3 Days Marrakech, Morocco Itinerary
This 3-day budget itinerary explores the heart of Marrakech, focusing on experiencing the city's rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious food without breaking the bank. It's designed for travelers who want to immerse themselves in the local atmosphere and discover both popular attractions and hidden gems.
Duration
3 days
Budget
$200-300
Best Time
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures, avoiding the intense summer heat and potential winter rains
Activities
18
Daily Avg
$83/day
Pace
Fast
Marrakech is a vibrant city that offers a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. It's a gateway to experiencing Moroccan culture, from bustling souks and historic palaces to delicious cuisine and stunning desert landscapes.
Your itinerary covers 10 of 14 must-have experiences
A Mosque
e.g., Koutoubia Mosque, Ben Youssef Mosque
A Palace
Day 2: Visit the Bahia Palace
A Garden
Day 2: Relax in the Jardin Majorelle
A Souk
Day 1: Explore the Souks
A Riad
Accommodations (if traveler stays in a riad)
A Hammam
Day 3: Hammam Experience
Mint Tea
Day 1: Mint Tea Break
Tagine
Day 1: Lunch at a street food stall
Visit a Madrassa
Day 1: Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa
Jemaa el-Fna at night
Day 1: Visit Jemaa el-Fna Square
Experience the Palmeraie
Day 3: Visit the Palmeraie
Visit the Mellah
Day 1: Visit Jemaa el-Fna Square
See the Saadian Tombs
Day 2: Explore the Saadian Tombs
Desert Landscape
e.g., Day trip to Agafay desert (not included in this budget itinerary)
Marrakech's culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry of flavors, blending Berber, Arab, and French influences. Expect aromatic spices, slow-cooked tagines, and fresh ingredients in every dish. Be prepared to haggle for prices in the souks and enjoy the experience of street food and traditional restaurants.
Must-Try Dishes
A slow-cooked stew in a conical earthenware pot, often with meat (lamb, chicken, beef) or vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, and spices like saffron, ginger, and cinnamon. The flavors meld beautifully during the long cooking process.
📍 Restaurants throughout the city, especially in the Medina and Gueliz.
Steamed semolina grains served with a meat or vegetable stew, typically cooked with seven vegetables (carrots, turnips, zucchini, cabbage, pumpkin, tomatoes, and onions) and spiced with saffron, ginger, and turmeric. It's traditionally eaten on Fridays after prayer.
📍 Restaurants and riads, often served as a special Friday dish.
A uniquely Marrakech dish, tanjia is a meat stew (usually lamb or beef) slow-cooked in a clay pot buried in the embers of a furnace. It's flavored with preserved lemons, garlic, cumin, and saffron, resulting in incredibly tender and flavorful meat.
📍 Restaurants specializing in traditional Moroccan cuisine, particularly in the Medina.
A sweet and savory pie made with shredded pigeon or chicken, almonds, and spices, encased in flaky phyllo pastry and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. It's a delightful combination of contrasting flavors and textures.
📍 Upscale restaurants and riads offering Moroccan gastronomy.
Food Neighborhoods
Known for street food and traditional Moroccan dishes.
Known for modern restaurants, cafes, and international cuisine.
Known for snacks, street food, and traditional sweets.
Known for upscale restaurants and hotel dining.
Vegetarian options are available, but be sure to specify 'without meat' as many dishes may contain hidden meat stock. Vegan options are more limited, so it's best to inquire beforehand. Halal food is widely available. If you have allergies, clearly communicate them to the restaurant staff.
It's customary to eat with your right hand, especially when sharing dishes. Tipping is appreciated in restaurants, typically around 10%. It's polite to accept tea when offered as a sign of hospitality. Avoid wasting food and leave a small amount on your plate to show you are satisfied.
Eid al-Adha
Islamic Festival of Sacrifice with family gatherings and traditional celebrations.
Rose Festival
Festival des RosesCelebration of the rose harvest in the Dades Valley with parades and music.
Note: Book 1 month ahead
🛣️Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- 🚶From your hotel in the Medina, walk towards Jemaa el-Fna Square (5-10 minutes).FREE
9:00 AM - Visit Jemaa el-Fna Square
Start your day at Marrakech's iconic square, Jemaa el-Fna. In the morning, it's relatively quiet, offering a glimpse into local life before the crowds arrive. Watch the storytellers and water sellers. Arrive early to see the square before it gets too crowded.
Book on Klook - 🚶The Souks are located north of Jemaa el-Fna Square, easily accessible by walking.FREE
10:00 AM - Explore the Souks
Immerse yourself in the maze-like souks north of Jemaa el-Fna. Practice your bargaining skills and find unique souvenirs. Remember to bargain hard, starting at about half the asking price. Souk Semmarine is a good place to start.
Book on Klook - 🚶Street food stalls are located within Jemaa el-Fna or surrounding souks.$3-5
1:00 PM - Lunch at a street food stall
Grab a delicious and affordable lunch at one of the many street food stalls in Jemaa el-Fna or the surrounding souks. Try the tagine or kefta. Be sure to choose a stall with lots of locals eating there.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Lunch
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
- 🚶From the souks, walk to Ben Youssef Madrasa (approx. 10-15 minutes).$5
2:30 PM - Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa
Explore the stunning Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic college with intricate architecture and beautiful courtyards. It's a peaceful escape from the bustling souks. Purchase tickets in advance to avoid queues.
Book on Klook - 🚶From Ben Youssef Madrasa, walk to Cafe Terrasse des Epices or a similar cafe (approx. 5-10 minutes).$2-3
4:30 PM - Mint Tea Break
Relax and enjoy a traditional Moroccan mint tea at a cafe near the Madrasa. This is a great way to soak in the atmosphere and rest your feet. Cafe Terrasse des Epices has a fantastic view
Book on Klook - 🚶Cafe Terrasse des Epices is near Jemaa el-Fna Square, walk back to enjoy dinner.$5-7
7:00 PM - Dinner at Jemaa el-Fna
Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fna at night. Sample different foods from the food stalls, listen to the storytellers, and watch the snake charmers. Be mindful of your belongings in the crowds.
🍽️Create Custom ItineraryAdd restaurants for Dinner
Get personalized restaurant recommendations
Create a free custom itinerary to add hotels and restaurants
Medina (near Jemaa el-Fna)
Central location, close to main attractions, vibrant atmosphere.
📅 Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November) offer pleasant temperatures, avoiding the intense summer heat and potential winter rains.
During Spring and Autumn, Marrakech enjoys warm, sunny days and mild evenings. Rainfall is minimal, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Spring and Autumn offer the most pleasant weather for exploring Marrakech, avoiding the extreme heat of summer and the potential rains of winter.
Ramadan can affect opening hours and availability of services. Eid al-Adha is another major holiday.
Getting Around
Al Boraq high-speed train (Tangier–Casablanca); CTM buses
Grand taxis (shared) between cities; petit taxis within cities. Negotiate fares.
Travel
$500-800 (flights vary greatly)Accommodation
$45-75 (for 3 nights in a budget riad or hostel)Food
$60-90Activities
$50-75Bargain diligently in the souks (expect to pay around 50% of the initial asking price) and opt for delicious, inexpensive street food or local bistronomes for meals.
Utilize local petit taxis (negotiate fare upfront) or walk extensively in the Medina instead of relying on more expensive tourist transport or grand taxis.
Treat yourself to a traditional Moroccan Hammam and spa treatment for ultimate relaxation, or a breathtaking sunrise hot air balloon ride over the Palmeraie.
Always carry small bills and coins for purchases and tips; many vendors claim not to have change. Learn to politely decline unwanted offers with 'La shukran'.
- Learn a few basic Arabic phrases to enhance your interactions with locals.
- Bargain hard when shopping in the souks; it's expected and part of the culture.
- Dress respectfully, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of bottled water.
- Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings safe from pickpockets.
- Use petit taxis for short distances, but agree on the fare beforehand.
- Tipping is customary in Morocco for good service.
- Try to eat where locals eat for more authentic and affordable food.
- 1Lightweight and modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees is respectful).
- 2Comfortable walking shoes.
- 3Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection.
- 4Sunglasses.
- 5Reusable water bottle.
- 6Small backpack for carrying essentials.
- 7Universal adapter for electronics.
- 8First-aid kit with basic medications.
- 9Hand sanitizer.
- 10Scarf (useful for covering your head or shoulders)
Flights
Book 3-6 months in advance for the best prices, especially if traveling during peak season or major festivals.
Accommodation (Riad/Hotel)
Popular riads and hotels can book out quickly, especially during spring and autumn; reserve 3-5 months ahead.
Airport Transfer
Arrange a private transfer or pre-book a taxi to avoid hassle upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK).
Desert Tour
If planning a multi-day desert excursion (e.g., to Merzouga), book 1-2 months ahead, particularly for peak travel times.
Travel Insurance
Essential for any international trip, covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Purchase immediately after booking flights/accommodation.
SIM Card / eSIM
Research eSIM options for immediate connectivity upon arrival, or plan to purchase a local SIM at the airport or an official store.
Restaurant Reservations
For popular or high-end restaurants, especially those with entertainment, book several days to a week in advance.
Visa Requirements
Check your country's specific visa requirements for Morocco well in advance of your trip (typically 3-6 months).
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Airalo website or app (download before arrival)
📍 Maroc Telecom stores at the airport or in the city center (Gueliz)
📍 Orange stores at the airport or in the city center (Gueliz)
📍 Online rental services; pick up at the airport or delivery to your hotel
WiFi is readily available in most hotels, riads, cafes, and restaurants, especially in Gueliz and Hivernage. However, the speed and reliability can vary. Public WiFi hotspots are less common.
Useful Apps
Purchase a SIM card or eSIM upon arrival to avoid roaming charges. Download offline maps and translation packs before your trip. Check the data allowance and validity period of your SIM card. Be aware of potential scams when purchasing SIM cards from unofficial vendors. Consider a power bank for your phone, as outlets may not always be readily available.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (Europlug)
Two round pins + round ground hole
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10% or round up
Round up to nearest MAD 5
MAD 20–50 per bag
Tipping is expected. Tip guides, drivers, and riad staff.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Be aware of petty theft, especially in crowded areas. Dress modestly and respect local customs. Stay hydrated and avoid prolonged sun exposure.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
19 (city) / 177 (gendarmerie)
15
15
Brigade Touristique in major cities
Call 19 in cities, 177 in rural areas
Payments
Cash dominant — essential in souks and medinas
Accepted at hotels and upscale riads
Very limited
Carry dirhams. ATMs available but may be unreliable in rural areas.
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Marrakech is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November). The weather is pleasant, with warm days and cool nights, making it ideal for exploring the city.
Related Itineraries
Customize This Trip
Get this itinerary tailored to YOUR exact dates, preferences, and budget.
- Personalized for your dates
- Weather-aware recommendations
- Offline access
- Real-time pricing
- Budget tracking
No sign-up required
Quick Actions
Trip Summary
Want a Personalized Version?
Get this itinerary customized for your exact travel dates, with weather-aware recommendations and real-time pricing.
Create My Custom Itinerary60sBrowse by travel style: