From the bustling souks and serene gardens to indulgent hammams and rooftop dining, Marrakech offers an unforgettable experience for every type of traveler. If you’re an expat in Spain like me and wondering what to do in Marrakech in a weekend, this is a fun and balanced trip that you can easily add to your list.

Here’s exactly how I spent 2 days in Marrakech, including where to stay, restaurant recommendations, must-see attractions, and a curated list of traditional Moroccan beauty products to shop for.

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Where to Stay

Riads are 100% the way to go — but do your research. They are not all created equally, and some don’t end up looking like they do in the photos.

Riads are traditional multi-story homes that are built around an interior courtyard or garden — most of which have a small pool. Usually if you stay in a riad, the owners will be the ones checking you in, and they have a small staff that will serve you traditional tea, breakfast, and sometimes dinner in the riad.

This is a great way to get an authentic taste of Moroccan culture, and I highly recommend checking out Riad Fabiola, which I can’t say enough positive things about.

Quick anecdote – we went to Marrakech for my birthday, and the owner took my husband out early in the morning to a local bakery so he could buy me a birthday cake. The manager, Eunice, is extremely kind and attentive, especially if you speak some French! Plus, the traditional breakfast was to die for.

Day 1: Souks, Culture & a Rooftop Views

Morning

Get Breakfast at Your Riad.

Fuel up before a busy day exploring the city. They usually offer a light breakfast with breads, pastries, tea, and fruit. My favorite was the msemmen (round flatbread) with butter and jam.

Wander the Souks of Marrakech

You can’t visit Marrakech without getting a little lost in the vibrant maze of the souks. You’ll find everything from rugs and spices to handmade ceramics and leather goods. Wander towards Jamaa El Fna Plaza at the city center to find fruit stands, more local vendors, musicians, and even people with monkeys.

If you’re worried about exploring the souks by yourself, I highly recommend doing a guided tour where locals can show you the best places to shop in the souks (and not get ripped off).

Pro-tip: if you have an iPhone, download an offline map of the region before you go, just in case you don’t have service in Marrakech. While the maps won’t be perfect in the souks, it’s a good backup to have in case you get lost.

Midday

Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa

A stunning example of Islamic architecture, the Ben Youssef Madrasa is one of Marrakech’s most photogenic landmarks. Don’t miss the intricate tilework and peaceful courtyards in this historic boy’s school, now open to the public.

Lunch at Le Jardin

An oasis in the middle of the medina, and just two minutes from Ben Youssef Madrasa, Le Jardin is a tranquil spot to escape the hustle and enjoy Moroccan classics under lush greenery. We ordered the chicken tagine and hummus, which were both delicious!

Evening

Watch the Sunset at Dardar Rooftop

After relaxing and taking a break at the riad, I’d recommend going to see the sunset at Dardar — which is at the top of almost every Marrakech itinerary. This was actually something we didn’t get to do since I didn’t make reservations in advance. So learn from my mistakes and plan ahead!

Did you know? In the medina, restaurants are not permitted to serve alcohol. But somehow, Dardar is one of the few options that does actually serve cocktails. Don’t ask me how that works!

Dinner at Comptoir Darna

Take a taxi (or better yet, a carriage ride) over to Comptoir Darna to wrap up your first day with dinner and a show. Just outside the medina, this restaurant is known for its fusion menu, cocktails, live belly dancing, and electric atmosphere that turns into a party at night. Be sure to make a reservation ahead of time!

If you feel like keeping the night going, you can wander up to the bar and club on the second floor.

Day 2: Shopping, Spa & Unforgettable Bites

Morning

Bacha Coffee

If you’re a coffee lover, Bacha Coffee is a must. I had no idea black coffee could taste so amazing until I tried the menu at Bacha.

Located inside the historic Dar el Bacha palace, it’s equal parts elegant café and museum. I’d recommend going early to avoid a long wait time, but even if you do have to wait (like I did), it’s easy to pass the time wandering the museum, taking in the beautiful tiles and snapping some photos.

Visit the Souks (Part 2)

There are so many things to discover, I guarantee you’ll want to come back a second time to see what else the souks have to offer. Try to go in a different direction to check out new stalls and find new hidden treasures!

Also, if you’re an animal lover… look out for all the cute cats wandering the souks!

Afternoon

Jardin Majorelle & Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Take a taxi over to Jardin Majorelle, which was owned by Yves Saint Laurent and opened to the public when he passed. This is a great spot to take a stroll through the gardens and snap some photos of the iconic blue and yellow house. Depending on when/what time of year you go, it could get pretty crowded so keep this in mind when you visit. I would recommend buying your tickets in advance since they admit people into the gardens based on a schedule.

If you’re a fashion lover, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is just behind the gardens and worth a quick stop! There you can find some of his original sketches, artwork and fashion designs that inspired his work. It’s relatively small, so you don’t need to budget more than 30 mins to an hour for this stop.

You can buy a combined ticket for both museums, plus the smaller Berber Museum here!

Indulge With a Hammam & Spa

You can’t leave Morocco without going to a hammam, which is a traditional bath house. To be honest, this is a very unique experience and if you go to an authentic hammam it’s not a very relaxing experience, but you feel incredible afterward.

We went to Marajah Hammam & Spa located just across the street from Jardin Majorelle, which I highly recommend. What I love about this place is that they only accept women and couples, so you feel very safe and taken care of there. I booked the Le Royal treatment which includes a 1 hour hammam and 1 hour relaxing massage. If you do book at Marajah, note that they accept cash only.

Relax at the Riad

After the hammam, you’ll likely want to grab a light lunch at the riad and then relax until it’s time to get ready for dinner. Take a quick nap, relax, and get ready for the best dinner of your life.

Evening

Dinner at La Trattoria

I probably think about the pasta I ordered at La Trattoria at least once a week. If you’re like me, I felt guilty going to an Italian restaurant when in Marrakech, but this is the most famous restaurant in the city for a reason.

With stunning decor and incredible food, this one is a can’t-miss stop on your trip to Marrakech. Make your reservation in advance and be sure to book a table in the pool terrace for the best vibes — it’s easy to book online through their website.

I got the fettuccine con gamberi e zucchine and it actually changed my life. My husband ordered a steak, and while it was also delicious, he was jealous of my dinner.

Enjoy a long dinner, soak in the incredible atmosphere, and reminisce about your favorite parts of the trip.

What to Buy in Marrakech

Natural Beauty Products

• Argan oil — you can find 100% pure argan oil at a great price, but make sure it’s real/authentic. At some stalls you can watch them make it in front of you, but if you’re not sure where to buy it, ask the front desk at your riad for a recommendation.
• Black soap — a key ingredient in the traditional hammam. If you’d like to take a piece of this ritual home with you, you can find black soap in the markets to take home.
• Aker fassi — this is a small clay pot that has a bright red powder on the inside that moroccan women use for blush and lipstick. It makes for a great souvenir!
• Ghassoul clay — another ingredient used in the hammam, this is a great face or body mask you can bring home with you to nourish and cleanse your skin. Buy the dried clay and add rose water to make the mask!
• Blue nila powder — this is another great product to cleanse your skin, fade dark spots and reduce inflammation. Either buy a ready-made face mask, or get the dried powder and add rose water.
• Rose water — 100% pure, fresh rose water at a great price. Use this to spritz your face throughout the day or add it to your clay to make a face mask.
• Fragrances — there are a lot of perfume stores in the souks with amazing prices. Ditch the designer fragrances and find your next scent at an affordable price!

Clothing & Accessories

• Leather shoes & slippers — these are everywhere in the souks and you can find great quality slip-on shoes at a nice price.
• Belts — Lots of real leather or funky belts.
• Leather & woven bags — you’ll see lots of variation and different kinds of handbags, duffels, woven purses, etc. You name it, they have it.
• Bangles & bracelets — there is all kinds of beautiful jewelry you can find in the souks, but the most common are gold or silver bangles.
• Makeup bags — lots of cute handmade makeup or travel pouches that make for a great gift or souvenir.

Decor & Home Goods

• Ceramic vases — you can find a range of expensive, ornate vases that will ship your purchases for you, or you can find more inexpensive local ceramics that are equally as stunning.
• Teapot & set — they have the most beautiful teapots and tea sets, and it’s one of my favorite things that I purchased in Marrakech. They’re slightly more pricey but you can haggle to get it to a reasonable price that both parties are happy with.
• Small pots and trinket dishes — usually sold at the same stalls as the teapots, they also have gorgeous trinket dishes and small items that make for good souvenirs.
• Rugs — you can find really incredible woven rugs in all shapes and sizes. If you’d like to buy one, ask if they can ship it for you.
• Wall art — again, this ranges from expensive boutiques to inexpensive local art stalls, but you can find beautiful artwork to hang up at home.

Other

• Moroccan mint tea — this is a must! This is usually sold at the same herbal stores as the natural beauty products.
• Small mirrors and magnets — very common in the souks and a great gift for friends and family.
• Postcards & keychains — I’d also recommend buying these items from local vendors in the souks.
• Vintage clothing — you’ll see all kinds of cool vintage jackets and clothing items in the souks when exploring. Not necessarily unique to Morocco, but you can find some great wardrobe staples!

Pro Tip: You should always haggle at the souks in order to get the best price. If you learn a few words in Arabic or French and treat the locals with respect, that will go a long way in negotiating your price!

FAQ’s

Is it safe to travel to Marrakech?

The short answer is yes. However, if you’re a solo female traveler, I would take extra precautions by joining tour groups or avoiding staying out at night. I had no issues at all, but it’s best to play it safe.

What are their traditional foods/dishes?

In Marrakech, you should try traditional dishes like chicken tagine, couscous, and their incredible mint tea.

How much cash should I bring?

Cash is king, and you’ll likely have to pay in cash for most things you do or buy. I’d recommend bringing about 400USD worth of dirhams, and exchanging your money before your trip for the best rate.

What should I wear in Marrakech?

While Morocco is a more conservative country, I saw a huge range in what visitors were wearing. Modest, lightweight clothing is ideal (think long skirts, linen pants, and breathable fabrics).

What’s the best way to get around Marrakech?

Most of the medina is walkable, but for visiting places like Comptoir Darna, La Trattoria, or Jardin Majorelle, I’d recommend taking a taxi. Ask the front desk at your riad to book a ride for you so they can negotiate a fair price.

We also took tuktuks and horse drawn carriages, which were fun ways to experience the city!

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Want more? Download my full 2 Day Guide to Marrakech (+ Free Printable Templates)!

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Final Thoughts: Making the Most of Your 2 Days in Marrakech

In 2 days, you can get a great mix of adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion. You can easily add a 3rd day to uncover even more treasures like Bahia Palace or the Saadian Tombs, or even head out for a day trip to the Berber villages. But if you’re an expat in Spain like me, this is a perfect itinerary for a quick weekend getaway to get a taste of the culture.

If you’re planning your first visit to Marrakech, keep your itinerary flexible — but plan ahead on the things you know you don’t want to miss such as spa days, rooftop sunsets, and unforgettable meals. This beautifully chaotic city has a rhythm all its own, and 2 days is just enough to fall under its spell.

Have you been to Marrakech? Tell me about your experience in the comments!