Marrakech in 48 hours
Marrakech asks you to adjust your pace. Inside the walls, the medina is loud, layered and endlessly absorbing, while behind plain doors lie riad courtyards, fountains and quiet gardens.
Best time to visit. Spring and autumn are the kindest seasons, roughly March to May and October to November. Midsummer can be extremely hot, and winter nights are cool. During Ramadan, the city follows a different daily rhythm.
Where to base yourself
- Medina. The walled old city of souks, mosques and riads, crossed only on foot or by scooter.
- Kasbah. The southern quarter, near the Saadian Tombs and the ruined El Badi Palace.
- Mellah. The historic Jewish quarter, with its spice market and synagogue.
- Hivernage. Low-rise hotels, gardens and restaurants just outside the walls.
- Gueliz. The French-era new town, with galleries, cafés and modern shopping.
Two perfect days
Day one · Inside the walls
- Morning
- Le Jardin Secret and the Ben Youssef Madrasa before the heat
- Afternoon
- A lunch break on a rooftop terrace, then the souks
- Evening
- Jemaa el-Fnaa from a café balcony at dusk, then dinner in a riad
Day two · Gardens and beyond
- Morning
- Jardin Majorelle and the Musée Yves Saint Laurent, booked ahead
- Afternoon
- Lunch in Gueliz, then a traditional hammam
- Evening
- An evening in the Agafay desert or a slow dinner in the hotel gardens
Getting around
Walk in the medina, where most streets are too narrow for cars. Petit taxis are cheap; agree a fare first or ask for the meter. The airport is roughly a 15 to 20 minute drive.
Local tips
- Watch for motorbikes in the narrow alleys
- Bargain with good humor in the souks
- Carry small notes for tips and taxis
- Ask before photographing people or shopfronts