Spending 3 days in Marrakech? It is the perfect amount of time to explore the Red City and add one unforgettable day trip outside it. This itinerary covers the medina, the palaces and gardens, Jemaa el-Fnaa at night and the best excursions to the Atlas Mountains, the coast or the kasbahs.
Quick answer: spend day 1 in the medina, day 2 at the palaces and gardens, and day 3 on a private day trip, for example to Ait Ben Haddou and Ouarzazate, Essaouira or the Ourika Valley. With more time, add the Sahara with our 3 day tour from Marrakech.
3 Days in Marrakech at a Glance
| Book | Morning | Afternoon and evening |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Koutoubia, souks, Ben Youssef | Jemaa el-Fnaa at sunset |
| Day 2 | Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs | Majorelle Garden, hammam |
| Day 3 | Day trip outside the city | Dinner on a rooftop |
Read our Morocco travel tips before you go.
Day by Day
Day 1: The medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa
Start at the Koutoubia minaret, then walk into the souks of spices, leather and lanterns. Visit the Ben Youssef area and a traditional riad. At sunset, Jemaa el-Fnaa fills with food stalls, musicians and storytellers. More on the UNESCO medina of Marrakech.
Day 2: Palaces and gardens
Visit the Bahia Palace with its painted ceilings and the Saadian Tombs. In the afternoon, relax in the Majorelle Garden and end the day with a hammam.
Day 3: A day trip
Leave the city with a private driver. Choose between the UNESCO kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, the Atlantic town of Essaouira, the Ourika Valley in the Atlas, or the Ouzoud waterfalls. See all day trips from Marrakech.
Tips for Marrakech
- Stay in a riad inside the medina for the atmosphere.
- Use a licensed guide on day 1 to understand the souks.
- Agree on taxi prices before the ride.
- Book day trips in advance in high season.
More Than 3 Days?
Add the Sahara: our 3 day tour from Marrakech guide compares the best desert routes. Planning the whole trip? Read how to plan a trip to Morocco.
3 Days in Marrakech FAQ
Is 3 days enough for Marrakech?
Yes. Two days cover the city, and the third allows a day trip.
What is the best day trip from Marrakech?
Ait Ben Haddou for history, Essaouira for the coast, and the Ourika Valley for mountains.
Can I visit the Sahara in 3 days from Marrakech?
Yes, but it takes all three days. Read our 3 day tour from Marrakech guide.
Where should I stay?
A riad in the medina, close to Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Do I need a guide in Marrakech?
It is not required, but a licensed guide helps on the first day in the medina.
Book Your Marrakech Day Trip
In short, 3 days in Marrakech gives you the medina, the gardens and one great excursion. Tell us your dates and we will book your private day trip.
Plan your trip: ask for a free quote, write to us on WhatsApp, or see our day trips from Marrakech.