The morning sun was already climbing high as I stepped out onto the rooftop terrace of my riad, mint tea in hand. The call to prayer echoed across the terracotta rooftops, and I knew my 4 days in Marrakech were going to be an adventure. This city has so much to offer - beautiful palaces, hidden gardens, bustling souks, and trips to nearby deserts. But as with any destination, timing is everything!
I want to share my honest experience of 4 days in Marrakech - what worked, what didn't, and how you can avoid my mistakes. The good news? Even with the crowds and midday heat, Marrakech stole my heart.
Planning Your Perfect 4 Days in Marrakech
Before diving into the attractions, let me share my most important advice: never visit major sites in the middle of the day. The sun is fierce, the crowds are overwhelming, and even your photos won't look as good! Instead:
- Visit popular attractions right at opening time (usually 9 AM)
- Take a break at midday in your riad or a café
- Resume exploring in the late afternoon when the light is golden
- Enjoy evenings in the medina when it comes alive
This simple timing strategy made all the difference in my experience. Now, let's go through what to see and do!
Day 1: Palaces & Gardens of Marrakech
Bahia Palace - Go Early or Don't Go At All
My first stop was the Bahia Palace (which means "Palace of the Beautiful One"). Built in the late 19th century by a former slave who rose to become the sultan's assistant, this 8-hectare complex is truly impressive.
The palace was constructed for the grand vizier's four wives and twenty-four concubines - imagine the drama! With intricate tilework, carved cedar, and peaceful courtyards, it should be a photographer's dream.
My honest experience: I made the mistake of visiting mid-afternoon. The crowds were suffocating, everyone was taking photos in every corner, and it was nearly impossible to appreciate the beauty. I'd rate it 6/10 in the afternoon, but my friend who went at opening time gave it 8/10.
Hassan's tip: Arrive at 9 AM sharp when it opens. You'll have the place relatively to yourself and can actually enjoy the incredible craftsmanship without the crush of tourists.
Koutoubia Mosque
After the palace, I wandered through the gardens to see the Koutoubia Mosque with its impressive 73-meter minaret. While non-Muslims cannot enter, you can admire this architectural masterpiece from the outside. The call to prayer rings out five times daily, adding to the authentic atmosphere.
Hassan's tip: The gardens around Koutoubia are a peaceful place to rest between attractions, and the minaret is beautiful when lit up in the evening.
Yves Saint Laurent Museum & Majorelle Garden
In the afternoon, I visited the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the stunning Majorelle Garden behind it. This was absolutely a highlight of my trip!
The museum is an excellent tribute to the designer, but the real star is the garden with its vibrant blue buildings and exotic plant collection. The late afternoon light made the colors pop even more spectacularly.
Important advice: Book tickets online in advance for both attractions! They sell out quickly, especially during high season. Also, late afternoon is the perfect time to visit - the light is magical, and most tour groups have gone.
Day 2: Exploring Ancient Ruins & Souks
El Badi Palace - A Glimpse into Past Glory
I started my second day visiting El Badi Palace right at opening time. Built in the 16th century for Sultan El Mansour, this palace was once the most magnificent in the Eastern world - decorated with gold, crystal, and precious stones.
Today, only ruins remain as it was completely destroyed in the 17th century by another sultan who wanted to erase its legacy. There's a small film that shows 3D images of how the palace looked in its heyday - truly incredible to see what once stood here.
The nearly empty morning ruins created a peaceful atmosphere that I really enjoyed. There are also interesting exhibitions about Marrakech's history and architecture.
Fun fact: My friend mentioned this is where they hold the Marrakech Biennale, though I couldn't quite imagine where they would set everything up among the ancient pools and courtyards!
Hassan's tip: By 9:30 AM, the sun is already high - bring water and a hat, even in the morning.
Bargain Hunting in the Souks
Late morning was perfect for exploring the famous souks (markets) of Marrakech. This maze of narrow alleys filled with everything from spices and leather goods to lamps and carpets is a sensory overload - in the best way!
I spent about two hours here and found plenty of souvenirs to bring home. So many, in fact, that I ended up 4kg overweight in my luggage by the end of the trip!
Hassan's tips for the souks:
- Go in the morning when there are 10 times fewer people than afternoon
- Always bargain - it's expected and part of the experience
- Be prepared to walk away if the price isn't right
- Keep an eye on your belongings in crowded areas
After shopping, I found one of the many rooftop restaurants for lunch before heading back to my riad to prepare for my desert excursion.
Day 3: Desert Excursion to Agafay
In the afternoon of my third day, I took an excursion to the Agafay Desert. Though not the Sahara, this rocky desert near Marrakech offers beautiful landscapes and adventure without the long drive.
Upon arrival, I was dressed in a traditional Berber scarf before embarking on a quad biking adventure. The panoramic views were absolutely stunning, though I wish we'd booked the full hour instead of just 30 minutes.
Hassan's tip: Definitely book the one-hour quad option, and go in late afternoon when the colors are much more beautiful. Be prepared to eat some dust though - bring sunglasses and a scarf!
After quad biking, we climbed a nearby dune to watch the sunset. The pink-hued sky against the mountains was absolutely breathtaking - 100% worth the trip!
Word of caution: I wouldn't recommend the camel rides offered here. The rides are very short (basically just a circle), and I'm not convinced about the animal welfare. Instead, focus on the quad biking and sunset experience.
The evening concluded with dinner and a traditional performance under the stars.
Day 4: Cultural Immersion & Relaxation
For my final days, I stayed at the incredible Riad Mamia (I'll include the link below). This was by far the most beautiful accommodation of my trip with the most delicious homemade breakfast - everything from the food to the mint tea was perfect!
Ben Youssef Madrasa
I visited the Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic college with 136 rooms where students studied science and religion. The intricate architecture features stunning courtyards and carved details. Even though I went in early afternoon (against my own advice!), it wasn't too crowded and was definitely worth seeing.
Jemaa el-Fna Square
The famous Jemaa el-Fna Square is the beating heart of Marrakech. While there isn't much happening during the day, it transforms in the evening with food stalls, musicians, storytellers, and crowds of both locals and tourists.
I felt relatively safe here, as there are many plainclothes police officers throughout Marrakech. Even when walking back through the empty souks at night, I never felt unsafe.
Hassan's tip: Skip the daytime visit and go in the evening for the true experience of this UNESCO-recognized cultural space.
Traditional Hammam Experience
On my last morning, I finally tried a traditional Moroccan hammam. I was a bit nervous about this experience (you're basically half-naked!), but many Instagram followers had recommended it.
The hammam involved being scrubbed down by a local woman in a steamy bath house. While it might sound intimidating, it was actually one of the highlights of my trip! The experience was authentic but not overwhelming, and I left feeling incredibly refreshed.
Hassan's recommendation: Don't leave Marrakech without trying this traditional experience - it's a cultural must and leaves your skin incredibly soft!
Practical Information for Your Marrakech Trip
Where to Stay in Marrakech
I highly recommend staying in a traditional riad in the medina. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses with interior courtyards, often converted into beautiful boutique hotels. My favorite was Riad Mamia - truly exceptional service and beautiful rooms.
Getting Around
- From the airport: Take an official taxi or arrange transport through your riad
- Within the city: Most attractions in the medina are walkable
- For excursions: Book through reputable companies or your accommodation
Best Time to Visit Attractions
I cannot stress this enough: timing is everything in Marrakech!
- Early morning (9 AM): Palaces and major sites
- Mid-morning: Souks and shopping
- Midday: Rest at your riad or a café
- Late afternoon: Gardens and outdoor sites
- Evening: Jemaa el-Fna Square and dinner
Weather Note
The sun in Marrakech is intense. Even in the morning, it gets hot quickly. Always carry water, wear a hat, and use sunscreen.
What I Wish I'd Known Before Visiting Marrakech
- Pack light or bring an extra bag - You'll want to shop, and you'll end up with 4kg of extra stuff like I did!
- Book museums and gardens in advance - Especially the Majorelle Garden and YSL Museum
- Vegetarian options can be limited - If you don't eat meat, research restaurants ahead of time
- Cats are everywhere - If you're a cat lover, you'll be delighted by the many feline friends throughout the city
My Final Thoughts on 4 Days in Marrakech
Despite some disappointments (mainly due to crowds and timing), Marrakech left me wanting more. The beautiful architecture, delicious food, vibrant markets, and cultural experiences created an unforgettable journey.
My biggest tip is to respect the rhythm of the city - rise early, rest during the heat of the day, and enjoy the magical evenings. And most importantly, leave space in your suitcase for all the treasures you'll want to bring home!
Have you been to Marrakech? What was your favorite experience? Share in the comments below!