Marrakech in 2 Days - Itinerary & Things to Do

🤩 My reflection

I found Marrakech a very lively city, which was swarming with tourists when we were there, so in that sense it felt quite different from Fez. Although it doesn’t have any connection to the sea, I still felt that relaxed, almost coastal vibe you usually get in seaside cities. And there was a lot to see. The range of sights goes from historic landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque to the legacy of Yves Saint Laurent in the city. There are also surprising green spaces hidden within the maze of the medina, like Le Jardin Secret. So it really felt like a mix of very different experiences. And honestly, after watching Inventing Anna, I was very curious about what the deal was with Jardin Majorelle that Rachel kept talking about (iykyk). Our visit was nowhere near as luxurious as theirs, but luckily also didn’t have the same unpleasant ending.

In this guide, you’ll find a 2-day Marrakech itinerary, including must-see sights, must-eat food, and practical travel tips.

✍🏻 Itinerary

The order of each day is designed as a walking route, so you can follow it directly.

Day 1

• Bahia Palace – early morning visit (best before crowds); ornate courtyards, tilework, and palace gardens

• The Mellah – historic Jewish quarter with synagogues, old streets, and a quieter traditional neighborhood feel

• Badi Palace – massive ruined palace complex with open courtyards and stork nests; best as a short walk-through and viewpoint stop

• Saadian Tombs – beautifully decorated royal tomb complex from the Saadian dynasty (ticket required, limited hours, closes early afternoon)

• Bab Agnaou – historic gateway into the old city and Kasbah district, one of Marrakech’s most important medieval entrances

• Kasbah Quarter – quieter historic district with old royal and military architecture, less chaotic than central souks

• Koutoubia Mosque – Marrakech’s most iconic landmark with its famous minaret

• Medina (Old Town exploration) – wandering through artisan streets, hidden alleys, and traditional souk areas

• Jemaa el-Fnaa – main square of Marrakech with street food, performers, and constant evening energy

• Souk Semmarine – main artery of the Marrakech souks filled with spices, textiles, leather, and crafts

Dinner at Le Jardin – calm garden restaurant inside the medina, good contrast to the chaos of the souks

Day 2

Morning:

• Jardin Majorelle – iconic blue garden designed by Jacques Majorelle

• Yves Saint Laurent Museum – fashion museum next to Majorelle dedicated to Yves Saint Laurent

Afternoon:

Break at Bacha Coffee – famous historic café inside Dar El Bacha known for its elegant courtyard and specialty Arabica coffees

• Le Jardin Secret – restored riad garden in the medina offering peaceful greenery and architecture

• Ben Youssef Madrasa – one of the most beautiful Islamic schools in Morocco, famous for its geometric design and courtyard

Dinner at L’Mida / M Rooftop – modern rooftop dining with views over the medina, ideal sunset dinner spot

What to Eat in Morocco

• Tagine – Slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, prepared in a traditional clay pot (I tried this)

• Mint tea – Sweet green tea with fresh mint, served as a symbol of Moroccan hospitality (I tried this)

• Kefta tagine – Meatballs cooked in a rich tomato sauce, often topped with eggs (I tried this)

• Msemen – Flaky, square Moroccan pancake, crispy outside and soft inside, served sweet or savory (I tried this)

• Harira – Hearty soup with lentils, chickpeas, tomatoes, and herbs, especially popular during Ramadan (I tried this)

• Couscous – Steamed semolina grains topped with vegetables, chickpeas, and meat, traditionally eaten on Fridays (I tried this)

• Zaalouk – Smoky eggplant and tomato dip with garlic, olive oil, and spices, served with bread (I tried this)

• Pastilla – Sweet and savory pie made with thin pastry, filled with meat, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar (I tried this)

• Brochettes – Grilled meat skewers, commonly sold as street food (I tried this)

• Berber omelet – Eggs cooked with tomatoes, onions, and spices, served in a tagine (I tried this)

• Nous nous – Half espresso, half milk, similar to a latte (I tried this)

• Moroccan spiced coffee – Coffee flavored with spices like cinnamon and cardamom

• Mechoui – Slow-roasted lamb, tender and lightly seasoned

• Ktefa – Dessert made with crispy pastry or vermicelli, layered with cream and topped with sugar and almonds

• Fish chermoula – Fish marinated in a mix of herbs, garlic, lemon, and spices, then grilled or baked

📢 Essential tips

Here’s everything you need to plan your 2 days in Marrakech:

Best time to visit Marrakech

The best time to visit Marrakech is in spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November), when the weather is warm but manageable for exploring the city.

How to pay in Morocco

It’s required to have cash and good to have local currency. Euros are sometimes accepted, but the exchange rate is usually not in your favor. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, airports, and nicer restaurants, but in the medinas and street shops, cash is essential.

How safe it feels in Marrakech

I felt quite safe in Marrakech, as there are many tourists and the main streets are very lively both day and night, so the crowd is very mixed in gender, origin, and clothing. I didn’t feel like I was standing out as much as I did in Fez or Casablanca. So overall, Marrakech felt pretty safe to me.

What to wear in Marrakech

Depends on when you go, Moroccan cities can get very hot. But at the same time, it’s a Muslim country, so it’s better to respect local norms and dress somewhat modestly. This can also matter when visiting religious sites. I usually opted for pants (like thin jeans or lightweight trousers) and a regular short-sleeve t-shirt. On days when I planned to visit a mosque, I also carried a scarf to easily cover my head and shoulders.

Where to stay in Marrakech

We booked a riad through Booking.com (please check the links below). We were very happy with our accommodation, so you can go ahead with it if you like. But honestly, many riads are both amazing in terms of service and aesthetically very pleasing.

🔗 All travel links

Accommodation:

Dar Attajmil - You can book here

Tours:

Marrakech walking tour - You can book here

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