Nestled within Morocco lies Marrakech, a city with an incredible blend of history, culture, and food. From exploring ancient medinas, bustling souks, and opulent palaces to taking in the stunning Palmeraie and the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, every corner of Marrakech has something unique to offer. We’ve been fortunate to visit the city several times, and each visit has been a new adventure. If you’ve only got 48 hours to explore this city, here’s exactly how we would do it!
Day one
Start your day at Le Kilim restaurant, where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan breakfast made with local products, including homemade bread, jams, and more. The breakfast, accompanied by pancakes, hot mint tea, freshly squeezed orange juice, and coffee, is not only delicious but also budget-friendly at just £11 for two people. This is a perfect start to your day in Marrakech!
Exploring the Medina and its souks is a must-do in Marrakech. Lose yourself in the Medina’s narrow alleyways and vibrant souks, where you’ll find everything from live textiles to aromatic spice stalls and even live animals. Don’t worry about getting lost in the maze-like streets with the MAPS.ME app, you can download a map of the location and use it offline.
While you’re in the Medina, visit the Madrasa Ben Youssef. Sultan Abdullah Al-Ghaleb Assaadi constructed it between 1564 and 1565, and it has incredible historical significance. It transports you to an era when art, knowledge, and culture flourished in Morocco. Not far from the palace, you’ll find Bahia Palace, a mid-to-late 19th-century palace in Marrakesh that is a great way to get a feel for Moroccan architecture. Tickets to explore both these spots are under £5.
Next, you’ll head over to Cafe Clock for a late lunch. This restaurant in Medina serves camel burgers, and although Kyra couldn’t quite get over the fact that we were eating a camel, I thought it was delicious. Don’t worry if this sounds too out there for you; they have various dishes and fresh juices, all served on their gorgeous rooftop overlooking the Medina.
We’ve tried many rooftops in Marrakech, but Nobu is one of the best for panoramic sunset views. End your day here with a cocktail and try their delicious Moroccan dishes or something simpler like pizza, pasta, and small plates for sharing.
Day two
Start your day with a bespoke motorbike tour with Insiders Marrakech. This is a fun and unique way to see different parts of the city, including Palmeraie, a palm oasis of several hundred thousand trees that tourists often skip! Our tour guide was excellent. He knew so much about Morocco’s history, and we ended the tour feeling like we understood the city, its people, and the culture so much better.
It’s time to eat, and what better way to taste Moroccan cuisine than to learn how to cook it from a local? We took a cooking class with Khmisa, whose family has lived in the heart of Marrakech for decades. She took us shopping in the Medina for local produce before welcoming you into her home to cook a tagine with her family. We learned what species and techniques to use and enjoyed a 3-course meal with the group.
There’s always so much more of the Medina to explore, so this is your chance to walk off that food and explore Jemaa el-Fnaa, Marrakech’s main square and arguably the most essential part of the Medina. Here, locals and tourists gather both day and night to have something to eat, shop, or observe the various shows taking place. The square is very chaotic but worth visiting. We advise politely declining to participate in any magic tricks involving live animals or taking pictures of them, as you will be charged.
End your day at Nomad, a modern Moroccan restaurant that focuses on local, fresh, seasonal ingredients. It offers revisions of traditional cuisine and international dishes with a Moroccan twist. The food was delicious, and the view over the Medina at sunset is stunning!
