The Ultimate 4 Days in Marrakech Itinerary (2024): Plan Your Perfect Trip

Planning 4 days in Marrakech? Get our expert-crafted itinerary (2024)! Packed with daily plans, costs, insider tips, maps & booking links for your perfect Moroccan adventure.

4 Days in Marrakech Itinerary: The moment you step into Marrakech’s ancient streets, time seems to slow and your senses awaken to a world of vibrant colors, exotic scents, and centuries-old traditions thriving alongside modern life. This captivating Moroccan city offers an intoxicating blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences that create an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.

Why Marrakech? This imperial city sits at the crossroads of Saharan trade routes and Atlas Mountain passes, creating a cultural melting pot where traditional craftsmanship, stunning architecture, and mouthwatering cuisine come together in a feast for the senses.

Four days provides the perfect amount of time to experience Marrakech’s highlights without rushing. You’ll have enough time to explore the historic Medina’s labyrinthine streets, visit magnificent palaces and gardens, sample the incredible food, and even venture into the nearby Atlas Mountains if you wish.

This 4-day Marrakech itinerary offers practical, detailed daily plans with multiple options to suit different interests. I’ve included up-to-date prices (as of early 2024), insider tips, and specific recommendations based on my three visits to the Red City over the past five years, including my most recent trip just three months ago.

Essential Pre-Trip Planning for Your 4 Days in Marrakech

Best Time to Visit Marrakech

Marrakech enjoys a desert climate with distinct seasons:

• Spring (March-May): Ideal weather with comfortable temperatures (65-85°F/18-29°C) and blooming gardens
• Summer (June-August): Intensely hot (often over 100°F/38°C), but prices drop
• Fall (September-November): Another excellent time with pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds
• Winter (December-February): Mild days (around 65°F/18°C) but chilly nights, occasional rain

For the optimal experience, plan your 4 days in Marrakech during spring or fall when the weather is comfortable for exploring.

Getting To Marrakech (RAK Airport & Transfers)

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is well-connected to Europe and the Middle East. From the airport to the city center, you have several options:

• Pre-booked transfer: Most convenient, about 150-200 MAD ($15-20)
• Airport taxi: Official rate is 150 MAD ($15) to Medina, 100 MAD ($10) to Gueliz
• Public bus #19: Budget option at 30 MAD ($3), but often crowded and less convenient with luggage

I recommend pre-booking a transfer if arriving at night or for hassle-free arrival.

Where to Stay: Riads vs. Hotels

Your accommodation choice significantly impacts your Marrakech experience:

Riads (traditional houses with interior gardens/courtyards):

• Authentic Moroccan experience
• Usually located within the Medina
• Often include breakfast and personalized service
• Budget: Riad Dar Tayib (from $45/night)
• Mid-range: Riad Kheirredine (from $120/night)
• Luxury: La Sultana Marrakech (from $350/night)

Hotels:

• Modern amenities and facilities
• Often located in Gueliz (New Town) or Hivernage
• May include pools, spas, and restaurants
• Budget: Hotel Racine (from $60/night)
• Mid-range: Radisson Blu (from $150/night)
• Luxury: Four Seasons Resort Marrakech (from $400/night)

For first-time visitors, I strongly recommend staying in a riad within the Medina for the most authentic experience.

Currency, Budget & Costs

• Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD) – approximately 10 MAD = $1 USD
• ATMs: Widely available in Marrakech, but bring some cash
• Tipping: 10% in restaurants, 20-50 MAD for guides, 10-20 MAD for porters
• Daily budget ranges:
  • Budget: 500-700 MAD ($50-70) per day
  • Mid-range: 700-1,500 MAD ($70-150) per day
  • Luxury: 1,500+ MAD ($150+) per day

Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants but carry cash for the souks and smaller establishments.

Visas & Entry Requirements

Most Western travelers (including US, UK, EU, Australia, Canada) can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. Always check the official Moroccan consulate website for the most current requirements before traveling.

Getting Around Marrakech

• Walking: The best way to explore the Medina, though be prepared for narrow, winding streets
• Petit Taxis: Small red cars that operate on meters (insist they use it) or negotiate before entering (typically 20-50 MAD for trips within the city)
• Buses: Cheap but less convenient for tourists (8 MAD per trip)
• App-based rides: Available but less common than in Western cities

Quick Packing Tips

Essential items for your 4 days in Marrakech:

• Modest clothing (covering shoulders and knees, especially for women)
• Comfortable walking shoes (Medina streets are uneven)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Small first aid kit with stomach remedies
• Power adapter (Morocco uses type C/E plugs)
• Light scarf (for women to cover hair when visiting religious sites)
• Crossbody bag (more secure than backpacks in crowded areas)

Your Detailed 4-Day Marrakech Itinerary

This itinerary starts with the historic Medina to give you a strong foundation in Marrakech’s cultural heart, then gradually expands to other areas and experiences. Feel free to adjust based on your interests, energy levels, and the season of your visit.

Interactive Map Overview

[Imagine a custom Google Map showing pins for all major attractions and recommended restaurants]

Day 1: Medina Immersion & Djemaa el-Fna Magic

Arrive & Settle into Your Riad/Hotel

Begin your first day by settling into your accommodation and enjoying a traditional Moroccan breakfast of fresh bread, jams, olive oil, and mint tea.

First Taste: Djemaa el-Fna (Daytime)

What: This UNESCO World Heritage site is the beating heart of Marrakech – a sprawling square that transforms throughout the day.

Activities: During daytime, observe traditional entertainers (water sellers in colorful costumes, henna artists), sample fresh orange juice, and get your bearings.

Practical Info: Best visited late morning (10-11am), free to wander, juice costs about 10-15 MAD. Plan for 1-2 hours.

Pro Tip: Stall #12 near the mosque side often has the freshest juice and a perfect vantage point for people-watching.

Lunch Near the Square

For an authentic yet tourist-friendly lunch, try Café des Épices with its rooftop terrace overlooking the spice market. Budget around 100-150 MAD ($10-15) for a meal. Alternatively, Restaurant Naima offers delicious local food at lower prices (60-100 MAD).

Koutoubia Mosque (Exterior View)

What: Marrakech’s most recognizable landmark with its 77-meter minaret.

Activities: Non-Muslims cannot enter, but the exterior and surrounding gardens are worth exploring.

Practical Info: Free to visit, open all day, best photographed in late afternoon light.

Getting There: Just a 5-minute walk southwest of Djemaa el-Fna.

Bahia Palace Exploration

What: A stunning 19th-century palace showcasing the finest Moroccan craftsmanship.

Activities: Wander through the serene courtyards, marvel at intricate tilework, cedar wood ceilings, and stained glass.

Practical Info: Open 9am-5pm, entrance fee 70 MAD ($7), no advance booking needed. Allow 1-1.5 hours.

Pro Tip: Visit after 3pm when most tour groups have departed, or hire a local guide at the entrance (about 100 MAD) for context that brings the palace to life.

Getting Lost in the Medina Souks

What: A vast network of covered markets selling everything from spices to handcrafted lanterns.

Activities: Browse leather goods, metalwork, carpets, textiles, and ceramics. Practice haggling (aim for 40-60% of the initial asking price).

Practical Info: Most active late afternoon until early evening. Allow at least 2 hours for exploration.

Pro Tip: Take photos of landmarks or storefronts to help find your way back. If completely lost, asking directions to Djemaa el-Fna (and offering a small tip) will get you reoriented.

Dinner & Djemaa el-Fna (Night)

What: As evening falls, the square transforms into a massive open-air dining venue with storytellers, musicians, and performers.

Activities: Either sample food from the numbered stalls (look for ones with locals) or enjoy a rooftop dinner overlooking the spectacle.

Suggestion: For food stalls, #31 and #14 are known for good tagines and grilled meats (100-150 MAD for dinner). For a rooftop experience, try Café Glacier or Nomad (200-300 MAD).

Day 1 Alternative Option

For art lovers: Replace Bahia Palace with Maison de la Photographie, featuring stunning historical photos of Morocco (entry 40 MAD).

Day 2: Gardens, Palaces & Local Life

Jardin Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

What: A stunning cobalt-blue villa set in exotic gardens created by painter Jacques Majorelle and later owned by Yves Saint Laurent.

Activities: Stroll the peaceful gardens, visit the Berber Museum inside the villa, and explore the adjacent YSL Museum showcasing the designer’s work.

Practical Info: Open 8am-6pm, Garden entry 70 MAD, YSL Museum 100 MAD, combined ticket 150 MAD. Book tickets online to avoid lines at jardinmajorelle.com. Allow 2-3 hours.

Getting There: Petit taxi from the Medina costs around 30-40 MAD (agree on price beforehand).

Pro Tip: Arrive at opening time (8am) to enjoy the gardens before crowds arrive and get the best photos.

Lunch in Gueliz (New Town)

After experiencing the gardens, enjoy lunch in Gueliz, Marrakech’s modern district. Try +61, a trendy Australian-inspired café with healthy options (150-200 MAD), or Café du Livre, a bookstore-café with great sandwiches and salads (100-150 MAD).

El Badi Palace Ruins

What: The atmospheric ruins of a once-magnificent 16th-century palace.

Activities: Explore vast courtyards, underground chambers, and enjoy panoramic views from the ramparts.

Practical Info: Open 9am-5pm, entry 70 MAD. Allow 1-1.5 hours.

Getting There: 15-minute walk from southern Medina or 20 MAD taxi ride.

Saadian Tombs

What: Elaborately decorated mausoleums of the Saadian dynasty, rediscovered in 1917.

Activities: Marvel at the stunning Hall of Twelve Columns and intricately carved cedar ceilings.

Practical Info: Open 9am-5pm, entry 70 MAD, expect a queue for the main chamber. Allow 45-60 minutes.

Pro Tip: Visit El Badi first, then walk to the nearby Tombs. Come after 2pm when morning tour groups have typically dispersed.

Hammam Experience

What: Traditional Moroccan bath and wellness ritual.

Activities: Relax in steam rooms followed by scrubbing, rinsing, and optional massage.

Suggestion:

• Local experience: Hammam Dar el-Bacha (70-150 MAD)
• Spa experience: Les Bains de Marrakech (450-800 MAD)

Book at least a day in advance for spa hammams.

Dinner in the Medina

Enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner at Naranj (mid-range, 250-350 MAD) or splurge at Dar Moha (upscale, 500+ MAD), both offering delicious tagines and couscous dishes in beautiful settings.

Day 2 Alternative Option

For foodies: Replace palace visits with a Moroccan cooking class at Amal Women’s Center (350 MAD) or La Maison Arabe (800 MAD), including market shopping and lunch.

Day 3: Culture Deep Dive or Atlas Mountains Escape

Option A: Cultural Exploration in Marrakech

Ben Youssef Madrasa

What: A 14th-century Islamic college with spectacular architecture.

Activities: Admire the central courtyard with its intricate carvings, stunning zellige tiles, and atmospheric student chambers.

Practical Info: Recently reopened after renovations. Open 9am-6pm, entry 70 MAD. Allow 1 hour.

Musée de Marrakech

What: Museum housed in the 19th-century Dar Menebhi Palace.

Activities: View exhibitions of Moroccan art, historical artifacts, and enjoy the magnificent central atrium.

Practical Info: Open 9am-6pm, entry 50 MAD. Allow 1 hour.

Explore the Mellah (Jewish Quarter)

What: Historic Jewish district with distinct architecture.

Activities: Visit Slat Al Azama Synagogue, browse spice markets, and observe the unique balconied houses.

Practical Info: Synagogue entry 20 MAD, allow 1-1.5 hours for the area.

Focused Souk Exploration

Spend the afternoon exploring specific craft areas:

• Place des Ferblantiers (metalworkers)
• Place des Épices (spice market)
• Souk Smarine (textiles and carpets)

Relaxing Mint Tea Break

Enjoy traditional Moroccan mint tea at Café de France’s rooftop or Atay Café for panoramic Medina views (30-50 MAD).

Dinner in a Less Touristy Area

Try Mechoui Alley near Djemaa el-Fna for incredible slow-roasted lamb (100-150 MAD) or venture to Amal Center for excellent food supporting women’s training (150-200 MAD).

Option B: Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains & Berber Villages

What: Escape the city bustle for breathtaking mountain scenery and Berber culture.

Activities: Scenic drive through Berber villages, visit local markets, enjoy a guided hike (easy to moderate difficulty), and experience a traditional lunch in a Berber home.

Practical Info: Full-day excursion (8-9 hours), requires advance booking.

• Group tour: 500-700 MAD per person
• Private tour: 1,200-2,000 MAD (negotiable depending on group size)

Booking Options: GetYourGuide and Viator offer reliable tours, or book through your riad (often with trusted local guides at better rates).

Pro Tip: Wear layers (mountains are cooler than Marrakech), comfortable walking shoes, and bring cash for village purchases. Always ask permission before photographing locals.

Day 4: Last Bites, Souvenirs & Departure

Revisit Favorite Spots or Explore New Areas

Start your final day by returning to any spots you particularly enjoyed or explore the less-visited Bab Doukkala market for an authentic local shopping experience away from tourist crowds.

Visit a Herboriste (Spice/Argan Oil Shop)

Activities: Learn about traditional Moroccan remedies, spices, and argan oil products. Purchase quality souvenirs to take home.

Pro Tip: Avoid “free tours” that end at specific shops. Instead, ask your riad to recommend reputable herboristes like Herboriste Avicenne near Djemaa el-Fna.

Relaxing Final Moroccan Breakfast/Brunch

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your riad or try Café Clock for a mix of Moroccan and international breakfast options (100-150 MAD).

Last-Minute Souvenir Shopping

Focus on quality over quantity:

• Spices: saffron, ras el hanout
• Argan products: oils, soaps
• Leather goods: slippers, bags
• Ceramics: tagine pots, plates
• Textiles: scarves, blankets

Departure Preparation

Confirm your airport transfer (150-200 MAD from Medina) and allow plenty of time—at least 3 hours before international flights.

Beyond the Itinerary: Essential Marrakech Tips

Must-Try Foods in Marrakech

• Tagine: Slow-cooked stew made in a conical earthenware pot (beef, lamb, chicken, or vegetable)
• Couscous: Traditional Friday dish with semolina grain and vegetables
• Pastilla: Sweet-savory pastry typically filled with pigeon or chicken
• Tanjia: Marrakech specialty of slow-cooked meat (usually lunch only)
• Mint tea: Sweet mint-infused green tea, the national drink
• Msemen: Flaky square pancakes served with honey or jam for breakfast

Street Food Caution: Stick to cooked foods, avoid salads or uncooked items, and only drink bottled water.

Shopping & Haggling Guide

• Start at approximately 40% of the initial asking price
• Negotiate with a smile and maintain a friendly attitude
• Be prepared to walk away (often gets you the best price)
• Remember that a successful negotiation means both parties feel satisfied
• For fixed-price shops (becoming more common), prices are typically marked

Safety Tips for Marrakech

• Watch for pickpockets in crowded areas
• Be wary of overly friendly “guides” offering to show you around (always negotiate a price first if you do use a guide)
• Don’t follow people who say attractions are “closed” and offer alternatives
• Women should dress modestly to minimize unwanted attention
• Carry a photocopy of your passport rather than the original

Photography Etiquette

• Always ask permission before photographing people
• Expect to pay a small tip (5-10 MAD) for photos of street performers
• Some may refuse photographs for religious reasons—respect this
• Avoid photographing government buildings or security personnel

Useful Arabic Phrases

• Hello: Salam alaikum (response: Alaikum salam)
• Thank you: Shukran
• No thank you: La shukran
• How much?: B’shal?
• Too expensive: Ghali bezzef
• Good: Meziane

Estimated Budget for 4 Days in Marrakech

Budget Traveler (500-700 MAD / $50-70 per day)

• Accommodation: Hostel or budget riad (150-250 MAD)
• Food: Street food and local eateries (100-200 MAD)
• Activities: Selected paid attractions (100-150 MAD)
• Transport: Mostly walking, occasional petit taxi (50-100 MAD)
• Shopping/Extras: Minimal souvenirs (100 MAD)
• Total 4-day budget: Approximately 2,000-2,800 MAD ($200-280)

Mid-Range Traveler (700-1,500 MAD / $70-150 per day)

• Accommodation: Mid-range riad or hotel (400-800 MAD)
• Food: Mix of local restaurants and nicer dining (250-400 MAD)
• Activities: Most major attractions, possibly a hammam (200-300 MAD)
• Transport: Regular petit taxis, airport transfers (100-150 MAD)
• Shopping/Extras: Moderate souvenir budget (200-300 MAD)
• Total 4-day budget: Approximately 3,000-6,000 MAD ($300-600)

Luxury Traveler (1,500+ MAD / $150+ per day)

• Accommodation: Luxury riad or resort (1,000-3,000+ MAD)
• Food: Fine dining and rooftop restaurants (500-800 MAD)
• Activities: Private guides, premium experiences (500-800 MAD)
• Transport: Private drivers, premium transfers (300-500 MAD)
• Shopping/Extras: High-quality souvenirs and artisan pieces (500+ MAD)
• Total 4-day budget: Approximately 8,000+ MAD ($800+)

Is 4 Days Enough for Marrakech?

Four days in Marrakech gives you enough time to experience the city’s highlights and atmosphere without feeling rushed. You’ll be able to explore the Medina thoroughly, visit key historical sites, enjoy local cuisine, and even take a day trip if desired.

What you might miss with only 4 days:

• Deeper exploration of specific interests (cooking, photography, architecture)
• Day trips to coastal Essaouira or the Sahara Desert (require additional days)
• Time to recover from inevitable “sensory overload” moments

For first-time visitors, 4 days creates the perfect balance between seeing the essentials and still having time to wander and discover Marrakech’s hidden gems at your own pace.

Final Thoughts on Your 4 Days in Marrakech

Marrakech is a city that rewards curious travelers willing to embrace its beautiful chaos. This 4-day itinerary provides structure while allowing flexibility to follow your interests and energy levels. The contrast between ancient traditions and modern influences creates a dynamic experience that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.

This guide combines practical details with authentic experiences to help you navigate Marrakech confidently. From the moment you hear the call to prayer echo across the Medina to your final sip of mint tea, these 4 days will immerse you in one of North Africa’s most captivating destinations.

Have questions about planning your Marrakech adventure? Ask in the comments below, and I’ll help you customize this itinerary to your specific interests and travel style!

Last updated: February 2024