Katie and her daughter, plus Amy and her friend, both recently enjoyed whirlwind 48-hour trips to Marrakech – and came back buzzing with recommendations! Whether you’re planning a mother-daughter adventure, a friends’ getaway, or a romantic couple’s escape, here are their top tips for what to see, do, eat and experience when staying in the heart of the Medina.

Only a short flight from the UK, Marrakech is perfect for a long weekend packed with atmosphere, adventure and unforgettable experiences. There’s something magical about staying right in the Medina – navigating the maze-like streets to find your riad’s hidden doorway, then stepping inside to your own peaceful oasis. We stayed at Les Borjs de la Kasbah and Les Jardins de la Medina, both beautifully located in the Kasbah quarter, which proved ideal bases for exploring on foot.

Day One: Diving into the Heart of the Medina

Morning: Gardens and Culture

We recommend starting your Marrakech adventure with a peaceful morning exploring one of the city’s stunning gardens. We loved Le Jardin Secret, tucked away in the heart of the Medina just on the edge of the souks. This beautifully restored garden complex offers a tranquil escape from the bustling streets, with exotic plants, singing birds, and lovely spots to sit with a morning coffee or traditional mint tea. The combination of Islamic and exotic gardens is fascinating, and it’s the perfect way to ease into the sensory overload that is Marrakech!

Alternatively, head to the famous Jardin Majorelle (allow time for the taxi ride to the new town) for its electric blue buildings and lush botanical gardens – particularly magical in the morning light and popular with teens for those Instagram-worthy shots.

After your garden visit, make your way to the Medersa Ben Youssef, an absolute must-see. This stunning 16th-century Islamic college is decorated with intricate mosaic tiles and beautifully carved cedar wood. The craftsmanship is breath-taking, and it really gives you a sense of Marrakech’s rich cultural heritage. Allow at least 45 minutes to wander through the prayer hall, student cells, and courtyard.

Lunch: A Hidden Gem

After a morning of culture, Le Familie is the perfect lunch spot. Hidden away from the busy streets, this tranquil oasis features shaded garden seating with beautiful birdlife providing a peaceful soundtrack. The vegetarian set menu offers a choice of fresh salads, pasta, or flatbreads, and the communal dining style is wonderfully sociable. It’s particularly lovely for families, as the relaxed atmosphere means everyone can unwind.

Afternoon: Souks and the Private Tour Experience

No trip to Marrakech is complete without exploring the souks! These traditional markets are like stepping into Aladdin’s cave – a maze of narrow alleyways filled with treasures at every turn. The souks are organized by craft, so you’ll find dedicated areas for metalwork (gorgeous lanterns, trays, and decorative pieces), leather goods (colourful slippers, bags, belts, and those famous Moroccan poufs), textiles and carpets, and aromatic spices.

Our top recommendation: Book a private guided tour of the Medina and souks – it absolutely transformed our experience! While the tourist stalls are fun to browse, our guide took us beyond these into the real artisan workshops where traditional craftsmen ply their trades. We watched metalworkers hammering intricate designs, woodcarvers creating beautiful screens and furniture, and leather and fabric dyers using centuries-old techniques with swathes of vibrant colours hanging from balconies above the narrow streets. This is the real craftsmanship that Marrakech is famous for, and seeing these masters at work was genuinely fascinating. Our guide also shared inside stories about the Medina’s history, explained the significance of different quarters, and revealed architectural details we’d never have noticed on our own. This experience is particularly valuable for teens who might otherwise find “just wandering” less engaging – seeing the behind-the-scenes workshops really brings it all to life!

Don’t miss the traditional local chemist or herbalist shops, where you’ll find an incredible array of teas, herbs, spices, essential oils, and natural creams for skin and hair care – all beautifully displayed and often with helpful advice from knowledgeable shopkeepers.

Shopping tips: Bargaining is expected and part of the fun! Start at about half the asking price and negotiate with a smile. Always carry cash including small change – you’ll need it for tips, small purchases, and many vendors don’t accept cards.

Evening: Square Life and Rooftop Dining

As afternoon turns to evening, make your way to the famous Jemaa el-Fnaa square. While it’s interesting during the day, the square truly comes alive as the sun begins to set. Food stalls set up serving everything from snails to grilled meats, musicians perform traditional Gnawa music, snake charmers entertain the crowds, and storytellers captivate audiences (even if you can’t understand the Arabic!). It’s sensory overload in the best possible way – though keep a close eye on bags and wallets in the crowds.

After soaking up the atmosphere, head to Nomad Rooftop Bar for sunset drinks and dinner with a view. The modern Moroccan cuisine is delicious, and the rooftop terrace offers fantastic views over the Medina as the lights begin to twinkle – perfect for couples seeking a romantic evening or friends wanting to toast to their adventure. The relaxed vibe and excellent food make it well worth the visit.

Day Two: Palaces, Pampering and Desert Adventures

Morning: More Exploring

Start your second day with more Medina exploration. Visit the Badi Palace, once one of the world’s most magnificent palaces, now atmospheric ruins with nesting storks and lovely views from the ramparts. The scale of the palace gives you a sense of its former glory, and it’s less crowded than some other sites.

The Bahia Palace is another architectural marvel you shouldn’t miss. This 19th-century palace complex showcases the very best of Moroccan craftsmanship with its painted ceilings, beautiful courtyards, and lush gardens. Allow at least an hour to wander through the rooms and soak up the atmosphere. Teens often enjoy the stories of the palace’s former residents and the opulent lifestyle they led.

Lunchtime: Heading Back to Base

Make your way back towards the Kasbah quarter, perhaps stopping at Kasbah Cafe (opposite the Kasbah Mosque) for a coffee or light lunch on their rooftop terrace. It’s only a 7-8 minute walk from both Les Borjs de la Kasbah and Les Jardins de la Medina, and the views are wonderful.

Top tip: If your feet are tired after all the morning’s walking, hop in a traditional horse-drawn carriage (calèche) to get back to your hotel – it’s a lovely way to see the sights and gives everyone a well-deserved rest!

Afternoon: Essential Sanctuary Time

After all the hustle and bustle of exploring, this downtime is absolutely essential – and honestly one of the highlights of the trip! Return to your hotel and take full advantage of its peaceful sanctuary. After hours of walking the busy streets and navigating the souks, the calm of your riad feels like entering another world.

Cool off with a swim in the pool – a real luxury in the heart of the Medina and particularly welcome in the Moroccan heat. Then reward yourself with the traditional hammam experience. The hammam ritual of steam, scrub, and massage is wonderfully cleansing and pampering after all that walking, leaving you refreshed and deeply relaxed. It’s an authentic Moroccan experience that shouldn’t be missed, and your body will thank you for it!

Whether you’re traveling with teens who need to properly recharge, friends who want some quiet catching-up time, or as a couple seeking relaxation together, these peaceful hours are just as valuable as the sightseeing. This balance between energetic exploration and restful sanctuary is what makes a Marrakech trip so special.

Late Afternoon/Evening: Desert Adventure and Final Dinner

For your final evening, head out to the Agafay Desert for a spectacular desert adventure. You coud choose quad biking for an adrenaline-filled experience (teens absolutely love this!) or opt for a more serene sunset camel ride across the rocky desert landscape. The contrast between the desert’s peaceful expanse and the Medina’s energy is striking, and watching the sun set over the desert is truly magical.

For dinner, you have two wonderful options. You could head back to your hotel for a final meal in your Riad’s restaurant – both Les Borjs de la Kasbah and Les Jardins de la Medina serve wonderful authentic Moroccan cuisine, and there’s something special about enjoying a tagine under the stars in your own peaceful courtyard.

Alternatively, really finish your trip off in style with dinner in the desert under the stars! Many desert excursions offer this option, and it’s an unforgettable experience – traditional Moroccan dishes served in a Berber tent or around a fire, with live music and the vast desert sky above you. It’s the perfect way to end your 48 hours in this magical city.

Our Top Tips

Getting around: The Medina is walkable, but narrow streets mean no cars in most areas. Horse-drawn carriages are a fun way to cover longer distances, especially with tired children!

Cash is king: Bring plenty of cash including small change for tips, market purchases, and smaller vendors who don’t accept cards.

What to wear: Modest dress is respectful (covered shoulders, chest and knees). Comfortable walking shoes are essential – those Medina streets are hard on feet!

Mint tea breaks: Don’t rush everywhere. Part of the Marrakech experience is stopping regularly for mint tea and people-watching.

Book ahead: Private tours and desert excursions should be booked in advance, especially during peak season.

Staying central: We loved being in the Kasbah quarter – close enough to walk everywhere but just far enough from the main square to be peaceful in the evenings.

Forty-eight hours in Marrakech is just enough time to fall completely under the city’s spell. Whether you’re exploring with family, catching up with friends, or enjoying a romantic escape, this magical city delivers unforgettable experiences at every turn. We left already planning our return trips!

About the author

Katie Forster - Departures Manager