4 Days in Marrakech Itinerary for 2024

If have enough time to plan a 4 days in Marrakech itinerary then that is BEYOND awesome. You’ll have plenty of time to see some of the biggest landmarks in the city AND so some super cool day trips.

It’s honestly a great amount of time to spend in the city since you’ll be able to chill, go to the hammam (public bath), and enjoy everything that Marrakech has to offer at a relaxed pace.

You don’t have to stress out, you don’t have to run around. You can spend time relaxing by the pool and wandering around the Medina, shopping for super cool stuff.

Then when you’re ready, you can hop on a bus and do an easy day trip to one of my favorite cities of all time.

Honestly, I am super excited about showing you how to see Marrakech in 4 days. See, I live just a quick bus ride away from Marrakech.

So, I am literally in the city every chance I get. I have a ton of local tips for you and I really want to show you what to do in Marrakech in 4 days. This way you can experience cool sites like Jamaa el Fna Square, the Menara Gardens, and more.

But, I also want to take you off the beaten path and introduce you to the local side of Marrakech, a side of the city that ost people don’t see.

Therefore, come with me and let’s swan dive into this mega epic 4 day Marrakech itinerary right now.

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4 days in Marrakech Itinerary

Day 1

You’ll be spending your first day in Marrakech exploring some of the most popular attractions in the city.

You’ll stay in and around the Medina, potentially at some of the best hostels in Marrakech or the best budget riads in Marrakech since this is a vibrant, UNESCO World Heritage Site that is a total must-see.

So, soak it up and get a taste of what old-world Marrakech was like and get a feel for the exotic vibe of this amazing place.

Also, I’m not recommending a breakfast spot in Marrakech since your riad will probably serve breakfast. Although Cafe des Epices is pretty awesome and right in the Medina.

Saadian Tombs

This place is next-level beautiful. It’s also one of the cool things to do in Marrakech because it wasn’t rediscovered until 1917.

See, Sultan Moulay Ismail decided in 1603 that he wanted everyone to forget about Saadian Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour Ed Dahbi, who built the tombs as a mausoleum while he was designing Bahia Palace.

So, this place was hidden away behind stones, never to be seen again. Well, luckily for you, you can see it now. Tickets are 60 Dirhams ($6.00) and you can visit any time after 9:00 am.

Awesome things to see include the Chamber of 12 Pillars with its muqarnas (plasterwork) and amazing tilework, as well as Lalla Massouda’s Tomb, the Garden Tombs, and the Chamber of Three Niches and Prayer Room.

Have your camera ready any expect to see lots of tiles, Italian marble, and gold throughout this incredible mausoleum.

Local Tip: On your way here stop to take photos with Bab Agnaou Gate and Moulay El Yazid Mosque. Both are iconic local landmarks in Marrakech. But, you can just admire the structures, so its just a quick photo op.

Badi Palace (Optional)

Visiting this place is optional since it’s not the most impressive palace in the city. Yeah, it’s basically in ruins but I enjoyed my visit which is why I like to list it.

Plus, it’s right in between Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. So, why not visit while you’re here?

You’ll have to pay 70 Dirhams to get in. But, once you do, you can spend your time walking around the reflecting pool of this 16th-century palace, take in the impressive views from the roof, and explore exhibits off the main courtyard and in the basement.

TBH, the photo exhibits in the basement on the Mellah and Kasbah were MEH. So, you can quickly breeze through here.

I would spend the majority of your time looking at the ruins you’ll see as you walk from the basement to the main courtyard.

You can also take some photos of the giant central courtyard before visiting the art exhibits in the Khayzuran Pavilion and the Koutoubia minbar (prayer pulpit) on the other side of the courtyard.

Yeah, the building used to be lovely and filled with lots of crystal, gold, and beautiful gems thanks to Sultan Ahmed Al Mansour.

But, Sultan Moulay came along after him and ransacked the place, bringing all the good stuff to Meknes since it was the capital at the time.

Bahia Palace

⭐️ Rating: 4.4/5 (147 Reviews) Price: $20 per person Duration: 1.5 hours 📍Meeting Point: In front of the Hôtel Restaurant Café de France Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

Grand with a capital “G”, Bahia actually means “brilliant” in Arabic, which is the perfect word to describe this amazing place in Marrakech.

First of all, Bahia Palace is HUGE. It’s like an 8,000-square-foot palace. However, you’ll ONLY get to explore 150 rooms since the rest of the complex is closed to the public.

I know, try to dry your eyes. However, have that camera at the ready because you’ll want to photograph exquisite tile ceilings, stunning plasterwork, and zouak, or traditional Moroccan wood carving.

““The tour was really exceptional. Medhi the guide took us through the Medina in the tiny streets. He explained us the history of the places and the origins of the events. You feel like hearing a story told by a special character! At the end he proposed to take a mint tea at the Jewish area renown the fine spices. This generosity is very rare! Many thanks Medhi. Jocelyne and Mario”

Jocelyne (read more reviews now)

Yup, it’s a massive amount of beauty concentrated in one place. In particular, the Petit Riad and Grand Riad are renowned for their ceilings and woodwork.

square The Cour d’Honneur is also a great place to go since this courtyard has a massive marble floor that tops out at 1,500 square meters.

The Mellah

Just a hop, skip, and jump away from Bahia Palace is the Mellah. FYI, any time you see the word “Mellah” in Morocco, just think of it as a Jewish Quarter. And this one is the oldest in Morocco.

This is a great place to go if you want to get off the beaten path a bit and experience what local life is really like.

Honestly, I would just enter through Ben Altar Gate and wander around the area. Explore the souks, visit the local street food vendors, and enjoy one of the free things to do in Marrakech.

If you kind of NEED a place to visit you can check out Al Azama synagogue from the 16th-century, and the giant Miaara cemetery.

Real talk? I have been to many synagogues and Jewish cemeteries in my day. So, I was none too impressed. However, if you are super into Jewish culture then definitely check these places out. Just know you’ll have to pay to get in.

Grab Lunch

It’s been a busy morning and you are probably starving at this point. If you are looking for a great place to eat lunch in Marrakech then head to Cafe Clock. I come here all the time and my fave thing is the Berber Omelet.

My boyfriend loves the pancake stack and my other fave thing on the menu is the falafel bowl. You can order a spiced cappuccino as well since this is something I get every time I visit one of the best cafes in Marrakech.

The prices are good, the service is great, the decor is lovely, and you can even try their camel burger if you’re feeling super adventurous.

However, The Mandala Society is also in the area and is another great place to eat, especially if you’re a vegetarian in Marrakech or a vegan in Marrakech.

Explore the Souks of the Medina

Honestly, one of my favorite things to do is just wander around the Medina. It’s a chaotic maze of narrow streets where motorbikes zip past tourists mesmerized by vibrant lanterns, homemade carpets, and exotic, ceramic tagines.

You will get lost and that is totally okay. Don’t stress. One of my top Marrakech tips is to have an offline map handy. You also do not want to accept unsolicited help from strangers (this is a scam).

Additionally, have cash handy so that you can buy some cool Marrakech souvenirs. Just avoid the antiques and jewelry since these are usually fake and overpriced.

Also, don’t forget to haggle. This is a way of life in Morocco and it is a great way to get the best price possible. Start at 50% of the asking price and go from there.

If you’re not sure where to start, some of my fave souks in Marrakech are (aka markets) are Souk Semmarine (like a Main Street), Souk Cherratine (leather items), and Souk des Babouche (traditional shoes).

Koutoubia Mosque

Like with most mosques in Morocco, you can’t go inside unless you’re Mulsim. However, if you want to get a peek at the interior, stop by on a Friday when locals are entering and exiting for services.

Otherwise, just admire the giant minaret which stands at an impressive 250 feet (76 meters) tall. This place is also one of the biggest and most important mosques in the city since it dates all the way back to the 12th century.

Take time to wander around the surrounding park. There are a ton of benches where you can sit beneath date palms and admire the park’s many tiled fountains.

You can also explore the ruins from a former prayer hall before heading across the street to Jemma el-Fna Square.

Jemaa el Fna Square

This square only comes alive once the sun begins to set. That’s why it’s one of the best places to go in Marrakech in the evening.

Take some time to wander through this chaotic place. See musicians perform, watch belly dancers strut their stuff, see snake charmers holding cobras, and watch locals try to get you to take a picture with a tutu-wearing monkey (don’t do it).

It’s a crazy place but this is what Marrakech is all about. When you’re ready to continue with your 4 days in Marrakech itinerary, head to the rooftop of a cafe along the edge of the square and watch the sunset.

My fave spot is L’Adresses Cafe and Restaurant but they are pretty much all the same. Just get here early since seats overlooking the square fill up quickly.

If you’re hungry and you need a place to eat, head to NOMAD. The rooftop is exceptional and they serve nice tagine and couscous. Just make a reservation since this place is popular.

Local Tip: A common scam here is restaurants will lure you in with a cheap menu. Then when you go to pay, the menu has higher prices. When you try to confront them, they show you a second menu with higher prices.

So, when dining in the square it’s a good idea to take a picture of the menu before you eat so you have proof of the price. This way you can actually enjoy some of the best restaurants in Marrakech serving alcohol.

Day 2

Because you have a bit more time in Marrakech, let’s explore the Medina a bit deeper and check out some of the best museums in Marrakech.

On day 2 in Marrakech you’ll see some hidden gems and experience all that Marrakech’s beautiful Medina has to offer.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

⭐️ Rating: 4.7/5 ( Reviews) Price: $25 per person Duration: 3 hours 📍Meeting Point: Meet in front of Café de France Details: Read more on Get Your Guide Now!

This amazing school dates back to the 14th century and is a great place to start your 4 days in Marrakech itinerary today.

It was one of the biggest schools in North Africa in its heyday and was initially constructed by Sultan Abu Inan Faris.

It still functions as a school and is currently the largest madrasa in the country.

“Excellent tour and a perfect introduction to the city, Mohammed was excellent and took us to some great secret spots we wouldn’t have seen otherwise. Highly recommended!”

Dominic (read more reviews now)

So, pay 70 Dirhams ($7.00) and explore elaborate courtyards, gorgeous prayer halls, and dorm rooms built to house over 900 students. Just keep an eye out for elaborate tilework since that’s what this place is known for.

Maison de Photographie (House of Photography Museum)

Housed inside a cute little riad in the Medina, this quaint museum was founded by Parisians Patrick Menac’h and Hamid Mergani.

They both had a passion for collecting old photos of Morocco, from between 1850 and 1950, and decided to purchase a building where they could share their collection with the masses.

Currently, the collection is spread across three floors and includes 4,500 photos, 80 documents, and 2,000 negatives.

It’s not a huge museum but it’s worth checking out since the collection is well organized (by theme and region) and the building is charming.

If you want you can even take a cool print home with you, which is made using one of the museum’s original negatives.

Tickets cost just 50 Dirhmas ($5.00) and you can even chill at the rooftop cafe with a mint tea after your visit.

Marrakech Museum

This incredible museum is a great place to go if you want to experience tons of amazing art from inside Mnebhi Palace.

Yeah, this building once belonged to Mehdi Mnebhi, who was the defense minister for Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz from 1894 to 1908.

He then went to England and the palace was promptly taken over by Pasha Glaoui. Later, it was transformed into a museum in 1997.

Sure, the art and artifacts on display here are awesome, like the ceramics from Fes. But, the real reason you’re visiting is to see the central courtyard.

It’s filled with awesome cedar archways, lovely painted doors, fun stained-glass windows, and epic zellige (geometric tilework). The traditional hammam inside the palace is pretty rad too.

If you have time, take a break and relax in the lovely courtyard that surrounds the on-site cafe. Tickets are 70 Dirhams ($7.00) each.

Almoravid Koubba

Dynasties in Marrakech had a nasty little habit of destroying anything and everything that their forefathers built.

Thankfully, the Almohads forgot to tear down this 12th-century koubba, or shrine, that sits right across the street from Ali Ben Youssef Mosque.

It’s a Marrakech landmark that features awesome, Hispano-Moorish architecture like keyhole arches and a domed roof.

It’s small but one of the oldest buildings in the city and a pretty neat place. However, if you don’t feel like paying 60 Dirhams ($6.00) to go inside then you can get a great view of this landmark from the terrace at Herboriste La Sagesse.

Grab Some Lunch

You’re probably starving right now. If that’s the case then head to the Moorish Kitchen and Coffee. Not only do they serve nice artisanal coffee (love their lattes) but they have a great menu filled with Moroccan and non-Moroccan dishes.

I liked the classic burger, the chicken skewers, the tapas (Berber omelet, meatballs, etc.), and the briouats. Additionally, they are all reasonably priced at between 60 Dirhams ($6.00) and 70 Dirhams ($7.00) per dish.

Le Jardin Secret

Many people assume you’re visiting to see two lovely little gardens, one exotic garden and one Islamic garden overflowing with fig trees, date trees, olive trees, and more.

However, this garden was designed more as a museum to demonstrate how ancient irrigation systems were used to create the lovely gardens you see today. Tickets start at 100 Dirhams ($10.00) each.

As a result, this lovely place was constructed atop the remnants of a 400-year-old building and has a ton of exhibits that explore the former riad’s history and explain how old water systems (khettara) actually functioned.

If you’re feeling beat, chill at the cafe. There is also a tower that you can climb for views of the Medina (additional 40 Dirhams) but I did it and didn’t really think it was worth it.

Dar Si Said Museum

Once the home of Si Said, a prominent local resident, whose brother was the Grand Vizier Bou Ahmed, this epic mansion is from the 19th century and is a great place to go if you want to admire traditional Moroccan craftsmanship (mâalem).

You can see authentic Moroccan carpets and learn about the art of weaving in Morocco. Other important items on display include weapons, teapots, woodwork, jewelry, trays, musical instruments, etc.

Just don’t leave without visiting the bridal suite on the first floor and the amazing garden. I love this place because it offers a nice escape from the crowds that you’ll find at other top Marrakech landmarks.

Plus, tickets are well-priced at just 30 Dirhams ($3.00) per person. Visit any time between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm, except on Tuesdays when they are closed.

Dinner at Le Jardin

I know you have to do a little backtracking but this place is worth the 20-minute walk. See, it’s one of my favorite places to grab brunch in Marrakech since it sits inside an old riad from the 1960s.

This place is also awesome because you feel like you’re siting inside a hidden garden and can dig into a wide array fo Moroccan dishes that are just 100 Dirhams ($10.00) each.

When I come here I love to order the tagine chakchouka with eggs (it’s a Berber Omelet), but the couscous and tagines are good too. They also have a new rooftop area that is one of the best rooftops in Marrakech.

Afterward, check out the cool boutique on-site (pop-up shop) and see if you can find anything cool to take home with you after your 4 days in Marrakech.

Day 3

Today during your 3rd day in Marrakech, let’s get out of Marrakech and explore a totally new city. Essaouira. It’s a beautiful coastal town and is a quick bus ride away from Marrakech to Essaouira. Plus, if you visit, you don’t decide on Marrakech or Essaouira.

To visit, you’ll want to take a taxi from your hotel to the Supratours bus station (right next to the train station). You can book tickets online for around 120 Dirhams (prices vary).

There are between 5 and 6 buses that travel from Marrakech to Essaouira daily. So, grab tickets on the first bus out and come back on the last bus of the day.

In total, the trip will take around 3.5 hours each way. Also, keep your eye on the goats that like to hang out in the Argan trees 30 minutes outside of Essaouira.

Upon arrival, you’ll be dropped off at the Supratours bus station (this is also where you’ll depart to return to Marrakech) which is about a 10-minute walk from the Medina.

The Medina is small and very walkable, making Essaouira one of the best day trips from Marrakech. So, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the city and enjoy the best things to do in Essaouira. Some of my fave activities include:

Local Tip: Taxi drivers in Marrakech are big scammers. Always ask to use the meter. When they refuse, mention the “police” and it should magically come on.

Also, keep your GPS on and follow the route to your final destination. Many drivers like to go the “long way” so that you have to pay more.

• Explore the Medina – The charming, blue and white medina dates back to the 18th century and is laid out like a grid. It is easy to see in a short amount of time and is just a great place to walk around. Definitely get some cool souvenirs since everything here is cheaper than in Marrakech. The Mega Loft rooftop is great for a drink or you can grab a coffee at l’Atelier-Café Boutique.

• Visit the Old Scala – Located inside the Medina, the Old Scala is a super beautiful rampart that was featured in the Game of Thrones series. You can see 19 canons here and admire epic views of the ocean. It’s free to visit and is a great place to watch the sunset.

• Visit the Scala de Port – Located right on the water, this military tower is a great place to go for epic views. It does cost 50 Dirhams to visit ($5.00) but is free on Fridays. It’s located right near the fish market so grab some fish after your visit and ask one of the nearby restaurants along the port to cook it up for you.

• Walk along the Main Beach – The Main Beach in Essaouira is about 2 kilometers long and has a lovely promenade where you can go for a walk. You can go for a swim but because Essaouira is so windy, surfing and kite surfing are very popular here. If you want to learn either spot, hit up Moga Surf. They offer great lessons. You can also get some great tapas at Beach and Friends afterward.

Day 4

It’s your last day in Marrakech! So, let’s make it count and explore some of my favorite places in the city. You’ll even spend some time relaxing at a local hammam (public bath) after a crazy few days in Marrakech.

Jardin Majorelle

Today let’s hit the ground running and aim to arrive at Jardin Majorelle right when they open. Plan an early start since it will take you around 30 minutes to walk here from the Medina (you could also take Bus 12).

It’s not a big garden but it is popular and one of the few places in Marrakech where you could encounter a line.

Plus, while the garden is beautiful, it’s small. So, you don’t want to be here later in the day with hundreds of other people.

I would also book your ticket online in advance and purchase a combined ticket with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum right down the street. A combined ticket is 315 Dirhams ($31.50) and it’s cheaper than buying two individual tickets.

However, you can always pay 135 Dirhams ($13.50) to visit only the garden or 210 Dirhams ($21.00) to visit the garden and on-site museum.

Personally, I thought the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Art was just okay. Yes, it does feature 600 traditional Moroccan items but it’s small and I walked away underwhelmed.

For me, the highlight of the experience was just walking around the small garden. It has over 300 species of plants and features a bright blue house that was built by Jacques Majorelle in 1924.

It eventually fell into disrepair and was purchased and refurbished by Yves Saint Laurent in 1980. Today, it is very popular and just a lovely place to walk around. It’s not big though so don’t expect to stay here for hours.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum

I’ll be brutally honest here. I am not into fashion at all and still really loved this museum. Firstly, it sits right down the road from Jardin Majorelle. So, why not visit?

Secondly, it’s just a lovely place where you can learn about Yves Saint Laurent’s life and see incredible couture pieces that he created during his incredible 40-year career.

The clothes are stunning and you’ll even see cool accessories as well as one-of-a-kind sketches. There’s even a movie and short biography about his life that I found interesting.

If you want to buy a ticket to visit this museum only it will cost 135 Dirhams ($13.50).

Dar Bacha Museum

The first thing you need to know about this museum is that it has the coolest coffee shop ever. So, grab your ticket for 60 Dirhams ($6.00) and head straight to the garden in the back.

It’s amazing but what you’ll want to do is put your name down for a table at Bacha Coffee. There will be a long wait so do this first and then explore the museum after.

This was originally a private riad that was built for Pacha Thami El Glaoui. So, you’ll see lots of plasterwork, vibrant zellige tiles, and cedar lintels all around the place.

Be sure to relax in the amazing courtyard and check out all the artifacts on display in the rooms off the courtyard. There’s even a 12th-century map of the Mediterranean and a traditional hammam for you to explore.

Bacha Coffee

This is probably one of my favorite places in the city and is one of the most romantic cafes in Marrakech.

I have been here at least 4 times and love the amazing coffee and delicious croissants (two come in an order and you should get at least one almond croissant).

The decor is also lovely and includes an elaborate wooden coffee bar, an airy atrium filled with potted plants and black and white tile floors, and little rooms with cool colonial-style decor.

I had the truffled scrambled eggs which were okay, but I always order the croissants and the coffee. No joke, they bring you a giant menu with hundreds of coffees to choose from.

Your coffee then comes out to you in this giant gold pot and is served with fresh whipped cream and vanilla. Just relax and enjoy the incredible ambiance of this magical place.

Local Tip: Bacha Coffee is closed on Mondays so don’t stop by then.

Relax at the Hammam

No trip to Marrakech would be complete without a visit to the hammam. This is a traditional Moroccan public bath where members of the same gender sit together in a steam room.

They. then bathe themselves in warm water, scrub off all the dead skin with a kessa exfoliating mitt, and wash themselves with black soap.

The process can take anywhere between 1.5 and 2 hours, depending on how long you want to relax in the steam.

Now, you have two options when it comes to Marrakech hammams. You can opt for a more authentic, cheaper, public hammam, or try a luxurious private hammam that is designed for tourists.

Not gonna lie, I went for the fancy private Hamman since I was a bit intimidated by the language barrier at the public one. I also wanted to live the luxe life for five minutes.

Yeah, the whole bathing naked in front of other people thing doesn’t bother me. FYI, you’ll also have to bring all your own supplies to the public hammam, which can be annoying.

However, if you want to try a public hammam then go to Hammam Mouassine. They have great English guides that will help you through the process.

I went the private route and visited Les Bains de Marrakech. It’s a really nice spa near Le Jardin Restaurant with great prices and lovely service. I even got a massage and felt super relaxed.

You’re taken to your private room and your assistant bathes you and scrubs your entire body before you get a massage. It’s so relaxing and a great way to unwind after a busy 4 days in Marrakech.

Local Tip: You’re gonna feel pretty dehydrated after sitting in the steam for all that time. So, grab some water or mint tea after your treatment. Also, know what you should not wear in Marrakech before you visit.

Grab Mint Tea and Dinner at Cafe des Epices

FYI mint tea is LIFE in Morocco and Marrakech is home to some of the best mint in the country. So, stop by Cafe des Epices and grab some mint tea before you leave Marrakech.

You can sit on the terrace and enjoy lovely views of Rahba Kedima Square since this is one of the top rooftop restaurants in Marrakech.

If you’re hungry, get the Kefta (kind of like a Berber Omelet with meatballs) or the vegetarian tagine since both are good.

The prices are also super reasonable and you can get an entree for 60 ($6.00) of 70 Dirhams ($7.00).

Best Time to Visit Marrakech

I love October in Marrakech and November in Marrakech. The crowds of summer are mostly gone and the weather is warm but not super hot.

Personally, September in Marrakech is a bit too hot for me while December in Marrakech is a bit too cold for some people.

That wraps up this 4 days in Marrakech itinerary. I hope you found it helpful and now feel less stressed out about traveling to Marrakech.

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