Salam! My name is Lauren and I'm the writer, photographer and travel blogger behind Pack and Paint. Despite travelling to 25+ countries (most of which were solo adventures), I have a soft spot for the Netherlands and my home country of England. However, Morocco is my favourite country in the world.

How to spend three days in Marrakech

Marrakech is a feast for the senses. From the chaotic main square of Jemaa El-Fnaa to the winding streets of the souks, you'll discover fragrant spices, intricate zellij tiles and a unique bustling atmosphere.

Three days is just about enough time to see the top sights in the city, but you could stay longer. Especially if you want to take some day trips and delve deeper into local culture.

As one of the most visited cities in the country, here's how to make the most out of your short time in Marrakech.

Day 1

Dar El Bacha Museum
One place that's risen in popularity in recent times is Dar El Bacha Museum and honestly, it's not hard to see why. Dating back to 1910, it's bursting with plants, Moroccan mosaics and a serene ambience. You could easily spend hours here (just like I did).

But before you visit the museum, head straight to the on-site Bacha Coffee shop. There's a reason it's first on the list... it gets busy! If you arrive as soon as the museum opens at 10am, you won't need to wait as long for a seat.

The cafe itself is just as stunning as the museum, making it a nice spot for some breakfast and your morning coffee. As well as a wide range of drink options, they serve lots of tasty food such as omelettes, baked treats and fresh fruit.

Once you're fuelled up for the day, head back out to explore the historic palace of Dar El Bacha. Here, you can take in the vibes and admire the incredible craftsmanship that Morocco is known for.

Le Jardin Secret

If you're looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Le Jardin Secret is the place to be – it’s like a hidden oasis. I found it so calming that I sat there painting for hours.

It's a little pricey compared to other attractions nearby, but it's well worth the fee in my opinion. As well as lush greenery, cacti and palm trees, they run regular exhibitions and workshops to help visitors learn more about the gardens' rich past.

Le Jardin Restaurant

Just up the street from the secret garden, Le Jardin Restaurant is one of the best restaurants in town. With its peaceful atmosphere and delicious dishes, foodies will love it.

To eat like a local, sample a traditional tagine or couscous. Having eaten there myself, I promise you won't be disappointed!

Ben Youssef Madrasa

After lunch, head onwards to Ben Youssef Madrasa; an architectural gem (that was once a school) dating back to the 14th century. This is one of those attractions where you can truly appreciate the hard work that goes into Moroccan craftsmanship and Islamic design. Boasting intricate zellij tiles and detailed carvings, it's easy to see why it's a hit with tourists.

Shopping in the souks

You can't explore Marrakech (or any Moroccan city for that matter) without taking a stroll through the souks. Selling everything from home textiles and decorative plates to carved lanterns and clothes, they're a must-see for shopping enthusiasts.

Getting lost in the medina also gives you the chance to try haggling. In Morocco, stall owners expect you to bargain which means they tend to inflate prices. Negotiating a lower price is all part of the experience (and it's pretty fun too).

Koutoubia Mosque

Although non-Muslims can't enter, it's worth stopping by Koutoubia Mosque regardless. Towering above the city, it's a grand example of stunning architecture in Morocco. Dating back to the 12th century, it also boasts historical significance.

Jemaa el-Fnaa

Now, you can't go inside Koutoubia Mosque (unless you're a Muslim), but you can watch it from afar. Sunset is the ideal time to do just that.

All you need to do is head to a rooftop on Jemaa El-Fnaa, order some mint tea and enjoy the views. After a day of sightseeing on the crazy streets of Marrakech, it's a great way to relax.

My go-to spot is Cafe Glacier thanks to its unobstructed views of the square and mosque. Make sure you get down there early though as it gets very busy.

Cocktails and dinner at El Fenn

Fancy some cocktails and a bite to eat? Then head straight to El Fenn. With a vibrant and beautifully decorated rooftop, you can end your day in a lavish setting. It's the perfect place to end your first day in the city.

They serve a variety of food including sea bass, lamb, risotto and smoked butternut squash – yum!

On my first trip to Marrakech, I went to the rooftop bar every single night. That's how good it was! I even got to know the bartenders through friendly (yet very professional on their part) conversation. The customer service and hospitality here is amazing. They even gave me some free drinks!

Day 2

Breakfast at Cafe Arabe

On day two, head to breakfast at one of the most highly rated cafes in Marrakech – Cafe Arabe. I'm not normally a breakfast girl, but it way exceeded my expectations.

Overlooking stone buildings and palm trees, I enjoyed delicious mint tea, fresh orange juice, pastries, fruit salad, bread, yoghurt and dips. I got all of this for just 60 Dirhams (which is around £4.65). What a bargain!

Badi Palace

Built under the rule of Sultan Al-Mansour, Badi Palace was once a grand palace full of luxuries. However, Sultan Moulay Ismail ransacked it of all its glory at the end of the Saadian dynasty. Despite falling into ruin, it showcases the country's unique history making it a hit with tourists.

Bahia Palace

Less than 10 minutes away on foot, you can explore Bahia Palace, which is a completely different experience. You'll find intricate designs painted onto ceilings, complex carvings and colourful tiled mosaics that you'll see elsewhere in Morocco.

If you love art and design like me, aim to spend at least two hours here. That gives you enough time to take in all it has to offer. When I visited, I arrived an hour before closing time which made me feel extremely rushed. I want to go back and take things slow!

Stop for lunch at the Henna Cafe

Getting a henna tattoo in Morocco is like a rite of passage, but don't just get them anywhere. As you wander around Jemaa El-Fna, the local women might try to grab your hands and scam you into paying. Don't let them!

Not only are they poorly done, but they don't last either. To get a high-quality, lasting design with natural henna, stop by the Henna Art Cafe. Tucked away down a street in the souks, it has a large selection of designs to choose from.

Feeling peckish? Then it's a good spot for a bite to eat. They have a varied menu of couscous, tagine, salad, wraps and much more.

Dar Si Said Museum

As you stroll through the souks of Morocco, you'll see lots of beautiful rugs on display. These rugs are handmade by talented creatives and can take months to make. On prior trips, I've watched women producing the rugs by hand, so I know just how much effort it takes – it’s impressive!

At Dar Si Said Museum, you can admire the art of Moroccan carpets without the hassle to buy something from store owners. Aside from that, there's a quiet garden and a tiled courtyard. With a background in art and design, this is one of my favourite places in Morocco.

House of Photography

If you love taking photos, make your way to the House of Photography. Although it's not far from Cafe Arabe, it's best to visit much later since it's open daily until 7pm. This allows you to squeeze in as much as possible during the little time you have in Marrakech.

The collection features a range of photos from several Moroccan cities that share an intriguing glimpse into the country's history and way of life. Plus, the entry fee is less than the price of a Starbucks coffee back home. You can't argue with that!

Treat yourself to dinner at Le Bistro Arabe

Le Bistro Arabe is a highly popular jazz restaurant that's rated well for great cocktails, flavoursome food, excellent service and a fab ambience with live music. It's more expensive when compared to other restaurants in Marrakech, but you're paying for the experience.

In terms of food, they serve traditional tagines and couscous, but you can opt for a variety of smaller dishes instead. These include ravioli, vegetable tarts, pan-fried prawns and much more. For the veggies out there, they also offer a small selection of vegetarian options. If I've convinced you to eat here, book a table well in advance.

Day 3

Jardin Majorelle

Designed by Jacques Majorelle and later bought by Yves Saint Laurent, Jardin Majorelle is perhaps the most visited attraction in Marrakech. Full of palm trees, fountains and tropical plants, it's a true gem, and the cobalt blue home at the heart of it all is a dream to photograph!

Also on-site is the Museum of Berber Arts. It was once Jacques Majorelle's art studio. Nowadays, you can find unique exhibits from across the country.

Although it's a little far from the historic centre, don't let that put you off. If you hop in a taxi, you can easily reach the Majorelle Garden in less than 10 minutes. But one thing to keep in mind before going here is how busy it gets. If you want to explore without heaps of other tourists, get there early. As it opens at 8am, consider grabbing a quick breakfast and arriving around 7.30am. That way, you'll get to take in the gardens without the crowds and get some nice photos.

If you're speedy breakfast didn't quite fill you up, there's an on-site cafe to come to your rescue. It serves both breakfast and lunch dishes.

Yves Saint Laurent Museum

Next door to Jardin Majorelle, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the world-renowned fashion designer. With permanent and rotating exhibitions, the rooms are full of colourful art and clothing designed by the man himself.

Before you head back into the centre, stop by Cafe Le Studio for lunch. I didn't personally eat here, but it's well known for its good food.

Saadian Tombs

Constructed in the 16th century, the Saadian Tombs house the remains of Sultan Al-Mansour, other rulers and their families. This makes it one of the top historical landmarks to see in Marrakech.

During your visit, you can admire the detailed carvings, tiles and elaborate design of the tombs. It's yet another impressive example of Moroccan architecture and Islamic art that you won't want to miss.

Relax at Le Spa at La Mamounia

After just three days in Marrakech, you've ticked off many sights and experienced the chaotic vibes of the city. What better way to end your time than with a traditional hammam?

Not only are hammams a huge part of local culture, but it's one of the best ways to relax after a busy few days. La Mamounia is one of the top-rated hotels in Marrakech and they also have a great spa. When I visited, I liked it so much that I stayed nearly all day!

Open daily until 9pm, you can treat yourself to one of their delightful treatments. As well as hammams, they give massages, facials and more.

Dine at La Mamounia

To end your trip in style, consider dining at one of La Mamounia's amazing restaurants. Depending on what you fancy, you can sample their Asian, Italian or Moroccan dishes. No matter where you dine, each spot offers a lovely environment, tasty food and excellent service.

Final thoughts

Marrakech isn't the only place worth visiting in Morocco. It's a country full of stunning locations! From the picture-perfect (and very blue) town of Chefcahouen to the seaside resort of Agadir, there's something for everyone.

Have fun!