Marrakech is a vibrant and lively city in southern Morocco. Known for its history, architecture, and unique culture, it is a popular tourist destination for those seeking an authentic North African experience. If you only have 48 hours to visit Marrakech, there are plenty of things you can do to make the most of your time.
Day one should start with a visit to the Bahia Palace, a stunning building built in the 19th century that has been converted into a museum. Here you can see the Sultan's impressive reception rooms and private gardens. It's also recommended to visit the El Bahia Palace, another palace built in the 19th century with stunning decor and architecture.
After exploring the palaces, head to the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the heart of the old city. Here you will find a wide variety of street vendors, buskers, jugglers, and other performers putting on a non-stop show. It's a great place to sit and enjoy Moroccan herbal tea and some delicious tapas while observing the lively atmosphere of the square.
In the afternoon, you can visit Marrakech's famous hammam baths. These traditional Moroccan baths are a great way to relax and rejuvenate after a day of sightseeing. After a hot bath and massage, you'll feel refreshed and ready to explore the city in the evening.
In the evening, don't miss the opportunity to enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner in a riad (traditional Moroccan house) converted into a restaurant. You can sample typical dishes such as tagine (meat or vegetable stew) and couscous (a dish of couscous) while enjoying traditional music and the cozy atmosphere of the riad.
On the second day, you can spend time exploring the city's markets and shops. The Fabric Souk, also known as the Fabric Souk, is one of the largest and oldest markets in Marrakech, specializing in fabrics and clothing. You can find a wide variety of fabrics, from silks and wools to rugs and ceramics.
Today, Marrakech is a bustling metropolis, brimming with culture and plenty to see and do. Whether you're interested in exploring the city's historic sites, shopping in its bustling markets, or simply soaking up the chaotic and mystical atmosphere of the Red City, Marrakech has something for everyone.
The city is filled with historic monuments, cultural experiences, and delicious food. With so much to see and do, it can be difficult to know how to spend your time wisely, so below we provide a 48-hour itinerary of the must-see sights and activities in Marrakech so you can make the most of your time in this Moroccan city.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
To start, be sure to stroll through Jemaa el-Fnaa Square. This is the city's world-famous central square and is bustling with life day and night. During the day, you'll find snake charmers, acrobats, and other colorful figures such as fortune tellers and storytellers vying for your attention. At night, the square fills with food stalls serving Moroccan specialties. It is undoubtedly one of the busiest squares in Africa, and is also considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in Marrakech, and the largest in the city. Its minaret is visible from across the city. As with the rest of the mosques in the city, entry is prohibited to non-Muslims, but you can admire the exterior architecture. It was built in the 12th century and is a great example of Moorish architecture.
Majorelle Garden
The Majorelle Garden is a public garden and was created by the French artist Jacques Majorelle over a period of forty years, from 1923 until his death in 1962. This garden is known for its vibrant blue color, which is used throughout the garden on buildings, planters, and walls, which were painted by Majorelle himself. The garden houses a collection of native Moroccan plants, as well as cacti and other succulents from around the world. The garden's most iconic feature is its blue walls, which were painted by Majorelle himself. The walls are covered in blue tiles, and the color is believed to represent the sky, as well as Majorelle's love of water. The garden was designed by Majorelle with a series of small gardens, which were inspired by the gardens of Marrakech.