3-day itinerary
Marrakech in 3 days: the perfect weekend itinerary
Marrakech in 3 days requires a pace that respects the heat and chaos. This route lets you fully experience the medina without burning out, with one day in the Atlas Mountains for cool relief.
Day 1: Medina, souks, Djemaa el-Fna
Morning
Breakfast on your riad rooftop. Then walk to Djemaa el-Fna square (pre-11am while it's calm). Visit Koutoubia Mosque (exterior only; non-Muslims can't enter).
Afternoon
Bahia Palace (70 dirhams) and Saadian Tombs (70 dirhams). Both in the southern medina. Lunch at Le Jardin or Nomad rooftop.
Evening
Return to Djemaa el-Fna for the sunset transformation - food stalls, snake charmers, storytellers. Eat at a stall (30-80 dirhams per dish) or watch from the Glacier Cafe rooftop.
If you have an extra hour
Souk crawl extension - Souk Semmarine (textiles), Souk Haddadine (metalwork), Souk el-Attarine (spices).
Day 2: Atlas Mountains day-trip
Morning
Pre-arranged driver to Ourika Valley (45 min). Stop at a Berber village for traditional mint tea ceremony. Hike up to Setti Fatma waterfalls (1-2 hour return).
Afternoon
Long lunch on a riverside terrace (tagine, mint tea, fresh bread). Visit an argan oil cooperative on the drive back.
Evening
Hammam experience in the medina - Les Bains de Marrakech or Le Bain Bleu (book ahead, 400-800 dirhams). Allow 2 hours minimum.
If you have an extra hour
Alternative day-trip: Agafay Desert sunset with camel ride (45 min from Marrakech) or Ouzoud Falls (longer, 3 hours each way).
Day 3: Jardin Majorelle, Madrasa Ben Youssef, departure
Morning
Jardin Majorelle + YSL Museum (150 + 100 dirhams; pre-book, opens 8am). The cobalt-blue villa and cactus garden are the iconic photo.
Afternoon
Madrasa Ben Youssef (60 dirhams, restored) - the most refined Islamic architecture in Marrakech. Lunch at Cafe Clock for camel burger and storytelling.
Evening
Final dinner at a riad rooftop or at Dar Yacout (palace setting, traditional 7-course). Cooking class at La Maison Arabe if morning departure isn't urgent.
If you have an extra hour
Last-minute souvenir shopping in the souks - the second visit usually nets better prices.