Marrakech is assumably the most popular city in Morocco to visit and the perfect weekend getaway, where you can dive deep into the exciting culture of Morocco with many spots to visit.
This guide contains all the information you need to make the best out of your weekend trip (or any other preferred days). My humble self stayed five nights in Marrakech and it was the perfect start for the rest of my Morocco trip.
Tables of Content
Day 1: Get Lost in the Medina
From almost every city in Europe, you find affordable flights to Marrakech. Of course, your first day is packed with traveling, and once arrived at the airport you need to find your way to the city. For this reason, today's focus is on getting to your hotel, a relaxing arrival, and getting your first experience of the Moroccan culture by visiting Marrakech's souks and markets.
How to Get to Marrakech City
From the airport, it takes around 20-25 minutes to get to the city center of Marrakech, depending on your hotel's location. If your hotel has not arranged a pick-up, you must haggle a taxi to the city center. There are only white taxis available, which are only for airport transfers. Depending on arrival time, the prices to get to the city center cost around 200-300 Dirham (20-30$).
I arrived in the middle of the night, and there weren’t many taxis left, so I accepted my destiny and paid the proud price of 300 Dirhams.
Where to Stay in Marrakech?
The most popular area to stay is in the Medina itself, but everywhere around the Medina is fine, since the sightseeing spots are spread all over and are accessible easily on foot. For those who enjoy a quiet and chill place, the new city called Gueliz is also a decent place to stay.
Exploring the Souks and Markets of Marrakech
After you arrive at your hotel, take your time to relax, because the bustling Medina, with its souks and markets, can be overwhelming in the beginning. For your first day strolling around Medina and getting your first insight into Morocco's lifestyle is the best thing to do.
Depending on your location, you can either walk to one of the gates (which I highly recommend) or take a taxi, which will need your haggling skills again. For those who stay in Gueliz, you can walk to the Medina, which takes around 30 minutes, or take a taxi, which should not cost more than 40-50 Dirhams. Be aware that the taxi drivers could demand 150 Dirhams, however, the price should not be accepted! It's way too much.
Once you’re at the Medina, the best thing you can do is just walk without a destination. You'll be surrounded by many people, locals, and tourists, and sellers are seeking your attention. The atmosphere of the Medina is energizing but can be stressful.
Where to Eat in Marrakech?
As it’s your first day, I recommend eating a typical Moroccan dish at Fine Mama. A Moroccan restaurant located at the popular marketplace called Jemaa el-Fnaa. It's the perfect spot to enjoy the view of the vivid old town and observe the happening.
Some typical Moroccan dishes are Tajine and Couscous, which can be eaten with or without meat. Both of the dishes are packed with many spices, and it is hard to differentiate which ones. However, if you’re like me, and dislike coriander, please remember that Moroccan cuisine uses it a lot.
Day 2: Sightseeing
Marrakech offers a great first dive into Moroccan culture, where you can visit unique buildings, gardens, and mosques. On your second day, it's all about visiting Marrakech's historical sites.
The Best Historical Sites in Marrakech
Although, it’s overpriced, visiting the Yves Saint Laurent Garden was, next to walking around in the Medina, one of my highlights.
❗️Tickets must be bought beforehand online and cost 15$ per person. Since the garden seems to be one of the most visited places to visit for tourists, it is recommended to visit it early in the morning to experience it less crowded.
Another place I went to was the Bahia Palace, a formal royal residence from the 19th century that shows the beauty of Moorish architecture (an Islamic style of building). The entry fee is 70 Dirham (7$) for adults.
Although I have mentioned the marketplace above, I recommend visiting it again, especially during the evening, when the show goes on. Djemaa El Fna or Jemaa el-Fnaa is Marrakech's main square and the place where you can see the snake dancing to the sound of the flute. It's also the place for artists who seek the attention of tourists. If you're hungry for a snack, you can try out dishes from the food stalls, or join the locals by drinking some tea. I highly recommend getting your hands on some Baklava, a sweet dessert made from pistachio.
Lastly, the Koutoubia Mosque belongs to the top attractions in Marrakech as well. Five times a day a voice calls the faithful to prayer and is also Marrakech's most famous landmark and is accompanied by a beautiful garden, where you can take a relaxing walk.
Where to Eat in Marrakech?
Exploring makes you hungry, and there are some places to stop by while doing your sightseeing tours. For those who are looking for a healthy and nourishing breakfast spot, I can recommend the Mandala Society, which is one of the few places that offers Avocado Toast or Smoothie Bowls.
For a quick lunch, and if you're walking in the Medina there's a small and inconspicuous food stand called Khalid's Vegetarian Sandwich. It reminded me of Vietnam street food stalls and is offering tasty Mediterranean-inspired Sandwiches.
Lastly, if you're looking for Mediterranean food Naranj Lebanese is one of the best restaurants in the Medina, which offers authentic Lebanese food. You must try their Mezze Platter!
Day 3: Enjoy a Traditional Moroccan Hammam
You might get prepared for your next destination in Morocco, or your short trip is already over. Marrakech offers lots of Hammams everywhere. On day three I recommend treating yourself properly.
What is a Traditional Moroccan Hammam?
I had no idea what I should expect of a Moroccan Hammam, which is why I had to look up. If you like to experience it without any knowledge feel free to skip this part. Otherwise, here's a short explanation of what awaits you.
A traditional Moroccan Hammam is a cleansing bathing ritual, which follows around six steps:
Preparation: Undress yourself, store your stuff in a locker, and wrap yourself in a towel.
Steam Room: This is a cleansing process, which opens your pores and prepares your skin for exfoliation.
Black Soap: After the steaming room a Hammamm attendant will apply black soap to your body. It cleanses and moisturizes the skin.
Exfoliation: After the black soap is applied to your body the attendant exfoliates your body with the help of an exfoliating glove.
Rinse: After the exfoliation, you will be rinsed off with warm water to wash away all the soap and dead skin cells.
Relaxation: After the Hammamm ritual you can sip on Moroccan tea and relax in the designed area.
The whole Hammamm procedure takes around two hours.
Where to Eat in Marrakech?
On your last day, there's only one place to eat left. Broc The Kasbah is a fully vegetarian restaurant in Medina, which offers a variety of dishes, such as burgers, couscous, poke bowls, and so on. It's a quite little restaurant with only a few seating and after your meal, you have the chance to visit their concept store as well.
🤫 For those who aren't staying in the Medina or are looking for places to eat in Gueliz, I have two restaurants to recommend. It's also for those, who want to eat something that has not a Moroccan touch. Eat Me Marrakech is an affordable nice Asian restaurant, which offers all the famous dishes from Asia. If you're seeking Italian food, Black Pan is also a small restaurant that offers typical Italian dishes. The quality is good and made fast and fresh. It's not the most authentic but a good place for a little variety.
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