Marrakech’s sights are close together, but the medina’s energy can be tiring, so the best plan alternates busy mornings with calm afternoons in your riad or a garden. This itinerary uses 2026 prices.
3-day Marrakech itinerary at a glance
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Koutoubia, Le Jardin Secret, Ben Youssef Madrasa | Souks, spice square, riad rest | Jemaa el-Fnaa food stalls |
| 2 | Bahia Palace, El Badi Palace, Saadian Tombs | Mellah, hammam | Jardin Majorelle (late slot) and dinner in Gueliz |
| 3 | Atlas Mountains (Imlil or Ourika) or Agafay desert | Rooftop dinner in the medina | |
Day 1: The heart of the medina
Start at the Koutoubia and its gardens, then wander north into the souks. Visit Le Jardin Secret and the Ben Youssef Madrasa, have mint tea on a terrace at Rahba Kedima, and rest in your riad in the afternoon heat. At dusk, head to Jemaa el-Fnaa for snail soup, harira and grilled meats at the food stalls.
Day 2: Palaces, the Mellah and a hammam
Be at Bahia Palace at 9:00 (100 MAD), then El Badi Palace (100 MAD) and the Saadian Tombs (100 MAD). Walk through the Mellah, the old Jewish quarter. After lunch, relax in a hammam. Late afternoon, take a taxi to Jardin Majorelle (170 MAD, book online) and have dinner in Gueliz.
Day 3: The Atlas Mountains or Agafay
Take a day trip to Imlil (hikes with Mount Toubkal views) or the Ourika Valley (waterfalls), with lunch in a Berber village. Or choose the Agafay desert for camel rides, quad bikes and a sunset dinner. Compare Atlas and Agafay day trips.
If you have 2 days
- Day 1: Koutoubia, souks, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Jemaa el-Fnaa.
- Day 2: Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs, Jardin Majorelle, rooftop dinner.
If you have 5–7 days
- Essaouira — a relaxed, windswept Atlantic port about 2.5–3 hours away; great for a night.
- 3-day Sahara tour — Aït Benhaddou, the Dades Valley and the Merzouga dunes. See desert trips.
- A night in the Atlas — a mountain lodge near Imlil.
Where to stay for this itinerary
A riad in the medina, within walking distance of Jemaa el-Fnaa. See where to stay in Marrakech or compare riads in Marrakech.
Budget for 3 days (per person, excluding riad)
| Item | Cost (2026) |
|---|---|
| Bahia + El Badi + Saadian Tombs | 300 MAD |
| Jardin Majorelle | 170 MAD |
| Airport bus L19 (return) | 60 MAD |
| Atlas or Agafay day trip | Varies by tour (Agafay from about £34) |
| Hammam | From local to luxury prices |
Tips
- Start early; rest at midday in your riad.
- Agree taxi prices first.
- Read our scams and safety guide.
- Check the best time to visit and Ramadan dates.
- Arriving by plane? See airport to medina.
More Marrakech guides
- Best things to do in Marrakech
- Where to stay in Marrakech (riads)
- Jardin Majorelle tickets
- Sahara desert trips from Marrakech
- Marrakech airport to the medina
- Best time to visit Marrakech
- Is Marrakech safe? Scams and tips
- Marrakech travel guide
FAQ: Marrakech itinerary
Is 3 days enough for Marrakech?
Yes for the medina, palaces, gardens and one day trip.
Can you see Marrakech in 2 days?
Yes, if you focus on the medina, the main palaces and Jardin Majorelle.
Is Essaouira worth a trip from Marrakech?
Yes — it’s calmer, by the ocean and about 2.5–3 hours away; stay a night if you can.
Can I visit the Sahara on a short trip?
The dunes need 3 days; for a short trip, choose the Agafay desert.
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