Marrakech, Morocco
Planning a trip to Morocco? This 5-day fi-tinerary blends history, flavor, and unforgettable moments in the desert. From palaces and lush gardens to camel rides and rooftop dinners, this guide will help you experience Marrakech like a seasoned traveler, not a tourist.
Day 1
Airport Arrival Tip: As our plane touched down, the buzz of Marrakech hit instantly—warm air, animated voices, and the chaos of new arrivals. The airport can be overwhelming with taxi offers and crowds, so we pre-booked a hotel transfer via Booking.com. Our driver waited with a sign and helped us navigate the first moments stress-free.
Where We Stayed: Hotel Diwane – Located just outside the city center, this hotel offered peaceful surroundings and a poolside bar to unwind. It wasn’t the most central, but the tranquility was a welcome contrast to the Medina’s energy.
We started the trip with a magical evening at Folk, a restaurant that delivered on every level:
Zaalouk – A rich, smoky eggplant dip with subtle sweetness
Briouates – Crispy pastries filled with gooey cheese and spiced kofta
Classic Chicken Tagine – Infused with saffron and served steaming hot
Chicken Shawarma – Juicy, well-spiced, and perfectly grilled
As our entrees arrived, the dance floor erupted into color and sound. A belly dancer glided between tables, hips moving to the rhythm of live drums. Musicians joined in, followed by a DJ who turned dinner into a full-blown celebration.
In Marrakesh, many restaurants pair traditional Moroccan cuisine with live performances — a true feast for the senses. If you want to dine with a side of spectacle, check out this list of top spots: Marrakech Dinner Shows.
Local Travel Tip: Download Indrive. It’s a lifesaver to get around Marrakech. You set your fare, agree on the price upfront, and pay in cash—no scams, no surprises.
Day 2
We started with the iconic Jardin Majorelle. Booking online is essential. GetYourGuide is recommended—it gets crowded quickly. This garden is a botanical masterpiece, once home to Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent.
Tip: Use the audio guide to hear the story behind the garden and Villa Oasis. A highlight this year is a new pavilion designed by Moroccan architect Hiba Bensalek to mark the garden’s 100th anniversary.
Next door is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, a beautifully curated homage to the designer’s deep connection with Marrakech.
We took a break for a peaceful lunch at Le Majorelle Rooftop and savored a slow-cooked Tanjia, away from the city's hustle.
We explored the El Badi Palace, still majestic in its ruined state. Its massive courtyards echo with royal history and opulence. Nearby:
Bahia Palace – Stunning courtyards, intricate zellige tilework
Saadian Tombs – Beautiful, solemn, and packed with historical intrigue
Day 3
We kicked off the day the Moroccan way — at a hammam. They are traditional public bathhouses and a cornerstone of local life here. You’ll find them tucked into every corner of Morocco — from the heart of bustling cities to sleepy mountain villages.
Rather than booking an upscale spa geared toward tourists, we chose something more authentic: a no-frills neighborhood hammam just a short walk from our hotel. It didn’t come with fancy robes or eucalyptus-scented air — but that was precisely the point.
Inside, time seemed to slow down. We eased into the day with a deeply relaxing couples massage that felt like the perfect reset button.
We emerged loose-limbed and gleaming, like polished stones. And though the temptation to crawl straight back into bed was real, we knew we had a whole afternoon of exploring ahead. So we lingered at the hotel long enough to hydrate, snack, and mentally gear up for future adventures.
At 3 p.m., we left for the Agafay Desert, about an hour outside Marrakech. Our adventure was purchased on GetYourGuide and was punctual and friendly, setting the tone for a fantastic afternoon.
🏍️ ATV Ride – Fast, dusty, thrilling. Halfway through, we stopped for a photo op with sweeping desert views.
🌿 Argan Oil Cooperative Visit – Learned how traditional oil is made, sipped mint tea, and nibbled on local bread and dips
🐪 Camel Ride – A calm, scenic 20-minute ride as the sun dipped behind the dunes
Dinner & Fire Show - At the glamping site, we enjoyed a delicious three-course meal that consisted of:
Harira Soup – Warm, comforting, full of spice
Chicken Tagine – Earthy, citrusy, and falling off the bone
Couscous with Vegetables – Light, fluffy, and deeply satisfying
To top it all off, we watched a fire show under the stars. They escorted us all back to our respective hotels - an unforgettable, adventure-packed day trip, to say the least.
Day 4
We started the day at Bacha Coffee. The smell alone is intoxicating, and the space is beautifully ornate.
From there, we wandered into the souks—a maze of colorful market stalls. It’s easy to get lost among the handmade leather goods, spices, jewelry, and lanterns. But that’s part of the charm.
Lunch at Dar Cherifa: This restaurant is in a quiet alley and feels like a hidden oasis. We were greeted by:
Soaring ceilings and a peaceful courtyard
A chicken pastilla—a sweet-and-savory pastry filled with chicken, almonds, and cinnamon
A slow-cooked lamb shank so tender it melted off the bone.
Le Jardin Secret is a cool, quiet escape tucked inside the Medina. Entry is 100 dirhams, which was about $10 at the time, but it’s worth every penny for the lush greenery, historic restoration, and shaded cafe under citrus trees.
Tucked away in the heart of the medina, the Ben Youssef Madrasa is a quiet masterpiece. Built in 1565, this former Islamic college hosted hundreds of students studying the Qur’an. Step inside and you’re greeted by a courtyard of carved cedar, intricate tilework, and peaceful silence — a striking contrast to the chaos outside.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, we followed the pulse of Marrakesh into the heart of the old city — winding through the lively chaos of Jemaa el Fnaa, past spice-scented alleys in Souk el-Attarine, and across the buzzing energy of Rahba Kedima Square.
Nomad — a modern Moroccan rooftop restaurant tucked above the maze. After a few flights of narrow stairs, we emerged onto the terrace to see the Koutoubia Mosque glowing golden against the night sky, rooftops bathed in twilight, and the hum of the city rising like a distant lullaby.
Dinner was as memorable as the view — tender, spice-rubbed lamb chops, bright and citrusy tuna tartare, and a pot of hot, fragrant mint tea that wrapped the night in warmth.
Day 5
Our final morning came too soon. We had an early breakfast at our hotel and reflected on our adventure. Marrakech gave us chaos, beauty, flavor, and memories that will last a lifetime.
More Destinations to Explore (if time allows):
Atlas Mountains – Incredible day hikes and Berber villages
Hot-Air Balloon Ride – Over the Agafay Desert for sunrise
Essaouira – A charming coastal town just a few hours away
Must-Try Foods in Marrakech
Marrakech’s food scene is a flavorful journey through Moroccan culture. Don’t leave without tasting these six classics:
Chicken Tagine – Braised with olives, saffron, and preserved lemon in a clay pot
Tanjia – A Marrakech specialty; slow-cooked lamb or beef with garlic, cumin, and lemon
Chicken Pastilla – A sweet-and-savory pastry layered with chicken, almonds, cinnamon, and sugar
Mint Tea – Green tea with fresh mint, served sweet and poured hot
Harira Soup – A hearty tomato-based soup with lentils, chickpeas, and spices
Couscous – Served with vegetables and meat, traditionally eaten on Fridays.
Marrakech is a city that lingers in your memory long after you leave. It’s a place of contrasts—where ancient medinas meet rooftop cocktails, and camel rides lead to starlit dinners. Whether you’re exploring palaces or sipping tea in a garden, Marrakech is more than a destination—it’s a feeling.
