What We Did, Loved & Would Do Again
Marrakech is not a city where I would recommend sticking to a rigid schedule. In fact, some of my favorite moments came when we deliberately wandered down another narrow alley, not entirely sure where we’d end up.
There is something wonderfully chaotic about Marrakech. Scooters weave through narrow streets, merchants display everything from leather bags to colorful spices, and tiny shops selling pastries sit beside barbers, textile merchants, and carpet stores.
And somehow, it all works.
We spent three days in Marrakech during our 10-day trip through Morocco, traveling from Casablanca by train before continuing north to Meknes. Along the way, we explored the famous medina, visited beautiful palaces and gardens, enjoyed some memorable meals, and even ventured into the Agafay Desert for a camel ride and sunset dinner.
I’ve traveled extensively, and Marrakech was one of those places where I was perfectly happy to wander without a particular destination.
If you’re planning 3 days in Marrakech, here’s exactly what we did, what we loved, and what I’d recommend doing again.
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Is Three Days in Marrakech Enough?
For us, three days in Marrakech felt just about right.
We had time to explore the medina without rushing, visit several of the city’s major attractions, enjoy some excellent restaurants, and spend an afternoon and evening outside the city in the Agafay Desert.
Could we have stayed longer? Absolutely.
But three days gave us a wonderful introduction to Marrakech without feeling as though we were simply checking attractions off a list.
My biggest recommendation is to leave time for wandering. Some of the most interesting things we saw weren’t on our itinerary at all.
Day 1: Arriving in Marrakech and Exploring the Medina
Traveling from Casablanca to Marrakech by Train
We arrived in Marrakech by train from Casablanca, where we’d spent our first day in Morocco.
We purchased our tickets ahead of time through Morocco’s national railway, ONCF, and traveled first class. The journey took approximately three hours and was comfortable and straightforward.
If you’re considering traveling between Moroccan cities by train, I highly recommend it.
We found Morocco’s rail system surprisingly easy to navigate, and traveling by train allowed us to relax and enjoy the changing scenery.
Related reading: Morocco Train Travel: A First-Timer’s Guide to Traveling by Train
After arriving in Marrakech, we made our way to our hotel, Le Méridien N’Fis.
Checking In at Le Méridien N’Fis
We chose Le Méridien N’Fis for our three-night stay in Marrakech.
Although I enjoy staying in traditional accommodations when traveling, I also appreciate a comfortable hotel with a good breakfast, a pool, and a quiet place to retreat after a busy day.
Le Méridien delivered on all of those.
The hotel is approximately one mile from Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech’s famous main square. We walked into the medina along a fairly straightforward route, although taxis are an option for anyone who doesn’t want to walk that distance.
The hotel itself was a welcome contrast to the bustle of Marrakech.
I’ll share more about our stay, including the wonderful breakfast and surprisingly enjoyable pool, later in this article.
Check rates and availability at Le Méridien N’Fis
Our First Walk Through the Marrakech Medina
Holy moly.
That was pretty much my reaction when we first entered the medina.
The streets were busy, colorful, noisy, and filled with an incredible variety of shops and people.
One minute we’d pass a leather goods store, and the next we’d see a barber, a snack shop, a textile merchant, or someone selling spices.
And then there were the scooters.
I was surprised that motorbikes were allowed to travel through some of the incredibly narrow alleyways, weaving around pedestrians and shop displays. At first, it seemed a little crazy. But after a while, it simply became part of the Marrakech experience.
I loved it.
We wandered through the souqs, stopped to look at things that caught our attention, and sometimes deliberately took a different alley just to see what was there.
We weren’t in a hurry, and that made all the difference.
My advice: Don’t try to see the entire medina in one afternoon. You won’t. Instead, choose a general direction, explore, and allow yourself to get a little lost.
Just keep an eye out for scooters!
Jemaa el-Fnaa: Marrakech’s Famous Main Square
Eventually, our wandering brought us to Jemaa el-Fnaa, the enormous square at the heart of Marrakech.
It’s one of the city’s best-known attractions, and for good reason.
The square is constantly changing. During the day, you’ll encounter vendors, performers, juice stalls, and crowds moving in every direction. As evening approaches, the atmosphere becomes even livelier.
We stopped for tea and watched the activity around us.
We also encountered the famous snake charmers.
Rhett even had an opportunity to interact with the snakes, although I have mixed feelings about these kinds of animal encounters. They’re certainly part of the scene in Jemaa el-Fnaa, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend participating.
For me, the most enjoyable part was simply observing everything happening around the square.
Dinner and a Haircut in the Souq
One of the things I loved about traveling with our son Rhett was that he was comfortable navigating Morocco and speaking Arabic.
At one point during our Marrakech explorations, he decided to get a haircut and shave at a little barber shop in the souq.
It cost approximately a dollar.
Not exactly the kind of travel experience you find in a typical sightseeing itinerary!
We also enjoyed a meal at Le Bistro Arabe, one of the restaurants I’d happily visit again.
It was a great way to finish our first day in Marrakech.
Day 2: Le Jardin Secret, Shopping, and Dinner Overlooking the Square
A Peaceful Morning at Le Jardin Secret
One of my favorite places in Marrakech was Le Jardin Secret, a restored historic garden tucked away inside the medina.
After spending so much time surrounded by the noise and activity of the souqs, walking into the garden felt like entering another world.
Suddenly, everything was peaceful.
Beautiful landscaping, traditional Moroccan architecture, intricate tilework, and carefully designed garden spaces created a wonderful contrast to the busy streets just outside.
It was a reminder that some of Marrakech’s most beautiful places are hidden behind relatively unassuming walls.
We took our time exploring and enjoying the quiet.
If you’re spending three days in Marrakech, I would absolutely make room for Le Jardin Secret.
More Time Exploring the Marrakech Souqs
After our garden visit, we returned to the medina for more wandering and shopping.
I know some travelers find Marrakech’s markets overwhelming, but I genuinely enjoyed them.
The vendors we encountered weren’t particularly aggressive, and prices seemed reasonable. We never felt pressured to rush through the experience.
There was so much to look at.
Colorful textiles, leather bags, shoes, spices, pottery, lamps, and countless other items filled the shops.
But what interested me just as much was the everyday activity happening between them.
Someone getting a haircut. A shopkeeper preparing a snack. Locals going about their day.
It wasn’t simply a market for tourists. It was a fascinating collection of small businesses and daily life, all squeezed into a maze of narrow streets.
I could have spent hours there.
And, actually, I did.
An Afternoon at the Hotel Pool
This might sound like an unusual highlight for someone who loves exploring cities, but I thoroughly enjoyed spending some time at our hotel’s swimming pool.
I almost never make time for hotel pools when traveling.
There is usually too much to see and do.
But after walking through the dusty, busy streets of Marrakech, relaxing at Le Méridien N’Fis was exactly what I needed.
The pool was refreshing, the hotel grounds were lovely, and the entire experience gave us a chance to recharge before heading out again.
Sometimes a little downtime makes the rest of a trip even better.
Dinner at Le Marrakchi: A Table with a View
If I could recommend one restaurant experience from our three days in Marrakech, it would be dinner at Le Marrakchi, overlooking Jemaa el-Fnaa.
The restaurant itself was beautiful, the food was excellent, and the view was spectacular.
We were fortunate enough to sit right beside a window overlooking the square.
Watching Marrakech come alive below us while enjoying dinner was one of my favorite evenings of the trip.
And here’s my biggest recommendation:
Ask for a window table.
In fact, if I returned, I’d be willing to wait for one to become available.
The view is that special.
It’s a wonderful way to experience Jemaa el-Fnaa from a completely different perspective.
Day 3: Bahia Palace and an Agafay Desert Adventure
Visiting Bahia Palace
On our third day in Marrakech, we visited Bahia Palace, one of the city’s most beautiful historic attractions.
The palace is known for its elaborate Moroccan architecture, intricate tilework, carved details, and peaceful courtyards.
I especially enjoyed the contrast between the ornate interior spaces and the gardens.
Everywhere we looked, there seemed to be another beautiful doorway, courtyard, or decorative detail.
As a former history teacher, I always appreciate places where architecture offers a glimpse into a city’s past.
Bahia Palace is one of those places.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in history, it’s worth visiting simply for the beauty of the buildings.
Heading Into the Agafay Desert
Our afternoon and evening excursion into the Agafay Desert turned out to be one of the biggest surprises of our entire Marrakech stay.
I’ll admit that I was skeptical beforehand.
I expected it to be touristy.
And it was.
But it was also beautiful, entertaining, and an incredible amount of fun.
We booked an excursion that included hotel transportation, a camel ride, dinner, and entertainment.
A van picked us up at Le Méridien N’Fis, and we collected another group of six travelers from a different hotel before heading outside the city.
Along the way, we made an unexpected stop at a shop selling perfume, honey, and spices.
We were offered tea and listened to a sales presentation that lasted approximately 30 minutes.
We didn’t purchase anything.
It wasn’t my favorite part of the excursion, and it’s worth knowing that stops like this may be included in organized tours.
But once we continued toward the desert, the experience became much more interesting.
Camel Riding in the Agafay Desert
Eventually, our van turned onto a dirt road and traveled farther into the rocky desert landscape.
We arrived at a large gathering area where numerous other vans had already parked.
There were camels, guides, and groups of visitors preparing for different activities.
Some travelers had booked ATV rides.
We hadn’t, and I was glad.
The ATVs were noisy, and personally, I thought they detracted from the peacefulness of the desert setting.
We headed toward the camel area instead.
Soon, each of us was matched with a camel, and we joined a line of approximately ten camels tethered together.
Our ride lasted around 20–30 minutes, taking us up and over a rocky rise before returning to the starting area.
There was plenty of time for photographs, and we had a great time.
This was our son’s girlfriend’s first camel ride, which made the experience even more memorable.
Was it an authentic journey across remote Sahara dunes?
Of course not.
The Agafay Desert is a rocky landscape outside Marrakech, not the vast sand dunes of the Sahara.
But as a fun introduction to camel riding, with beautiful scenery and plenty of opportunities for photographs, it was absolutely worthwhile.
Sunset Dinner and Entertainment in the Desert
After the camel ride, we followed a pathway uphill toward a large compound overlooking the surrounding landscape.
The main terrace had been arranged with dinner tables, a stage, and seating facing the setting sun.
It was quite a setup.
As the sun began to sink toward the horizon, we enjoyed dinner and traditional entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Yes, it was organized for tourists.
Yes, there were plenty of other visitors.
But sometimes touristy experiences are popular because they’re genuinely enjoyable.
This was one of them.
Between the camel ride, sunset, dinner, and lively atmosphere, we had a wonderful evening.
Afterward, our van returned us to our hotel in Marrakech.
Would I recommend an Agafay Desert excursion if you only have three days in Marrakech?
Absolutely.
I wouldn’t sacrifice time exploring the medina to do it, but an afternoon and evening excursion is a wonderful addition to a Marrakech itinerary.
CLICK HERE to book your Agafay Desert camel ride and dinner excursion
Where to Stay for 3 Days in Marrakech
Our Experience at Le Méridien N’Fis
We spent three nights at Le Méridien N’Fis and would happily stay there again.
It’s a more traditional luxury hotel experience rather than a small riad tucked inside the medina, but that was part of its appeal.
After long days exploring Marrakech, I appreciated returning to somewhere quiet and comfortable.
The swimming pool was a particularly welcome surprise.
And the breakfast was excellent.
There were made-to-order omelets, fresh Moroccan breads prepared on-site, fresh juices, and an enormous selection of other breakfast options.
It was one of those hotel breakfasts where you could easily spend far longer than you intended.
Breakfast was included with our stay, although I don’t know whether it’s included with every room rate.
Is the Location Convenient?
The hotel is approximately one mile from Jemaa el-Fnaa.
For us, that was perfectly manageable.
The walk was straightforward, mostly following one road, and we enjoyed being able to reach the main square on foot.
However, if you’re traveling with young children, have mobility limitations, or simply don’t enjoy walking longer distances, you might prefer a hotel or riad closer to the medina.
Taxis are also available.
For travelers who appreciate a full-service hotel, beautiful grounds, a pool, and a quieter atmosphere, I think Le Méridien N’Fis is an excellent choice.
CHECK RATES AND AVAILABILITY at Le Méridien N’Fis by CLICKING HERE
Should You Stay in a Riad Instead?
Marrakech has countless beautiful traditional riads, many tucked into the winding streets of the medina.
Staying in one can be a wonderful way to experience traditional Moroccan architecture and hospitality.
We chose a full-service hotel for Marrakech and saved our traditional riad experience for Meknes later in the trip.
I loved having both experiences.
If you’re deciding between a riad and a larger hotel, I’d consider how much time you plan to spend exploring, whether you want a swimming pool, and how important it is to stay within walking distance of the main attractions.
There’s no single right answer.
Practical Tips for Visiting Marrakech
Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
We walked a lot.
Between the hotel, Jemaa el-Fnaa, the souqs, gardens, and palace, we covered plenty of ground during our three days in Marrakech.
Comfortable shoes are essential, especially on uneven streets.
Don’t Be Afraid to Wander
Some of my favorite Marrakech memories came from exploring without a specific destination.
The medina can feel like a maze, but that’s part of its charm.
Keep your phone charged, have an offline map available, and allow yourself time to explore.
Watch for Scooters in the Souqs
Motorbikes and scooters share some surprisingly narrow streets with pedestrians.
You’ll get used to them, but stay aware of what’s happening around you, especially when stopping to take photographs.
Leave Time for a Break
Marrakech can be busy, warm, and dusty.
A peaceful garden, rooftop restaurant, or afternoon by the pool can provide a welcome change of pace.
Don’t Assume Every Vendor Will Be Aggressive
Before visiting Marrakech, I’d heard plenty of stories about pushy merchants.
That wasn’t our experience.
We found the vendors we encountered generally pleasant, and we enjoyed browsing without feeling pressured.
Of course, everyone’s experience will be different, but I wouldn’t let concerns about shopping discourage you from exploring the markets.
Be Prepared for Organized Tour Stops
If you book an Agafay Desert excursion, check the itinerary carefully and read recent reviews.
Our excursion included an unexpected shopping stop that lasted about half an hour.
It didn’t ruin the experience, but I would have preferred to know about it in advance.
What Would We Do Differently in Marrakech?
Very little, actually.
I’d absolutely return to the medina, Le Jardin Secret, Bahia Palace, and Le Marrakchi.
I’d request that same window table at Le Marrakchi again.
I’d stay at Le Méridien N’Fis again, particularly if I wanted a comfortable hotel with a pool.
And despite my initial skepticism, I’d happily recommend an Agafay Desert camel ride and dinner excursion.
If I changed anything, I might leave even more unstructured time for wandering the souqs.
I loved discovering little shops, watching everyday life, and seeing what was around the next corner.
For me, that was the real magic of Marrakech.
Is Marrakech Worth Visiting?
Without question.
Marrakech is busy, colorful, occasionally chaotic, and filled with things to discover.
But it’s also home to beautiful gardens, remarkable architecture, excellent restaurants, and peaceful places tucked away behind the walls of the medina.
Our three days gave us a wonderful combination of sightseeing, exploring, relaxing, and experiencing something completely different in the Agafay Desert.
And if I were planning the same trip again, I wouldn’t change much.
I’d simply put on my walking shoes, head into the medina, and see where the streets took me.
Planning a Longer Trip to Morocco?
Marrakech was just one stop on our 10-day journey through Morocco.
We also visited Casablanca, Meknes, Fes, and the ancient Roman ruins at Volubilis, traveling between cities primarily by train.
If you’re planning a similar trip, these guides can help:
- Our 10-Day Morocco Itinerary: Casablanca, Marrakech, Meknes & Fes by Train
- Morocco Train Travel: A First-Timer’s Guide to Traveling by Train
Want more firsthand Morocco travel tips? I’m sharing practical advice from our trip, including where to stay, what to pack, and how to explore Morocco independently.
