Exploring Marrakech: A Perfect 2 Day Itinerary
Looking for the best way to spend 2 days in Marrakech, including an awesome itinerary? Here’s one based on my personal experience!
To this day, Morocco is by far one of my favorite places I’ve ever been – and Marrakech my favorite city in the country, so I’m so excited to share this 2 days in Marrakech itinerary with you.
During my first visit to Morocco, I spent 2 days in Marrakech, in addition to visiting Casablanca, Fes, and Rabat. Each city had a different feel, and there were special things I loved about each.
What’s really cool about Marrakech is how it blends old and new together seamlessly. You’ve got ancient traditions mingling with modern vibes everywhere you look. And don’t even get me started on the medina! It’s like a maze of excitement with lively markets and bustling squares.
Seriously, if you’re into soaking up Moroccan culture in all its glory, Marrakech is the place to be.
Only have a little time right now? Check out my favorite recommendations here:
- Grab a guide and explore the Medina. Make sure you bring your carrier bags, since plastic bags are not provided.
- Visit Bahia Place, El Badi Palace, and the Jewish Quarter.
- Experience the Majorelle Garden and take a classic camel ride
- Grab some authentic Moroccan cuisine at a stunning rooftop restaurant.
Day 1 of Your 2 Days in Marrakech: Exploring the Medina
I spent my first day in Marrakech inside the medina, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you only have 2 days in Marrakech, that’s what I recommend for you too. That will help you dive all the way into the Moroccan culture.
You’ve probably heard the phrase ‘medina’ in your research of Morocco. But in case you don’t know what they are, let me explain. A medina is an old, historic town within the larger city.
Many, many cities in Morocco have medinas, and the one in Marrakech is one of the most famous.
Honestly, it’s my favorite of the ones I visited. It was wide open and though filled with people, it wasn’t overwhelming like some others, and it felt very easy to get around in. And the shopping was incredible – and this comes from a non-shopper.
I definitely went overboard on the leather goods in the tanneries, as well as the beautiful, brightly colored traditional clothing.
Consider a Getting a Guide
While the Marrakech medina is less intimidating than some of the others (I’m looking at you Fes!), I still do recommend that you book a guide for at least a portion of your time inside the medina. You can certainly be content wandering through the square and narrower streets on your own and stumbling upon interesting finds.
But a guide such as one from Get Your Guide will teach you the history of what you’re seeing and experiencing, guide you towards the nightly entertainment, make sure that you sample the traditional foods (and explain what they are), direct you to the must see venues and attractions, and so much more.
If you do decide to do it on your own, then I recommend finding a paper map (at least as a backup), as the maps on your phone aren’t always accurate. At minimum, be sure to download a map onto your phone for offline use so you have something in case the cellular connectivity is limited where you are.
A. Morning: Breakfast w/ recommendations – Koutoubia Mosque – Bab Agnaou
1. While you will definitely have access to tasty treats throughout your day in the medina, you’ll want to make sure you start off right with a breakfast that gives you the energy you need to handle all of the walking you’ll do today.
Start your first morning in Marrakech with a traditional breakfast of pancakes with apricot jam, fried eggs, olives, traditional baklava, fresh-squeezed orange juice and freshly brewed mint tea.
Or consider starting your day with some French pastries. Whichever you choose, make sure you top it off with traditional Moroccan mint tea.
Breakfast recommendation: Fine Mama. A great option for this first breakfast in Marrakech is ‘Fine? Mama’ restaurant (translated as Where’s Mama)
Bonus, it’s easier to find than some other spots inside the medina – just a short walk from the main square, without the need to wind your way through the maze of the souks.
Breakfast recommendation: Pâtisserie Amandine If you haven’t already noticed, you will soon, that Morocco has very heavy French influences. And Pâtisserie Amandine is a great example of that. Located at 6 Rue de la Liberté, Marrakech, Amandine offers a mouthwatering selection of French and Moroccan pastries.
Koutoubia Mosque
2. Once you’ve gotten your fill, head over to the Koutoubia Mosque and gardens. Koutoubia is Marrakech’s largest mosque. And that makes it hard to miss! Just look for the extremely tall mosque tower, standing at 252 feet tall.
The history behind the Koutoubia Mosque is pretty fascinating. It was built in the 12th century, and was a symbol of power for the ruling dynasty. The architecture is absolutely stunning.
Once you’re inside, you’re blown away by the beauty. There’s a very large prayer hall with intricate tilework and gorgeous arches—it’s like stepping into a whole new world.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out the courtyard, it’s so peaceful.
What to wear: While there is no strict dress code, keep it respectful. You’ll want to cover up a bit, especially if you’re planning to go inside. But don’t worry, you don’t need anything fancy. Just make sure your shoulders and knees are covered, and you’re good to go.
Why you should visit: Well, aside from its historical significance, the Koutoubia Mosque is just plain stunning. The architecture, the atmosphere—it’s all so mesmerizing. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about Moroccan culture and religion.
Bab Agnaou Gate
While in the medina, walk towards the southern section (near the Kasbah district) where you will find the Bab Agnaou Gate. It’s one of the nineteen gates of the historical city walls.
Bab Agnaou is a remarkable historical monument that dates back to the 12th century. It’s one of the oldest gates in Marrakech and holds significant historical importance as part of the city’s defensive walls.
The gate is renowned for its stunning architecture, characterized by intricate carvings and ornate design elements. Seeing it in person allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship and detail up close.
The gate and its surroundings offer excellent photo opportunities. and provides a picturesque backdrop for capturing memories of your visit to Marrakech.
B. Afternoon: Medina Shopping – Bahia Palace – Ben Youssef Madrasa – El Badi Palace – Saadian Tombs – Jewish Quarter
1. Spend the first part of your afternoon shopping for items you won’t find exactly like them anywhere else. Stroll through the souks and shop for traditional Moroccan goods. Bargain for spices, textiles, ceramics, and more in Marrakech’s bustling markets, where you’ll find treasures around every corner.
You can do this on your own of course, but consider a guided shopping tour like this one. The folks at Get Your Guide will tailor the shopping experience to your needs, which is ideal if you promised yourself you’d pick up a specific item to commemorate your trip (for me it was Moroccan argan oil for my hair).
Part of the “fun” of shopping in the medina is the price haggling. I put fun in quotes because for me, it actually isn’t a whole lot of fun. But it is generally expected, otherwise as a tourist, you’ll often be overcharged.
You can check with your hotel or your guide (if you have one) if you want to get a sense of a reasonable price to pay for certain items, so you can figure out if you’re being overcharged and need to haggle down the price.
Bahia Palace
2. Once your shopping is done – and you’ve deposited your new treasures back at your hotel or riad and taken another mint tea break – Bahia Palace is your next must-see spot in Marrakech.
Getting there is pretty easy if you’re strolling around the Medina. Just keep an eye out for signs or ask a local, and you’ll find your way.
Bahia Palace was built back in the late 19th century and was once home to Moroccan royalty. It was conceived by a high-ranking official who wanted to make it the most beautiful palace ever. I think he nailed it!
Once you step inside, you’ll be blown away. The architecture is just jaw-dropping, with intricate carvings, colorful tiles, and beautiful gardens. In many ways, it’s like something out of a fairy tale.
Why you should visit: The Bahia Palace is a glimpse into Morocco’s rich history and culture. Plus, it’s a peaceful oasis away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The Palace offers a glimpse into the opulent lives of the past rulers.
While in the medina, also look out for:
-the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a historic Islamic college located in the heart of the medina and situated near the Ben Youssef Mosque.
-El Badi Palace ruins, once a symbol of power and wealth for the sultan Ahmed al-Mansur
-the Saadian Tombs, built in the 16th century as the final resting place for members of the Saadian dynasty, who ruled over Morocco at the time
-Jewish Quarter, where you’ll learn about the history of Marrakech’s Jewish community, see firsthand the unique architecture and traditions that have shaped the area over the centuries, and taste Morrocan-Jewish cuisine.
Make sure you bring cash – dirhams – into the medina if you plan to shop. Credit and debit cards are not often accepted in the medina.
C. Evening: Dinner w/ recommendations – Jemaa el-Fnaa square
1. As the sun goes down in on the first of your 2 days in Marrakech, the excitement turns up. Especially in Jemaa el-Fnaa square. I suggest starting you evening off with dinner at a rooftop restaurant where you can relax and regain your energy for the night’s activities, while overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa square and enjoying more of that incredible Moroccao cuisine.
Rooftop Dinner recommendations
Recommendation: Marrakech Henna Art Cafe. This cafe is not only conveniently located right inside the medina, with a rooftop view and an incredible menu catering to a variety of diets, but also it is a one stop shop if your Marrakech plans also include getting a traditional henna tattoo.
Recommendation: Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier. Here you will get one of the best views of the square as it transforms from day to night. It’s right in the heart of the action, so you can soak up the lively atmosphere of Marrakech while you dine.
Of course, because of its location and incredible views, it is extremely popular with tourists. You’ll most likely have a wait here, so this is not the place for you if you are in a rush.
You’ll pay a small amount to enter and the variety is not as extensive as you’ll find at other cafes in the area. But the view more than makes up for it, so strive for a table near the railing.
Recommendation: Café de France in Jemaa el-Fnaa. If you want great views, but with less hustle and bustle, I recommend Café de France in Jemaa el-Fnaa. This cafe has several terraces and a wide menu of traditional Moroccan dishes.
Time your visit to these restaurants so you can experience an incredible Morocco sunset from the rooftop.
Jemaa el-Fnaa square
2. After dinner, head down into Jemaa el-Fnaa square to join in the fun as the square comes alive with street performers, musicians, and storytellers, creating an unforgettable experience.
Jemaa el-Fnaa has been the main square of Marrakech for centuries. It used to be a bustling marketplace where traders from all over would come to sell their goods. These days, it’s still a hive of activity, with street performers, food stalls, and vendors selling all kinds of goodies.
Once you step inside, it’s like stepping into a whole new world. There’s so much to see and do! You can sample all sorts of tasty treats from the food stalls, watch mesmerizing performances by snake charmers and storytellers, or even get a henna tattoo.
People love Jemaa el-Fnaa because it’s so vibrant and alive. It’s like a feast for the senses—there’s so much going on, you’ll never get bored! Plus, it’s a great place to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture and see how the locals live.
Now, there are a few things to keep in mind when you visit. It can get pretty crowded, especially in the evenings, so just be prepared to navigate through the crowds. Also, watch out for pickpockets—they can be sneaky!
Marrakech is generally safe. But it’s still a big city. And in a crowded square like Jemaa el-Fnaa, it shouldn’t be a surprise that you should be careful with your belongings, particularly from pickpockets.
Handling Jemaa el-Fnaa square
Also be aware that nothing is being offered for free – if someone is offering to let you take a picture with a snake or monkey (even with your own phone or camera), you will be expected to pay for that.
Negotiate beforehand or you’ll find yourself being asked a for a ridiculous amount of money.
Also note that you can sometimes expect to be pursued aggressively to buy something, especially if you’ve expressed some interest in it.
For me, a firm ‘No thanks’ and my patented resting bitch face is often enough to dissuade too much further back and forth once I’ve made up my mind to move on.
And I’ve had to teach my teen daughter to develop the same for these situations, too, because weirdly they will sometimes try to convince her to buy once they know they aren’t getting through to me.
But what I’ve described here is not much different than what I’ve experienced in NYC or Philadelphia – it’s just all part of visiting a large, bustling city with tons of vendors and tourists.
If you are super-concerned, make sure you get travel insurance. (You probably should have it anyway.)
Despite the crowds and the hustle and bustle (or because of them!), Jemaa el-Fnaa is totally worth visiting (even with the minor inconveniences).
It’s an experience like no other, and you’ll come away with memories that’ll last a lifetime!
Day 2 of Your 2 Days in Marrakech: Discovering Marrakech’s Attractions
A. Morning 2 – Hot Air Balloon Ride – Camel Ride – Majorelle Garden – Berber Museum
High Energy Morning
Today you can choose your own adventure to start off the day. If your first night in Marrakech has you excited and upbeat to start off your second day with high-energy, then read on. If you’d prefer something more relaxed today, scroll on down to the next section.
Consider a tour that packs in some of the best of Marrakech in half a day. This will be a very early start, but well worth it!
You’ll get up early in order to see the sunrise from a hot air balloon. You’ll get to see the Atlas Mountains, a massive mountain range that stretches across Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This would otherwise be a full day trip from Marrakech so to get to see these incredible mountains from above in a less than half day trip, is perfect.
What I like about a tour like this is that it’s four experiences in one (5 if you include the ATV ride to the balloon launch site). You’ll enjoy an exhilarating (or scary but fun, depending on how you look at it) hot air balloon ride; see the sunset come up over the Atlas Mountains, ride a camel in the desert and enjoy a traditional Berber breakfast.
All before noon.
Relaxed Morning
However, if none of that is your cup of (mint) tea, here are other activities you can do during the second day of your 2 days in Marrakech itinerary.
After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at a traditional Moroccan bakery or café, sampling freshly baked bread, pastries, and aromatic coffee, explore Majorelle Garden.
Majorelle Garden was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. He filled the garden with all sorts of exotic plants and vibrant colors, and it’s been a beloved spot ever since. The Garden was purchased by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980, and the garden continues to flourish.
Once you step inside, you’ll be blown away by the beauty. There are these lush gardens filled with cacti, palm trees, and all sorts of other cool plants. Plus, there’s this stunning blue villa that’s like something out of a fairy tale!
Why you should visit: Besides being absolutely gorgeous, the Majorelle Garden is a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. It’s the perfect place to relax, unwind, and take in the beauty of nature. Plus, it’s a great spot to take some really beautiful photos to commemorate your time in Marrakech.
In order to make the best use of your time, be sure to reserve your online ticket for the Garden beforehand.
While inside the ground of the Majorelle Garden, be sure to visit the Berber Museum. This museum is a cultural institution dedicated to showcasing the history, art, and traditions of the Berber people, an indigenous ethnic group of North Africa.
Inside the museum, visitors can explore exhibits that highlight various aspects of Berber culture, including traditional clothing, jewelry, tools, artifacts, and artworks. The displays provide insights into the history, customs, and daily life of the Berber people, showcasing their cultural heritage spanning centuries.
The museum aims to preserve and promote Berber culture, offering visitors a deeper understanding and appreciation of this important ethnic group in Morocco and the wider North African region.
B. Afternoon: Hammam Experience w/ recommendation – Ensemble Artisanal
Now get ready to unwind and relax like never before.
Enjoy involving a traditional hammam experience, which involves a series of cleansing rituals, including steam baths, exfoliation, and massages.
You’ll start by soaking in a steamy room to open up your pores and relax your muscles. Then, a skilled attendant will use a special scrubbing glove called a kessa to gently exfoliate your skin, leaving it soft and smooth.
After that, you might get treated to a soothing massage using fragrant oils or traditional Moroccan black soap. It’s seriously heavenly!
If you’re staying in a riad, you likely have access to a hammam there. Otherwise, consider Heritage Spa.
After this experience, head over to Ensemble Artisanal near the medina, where you can indulge in some serious shopping! Take your time exploring the stalls and admiring the handmade crafts and goods, including colorful textiles and intricate pottery to stunning jewelry and leather goods. Seriously, you could spend hours browsing through all the unique finds!
One of the best things about Ensemble Artisanal is that everything is made by local artisans. So you know you’re getting something truly authentic. Plus, it’s a great way to support the local community and take home a piece of Moroccan culture with you.
C. Evening: Dinner
On your last night in Marrakech, enjoy another dinner at a traditional local restaurant. If you haven’t already had a traditional tagine, now is the time! Other options include couscous and grilled meats infused with a myriad of spices.
Conclusion – 2 Days in Marrakech
So, hopefully by now you’ve seen that Marrakech is a magical place that’s just waiting for you to explore. It has an incredible mix of old and new that’ll totally capture your attention. Trust me, you’ll be in for an adventure that’ll make your senses go wild and leave you totally in love with the city!
Whether you’re wandering around its windy narrow streets, trying out all the incredible food, or just soaking in the lively vibes, Marrakech is all about discovering new things and feeling totally enchanted.
Once there, you will wish you had more than 2 days, but you’ll absolutely get a great sense of this city.
Additional Questions
Is two days in Marrakech enough?
I do think that once you start to experience all that Marrakech to has to offer, you’ll wish you had another day or two. Still, as you can see from what I described below, you can absolutely have a wonderful experience and get a great sense of the city if you only have 2 days to spend.
Where to go in Morocco for two days?
Whenever I’m asked this question, I recommend Marrakech. As I said earlier, it is my favorite city in Morocco. Besides, because Marrakech airport is so convenience to the city, you can maximize your time exploring, and limit the amount of time you are in transit. That’s especially important if you only have two days. You can also consider Fes, Rabat and Tangier.
Have longer than 2 days? Consider Marrakech Day Trips
Visit the famous Casablanca. It is where the famous movie of the same name is set.
Take a Day Trip to Essaouira, a coastal town where you can enjoy beach relaxation and seafood dining
Visit and hike the Atlas Mountains
There are several awesome beaches near Marrakech that are also worth the visit. You can learn about those here.
When to visit Marrakech
The best time to visit Marrakech depends on your preferences and what you want to experience. Marrakech has a hot semi-arid climate, with hot summers and mild winters.
I’m definitely a ‘summer person’ myself, and generally I like the heat. I visited Marrakech in June, a time of year when temperatures often exceed 100°F (38°C) during the day. While I was there, though, temperatures never got higher than in the 90s so it definitely depends.
Even if you’re not as much of a summer person as I am, one thing I think is really worth bringing into the mix when considering that time of year are the crowds. Because it was summer, it was less crowded than during other times of year.
Overall, I would say that for most people, the best time to visit Marrakech is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is most pleasant for exploring the city and its surroundings. However, if you prefer warmer weather and don’t mind the heat, summer can also be a good time to visit, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time in the pool or indoors.
Has Marrakech recovered from the 2023 the earthquake
While Morocco endured a significant earthquake in September 2023, the country is recovering nicely. Even in the immediate aftermath of the quake, the country was encouraging tourists to visit, both as a show of moral support, as well as because the country is reliant on tourism to support its economy.
The medina and many of the buildings in Marrakesh are historic. They experienced the power of the earthquake more profoundly than other areas. However, the area is largely rebuilt and filled with tourists again.