What can you do in Marrakech in 3 days?

Marrakech, the red city, is a must-see destination for anyone wishing to discover the cultural and historical wealth of Morocco.

Whether you're here for a long weekend or three days of intensive exploration, this city has so much to offer.

Here's a detailed itinerary to make the most of your stay and ensure you don't miss out on any of Marrakech's wonders.

Exploring the medina
Start your adventure with a dip in the vibrant medina.
This maze of narrow streets is the beating heart of Marrakech.
You'll immediately be charmed by the bustle of this old town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It's impossible to remain indifferent to the scent of spices, the shimmering colours of the textiles and the lively atmosphere.
Marrakech's medina is famous for its souks. These traditional markets are a veritable labyrinth where it's good to get lost.
You'll find everything from spices and handicrafts to jewellery and much more.
A stroll through the souks is synonymous with colourful and fragrant discoveries around every corner.
Take the time to haggle with the local craftsmen - it's part of the charm!

Visit to the Koutoubia mosque
Continue your day with a visit to the majestic Koutoubia mosque.
Visible from many points in the city thanks to its 77-metre-high minaret, it is a veritable emblem of Marrakech.
Although the entrance is reserved for MuslimsThe exterior already offers a superb architectural perspective. So take the time to soak up its grandeur and photograph this jewel of Almohad art.

Bahia Palace
The second day begins early with a visit to the sumptuous Bahia Palace.
Built in the 19th century, this palace is a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. With its luxuriant gardens, inner courtyards and rooms richly decorated with zellige and stucco, it bears witness to the splendour of the period.
Take a stroll through the alleys and let yourself be transported by the beauty of the site.

The Saadian tombs
Not far from there, the Saadian tombs represent another key stage in your historical exploration.
Rediscovered only at the beginning of the 20th century, these tombs house the tombs of the Saadian dynasty that ruled Marrakesh from the 16th to the 18th century.
The mausoleums are decorated with finely carved motifs and ceramics, offering a fascinating insight into Moroccan funerary art.

Medersa Ben Youssef
Then head for the Medersa Ben Youssef.
This former Koranic school is a pearl of Islamic architecture. Founded in the 14th century and rebuilt in the 16th, it once housed up to 900 students.
Today, it is open to visitors, who can explore its study rooms, imposing inner courtyard and magnificent ornamental details.
The serenity that reigns here contrasts pleasantly with the hustle and bustle of the medina outside.

Jardin Majorelle
For the third day, get off to a gentle start with a visit to the famous Majorelle garden. Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, this botanical garden is a haven of peace in the middle of the city.
With its cactus, palm trees and bamboo, not to mention its famous cobalt-blue building, it offers an enchanted haven for relaxation and artistic inspiration.

Excursion to the Atlas mountains
If your programme allows, take the time to go on an excursion to the Atlas Mountains, close to Marrakech.
These mountains offer spectacular scenery, with lush green valleys, hilltop Berber villages and snow-capped peaks depending on the season.
Many agencies offer day excursions, including light treks, visits to local markets and traditional meals with local people.

Bivouac in the desert
Finally, what better way to end your holiday than to spend a night under the stars in the desert?
There are a number of options, from modest bivouacs to luxury campsites.
Just a few hours away, you can enjoy the unforgettable experience of a sunset over the dunes, followed by an evening around a campfire, lulled by the traditional sounds of the desert. Sunrise will also be a magical moment before returning to Marrakech.
In just three days, Marrakech offers total immersion in its rich and diverse culture, with its bustling souks, historic monuments and breathtaking natural landscapes.
This short guide should help you make the most of the best that the city and its surroundings have to offer.