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Marrakesh in 3 Days — Practical First-Timer Plan

· 26.07.2026
Marrakesh is Morocco's most intense city. Three days cover the essentials without burnout. Practical plan below. **Day 1 — Classic Medina** Morning: **Jemaa el-Fnaa** at sunrise (7 AM) — empty square, lanterns off, clean photos before crowds. Breakfast at Café des Épices (rooftop). Midday: **Souks** (markets). Start Rahba Kedima (spices), through Souk Semmarine (leather, textiles), end Souk Haddadine (metalworkers). Three hours of fun. Afternoon: **Bahia Palace** (100 MAD, 1h), **Ben Youssef Madrasa** (renovated 2020, stunning zellige tilework). Evening: **Jemaa el-Fnaa** transforms after 7 PM. Snake charmers, storytellers, street cooks (stalls #32 and #14 the best). Dinner there. **Day 2 — Gardens and Palace** Morning: **Majorelle Garden** + **Yves Saint Laurent Museum** (combined ticket 240 MAD, 3h). Book online — queues are long. Midday: **El Badi Palace** (former royal palace, now ruins, great photos). Afternoon: **Hammam Mouassine** (100 MAD, local experience) OR **La Sultana Spa** (600+ MAD, luxury). Evening: **Rooftop with a view** (Kabana, Nomad, Le Salama) for drinks. **Day 3 — Atlas Mountains trip** Full day: **Ourika Valley** (1h drive, 500 MAD with driver). Setti Fatma waterfalls (2h trek), lunch in Berber village, return via Souk el-Had el-Ghmate market. Alternative: **Kasbah Bab Ourika** (overnight, 800 MAD/person) — luxury on hillside with Atlas views. **Budget 3 days (1 person, mid-range)** • Medina riad: 3 × 400 MAD = 1,200 MAD • Food: 3 × 200 MAD = 600 MAD • Entries + tour: 800 MAD • Taxi + tips: 200 MAD • Total: **2,800 MAD ≈ 260 EUR** **Practical tips** • Medina riad > Gueliz hotel (atmosphere, staff picks up from airport) • Card payment only in bigger restaurants — carry cash • Souk bargaining: first price ×3-5, aim for 30-40% • Dress modestly (long pants, covered shoulders)

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