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Half-Day Gardens & Medina Walk — Marrakech Arrival Day (Riad Bab 54)

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Day 1: Gardens & Medina

Marrakech, Morocco on October 5, 2025

11:00am

Arrive Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK)

Clear passport and baggage, then take an approved airport taxi (or pre-booked transfer) into the medina; traffic usually 15–30 minutes depending on time of day. Allow time for a short rest at arrival if flights are delayed.
MAD120, 0h45m

12:00pm

Check in at Riad Bab 54

Drop bags, confirm any later requests, and freshen up; if your room isn’t ready the riad will normally store luggage and offer a welcome tea. Confirm your dinner reservation timing and ask the riad to help with timed tickets or taxis.
MAD0, 0h45m

12:45pm

Light snack or short souk stroll

If you want a quick bite before lunch, the riad serves mint tea and msemen (flatbread); otherwise take a 15–20 minute wandering stroll toward Jemaa el-Fnaa to get oriented in the souks. Keep valuables secure and expect hustle and friendly haggling.
MAD40, 1h15m

2:00pm

Lunch — La Fontaine des Épices (reservation 2:00pm)

Classic medina restaurant serving Moroccan specialties with a pleasant terrace — great for tagines, salads and local flavors in a comfortable setting near the spice square. Confirm reservation and arrive a few minutes early to enjoy the atmosphere.
MAD200, 1h15m

3:30pm

Le Jardin Secret

A restored traditional riad garden in the medina showcasing Islamic and exotic plantings and a tranquil terrace view — perfect after lunch for calm and photos. Open typically around 9:00am–6:30pm; check current closing time and buy tickets in advance when possible.
MAD50, 1h0m

4:45pm

Koutoubia Mosque Gardens

Short walk to the Koutoubia gardens to admire the iconic minaret and tree-lined lawns; excellent for architecture photos and a relaxing shaded stroll. The mosque itself is not open to non-Muslims but the surrounding gardens are publicly accessible during daylight.
MAD0, 0h30m

5:30pm

Taxi to Jardin Majorelle (Yves Saint Laurent area)

Take a 10–25 minute taxi from the medina to the Majorelle/YSL district in Gueliz; Jardin Majorelle is a highlight for its cobalt-blue structures and exotic plant collection. Majorelle usually closes around 6:00–7:00pm depending on season—buy a timed-entry ticket in advance to guarantee entry and aim to arrive early if possible.
MAD70, 1h0m

7:00pm

Return to Riad to freshen up

Short taxi back or ask the riad to arrange a driver; use 30–45 minutes to rest and change for dinner. This is a good buffer in case of earlier delays at the gardens.
MAD40, 0h30m

7:30pm

Dinner — Folk Marrakech (reservation 7:30pm)

Contemporary Moroccan cuisine with a focus on local ingredients and modern presentations; reservation set for 19:30 so arrive on time to enjoy the tasting or à la carte menu. Confirm closing time and any dietary requests when you arrive.
MAD250, 1h30m

9:15pm

Optional: Jemaa el-Fnaa evening return

If you have energy, return to Jemaa el-Fnaa to experience the square at night—food stalls, performers and lantern-lit energy create a memorable atmosphere. The square is lively well into the night, but keep an eye on belongings and use a short taxi back to the riad if preferred.
MAD0, 0h45m

10:15pm

Back at Riad Bab 54 — nightcap and rest

Enjoy a final mint tea or light mint-infused dessert at the riad and rest up for the next day’s exploration. If you plan more gardens tomorrow (Menara or Palmeraie), ask the riad to pre-book transport or tickets.
MAD0, 0h45m
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