Seven Days in Marrakesh: An Itinerary of Culture and Adventure

  • Day 1: Jemma el-Fnaa
    20 minutes (5.2 km) from Menara Airport

    Start your Moroccan adventure in the heart of Marrakesh at Jemma el-Fnaa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. During the day, explore the frenetic marketplace with an array of goods for sale, from spices to clothing. As night falls, the square transforms into a hub of street performers and food stalls - try traditional cuisine like tangia and tagine while enjoying local music.

  • Day 2: Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs
    10 minutes (3.3 km) from Jemma el-Fnaa

    Explore the stunning palace of Bahia, built in the late 19th century and adorned with intricate tilework, tranquil gardens, and breathtaking architecture. Next, visit the Saadian Tombs, a fascinating insight into the city’s past with ornate marble tombs and mosaic walls. With fascinating history, architecture and garden beauty in just one day, you will truly feel the unique culture of Marrakesh.

  • Day 3: Souks and Museums
    5 minutes (1.4 km) from Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs

    Explore Marrakesh's souks, a labyrinth of markets where you can find countless treasures including rugs, lamps, and pottery. Afterward, head to the Museum of Marrakech to discover a vast collection of traditional and contemporary Moroccan art encompassed in a 200-year-old palace.

  • Day 4: Atlas Mountains and Ouzoud Waterfalls
    1 hour 30 minutes (150 km) from Marrakesh

    Escape the city and take a journey to the stunning Atlas Mountains. Hike through Berber villages, picturesque landscapes, and fields of olive trees, then visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls, the highest falls in Northern Africa. With natural beauty and rich cultural experiences, you’ll return home feeling relaxed, refreshed, and enlightened.

  • Day 5: Koutoubia Mosque and El Badi Palace
    15 minutes (3 km) from Atlas Mountains and Ouzoud Waterfalls

    Start the day at the Koutoubia Mosque, the symbol of Marrakesh's skyline, and discover the stunning tower and exquisite Islamic designs. Next, visit El Badi Palace, a historical site that was once luxurious, now conquered by time but still fascinating with its Andalusian courtyard and the famous ‘stork nest palace’.

  • Day 6: Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent Museum
    20 minutes (5 km) from El Badi Palace

    Visit the picturesque Majorelle Gardens featuring a vast selection of native and exotic flora, including the blue Majorelle color, and then explore the Yves Saint Laurent Museum that exhibits the designs of the legendary French designer. A stunning blend of nature and art under the blazing Moroccan sun.

  • Day 7: Hammam and Cooking Class
    20 minutes (6 km) from Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent Museum

    End the trip with relaxation and tasting the unique flavors of Morocco. Treat yourself to a traditional hammam and spa treatment to relax your muscles and skin. Finally, immerse yourself in Moroccan cuisine with a cooking class, learning the preparation of the famous tagine and other Moroccan dishes, before a farewell dinner to round off your visit to Marrakesh.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Jemma el-Fnaa (3 hours, Free)
  • Bahia Palace (2 hours, 10 MAD)
  • Saadian Tombs (1 hour, 10 MAD)
  • Souks and Museums (4 hours, 50-100 MAD)
  • Atlas Mountains and Ouzoud Waterfalls (12 hours, 30-60 USD)
  • Koutoubia Mosque (1 hour, 10 MAD)
  • El Badi Palace (2 hours, 10 MAD)
  • Majorelle Gardens and Yves Saint Laurent Museum (3 hours, 60 MAD)
  • Hammam and Cooking Class (5 hours, 50-100 USD)
  • Total Estimated Costs: 220-290 USD

Useful Tips

If you have extra time, visit the Old Medina Wall to learn about Moroccan history, or take a day trip to the nearby city of Essaouira for stunning beaches and seafood. For those with less time, consider narrowing your itinerary down to Jemma el-Fnaa, museums, and souks. Be sure to book accommodation wisely, choosing a riad, a traditional Moroccan house with a central courtyard or a glamping experience in the desert to feel the real nomadic nature of Moroccans.

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