Visit Marrakech in 3 days - Must-sees
Marrakech is a fascinating city in southwest Morocco, renowned for its traditional architecture, world heritage, rich culture and history, and warm, dry climate. It is considered one of Morocco's most popular tourist destinations. Let's take a look at how to make the most of a three-day trip to Marrakech.
Your 1st day in Marrakech
If you're arriving on the same day, between customs at the airport and your arrival at Riad Dar Chibania, chances are you won't have time to do all these activities on your first day. Don't worry, it's all in the past!
Start with the Bahia Palace
The Palais de la Bahia is a historic palace in the heart of Marrakech, renowned for its remarkable architecture and decoration. This magnificent garden, with its sumptuous patios and Islamic gardens, is a true masterpiece.
Opening hours: Generally open every day from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm, except Fridays (9:00 am to 11:30 am).
Prices: Approximately 10 Moroccan dirhams per person.
Guided tour: Local guides offer enriching tours in several languages.
Practical tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat of the afternoon.
Continue to Place Jemaa El Fna
Place Jemaa El Fna is one of the jewels in Marrakech's historic center. Known for its lively atmosphere, it attracts thousands of visitors every day. You'll find food stalls offering local specialties, snake charmers, dancers, storytellers and much more.
So take a break for a bite to eat
Marrakech is a gourmet city! Discover these top restaurants:
La Table de Marrakech: Modern, creative Moroccan cuisine.
Le Jardin Secret: Located in a historic district, this restaurant offers traditional cuisine.
Nomad: A blend of Moroccan flavors and modern culinary techniques.
Al Fassia: Moroccan culinary institution.
Le Comptoir Darna: Festive atmosphere and oriental dance shows.
Continue with Majorelle Garden and Yves Saint Laurent Museum
The Jardin Majorelle is an exotic garden created by Jacques Majorelle. It is famous for its Islamic garden, its water basins and its emblematic Majorelle blue. Nearby, the Musée Yves Saint Laurent offers temporary exhibitions highlighting the couturier's work.
The Majorelle Garden
The Jardin Majorelle is a peaceful, colorful botanical garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s and 1930s. It's famous for its shady walkways, water basins, exotic plants and walls painted in Majorelle's distinctive, intense blue. The garden was purchased by the famous couturier Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé in 1980, who set about restoring and protecting it. Today, it is open to the public and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum
It is close to the Jardin Majorelle. It was created to pay tribute to the life and work of the famous French couturier. The museum features a collection of clothes, accessories and fashion designs created by Yves Saint Laurent throughout his career. Visitors can see iconic pieces such as the saharienne, the Mondrian dress and the women's tuxedo. The museum also features a research library, auditorium and gift store.
By visiting the Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, you can learn more about the history of Marrakech and Moroccan art and fashion.
A little Rooftop Break?
Take advantage of Marrakech's best rooftops to sip a mint tea or a fruit juice:
Le Café des Épices: View of the Place des épices.
La Terrasse des Épices: Panoramic view of the medina.
Le Kosy Bar: breathtaking views of the Atlas Mountains.
Le Bô & Zin: A chic, romantic atmosphere.
But on your hard day exploring Marrakech it's time for a coffee, or maybe you prefer tea?
The Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque, a masterpiece of Hispano-Moorish architecture, is one of Marrakech's most emblematic buildings. Its 77-meter minaret lights up the city at nightfall.
Built in the 12th century under the Almohad dynasty, the Koutoubia Mosque is also known as the Mosque of the Booksellers, as it was surrounded by numerous book merchants.
The mosque is famous for its 77-meter-high minaret, the tallest building in Marrakech. It is adorned with intricate geometric patterns and elegant Arabic calligraphy. The minaret is also equipped with lamps that light up at night, creating an emblematic image of Marrakech.
The interior of the Koutoubia Mosque is equally impressive, with a large prayer hall decorated with marble and mosaics. The ceiling is adorned with finely carved and painted woodwork, while the walls are covered with intricate patterns.
It is a symbol of Moroccan history and culture, and is still an important place of prayer for the people of Marrakech.
Your second day in Marrakech
It would be a shame to travel to Morocco and not appreciate all the wonderful places the country has to offer.
Discover the Ourika Valley, an exceptional natural setting just 30 kilometers from Marrakech. Discover sublime landscapes, waterfalls and authentic Berber villages. Don't miss the Setti Fatma waterfall, a must-see.
Incredible places are only a few hours away from the Marrakech medina by car, such as the Ourika Valley, which we suggest you discover on your second day.
The Ourika Valley is a mountainous region about 30 kilometers south of Marrakech, Morocco. The valley is renowned for its natural beauty, picturesque scenery and spectacular waterfalls, making it a popular tourist destination.
To visit the Ourika Valley, we recommend a day trip from Marrakech.
You can take a cab, hire a car or join an organized tour. Cabs are available from the Marrakech bus station and the journey takes around 45 minutes. Renting a car is also a popular option, especially if you want to explore the area at your own pace. If you prefer an organized tour, there are many travel agencies in Marrakech offering day trips to the Ourika Valley.
Once there, you can enjoy the natural beauty of the valley by hiking in the surrounding mountains or visiting traditional Berber villages. You can also take a 4×4 or camel ride to explore the surrounding area.
The Ourika Valley is also famous for its waterfalls, in particular the Setti Fatma waterfall, one of the most famous in the region. You can get there by walking along a hiking trail, which takes you through the mountains to the waterfall.
The weekly market in the Ourika Valley is also a popular attraction for visitors. The market takes place every Monday and offers an opportunity to discover the culture and daily life of the valley's inhabitants.
Practical tips: It's advisable to wear comfortable shoes for hiking, and to bring water and a snack for long walks. If you want to swim in the Setti Fatma waterfall, don't forget your bathing suit and a towel.
The Ourika Valley is an ideal destination for those looking to explore Morocco's natural beauty and culture.
Your last day in Marrakech
On your last day in Marrakech, it's time to stock up on souvenirs for your friends and family, and above all, take care of yourself.
Visit the Marrakech souk
The Marrakech souk is one of Morocco's most famous and liveliest markets. Located in the city's historic medina, it extends over a vast network of alleyways, stalls and stores selling a variety of traditional handicrafts.
Marrakech's souk is divided into different districts, each specializing in a particular type of product.
For example, the carpet district offers a wide variety of handmade Moroccan rugs, while the pottery district is famous for its colorful and decorative pottery.
The jewelry district is also very popular, offering traditional Moroccan silver and gold jewelry encrusted with precious stones.
Marrakech's souk is also famous for its intoxicating smells and delicious food. Visitors can sample a variety of local dishes, such as tajine and pastilla, or refresh themselves with a glass of mint tea.
Souvenirs of your trip
- Rugs and weavings - Marrakech is famous for its handmade rugs and textiles, which are crafted in bright colors and intricate patterns.
- Pottery - Marrakech's potters create beautifully decorated pieces, from tableware to clay lamps.
- Jewelry - Traditional Moroccan jewelry is often adorned with colorful stones and intricate geometric patterns.
- Spices - Spices are an important part of Moroccan cuisine, and you can find a wide variety of fresh and dried spices in the souks of Marrakech.
- Lanterns - Moroccan perforated metal lanterns are a popular souvenir, and you can find a wide variety of sizes and styles.
- Leather - Marrakech is also known for its leather goods, such as bags, shoes and soft leather jackets.
- Argan - Argan oil is produced from the nuts of the argan tree, which grows only in the Marrakech region. You can find pure argan oil and other argan-based cosmetics in the city's souks.
Moroccan Massages
Morocco, and Marrakech in particular, is famous for its massages. Argan oil and ancestral know-how are the two secrets of the well-being provided by massages at Marrakech institutes.
There's nothing like a good massage before returning to the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Dar Chibania advises you :
- Les Bains de Marrakech: Located in the medina of Marrakech, this establishment offers traditional Moroccan massages and hammam treatments.
- Spa MK: Located in a former palace, this spa offers a range of massages and wellness treatments, including Thai, Swedish and Ayurvedic massages.
- La Sultana Spa: This spa offers a range of wellness treatments, including massages, facials and body treatments, in an elegant, refined setting.
- Les Jardins de la Medina: This traditional riad in Marrakech's medina features a spa offering massages, facials and body treatments in a peaceful setting.
- Royal Mansour Spa: This luxurious spa offers a range of wellness treatments, including massages, facials and body treatments, in an elegant and sophisticated setting.
And if you don't feel like wandering around the medina in search of a massage center, there's no need to leave your Riad. Dar Chibania, your Riad in Marrakech, offers a wide range of massages for your comfort.
We sincerely hope that your stay in Marrakech has been a success and that you leave with postcard-perfect memories. Between the modern district, the shopping mall, the royal palaces, the beautiful gardens and the world heritage, Marrakech will seduce you with its cultural richness and warm hospitality.