Marrakech is one of the larger cities in Morocco, located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. The medina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a wonderful place to wander around to get a sense of Morrocan culture. Two Days in Marrakech will keep you busy and ensure you have a spectacular time.
Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in Marrakech here.
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History of Marrakech
The beginnings of Marrakech date back to the Neolithic era when the area was inhabited by Berbers. Abu Bakr ibn Umar founded the city with his cousin who became the king around 1062. Throughout the years Marrakech was the capital city off and on, as well as sometimes an Islamic center.
In the 1500s, the Saadians took over the area and built up the city even more. During this period, Marrakech hosted a variety of ambassadors from around the world. It was also at this time when many important people began to be buried in Marrakech.
During the 1900s, Marrakech saw many years of unrest with a rise in revolts. Eventually, the French came in and took over Marrakech and some areas of Morrocco. Finally, in 1956, Morocco became an independent country. Marrakech became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
When to Spend Two Days in Marrakech
Morocco gets very hot during the summertime, so I would avoid it during that time. We went at the end of May and it was very hot then. Plan to go in any of the other seasons for cooler weather.
Also, make sure to make note of when the Muslim religious holidays are. We accidentally went during Ramadan and were not prepared for it. Many food places were closed during the day, so plan on fasting with the locals or getting food in advance from the grocery store.
How to Get to Marrakech
Marrakech has one international airport, Menara Airport. Flights fly into here from all over the world and especially from Europe. We opted to fly here from London and paid less than $200 for each person round trip.
Transportation in Marrakech
It is very easy to get around Marrakech on foot, especially if you are staying close to the medina. You can also take a taxi if you need to go somewhere further or book a tour around the city. There is no need to rent a car unless you choose to road trip around Jordan.
Teacher Tip: Make sure to get a price quote from any taxi before you take it to your destination.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
When visiting Marrakech, I recommend staying near the medina so you can easily walk everywhere. We opted to stay at Riad Abaka. This post details some of the best riads in Marrakech. This Riad was in a great location as it was a quick walk to Jamaa el-Fina. The inside was beautifully decorated. The only downside was the location of our room. It was right off the main courtyard, and you could hear everything echoing throughout the riad.
If you have more than two days in Marrakech, you can also opt to stay at one of the fancier resort riads on the outskirts of Marrakech. These have true spas and gorgeous pools. TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best Marrakech hotels here! Other options include the following hotels.
What to do During Two Days in Marrakech
Day 1 in Marrakech
Saadian Tombs
Cost: $8
Hours: 9am-5pm
The Saadian Tombs are a must-see place during your two days in Marrakech and the perfect place to start the day. These unique tombs date back to the late 1500s. They are home to many previous Moroccan royals. The Saadian Tombs are also known for their ornate architecture both inside and out. Plan to spend about an hour wandering through them.
Bahia Palace
Cost: $19
Hours: 9am-4:30pm
The Bahia Palace was a palace that was used for royalty in the mid to late 1800s. It continued to be expanded over the years and covers over 2 acres. Present-day, visitors can wander through multiple courtyards and various rooms. Allow for a couple of hours during your two days in Marrakech to explore the palace.
Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret
Cost: Free (outside)
Hours: Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm
This is the main mosque of Marrakech. Although non-Muslims are not allowed inside, it is a gorgeous place to walk around the outside. You can take a close-up look at the minaret and courtyard.
Eat at Nomad
Cost: $$
Hours: 12pm-10:30pm
Address: 1, Derb Aarjan. Marrakech Médina MA
For amazing views of the medina, make sure to eat a meal at Nomad. They serve traditional Moroccan food with a modern twist. I got the vegetarian plate, and it was perfect after a hot day wandering around the medina. My husband got a lamb burger that he said was one of the best he has ever had. You can opt to make a reservation, but we were able to get a table just by walking in.
Jamaa el-Fina
Cost: Free
Hours: Varies by Shop
This afternoon during your two days in Marrakech, wander through Jamma el-Fina, the main square of Marrakech. Here visitors can find a ton of shops and food stalls. It is the perfect time to grab some souvenirs to take home or try some Moroccan dishes. Make sure to check it out both during the day and the evening.
Day 2 in Marrakech
Majorelle Gardens
Cost: $11
Hours: 8am-6pm
To start off your second of two days in Marrakech, visit the Majorelle Gardens. These botanical gardens will be the highlight of any trip to Marrakech. This picturesque property is actually owned by Yves Saint-Laurent who helped to restore it. Plan on spending at least an hour there to take some spectacular pictures.
Cooking Class at Le Mansion Arabe
Cost: $32
Hours: Varies by Class
Taking a cooking class is always one of my favorite things to do when traveling. During your two days in Marrakech, taking a cooking class at Le Mansion Arabe is something you MUST do. It is super affordable, and you get to eat what you cook afterward, so it is the perfect activity to do for lunch. Once you finish the cooking class, make sure to stop for a drink at the bar at the hotel.
Restaurant Le Foundouk
Cost: $$
Hours: 7pm-12am, Closed Wednesdays
Address: 55, Souk Hal Fassi Kat Bennahïd Marrakech Médina
For a fancier night out to end your second of two days in Marrakech, visit Restaurant Le Foundouk. Downstairs is a nice lounge to grab a drink before your meal. The restaurant is several levels, but the highlight of the restaurant is the rooftop terrace with beautiful decorations.
Make sure to make a reservation to get a good spot. I had the green curry which was one of the best curries I have tasted. Don’t forget to pre-order a chocolate fondant for dessert!
Final Tips for Two Days in Marrakech
Spending two days in Marrakech should be part of any Morrocco itinerary. Visitors should experience the unique sites here. If you have time, opt to head to Fes to explore a more cultural area of Morocco, or for those who are more adventurous, take a Sahara Desert tour.
6 thoughts on “How to Spend An Awesome Two Days in Marrakech: Things to do in the Economic Center of Morocco”
Morocco has always been on my bucket list! Can’t wait to go there!
I loved my time there!
Great post. Morocco and in particular Marrakech have been on my bucket list for a while now. But so far I have not had the chance to go there. Think I really need to start planning this trip or it might never happen. Thanks for feeding my wanderlust.
It was definitely an interesting country to visit!
Oh, wow! It’s a place full of history and beautiful architecture! Definitely I will check it out the cooking class!
The cooking class was so much fun!