from a couple of days to a full week and know exactly what will make your stay unforgettable.
While the city of Marrakech is chaotic and often overwhelming, it is easy to fall in love with its energy, its colours and the people when you know where to go and avoid scams. To prepare for your visit, we have prepared a 2-day itinerary to help you find the best things to do in Marrakech.
In this city guide, I’ll help you navigate through the bustling streets, find the highlights of Marrakech, and visit the best souks and cultural gems the Red City has to offer in just two days.
Marrakech 2-day Itinerary Overview
DAY 1
Morning
– Visit the Palaces Bahia and El Badi
– Discover the Saadian tombs
– Pass by La Koutoubia, its gardens and the square Jamaa El-Fna
Afternoon
– Haggle in the souk
– Look for the Tanneurs or book a hammam
Evening
– Eat at the Café des Epices
– Visit square Jamaa El-Fna
– Stroll to La Koutoubia
DAY 2
Morning
– Visit Ben Youssef Madrassa
– Haggle some more in the souk
Afternoon
– Head to the Majorelle Gardens
Evening
– Taste Snails at the square
– Eat at Nomads
– Walk around town for the last souvenirs
TWO DAYS IN Marrakech | Best things to do
1. Bahia Palace
The Bahia Palace is an excellent example of 19th-century Moroccan architecture. Built for the Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed, the palace is made of more than 150 rooms, all decorated with wood carvings and beautiful mosaic tiles.
It’s a gorgeous place, perfect to escape the heat and the hustle and bustle of the Medina. I would suggest coming early on your first day in Marrakech to avoid the crowds.
During your visit, just make sure to not only visit the first rooms. Allow 1 to 2 hours to hang out in the shaded gardens by the fountains or the beautiful patios where you can relax.
Opening Time: Everyday / 9 am – 5 pm
Entrance Fee: 10 dh
Website for more information
Continue your visit to El Badi Palace, only a few minutes away walk from Bahia. It is my favourite place in Marrakech.
Built during the 16th century by Ahmad al-Mansur, a Sultan of the Saadi dynasty, El Badi Palace was once the most incredible building in the region. Unfortunately, during the rise of the Alaouites, the palace was ransacked and its luxury materials were transported to Meknes to build the palace of the sultan’s successor. Left behind as a sandstone ruin, the El Badi Palace, translated as “The Incomparable” in Arabic, is still a really nice place to visit.
Even though it requires a bit of creativity to imagine the splendour of the Italian marble, and the gold and ivory features that once made the grandiosity of the Palace, the vast courtyard and its large sunken orange orchards vouch for it.
These days, the visit takes you underground to the prisoner’s cells and corridors that feel like secret passages. Outside, you can stroll around to find some of the remaining ceramic tiles on the floor and take in a really nice view over the city of Marrakech while looking for storks’ nests.
It is easy to visit the Bahia and El Badi Palaces on your own, but you can also hire a guide for half a day and learn more about the city’s history.
Opening Time: Everyday / 9 am – 5 pm
Entrance Fee: 20 dh
Website for more information
3. The Saadian Tombs
In continuity with the Palace El Badi, make sure to stop at the Saadian Tombs. Here, the place has been well-preserved and the gorgeous Italian marble columns and ornate carvings weren’t taken down unlike the palace but buried away until finally being rediscovered in 1917.
Constructed mid-1500s, the site hosts more than 150 tombs where lie Saadi sultans such as El Mansour (who built El Badi) and other esteemed figures of the dynasty. Less known than the previous two sites, the Saadian Tombs are definitely a must-see at some point during your 2 days in Marrakech.
It is a great spot for those wishing to learn about the Saadi period but also to relax under orange trees with lazy kittens and a great book.
Opening Time: Everyday / 9 am – 5 pm
Entrance Fee: 60 dh
Website
4. La Koutoubia
The Koutoubia is the largest mosque in Marrakech and also the tallest building in the city. Just off the main square, Jemaa El-Fna, la Koutoubia is easily recognizable and gives a good point to orientate yourself and get back to the centre if lost in the narrow streets of the Medina.
While its garden will offer shade and quiet time during the day, we would recommend popping by at night when the square becomes alive with families, “Guerrab” (water carriers).
Entrance: the mosque is only accessible to Muslims.
5. Square Jemaa El-Fna
Jemaa El-Fna is the main square of Marrakech, the centre of the Medina and the meeting point for tourists and locals. If you are like me, you will probably end up walking through the square a hundred times during your 2 days in Marrakech! It is absolutely unmissable as all the streets seem to lead to the square!
During the day, the Jemma El-Fna is a summary of everything I personally hate: chained monkeys, snake charmers and overpriced food stalls. I usually stay on the edge of the square to avoid seeing all that…
However, comes night, the square fills up with street restaurants, and locals listening to ancient stories, Berbere music or trying out their luck at gambling games. It is such a lively place, so don’t be scared to walk around, pop in for a local meal and suck in the incredible ambience.
The atmosphere at night is indeed enchanting, and with cooler air, it is an excellent place to unwind from all the sightseeing and shopping of the day. Just make sure to watch your belongings and keep an eye out for pickpockets.
6. Ben Youssef Madrasa
Ben Youssef Madrasa is an Islamic college that used to host up to a thousand students at the time until it shut down during the ’60s. The college is famous for being one of the most beautiful places to visit in Marrakech.
During my last visit, the Madrasa was closed for refurbishment but reopened to the public in early 2020. I am looking forward to visiting Marrakech again to witness this place and share more about it in this article.
7. Majorelle Gardens
The Majorelle Gardens is certainly one of the Highlights you cannot miss during your 2 days in Marrakech. The park holds the name of a French Orientalist painter who commissioned the building of the cubist house you can find in the centre of the gardens and that he then painted in the famous Majorelle blue.
20 years before Yves Klein registered his own deep blue mix, Jacques Majorelle who said he was inspired by the tiles of south Morocco, gave his name to this very special shade of blue you will find all around the place. Now Majorelle Blue is known around the world.
After purchasing the land around the house, Majorelle created a luxury garden and opened it to the public in order to support its running costs. Unfortunately, he had to sell it a few years later and the park ended up being neglected and abandoned.
Today, the garden has retrieved its former beauty thanks to the designer Yves Saint-Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé who acquired the garden and restored it during the ’80s.
To enjoy the gardens at their best, arrive at 8 am. Any later, the groups start to arrive and you may end up having to queue to get a good view of the place and a nice photo as a memory.
Opening Times: 8 am – 6 pm (changes depending on the season)
Entrance Fee: 70 Dh for the gardens + 30 Dh for the museum
Website
Combine a visit to the Majorelle Gardens with a Camel ride within Marrakech Palmeraie by joining this tour
“Marrakech taught me colours” – Yves Saint-Laurent
8. Haggle in the Souks
The old centre of Marrakech, known as the Medina, is a true fairy tale for tourist who are looking for Moroccan souvenirs and like haggling. Entering the souks of Marrakech is like stepping into an Alibaba movie, with shops everywhere selling everything from leather bags to ceramic plates, decoratives made of iron, carpets, spices, patisseries and jewels.
As you spend 2 days in Marrakech, allow a few hours to stroll around the Medina looking for the areas you are interested in: Textiles, Slippers, Carpenters, Jewels, Iron…
Tips: If you get lost (which is likely), avoid asking locals or accepting any help. It is sad to say it but chances are they will ask you for a silly overpriced tip just to point you in the right direction. Instead, we would recommend using your GPS and an offline map app such as maps.me to find your bearings.
There are a few entrances to the souks on the north side of Jemaa El-Fna. It extends towards the Ben Youssef Mosque and Madrasa and sometimes onto noisy, narrow and dark alleys. Do not hesitate to enter these streets, as you will find craftsmen at work, beautiful lamp shops and probably treasures you will want to bring home.
Pss! If you want to buy something, never agree on the first price. Moroccans love to haggle and bargaining is part of normal life, even for locals. You will need to show strength and confidence when haggling over the price of an item you wish to purchase. From the first offer, bounce back asking half of what the seller is telling you, and negotiate from there.
In general, the final price should be about 40% cheaper than the price back home. If you can’t find an agreement, thank the person for their time and walk away. Most of the time they will call you back and try to settle on your price.
We recommend the Souk El Kebir, Kchachbia and Cherratine as well as the Rahba Lakdima Square where you can catch a great view of the sunset while drinking fresh juice or mint tea (see below).
9. Walk the Ramparts
Commissioned by Ali Ben Youssef during the 11th century, the ramparts which are made of adobe surround the Medina (old town) for about 10km, giving Marrakech its nickname “red city” (or pink).
The walls can be seen all throughout the town, but their grandiosity is better appreciated all along the Avenue Ahmed Ouaqala or at the famous gate Bab Agnaou, near the Saadian Tombs.
10. Other things to do in Marrakech
- The tanneries (dyers): Marrakech’s tanneries are located a bit out of the Medina and require a walk through the less touristy part of town. Marrakech’s tanneries are less spectacular than their counterparts in Fes. They are also much less touristy and give you the opportunity to enter and see how the
tanneurs work and how to dye leather. Tip – bring some mint with you and smell it while you visit, the smells of the tanneries can be really strong and uncomfortable. - Relax at La Mamounia: This 5-star hotel is probably one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech. If you cannot afford to rent a room for the night, make sure to pay a visit to take a leisurely stroll in the gardens or book a spa session.
- Go for a Hammam: Looking for some time to yourself? You must experience the Moroccan Hammam, a traditional bath and cleansing ritual that consists of three steps. A session in a hot steam room, an olive and black soap scrub and a very cold bath. You will feel revigorated. Traditional hammams aren’t mixed sexes, but you can find a few in Marrakech offering a couple of experiences. Prices vary from €10 to €200.
- Visit the Maison de la Photography: In the centre of the Medina, La Maison de la Photography is an open passage to ancient Morocco and its traditions through beautiful photos. A must-go-to for photography and history lovers.
- Take a cooking class: Food in Morocco is exceptional. Full of flavours and fresh products, a class will allow you to bring home a bit of this exotic cuisine by learning how to cook typical north African dishes.
- Enjoy a traditional dinner at a Fantasia night show! something unique and let’s be honest tailored for tourists!!
DAy-Trips From Marrakech
If you have a few more days in Morocco that you want to spend visiting the countryside, consider taking day tours from Marrakech.
Located at the feet of the Atlas mountains and only a couple hours from the Atlantic Ocean, Marrakech is the perfect place to settle for a few days and take day tours to discover the backcountry of Morocco. Our favourite activities are the below:
- A hot-air balloon flight over Marrakech: Book yourself in for a sunrise or sunset hot-air balloon flight for a breathtaking view over Marrakech and the Moroccan countryside.
- Visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls: my mum who was born in Morocco and lived for more than 18 years in the country always tells me to visit the Ouzoud waterfall. Despite visiting Morocco 3 times, I still haven’t had the chance to go. If you do have time, make sure to check them out, it is certainly one of the most popular day trips from Marrakech. Click here for more details!
- Try yourself at ATV Quad in the Desert: Drive a quad through a Stone desert to a beautiful Palmeraie.
- Visit Essaouira: This beautiful seaside town is a must-visit in Morocco. If you have a few days free, we recommend spending at least one night in Essaouira. We have a complete article that you can read here. Alternatively, check out this full-day tour from Marrakech if you are short on time or don’t feel comfortable taking local transportation.
- Palm Grove Camel Ride: If you don’t have time to head toward the Sahara desert, don’t worry, you can still ride a camel in Palm Grove near Marrakech. A once-in-a-lifetime experience not to miss.
Where to Eat and Drink in Marrakech?
Morning Spiced Coffee or Mint Tea
Head to the small square Rahba Lakdima to find the café-restaurant “Café des épices”. In the morning, order a mint tea for a good start to the day or one of their speciality “Spiced coffees” (as per the name of the café). You will get an espresso embellished with a delicate mix of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cardamom.
Taste Snails
Jemaa El-Fna is one of the most traditional and local places to come for a snack in Marrakech. Few tourists dare to venture to the snail stalls, but you are safe, the snails are delicious and the atmosphere with the locals is incredible. Not sure? Order a small bowl for 5 Dh and if you fall in love with it go for the big one at 10 Dh.
Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice
Again at Jemaa El-Fna, order freshly squeezed orange juice at any time of the day for 5 Dh. We would recommend not buying takeaway to avoid unnecessary plastic cups and straws. Take a moment to relax, drink at the stall and watch the madness of Jemaa El-Fna! They also make smoothies and other fruit juices.
Eat a Tajine at sunset
Marrakesh is one of the greatest places to discover Morocco’s delicious dishes. For a cheap and safe dinner option, return to Café des épices in the evening for a great view over Marrakech at sunset and a freshly made dinner. We would recommend the Sardine ball Tajine or their Lamb Tajine with prunes and carrots. So tasty!
For those with a higher budget, you can try Nomads, directly opposite Café des épice at Rahba Lakdima. As a vegetarian option, Earth Café offers good products. You can also check out Café Clock at night, the food is great and they organise traditional shows. Mainly packed with young ex-pats and tourists, but the atmosphere is excellent.
Where to stay in Marrakech
Riads are the main type of accommodation in Marrakech. They are typical Moroccan guest houses with rooms organised around a central patio and often a pool. You can find riads for any wallet from luxury to budget-friendly.
BUDGET – RIAD RODAMON
A hostel in the heart of Marrakech! The perfect place to stay for solo backpackers or groups of friends interested in meeting people and sharing the red city experience with fellow travellers.
MID-RANGE – RIAD LALY
In the heart of Marrakech, this riad is only a few minutes walk from Jamaa El-Fna or Bahia Palace. The rooms at Laly were quiet, comfortable and well-decorated. They serve a superb breakfast on the rooftop
LUXURY – KSAR KASBAH & SPA
The Ksar Kasbah is a modern riad with all the luxury facilities you may want. Design rooms, stunning bathrooms, a large terrace with one of the best sunsets in town, a spacious patio with an indoor pool and a wellness centre.
For more places to stay in Marrakech,
check our dedicated article with riads from budget to luxury!
Best Riads in Marrakech
safety in Marrakech
- Try not to look lost in the streets or some locals may use your fragility to scam you. Never agree to follow anyone in the streets of Marrakech without agreeing on a price beforehand. Surely, nothing is free, young men and even children will more than likely take you to the wrong place or ask you for a crazy tip. Even if they take you to the right place, they can become aggressive and sometimes the hostel/hotel owners are powerless as they are afraid.
- Wear appropriate clothing. Morocco is a Muslim country and you need to stay decent, mainly with respect for Moroccan women. If you don’t, you may feel uncomfortable anyway or will be refused entry to different places you wish to visit. We would recommend women bring a pashmina with them at all times to cover their shoulders and cleavage.
- Buy your change at the airport: in the centre of Medina, there are a few currency exchange stalls but the rates were far less interesting than the ones at the airport. Make sure to ask for a receipt of the change and count what you are given right in front of the employee.
- Be aware of animal abuse. At Jemaa El-Fna, Monkeys are chained and used to make money from tourists taking pictures with them. By paying for these pictures be conscious you are supporting animal cruelty and if you are against these practices, do not let the men approach you. Ultimately, they will stop when they won’t able to make money from it, as for now, the market is lucrative. Travel Responsibly.
- Do not drink tap water. Only locals can safely drink tap water as they tolerate the bacteria, and you may get sick. Watch out for anything washed with tap water or juice that is not made from water bottles.
- Taking the bus isn’t an issue: To travel around Marrakech, most tourists take taxis, but the bus system is actually very good and cheap. As an example, going to Majorelle Gardens from Jemaa El-Fna takes only 20 minutes and costs 2 Dh per person.
- Watch out for pickpockets, mainly at Jemaa El-Fna, in the souk and at night. Keep an eye out and if possible take bags that close correctly.
- Always pay in the local currency: you will more than likely be scammed if you try to pay in dollars or euros.
- Make sure to always agree on a price ahead of service if you don’t want to have any surprises.
