A Quick Guide to Visiting Marrakech in 2 Days
After Chefchaouen, Marrakech was my second favorite city during our week in Morocco. Although Morocco is a conservative country, Marrakech felt more relaxed with its lively “busy city” atmosphere.
On our first night, I even wore shorts instead of covering up. If you’re planning to stay a short time in Marrakech, here’s a guide for exploring this vibrant city.
About Marrakech
Marrakech, or Marrakesh, was founded in 1062 and is Morocco’s fourth-largest city. It’s famous for its red walls and historic architecture, earning the nickname “The Red City.”
The city has interesting places, local culture, and popular attractions, making it a perfect spot for a quick trip.
Best Time to Visit Marrakech
The best time to visit Marrakech is in the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant for exploring.
Avoid the summer months, as the intense heat makes it hard to enjoy the city’s main attractions.
What to Do in Marrakech in 2 Days
Our girl’s trip with Gate 1 included a half-day guided tour with free time in the afternoon and evenings. As great as the educational aspect of guided tours are, I love exploring different city areas on my own.
We also purchased Argan Oil and Moroccan spices at a holistic pharmacy outside the Medina. Here are the various activities that can be done for two days in Marrakech.
First Day: Exploring the Old City
- Bahia Palace: Start your day at Bahia Palace, a stunning late 19th-century palace with beautiful courtyards, zellige tiles, and ornate ceilings. The palace was intended to capture the essence of Islamic and Moroccan styles. It showcases the history of Moroccan architecture and design and is a beautiful place for photos.
- Saadian Tombs: Nearby, the Saadian Tombs are a must-visit. This 16th-century mausoleum houses about sixty members of the Saadi Dynasty. The site is peaceful, with intricate carvings and an inner courtyard surrounded by orange trees.
- Jemaa el Fnaa Square: Head to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the city’s main square and heart of Marrakech. It is the entrance to the outdoor markets and food courts and is also the busiest square in Africa. It’s bustling with snake charmers, street vendors, and performers. The square is especially lively in the late afternoon, with food stalls serving fresh Moroccan dishes like tagine and grilled meats.
- Koutoubia Mosque: Visit the largest mosque in Marrakech, next to Jemaa el-Fnaa. While non-Muslims cannot enter, the exterior is a masterpiece of Almohad architecture, surrounded by a garden perfect for a nice walk.
- Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent Museum: In the afternoon, escape to the Majorelle Gardens, designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle. The garden is a popular attraction filled with palm trees, fruit trees, and vivid blue buildings. Next door, visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum to learn about the famed fashion designer who restored the gardens. The combination of art, architecture, and nature makes this a perfect place to unwind.
- Rooftop Cafes for Sunset Views: End your first day by relaxing at one of the rooftop cafes overlooking the old medina. Try Café des Épices for mint tea and views of the bustling square below.
Marrakesh Day 2: Day Trips and Local Culture
- Ben Youssef Madrasa: Begin your second day at the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic college known for its stunning architecture. Its central courtyard and intricate mosaics are a feast for the eyes.
- Explore the Jewish Quarter (Mellah): Take a stroll through the Jewish Quarter, where you’ll find the Jewish Cemetery and Dar Si Said, a museum showcasing Moroccan art. This area offers a glimpse into Marrakech’s diverse history.
- El Badi Palace: Visit the ruins of El Badi Palace, once a lavish royal palace. Though much of it has crumbled, it’s still a good idea to explore its remnants and enjoy the views of the old city.
- Camel Ride at the Palm Grove: Head to the Palm Grove (Palmeraie) for a camel ride surrounded by thousands of palm trees. This experience offers a serene escape from the city center.
- Day Trip to Ait Benhaddou or High Atlas Mountains: If you have enough time, take a day trip to explore Morocco’s stunning surrounding areas. The UNESCO-listed Ait Benhaddou is a famous kasbah with an interesting history. Alternatively, visit the High Atlas Mountains for a guided trek or stop at a traditional Berber village.
- Marrakesh Museum – Learn about the history of the city and view the artwork.
- Eat street food with Marrakech Food Tours – This tour was worth the cost. We ate traditional Moroccan foods and learned from shop owners and workers.
- Traditional Moroccan Hammam: End your trip with a relaxing Moroccan hammam experience. This traditional Moroccan bathhouse involves cleansing rituals that leave you refreshed and relaxed. The Traveling Stomach has more about the Hammam experience at Heritage Spa.
Other Tourist Attractions in Marrakesh
We spent two days in Marrakech, so we couldn’t do every activity available. If you plan to spend more time in the city, here are some other popular things to do.
- Dar Si Said: A smaller museum with Moroccan arts and crafts.
- Marrakech Medina: Wander through the narrow streets of the historic old Medina for handmade goods, spices, and textiles.
- Desert Camp Excursions: If you have more time, consider an overnight trip to the Sahara Desert for a night under the stars.
- La Mamounia: One of the most Instagrammable places in the city, La Mamounia Palace is a 5-star luxury hotel. If you can’t afford the $400+ a night stay, purchase a day pass. This gives access to the Pavilion of Fitness, tennis courts, and indoor pool.
Tips for Visiting Marrakech
- Buy Travel Insurance: This is always a good idea for emergencies.
- Get a Local Guide: Hiring a private tour or local guide can help you navigate the narrow streets and learn about hidden gems.
- Add to Your Morocco Itinerary: For a complete experience, combine Marrakech with other Moroccan cities like Fez, Chefchaouen, and Casablanca.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
For the two days in Marrakech, we stayed in the Novotel Suites. The location was an average of 5 minutes’ walk to La Mamounia and 15-20 minutes’ walk from the square.
Stay in a riad in the old town or a hotel in the new town for a mix of modern and traditional.
Below are some suggestions, but you can also try Airbnb or other alternatives:
- Riad L’Orchidee
- Riad Dar One
- Palm Plaza Marrakech Hotel & Spa
- Riad le Clos des Arts
- Riad Dar Najat
Two days in Marrakech is the perfect amount of time to explore its beautiful gardens, bustling city center, and rich local culture.
Whether it’s your first visit or you’re returning for more, Marrakech has something for everyone—from historic palaces to the vibrant energy of Jemaa el-Fna.
You make me want to add this to my bucket list of travels. I’m gonna have take some notes to save for a later date. Thanks for sharing. Oh and those spices look sooooo fresh.
This looks so interesting because its such a different atmosphere than in the United State. I for sure one day want to travel to Morocco and visit the beautiful mosques there, among the many other amazing destinations. You can never go wrong with instagramable places.
Nice post!