3-Day Local Marrakech Experience: Shopping & Sightseeing with Friends

Marrakech, Morocco

3 days

Old Medina
Spices on the market
Palais El Badi
Colored Tajine, plates and pots out of clay on the market
Gardens and trees in the urban parks

About Marrakech, Morocco

Experience the magic of Marrakech, Morocco, a city brimming with vibrant culture, rich history, and stunning landscapes. Explore the bustling Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where snake charmers, henna artists, and food vendors create an unforgettable spectacle. Wander through the winding alleys of the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site, filled with colorful souks selling traditional crafts, spices, and textiles. Visit the stunning Bahia Palace and the Koutoubia Mosque, showcasing the city's architectural grandeur. Don't miss the Majorelle Garden, a tranquil oasis of exotic plants and fountains. Enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, with dishes like tagine and couscous. Marrakech offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern comforts, making it a must-visit destination.

3-Day Itinerary

Day 1

Exploring Jemaa el-Fnaa and Bahia Palace

Morning

Start your day with a visit to the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where you can enjoy the bustling atmosphere and watch street performers. Don't forget to explore the nearby souks for a unique shopping experience.

Lunch

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan lunch at a local restaurant. Try the famous tagine or couscous, and don't forget to taste the mint tea.

Afternoon

After lunch, visit the stunning Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Then, head to the Saadian Tombs to delve into the country's rich history.

Dinner

Have dinner at a local restaurant, where you can try a variety of Moroccan dishes, such as pastilla or harira.

Evening

End your day with a relaxing stroll through the Majorelle Garden, a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. Enjoy the tranquility and the stunning views of the city lights.

Morning

Start your second day with a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, a landmark of Marrakech. Then, explore the nearby Menara Gardens for a peaceful morning walk.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Moroccan dishes like kefta or tanjia.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the Medina of Marrakech, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through the narrow streets, visit the local shops and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at a local restaurant. Try the delicious lamb tagine or the seafood pastilla.

Evening

End your day with a visit to the Marrakech Museum, where you can learn about the city's history and culture. Then, take a leisurely stroll through the nearby Jardin Secret.

Morning

Start your final day with a visit to the El Badi Palace, a historical site with stunning views of the city. Then, head to the nearby Dar Si Said Museum to learn about Moroccan art and history.

Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant, where you can try traditional Moroccan dishes like rfissa or mechoui.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring the Souk Semmarine, the largest souk in Marrakech. Here, you can find a variety of goods, from spices and textiles to pottery and jewelry.

Dinner

Enjoy your final dinner in Marrakech at a local restaurant. Try the traditional Moroccan dish of bastilla, a sweet and savory pie.

Evening

End your trip with a relaxing stroll through the Agdal Gardens, a beautiful oasis in the heart of the city. Enjoy the tranquility and the stunning views of the city lights.

Attractions in Itinerary (13)

Jemaa el-Fnaa

1
Jemaa el-Fnaa

A famous square and market place in Marrakech's medina quarter. During the day it's filled with fruit stalls, henna tattoo artists, and snake charmers, while at night it transforms into a bustling food market.

Attractions
Landmarks
Cultural Experiences
Bahia Palace

2
Bahia Palace

A beautiful 19th-century palace featuring stunning gardens and beautifully decorated rooms. It's one of Marrakech's major tourist attractions.

Attractions
Monuments
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Saadian Tombs

3
Saadian Tombs

A historic site featuring the beautifully decorated tombs of the Saadian dynasty. They were rediscovered in 1917 and are now one of Marrakech's most popular tourist attractions.

Attractions
Monuments
Cultural Experiences
Majorelle Garden

4
Majorelle Garden

A beautiful garden designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, featuring a Cubist villa designed by Paul Sinoir in the 1930s. It is also home to the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech.

Parks
Gardens
Attractions
Koutoubia Mosque

5
Koutoubia Mosque

The largest mosque in Marrakech, known for its beautiful minaret that dominates the city skyline. Non-Muslims are not allowed inside, but the exterior and surrounding gardens are worth a visit.

Religious Sites
Landmarks
Architecture
Menara Gardens

6
Menara Gardens

A historic garden featuring a large pavilion and a man-made lake. It offers beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains and is a popular spot for picnics.

Parks
Gardens
Cultural Experiences
Medina of Marrakech

7
Medina of Marrakech

The old city of Marrakech, filled with narrow winding streets, bustling markets, and stunning architecture. It's a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Attractions
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Neighborhoods
Marrakech Museum

8
Marrakech Museum

Housed in a former palace, the Marrakech Museum displays a wide range of Moroccan art, from traditional to contemporary, as well as historical artifacts.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Jardin Secret

9
Jardin Secret

A beautiful garden in the heart of Marrakech, showcasing Islamic art and architecture.

Gardens
Cultural Experiences
El Badi Palace

10
El Badi Palace

The ruins of a grand palace built in the 16th century. It's now a popular tourist attraction featuring beautiful gardens and a museum displaying artifacts from the period.

Monuments
Cultural Experiences
Architecture
Dar Si Said Museum

11
Dar Si Said Museum

A museum dedicated to Moroccan arts, crafts, and carpentry. The museum is housed in a 19th-century palace.

Museums
Cultural Experiences
Souk Semmarine

12
Souk Semmarine

The largest souk in Marrakech, offering a wide range of goods, from traditional Moroccan crafts to spices, textiles, and jewelry. It's a great place to experience the local culture and practice your bargaining skills.

Shopping
Cultural Experiences
Agdal Gardens

13
Agdal Gardens

A historic garden attached to the Royal Palace of Marrakech, featuring a variety of fruit trees and a large man-made lake.

Gardens
Cultural Experiences

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Couscous

Couscous

A staple food throughout the North African cuisines of Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Mauritania, and Libya. It's traditionally served with meat or vegetable stew spooned over it.

Tajine

Tajine

A slow-cooked stew braised at low temperatures, resulting in tender meat with aromatic vegetables and sauce. It's named after the traditional clay cooking pot used to cook it.

Pastilla

Pastilla

A traditional Moroccan pie which combines sweet and salty flavours; a combination of crisp layers of the crêpe-like werqa dough, savory meat slow-cooked in broth and spices and then shredded, and a crunchy layer of toasted and ground almonds, cinnamon, and sugar.

Harira

Harira

A traditional Moroccan soup of tomato, lentils, and chickpeas. It is usually eaten during dinner in the holy month of Ramadan to break the fasting day.

Mint Tea

Also known as Moroccan mint tea, it is a green tea with mint leaves. It is a sign of hospitality and friendship and is served throughout the day and at meals.

Zaalouk

Zaalouk

A traditional Moroccan salad made with eggplant and tomatoes, garlic, olive oil and spices. It is usually served as a side dish and can be eaten with bread.

B'stilla

A traditional Moroccan dessert made with thin pastry sheets, filled with a blend of almonds, chicken, and saffron, then baked until golden and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.

Rfissa

Rfissa

A traditional Moroccan dish served on special occasions. It is made with chicken, lentils, and a special type of bread called msemen or trid, served with a medley of aromatic herbs and spices.

Baghrir

Baghrir

A Moroccan pancake that is known as the 'hundred holes pancake', popularly served during breakfast or as a dessert. It is often served with honey or butter.

Moroccan Sardines

Morocco is a leading country in sardine production. Sardines are often grilled, stuffed, or made into a tagine.

Maakouda

A traditional Moroccan street food. These are potato cakes that are usually sold in the streets of Morocco. They can be eaten alone as a snack or used as a filling in sandwiches along with harissa, salad, and fried eggplant.

Moroccan Orange Juice

Morocco is famous for its oranges. The juice is freshly squeezed and is a popular drink throughout the country, often served chilled with no added sugar.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Marrakech, Morocco is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these periods, the weather is warm and pleasant, perfect for exploring the city's vibrant markets, historical sites, and beautiful gardens. The summer months can be extremely hot, while the winter can be quite cool, especially in the evenings. So, spring and fall offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and other outdoor activities.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

January 11

Thu

Anniversary of the Independence Manifesto

April 10

Wed

Eid al-Fitr

April 11

Thu

Eid al-Fitr holiday

May 1

Wed

Labour Day/May Day

June 17

Mon

Eid al-Adha

June 18

Tue

Eid al-Adha Holiday

July 8

Mon

Hijra New Year

July 30

Tue

Feast of the Throne

August 14

Wed

Anniversary of the Recovery Oued Ed-Dahab

August 20

Tue

Anniversary of the Revolution of the King and the People

August 21

Wed

Youth Day

September 16

Mon

The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

September 17

Tue

The Prophet Muhammad's Birthday Holiday

November 6

Wed

Anniversary of the Green March

November 18

Mon

Independence Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Marrakech is a city with a compact and walkable Medina (old city). Walking is the best way to explore the narrow, winding streets and discover hidden gems.

Taxis are plentiful in Marrakech. There are two types: petit taxis for short trips within the city, and grand taxis for longer journeys. Always ensure the meter is running or agree on a price before the trip begins.

The city has a comprehensive bus network that covers most areas of interest. Buses are a cheap and efficient way to get around, though they can be crowded at peak times.

Bicycles are a popular mode of transport in Marrakech. Many hotels and guesthouses offer bike rentals, and there are also several bike rental shops in the city.

Horse-drawn carriages, known as caleches, are a traditional and romantic way to see the city. They can be hired for short trips or longer tours.

Ridesharing services like Uber are available in Marrakech. This can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get around, especially if you're not comfortable haggling over taxi fares.

Renting a scooter can be a fun and efficient way to get around Marrakech. However, traffic can be chaotic, so this option is best for experienced riders.

Hiring a private driver can be a convenient way to get around, especially for longer trips outside the city. Many hotels can arrange this service for their guests.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currencyد.م.‏ MAD

Time zoneUTC 0

Driving sideRight

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 15; Fire: 15; Police: 19

Drinking waterOpt for bottled water

Power sockets

Power socket type CPower socket type E

Voltage220 V

Things to know about Marrakech, Morocco as a first time visitor

1

Marrakech is a bustling city with a rich history and vibrant culture.

2

The official language is Arabic, but French is also widely spoken. English is understood in many tourist areas.

3

The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Credit cards are accepted in many places but carrying some cash is advisable for smaller establishments and markets.

4

Marrakech can be very hot in the summer, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C), and mild in the winter, with temperatures ranging from 50°F to 70°F (10°C to 21°C).

5

Traditional Moroccan cuisine is a must-try, with dishes like couscous, tagine, and mint tea being local favorites.

6

Bargaining is a common practice in the markets, known as souks. Don't be afraid to negotiate prices.

7

It's important to dress modestly out of respect for the local culture. Women in particular should avoid revealing clothing.

8

Tipping is customary in Morocco. It's typical to tip around 10% in restaurants and a small amount to porters, guides, and drivers.

9

It's advisable to drink bottled water as tap water may not be safe for consumption.

10

Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially between unmarried couples.

11

It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses, as healthcare can be expensive.

12

Morocco operates on Western European Time (GMT+1).

13

The electrical voltage in Morocco is 220V, and the plug type is C or E.

14

It's advisable to respect local customs and traditions, especially during the holy month of Ramadan when eating, drinking, and smoking in public during daylight hours is frowned upon.

15

Taxis are a common mode of transport, but make sure to agree on a price before the journey as not all taxis have meters.

16

Avoid taking photographs of people without their permission, particularly in the more conservative areas of the city.

17

It's recommended to keep a copy of your passport and important documents in case of loss or theft.

18

Public Wi-Fi is available in many areas, but it's advisable to use a VPN for security reasons.

19

The emergency number in Morocco is 112.

20

It's advisable to check the latest travel advisories before your trip.

Basic Arabic to know as a first time visitor

English phrase

Native phrase

Pronunciation

When to use it

Hello

Salam

Sah-lam

Greeting someone

Goodbye

Bslama

Buh-sla-ma

Leaving or saying goodbye

Please

Afak

Ah-fak

Making a request

Thank you

Shukran

Shook-ran

Expressing gratitude

Yes

Naam

Nahm

Agreeing or confirming

No

La

Lah

Disagreeing or denying

Excuse me

SmeH liya

SmeH lee-ya

Getting attention or apologizing

I don't understand

Ma fhemtch

Ma fehmtch

When you don't understand what was said

Do you speak English?

Wach katkalem l'anglais?

Wash kat-kah-lem l'ang-lay?

Trying to find someone who speaks English

Help

Musaaeda

Moo-sa-eh-da

In case of emergency

Bathroom

Hammam

Ha-mam

Looking for a restroom

Food

Taam

Ta-am

When looking for something to eat

Water

Maa

Ma-ah

When you want to drink water

Hotel

Fondok

Fon-dok

When looking for a place to stay

Taxi

Taxi

Taxi

When you need a ride

How much?

Bshhal?

Besh-hal?

When you want to know the price of something

I'm lost

Rah tayeh

Rah tay-eh

When you can't find your way

Where is...?

Fen...?

Fen?

When you're looking for something

Sorry

SmeH liya

SmeH lee-ya

Apologizing

Can I have...?

Mumkin...?

Moom-kin?

When you want to request something

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Long-sleeved shirts

  • Long pants

  • Underwear

  • Socks

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Swimsuit

  • Light jacket or sweater

  • Scarf or shawl for visiting religious sites

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat for sun protection

  • Toiletries

  • Toothbrush and toothpaste

  • Shampoo and conditioner

  • Body wash or soap

  • Deodorant

  • Razor and shaving cream

  • Sunscreen

  • Lip balm with SPF

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Travel-sized first aid kit

  • Prescription medications

  • Contact lenses and solution

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Driver's license or ID card

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Cash in local currency

  • Travel insurance documents

  • Hotel and tour reservation confirmations

  • Emergency contacts and addresses

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger for smartphone

  • Universal travel adapter

  • Portable power bank

  • Headphones

  • Camera

  • Memory card for camera

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Travel pillow

  • Earplugs and eye mask

  • Snacks

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Books or e-reader for entertainment

  • Travel guidebook for Marrakech

  • Notebook and pen

  • Tote or daypack for daily excursions

Weather Conditions

When planning a trip to Marrakech, Morocco, it's important to consider the city's climate to ensure you pack appropriately and plan activities that align with the weather conditions. Marrakech experiences a semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters. The summer months, from June to September, can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C). If you're not a fan of intense heat, it might be best to avoid visiting during this period. However, if you do decide to visit in the summer, remember to stay hydrated and protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The winter months, from December to February, are much milder, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 21°C). Nights can be quite chilly, dropping to around 45°F (7°C), so it's advisable to pack some warm clothing. The shoulder seasons, spring (March to May) and autumn (October and November), offer more comfortable temperatures, typically between 70°F and 85°F (21°C and 29°C). These periods also see less tourist crowds, making them ideal times to visit. Rainfall in Marrakech is relatively low, but most of it falls in the winter months. It's always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip and pack a light rain jacket or umbrella just in case. Regardless of when you visit, remember that the desert can cool down significantly at night, so it's always a good idea to have a jacket or sweater on hand. Also, if you're planning on visiting the Atlas Mountains, be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially even snow during the winter months. In conclusion, Marrakeck offers a diverse climate that can cater to a variety of preferences. Whether you prefer the heat of the summer or the milder winter temperatures, just remember to pack accordingly and stay prepared for the occasional rain shower or chilly desert night.

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

18° / 6°

January is the coldest month in Marrakech, but it's still relatively mild with little rainfall, making it a good time for sightseeing.

February

20° / 8°

February sees a slight increase in temperature, with sunny days perfect for exploring the city's many attractions.

March

23° / 10°

March brings the start of spring, with warmer temperatures and blooming flowers, ideal for outdoor activities.

April

25° / 12°

April is a pleasant month with moderate temperatures, perfect for enjoying Marrakech's gardens and parks.

May

29° / 15°

May is the start of the hot season, with long sunny days, great for lounging by the pool or visiting the nearby Atlas Mountains.

June

32° / 18°

June is quite hot, but it's a good time to visit if you want to experience Marrakech's vibrant nightlife, as the evenings are warm.

July

36° / 20°

July is the hottest month, with temperatures often exceeding 35°C, so it's best to plan indoor activities during the day.

August

36° / 20°

August is equally hot, with little rainfall, making it a great time for a desert adventure or a visit to the beach.

September

32° / 18°

September sees a slight drop in temperature, making it a good time to visit Marrakech's historical sites and markets.

October

28° / 15°

October is a comfortable month, with cooler temperatures and less crowds, ideal for exploring the city at a leisurely pace.

November

22° / 10°

November is a mild month, with fewer tourists and lower prices, making it a great time to visit for budget travelers.

December

20° / 8°

December is a cool month, with sunny days and chilly nights, perfect for enjoying Marrakech's festive atmosphere.

Did you know?

Did you know that Marrakech, also known as the 'Red City', gets its nickname from the red sandstone walls that were built in the 12th century?

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