Three days in Marrakech
Marrakech is a city which moves to its own frenetic beat. Not everyone will love their time here, but nobody will be able to leave this city without a sensory experience which stays with them for a long, long time. This is how we recommend you spend your days here and our pick of the very best things to do during your weekend in Marrakech.
Marrakech is a city which moves to its own frenetic beat. Not everyone will love their time here, but nobody will be able to leave this city without a sensory experience which stays with them for a long, long time. This is how the team of Riad Le Limoun recommends you spend your days here and our pick of the very best things to do in Marrakech.
Day one – arrival day
Plan to arrive around midday to allow you to settle in to Riad Le Limoun, but also heads out during the day for the first time exploring the Medina (and hopefully find your way back!). In fact, the first day should be spent wandering, getting comfortable with getting lost and seeing where one ends up.
There are lots to see and do just minutes from our doorstep. The colorful and lively Spice Square (Place des Epices) is just a 10 minutes walk from Riad Le Limoun, where you can sit and watch the busy Medina from the rooftop at Café des Epices, Nomad or L’mida. While at the Spice Square, don’t forget to pick up a trendy and customizable basket for your weekend shopping!
Finish this first day with a Moroccan hammam followed by a one-hour massage. Then, we recommend dinner at Le Limoun to taste some of the best homemade Moroccan cuisine made from seasonal and organic products from our Chef Fatima.
Day two – Exploring all that Marrakech has to offer
After a tasty breakfast on our rooftop, meet your local guide for a half-day historical tour of the Marrakech Medina. Plan to visit the Medersa Ben Youssef, built in the 14th century and housed up to 900 boys studying the Koran. The zelliges, Cedarwood and carved stucco here are absolutely breathtaking and the morning light shining through is the cherry on top.
The stunning Quranic school in the Medina of Marrakech: Medersa Ben Youssef
Then head to the nearby Maison de la Photographie to admire the photographs captured nearly a century ago. Just don’t be surprised if what you see in the photographs could be taken as you step outside the door. And be sure to grab a tea on the rooftop terrace for stunning views of the Marrakech Medina, Koutoubia Mosque and Atlas Mountains.
Lastly, have your guide, wander through the workshops in the Medina, visiting the Metalsmiths, leather souks and even the weavers at the entrance to the photography museum. Following your tour, grab lunch in the sun at L’mida then prepare for a shopping tour of the area.
After an afternoon nap, plan to have cocktails and tapas at Kabana to enjoy an amazing sunset with the locals and expats in Marrakech.
Day Three – a day of adventure
On day three wake up at a reasonable hour for departure to the Agafay Desert. For a true bohemian chic experience, plan a camel trek before having lunch at La Pause or Terres des Etoiles with a stunning view of the rocky desert just 40 minutes from Marrakech. A change of scenery and pace is always a great idea!
Or if you prefer an early start to the day with breathtaking views, nothing beats a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over Marrakech with the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Be sure to pack extra layers as early morning temperatures can be quite chilly.
Enjoy a day in one of the many camps Agafay has to offer
Dinner at the historic Dar Cherifa is a relaxing and elegant option for dining on traditional Moroccan cuisine in a grandiose traditional palace in the heart of the Medina. If you feel like experiencing the local lifestyle, then dinner at the famous Jemaa-el Fna food stalls is a must do!
Day Four – Departure day
Sleep and have a lazy breakfast on the rooftop terrace, or the courtyard, is a must-do before venturing over to Musée Yves Saint Laurent and Majorelle Gardens and soaking up the last rays of sunshine before returning home. Don’t miss the Museum of Berber Arts tucked inside the art-deco Majorelle blue house located inside the park. This museum is our favorite!
Iconic blue house in Majorelle Garden