My first Culinary Travels group trip was to Morocco! It included time experiencing all the best things to do in Marrakech. This 2 day Marrakech itinerary is full of exciting experiences. The historic buildings, the bustling streets, the vibrant cuisine — all A+! That is one of the reasons I curated another trip to Morocco in September 2024 with 4 full days in Marrakech!
I really felt like I got a lot out of my Marrakech itinerary, so I want to share my recommendations with you. If you only have 2 days in Marrakech, don’t worry, here’s all you need to know about what to do in Marrakech.
Before I get into the 2-day Marrakech itinerary, here are some basic things you should know. For more detailed information check out my Morocco travel planning guide!
Where to Stay
There are tons of accommodation options in Marrakech for any type of traveler and budget. The most popular type of accommodation, however, is a riad. Staying in a riad will give you a more authentic and unique experience.
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house that has an interior courtyard. They used to be private houses of rich Moroccans but now many have been converted into guest houses. You have your own private area but share the courtyard with others as a communal lounge and dining area. Riads range from modest to ultra-luxurious. There are also traditional hotels in Marrakech.
On my trip to Marrakech, I stayed at a riad called Almaha. It’s a luxurious boutique hotel with spacious suites, as well as an on-site restaurant, a bar, and a spa. Not only were the suites spacious but the ones on the second floor had stairs that led up to the rooftop bar!
The service was impeccable. The breakfast was delicious and eating dinner in the open courtyard with sky and stars above was enchanting. We enjoyed returning from a hectic day of tours and shopping then relaxing in the courtyard and having some hot mint tea and cookies.
Transportation
When it comes to transportation, there were two things I really appreciated about Marrakech:
- There are several transportation options
- Most of the best things to do in Marrakech are within walking distance of each other.
Your main modes of transportation in Marrakech will be your feet, calèches, and taxis.
Calèches are horse-drawn carriages that are (to me, at least) surprisingly common in Marrakech!
As for the taxis, there are two types: petit taxis, and grand taxis. Petit taxis are smaller (up to three passengers) and more popular — they’re all around. Grand taxis are larger (up to six passengers) and less common, as they’re mostly used for traveling between cities.
Marrakech has a public bus system called ALSA Marrakech. I don’t recommend planning your trip around using the buses, as they don’t have set routes or schedules. There is, however, the ALSA Tourist Bus which is more reliable and has stops at the top attractions in Marrakech.
Uber and Lyft aren’t in Morocco but there are two ridesharing alternatives in Marrakech: Heetch and Roby. Also, if you’re staying in a riad or hotel, you can ask the front desk to arrange a ride for you. We had private drivers and transportation for our tours and we also asked the hotel to arrange cars for us.
Day #1 in Marrakech
Visit the Top Marrakech Attractions
The city of Marrakech was founded in the 11th century and has had a rich history, as evidenced by all its monuments and historical attractions. So, start your Marrakech itinerary off by visiting all the best monuments in Marrakech.
Pretty much any of the following attractions could top a list of the best things to do in Marrakech. They’re also all within walking distance of each other (15 minutes at the most, each). Depending on how early you start your day, pick a few of these:
- The Koutoubia Mosque was built in the 12th century and is the largest mosque in Marrakech. Non-Muslims can’t enter the mosque but can admire the architecture, including the gorgeous minaret that stands over 250 feet tall. This is a major landmark in Marrakech and can be seen from most rooftops and even in photos. (the feature image for example)
- The Saadian Tombs is an intricately decorated mausoleum inside a closed garden. There are over a hundred tombs, of which 60 are from the Saadi dynasty (16th to 17th century).
- El Badi Palace was built in the 16th century by the sultan to celebrate a victory in battle. It is now in ruins but, if you’re interested in history, you’ll enjoy seeing what remains and marveling at the scale.
- Unlike El Badi Palace, Bahia Palace still stands in its full splendor and was built in the 19th century. It was started by the grand vizier of a Sultan and finished by his son who expanded on the original design. It has a very interesting history that plays out like a dramatic love story. I won’t spoil it for you.
Come with me to Morocco in September to see this magnificent place!
There are 150 rooms and many patios and gardens. The rooms are empty, but the architecture is stunning. This is a must-visit! We did a photo shoot here and it was just perfect. I felt a sense of calm walking around in here.
Have lunch in the Medina & visit the Souks
In Morocco, a Medina is the historic district of a city that blends residential and commercial buildings. In Marrakech’s Medina, you’ll find plenty of restaurants, so take your pick of where to have lunch! I recommend Le Jardin, which serves delicious traditional Moroccan Tagines and pastries. It also in an indoor/outdoor atmosphere which is beautiful.
Within Medinas, there are traditional markets called souks. Here, you’ll find food, ingredients, art, clothes, decor, and so much more. More as in everything you can imagine! Bring an extra duffle bag. You will need it! We bought everything from orange blossom soaps, jewelry, leather flip flops and bags, house décor like mirrors and sofa pillow cushion covers..I am serious! lol
I visited several cities in Morocco, but I found the souks in Marrakech to be the best. They’re bustling but not too crowded or overwhelming. People called out for you to check out their goods and we even ended up further into a shop that we should have gone, but it was not like Fes. In Fes even the children were very aggressive.
On that note, get ready to do some bargaining. It is part of the culture. It is good to have local currency on you (Dirham). Some vendors will take credit cards, but it is unlikely that they will take American Express. There are many streets that branch off and into each other, so try not to get lost. Stick to the main streets and/or consider getting a local guide to go with you. We have a private guide that will be taking us on a shopping tour in Marrakech in September.
Recharge at a Hammam Spa
After walking around sightseeing and haggling in the markets, recharge with a spa visit. Not just any spa, though — a hammam is a traditional Moroccan spa.
Hammams are communal, gender-segregated bath houses. Hammam or hamam or Turkish baths are steam baths associated with the Islamic world. They were a place of public bathing prior to having indoor plumbing. And they are derived from models of Roman and Greek bathhouses. After “bathing” and “scrubbing” you clean (lol), you can choose from classic spa treatments like massages, body scrubs, and facials.
I experienced my first one Hammam in Istanbul. You can check it out on Instagram here.
During our trip last June, members of the group went to Hammam located in La Maison Arabe. It was the first time for most of the travelers. I heard comments like “I have never felt so clean in my life”, “Oh My Gosh, AMAZING”. BTW-You do NOT have to get completely naked! Do whatever makes you feel comfortable.
Tour the Food Stalls at Jemaa el-Fnaa
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main city square in Marrakech. This historic square is lively, especially at night. Food stands set up shop for the evening, surrounded by musicians and street performers. We have added a food stall tour to this year’s trip, and I can’t wait!
I love everything from fine dining to street food and you can expect that on all my Culinary Travels group trips.
Have Dinner at Jnane Tamsna
Jnane Tamsna is a Black, woman-owned hotel (the only one of its kind in Marrakech). It is located about 15 minutes from the medina.
A few of us had cocktails and appetizers on the rooftop at sunset, then headed to the outdoor patio downstairs for an intimate moonlit dinner. Have I mentioned the Moroccan sunsets yet? I can understand why there are so many rooftop restaurants and bars. Between the weather, the sunsets, and the stars, you find yourself always looking up and out in Morocco.
Day #2 Marrakech Itinerary
Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Breakfast
The start of my second day in Marrakech was also my last full day in Morocco. We ended on a high note. (No pun intended). A hot air balloon ride at sunrise! Our pickup time was at 4am but it was worth it. Looking out at the majestic red desert dotted with palm groves was a magical experience.
We all fit in our own private balloon which was cool. After the balloon ride, we had a traditional breakfast and received our flying certificates. Look for a company that offers pictures and drone footage of your hot air balloon ride.
Majorelle Garden & YSL Museum Self-Guided Tour
Yves Saint Laurent once said, “Marrakech taught me color. Before Marrakech, everything was black.” Now, Yves Saint Laurent’s love for Marrakech is on display in two locations in the city.
Jardin Majorelle (or Majorelle Garden) is the former residence of Yves Saint Laurent. It’s now an oasis-like botanical garden. It is hard to describe the beauty of the Majorelle blue buildings and the various palm trees. But here is 1 picture! The blue color is TM!
Nearby, you’ll find the YSL Museum, which showcases a wide range of his work, including clothes, accessories, and sketches. There is also a gift shop and theater running a film about his life.
I recommend taking a self-guided tour and exploring both places at your own pace. Have a bite to eat at the cafe at the YSL Museum. Don’t stuff yourself, though, as you’ll be enjoying a meal of your own at the next location!
Take a Cooking Class (Moroccan Tagine)
After a great experience at the Hammam on Day 1, my group made our way back to La Maison Arabe on Day 2, this time for a cooking class. We learned how to make a traditional Moroccan Tagine. Tagine is a North African & Middle Eastern dish. The name is derived from the two-piece clay pot the dish is made in. There are many types including meat or vegetables with herbs and spices. My favorites were the lemon chicken and beef with prunes.
There is a standard 3-hour class, as well as a shorter 1-hour class you can book if you’re worried you may not have enough time to spare for the standard class. Regardless, after class you’ll have the tagine you made for lunch — hopefully, it comes out well!
We thoroughly enjoyed our 3-hour class, while drinking Moroccan wine (lol).
Have a few drinks at a Rooftop Bar
Rooftop bars are very popular in Marrakech. You’ll have quite a few to choose from, but I can recommend El Fenn and Kabana. My friends dined at both and thoroughly enjoyed their experience.
End your 2 days in Marrakech with some Moroccan fare and cocktails at sunset, overlooking this mesmerizing historic city.
If you were wondering what to do in Marrakech during such a short stay, I hope this Marrakech itinerary helped! Though a slightly longer stay is probably ideal, it’s totally possible to experience all the best things to do in Marrakech in just 2 days.
But, I am thrilled about spending 4 days in Marrakech in September! A few additional things that we will be doing that is not mentioned above:
A day trip to Agafay Desert-sunset camel rides, dinner and stargazing, optional pottery workshop, more rooftop bars please-did you know NOBU opened a hotel in Marrakech? And I must get to this coffee shop-Bacha Coffee! I will admit that this is based on the Instagram photos more than the coffee lol. And of course we will have to do another photo shoot!
So stop dreaming about it and be about it (lol) Join me for Morocco 2.0 in 2024. If not, this 2-day Marrakech Itinerary gives you tons of ideas of things to do for when you get there.
Nadeen
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