Spending three days in Marrakech is an experience everyone should have at least once. In just 72 hours, we realized that a short getaway to Morocco’s most photogenic city (seriously, it looks incredible in every photo) can be surprisingly rich in experiences. We stayed at an Iberostar resort that felt like it was made for us and packed our days with a mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. We explored places that shifted our perspective, indulged in delicious food, wandered through vibrant streets, stayed active, and took time to unwind. We embraced local traditions, ventured into the desert, and even treated ourselves to an authentic Moroccan hammam.
This article is both a recap of our journey and a three-day Marrakech travel guide—one that we hope will inspire you as much as this North African gem inspired us.
What to do in Marrakech in 3 days
Day 1: Exploring the Medina, shopping in the Souk, and a traditional dinner
We arrived in the morning, and a transfer was ready to take us to our hotel. The location couldn’t have been better—the Palm Grove of Marrakech, just 16 kilometers from the airport. If you need to exchange euros for dirhams (Morocco’s official currency), you can do so at the airport or in the Medina, though we recommend handling it before your trip for a better rate. Another smart option is a fee-free travel card, which makes withdrawing cash from ATMs and paying in stores much easier.
At Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie Marrakech, we were immediately struck by Morocco’s vibrant colors and warm light—and greeted with a celebratory toast. Our double room with a terrace and panoramic garden views set the stage for a comfortable stay. The traditional Moroccan décor added an authentic touch, making us feel immersed in the culture from the moment we arrived.
After getting sightseeing and excursion recommendations from the hotel reception, we hopped on the complimentary shuttle to the city center, just 15 minutes away. Suddenly, we were in a whole new world. Our first stop was Jemaa el-Fna Square, the beating heart of Marrakech, before we wandered into the lively Medina, where plazas, palaces, and mosques seemed to appear around every corner. We strolled through the narrow streets, paused for a refreshing mint tea, and explored the Souk—a colorful maze filled with fragrant spices, natural argan oil soap, and handcrafted treasures that made perfect souvenirs.
After lunch at the hotel’s buffet, we set out on a quad biking adventure through the palm grove, just in time for sunset (more on this later). The sky transformed before our eyes, shifting shades over the dunes and palm trees, creating one of the most breathtaking sunsets we had ever seen.
That evening, we freshened up before heading to Jawhara, one of the resort’s all-inclusive restaurants. The menu was a feast of Moroccan flavors, featuring couscous, vegetable and fish tagine, and chicken and almond pastillas—each dish a delicious introduction to the local cuisine. With just three days in Marrakech, experiencing the country’s incredible food is an absolute must.
Day 2: A desert adventure & hammam ritual
One thing we knew for sure on our three-day trip to Marrakech—we couldn’t leave without experiencing the desert. Just outside the city, the Agafay Desert offers an incredible landscape, and there are plenty of guided tours led by local experts, with various transport options. We even heard that extreme sports enthusiasts practice parkour on the dunes! For our adventure, we opted for a 4x4 desert tour with a lunch stop, choosing to avoid those that use camels or dromedaries.
Pro tip: Before heading into the desert, be prepared! The sun, sand, and wind can be intense, so make sure to pack sunscreen, certified sunglasses, and a scarf or turban—all absolute essentials.
After an adrenaline-packed morning, we returned to the Medina for some much-needed relaxation. Marrakech is famous for its hammams, and we wanted to experience the ritual for ourselves. We chose Les Bains d’Orient, known for being one of the most authentic in the city. The hammam experience follows a traditional sequence: a warm steam room to start the process, a hot steam room to open up the pores, a full-body exfoliation with a kessa glove to remove dead skin, and a cold bath to seal in the benefits and refresh the body.
We finished with a rhassoul clay wrap, a mineral-rich treatment that left us feeling incredibly light, refreshed, and glowing.
To continue our wellness journey, we returned to our hotel and visited Spa Sensations, inspired by traditional Arab baths. We indulged in a luxurious essential oil massage, designed to balance both body and mind. That night, fully relaxed and rejuvenated, we slept better than ever.
Day 3: Gardens, Museums & Active Experiences
If you’re looking for ideas on what to do in Marrakech in 3 days while staying active during your vacation, we’ve got plenty of suggestions. One of the simplest (yet most rewarding) ways is to take a stroll through its gardens. Our first stop was Le Jardin Secret, a hidden urban oasis nestled in the heart of the Medina. From there, we took a taxi to the legendary blue wonder of Jardin Majorelle, which was acquired in 1980 by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé.
Originally designed in the 1920s by French painter Jacques Majorelle, who lived in exile in Morocco, the garden is unlike any other in the way it captures the vibrancy and colors of the country. Majorelle painted the walls of his villa in striking blue, later extending this unique hue to other elements of the garden, including its fountains and low walls. He also planted a wide variety of exotic species, transforming the space into a true botanical oasis. Today, a team of 20 gardeners is responsible for its upkeep, and what was once a collection of 135 plant species has grown to over 300. We purchased a combined ticket that granted access to Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, and the Berber Museum.
After returning to the resort for a delicious buffet lunch, we decided to keep the momentum going with a game of tennis at the hotel’s sports facilities. We also spent some time training at the gym before winding down in the afternoon with a refreshing dip in the pool. To recharge after the day’s physical activity, we indulged in burgers and waffles from the hotel’s Food Truck, and as the sun began to set, we enjoyed cocktails at the Zen Bar, taking in the peaceful atmosphere as we reflected on another unforgettable day in Marrakech.
What to See in Marrakech in 3 Days
Day 1: Palm Grove of Marrakech, Medina’s Palaces and Mosques, and the Souk
Wondering what to see in Marrakech in 3 days? The Medina is the perfect place to start, beginning in Jemaa el-Fna Square. Among the must-visit religious landmarks are Bab Doukkala Mosque, a stunning 16th-century structure, and Koutoubia Mosque, also known as “the booksellers’ mosque” due to its location near book stalls. Another fascinating site is Moulay el Yazid Mosque, which can only be admired from the outside as entry is restricted to practicing Muslims. Connecting the last two is the majestic Bab Agnaou Gate, which also serves as the entrance to the Saadian Tombs, a magnificent mausoleum from the era of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur, featuring intricately decorated chambers.
When it comes to palaces, we were especially captivated by El Badi Palace, located near Ferblantiers Square, an area known for its picturesque traditional cafés. Another highlight was Bahia Palace, a masterpiece built with the ambition of being one of the greatest architectural achievements of its time.
Stepping into the Souk, we were immediately overwhelmed—in the best possible way—by the scents, sounds, and sheer energy of the place. As one of the most vibrant and authentic spots in the city, this intricate labyrinth of market stalls and small shops starts at Bab Agnaou Square and offers a dizzying variety of goods. In reality, it is a collection of different souks, each specializing in something unique: spices, weaving, dyeing, leather slippers (babouches), ceramics, and silverware. Strolling through the narrow streets, taking in the aromas of freshly ground spices, natural dyes, and tanned leather, we felt immersed in an entirely local experience. It became clear to us that Moroccan culture is, in fact, a fusion of many cultures, and each of them left a lasting impression on us.
Since Iberostar Waves Club Palmeraie Marrakech is located within the Palm Grove of Marrakech, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to go on a quad biking excursion through its scenic trails. This ancient oasis is home to over 100,000 palm trees, stretching across 13,000 hectares. In addition to palms, the grove also boasts a variety of fruit trees, making it a true desert oasis. Once planted during the Almoravid dynasty over a thousand years ago, today this peculiar forest is home to luxury resorts, golf courses, and private residences. The adventure of exploring this landscape on a quad, surrounded by nature, made for an unforgettable outdoor experience—one we would gladly repeat and highly recommend adding to any three-day Marrakech itinerary. The views from the hotel alone were straight out of a postcard.
Day 2: From the Agafay Desert to Les Bains d’Orient
Our second day couldn’t have started better. We fueled up with a healthy breakfast at Buffet Oasis, where a variety of international and Moroccan specialties awaited us, all made with fresh, local ingredients. Energized and ready for adventure, we set off to fulfill a dream: visiting the Agafay Desert, one of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.
Located about an hour’s drive from Marrakech, Agafay stands out for its golden dunes that are actually rock formations, occasionally dotted with traditional white canvas tents. The complete absence of vegetation adds to its raw, otherworldly beauty. The myth of African deserts, where it can even snow due to extreme nighttime temperatures, is nothing compared to the feeling of actually being there. We found ourselves completely captivated by the silence, the vastness, and the surreal scenery. If we had more time, we would have loved to spend the night in one of its desert camps. On a future trip, we also hope to visit the Sahara, which stretches over 9.4 million square kilometers—nearly the size of China or the United States—about 550 kilometers from Marrakech.
Still mesmerized by the desert landscape, we transitioned into an afternoon of relaxation and wellness. We spent the latter half of the day between Les Bains d’Orient, one of the city’s most prestigious hammams, and the spa at our resort, an elegant and intimate space designed in the style of a traditional Arab bath. The spa featured a water therapy area, a Turkish bath, a sauna, and several private treatment rooms, as well as a beauty salon and hairdresser, where guests could book appointments.
In the Medina, other popular hammam options include Les Bains de Marrakech (the most tourist-friendly), Hammam Rosa Bonheur, and Hammam Bab Doukkala, located next to the mosque of the same name.
In a setting like this, relaxation and pleasure come naturally. The best part? The sense of total renewal, both physically and emotionally, that stayed with us long after we left.
Day 3: Le Jardin Secret and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
What’s the best way to explore Marrakech in 3 days while truly connecting with the city? Walking through its gardens is a great start. As we mentioned earlier, Le Jardin Secret carries a mystical and intimate aura right in the heart of the Medina. Its layout follows the sacred structure of a traditional Islamic garden, designed to mirror the order of the heavens. Every detail is geometrically arranged, creating a harmonious and peaceful retreat. The garden is filled with lush plants from five different continents, softening its structured design and surrounding its romantic central pond with a vibrant natural presence.
To continue our journey through Marrakech’s most inspiring gardens, we paired our visit to Le Jardin Secret with a trip to another iconic green space—the Majorelle Garden. We took a taxi to reach this legendary oasis, originally designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s. Now one of the most famous landmarks in the city, the garden was later acquired by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980, ensuring its preservation.
Once there, we couldn’t miss the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, which sits right next to the garden. If you have an interest in fashion, art, or design, this is a must-see. Opened in 2017, the museum has continued to expand, now covering over 4,000 square meters in a striking architectural space designed by Studio KO. The YSL archive collection includes haute couture pieces, accessories, original sketches, prototypes, photographs, pattern drafts, workshop records, and even old sales books listing client names.
Our visit also included entry to the Berber Museum, located within Majorelle Garden, in what was once Jacques Majorelle’s personal studio. This fascinating exhibit houses over 600 artifacts of Berber art, meticulously collected by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, celebrating Morocco’s rich indigenous heritage.
What turned out to be our most active day ended on a delicious note, with a gastronomic feast at the resort’s international and local buffet. Feeling energized, we decided to play a game of tennis—one of our favorite sports—on one of the hotel’s courts. We also took time to stretch and train at the gym before exploring some of the resort’s other activity options. The hotel boasts basketball courts, badminton, beach volleyball, and even an archery range. For something a bit different, guests can also join oriental dance classes, aqua gym sessions, or even try flying trapeze lessons.
We were completely blown away by the hotel’s sports program, making it the perfect way to balance adventure, relaxation, and activity in our three-day Marrakech escape.
Our Verdict on Marrakech
Marrakech is a city bursting with energy, color, and unexpected delights. From the moment we arrived, we were captivated by its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and diverse experiences. The hotel’s shuttle service to the Medina made navigating the city effortless, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in everything Marrakech has to offer. Staying at a resort that matched our travel style made a huge difference, giving us the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and comfort.
From incredible Moroccan cuisine to the fascinating souks, stunning palaces, and the rejuvenating hammam ritual, every aspect of the trip left a lasting impression.
If you’re looking for a short but immersive getaway, Marrakech in 3 days is an experience you won’t forget. The city’s charm, beauty, and cultural richness make it a destination that lingers in your heart long after you’ve left.
