🌎 3 Day Guide to Marrakech from a Morocco Specialist
Marrakesh is a city full of life, color, and surprises around every corner. It's like stepping back in time, with its bustling markets, vibrant music, and mouth-watering cuisine.
Don't be surprised if you find yourself lost in the winding alleyways of the medina, surrounded by friendly but persistent vendors trying to sell you everything from hand-woven rugs to camel milk soap.
Marrakesh truly is a magical place, with its rich history, stunning architecture, and warm hospitality. It's no wonder that so many travelers fall in love with this enchanting city.
Private Guides and Drivers
My go to for private guides and drivers in Morocco is Arhhal. Abdel (who runs the company) is quick to respond and they have fair prices and great people.
Day 1
Walking Tour of the Souqs
Your first day in Marrakesh can feel like an overwhelming experience. Vendors are vying for your attention and people are passing you with carts and motorcycles, going about their day to day lives.
I think that one of the most important things you can do is book a walking tour your fist day in Marrakesh. The guide can help you get oriented with the history, understand the background and culture and introduce you to the vibrant souqs.
The souqs are filled with beautiful handicrafts (and yes, some AliBaba knockoffs. if you don't know where to look). Here's a tour that I would recommend, however your riad can also connect you with a guide to help you get oriented.
Day 2
Day Trip to the High Atlas Mountains
If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh for a day, I would recommend to head to the High Atlas Mountains for some fresh air and. some stunning views.
It's also the ancestral home of the Berber people, the original inhabitants of Morocco. Some original Berber settlements dat as far back as 10,000 BC! They have their own distinct culture and language that has been preserved even with waves of invasions from Romans, to Arabs to the French.
I would definitely recommend to arrange a guided experience (whether with or without a hike) and plan on dedicating the whole day to it.
I usually book my tours with Arhhal (linked above) but here are some other recommendations.
**TIP: I would suggest to avoid any tours with camels as the experience is not likely to promote animal well fare.
Day 3
Cooking Class and Hammam
I have said this before and I will say it again: I truly believe that food is the heart and soul of any culture.
Moroccan cuisine is a vibrant and flavorful blend of Berber, Arab, and Mediterranean influences. It is characterized by the use of aromatic spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and paprika, as well as ingredients like couscous, preserved lemons, olives, and tender meats such as lamb and chicken, all of which contribute to the delicious and diverse dishes that make up this cuisine.
Some of the most famous Moroccan dishes include tagine, couscous, harira soup, and pastilla some of which you might get to make in your cooking class!
There are many wonderful cooking class options. Here are ones I have either personally tried OR would recommend from experience.
Most of the cooking classes start around 10am and finish around 2-3pm. This means that you have the rest of the afternoon at leisure.
There's one thing that you haven't yet experienced in Marrakesh and that's a Moroccan Hammam.
Typically, it consists of a series of steam rooms and baths, where you can relax and the attendant will cleanse your skin using a variety of natural products such as black eucalyptus soap, rhassoul clay, and argan oil. Most places also have a wide variety of massages and additional services they can offer afterwards.
I highly recommend booking hammam alongside a massage.
Here are some of my favorite hammams in Marrakesh.
Hotel Recommendations
**TIP: If you're not working with a travel professional to organize your trip to Morocco, I highly recommend to book airport transfers with your riad. It will be a little bit more expensive than grabbing a taxi, however it will be vital to have someone waiting for you and a bellboy to escort you from the car to the riad in case the car can't get to the entrance of the hotel.
Restaurant and Bar Recommendations
Have fun!
You're going to have a wonderful time in Marrakesh! Make sure to follow me at @mazepa.travel on Instagram or @mazepatravel on TikTok. I would love to see pictures of your travels!
**Disclosure: this guide may contain affiliate links, meaning that I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my link at no cost to you.
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