A guide to 3 days in Marrakech
Date
Marrakech is one of those cities that rewards wandering. The beauty often lies somewhere
between the planned and the accidental: a hidden courtyard, the scent of orange blossom drifting
through an alleyway, the sudden sound of prayer echoing across rooftops at sunset.
Guests often ask us how to spend the perfect few days in the city, so we’ve put together a relaxed
three-day itinerary that balances history, food, gardens, design and those small moments that
make Marrakech unforgettable.
DAY ONE: DISCOVERING THE HEART OF THE MEDINA
Theme: Palaces, tradition and the rhythm of old Marrakech
Starting point: On foot from Dar Tizwa
Morning — Breakfast & Ancient Marrakech
Begin slowly with breakfast on the rooftop at Dar Tizwa: freshly squeezed orange juice, homemade yoghurt, Moroccan breads and pancakes, local honey and coffee as the city wakes beneath you.
Just moments away lies the beautiful Dar El Bacha — today home to the Museum of Confluences. Once a grand palace, it now hosts rotating exhibitions celebrating Moroccan craftsmanship, Islamic art and cultural exchange. Even if museums are not usually your thing, the architecture alone is worth the visit.
And nearby? One of the city’s most photographed coffee spots: the elegant Bacha Coffee rooms, where even a simple espresso feels theatrical.
From there, continue through the medina towards the Ben Youssef Madrasa. Recently restored, this former Islamic college remains one of Marrakech’s architectural masterpieces, filled with cedar wood carving, zellige tiles and hypnotic geometric detail.
Afternoon — Palaces & Lunch in the Medina
For lunch, settle into the leafy courtyard of Le Jardin, hidden quietly behind the medina walls.
Their seafood dishes are excellent, and the preserved lemon hot sauce deserves its own reputation.
Later, take a short taxi ride to the magnificent Bahia Palace before continuing to the nearby Saadian Tombs. Together they offer an extraordinary glimpse into Morocco’s royal history and decorative artistry.
Evening — Rooftops, Smoke & Storytelling
As sunset approaches, wander into Jemaa el-Fna. The square transforms as daylight fades: musicians gather, food stalls ignite charcoal grills, storytellers pull crowds into circles and the entire city seems to move to a different tempo.
Return to Dar Tizwa to freshen up before dinner.
For a memorable Moroccan evening, reserve a table at Ksar Essaoussan in Bab Laksour. Hidden inside a centuries-old riad, dinner here feels less like a restaurant and more like being welcomed into a private home. Expect generous hospitality, traditional dishes and a wonderfully atmospheric setting.
Before bed, it’s wise to pre-book tickets for Jardin Majorelle for the following morning.
DAY TWO: MODERN MARRAKECH & CREATIVE ENERGY
Theme: Fashion, galleries and contemporary Marrakech
Base: Gueliz & the modern city
Morning — Majorelle Blue & Fashion History
Start early at Jardin Majorelle before the crowds arrive. The electric cobalt gardens remain one of Marrakech’s most iconic spaces, while the Berber Museum inside offers a fascinating look at Amazigh jewellery, textiles and heritage.
Next door, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum explores the designer’s relationship with Marrakech and the influence the city had on his work and imagination.
Lunch — Contemporary Marrakech
For lunch, there are several excellent choices depending on your mood.
In Gueliz, Plus61 combines Australian and Moroccan influences in a stylish, gallery-like setting with natural wines and beautifully presented plates.
Alternatively, hop in a taxi to the wonderfully relaxed Petanque Social Club — one of the city’s newer favourites. Shaded courtyards, long lunches and an easy atmosphere make it difficult to leave.
Afterwards, spend time exploring Marrakech’s growing contemporary art scene. Comptoir des Mines and Loft Art Gallery both showcase exciting Moroccan and international artists.
If you still have energy for more culture, continue to MACAAL — the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden. Around 25 minutes from the medina, it has become one of the leading contemporary art destinations on the continent.
Evening — Relaxed Dining Back in the Medina
Return to Dar Tizwa before dinner and choose your pace for the evening.
For contemporary Lebanese food, Naranj has quickly become one of Marrakech’s most elegant new openings. The walk there through the medina at night is part of the experience.
Closer to home, Flowers offers a chic rooftop atmosphere with beautifully sourced local ingredients and modern Mediterranean cooking.
Or for something simpler and lighter, Au P’tit Bacha — only moments from the riad — serves fresh made-to-order salads that somehow become exactly what you feel like eating in Marrakech after two days of indulgence.
DAY THREE: SLOW MARRAKECH
Theme: Gardens, hammams and lingering lunches
By day three, Marrakech begins to reveal its quieter side.
Morning — Hidden Gardens & Slow Wandering
Start with a visit to Le Jardin Secret, tucked quietly within the souks. Beyond the beautiful gardens themselves, it offers a fascinating look at traditional Islamic architecture and the ancient water systems that once sustained the medina.
Then stroll towards Limoni, a peaceful riad restaurant filled with citrus trees and sunshine.
Italian food in Morocco may sound unexpected, but their fresh pasta and relaxed courtyard make it one of the loveliest lunches in the city.
Afternoon — Hammam Time
No visit to Marrakech feels complete without a traditional hammam.
Hammam de la Rose remains one of the most reliable choices for a deeply relaxing scrub and massage experience — fragrant oils, steam, black soap and the wonderful sensation of emerging entirely reset.
Evening — A Final Marrakech Sunset
For your last evening, head to El Fenn for rooftop cocktails at sunset. Watching the sky change colour beside the Koutoubia Mosque is one of those classic Marrakech moments that genuinely lives up to expectation.
For a final dinner, book a table at L’Mida in the heart of the medina. Seasonal Moroccan cooking, rooftop views and beautifully fresh local produce make it a fitting farewell to the city.
Three days disappears quickly in Marrakech. But somewhere between the rooftops, the gardens, the calls to prayer and the endless mint tea, the city tends to leave its mark.
And of course, everyone at Dar Tizwa is always happy to help guests discover their own version of magical Marrakech.
