What to see in Marrakech in 3 days: must-see sites
There is a lot to see in Marrakech between one day to three days and surroundings, from must-see sights to lesser-known places of interest.
Discover all the things to see in Marrakech in three days. One of the questions I had to answer when visiting the sites on the first weekend of December, as I went without looking for what to do or checking out the must-see sights because it was not in my plans. Besides, I was a bit tired on the first day after an eight-hour train ride from Tangier.
The red city that leaves traces
Although it may seem cliché, Marrakech leaves traces in memories and images, because it is one of those exotic and chaotic cities that you like and decide to return to. Or the ones you never want to hear about again. Matters of taste because tourism keeps coming and even more so since 2017 when Marrakech was a recommended destination by the New York Times.
Marrakech: what tos see and how many days are necessary.
I spent 5 days in total, of which, 4 days I spent walking and exploring, eating delicious food and above all, you have to take advantage of taking lots of pictures in the medina of Marrakech and monuments. Although to tell the truth, I was left wanting to visit some of the villages that are in its surroundings.
Depending on your time, this guide can serve you for 2 or 3 days following your pace and objectives. And if you have more time you can choose one of the unmissable excursions to the desert of Merzouga.
Free tour in Marrakech
To see the city up close with a local guide you can start with a 4-hour free tour of Marrakech. Then, see the important things on your own and in more depth by taking photos or calmly looking for the doors and windows for your Instagram account. Just by arriving in this colorful city, it pushes you to rave awake, to want to visit everything. Everything catches your attention, everything attracts.
For more information, you can read some Tips for Travel to Morocco.
Some facts about what to do in Marrakech in southern Morocco
It is very easy to get lost in Marrakech. Especially in its old part as some of its streets are not even on Google Maps. The Medina, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO as well as in the places of interest near it, are a bit hectic.
Gueliz is one of the most modern and fashionable neighborhoods in Marrakech that exudes luxury in its stores, restaurants. And all kinds of exclusive establishments. In this area is where most foreigners or expatriates live. It has nothing to do with the photos you will see in this article.
12 must-see places to visit in Marrakech
Pretending to do everything on your first visit to a city is something I do not recommend at all. Although there really is a lot to do in Marrakech and surroundings from the first day, at the end of this publication you have accommodation options.
Getting to this place is like walking along all the roads that lead to Rome and watching a timelapse live and direct. Because wherever you go you will somehow end up falling into the most exotic square in the world in the heart that pumps blood to all sides in the medina of Marrakech.
Jamaa el Fna Square
However you spell it, the Djeema el Fna is the best thing about Marrakech and changes dramatically from dawn to dusk with its sounds coming from all directions. Once night falls it gets a little dark but not dangerous.
You can do everything in this lively main square; from sipping mint tea at the top of the terrace of Café Paris with great views. Buying an infinite number of unimaginable objects with bargaining included. As well as the wonderful experience of bumping into and mingling with people from all over the world, animals of many breeds such as monkeys and snakes, orange juice sellers, among other things. All this, perceiving the most varied and exotic smells given off by the street food stalls.
2. The Badi Palace
If you know Spain you will see that the Badi Palace will somehow remind you of the beautiful community of Andalusia. Its orange trees and high walls are what welcome you to this beautiful building from the end of the 16th century. For me it was one of the most fascinating places to visit in Marrakech for its history and details.
It is not difficult to feel among its ruins the opulence with which it was built. The palace also has several gardens that were once spectacular and the pride of Sultan Saadi Ahmed al-Mansur when he remembered the victory over the Portuguese army in 1578 during the Battle of the Three Kings (Wed al Makhazin).
In one of the main rooms of the palace is exhibited the gigantic pulpit of the Koutoubia. Something is hidden for visitors who leave quickly. It is a specimen carved in cedar wood with inlaid marquetry and small writings in gold and silver made by craftsmen of Cordoba in the twelfth century.
As an additional fact, by climbing its tower you can have one of the best views of the city. Entrance fee: 10 dirhams.
The Palace of the Bay
The Bahia Palace is a beautiful building of 8,000 square meters from the late nineteenth century that is quite well maintained today.
Its majestic decoration is due to the hands of the best workers and craftsmen of Morocco who worked on its construction for six long years. They managed to leave a mark that dazzles any visitor who decides to enter. This palace reminded me of some parts of the Alhambra in Granada. Entrance fee: 10 dirhams.
4. The Saadid Tombs
The Sadian Tombs have more than 400 years of history behind them, although they were only discovered a century ago. Each tomb denotes a decoration worthy of admiration that the Saadi Dynasty has been able to perpetuate.
Many constructions in the world of enormous beauty, serve as funerary monuments as is the case of this palace with gardens, colors and marbles of Arabic style. Admission: 10 dirhams.
5. The Madrasa of Ben Youssef
The Ben Youssef Madrassa in Marrakesh is attached to the mosque of the same name. During its splendor, it was one of the largest in Africa, since it housed about 900 students, who were distributed to be instructed in the Koran in more than a hundred cells. To understand a little, it is as if it were a seminary for religion in the Catholic world.
Its mosaics and sculpted graphics are works of art. They exude cultural fluency that combined with high walls and columns, make it a delicious photographic feast. Admission: 20 dirhams.
Not far away is the House of Photography of Marrakech and the Museum of Marrakech. Two of the best museums in Marrakech.
6. The souk of Marrakech, the mecca of pure and hard bargaining.
The souk is one of the best places to visit in Marrakech to walk without a compass or GPS. Because it is a maze of small streets full of stalls and stores of street vendors who are hungry to sell you something in the form of spices, clothing, food, crafts, souvenirs or souvenirs and many typical products.
Info! Tetouan: the ‘White Dove’ in northern Morocco
Generally, local people go to the souks to shop on a daily basis, so more than tourists. You will also see Moroccan inhabitants.
Here comes to carve one of the national sports, bargaining, a classic custom and deeply rooted in the souks of Marrakech. So, when asking for something do not pay without appealing to bargaining at least up to the third part of what they ask. They will never lose, so do not be afraid to play.
Undoubtedly, these street markets are like the veins through which we travel through the city. In the souks, there are thousands of street stores and stores to use that make Marrakech vibrates at every step.
7. Les Tenneries, the tanners’ quarter
Many travelers recommend visiting and experiencing the famous tanners. To reach them, you pass through a somewhat deeper Marrakech. In the neighborhood, you hardly meet foreign visitors. More numerous are the locals who cross your path with their glances and questions. I felt a bit observed and it made me uneasy at times although you should always take precautions and ask for opinions before going.
I recommend going accompanied, there is no imminent danger, although it is a bit intimidating at first because you feel a bit lost and you don’t really know exactly which way to go.
There are several cooperatives in this neighborhood of tanners north of the medina. In these spaces, they work the whole process of animal skins, which can be explained to you by a representative of the cooperative. In this interesting industry comes out handmade leather that is the raw material to make bags, slippers, wallets and other similar products.
8. Koutubia, the Mosque of Marrakech
When you hear the loudspeakers calling for prayer, it is normal for all Muslims to go inside the Koutoubia. It is not possible for people of other religious beliefs to enter. It must be very beautiful inside as you can see it from the huge doors.
Also, it is very normal to portray the mosque as being one of the most visible symbols of Marrakech, whose famous minaret can be seen from afar. Some say that the Koutoubia is the sister of the Giralda, Seville’s cathedral. I see a resemblance although each has its details and is located in different places and realities.
The Koutoubia is next to some gardens to enjoy and take pictures, also a few steps from Jeema el Fna.
9. The Mellah, the Jewish quarter of Marrakech
This is the part of the city that occupied the old Jewish quarter created in the sixteenth century, which served as a refuge to house the Jews expelled from Spain and Portugal. It was once separated by some walls and gates and became the largest Jewish ghetto in the world outside Europe.
Today, strolling through the Mellah is a striking experience and the least visited part of Marrakech. There is a colorful covered market with good deals compared to the traditional souk, because it is frequented by locals.
If you like curiosities you can access the two synagogues of Negidim and Alzama and the Jewish cemetery located in the neighborhood. They are not at a glance but are the best things you could do accompanied by a guide who can help you. Also, I recommend visiting the Place des Ferblantiers. A beautiful square with many stores dedicated to the forge and where we will find one of the entrances to the Jewish quarter.
10. The great wall around the Medina and the Kasbah
The wall of Marrakech completely surrounds the medina delimiting some old neighborhoods. This extends for about 19 kilometers with a height up to 10 meters and about two meters wide.
The striking thing about the wall is the reddish color of its walls because it was built with clay of that tone that changes according to the light of day, something magical in Marrakech.
11. Majorelle Garden, Yves Saint-Laurent’s personal paradise.
The Majorelle Garden is an oasis not to miss, full of cacti, bamboos, and other plant species from five continents. It is in the northern and newest part of the city, just outside the Medina of Marrakech. If you can, go early in the morning when there are fewer tourists.
They were created between 1920 and 1930 by the French artist Jacques Majorelle. A time when Morocco was under the protectorate of France.
Later in the 1980s, they became the property of the famous French designer Yves Saint-Laurent. A character linked to the world of fashion prevented their demolition of this public place.
The Majorelle blue color is fascinating and predominates in all its facilities. Also inside is the Berber Museum. Admission: 70 dirhams.
12. Menara Gardens
More than 40 varieties of olive trees are witnessed when visiting this large park west of Marrakech. Many of its inhabitants go with their families to enjoy moments of peace and quiet. On the banks of its large pond, where the peaks of the Atlas Mountains and the main pavilion are. From time to time you can see some airplanes because it is located very close to the international airport.
Inside the central building, you can see glimpses of Arab culture, and you can also enjoy romantic views. Admission: Free.
Practical information for visiting Marrakech
Where to sleep in Marrakech
There are a variety of hotels in Marrakech. Almost all types of accommodation for all tastes and most demanding pockets. Among them the legendary La Mamounia where you can buy a Spa Day for 500 dirhams (about 50 euros at the exchange rate).
I recommend the Riad Ariha, an exotic accommodation in the heart of the medina, which has only five beautiful rooms or rather I would say suites. Exotically decorated facilities, very friendly staff, and hearty breakfasts.
Other accommodations: Riads in Marrakech
You can search on Booking for a variety of hotels and accommodations although I also provide you with some recommendations of riads with good ratings.
- Riad Yamina
- Dar Nour el Houda
- Assalam
- Riada Dar One
How to get to Marrakech from Spain
To get to the Gare (station in Gueliz) in Marrakech you can do it via Tangier, Casablanca or Rabat on an overnight train in first class service. Before that, I flew from Malaga to Tangier with the airline Air Arabia with cheap fares. For more details see: How to get to Tangier from Spain.
There are many flights to Marrakech, direct from various European and Moroccan cities, as well as connecting flights. The city is well connected.
Other facts and recommendations
People in Marrakech used to tourism, are very open to help at all times. If you want to buy souvenirs or souvenirs in the souks or other similar places, remember to give yourself to the sport of bargaining.
If you are alone or accompanied, do not pay much attention when some people approach you to show you the way to go see a certain place, some may make you “lose” and then ask for financial compensation for the “help” received.
When asking the locals, they can kindly tell you where someplace is, as well as try to locate you with a map or if you have the internet on your cell phone, use Google maps or another similar app.
As everywhere in the world you have to know where to get in, always walk carefully whether in Marrakech or any other city. In addition, I did not see that it is dangerous but yes, always attentive but not obsessed with safety.
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