Best 2 Days in Marrakech Itinerary, Morocco
Looking for the perfect 2 days in Marrakech itinerary? this article is going to tell you everything you need to know. From the gorgeous palaces, bustling medina and delicious food here’s how to make the most of Marrakech in 2 days.
I’ve been lucky enough to visit Morocco a few times, and on every trip, I’ve spent a few days in Marrakech.
It’s a phenomenal city with so much to see – and while it can feel a little chaotic at times, there’s something about the place that keeps drawing me back.
This guide is perfect for first-time visitors with limited time here. Whether you’re planning a quick weekend trip to Marrakech or squeezing it into a longer trip, there’s plenty to experience.
I’ve pulled together all my favourite spots and tips so you can make the most of your 48 hours in this fascinating city!
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Summary of This 2 Days in Marrakech Itinerary
This is an overview of what to see in Marrakech in two days.
Marrakech Itinerary: Day 1
- Start at the famous Koutoubia Mosque
- Enter the historical centre through Bab Agnaou Gate before visiting the Saadian Tombs
- Wander around the ruins of 16th-century Badi Palace
- Explore Mellah, the Jewish Quarter
- Head to Jemaa El Fna Square as it becomes lively
- Shop and explore the souks in Marrakech’s Medina, bargaining for souvenirs
Marrakech Itinerary: Day 2
- Visit Majorelle Garden (Yves Saint Laurent Gardens)
- Explore Dar El Bacha Museum and its beautiful courtyard
- Visit Le Jardin Secret, one of the city’s oldest gardens
- Explore Ibn Youssef Madrasa College and Museo de Marrakech
- Visit Bahia Palace, a large 19th-century palace
- Return to Jemaa El Fna Square for shopping
- Enjoy a meal at a restaurant with a view of the square
- Indulge in a traditional hammam spa session
✔️ Good To Know: If you have longer in Morocco, then I recommend spreading these things out and making it into a 3 day Marrakech itinerary, especially if you’re visiting during the hottest months when it’s difficult to do much in the afternoon heat.
Morocco Travel Planning Mini Guide
No time to read the whole article? Here’s a quick guide to help you start planning your trip to Morocco
Accommodation in Morocco
- Find the best places to stay in Morocco on Booking.com
- I love the traditional Moroccan Riads here
Flights to Morocco
- Check and compare the best flight deals using Skyscanner
Tours and Experiences in Morocco
- I book my tours through either GetYourGuide or Viator
- Get the tickets sent straight to your phone
Travel Insurance for Morocco
- I use True Traveller (Europeans only), they have excellent customer support if something goes wrong
- For Worldwide medical cover, I recommend Safetywing
Top Experiences in Morocco
- Glamping in the Desert
- Chefchaouen, the iconic blue city
- The souks of Marrakech
Marrakech in 2 Days: Know Before You Go
is 2 Days In Marrakech Enough?
Two days in Marrakech will give you a good overview of the city, but it might feel a bit rushed. You’ll be able to explore the main sights like the souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa square, and a few palaces.
Getting to Marrakech
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), located 9 km southwest of the city centre.
Transport options to the city centre
- Taxi: Convenient and readily available.
- Private transfer: Pre-book a meet-and-greet service for ease.
- Shuttle services and public buses: Available for transportation between the airport and city centre.
Getting Around Marrakech
- Best way to get around Marrakech: On foot, especially within the medina.
- Taxis: Available; agree on the price before getting in.
- Guided walking tours: Ideal for orientation if you’re worried about navigating, then explore on your own later.
Is Marrakech Safe?
Morocco is generally safe from violent crime, and the most common risks are pickpocketing and scams, especially in crowded areas like the main square.
Tips for safety:
- Keep valuables secure or leave them in your hotel room.
- Be cautious of your surroundings, especially in the souks.
- If lost, retrace your steps or discreetly check your phone map in a shop.
👉 Insider Tip: as a female traveller to Morocco, try to dress conservatively. Morocco is a Muslim country, so be respectful of their local customs and traditions.
Where to Stay In Marrakech
Marrakech offers a variety of accommodation options for every budget, whether you’re after boutique charm or budget-friendly comfort.
To get the most out of your trip, I recommend staying in the historical centre in a traditional riad in the Medina of Marrakech to fully immerse yourself.
📖 Find Out More: The Best Affordable Luxury Riads in Marrakech
More Guides to Morocco:
The Complete 2 Day Itinerary for Marrakech
Here is my suggestion on the things to see and do in Marrakech in 2 days.
This is quite a packed itinerary, however, it does cover all the highlights in a short time.
Feel free to use my itinerary as a loose guide and then switch things out or, if time allows, extend it over an extra day.
👉 Insider Tip: When I first arrived in Marrakech, I went on a guided walking tour. This was a great way for me to get my bearings in the city.
We visited a lot of the city’s highlights in just a couple of hours. After the tour, I was able to go back to the places I had seen on the tour and spend a bit longer at them.
What to Visit in Marrakech: Day 1
Your 2 day Marrakech itinerary starts at the iconic Koutoubia Mosque then enter the historical heart of Marrakech through the Bab Agnaou Gate before going on to explore the historic royal necropolis of the Saadian Tombs.
In the afternoon start with the 16th-century Badi Palace. Explore the ancient ruins of the palace before moving on to Mellah, the Jewish Quarter.
By early evening, Jemaa El Fna Square starts to come alive, head into the shopping district of the Marrakech Medina and wander through the souks bargaining for souvenirs.
Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is one of Marrakech’s most iconic landmarks and the largest mosque in the city.
Its minaret stands 77 metres (253 feet) tall, dominating the skyline, and the 12th-century structure features stunning Moorish architecture with intricate geometric designs.
While non-Muslims can’t enter the prayer hall, you can still admire the beautiful exterior, and wander through the peaceful gardens.
There’s no entrance fee since it’s a place of worship.
Bab Agnaou Gate
Located at the southern end of Marrakech’s medina, the Bab Agnaou Gate is one of the city’s 19 historic gates.
It’s built from red sandstone, and is a great example of Almohad craftsmanship, with intricate carvings and decorative details.
The name Agnaou comes from the Berber word agnaw, meaning black slaves, referring to the African guards who once protected this entrance.
It’s conveniently located near the Kasbah district, making it an easy stop while exploring the area.
Saadian Tombs
The Saadian Tombs are definitely one of the best places to go in Marrakech.
They date back to the 16th-century Saadian dynasty, they were rediscovered in 1917 and have since become a key historical and cultural site in the city.
The tombs were built for the Saadian rulers and their families, the tombs feature intricate marble pillars and stunning tilework that you’ll want to admire up close.
👉 Insider Tip: Even though the site isn’t huge, I’d suggest taking your time to enjoy all the ornate stonework.
The highlight here for me was the central chamber, known as the Hall of Twelve Columns. There’s often a queue of people waiting to see it as you can only stand at the entranceway to the tomb.
💰 Money Saving Tip: If you plan to visit the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia and Badi Palaces, then opt for a skip-the-line combi-ticket with a guided tour to see them in the most efficient way.
Badi Palace
A visit to Badi Palace is a must on your list of things to do in Marrakech.
This now abandoned palace was built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur – even now that it’s in ruins, you can feel how majestic this building was.
Explore the vast courtyard with orange trees, remnants of grand reception halls, and the iconic sunken garden. As you wander the palace ruins, you’ll see massive walls and intricate tile designs that hint at how opulent the Saadian dynasty was.
Mellah Jewish Quarter
The Mellah, Marrakech’s Jewish Quarter, is a great spot to explore if you’re interested in the city’s history. Dating back to the 16th century, it features a mix of Moroccan and Jewish influences.
One of the best things to do here is to simply wander through its narrow streets and alleys. You’ll see beautifully preserved buildings, including the Synagogue Salat Al Azama and the Jewish cemetery. It’s a pretty lively area too, with local shops, spice markets, and traditional Jewish bakeries adding to the experience.
Marrakech Medina and Souks
Start the evening by explaining the lively souks of Marrakech. They are a maze of narrow alleys filled with traditional Moroccan architecture and vibrant energy.
Wander through the souks, where you can haggle for colourful textiles, carpets, and handcrafted goods. It’s a sensory experience of sights, sounds, and scents that captures the essence of Marrakech.
It can feel a little overwhelming, especially if this is your first visit to a souk. It’s also easy to get lost in the labyrinth-like streets, so to get your bearings and a feel for the place, I recommend joining a guided tour of the souks before going off to explore on your own.
👉 Insider Tips: The souks are integral to Marrakech, and like cities all over Morocco, they form the commercial centre. I spent hours wandering about the souks, there’s so much to see.
This is also a great place to buy authentic souvenirs. However, quite often, prices won’t be listed next to things, so you have to ask. You’ll probably find that there’s a “local price”, and then the hugely inflated tourist price. It’s common practice to haggle for items here.
Although some places accept cards, it’s best to use cash here – and have lots of smaller notes – break large notes up at your accommodation, or a restaurant before you go.
Jemaa El Fna Square
When I walked through during the daytime, this central square was fairly quiet. But as the sun sets, Jemaa El Fna Square comes alive
As the evening unfolds, musicians, snake charmers, and storytellers entertain the crowds.
This lively square is packed with food stalls offering traditional Moroccan dishes like tagines and fresh orange juice.
If the Jemaa El Fna Square is a little bit too chaotic for you, then see it from a different view. Grab a seat at one of the rooftop cafés, sip some Moroccan tea, and take in the vibrant scene from above. It’s the perfect way to experience Marrakech’s nightlife without the bustle.
You can also book a guided nighttime tour of the area so you’ll have a local telling you about the scams to watch out for and what to avoid.
👉 Insider Tip: Jemaa El Fna Square is the bustling centre for nightlife in the old city. It comes alive as the sun sets. I visited during the daytime at first, there were a handful of stalls, fruit juice sellers and snake charmers.
There are several things to watch out for – pickpockets are the main ones.
You’ll probably get approached by all sorts of vendors – don’t be surprised if a monkey runs towards you and up your leg. They look cute, but the owner has trained them to do this and will then demand money from you if you touch or photograph the monkey.
The same goes for the women with henna – they will grab your arm or hand and start drawing a henna pattern on you and then ask for money.
What to Visit in Marrakech: Day 2
Start the morning outside the old city at the famous Majorelle Garden, otherwise known as the Yves Saint Laurent Gardens. Head into the old town and to Dar El Bacha Museum, an old palace-turned-museum with a stunning collonaded courtyard. Visit the second garden of the day, Le Jardin Secret – one of the oldest gardens in the city.
In the afternoon head on to the photogenic Ibn Youssef Madrasa College and Museo de Marrakech before continuing down to the late 19th-century palace Bahia Palace. Spend the afternoon exploring this expansive and well-preserved site.
In the evening, head back to the lively hub at Jemaa El Fna Square and do any last-minute shopping before having dinner at one of the restaurants overlooking the square.
Majorelle Garden of Yves Saint Laurent
The Majorelle Garden, linked to fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, is a must-see in Marrakech. Originally designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle, it was later restored by Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.
This beautiful garden is filled with exotic plants, cacti, bamboo, and vibrant flowers, all set against striking cobalt-blue buildings. It’s a peaceful oasis in the city.
While there, visit the Berber Museum inside the garden, which showcases Berber artefacts and traditional artworks.
Dar El Bacha Museum
The Dar El Bacha Museum is housed in a beautifully restored palace and provides insight into Morocco’s history and culture.
Inside, you’ll find intricate wooden ceilings, mosaic tilework, and a collection of artefacts, including traditional clothing, jewellery, carpets, and pottery.
The museum also has a display of traditional Moroccan musical instruments and occasionally holds temporary exhibitions and cultural events.
It’s worth a visit to see just the building! It’s a bit of a hidden gem in Marrakech and gets overlooked by most visitors to the city. During my visit, I had the place pretty much to myself.
Le Jardin Secret
Le Jardin Secret, a peaceful escape in Marrakech’s bustling Medina, is a beautifully restored 16th-century garden.
It’s divided into two sections: the Islamic Garden and the Exotic Garden, blending Moroccan and Andalusian influences.
The garden also features two historic buildings: the Riad, with its intricate mosaic tiles and woodwork, and the Tower, with panoramic views of Marrakech’s skyline.
Walk through the serene gardens, with fountains, fragrant flowers, and tall palm trees. You can also see how advanced the engineering was here – you can see the original irrigation systems which fed water to the gardens.
Ibn Youssef Madrasa College
Another hidden gem, off the main tourist trail, is this once-renowned Islamic college. It gives you a glimpse into Morocco’s rich educational history.
It was named after Sultan Ali ibn Yusuf, this former school features a peaceful courtyard with intricate stucco carvings, geometric tilework, and beautiful archways – the building is stunning!
You can visit the student chambers and prayer halls where scholars once studied theology, science, mathematics and philosophy.
Museo de Marrakech
If you’re interested in learning more about Moroccan art and culture, and the above two places don’t appeal, then I recommend checking out the Museu de Marrakech.
It’s housed another beautiful building – can you see a theme here – with a beautiful building with ornate arches, intricate tilework, and a central fountain. The museum displays a variety of artefacts, including textiles, ceramics, and jewellery.
You’ll also find contemporary Moroccan artworks and historical documents, manuscripts, and calligraphy. It’s a great stop for anyone interested in Morocco’s artistic and cultural history.
👉 Good To Know: Although the Museo de Marrakech and Ibn Youssef Madrasa College are both gorgeous places to visit in Marrakech, I would only tag these on if you’re visiting during the summer when it’s too hot in the middle of the day to be outdoors.
If you’re visiting outside of the summer inferno, I’d skip these and instead, spend more time in the two gardens I mentioned and Bahia Palace.
Bahia Palace
Located in the heart of Marrakech, Bahia Palace is a stunning example of Moroccan architecture.
The word Bahia means “Brilliance” in Arabic and this palace certainly lived up to that name!
This palace is filled with intricate stucco carvings, colourful mosaic tiles, and beautifully detailed wooden ceilings.
Allow plenty of time to explore the numerous courtyards and lavishly decorated rooms. You’ll see a blend of Islamic, and Moorish styles as well as plenty of influences from Andalusian traditions.
💰 Money Saving Tip: If you plan to visit the Saadian Tombs, and the Bahia and Badi Palaces, then opt for a skip-the-line combi-ticket with a guided tour to see them in the most efficient way.
Jemaa El Fna Square
On your second night, head back to Jemaa El Fna Square and pick up any last-minute souvenirs.
For dinner, head to a rooftop restaurant overlooking the square.
Ideas To Make This into a Marrakech 3 Day Itinerary
If you have an extra day to spend in Marrakech, here are some great ideas to turn your two-day itinerary into a 3-days in Marrakech adventure.
- Glamping in the desert: For something unique, consider adding a night under the stars in the desert. You can camp in luxurious tents, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the Sahara. This unforgettable experience will give you a taste of adventure and allow you to connect with Morocco’s stunning landscapes.
- Palm Grove (Palmeraie): A peaceful oasis just north of the city. With over 10,000 palm trees and traditional Berber villages, it’s perfect for a relaxing escape. You can enjoy a refreshing mint tea at one of the local cafés or explore the area on a guided day trip.
- Menara Gardens: Stay in the city and explore this serene spot outside the city walls. Dating back to the 12th century, the gardens offer beautiful olive groves, a tranquil reflecting pool, and views of the Atlas Mountains. It’s an ideal place to unwind and take in the natural beauty.
2 Days In Marrakech Itinerary: FAQs
When Is The Best Time To Visit Marrakech?
The best time to visit Marrakech is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is warm but not too hot, making it perfect for exploring. Summers can be very hot, while winters are cooler, especially at night.
What To Do In Marrakech In 2 Days?
In 2 days in Marrakech, visit key spots like Jemaa El Fna Square, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Bahia Palace. Explore the Medina and its souks, stroll through the Majorelle Garden, and visit the Saadian Tombs. You’ll get a great mix of history, culture, and local experiences.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Marrakech At Night?
At night, Jemaa El Fna Square is the place to be! It’s full of street performers, food stalls, and lively energy. You can also visit a rooftop café to enjoy views of the bustling square. For a relaxed evening, try a traditional Moroccan dinner or explore the souks.
How Many Days In Marrakech Do You Need?
Two to three days in Marrakech is usually enough to see the main sights, like Jemaa El Fna Square, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Bahia Palace. With three days, you can also explore spots outside the city and tag on an experience like glamping in the desert.
I’ve given you loads of details on what to see in Marrakech in 2 days. I’ve based this guide on all the top things I’ve experienced during my trips to Morocco, and what I truly believe are the best things in the city to see.
I love Marrakech, and although I’ve already visited quite a few times, I know I’ll be back to explore more. There’s so much to see and do. Although in two days you can see the highlights of the city, I would suggest a little longer to enjoy everything at a slower pace – but I think I’m a little biased, it’s one of my favourite cities.
Have a question? then don’t forget to join our free Facebook Group and ask the community.
Want to discover more about Morocco? then check out these other great articles to find out more.
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- Where Is Morocco Located?
- Can You See Morocco From Spain?
- Best 10 Days Morocco Itinerary [Self-Guided]
- 14 Beautiful Cities in Morocco to Visit
- What to Wear in Morocco [Packing List]
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- 28 Best Things to Do in Morocco [Morocco Bucket List]
- Glamping Experience In The Sahara Desert, Morocco