7 days in Marrakech

Day by day

1. Day 1: Jemaa el-Fnaa and Koutoubia Mosque

   Jemaa el-Fnaa and Koutoubia Mosque, then Jemaa el-Fnaa in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Jemaa el-Fnaa

      Medina · 2–3 hours, best at dusk · free.

   2. Late morning

      Koutoubia Mosque

      Medina · 30 minutes · free.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tagine

      Every restaurant and café; small places around the souks serve simple versions at lunchtime.

   4. Evening

      Jemaa el-Fnaa

      Musicians, storytellers and food stalls fill the square every evening until late.

2. Day 2: Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa

   Bahia Palace and Ben Youssef Madrasa, then Gueliz in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Bahia Palace

      Medina · 1 hour · low cost.

   2. Late morning

      Ben Youssef Madrasa

      Medina · 45 minutes · low cost.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Tanjia marrakchia

      Tanjia stalls in the souks near Jemaa el-Fnaa and some riad restaurants, which may ask you to order ahead.

   4. Evening

      Gueliz

      Wine bars, cocktail lounges and restaurants around Avenue Mohammed V.

3. Day 3: The souks and Dar Si Said

   The souks and Dar Si Said, then Hivernage in the evening.

   1. Morning

      The souks

      Medina · Half a day · free.

   2. Late morning

      Dar Si Said

      Medina · 1 hour · low cost.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Couscous

      Restaurants and home-style cafés, especially on Fridays.

   4. Evening

      Hivernage

      Large nightclubs, hotel bars and dinner-show venues that stay open well past midnight.

4. Day 4: Day trip to Imlil and Toubkal National Park

   About 1.5 hours by car each way. Getting there: Car with driver, grand taxi or tour.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Imlil and Toubkal National Park

      About 1.5 hours by car (Car with driver, grand taxi or tour); about 65 km.

   2. Day

      Imlil and Toubkal National Park

      Day walks lead through walnut groves and terraced fields to Amazigh villages such as Aroumd, with lunch in a village house.

   3. Evening

      Back in Marrakech

      Dinner: try Harira.

5. Day 5: Hammam experience and Maison de la Photographie

   Hammam experience and Maison de la Photographie, then Medina rooftops in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Hammam experience

      Medina · 1–2 hours · low cost.

   2. Late morning

      Maison de la Photographie

      Medina · 1 hour · low cost.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Harira

      Food stalls in Jemaa el-Fnaa and small cafés in the medina.

   4. Evening

      Medina rooftops

      Licensed rooftop bars and restaurants with views over the square and the Koutoubia.

6. Day 6: Day trip to Ourika Valley

   About 1.5 hours by car each way. Getting there: Car with driver, grand taxi or tour.

   1. Morning

      Travel to Ourika Valley

      About 1.5 hours by car (Car with driver, grand taxi or tour); about 65 km.

   2. Day

      Ourika Valley

      It is popular with Marrakchis at weekends; summer storms can cause flash floods, so heed local warnings.

   3. Evening

      Back in Marrakech

      Dinner: try Pastilla.

7. Day 7: Marrakech Museum and Jardin Majorelle

   Marrakech Museum and Jardin Majorelle, then Rooftop sunset in the evening.

   1. Morning

      Marrakech Museum

      Medina · 45 minutes · low cost.

   2. Late morning

      Jardin Majorelle

      Gueliz · 1–1.5 hours · mid-priced. Entry is by timed ticket bought online, and slots sell out in high season; book a few days ahead.

   3. Lunch

      Lunch: Pastilla

      Riad restaurants and traditional dining rooms, often as a starter.

   4. Evening

      Rooftop sunset

      Watch the light fade over the medina and the Atlas from a riad or café terrace as the call to prayer sounds.

Before you go

Reserve timed tickets for Jardin Majorelle before you travel; the rest of this plan needs no advance booking.

Where to stay for this itinerary

With 7 nights, Medina (Jemaa el-Fnaa) keeps most of this route within easy reach. For a calmer or cheaper base, Mouassine ($$$) suits couples, luxury, shopping and culture. Compare every area.

Pace and daylight

The sights in this plan add up to roughly 12–16 hours of visiting over 7 days, before meals and getting between them. Daylight runs from about 10.1 hours in December to 14.2 hours in June, so in winter start early and keep museums for the afternoon.

More or fewer days

• One day in Marrakech
• 2 days in Marrakech
• 3 days in Marrakech
• 4 days in Marrakech
• 5 days in Marrakech

Questions travellers ask