Marrakech is a whirlwind for the senses; the smell of spices, the sound of calls to prayer, the colours of intricate tilework, and the bustle of the medina. If you’re planning a trip and only have limited time, this 2 days in Marrakech itinerary will help you experience the highlights. From palaces and gardens to souks, rooftop dinners, and stays in beautiful riads, here’s what we did and how you can make the most out of your visit.
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Where to stay: riads in Marrakech
Staying in a riad is part of the Marrakech experience. These traditional guesthouses, tucked into the medina, are peaceful havens centered around courtyards; often with pools, Moroccan tile, and spectacular breakfasts.
We stayed two nights at Riad Christina, just five minutes from Jemaa el-Fnaa, and one night at Riad Palais Des Princesses (less than five minutes from Jemaa el-Fnaa), after our Atlas Mountains trek. Looking back, I wish we’d lingered at Palais Des Princesses — the rooms are gorgeous, the pool was bliss after hiking, and the breakfast spread felt like pure heaven post-Toubkal. Truly a treat.
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If you’re planning a Toubkal summit trek from Marrakech, I highly recommend the company we went with — we left directly from the city — and you can read my full Toubkal summit trek guide.
Day One of your 2 days in Marrakech itinerary — Palaces, parks & souks (walking route)
This full-day itinerary can easily be done on foot inside the medina. Below is a step-by-step walking route to help you make the most of your day.
Morning
- Bahia Palace — Start early to beat the crowds. This 19th-century palace is filled with carved wood, painted ceilings, and peaceful courtyards — a perfect introduction to Moroccan craftsmanship.
- Jardin Secret — A short walk north through the medina brings you to this restored garden. It’s a calm oasis and a great spot to slow down and snap photos.
- Ben Youssef Madrasa — Just a few minutes away, this former Koranic college is one of Marrakech’s most ornate historical sites. Take your time admiring the intricate tilework and carved cedar. If you can only visit one site in the medina, let it be this.
- Koutoubia Mosque (exterior & park) — Walk west toward the iconic minaret. While non-Muslims cannot enter, the mosque and its surrounding gardens are beautiful for a stroll and photos.
I created a walking map with key pins for this route — you can download/open it here: Walking Route 1 – 4 (opens in browser).
Opening Hours & Ticket Info
Tickets for these sites can’t be purchased online unless you book a guided tour. If you’re visiting independently, buy them at the entrance.
As of May 2025:
- Card payments were accepted at Jardin Secret, but Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa required cash.
- Bahia Palace Guided Tour (optional): The Bahia Palace isn’t just a feast for the eyes — it’s a masterpiece filled with secrets. Wander alone, and you’ll admire the mosaics and courtyards. Join a guide, and suddenly every colour, ceiling, and garden tells a story of power, love, and intrigue. For just a little extra, you don’t just see the palace — you experience it.
| Site | Hours | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Bahia Palace | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | MAD 100 (~€10) |
| Jardin Secret | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (until 7:30 PM Apr–Sep) | MAD 100 (~€10) |
| Ben Youssef Madrasa | 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM | MAD 50 (~€5) |
Late Afternoon — Souks & Tea
- Explore the souks — Head back toward the souks in the late afternoon when the stalls and workshops come alive. Start at Souk Semmarine, the main artery of the medina, where sunlight filters through wooden slats onto stalls overflowing with leather goods, spices, lanterns, textiles, and ceramics. From here, you can wander deeper into the maze of smaller alleys, each with its own specialty and surprises. Keep your camera ready, your senses open, and your haggling smile on!
- Tea and people-watching — Stop at a café with a balcony or street-side table for mint tea. Late afternoon is the perfect time to soak in the medina’s rhythms — sip, watch, and relax.
- Debachi Chez Cherif — For a cheap and delicious local bite, try the falafel pita here. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Evening — Jemaa el-Fna Night Vibe
From the souks, it’s just a short walk through Souk Semmarine to reach Jemaa el-Fna. When night falls in Marrakech, the medina transforms into a world of sound, flavour, and colour. Jemaa el-Fna fills with musicians, storytellers, and the smoky aroma of food stalls, while lanterns light up the winding souks. Exploring it all can feel overwhelming on your own, but with a local guide you’ll discover hidden corners, try authentic street food, and hear the stories that bring the night to life. A guided night walking tour offers the perfect mix of culture and atmosphere and is one of the trip’s highlights.
Tips & Warnings
- Scams & hustles: Be aware of people offering unsolicited henna, people with snakes/monkeys asking to pose for photos, or anyone insisting on guiding you. A firm (!) “no, thank you” is fine — and keep valuables tucked away.
- Henna artists: If you want a henna, agree on a price before they start. If it’s uninvited, decline.
- Safety at night: The square is lively and often safe, but standard travel caution applies.
Dinner with a View
- Restaurant Le Grand Bazar — Good atmosphere, live entertainment some nights, rooftop views of the square.
- Bistro Arabe — A more refined rooftop/dining experience if you want something quieter and a bit upscale.
Day Two in Marrakech — slow wandering & hidden gems
Day two is for discovery and breathing room.
- Morning calm in the medina: Revisit favourite corners in the early morning when the streets are quieter. Look for tucked-away riads, tiny courtyards, artisan workshops, and galleries.
- Riad downtime: Don’t underestimate time by the riad pool or a lengthy Moroccan breakfast. After busy sightseeing, these simple pleasures are part of the experience.
In hindsight, I wish I’d visited Jardin Majorelle, Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic garden but with our Mount Toubkal climb starting the next day, we were focused on saving our energy. If you can fit it in, don’t miss it. Tickets are only sold online, and booking ahead is the best way to secure tickets.
Practical tips & quick checklist
- Footwear: Comfortable shoes for cobbled alleys and uneven lanes.
- Money: Cash (dirhams) is king inside souks and small cafes; many riads and larger restaurants take cards. Euros are also widely accepted in many spots.
- Haggling: Don’t be shy in the souks! Start around 40% below the asking price and keep it friendly — it’s totally expected and part of the fun. One of our guides even told us it’s not rude at all
- Dress: Wear respectful, culturally appropriate clothing — I always carried a scarf just in case.
- Language: French and Arabic are widely spoken, and learning a few polite Arabic phrases goes a long way. Many people also speak English
Final thoughts on this 2 days in Marrakech itinerary
Two days will only scratch the surface, but you’ll capture Marrakech’s highlights: palaces, gardens, the electric souks, and the unforgettable night energy of Jemaa el-Fna; plus the comfort of riad life. If you can, add Jardin Majorelle and a hammam for a deeper taste.
Got a bit more time? Take a day trip to the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, or the Ourika Valley. I’ve rounded up my top picks in a separate guide, featuring the best-reviewed and best-priced tours, so you can relax and enjoy the adventure without all the planning stress.
Happy Travels! x
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