Discovering the Best of Marrakesh in 5 Days

  • Day 1: Exploring the Red City
    Approximately 1-hour walk from Medina

    Begin your first day by exploring Medina, the old quarter of Marrakesh, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Roam around the busy souks and admire the intricate artisanship of Moroccan handicrafts. Visit the historical Koutoubia Mosque, and enjoy the serene Jewish and Muslim Architecture at El Badi Palace.

  • Day 2: Marrakesh Gardens and Palaces
    Approximately 5km from Day 1 places

    Take a walk around the lush green Jardin Majorelle, an exotic garden lovingly curated by the late designer Yves Saint Laurent. Afterward, visit the opulent Bahia Palace, an excellent example of traditional Moroccan architecture, with airy rooms and gardens. Be sure to stop by the Saadian Tombs and marvel at the intricate tilework, depicting landscapes, patterns, and Arabic Calligraphy.

  • Day 3: Day Trip to High Atlas
    Approximately 2 hours by car

    Embark on an adventurous day trip to High Atlas, a picturesque mountain range that lies south of Marrakesh. Explore the Berber villages and witness the daily life of mountain dwellers. Hike up to the waterfall of Ouzoud, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch overlooking the stunning natural scenery.

  • Day 4: Desert Adventure
    Approximately 5 hours by car

    Go on an unforgettable adventure to the Agafay desert, an arid rocky desert located in Southeast Marrakech, Marrakesh-Tensift-El Haouz, Morocco. Experience a camel ride, Quad biking, stunning sunset and star-gazing.

  • Day 5: Marrakesh Moroccan Cuisine
    Approximately 10 minutes by walk from Medina

    Culminate your Marrakech journey with some delectable Moroccan cuisine. Walk into Jemaa el Fna, the heart of Marrakesh’s medina, and choose from an array of Moroccan street food, tagines, and couscous in the numerous stalls to feed your tummy. After that, visit the Bahia Palace to savor some sweet mint tea, a traditional Moroccan drink.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Medina (2-3 hours, Free)
  • Koutoubia Mosque (1 hour, Free)
  • El Badi Palace (1-2 hours, 7 USD)
  • Jardin Majorelle (1-2 hours, 7 USD)
  • Bahia Palace (1-2 hours, 7 USD)
  • Saadian Tombs (30 minutes-1 hour, 5 USD)
  • High Atlas Mountains Tour (10-12 hours, 50 USD)
  • Agafay Desert Tour (10 hours, 65 USD)
  • Street food (2-3 hours, 3-10 USD)
Total Estimated Costs: 100-150 USD

Transportation

To ensure a hassle-free stay, renting a car with a local guide or driver is recommended, especially if you want to visit places outside the city center. Alternatively, the city offers a variety of transportation options, including taxis, buses and caleches.

Useful tips

If you have more time, visit the Ourika Valley for a scenic trip in the Atlas Mountains. Or, head to the Essaouira beach for surfing or kitesurfing. If you have less time, consider visiting the tourist-popular Yves Saint Laurent Museum near Jardin Majorelle.

Airports

The Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) is the primary airport in Marrakesh. It's located in the southwestern part of the city, approximately 3 miles from the city center.

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