Marrakesh is a vibrant Moroccan city that truly awakens all five senses. I visited Marrakesh with friends last October, and in this travel guide, I’m sharing our 3-day Marrakesh itinerary — packed with must-see attractions, local experiences, and hidden gems. Known as the “Red City” due to its terracotta-colored buildings, Marrakesh offers a captivating mix of culture, history, and sensory delights.
The city is divided into two main areas: the old city (Medina), a bustling labyrinth of souks and historic landmarks, and the new city (Gueliz), where you’ll find modern hotels, upscale restaurants, luxury boutiques, and nightlife hotspots frequently visited by celebrities.
Although our trip spanned five days, we used the first and last days for travel. So this itinerary covers three full days in Marrakesh, perfect for a short, immersive escape.
Read also: Marrakesh – Tips to Have the Best Experience
🗺️ 3-Day Itinerary Overview
- Day 1: Explore the souks, El Badi Palace, Koutoubia Mosque & Jemaa el-Fna
- Day 2: Visit Majorelle Garden & take a camel ride at sunset
- Day 3: Discover Bahia Palace, Medersa Ben Youssef & sunset at Jemaa el-Fna
Marrakesh Itinerary | Day 1: Souks, El Badi Palace & Jemaa el-Fna Magic
We planned a walking day to explore the nearby highlights of the Medina.
Morning: Souks of Marrakesh
We started the day wandering the famous souks of Marrakesh, vibrant market streets packed with everything from handmade carpets and leather bags to aromatic teas and traditional Moroccan perfumes. The maze-like alleys overflow with colors, textures, and scents — it’s easy to lose track of time here!
Afternoon: Palais El Badi
After lunch, we made our way to the Palais El Badi and took the opportunitiy to explore the streets of Medina. Though now in ruins, this once-grand palace still impresses with its vast courtyards and panoramic city views from its towers. Don’t miss the short video exhibit inside that shows how the palace looked before its fall.
Fun Fact: El Badi Palace was built to commemorate Morocco’s victory over the Portuguese in the Battle of Alcácer Quibir.
Evening: Koutoubia Mosque & Jemaa el-Fna
We continued to the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh’s largest mosque, known for its stunning minaret and surrounding gardens. As non-Muslims aren’t allowed inside, we enjoyed it from the outside.
At sunset, we strolled through the iconic Jemaa el-Fna Square, which completely transforms after dark. Snake charmers, henna artists, storytellers, street musicians, food vendors, and traditional performers turn the square into a magical night market. We soaked it all in before heading back to our riad for dinner and rest.
Marrakesh Itinerary | Day 2: Majorelle Garden & Desert Vibes
Morning: Jardin Majorelle
We took a short bus ride from Jemaa el-Fna (bus lines L4, L11, or L15; tickets cost around €2) to the stunning Majorelle Garden. Designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, this botanical oasis is known for its cobalt blue buildings, exotic plants, and tranquil paths. Visit early to avoid the crowds!
Inside, you’ll also find a boutique, a café, and the Berber Museum, showcasing fashion and artifacts related to Morocco’s indigenous people.
Afternoon to Evening: Desert Experience & Camel Ride
After a quick return to the Medina and a bit more souk browsing, we prepared for one of the highlights of our trip: a camel ride and traditional Moroccan dinner in the desert.
Now, I have to be honest — I can’t really say we went to the desert in the classic sense. It wasn’t the Sahara with sweeping sand dunes and golden waves of fine sand. Instead, it was a rocky plateau landscape, located far enough from the city to feel remote, but still accessible within a few hours. It’s a popular option for those short on time.
A true desert trip involves spending the night near the desert’s gates, which typically means two full days of travel. Since our itinerary was only three days long, this experience was the best way to get a feel for the desert without committing to the full journey.
We booked the excursion through our riad, and as a nice surprise, the guide offered us an optional jeep tour before the camel ride. It was an unforgettable adventure! Once we mounted our camels, we rode off into the sunset. I was a bit nervous at first, but quickly adapted and ended up loving the ride.
The silence, the light, and the feeling of being away from everything created an atmosphere that’s hard to put into words. After the ride, we gathered for a delicious Moroccan dinner and a lively cultural show with music and traditional dancing under the stars.
Marrakesh Itinerary | Day 3: Palaces, Gardens & Sunset Views
Morning: Palais de la Bahia
We kicked off our final day at the Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture filled with intricate tile work and beautifully designed courtyards. Though some sections are under restoration, the preserved details are truly mesmerizing.
Midday: Medersa Ben Youssef & Le Jardin Secret
We passed by Fonte Chouf on our way to Medersa Ben Youssef, a former Islamic school known for its stunning interior and historical importance.
After lunch, we visited Le Jardin Secret, a peaceful garden oasis hidden right in the heart of the Medina. True to its name, this serene escape is completely tucked away from the hustle outside.
Evening: Sunset at Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier
For our final Marrakesh sunset, we climbed to the terrace of Le Grand Balcon du Café Glacier, overlooking the bustling Jemaa el-Fna Square. From here, the view of the sun setting between the Koutoubia Mosque and the garden-filled skyline was breathtaking.
After sunset, we descended into the square one last time for dinner and more local experiences before heading back to our riad.
I returned home with a suitcase full of memories from a city that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Marrakesh dazzles with its colors, scents, textures, and cultural richness. While some moments felt like culture shock, they quickly turned into a beautiful appreciation of Moroccan hospitality
Travel Tip: Avoid taking photos of locals without permission — they really dislike it!
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