Marrakech Travel Guide: What to See in 48 Hours

Marrakech, also known as the Red City because of its red stone buildings, is situated in the western part of Morocco and can be found at the foothills of the Atlas Mountains. It was founded in 1070 by the Almoravid dynasty and has since become the major trading, cultural, and political center of Morocco. Imagine walking through the small and winding streets that are filled with aromas of argan oil, fresh juice, and spices. There are bright lanterns over your head, and your ears are filled with the sound of music and people speaking in Moroccan Arabic; that's exactly what Marrakech has to offer.

From its historical landmarks like Saadian Tombs, cultural places like Al Badi Palace and Al Bahia Palace, to its vibrant souks like Jemaa el Fna, its green spaces including Majorelle Garden, and magnificent mosques like Koutoubia Mosque, there is something new to explore at every corner. Not to forget, the food scene of Marrakech is as vibrant as its vibes and mixes local Moroccan flavors with international tastes, blessing your palate at every bite.

So, are you ready to spend your 48 hours in Marrakech? Below is the ultimate Marrakech itinerary for 48 hours, including its famous attractions, breakfast, lunch, and dinner places, historical landmarks, museums, and more. Keep reading and make your trip unforgettable!

Start your first day in Marrakech by having a hot air balloon flight over the city. The hot air balloon tours in Marrakech provide early morning flights and pick you up from your hotel, with the 6 AM sunrise option being the most beautiful time. After reaching the designated place, you will be given a safety briefing and told what to expect on your ride. After that, you will go into the spacious basket and ride gently into the sky. The pilot will provide information about the scenery and landmarks as you see red ground, palm groves, and desert glowing in the morning light from above. After landing, you will be greeted with breakfast in a typical Berber tent. The breakfast options include fresh bread, pancakes, olive oil, jam, honey, mint tea, and coffee, providing an authentic local experience.

After a hot air balloon ride, visit the Saadian Tombs, which were constructed in the late 16th century during Sultan Ahmed al-Mansur’s rule and serve as a royal burial place for the Saadian dynasty. The complex is situated next to the Kasbah Mosque in the royal district and is renowned for its exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship. Visitors can explore the main mausoleum, which is home to the Mihrab room, which was formerly used for prayers, and visit the magnificent Hall of Twelve Columns where Ahmad al-Mansur is buried beneath a carved cedar wood dome held by 12 Italian marble pillars, and the Rooms of Three Niches where you can find the graves of children. There is also an adjacent small mausoleum where close family members are buried. The walls of this landmark are covered in colorful zellige tiles, fine stucco, and Arabic calligraphy, making it a popular historical site that highlights the royal legacy, art, and culture of the Saadians.

Visit the DarDar Rooftop Bar and Restaurant in Marrakech Medina for lunch. It is a lively rooftop location that features expansive views of the city, the Koutoubia Mosque, and the Atlas Mountains in a laid-back and comfy environment. Their menu blends traditional Moroccan cuisine with contemporary touches. It features tapas like crispy gambas, rolls, ceviche, tacos, and caviar. At the same time, main courses include chicken tagine, fish tagine dorade, poke bowl au saumon, picadar, and Tangia Marrakchia, as well as grilled octopus and salads. You can pair your drink with their signature drinks, such as Kech Mojito, to enhance the experience. Make sure to try their sweet options like cash pistache and cho cho chocolate to wind off the experience. The restaurant features both indoor and outdoor dining.

After lunch, visit the El Badi Palace, which was built in 1578 by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty in order to commemorate his military triumph and flaunt his wealth and authority. It was formerly referred to as the Incomparable Palace and had opulent décor and priceless material brought from Mali and Italy. It was used for royal receptions and served as a part of a magnificent complex in the Kasbah neighborhoods. However, the palace was abandoned and depleted of its marble and valuables upon the death of the sultan, leaving behind striking ruins. Today, visitors can explore its expansive courtyards and sunken garden. The location also features the historic Almoravid minbar from the Kutubiyya Mosque, as well as hosts cultural festivals and exhibitions.

After the Al Badi Palace, make your way towards other historical attractions known as the Bahia Palace. This palace was constructed in the late 1800s by Si Musa, who was the Grand Vizier of Sultan Muhammad Ibn Abd al-Rahman and was later extended by his son Si Ba Ahmed under the rule of Sultan Moulay Abdelaziz. The palace spans an area of two hectares and comprises about 150 apartments, which are arranged around several riads and an inner courtyard. The interior of the palace is renowned for its vibrant zellij tiles, carved stucco, and painted wood ceilings. Visitors can enter through a horseshoe-arched doorway that leads to a lengthy garden path and opens into a small riad, which is a square courtyard with pathways, ornate galleries, and decorated chambers. The palace is also home to Ba Ahmed’s council chamber, a second-floor residence which was constructed later.

In the evening, visit the Koutoubia Mosque, which is one of the most famous and largest mosques in Marrakech and is surrounded by several gardens. It was founded in 1147 by Almohad Caliph Abd al-Mumin, renovated in 1158, with the current structure completed under Sultan Yaqub al-Mansur in 1199. The mosque serves as a masterpiece of Almohad architecture and features red sandstone walls, carved stucco horseshoe arches, and marble flooring. Its 77-meter minaret is inspired by Seville’s Giralda and consists of arabesque and geometric design, and a pinnacle adorned with metal orbs. It once stood near the book markets that earned its name Koutoubia, which means book seller. Today, it serves as a major religious and cultural attraction and represents Moroccan Islamic tradition, serving as an inspiration to tourists, artists, and academics.

End your first day in Marrakech by having dinner at Kabana Rooftop Restaurant. It is a lively location that includes lounges and an outdoor terrace featuring breathtaking views of the Koutoubia Mosque. The menu offers Latin and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, vegetarian and vegan options, and a sushi bar with items including Maki Sushi, Nigiri Mix, and Salmon Sashimi. The main course on the menu includes Delmonico steak, lamb shank with gnocchi, and Zarandeado-style octopus. They also offer Moroccan wines and specialty cocktails like Unexpected Mule, Fluffy Paloma, and Dark & Stormy to complement your experience. Make sure to try their sweet options like Margarita lime pie, cheesecake with yogurt, and Kabana Snicker to wind up the experience.

Start your second day by having breakfast at the Bacha Café, which is situated in the historic Dar el Bacha Palace in Marrakesh. The café is famous for its more than 200 coffee varieties, where each cup is carefully made and is served with dried fruits, Chantilly cream, and sugar sticks. You can also pair your coffee with their tiny brunch sets, delicious pastries such as raspberry mint puffs and almond croissants. The interior of the café is itself beautiful and features golden details, a carved wood ceiling, and mosaic floors. You can also visit the nearby boutique to buy coffee beans, boxes, and accessories to take back home as a memento. Every detail, from engraved pots to silver trays, offers an authentic in-house experience to visitors.

After breakfast, make your way towards Dar el Bacha, which is a historic palace in Marrakesh that showcases the rich cultural legacy of the city. It was constructed in 1910 and served as the home of the influential Pasha of Marrakesh, Thami el Glaoui. However, in 2017, the palace was renovated and reopened as the Museum of Confluences, which features rotating exhibitions of Moroccan and global cultures. It serves as a superb example of Moroccan riad architecture and features a four-sectioned central tea garden area, orange trees, fountains, and stunning salons. The palace also features elaborate zellij tilework, painted cedar wood ceilings, carved stucco, and some European influences.

The Ben Youssef Madrasa was constructed in 1564–1565 by Saadian Sultan Abdallah al-Ghalib and once served as the biggest Islamic college in the Maghreb and North Africa. It was a center of learning and drew students from all over the Muslim world to study mathematics, medicine, religion, and philosophy. It is named after the nearby Ben Youssef Mosque and is renowned for its magnificent architecture, which includes elaborate zellige tiles, carved cedar wood ceilings and doors, and a central courtyard encircled with galleries and student rooms. Today, the madrasa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is open for exploration, honoring Morocco’s creative and intellectual legacy as a historical and cultural asset. Visiting the madrasa offers visitors a journey through history, spirituality, and art in the heart of Marrakech.

Chez Lamine is a classic restaurant in Marrakesh that is well known for its slow-roasted mechoui lamb. It has been open for more than a century and begins the day igniting wood in an underground oven and roasting up to 40 entire lambs for three to four hours until lunchtime. After that, the meat is cut into slices, placed on plates, and dusted with cumin to eat. The restaurant also specializes in grilled lamb (Mechoui Beldi) and Tangia Marrakechia, which is a slow-cooked lamb stew made in smoldering ashes. Other local favorite dishes in the restaurant include Pieds de Boeuf (Beef Feet) and Tête de Mouton (Sheep Head). It also serves salads and tagines for a complete experience.

The Majorelle Garden is a colorful one-hectare botanical garden in Marrakesh that was designed by artist Jacques Majorelle in 1923 and later renovated by Yves Saint Laurent. It is home to more than 300 plant species from five continents, including giant cacti, palm trees, bamboo groves, bougainvillea, lotus-filled ponds, and jasmines. The garden is also known for its beautiful cobalt blue walls, pergolas, and fountain known as Bleu Majorelle, which contrast with bright reds, greens, and yellows. Visitors can also visit the Art Deco mansion within the garden, which houses the Berber Museum featuring jewelry, textiles, and ceramics. The mosaic-tiled ponds, serene walkways, and wrought iron sculptures of the garden offer a visual and experiential journey through art, culture, and exotic vegetation of Morocco to visitors.

In the evening, visit Jemaa el Fna, which is a vibrant center of the ancient medina and serves as one of the best things to do in Marrakech. The area becomes particularly lively once the sun starts to set and features an outdoor stage with storytellers, musicians, performers, and traditional entertainment. Visitors can enjoy the lively local atmosphere, witness live performances, and watch henna artisans at work. It is also home to several shops selling a variety of goods like argan oil products, jewelry, spices, textiles, tea sets, wood carvings, and leather goods. If you have time, you can also visit the rooftop cafés like Café Glacier to watch the square come alive from a different perspective.

End your 2-day journey in Marrakech by visiting Les Bains de Marrakech for a traditional hammam experience. This spa combines contemporary comfort with traditional Moroccan décor and features beautiful zellige tiles, cedar wood, and marble that create a serene and sophisticated ambiance. You will be passing through heated steam rooms and swimming pools before receiving treatment in private rooms. After that, traditional hammam treatment will be offered to you, including exfoliating scrubs, clay wraps, and soothing massages with Moroccan oils. The treatments are customized by the therapist based on your skin type and preferences. It is an ideal spot to relax after a hectic day of exploring Marrakech attractions.

Visit L’Mida Marrakech, which is a great rooftop eatery providing a peaceful haven above the bustling medina. The menu here is operated by cookbook author Nargisse Benkabbou and combines Moroccan tastes with contemporary touches. Start your meal with appetizers like smoky zaalouk, cheese briouates, and a salad of beetroot and orange blossoms. Then savor main courses that include fish tagine, pulled mechoui lamb, beldi bowl, chicken skewers, L’Mida burger, and risotto-style mhamsa. They also offer fresh juices and inventive cocktails, as well as desserts like carrot cake and chocolate layer cake, offering a delicious ending to your meal.

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