3 Days in Marrakech: Medina, Gardens and the Atlas Mountains

Mohammed Ali
@mohammedalitravel
πŸ“ Marrakech, MoroccoπŸ—“ 3 daysπŸ‘₯ Adventurous travellers, couples and photographers

Photo by Domenico Bertazzo on Pexels

3Days
14Stops
9Meal tips
About Β£50-100 a day, mid-range, flights excludedBudget

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Three days in Marrakech: the medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the palaces and gardens, and a day trip to the Atlas Mountains. Haggling is normal in the souks, so keep a friendly attitude. Spring and autumn are best, since summers are extremely hot.

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Where Mohammed Ali stayed and what to book

Riads in the medina HotelTraditional houses with courtyards; book one with clear directions.

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Day by day

View of historic red walls and lush gardens under a blue sky in Marrakesh, Morocco.
1

The medina and souks

09:00

Bahia Palace

A 19th-century palace with painted ceilings and tiled courtyards.

πŸ“ Medina⏱ 1 hourπŸ’· ~MAD 70
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Visit early before groups arrive.
10:30

Saadian Tombs

A royal burial site rediscovered in 1917, with ornate marble and cedar decoration.

πŸ“ Medina⏱ 45 minπŸ’· ~MAD 70
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Queues can be long later in the day.
12:00

Jemaa el-Fnaa square

The main square, with snake charmers, storytellers and food stalls in the evening.

πŸ“ Medina⏱ 1.5 hoursπŸ’· Free
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Agree a price before any photo or performance.
14:30

Souks

Maze-like markets for leather, spices, lamps and rugs.

πŸ“ Medina⏱ 2.5 hoursπŸ’· Free
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Start low when bargaining and be ready to walk away.
19:00

Dinner in the square

Food stalls open at dusk with grills, soups and snail broth.

πŸ“ Jemaa el-Fnaa⏱ 2 hoursπŸ’· ~MAD 60-120
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Choose busy, clean stalls.

🍽 Where to eat

breakfastMsemen with honey and mint teaMoroccan Β· $
lunchTagine at a cafΓ©Moroccan Β· $
dinnerGrilled food in the squareMoroccan Β· $
Tranquil view of Menara Gardens pavilion reflecting in water under a clear blue sky in Marrakech.
2

Gardens and museums

09:00

Jardin Majorelle

A garden with a cobalt-blue villa, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, and a Berber museum.

πŸ“ Gueliz⏱ 1.5 hoursπŸ’· ~MAD 150
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Buy tickets online to avoid queues.
11:30

Yves Saint Laurent Museum

A modern museum next to the garden dedicated to the designer.

πŸ“ Gueliz⏱ 1 hourπŸ’· ~MAD 150
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ A combined ticket is available.
14:00

Lunch in the New Town

The Gueliz district has cafΓ©s and modern restaurants.

πŸ“ Gueliz⏱ 1.5 hoursπŸ’· ~MAD 100-200
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Try a rooftop restaurant.
16:30

Menara Gardens

Olive groves around a large pool, with the Atlas Mountains behind.

πŸ“ Menara⏱ 1 hourπŸ’· ~MAD 70
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Best at sunset.
20:00

Hammam

A traditional steam bath and scrub. Choose a spa for a more private experience.

πŸ“ Medina⏱ 2 hoursπŸ’· ~MAD 200-500
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Bring a swimsuit.

🍽 Where to eat

breakfastRiad breakfastMoroccan Β· $
lunchSalad and pastillaMoroccan Β· $$
dinnerDinner at a riadMoroccan Β· $$
🎟 Book ahead for day 2Tickets and tours: Jardin Majorelle
Captivating view of Bahia Palace's courtyard in Marrakech, Morocco, showcasing traditional architecture.
3

Atlas Mountains day trip

08:30

Drive to the Ourika Valley

A valley in the High Atlas with waterfalls and Berber villages, about 1 hour from the city.

πŸ“ Ourika⏱ 1.5 hoursπŸ’· ~MAD 300-600 per person with a guide
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Book a guided trip for a smoother day.
10:30

Walk to the waterfalls

A hike of 1-2 hours along a stream to the Setti Fatma waterfalls. Wear sturdy shoes.

πŸ“ Setti Fatma⏱ 3 hoursπŸ’· Free
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ The path has some rocky climbs.
14:00

Lunch by the river

Riverside restaurants serve tagines and grilled meat.

πŸ“ Ourika⏱ 1 hourπŸ’· ~MAD 100
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Order mint tea after your meal.
17:00

Return to Marrakech

Drive back through the valley in the afternoon light.

πŸ“ Marrakech⏱ 1.5 hoursπŸ’· Included
View on map β†—
πŸ’‘ Tip your driver and guide.

🍽 Where to eat

breakfastRiad breakfastMoroccan Β· $
lunchTagine by the riverMoroccan Β· $$
dinnerFarewell dinnerMoroccan Β· $$

Good to know

✈️ Getting thereMarrakech Menara Airport is 15 minutes from the centre by taxi; agree a fare first or use the bus 19.
πŸš† Getting aroundThe medina is walkable but confusing. Petit taxis are cheap; insist on the meter.
πŸ’· CurrencyMoroccan dirham (MAD). Carry cash for the souks.
πŸ—£ LanguageArabic, Berber and French. English is spoken in tourist areas.

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Photos: Domenico Bertazzo, Moussa Idrissi, tem lyder on Pexels.

Mohammed Ali

Mohammed Ali is the Founder and CEO of Tripsora, an AI-powered travel companion transforming how people discover and plan their journeys worldwide. Driven by a passion for authentic exploration, tech innovation, and seam

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