Marrakech is always awake. From its bustling main square, Jemaa El Fna, to its colorful markets, and the ornate palaces and gardens, it’s a city that excites all your senses. It’s also a great starting point for trips to the mountains or the desert for a change of scenery.
Whether you’re driving through Morocco or just in Marrakech for a short visit, here’s a guide for a perfect 2 days in Marrakech itinerary. See places like the vibrant Majorelle Garden, the historic Bahia and Badi palaces, and the bustling marketplaces. We also suggest places to eat local food, cafes, and rooftops to enjoy a mint tea with beautiful views.
Table of Contents
1 day- Jardin Majorelle, Koutoubia Mosquee, Bahia Palace and Madrasa Ben Youssef
Morning
On your first day in Marrakech, start at the city’s most beloved Jardin Majorelle. Tucked between the Medina and Gueliz district, this garden was first owned by the artist Jacques Majorelle in 1923, then later by designer Yves Saint Laurent in 1980. It boasts nearly 300 plant species from across the globe, mainly collected by Majorelle. Despite its previous abandonment, it was saved from developers by Saint Laurent. Due to its popularity, with around 900,000 yearly visitors, it’s best to visit right at 8 AM to dodge the crowds. Tickets can be pre-booked online. Explore the garden, walk under the bougainvilleas, by the pond, and maybe visit the Berber Museum or the Yves Saint Laurent Museum inside.
Next, see the Koutoubia Mosque, recognized for its towering 75-meter minaret, a guidepost for Seville’s La Giralda minaret. The mosque is off-limits to non-Muslims, but its exterior and the ruins of the old prayer hall are visible from the outside. Legend says an earthquake in 1755 brought down the hall.
Afternoon
For lunch, try Kabana, a rooftop with stunning views of Koutoubia. It offers a tropical atmosphere, international dishes, and cocktails, though prices are above average for Marrakech rooftops.
Continue to the Bahia Palace, a short walk from the mosque. Built-in the late 19th century, “Bahia” means magnificent, fitting for its stunning marble, mosaics, and courtyards. The entrance fee is 70 Dirhams.
Next, visit Ben Youssef Madrasa around 5 PM to avoid crowds and catch the best light. This former Koranic school showcases Saadian architecture, with a large courtyard, marble paving, and a majestic prayer room door. Admission is 40 Dirhams.
Evening
As attractions close at 6 PM, head to Jemaa El Fna square for the evening spectacle and sunset from a rooftop café. The square transforms from calm to vibrant as the day ends, offering street food, crafts, and entertainment.
To end the day, dine at Al Fassia Gueliz in the Gueliz district for authentic Moroccan cuisine, notable for its all-woman staff.
2 day- Medina, Le Jardin Secret, Badi Palace, Saadian tombs & Sunset in Agafay desert
Morning
Day 2 in Marrakech dives into the bustling souks. These vibrant markets, set in the Medina’s narrow lanes, are a maze of stalls selling everything amidst a lively mix of tourists, locals, and donkeys. Starting from the north of Jemaa El Fna, wander through Souk Semmarine to Rahba Kedima square. The Medina is a maze, so consider a guide to navigate through the pottery, shoemaking, blacksmith, and spice souks.
We took a 3-hour guided tour with Marrakech with locals and highly recommend it. Trying to revisit certain souks on our own proved difficult due to the Medina’s intricate layout! The souks are great for souvenirs like tea sets or dates, offering better prices and quality than in Europe. Remember, haggling is part of the experience; start by offering half the initial price.
Next, we visited Le Jardin Secret, a peaceful retreat in the Medina. Open from 9:30AM until 7:30PM (from March to September), with an entrance fee of 80 dirhams. This garden, with its traditional irrigation and rooftop bar, offers a tranquil escape.
Afternoon
Then, head to Badi Palace, once a magnificent structure, now in ruins. Walking through its remnants, you can imagine its past splendor. Open daily from 9AM to 5PM, it offers views over the city and stork nests on the ramparts.
Our journey continued to the Saadian Tombs, a hidden necropolis rediscovered in 1917. Admission is 70 dirhams, with visiting hours from 9AM to 5PM. Best visited towards the day’s end for fewer crowds and softer light.
Evening
Finally, we suggest ending the day with a sunset dinner in the Agafay desert, less than an hour from Marrakech. We chose a tour from Get Your Guide, combining a desert camel ride and dinner with traditional music. For those with more time, consider day trips to the Palmeraie, Ouzoud waterfalls, Essaouira, or the Atlas Mountains.
