If Marrakech is at the top of your Morocco bucket list, our 2 days in Marrakech itinerary will help you make the most of your time, from visiting must-see attractions to uncovering hidden gems. This was our exact itinerary and we felt it was the perfect blend of cultural experiences and main sights that were truly worth it – we truly experienced the city’s vibrant nature!
Below, I’ll share our full 2-day itinerary for Marrakech, highlighting everything we managed to see and do without feeling rushed or missing out on key experiences. And if you’re wondering how much you can realistically fit into 2 days, rest assured— we accomplished everything on this itinerary, so you definitely can too.
Keep reading to find out exactly how to spend 2 days in Marrakech, with essential tips and FAQs for first-time visitors at the end to help you enjoy a memorable trip!
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2 days in Marrakech Itinerary: Outline
- ✈️ Arriving in Marrakech
- 🕌 Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Moroccan History
- 🍲 Day 2: Discover Moroccan Culture
- ❓ Visiting Marrakech FAQs
- 💡 Tips on Visiting Marrakech
Arriving in Marrakech
✈️ Arriving by plane: Marrakech Menara Airport is one of Morocco’s primary hubs, so finding a flight here should be simple. Check Ryanair and EasyJet for budget-friendly options, especially in the off-season.
📱SIM cards and eSIMs: I highly recommend having access to mobile data when visiting Marrakech – it’s very easy to get turned around and we relied on our data extensively. You can set up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo before your trip to ensure seamless connection when you arrive. Alternatively, pick up a SIM card at the airport – you’ll find several stands near the exit gates. We chose Maroc Telecom, paying 50 DH (Moroccan Dirham) for 50 GB, which was more than enough for our entire trip.
🚗 Getting to the Marrakech Medina from the airport: The easiest way to reach your accommodation is by car since the Medina is around 15 minutes from the airport. Taxis are widely available, and some hotels even offer shuttles. Depending on your arrival time, destination and the amount of luggage, expect a taxi to cost between 100–200 DH in cash (don’t forget tip!).
🚌 Taxi and bus options: To simplify things and avoid hassle of paying or finding a taxi on arrival, you can pre-book a taxi using Kiwitaxi. They offer plenty of flexibility! If you’re on a tight budget, the most affordable way to get to Marrakech is by bus. The #19 bus runs every 20 minutes from 6:00 AM until 11:30 PM, with roundtrip tickets costing 30 DH – these can be purchased on the bus.
Day 1: Immerse Yourself in Moroccan History
Enjoy breakfast at your riad
One of the perks of staying at a riad in Marrakech is the traditional Moroccan breakfast often included with your stay. Not only does this make your visit more affordable, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the ambiance of the riad you’re staying in.
Though each riad offers a unique variation of a traditional Moroccan breakfast, here’s a look at the common items you can expect:
☕️ Traditional Moroccan mint tea, coffee and/or juice – you have to try Moroccan tea at least once!
🍇 A selection of fruits – varied depending on the season, but usually very fresh!
🥞 Baghrir – kind of like a Moroccan pancake served with various spreads.
🥣 Yoghurt – varied between plain, flavoured or lightly sweetened.
🍞 Khobz – a traditional Moroccan bread.
🍯 Msemmen – a flaky flatbread that is usually enjoyed with honey or jam.
HIGHLIGHT: Visit the Jardin Majorelle
Originally designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by fashion icon Yves Saint Laurent, the Jardin Majorelle is known for being one of the best things to do in Marrakech. Known for its vibrant Majorelle blue villa, lush exotic plants, and peaceful fountains, this garden offers a peaceful break from the bustling Medina.
Important tips for visiting the Jardin Majorelle:
🚨 You NEED to book tickets in advance, choosing a specific time slot – you cannot buy tickets in person. Bring your pre-booked tickets and expect to wait in line before being let in groups.
🌅 Even though entry is limited by time slots, I’d still recommend coming earlier in the day to avoid larger crowds if you can, you can get the most peaceful experience.
⏰ We spent about an hour visiting the gardens, but plan to spend more time here if you want to visit the museums.
📜 There are two other museums inside that require separate tickets: the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts. You can select these add-ons when you purchase your ticket online.
☕️ There is also a cafe and boutique inside the gardens to enjoy a snack or short break.
💸 Entry tickets cost 170 MAD (~15 euros) or 330 MAD (~30 euros) for a combined ticket with the other museums.
📍The gardens are not in the main city centre and will most likely require a 20-40 minute walk depending on where you’re coming from. We didn’t mind the walk as it gave us a chance to experience life outside the Medina.
Explore Ben Youssef Medersa
You cannot spend 2 days in Marrakech without visiting Ben Youssef Medersa! This 14th-century Islamic school, once the largest in North Africa, is known for its ornate Islamic art and architecture and is one of the most stunning buildings in Marrakech. Entry costs 50 DH (~5 EUR), and tickets are available at the entrance only. To fully appreciate its beauty, try visiting early in the day to avoid the crowds.
✨ Book a guided tour to get the most of your visit! As I said above, entry tickets are bought in person, however if you wanted to explore with a guide, you can check our some of the options below!
Get lost in the souks
In the following day of this itinerary, I’ll recommend some tours you can to really get the most out of your time in the souks but you should also spend some time exploring them at your own pace. Whether you’re there to observe, to shop or to have a snack, there is so much life and excitement happening in the souks you won’t want to miss.
Exploring Marrakech’s souks is a lively adventure, filled with vibrant colors, haggling, rich scents, and constant motion. Even though there are different souks in Marrakech, we found when exploring on our own they all blended together (which is why I recommend taking a tour tomorrow). With winding streets and stalls selling everything from spices to textiles, the souks can be a bit of a maze, one that even Google Maps can get lost in, so it’s best to embrace getting lost and enjoy the experience.
TOP TIP: We were warned about persistent vendors in the souks – a friendly but firm ‘no thank you’ worked well for us to avoid any pushiness!
Stop by Jemaa El-Fnaa Square
During your time in the souks, you’ll likely pass through Jemaa El-Fnaa Square, the bustling heart of Marrakech. Historically, this is where nomadic vendors would come to sell their products in Marrakech and the marketplace continues this tradition today!
This historic square is a lively space filled with fruit stands, market stalls, food vendors, musicians, and street performers. Tourists tend to either love this bustling marketplace or hate it – mainly because pickpocketing and other scams are common. Be mindful of your belongings and avoid visiting too late at night for a safer experience.
To keep in mind: Avoid engaging with snake charmers or people offering photos with monkeys – animals here are often mistreated. We saw monkeys in chains, wearing diapers and snakes with their mouths sewed shut. These vendors have a reputation for animal mistreatment so do not engage or support this industry.
Visit the El Badi Palace
The El Badi Palace, built in the 1500s, is a stunning historic site where you can wander through the ruins of what was once a grand sultan’s palace. During our 2 days in Marrakech, we were torn between visiting this palace or the Bahia Palace. We chose El Badi Palace for its historic charm and felt that Bahia Palace had a similar vibe to Ben Youssef Medersa (however, if you have time for both palaces even better)!
Inside, you’ll also find an exhibition detailing the palace’s restoration and Marrakech’s long history—an interesting and unexpected highlight for us. We spent about an hour here, enjoying its unique charm and quiet atmosphere.
Enjoy dinner on a rooftop terrace
Marrakech is known for its rooftop terraces, so at least once during your 2 days in Marrakech you should find a spot to enjoy dinner with a view. We opted for Dardar in the Medina which offered beautiful views over the city with cozy, vibey decor. It is quite a popular spot in Marrakech – we made reservations in advance and I highly recommend doing the same if you want to be there for sunset!
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Day 2: Discover Moroccan Culture
Take a cooking class
A cooking class is one of the best ways to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture, meet locals, and bring home unique souvenirs—delicious recipes! We like to do this for every new country or city we visit, often early on in our trip so we can get locals’ recommendations for must-try dishes and restaurants. Feel free to adjust this itinerary to do the same!
We took a class at the Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum with a traditional Moroccan cook, or dada. At this beautiful museum, you’ll learn about Moroccan spices, prepare a three-course meal, and enjoy an authentic feast. We had an amazing time and enjoyed every minute of learning about Moroccan culture and cuisine – I highly recommend paying them a visit.
✨ Also a fan of cooking classes? Here are some other choices to explore on your 2 days in Marrakech!
Explore the Medina
After yesterday’s taste of the Moroccan souks, a guided tour can truly enhance your experience. Local guides not only know the ins and outs of the souks, but they also will share with you a lot more than meets the eye when you’re wandering the souks on your own.
To keep in mind: Guides often will take you to certain vendors to showcase their products. For example, we did a tour in Meknes and our guide took us inside a spice and carpet shop. While there’s no obligation to buy, expect a friendly sales pitch as part of the tour experience.
Try a traditional Hammam
Experiencing a traditional hammam was a top priority on our 2 days in Marrakech itinerary. Hammams are bathhouses where you’re scrubbed down with argan oil soap and exfoliated in a steam room, a practice that’s both rejuvenating and cultural. Public hammams involve a more traditional, communal experience, however, there are private experiences if that would make you more comfortable.
There are SO many choices out there – so much so that I spent a significant amount of time researching and reading reviews to find the one fit our budget. After plenty of research, we booked our hammam at Heritage Spa and loved it. I highly recommend trying a hammam at least once for a truly unique Moroccan experience.
HIGHLIGHT: Enjoy dinner and a show
Last but not least, you need to have at least one entertaining meal during your 2 days in Marrakech. Again, there are several to choose from, but a local friend of ours recommended one a bit outside the city center to get the most show-stopping experience.
Palais Dar Soukkar, just outside the city center, offers a spectacular performance with music, dancing, and singing that lasts over three hours. The energy, extravagence, and incredible food made it one of our favourite meals in Marrakech! For full transparency, this was the most expensive meal we had in Marrakech. Its a pre-fixed menu of either 550 DH (~50 euros) or 650 DH (~60 euros) – but its the best place visit if you want to treat yourself.
PRO TIP: We booked in advance and requested a table on the main floor for the best view of the show.
A taxi ride from the Medina is necessary to get here since it is out of the main city centre, but we felt that it was definitely worth the journey and the price. If you’re looking for one of the most unique and entertaining things to do in Marrakech, definitely pay Palais Dar Soukkar a visit!
Visiting Marrakech FAQs
Are 2 days in Marrakech enough?
Yes! We only had 2 days in Marrakech as part of our two-week Morocco itinerary, and we managed to see everything we wanted without feeling too rushed – so you definitely can too! You’ll have enough time to visit main attractions and experience Moroccan culture in just two days.
That said, you can easily extend your stay in Marrakech if your schedule allows it. If you have three or four days, you can take day trips, explore at a slower pace, try more restaurants, and visit additional sites. Either way, if two days are all you have to work with, 2 days in Marrakech is absolutely worth it – it was one of our favorite cities in Morocco!
READ MORE: 2-week Morocco Itinerary for first timers
Is Marrakech safe?
From our experience, Marrakech was a safe destination to explore. However, here are some tips to stay safe during your visit:
💸 Watch out for scams: Common scams include ‘friendly’ locals offering to “help you find your hotel” – if you use their help, they’ll ask you for money. You also might encounter taxis overinflating their prices – always agree on the price before you get in.
👜 Be mindful of your belongings: Like most major cities, pickpocketing is common in busy areas in Marrakech such as in Jema El-Fna Square or in the Medina. It’s best to leave valuables at home, avoid walking around holding your phone, and always be aware of your belongings.
🙅🏼♀️ Say no to pushy vendors: Many people warned us about ‘pushy’ vendors in Marrakech and in reality, we never felt uncomfortable or unsafe. We found that a simple ‘no thank you’ while remaining friendly to show respect, was enough for them to leave you alone. Haggling is common in Morocco so if you’re genuinely not interested, a firm no should be enough.
👚 Dress respectfully: As a Muslim country, be respectful of local customs by dressing modestly and covering your shoulders and knees. Respectful attire not only honors local customs but also minimizes unwanted attention.
🌙 Avoid walking around late at night: Similar to most cities, it’s advised to avoid walking around late at night. After 10 pm, it’s best to avoid walking around the Medina and major tourist areas, as shops tend to close and streets become quieter.
🚌 Use trusted transportation: Uber is not permitted in Morocco, and although there are other ride-sharing apps available, it’s best not to use them to avoid any issues. Stick with licensed taxis or transportation arranged through your accommodation for safety.
What is the best month to visit Marrakech?
The ideal times to visit Marrakech are spring and autumn. During these seasons, the weather is comfortable and crowds are smaller. Summers can be extremely hot, often resulting in people spending most of their time indoors during the day.
From personal experience, we visited in November and found the temperatures mild, ranging from the mid-teens to 20°C, with cooler mornings and evenings. This allowed us to enjoy our 2 days in Marrakech with just light layers to feel comfortable!
READ MORE: Morocco in November: Travel Tips & What to Expect
Where to stay in Marrakech for the first time?
For a memorable experience, I highly recommend staying in a traditional riad in Marrakech. Riads are historic homes of wealthy merchants or traders with a courtyard, often featuring beautiful decor, gardens, and sometimes a pool. They’re typically located in the Medina, these houses are nowadays can be used as boutique hotels or Airbnbs. They’re absolutely beautiful!
We were lucky enough during our stay in Marrakech to stay in three different riads – there were so many beautiful ones, it was hard to choose! Our personal favorite was Riad Bohemia—its friendly staff, beautiful property, and prime location in the Medina made it a standout!
Is Marrakech expensive?
Marrakech can be quite affordable, especially compared to European destinations. Prices vary depending on the season, with shoulder seasons offering the best deals. You can save on costs by opting for affordable accommodations, eating at local inexpensive restaurants, and enjoying free activities. All things considered, if you are comparing prices to European prices, Marrakech is an affordable destination from my experience!
READ MORE: Morocco Budget Breakdown: How much we spent on a 2-week trip
Tips on Visiting Marrakech
🩺 Don’t forget travel insurance. Being prepared for anything when you’re traveling is never a bad idea. We used SafetyWing Nomad Insurance for our Morocco trip because it was affordable and easy to use. For a full breakdown of their Nomad Insurance, check out my honest review below!
READ MORE: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance: my complete and honest review
💵 Take cash out on your first day. Though I usually avoid airport ATMs, Morocco is a cash-based economy. We withdrew some cash at the airport to cover initial expenses, like tipping our driver. I recommend doing the same to ensure you’re set for your first few hours. Once you’re settled, you can find an ATM in the Medina to withdraw the rest of your cash.
💧 Don’t drink the tap water in Morocco. As a visitor, it’s best to avoid drinking the tap water in Morocco. Locals are used to it, but tourists should stick to filtered or bottled water, even for brushing teeth and consuming ice in drinks. Many riads provided bottled water, but to minimize plastic waste, consider bringing water purification tablets or a bottle with a built-in filter.
🐪 If you have more than 2 days in Marrakech, I cannot recommend visiting the Sahara desert enough! It’s a popular excursion from Marrakech, and if you’re debating it, I highly recommend going—it’s an unforgettable experience. For details on what to expect, how to prepare, and tips for visiting, check out my guide below!
READ MORE: 3-day tour from Marrakech to Merzouga: What is it actually like?
2 days in Marrakech: worth it?
Marrakech turned out to be our favorite city in Morocco. From the energetic atmosphere and stunning architecture to the warm hospitality and mouth-watering cuisine, Marrakech exceeded our expectations. I hope that by following this itinerary and using these tips, you’ll feel the same way about this incredible city.
If Marrakech is just the start of your trip to Morocco, check out my complete 2 week itinerary for first timers to discover how we spent the rest of our time in this amazing country.
Did you know? I offer personalized travel planning services to help you create your dream itinerary! If you’d like expert guidance tailored to your travel style, visit my page on Thatch. I love helping travelers make the most out of their travels and have the most memorable experience possible – I hope I can help you do the same!
