How to spend 3 days in Marrakech
Spend your first day exploring the medina and souks, your second day on gardens and palaces, and your third day taking a day trip to the Atlas Mountains. You will need to rely on walking within the old city and hire a private driver for excursions.
- Secure a Riad inside the Medina. Book a traditional Riad instead of a hotel. Being inside the medina walls means you can walk to most major sights, but ensure your Riad provides a map, as GPS often fails in the narrow alleyways.
- Master the navigation. Download an offline map (Google Maps or Maps.me). Don't trust strangers offering directions; they will often lead you to shops for a commission. If you get lost, ask a shopkeeper, not someone walking on the street.
- Hire a licensed guide. For your first day, hire an official guide from the Tourism Office. They wear a badge and will save you hours of getting lost in the souks and help you navigate the aggressive bargaining culture.
- Is it safe to drink the tap water?
- No, stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your stay to avoid stomach issues.
- How do I handle the haggling in the markets?
- Always start at 50% of the initial asking price and settle somewhere in the middle. If the price isn't right, be prepared to walk away; they will often call you back.