3 days in Marrakech: Stunning Souks, Spas & Sunset Views
It’s weird to think I’ve been in Marrakech for nearly a whole month (I remote work in travel)! And I’m here to pass on my wisdom and the best things you got to do when you have 3 days in Marrakech. This guide is for anyone dreaming of mosaic tiles, mint tea and a little bit of magical chaos. Marrakech is one of those places that hits every sense at once – the sounds, the smells, the colours. Yes, it’s a lot, but in the best way. This 3 Day Marrakech Itinerary is everything I wish I had on my first trip… it’s got the buzzy souks, some seriously relaxing hammam spa time, rooftop cocktails at sunset and even a cheeky little desert escape if you fancy it 🐪
If you’re into slow mornings with fresh orange juice in a riad courtyard, afternoons wandering tiled palaces, and golden hour views with the call to prayer echoing through the medina… you’re in the right place 💫
As always, I like to keep it fun and low-stress – so this guide is super flexible, easy to follow and filled with my personal faves.
This blog post may contain affiliate links.
Quick Mini Guide To Marrakech
Don’t have a lot of time? Here’s a quick mini guide to Marrakech.
Where to stay
- Riad La Kahana – $ from £30pn
- Riad Tamarrakecht – $$
- Riad Botanica – $$$ (pictured)
Best activities
- Quad Biking & dinner in the Agafay desert
- Food tour
- Hot air balloon breakfast
- Ait Ben Haddou & Atlas Mountains
- Ouzoud Waterfalls
Don’t miss
- A hammam experience
- Souk Semmarine
- El Badi Palace
Stay connected
Purchase an eSim with Airalo on your phone – Use discount code A&M3 for $3 off your first purchase.
3 days in Marrakech
Here is literally everything you need to know for your 3 day itinerary!
Where to Stay in Marrakech? hotels vs riads
Honestly, if you’re heading to Marrakech and thinking of booking a hotel… stop.
Don’t stay in a hotel!
Stay in a Riad. These traditional Moroccan homes turned guesthouses are actual hidden gems. From the outside, they’re super unassuming – just plain walls and little doors tucked away in the medina – but once you step inside? Magic. Think intricate zellige tiles, peaceful courtyards with lemon trees, and those dreamy turquoise plunge pools that you’ve 100% seen on Pinterest.
It’s quiet, it’s calm, and the whole vibe makes you feel like you’re staying in someone’s beautiful home rather than a big generic place. Plus, you wake up to birds chirping and fresh mint tea on the rooftop. Hotels just don’t hit the same.
I always recommend riads over hotels – you get more culture, more charm, and a way more intimate experience.
The souks are loud and chaotic, so it’s important to book a riad where it’s peaceful and relaxing. There’s nothing like coming back and sinking into a cool pool in the shade. So worth it. 💦✨
Riads to check out:
- Riad La Kahana – $ from £30pn
- Riad Tamarrakecht – $$ (pictured)
- Riad Botanica – $$$ (pictured)
Tips For First-Timers in Marrakech
If it’s your first time in Marrakech, here’s a little cheat sheet to make things way easier (and way less overwhelming). Because yes, the city is gorgeous and exciting, but it can also be A LOT if you don’t know what to expect.
Haggling is a Sport
In the souks, nothing has a fixed price (unless the shop has signs up saying no haggling). The first number they throw at you is usually wild. Don’t feel bad about negotiating – it’s totally normal here. A good rule? Aim to pay about 30–50% less than the first offer. To be honest, it’s most likely at least 50% higher than they expect you to pay. And don’t be afraid to walk away… they’ll often call you back with a better price within seconds 😅 I fully recommend NOT buying the first item you see. Walk around for a few hours and get a feel for general costs.
What to Wear
Morocco is an islamic country but it is definitely more relaxed than some places. I see women wearing clothes of all sorts; modest to revealing, but it’s still a good shout to dress somewhat respectfully – especially in the medina. And comfy shoes are essential – those cobbled streets are no joke!
Getting Around
Inside the medina, it’s all walking – Google Maps doesn’t always work properly because the alleys are tiny and twisty. If you get lost (which you will), just ask a shopkeeper or someone working in a café – and be polite but firm with anyone who offers to “show you the way” then asks for money. Outside the medina, taxis are easy but always agree the price first or make sure the meter’s on. Taxis from the airport should be around £10-15, or 100-150 dirhams.
Stay Connected – mobile data
Purchase an eSim with Airalo on your phone so you always have data- Use discount code A&M3 for $3 off your first purchase.
Moroccan Currency
- Morocco uses the dirham (MAD) and it’s mostly a cash-friendly place – especially in the medina. Cards are accepted at bigger restaurants and hotels, but for souks, taxis, snacks and tips, you’ll want cash on you.
- 10 dirhams is about €1, $1 USD or 80p.
- Always double check prices and count your change – not in a sketchy way, just… you know, Marrakech can be chaotic 😂
One Last Tip: Bring small change! So many cafés and shops either don’t take cards or say the machine is “broken”… and it’s always handy for tips and street snacks.
It’s one of those cities that makes way more sense once you’re in it – and then suddenly, you’re obsessed.
Where to Eat in Marrakech
There is so much good food in Marrakech – just please don’t let your first taste of Moroccan cuisine be from one of those tourist trap stalls in Jemaa El Fna 🙈 You’ll find way better quality and flavour just a few streets away. Here’s what to look out for, and where I actually ate (and re-ate… a lot). It might be worth booking a food tour if you want to try a bit of everything! I did this and it introduced me to some foods I never would have tried like Moroccan pizza!
Moroccan Dishes you need to try!
- Tagine – Slow-cooked and full of flavour. Chicken with preserved lemon and olives is chef’s kiss
- Couscous – Traditional Friday dish, often with veg and beef
- Mint tea – Sweet, fresh, and comes with flair – they pour it from a height
- Pita breads + dips – Especially with grilled chicken or kefta
- Moroccan salad – Usually served cold, made with tomatoes, cucumber, herbs (do not eat moroccan salad on the main square! Only order this at restaurants with good reviews!)
- Pastilla – Sweet & savoury pastry, often filled with spiced chicken and cinnamon. Sounds odd, tastes amazing.
Restaurants I Loved
Almost EVERY restaurant in Marrakech has a rooftop terrace, but rooftops don’t necessarily mean good food. Sometimes you’re paying for the view and the food is not very good. Always check google reviews.
- Malah Café & Restaurant – Ate here probably 7 times. The chicken pita bread is so good I kept coming back. Also tried the tagine and tabouleh. Super chill and affordable.
- Cafe Restaurant Dar L’hssira – Tucked away gem, really friendly vibes and great portions.
- Dardar Rooftop – Trendy spot with gorgeous sunset views. Good for drinks + a nice dinner.
- Dar Essalam – A little more traditional, with live music and views from the rooftop.
- Cafe Chez Zaza – Try the traditional pastilla here! Perfect after wandering the souks.
Restaurants with entertainment
- Jardins du Lotus – More upmarket, beautiful setting. Great for lunch. Also a great night out!
- Nouba – this restaurant was amazing! An evening of 30+ incredible performances. Dancers, singers, bands, bellydancing, cabaret style performances… you name it!
Cafés + Sweet Stops
- Bacha Coffee – 1920s glam, amazing single origin coffees, book in advance!
- Pâtisserie des Princes – Local favourite for pastries and little sweets. Great for a quick snack.
- Mozaik’ Art, Coffee and Brunch – Loved the matcha latte and their fruit + Nutella crêpes 🥞💚 Super cute and relaxed.
3 Day Marrakech Itinerary
Day 1
Jemaa El Fna Square: The main square
If there’s one place that really sums up Marrakech, it’s this square. Jemaa El Fna is loud, intense, chaotic, a little messy, but honestly kinda amazing. It’s where all the action happens – think snake charmers doing their thing, fresh smoothie stalls lined up in perfect rows, monkeys (which I wasn’t a fan of – dont support animal tourism please!), and the smell of grilled meat hanging in the air.
By day it’s more relaxed, but at night? It explodes. The whole square turns into a street food party. You’ve got musicians, live storytelling, drums, steam rising from tagine stands… it’s chaotic but super fun. I like to grab a spot on one of the rooftop cafés around the edge and just watch the whole thing from above. Sunset views and mint tea? Yes please ☕️🌇
Smoothie tip: Go to the stall on the very west (on the very left) of the square that’s facing south. They face Momo’s restaurant. They ALWAYS made my juices fresh unlike some of the other vendors. Lovely guys and always topped me up with extra smoothie + gave me free tastings whilst my drink was being blended. I ordered mango, nectarine, strawberry and ginger. YUM.
Souk Shopping
The souks are the real heart of Marrakech. Wandering through these market alleys is like stepping into a never-ending maze of colour, scent, noise and surprise purchases you didn’t plan on but suddenly need.
Make sure you explore all corners of Marrakech – go north, south east and west. I really enjoyed wandering around Souk Semmarine, and around Tinman’s Square (aka the Jewish Square) but to be honest… I love all corners!
First things first: that viral Moroccan lipstick? The golden one that magically turns red on your lips? It’s everywhere. And super cheap (around 80p / 1 EUR / 1 USD). Also spotted: big chunky rings, embroidered kaftans, handmade leather bags, baskets, and giant tubs of menthol crystals that literally cleared my entire soul when I sniffed them (honestly not for the faint-hearted 😂). Seriously though, if you have sinus problems, the menthol is the strongest thing in the world and will clear your airways.
But here’s the thing – haggling is 100% expected (unless there are signs on the shops saying ‘no haggle shop’), so don’t be shy. Prices often start high (like €50 for something that ends up being €15). So take your time, shop around, and don’t buy the first thing you see. Even better: do a quick Google search in advance to get a rough idea of what things should cost. It helps so much.
Some of the best finds are off the main drag, so duck down the quieter side alleys – that’s where you’ll usually find the more local vibes and better prices. Just don’t expect to leave without glitter all over you and somehow three new scarves you didn’t know you wanted 🧣✨
Herboristerie Avicenne
If you want to dive into the herbal magic side of Marrakech, Herboristerie Avicenne is the place. It’s tucked away in the medina and feels a bit like walking into an old apothecary – shelves packed with colourful jars, dried herbs, oils, and a tonne of natural remedies that locals actually use. It’s very photogenic!!!
This spot is quite famous – all the celebrities have been photographed here! You’re allowed to take photographs here (unlike most stalls in the souk – they don’t like you taking pictures!). They actually encourage pictures, as long as you tag them on socials.
They’ve got everything from argan oil (real stuff), to rose water, orange blossom spray, and tonnes of teas. Also worth checking out: eucalyptus crystals that’ll clear your sinuses in one sniff and handmade black soap for your hammam-at-home moment.
It’s a bit of a sensory overload but in the best way – and the staff are usually super helpful at explaining what everything does. Definitely a fun stop if you want to take a piece of Morocco home (and not just another magnet).
El Badi Palace & Bahia Palace
They’re both in the same area (about 10 minutes walk south of the main square) so worth doing them both.
El Badi is one of those spots that feels like decrepit grandeur (my favourite thing). It’s mostly in ruins now, but you can still totally imagine how ridiculously lavish it used to be.
What’s left is this huge open courtyard with sunken orange gardens, crumbling red walls, and if you look up… actual storks nesting on the towers. They’re massive. It’s got this peaceful, echoey vibe that’s a nice break from the madness of the medina.
You can climb up to the terrace walls for a really cool view over Marrakech (and let’s be honest, a good photo moment 📸). Not quite as polished as Bahia Palace, but definitely worth a stop, especially if you like ruins with a bit of drama.
Bahia place is an absolute tile masterpiece. Everywhere you look: carved wood ceilings, colourful mosaics, painted doors… it’s all insanely detailed. It’s way more polished than El Badi, and feels like stepping into a sassy Moroccan soap opera set. One of the prettiest spots in the city for sure 💙
Day 2
Jardin Majorelle: The designer gardens
If Marrakech ever feels a bit much (which it will 😂), Jardin Majorelle is the perfect little escape. It’s this dreamy garden once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, filled with towering cacti, banana palms, and the most iconic electric blue villa you’ve definitely seen on Insta.
It’s not massive but you can easily spend 2+ hours here, but every corner is ridiculously pretty – cobalt blue pots, bright yellow accents, koi fish ponds, and shady little paths that feel super peaceful after the buzz of the souks. You can visit the Musée Berbère inside too, or pop into the Yves Saint Laurent museum just next door.
Hot tip: get there right when it opens at 8am. It gets busy and it’s way more enjoyable when it’s quieter and when it’s not blazing hot in the middle of the day. Also wear something cute… the photo ops here are just too good 💙🌿
Bacha Coffee: 1920s parlour
Walking into Bacha Coffee feels like time travelling straight into a fancy 1920s Moroccan café – and not in a cheesy theme-y way, in a this is actually so cool I am speechless kinda way. It’s inside the stunning Dar el Bacha palace, and everything from the moody lighting to the tiled floors and shiny brass coffee pots screams old school glamour.
They’ve got over 200 types of single-origin coffee (which is wild??), served in these fancy little pots with whipped cream and a mini sweet treat on the side. Very extra, very worth it. The pastries are also insane.
I can’t drink caffeine so there’s plenty of decaf options (if that’s for you). They also do tonnes of food and other drinks you can have if you don’t drink coffee.
Tip: book a table in advance! The queue gets ridiculously long and queuing for 2 hours in the Marrakech sun while smelling fresh croissants and coffee 🥲
Ben Youssef Madrasa
This was one of my fave stops in Marrakech – so peaceful compared to the chaos outside. Ben Youssef Madrasa is an old Islamic college and it’s seriously one of the most beautifully designed places in town. Like, every surface is covered in something stunning… carved wood, marble, intricate zellige tiles – it’s ridiculously photogenic from every angle.
You wander through tiny student rooms, open courtyards, and that famous central pool area that reflects all the gorgeous details. It’s got this stillness to it, like the kind of place you just want to sit and soak it all in for a sec.
Go early if you want those quiet moments, but even with people around, it’s still such a vibe. One of those spots that really shows off Moroccan architecture at its best. We managed to get pictures at around 10 or 11am with clever angles.
Hammam Spa
Get ready to be scrubbed within an inch of your life (in a good way).
If you’ve never had a traditional Moroccan hammam before… you’re in for a ride 😂 There are tonnes of different hammam experiences you can book with. I went to Les Bains du Lotus, and it’s part spa, part steam room, part full body exfoliation experience, and honestly? It’s such an experience.
If you go to a more local hammam it is quite the experience. I did it when I was a student and… I honestly don’t know how to explain it. It’s like being stripped naked and scrubbed within an inch of your life, it’s quite funny but not at all like western spa where it’s calming and relaxing. That’s why I recommend somewhere like Les Bains du Lotus because it’s a nice inbetween and there’s definitely a lot more privacy.
The space is super relaxing and pretty, all candlelight and tiled walls with this calming scent floating through the air. First you chill in a steam room until you’re basically softening your skin, then comes the hammam part – a full-body scrub with black soap that leaves you soft like a wet baby seal 🧼✨ We also had a mud mask and various scrubs.
They also do massages and facials, which I 1000% recommend adding on if you’ve just spent hours in the souks. I booked a couples argan oil massage. I came out glowing, hydrated, and I’ll say it again, I felt like a wet baby seal.
Definitely book ahead – they get busy! It’s the perfect self-care moment in between all the rooftop exploring and mint tea sipping.
Day 3
You’re going to need to choose one or the other for these day trips! They are all pretty spectacular and if you have an extra spare day, it’s worth doing it!
Ouzoud Waterfalls
If you want a break from the city heat and souk chaos, Ouzoud Waterfalls is such a good shout. This one is probably my favourite – it’s one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve ver seen. It’s about 2.5 hours from Marrakech and feels like a totally different world – lush green cliffs, misty air, little cafés by the water, and these massive waterfalls crashing down into pools below.
There’s a walking trail that takes you down to the base (it’s a bit steep in parts but manageable), and on the way you’ll probably meet the local monkeys. They’re cute but bold – hide your snacks 😂
At the bottom, you can take a little wooden boat across the water for a closer view or even go for a swim if you’re feeling brave. The water’s cold but super refreshing, especially in summer. And if you stick around, you’ll sometimes catch rainbows forming in the mist – it’s a full on postcard moment 🌈
Wear comfy shoes, bring water, and expect to be tired in the best way after. Great combo of nature, adventure, and cute moments.
Ait Ben Haddou & Atlas Mountains
This one’s a must-do if you’ve got time – a full-day adventure through the Atlas Mountains to Ait Ben Haddou, a crazy beautiful clay village that’s actually a UNESCO World Heritage site. You’ve probably seen it without even realising… it’s been in Gladiator, Game of Thrones, The Mummy – the whole lot. And yep, it looks exactly like it does in the films.
The drive is around 3 hours each way, but honestly the scenery on the way is incredible – winding mountain roads, tiny Berber villages, endless desert views. I stopped a few times in cafes + for photos 📸
Once you arrive, you can wander through the old ksar, climb to the top for a panoramic view, and get a real feel for that ancient Morocco energy. It’s dry, it’s quiet, and it’s kind of surreal. Definitely wear good shoes and bring water – it gets hot, and there’s lots of stairs and uneven paths.
If you’re booking a guided tour, make sure it includes some stops in the Atlas Mountains too – makes the long day so worth it.
Weather in Marrakech
Plan your trip accordingly. Morocco can get super hot in the summer, so best go when the temperature is a bit more bearable! If you do go in summer, plan to be indoors between 3.30-6pm which is when I found it to be hottest. Go out in the morning, explore, then come back to relax!
Morocco Weather in January
- Average temp – 13°C / 55°F
- Average rainy days – 10
- Average sunrise time – 7:10am
- Average sunset time – 5:15pm
Morocco Weather in February
- Average temp – 14°C / 57°F
- Average rainy days – 8
- Average sunrise time – 6:50am
- Average sunset time – 5:45pm
Morocco Weather in March
- Average temp – 16°C / 61°F
- Average rainy days – 7
- Average sunrise time – 7:10am
- Average sunset time – 6:15pm
Morocco Weather in April
- Average temp – 18°C / 64°F
- Average rainy days – 6
- Average sunrise time – 6:30am
- Average sunset time – 6:45pm
Morocco Weather in May
- Average temp – 21°C / 70°F
- Average rainy days – 3
- Average sunrise time – 6:10am
- Average sunset time – 7:10pm
Morocco Weather in June
- Average temp – 25°C / 77°F
- Average rainy days – 1
- Average sunrise time – 6:00am
- Average sunset time – 7:30pm
Morocco Weather in July
- Average temp – 29°C / 84°F
- Average rainy days – 0
- Average sunrise time – 6:10am
- Average sunset time – 7:30pm
Morocco Weather in August
- Average temp – 29°C / 84°F
- Average rainy days – 1
- Average sunrise time – 6:30am
- Average sunset time – 7:10pm
Morocco Weather in September
- Average temp – 26°C / 79°F
- Average rainy days – 3
- Average sunrise time – 6:50am
- Average sunset time – 6:45pm
Morocco Weather in October
- Average temp – 22°C / 72°F
- Average rainy days – 5
- Average sunrise time – 7:10am
- Average sunset time – 6:10pm
Morocco Weather in November
- Average temp – 17°C / 63°F
- Average rainy days – 7
- Average sunrise time – 7:30am
- Average sunset time – 5:40pm
Morocco Weather in December
- Average temp – 14°C / 57°F
- Average rainy days – 9
- Average sunrise time – 7:40am
- Average sunset time – 5:20pm
Looking for some other travel inspo? Have a look below at some of my Europe posts for nearby travel destinations – e.g. Greece, Italy or Malta!
