Marrakech is a feast for the senses, and occasionally an assault on them. But the charm of souks, the friendly locals, and the colourful alleyways of the medina make it a fantastic weekend getaway. Here’s my guide to 2 days in Marrakech – which can also serve as a jumping off point for a longer trip to the Red City too!
Arriving into Marrakech & Hotels
Marrakech’s Menara Airport is modern and easy to navigate. While the walk from the plane to immigration can be long (especially for budget airlines), there are well-placed bathrooms (albeit not always with toilet paper), lifts and escalators.
We arrived at midnight on a Ryanair flight from France and found it an easy airport to navigate and immigration was swift. Remember to have your hotel details with you when you go through immigration, they will enquire about it.
Transfers in Marrakech
We chose to get a transfer via our Riad, as they offered a good rate and reliable service. It also saved us having to find an ATM or exchange cash at expensive airport rates for Morocco’s closed currency – the dirham (MAD).
The driver was waiting for us outside the main doors with a sign with our Riad’s name on it, and it was a short drive to Kasbah, a fortified neighbourhood next to El Badi Palace, where we were staying.
There were plenty of taxis at the airport – be sure to only use the official yellow taxis. The small cars run on a meter – so make sure it’s working; and with the large taxis, negotiate and agree the price prior to getting in.
Accommodation in Marrakech
We chose Riad Hugo, a lovely little 3-star guesthouse, a stones throw from Tinsmiths Square, and only about 1.2km walk from Jemaa el-Fna square. Run by Tariq, this small B&B is in the traditional Moroccan style with intricate tiling and hand-carved woodwork, and a central plunge pool in an open courtyard.
With only 4 rooms, it is easy to book the whole riad as your own private getaway if you are travelling with a group. There is 1 suite on the ground floor, which was good for one of our group with mobility issues; and 3 rooms on the floor above. The roof had an internal breakfast room, a lower shaded terrace, as well as an upper sun terrace.
I definitely recommend the Kasbah area – there are lots of riads to choose from, and while the narrow rabbit warren of alleyways takes a bit of getting used to, it was a quiet and convenient area to stay for a weekends stay in Marrakech.
Things to do on a weekend Trip to Marrakech
Do a Food or Walking Tour
Getting orientated is a priority when visiting a new place. Doing a walking or food tour helps to get your bearings, learn more about the city, and get tips on where to go once you’re off exploring on your own.
We are foodie-forward travellers, so indulging in local cuisine is definitely a focus for us. So, we decided to do a food tour on our first morning in Marrakech, and it was fantastic! We met our guide at 10am at Argana Restaurant on Jemaa el-Fnaa (where many tour groups leave from) and spent the next 3 hours trying a ridiculous amount of food!
Our guide gave us lots of tidbits of information about the history of the city on top of the information about the food we were trying. Tables were kept for us, and we received water and mint tea at most places too.
From sweet and savoury Msemmen (like roti bread), heavenly lamb kefta with eggs and a heavy unleavened bread, Moroccan donuts and more – it was an absolute foodie delight, and such great value. Three hours, very full bellies (we tried 8 dishes) and a good workout (10k steps) for 29€. Plus we got our bearings, got a clue as to which Souks needed a revisit, and also were taken into alleyways and restaurants we never would’ve found on our own.
Enjoy the Squares
You’re now orientated, and want to enjoy a cup of coffee on a square to watch the world go by – so it’s time to discover the squares of Marrakech.
By far our favourite was Tinsmiths Square. Located next to El Badi Palace, this wide and open square comes alive at dusk – families meet up, kids play soccer, and it is a cacophony of noise and life. There are restaurants all the way around, including some rooftop bars (but more on that later). If you want to enjoy seeing the day-to-day goings-on of life in Marrakech, this is a good square to sit awhile.
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the massive grand square, and at points can feel quite empty (especially in the hottest part of the day, when less is being sold and more shade is being sought. A whole row of fruit juice sellers vying for custom, the occasional donkey and cart, scooters zipping back and forth, and of course, people wanting you to buy things (get used to it). Around the edges, there are cafes and restaurants – but we found most of these to be overpriced for what they were.
Wander the Souks
The smells and colours of the souks are unlike anything I have experienced before. Hustle, bustle, rugs, leather bags, herbs, incense, trinkets and calls of “Madame, Madame” as you walk by. It was all pretty good-hearted though, and not aggressive in nature. I ended up cheerfully saying “no thanks” to each yell… or just ignoring them.
My favourite area was Plaza Rahba Kedima, north of the Souk Semmarine, a square of carpet sellers, straw hats, spices and pottery, interspersed with cafes – ideal for watching the action!
Souk Semmarine is a covered alleyway of shops and wares of every kind – particularly for lanterns and leather goods. Rue Riad Zitoun el Kdim from Tinsmiths Square to Jemaa el-Fnaa was where we found many gifts and jewellery. The narrow pathways can feel overwhelming, but don’t feel pressure – just enjoy the vibe and chaos of it!
The touting can be relentless – but a good tactic is ask for a price and circle back to negotiate after you have got a few more prices. Generally speaking you can get a price, counter at 1/3rd and then settle at 2/3rds. But really, it comes down to what you are willing to pay for that item – if the full price is reasonable and you want the item, don’t fret too much about negotiating.
We found the negotiating to be in good humour, and the joy of it is that there are so many vendors, you can pick and choose where you shop.
There is an amazing rabbit warren of vendors, metal workers and street food between the Terrace des Épices restaurant and Almoravid Koubba – if you want to see a less polished part of the medina!
Watch the sunset from a rooftop Bar
One of the most magical moments of our weekend in Marrakech was watching the sunset from a rooftop bar. The balmy evenings and interesting skyline make for a beautiful dusk activity.
The ideal spot is Tinsmiths Square – with two rooftop restaurants of note – Kosybar and Le Tanjia Restaurant & Rooftop. Get there early to secure a table with a view and enjoy a mint tea (or cocktail) – although it’s a dry country in general, there are many licensed bars and restaurants around the place.
Enjoy some Gardens
The famous Majorelle Gardens have electric blue buildings, exotic plants, and pretty water features. Yves Saint Laurent Museum is also nearby.
The historic Menara Gardens provide wide-open olive groves set against the dramatic backdrop of the Atlas Mountains.
Then there is the Secret Garden, within the medina – with traditional islamic gardens and a cafe. Spending a few hours wandering through one of these green retreats is a calm respite from the chaos of the souks.
Relax at a Hammam
A traditional hammam visit is one of the most immersive cultural experiences you can have in Morocco. Partake in centuries-old bathing rituals, beginning with a warm steam room before moving on to a thorough cleanse using black soap and an exfoliating scrub that leaves skin feeling refreshed.
Riads and spas in Marrakech offer modern versions of this ritual, combining relaxation with authentic elements for travellers seeking comfort as well as tradition. Some are more hands-on and traditional than others, so take the advice of your riad for the best results.
Indulge in Amazing Dining Options
There are some fantastic restaurants in Marrakech – with delicious food and really fantastic atmosphere. Here are some of the spots we tried and enjoyed during our weekend in Marrakech. Feel free to add your recommendations in the comments below.
- Dar Essalam – We asked our riad owner for recommendations for dinner, and this was his suggestion. Now, had we known it was dinner and a show, we may not have gone… because isn’t usually our kind of thing. But, we are so happy we didn’t know what we were getting ourselves in for, as it was so much fun. In a stunning underground restaurant, with gorgeous tiles and chandeliers, you are welcomed by warm servers. Our riad had made the booking for us, so we got a prime table in the main dining room, where the show is. The set menu is great value, they have Moroccan grey wine (vin gris), and the Arabian dancing and band were amazing. While the invitations to join the belly dancers aren’t for everyone, no one forces you, and it is a lot of fun.
- Terrasse des Épices – This stunning rooftop restaurant is an elevated dining experience, with personal waiter service for each table and delicious cocktails. The tagine was the best of the trip and the views out over Ben Youssef Mosque and Almoravid Koubba were amazing. It was the most expensive meal of the trip, but by far the best and in most lush surroundings.
- Le Bistro Arabe – Take a trip back in time to the roaring 20s at this chic jazz bistro inside the Riad Monceau, a short walk from Jemaa el-Fna. Maghreb-inspired food with international influences, alongside live jazz music.
Weekend Guide to Marrakech
I hope this weekend guide to Marrakech helps you enjoy your own break in Morocco, or at least inspire you to visit! It’s definitely an easy city for a weekend break, and a place that will leave you wanting to return (the ideal scenario, right?).
On our next visit, we will definitely spend longer and take some time in desert and Atlas Mountains – because the landscapes are incredible.
Love weekend city breaks? Check out these cosmopolitan European short breaks!
All photos & content © Hannah Henderson and may not be used without permission (sharing this blog post is fine, though!). Images shot with a Canon DSLR T3i Rebel + Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS STM; and an iPhone.
