I wanted to give my sister something truly special for her  60th birthday and of course there is nothing more special than the gift of travel,  creating memories we would  both treasure for years to come.

I kept the destination secret until the morning of her birthday  (not an easy task!),  revealing the secret location with a special 'scratch-reveal ' boarding pass! Marrakech had been on her travel wish list for years, so she was thrilled and In true Travel Counsellors' style,  all she had to do was pack her bag!

Let me take you through our magical 4 day trip,  with some insider tips and recommendations along the way.

Marrakech is unlike anywhere else.

Under four hours from the UK, yet a world away with a dazzling blend of ancient tradition, vibrant creativity, rooftop glamour, hidden riads, bustling souks, fragrant spices, and centuries of history woven into every narrow alleyway.

The city assaults the senses in the best possible way. One moment you’re wandering through the chaotic  Jemaa el-fna square, the next, you’re stepping through an unassuming wooden door into a tranquil riad with an open courtyard filled with orange blossom and shady palms.

Immerse yourself in the experience, embrace the buzz of the medina, the art of getting delightfully lost, and the joy of discovering hidden corners and Marrakech will completely enchant you.

Our 4-Day Marrakech Itinerary

Arrival: A Warm Moroccan Welcome

We flew from London Gatwick with EasyJet, though Marrakech is now well connected from many UK regional airports with both low-cost and scheduled airlines.

Arriving late in the evening, we had arranged a transfer directly to our riad which I would highly recommend. We were met just inside the city walls by the riad’s manager, who guided us a short distance through the bustling medina to our beautiful riad, home for the next four nights, the Riad Djebel.

And what a welcome awaited us.

The riad was everything you dream of when picturing  Marrakech — carved wooden balconies, intricate Moroccan design, candlelit corners, a peaceful courtyard with a refreshing pool and the warmest of welcomes. The outside chaos disappeared instantly and we were enveloped by a feeling of calm.

Even better? Dinner was waiting for us.

After a long travel day, sitting down to a traditional Moroccan feast of slow-cooked chicken tagine with preserved lemon, olives, Moroccan salads, and fragrant spices felt incredibly luxurious. It was the perfect introduction to Morocco’s legendary hospitality.

Day One: Souks, Rooftops & The Soul of the Medina

Our first morning began with breakfast on the rooftop terrace beneath soft overcast skies — perfect exploring weather.

Fresh fruit, omelettes, mint tea, and warm Moroccan pancakes set us up for a full day wandering the medina.

Jemaa el-Fnaa: The Beating Heart of Marrakech

Every journey through Marrakech somehow leads back to Jemaa el-Fnaa.

By day, the famous square buzzes with juice sellers and market traders. By night, it transforms into a thrilling open-air theatre of musicians, storytellers, food stalls and crowds!

It’s loud. It’s chaotic,  but it’s absolutely thrilling.

On a practical side, it is also a great central location to get money out from an ATM, take a cool drink in one of the rooftop cafes – I would recommend Mo-Mo to view the bustle down below, and then choose which corner of the square to enter the souks.

We wandered through the souk towards one of Marrakech’s most beautiful historic sites: Ben Youssef Madrasa.

Ben Youssef Madrasa: Marrakech’s Architectural Masterpiece

Once the largest Islamic college in North Africa, Ben Youssef Madrasa is a breathtaking example of Moroccan craftsmanship and Islamic architecture.

The peaceful courtyard, intricate zellige tiles, cedar wood carvings, and geometric patterns are mesmerising. Despite the crowds, there’s a serenity to the space that feels worlds away from the lively souks outside.

Top tip: Visit early in the morning for the quietest experience and best photographs.

Rooftop Cafés & Hidden Gardens

One of the joys of Marrakech is discovering rooftop cafés hidden above the busy streets below.

We stopped for mint tea and lunch at Café des Épices overlooking the ‘Spice Square’, filled with basketware stalls and artisan crafts and of  course, spices,  before later escaping the afternoon heat at ‘Le Jardin Secret’. As the name implies, this is a hidden oasis of calm tucked away behind ancient walls.

At the end of the afternoon after some more souk discovery, we headed to ‘Café des Arabes’ for aperitifs before a quick turnaround to enjoy the sunset at ‘Dar Dar’ rooftop restaurant. Watching the sun disappear over the medina rooftops while the evening call to prayer echoed across the city was pure magic.

Cocktails and sunset views combined with cool DJ tunes to create a trendy Marrakech night spot and the perfect end to our first day.

Day Two: Majorelle Blue, Palaces & A Traditional Hammam

Jardin Majorelle: Marrakech’s Most Beautiful Garden

If there’s one place you should absolutely book in advance, it’s ‘Jardin Majorelle’.

Go to the official site https://www.jardinmajorelle.com/en/

Set in the ‘new town’, the ‘Jardin Majorelle’ was created by French artist Jacques Majorelle and later rescued by Yves Saint Laurent who helped to make it the beautiful garden it is today. The Jardin Majorelle is a lush, botanical sanctuary spanning over 9,000 square meters with a vast collection of exotic plants, cobalt-blue architecture, bridges and fountains to create a beautiful tranquil space in the heart of the city.

We booked an early morning slot at 9am and I’d strongly recommend doing the same. You can either take a taxi from the medina or ask your riad to organise a transfer for you.

Arriving before the crowds and before the heat builds makes the experience infinitely more enjoyable. Do take a cool drink afterwards in the garden café which is delightful.

Afterwards, we wandered the chic streets of Gueliz before heading back by taxi into the medina to visit the Bahia Palace.

 

Bahia Palace: Opulence at Every Turn

La Bahia (The Beautiful) is an 8000-sq-metre, floor-to-ceiling extravagance of intricate marquetry, plasterwork and zouak (painted wood), and certainly one of Marrakesh's most eye-popping sights.

The highlight is the Cour d'Honneur, a grand courtyard, and once a harem, with its 1500 sq metre floor of Italian Carrara marble.

You can buy tickets in advance or on the day. https://bahia-palace.com/

Again, timing matters here. Early morning or late afternoon is best if you want to avoid the busiest crowds.

The Marrakech Experience You Cannot Miss: A Traditional Hammam

No trip to Marrakech is complete without experiencing a traditional hammam.

I had booked this in advance at Alphais Spa info@alpahisspa.com which is a small but authentic hammam in the medina offering spa and hammam packages. We opted for a 45 minute hammam followed by a 1 hour massage which was bliss!

We were led to a private hammam and laid on warm mosaic- tiles before being  cleansed and scrubbed using a combination of Moroccan black soap (a thick paste made from crushed olives and argan oil) and a rough, textured exfoliating mitt known as a kessa glove. This process sloughs away dead skin and boosts circulation. It’s a blissful and relaxing experience but it does get warm so bear this in mind when choosing the length of your hammam – I would say 30 or 45 minutes is perfect.

No need to wear a swimsuit as you will only have to remove it for the cleansing treatment – but you can bring bikini bottoms or use the spa’s ‘paper pants’  - all part of the experience!

Afterwards came a blissful full-body massage followed by mint tea in a quiet relaxation room. You emerge feeling weightless with the silkiest skin.

 

Tuk Tuk ride Rooftop Delights

We opted for a Tuk Tuk (booked by our riad) to take us to our evening venue. This was one of the funniest and craziest experiences of the trip, travelling at speed down packed, narrow alleyways through the souk where we could literally touch everything going past, and arriving slightly giddy from the experience was something we will laugh about for a long time.

Dinner and cocktails that night were at ‘La Sultana hotel’ , tucked away near the Royal Palaces, La Sultana is a combination of 5 riads. Featured in Elle Decoration for its gorgeous interiors, this member of SLH is a stylish retreat set in flower-filled courtyards.

The vast roof-top terrace has lush plants and views over the souks and La Koutoubia minaret across to the Atlas Mountains where you can enjoy lunch or as we did, cocktails and mezze dishes as the sun sets.

We opted to walk back to the Medina, rather than take a taxi, passing by the illuminated La Koutoubia minaret and another chance to experience Jemma-el-fna at night.

Day Three: Shopping, Photography & Hidden Gems

Our final full day was slower and quieter pace, taking our time over breakfast to relax on the roof terrace and taking a dip in the pool

We wandered through the quiter streets of the northern medina,  filled with artisan workshops, ceramics, textiles, perfumes, and leather goods.

We found a great street for some last minute purchases that was quiet and unrushed in the morning -  Rue Azbest. Here we made some last purchases of ceramics and textiles and one of the highlights was having one of my sandals repaired by a leather craftsman right there on the spot- such a kind gesture and an illustration of the warm hospitality that everyone shows.

Those unexpected moments of kindness are often what stay with you most.

Maison de la Photographie

A hidden gem I would urge visitors not to miss is the ‘The Maison de la Photographie de Marrakech’,  housed in a stunning traditional building with wooden ballustrades and ornate windows, it offers a fascinating glimpse into Morocco’s past through powerful portraits and historic photography documenting Berber culture and daily Moroccan life. The rooftop terrace alone is worth the visit!

Lunch at ‘La Famille’: my favourite hidden restaurant

Tucked away down an unassuming alleyway lies ‘La Famille’ — a lush, peaceful garden restaurant shaded by lemon trees and filled with colourful details, with ladies serving the most ultra-fresh vegetarian dishes with a changing daily menu. It instantly became one of our favourite places in the city.

Large sharing tables make it a relaxed and convivial space. It’s stylish without trying too hard, calm without feeling pretentious, and exactly the sort of hidden Marrakech gem travellers dream of discovering. Book ahead if you can.

We headed back for a final goodbye to Riad Djebel and the lovely staff there for our return – but we promised to return very soon -  Marrakech has a way of drawing you back many times!

What to Know Before You Go

Cash is King

Many cafés, souks, and smaller shops still prefer cash. Use ATMs within the medina rather than airport exchange desks for better rates.

Embrace Getting Lost

You will lose your bearings in the souks — and that’s part of the fun.

Rooftops and shady courtyards are the perfect antedote to city life

When the medina feels overwhelming, retreat to a rooftop café or shady courtyard for a refreshing mint tea and great views.

Dress Respectfully

Marrakech is very welcoming and not restrictive in what you can wear however modest clothing is appreciated, especially when visiting historic or religious sites.

Haggling is Part of the Culture

It should feel friendly and playful, never aggressive. Smile, chat, and enjoy the interaction but always be respectful.

Exploring

Have a printed map with you (your Riad will supply a detailed map of the medina) or download map.me

Keep to the right hand side walking down the narrow lanes in the souks to avoid mopeds, bikes and delivery carts.

Split the medina into North and South for exploring each day.

 

Book in advance

Jardin Majorelle and Hammam

Your helpful Riad or Hotel

Use the knowledge and helpfulness of your riad to guide you on directions and to help book excursions, taxis or transfers.

Tipping

Make sure you tip for service and also a generous tip to the riad at the end of your stay.

 

Best Things to Do in Marrakech

• Wander Jemaa el-Fnaa at night
• Visit Ben Youssef Madrasa and Bahia Palace
• Explore Jardin Majorelle early in the morning
• Stay in a traditional riad in the medina
• Experience a Moroccan hammam
• Sip mint tea and moroccan pastries on a rooftop terrace or in a shady courtyard
• Visit smaller museums like ‘Maison de la Photographie’.
• Watch the sunset over the medina rooftops with a delicious cocktail
• Get delightfully lost in the souks
• Take a Tuk Tuk ride through the souks

If you have time, why not add on a day trip to the Atlas Mountains,  the Ourika valley or Agafay desert – you can book tours in advance or with your riad.

Recommended places to eat and drink:

·         Mo-Mo café -  Jemaa-El-Fna square

·         Corne de Gazelle (Moroccan patisserie and tea room (roof terrace) - Rue Riad zitoun el jadid N137

·         Bigua café  - 74, Rue Sidi Ishaq, Azbezt, Marrakech

·         La Famille - 42 Riad Zitoun Jdid, Marrakech Medina

·         Café des Epices

·         Café des Arabes

·         Dar Dar (rooftop  restaurant)

·         Terrasses des Epices

·         Nomad

·         La Sultana Hotel

·         La Mamounia

 

Beyond Marrakech: Exploring More of Morocco

Morocco is an amazing destination for a multi-centre holiday to combine beach and city, or visit a number of different cities in one trip.

You could combine Marrakech with:

• The Atlas Mountains or Ourika valley for trekking and exploring Berber villages.
• Essaouira for relaxed coastal charm and fantastic seafood
• Fez for imperial history
• Tangier for Mediterranean culture and bohemian history
• Taghazout or Immsouane for surfing and beach life
• Taroudant for a quieter, authentic Moroccan experience

Final Thoughts: Why Marrakech Stays With You

Marrakech isn’t polished perfection.

It’s noisy, vibrant, intense, colourful, chaotic, fragrant, beautiful, and utterly alive.

And that’s exactly why people fall in love with it.

This is a city that rewards curiosity and long after you leave, a little part of Marrakech stays with you forever.

To start your Marrakech adventure just give me a call !