Marrakech is a captivating and safe destination to explore, featuring stunning palaces, tranquil gardens, bustling squares, and vibrant markets. I’ve put together a 2-day itinerary in Marrakech to help you experience all of this and get the most out of your trip.
Simply follow the order of this route as it’s tailored to maximize your time in the city.
Located in central Morocco, in the Tensift River valley along the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, sits the imperial city of Marrakech.It is a city that attracts over 60% of the country’s visitors.
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Marrakech in 2 Days: Day 1
Jemaa el-Fnaa
The city’s main square dates back to the founding of Marrakech in the 11th century. In 1922, Jemaa el-Fnaa was pronounced a protected urban landscape, and it became a UNESCO place of unique cultural interest in 2001.
Visiting this square is one of the main things to do in Marrakech.
It is a square of contrasts and well worth visiting during daytime and again during the evening. During the day it is full of shops, cafes and stalls selling spices, soft drinks and shellfish.
As dusk falls, the daytime stalls begin to close and are replaced by the evening food stalls where you can enjoy a cheap street food dinner while being serenaded by local musicians, or watching the various shows.
You also get the chance to get your photo taken with the monkeys led around the square by their trainers, or watch the snake charmers and their slithering companions.
Tip: If you want a broader view of the square from above for those holiday snaps, check out the rooftop bars and terraces around the square such as Cafe de France or Cafe de la Place.
The Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is considered one of Morocco’s greatest architectural and spiritual structures. Its foundations were laid in 1147, but it took until 1199 for the mosque to be completed, due to it having to be partially demolished and realigned to Mecca.
Its famous 77-metre-high minaret has four copper globes and has also served as a watchtower and lighthouse. It was used as a model for both the Hassan Tower of Rabat and the Giralda of Seville.
The mosque is typically constructed in Moorish style using sandstone blocks. It also includes a ribbed dome and horseshoe arches, which are common in this type of structure.
Koutoubia Mosque has been the centre of Islamic religious life in Marrakech for many centuries and can hold over 20,000 worshippers. Today, it remains a focus for Islamic culture and faith, and continues to draw large numbers of tourists and pilgrims visiting the city.
Bab Agnaou Gate
Built in the 12th century, Bab Agnaou Gate is one of nineteen that provide access to the Marrakech medina, this one into the Royal Kasbah district in the south of the neighbourhood.
The gate is flanked by two ancient cannons and is close to the Saadian Tombs and the large Moulay el Yazid Mosque.
This southern area of the medina was once the central district of power and influence, and the name ‘Agnaou’ was derived from the Berber language of the 12th century. It means ‘black’ or ‘black people’ and refers to the sub-Saharan natives who were taken by the Berbers as slaves to serve the sultans.
The large, blue-grey sandstone gate is dramatically constructed with four semi-circular archways inlaid with geometric shapes, floral motifs and verses from the Quran.
Moulay el Yazid Mosque
Located in the medina on the large Kasbah of Marrakech Square, the Moulay el Yazid Mosque was built between 1185 and 1190 by the Almohad caliph Yaqub al-Mansour.
Close to the Bab Agnaou Gate and the ancient royal palaces, the mosque is one of the most historically significant in the city. Throughout the years, improvements and repairs have had to be undertaken.
Especially in 1573, when Christian prisoners planted a large gunpowder charge under the mosque, which caused significant damage and brought down the dome.
The mosque sits in the medina close to the city walls. It is near several other places of interest, including the El-Badi Palace, the Saadian Tombs and the main palace used by Morocco’s royalty when visiting Marrakech.
As a still-operating mosque, entrance is forbidden to all except Muslims. Nonetheless, the building’s spectacular exterior, minaret and intricate décor make it well worth visiting during your 2 days in Marrakech.
Saadian Tombs
Although constructed in the 16th century, the tombs were hidden from view for many years. In the 18th century, a certain Sultan Moulay Ismail, who had a grudge against the Saadian dynasty, decided to remove all their history and had the tombs sealed off.
It wasn’t until nearly two centuries later, in 1917 during the French Protectorate, that the Saadian Tombs were rediscovered and, after careful restoration, returned to their original splendour.
They were built by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the powerful Saadian dynasty to provide a last resting place for his ancestors and family while displaying his wealth and power.
The tombs lie in the Kasbar Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Morocco and built in 1557. They are divided into two sections, with several chambers in each.
One of the most impressive of these chambers is the resting place of the Sultan and his family. Known as the Chamber of Twelve Columns, it is fringed by impressive marble pillars and decorated with elaborate glazed tiles and stucco carvings.
The whole is considered one of the most spectacular examples of the fusion between Moroccan and European architectural styles that had developed over many decades.
Bahia Palace
Built in the mid-19th century, in the southern district of the medina, Bahia Palace is a stunning example of Arabian/Spanish architecture surrounded by two acres of courtyards and gardens.
With its 160 rooms, mosaiced courtyards and tended gardens its opulence has to be seen to be believed. And it is, by over 400,000 visitors every year.
Legend has it that the palace was initially built by a black slave who rose through the ranks to become a top architect, although other versions maintain he was already of royal lineage.
The original build took seven years and was undertaken by close to 1,000 craftsmen from all over Morocco and beyond.
Materials, including sandstone, timber, tiles, and Italian marble, were also sourced from far and wide. By the time the complex was completed it included a small riad, courtyards, a hammam, a mosque and the palace.
In 1900, with the death of the disliked Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, the palace was looted, with furniture, valuables and anything else that could be carried off, stolen.
During the French Protectorate era, the palace was used for French administration business and as the governor’s quarters. After Morocco gained independence from France in 1956, the palace was returned to Morocco’s royalty.
The complex is open to visitors except for a small number of rooms still held by the Moroccan Ministry of Culture and the Royal Family to accommodate visiting dignitaries.
The palace also hosts art exhibitions and music concerts. It is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
For places to visit during your 2 days in Marrakech, Bahia Palace should be at the top of the list.
Badi Palace
Built using the spoils of war after a battle with the Portuguese in 1578, the Badi Palace was envisaged to be the mother of all Moroccan palaces.
Commissioned in the same year as the battle by the ruling Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, the palace was designed to have 360 sumptuous rooms and impressive decorations of turquoise, gold and crystal. It took 25 years to be completed by hundreds of artisans recruited from around the country.
Unfortunately, with the demise of the Saadid dynasty in the early 17th century, the fortunes of Badi Palace also declined. The new Sultan, Moulay Ismail stripped the palace of its furnishings and treasures, and transferred them to Meknes to furnish his own palaces.
With the change of power base, Badi Palace was allowed to fall into a serious state of disrepair. Nonetheless, with its remaining structures and magnificent courtyard, enough remains to provide visitors an idea of the grandeur that awaited those who were invited to visit.
As a side note, for the ornithologists amongst us, Badi Palace and its grounds are also noted for being a popular nesting site for the local stork population.
The palace is open daily from 09:00 to 17:00.
Mellah (Jewish Cemetery, Lanzama Synagogue)
The Mellah was initially established in 1558 when high walls were built to protect the increasing number of Jews fleeing persecution in Europe. It sits south of the medina, close to the Bahia Palace and Badi Palace.
Before WWII, around 16,000 Jews were thought to reside in Marrakech’s Jewish quarter. With the founding of Israel in 1948, many left Morocco for the promised land.
Today, it is thought less than 50 Jews remain in Marrakech, with fewer than a dozen of those still living in the Mellah.
The Mellah contains four or five synagogues, but the Lazama Synagogue is the oldest and the most impressive. It was built in 1492, although its striking blue and white courtyard was added some years later. It is also the only synagogue open daily for visitors.
A five-minute walk from the synagogue will get you to the main Jewish Cemetery. The cemetery is open Sunday through Thursday, 08:00 to 18:00, and Friday, 08:30 to 18:00.
More than just synagogues and cemetery, the Mellah contains various market stalls and is well worth some of your 2 days in Marrakech time.
Among others, it includes a popular spice stall with its array of colours, and scents rising in the warm air. You will also find a fabric stall, tinsmiths and a jewellery stall which auctions off its remaining jewellery every day at 16.00.
Spice Square (Rahba Kedima)
In the centre of Marrakech’s old town area is Rahba Kedima Square, more locally known as Spice Square. It is a market specialising in the sale of spices and ancillary products from around the world.
Since the 11th century, spices have played a large part in the culinary delights of Moroccan cuisine, and Morocco’s spice markets are a cut above. So much so that Spice Square was recently placed third in National Geographic’s, ‘Seven of the world’s most exciting spice markets.’
Stalls are crammed full of spices and herbs from around the world. From dark red paprika to dynamic turmeric to Argan oil, natural beauty treatments, and medicinal herbs.
While you will find spice shops and stalls dotted all over Marrakech, it’s only when you visit a full-on, buzzing spice market that you begin to associate the lifestyle and culture of the people with the mounds of brightly coloured powder.
Explore the medina and shop in the Souks
One of the biggest attractions for Europeans visiting Marrakech is to see if the old town area lives up to the Marrakech of books, films and songs. It does – and some.
The medina, or old town district, is a mix of narrow lanes, enticing alleys and fabulous squares. Of myriad traders selling their wares and locals and tourists trying to get the lowest prices.
Marrakech Medina covers just under 20 square kilometres, enclosed by a pink defensive wall with 19 entry gates that was built in 1122.
Within these walls are thousand of stalls or souks, shops, houses and places of worship. Twenty-thousand people live within the medina, around 20% of the Marrakech population.
Add to that all the visiting tourists, and you begin to realise just how claustrophobic and stressful it can feel for many. Nonetheless, if you don’t spend at least an hour in the medina you will regret it at the end of your stay.
You will find markets everywhere. Most goods are grouped together, so you will find markets selling spices and related goods. Markets selling metal goods such as pots, pans, kettles etc. Markets selling fabrics including carpets, rugs and fashion. Markets selling pottery and ceramic goods. Markets selling leather goods and footwear and jewellers selling necklaces, bracelets and rings.
As you stroll amongst the stalls, don’t just dive in for that sparkling ring you’ve just spied. Haggling is a big part of doing business in the markets, so watch how the locals do it first.
Whatever the traders are selling, they know the lowest price needed to make a profit. Anything over that is a bonus.
Start off at a ridiculously low price. You can always go up. If you can’t get the price you want, politely walk away. You’ll be surprised how many traders will suddenly settle for a few dirhams less.
Whatever the reason for your visit to the medina, whether a bit of window shopping or to purchase a few holiday mementoes, breathe in the intoxicating atmosphere – and enjoy.
Marrakech in 2 Days: Day 2
Dar El Bacha Museum
Built in 1910 as a palace for the all-powerful Pasha of Marrakech, Dar El Bacha is a prime example of the wealth and power wielded both politically and socially by those in high authority during the early 20th century.
The palace is constructed in typical Moroccan style, with sophisticated glazed tilework, intricate cedarwood balconies and ceilings, mosaic courtyards, and impressively laid-out gardens.
Located 15 minutes from Jemaa el-Fna, the main square in the medina, the palace was used to entertain high-profile Moroccan and foreign dignitaries. It also hosted lavish parties for celebrated and distinguished artists, musicians and writers.
After the death of the Pasha, the castle fell into disrepair until it was decided to resurrect it as a museum. In December 2017, it opened its doors as the Museum of Confluences.
The museum highlights Morocco’s diverse culture and heritage using exhibitions of antiquities alongside contemporary works of art.
The museum also hosts temporary exhibitions and various cultural events.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 09:30 to 18:00.
- The coffee shop is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 18:00
- Admission for residents: 20 Dirham.
- Visitors: 70 Dirham.
- Children under 12: 30 Dirham.
The Secret Garden
Only recently opened to the public, the Secret Garden, hidden away in the Marrakech Medina, is Morocco’s horticultural equivalent of the country’s stunning architecture.
Surrounded by high walls, the garden dates back over 400 years to the Saadian Dynasty, although in the 19th century, major reconstruction was undertaken. Over the years, the riad and gardens have been the home to some of Morocco’s and Marrakech’s most prominent politicians.
Around the medina, you will find signs for the Secret Garden, or you can find it using Google Maps. The address is Rue Mouassine 121, 40030, Marrakech.
Its Arab-Andalusian Style is highlighted in its intricate ornamental pools, fountains, courtyards and architecture.
The garden is actually two gardens. Garden 1, or the Exotic Garden, is planted with flora from around the world.
Garden 2, the Islamic Garden, a typical 19th-century Moroccan garden of intimate nooks and shaded areas to enjoy some time for contemplation and meditation.
- The Secret Garden is open from February through October 09:30 – 18:30
- March through September 09:30 – 19:30
- November through January 09:30 – 18:00
- Entrance fee for a single adult is 100 dirhams with discounts for certain groups.
The gardens also have a café where you can rest your legs and enjoy a mint tea. Another must-have on your 2 days in Marrakech itinerary.
Koubba Ba´adiyyin
Koubba Ba’adiyyin was constructed in 1117 and is the oldest building in Marrakech. It was built during the Almoravid Dynasty.
The Almoravid were a nomadic Berber tribe who arrived in Morocco in 1062 and the Koubba Ba’adiyyin is the last remaining structure of the period in Morocco.
It is thought the Koubba was originally built as a public ablution, where the faithful could wash before entering the mosque for prayers.
With the numerous extensions and add-ons to the mosque over the years the Koubba was lost, until excavations began and it was uncovered in 1952.
It’s not just its age that makes the Koubba so interesting. The construction style and motifs used went on to form the essential architectural characteristics of later Berber building techniques.
Techniques such as pyramid-style battlements, interior support systems, and ribbed domes can be found in later buildings.
The Koubba Ba’adiyyin is located at 75 Derb Souk Cheria, Marrakech 40000, on the southern side of Place de la Kissaria and close to the Marrakech Museum.
The complex is open Monday to Friday, 08:30 to 18:00, and tickets cost 10Dhs.
Marrakech Museum
The Marrakech Museum is housed in the Dar Menebhi Palace in the heart of the medina and just 100m from the Ben Youssef Medersa.
Built in the late 19th century, the palace is a magnificent example of the Spanish/Andalusian architectural style.
In the 1960s, the palace was used as a residence and then a girls school. In 1997, it was bought by a charitable foundation and restored to its former glory with the addition of the Marrakech Museum.
The museum is housed in the rooms that surround the courtyard and includes weapons, ceramics, pottery and numerous traditional artefacts. At different times you can also find temporary touring exhibitions.
Standard tickets cost 70Dhs (€7), and the museum is open daily from 09:00 – 18:00.
Ben Youssef Medersa
Sultan Abu Inan Faris built the Medersa (or Madrasa) in the 14th century as a religious school of learning. It also doubled as a mosque and library for religious studies.
It was North Africa’s biggest Islamic school and attracted students to study the sciences, law and the Quran.
In the 16th century, it was expanded by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur with the addition of dormitories, a minaret, and an extensive courtyard, which remains an iconic feature of the Medersa to this day.
As the 18th century came around, the school fell out of favour, was abandoned, and allowed to deteriorate until, in the 19th century, it was restored and reopened as an Islamic school.
Made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985, the madrasa today no longer functions as a school of learning but remains a mosque and religious library.
One of Marrakech’s most popular attractions, it stands as a beacon of the city’s architectural prowess and educational brilliance.
- Opening hours are: 09:00 – 17:00 daily
- During Ramadan: 10:00 – 16:00 daily.
- Entrance fees: Adult 50 MAD
- Residents: 20 MAD
- Children under 12: 10 MAD
Gueliz
If you’re beginning to think Marrakech is just about the winding streets of the medina, it’s time for a change – to explore the city’s urban, vibrant, modern district of Gueliz.
Although initially built in 1912 by the French, the Gueliz district continues to be known as ‘Ville Nouvelle’, the New Town.
As the medina and its attractions continue to trumpet Marrakech’s colourful, historic past, the Gueliz district also maintains its position as a contemporary district of expensive property, affluent residents, fine-dining restaurants, theatres, green open spaces and designer shopping malls.
It is also the favourite area for wealthy Marrakech residents, business people, and expats to live in. With its excellent train and bus station, it is the chosen district for many national and international companies to establish their headquarters.
There are several excellent attractions you can visit in the district, including:
- The Convention Centre
- The Royal Theatre
- The Majorelle Garden
- The Yves Saint Laurent museum
- The MACMA Contemporary Art Museum
- And the Square Eden Shopping Centre and its high-end outlets.
Mohammed V and Mohammed VI are the district’s main avenues and home to fashion outlets such as H&M, Zara, trendy boutiques and international cafes and restaurants.
The Yves Saint-Laurent Museum
Yves Saint-Laurent was born in Oran, Algeria in 1936. His sketching skills, especially in ladies’ fashion, came to the fore at an early age.
After completing his secondary education in Oran, he moved to Paris, to continue his fashion journey. He was taken on by Christian Dior at 17 years old and promoted to head of the business from 1957 until 1960.
In 1962, he launched his own brand, Yves Saint-Laurent. But by now he was already tiring of the hectic lifestyle of Paris, and bought his first property in Marrakech in 1966, where many of his later fashion collections were conceived.
Always besotted with Marrakech’s more laid-back lifestyle, in 1980, with his partner Pierre Berge, he bought Jardin Majorelle and Villa Oasis, where he was to spend much of his time. He died aged 71 in 2008.
The Museum Yves Saint-Laurent opened in 2017, highlighting his association with the city that gave him so much.
The 4,000-square-metre museum building sits next to Jardin Majorelle and is designed to whet the appetite for what awaits.The whole building is dedicated to fashion, much of it, of course, to Yves Saint-Laurent, but there is also room for temporary exhibitions.
The permanent exhibition comprises over 30,000 objects, including textiles, accessories, sketches and drawings, documents, and Laurent’s personal items.
The museum contains an auditorium for concerts, seminars, films and broadcasts from theatres and opera houses. It has a research library of over 5,000 books and papers dealing with Arab-Andalusian and Berber culture and fashion.
There is also a bookstore, conservation dept, and café.
The museum is open every day except Wednesday from 10:00 to 18:30. Tickets can only be bought online from https://tickets.jardinmajorelle.com/Visite
The Majorelle Garden
In 1919, after WW1, the French painter Jacques Majorelle moved to Marrakech having fallen in love with the colours, culture and artistic vibe generated by the city.
In 1923, he bought a piece of barren land, built a villa and studio, and began designing a garden on the remainder, that was to become world famous.
Paths were built, pools were added, and plants from around the world began to fill in the spaces. Large clay planters, walls, and woodwork were painted in bright colours of the spectrum, with a liberal use of his own shade of blue to contrast with the lush, green foliage.
To maintain the garden, he opened it to the public in 1947, but after his divorce in 1956 and subsequent death in 1962, they fell into a state of disrepair.
Nearly 20 years later, in 1980, Yves Saint-Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge were looking for their forever home, fell in love with Majorelle Garden, its villa and studio and bought it.
The garden’s seclusion, quiet, and being sheltered from the elements attracted them, and they set about restoring the garden and the villa. The studio was converted into a Berber museum.
A library, shop and café have since been added, along with the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum next door, which opened in 2017.
Both the garden and museum are two must-visits during your exploration of Marrakech in 2 days.
Tickets are available online from www.tickets.jardinmajorelle.com. You can also purchase a multi-ticket that gives you access to the YSL Museum, The Majorelle Garden, and the Berber Museum of Arts.
The garden is open seven days a week from 08:00 to 18:30 and gets very busy.