3 Days in Marrakech: A Local's Itinerary (Medina, Desert and Mountains)

Three days in Marrakech is enough to see the medina's main sights, relax in its gardens and get out of the city twice: once to the Agafay desert for a sunset and dinner, and once to the Atlas Mountains or the Atlantic coast. Below is the plan we suggest to our guests, with realistic times, ideas for each budget and tips to avoid the crowds.

The plan at a glance

Day 1: the medina

Morning. Start early at the Koutoubia Mosque, whose 12th-century minaret is the symbol of the city (only Muslims can enter the mosque). Walk south to the Saadian Tombs and then the Bahia Palace, a 19th-century palace with painted ceilings and courtyards. Go before 10:00 to avoid groups.

Afternoon. Lose yourself in the souks north of Jemaa el-Fna: spices, leather, lanterns, carpets and metalwork, each in its own area. Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa, the old Koranic school with superb carved stucco and cedar wood. Our souks shopping guide explains prices and bargaining.

Evening. Watch Jemaa el-Fna come to life at sunset, first from a café terrace, then among the food stalls, musicians and storytellers. Read our Jemaa el-Fna guide before you go.

Prefer to have everything organised? Our private Marrakech city tour covers these sights with a local guide and transport, from €30 per person.

Day 2: gardens, hammam and a desert evening

Morning. Take a taxi to the Majorelle Garden, the cobalt-blue garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, and book tickets online in advance in high season. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is next door. Then stroll and have lunch in Guéliz, the modern district. More gardens in our Marrakech gardens guide.

Early afternoon. Relax in a hammam, either a simple local one or a spa version. Our hammam guide explains how it works.

Late afternoon and evening. Leave for the Agafay desert, 45 minutes away. Ride a camel at sunset, then enjoy dinner, live music and a fire show under the stars. If you want more action, add a quad ride with our quad, camel and dinner package (from €69). All options are on the Agafay desert page.

Day 3: mountains or the coast

Choose one of these day trips, all with hotel pickup:

• Atlas Mountains and Imlil: Berber villages, walnut trees and views of Toubkal, North Africa's highest peak. See our Imlil private day trip and our Imlil guide.
• Ourika Valley: a green valley with small waterfalls, only about an hour away. Read our Ourika Valley guide.
• Essaouira: the Atlantic, ramparts and seafood, about 3 hours away. See our Essaouira day trip guide.

Back in the evening, end your stay with dinner on a rooftop in the medina.

Alternatives to fit your style

• Early risers: start day 3 with a sunrise hot air balloon flight, back before lunch.
• Food lovers: replace the hammam with a cooking class; see our Marrakech cooking class guide.
• Families: keep day 1 shorter, and choose the camel ride in Agafay and the Ourika Valley.
• Summer: plan sightseeing before noon, rest in the afternoon, and go to Agafay for sunset.

Have more than 3 days?

With 4 or 5 days, add a 2-day trip to the Zagora desert or a 3-day Merzouga tour. Our Sahara desert tours from Marrakech start from €135 per person. For longer trips across the country, browse our 7-day Morocco itinerary.

Practical tips

• Stay in a riad inside the medina for atmosphere, or in Guéliz or the Hivernage for easier car access.
• Wear comfortable shoes: the medina is best explored on foot.
• Politely decline unofficial "guides" who offer to show you the way.
• The medina of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage Site; read more on the UNESCO page.