Is One Day in Marrakech Really Enough? (Trust Me, It Can Be!)
As someone who has wandered through the winding streets of Marrakech countless times, I often hear travelers ask: "Can I really experience Marrakech in 24 hours?" While I usually recommend staying longer in my beautiful country, sometimes a short visit is all you have – maybe a long layover or a quick weekend trip.
I remember when my cousin from Casablanca had just one day to explore Marrakech before his flight to Europe. I planned the perfect day that let him experience both the city's energy and the peaceful desert nearby. Was he tired at the end? Yes! Did he leave with unforgettable memories? Absolutely!
So today, I'm sharing my perfect 24-hour Marrakech itinerary with you. It combines city excitement, desert tranquility, delicious food, and those magical Moroccan sunset moments – all packed into one busy but amazing day.
Let's start our adventure together!
Morning: Arrival and First Tastes of Marrakech
Landing and Getting Connected (9:00 AM)
Your adventure begins the moment your plane touches down at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK). After you collect your bags and go through immigration, the first thing you'll want to do is get connected!
I always tell my friends visiting Morocco to get a local SIM card right at the airport. Look for the Orange or Inwi stands – they're easy to find. Just show your passport, and you can get a free SIM card! You'll need to add credit, of course, but this is very cheap in Morocco. Having internet access makes everything easier – from finding directions to translating Arabic or French signs.
Hassan's Tip: If you plan to visit more places in Morocco after Marrakech, get enough data for your whole trip. It's often cheaper to buy one bigger package than several small ones.
Breakfast Like a Local (9:30 AM)
Now that you're connected, it's time for my favorite meal of the day – breakfast! For this quick trip, I recommend you rent a car right at the airport. This saves time and gives you freedom for the day's adventures.
Instead of eating at your hotel, drive to Monquotidien in the Guéliz district. This is where I take all my friends who visit Marrakech! It's a beautiful patisserie that perfectly shows how Moroccan and French cultures mix in our food.
The pastries here are works of art – flaky, buttery, and not too sweet. My personal favorite is their pain aux amandes (almond croissant), but everything is delicious. And the best part? It's surprisingly affordable for such high quality.
Hassan's Tip: Try their Moroccan mint tea with your pastries – the combination of sweet pastry and refreshing tea is perfect to start your day!
Late Morning: Desert Dreams at Agafay
The Drive to Agafay Desert (11:00 AM)
With breakfast finished, it's time to experience something truly special – the Agafay Desert. Many visitors to Morocco think they need to travel far to see desert landscapes, but I'm going to share one of my favorite local secrets with you.
Just 45 minutes from the busy streets of Marrakech is Agafay – a stone desert that offers amazing views and peaceful surroundings. The drive itself is beautiful, taking you through small villages and farms before the landscape changes dramatically.
I still remember my first time driving to Agafay. As the buildings of Marrakech disappeared behind me and the Atlas Mountains rose in the distance, I felt like I was entering another world – even though I'd lived in Morocco my whole life!
Hassan's Tip: Keep your camera ready during the drive. The contrast between green farmland and the rocky desert is stunning, especially with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains in the background.
Agafay Desert Experience (11:45 AM - 1:00 PM)
When you arrive at one of Agafay's desert camps, you'll immediately understand why I brought you here. The landscape is otherworldly – not sandy dunes like the Sahara, but rolling hills of stone and earth stretching toward the mountains.
Many camps have infinity pools that seem to disappear into the desert horizon. Finding a spot by the pool and looking out at this vast landscape is a moment of pure magic.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a camel trek across the rocky plains. I did this last year with my nephew who was visiting from France, and seeing his face light up as he climbed onto the camel is a memory I'll never forget! If you prefer something with more speed, many camps also offer quad bike adventures.
Lunch with a View (12:00 PM)
By noon, you'll be ready for lunch, and most Agafay camps offer day passes that include a meal. You'll likely eat in a traditional Berber-style tent or in an open-air dining room with panoramic views.
The food here is authentic Moroccan cuisine – fragrant tagines cooked slowly over charcoal, fresh salads with tomatoes and cucumbers, and, of course, more mint tea. I love watching visitors try real Moroccan food for the first time, away from the tourist restaurants of Marrakech.
Hassan's Tip: Don't rush your meal here. Taking time to enjoy food with a beautiful view is part of Moroccan culture. We believe meals should be experiences, not just fuel!
Poolside Relaxation (1:00 PM)
After lunch, the desert sun will be at its strongest. This is the perfect time to enjoy that beautiful infinity pool I mentioned. Swimming in cool water while surrounded by desert landscapes is an experience you won't forget.
I often bring a book and spend an hour just lounging by the water, soaking in the silence and the incredible views. In our busy lives, these moments of tranquility are precious.
Afternoon: Back to City Life
Return to Marrakech (5:30 PM)
As the afternoon heat begins to fade, it's time to head back to the energy of Marrakech. The drive back is another opportunity to enjoy the changing landscapes and take some photos.
To ease back into city life, I recommend a quick stop at Menara Mall in the Hivernage district. This modern shopping center might seem like a strange recommendation from a local guide, but it offers a fascinating glimpse into contemporary Moroccan life.
The fountain show outside is quite beautiful, and inside you'll find both international brands and local Moroccan shops. It's air-conditioned (which you might appreciate after the desert heat!) and has nice cafés where you can recharge with a quick coffee or snack.
Hassan's Tip: If you need to buy gifts to take home, Menara Mall has some good options that are less expensive than the tourist shops in the medina.
Evening: Sunset and Dinner
Rooftop Magic at Sunset (7:00 PM)
As day turns to evening, it's time for one of my favorite Marrakech experiences – watching the sunset from a rooftop terrace. In my city, we know how to make the most of our beautiful skies!
Drive to the Nobu Hotel and head up to their stylish rooftop bar. You don't need to stay at the hotel to enjoy this space, and it offers some of the best views in Marrakech.
Find a comfortable spot – they even have cool hanging chairs – and order a refreshing drink. I usually choose a non-alcoholic cocktail made with fresh Moroccan fruits. As the sun sets, you'll see the sky transform into a painting of orange, pink, and purple, with the silhouette of the Atlas Mountains in the distance.
I've seen this sunset hundreds of times, but it still takes my breath away every single time.
Hassan's Tip: Arrive about 30 minutes before sunset to get the best seats. The rooftop can get busy, especially during high tourist season.
Dinner on M Avenue (9:00 PM)
After sunset, you'll be ready for dinner. For this special 24-hour trip, I recommend trying something different from traditional Moroccan cuisine (which you already enjoyed at lunch).
Head to M Avenue, a vibrant pedestrian street that shows a more modern side of Marrakech. Here you'll find Baba Turc, a restaurant specializing in delicious Turkish grills, similar to the famous Nusr-Et style.
The atmosphere is lively and fun, with open kitchens where you can watch the chefs prepare your food. The grilled meats are tender and flavorful, served with traditional Turkish sides like bulgur wheat and fresh salads.
When I eat here with friends, we usually order several dishes to share. This way, everyone gets to taste different specialties.
Hassan's Tip: Try their lamb dishes – they remind me of how my grandmother used to cook meat over an open fire during family celebrations in the countryside.
Sweet Dreams (10:30 PM)
After a day filled with contrasts – from peaceful desert to busy city streets, from traditional flavors to modern dining – it's time to head back to your hotel. You'll be tired, but filled with amazing memories of my beautiful city.
If you're staying in a riad in the old medina, pay attention as you walk through the quiet streets at night. The medina has a completely different character after dark – peaceful and mysterious, with lanterns casting warm light on the ancient walls.
Can You Really Experience Marrakech in 24 Hours?
Yes, you can! This itinerary gives you a taste of what makes Marrakech special – the mix of old and new, the nearby natural beauty, the delicious food, and the magical atmosphere.
Of course, there's much more to see and do. You haven't explored the famous Jamaa el-Fna square or wandered through the souks. You haven't visited the historic palaces or beautiful gardens. But that just means you have good reasons to come back!
As we say in Morocco, "Inshallah" – God willing – your first taste of Marrakech will bring you back for a longer stay next time.
What About You?
Have you been to Marrakech? What was your favorite experience? If you haven't visited yet, what are you most looking forward to seeing? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
Connect With Us
- Instagram: @bewilderedinmorocco
- Email: @bewilderedinmorocco.com
- Join Our Newsletter: Get weekly Moroccan travel insights straight to your inbox!
And if you're planning a trip to Morocco, don't forget to check out my other guides to Fez, Chefchaouen, and the Atlas Mountains.
Frequently Asked Questions
While 24 hours isn't enough to see everything Marrakech offers, you can definitely experience the city's essence in a day. Focus on a mix of activities like this itinerary suggests – combining city experiences with nearby attractions like the Agafay Desert gives you a good taste of what makes Marrakech special.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures in Marrakech. Summer can be extremely hot with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), while winter evenings can be surprisingly cool, though daytime temperatures remain pleasant.
Driving in Marrakech can be challenging due to busy traffic and different driving styles. However, driving outside the city to places like Agafay Desert is relatively straightforward. If you're not confident driving, consider hiring a driver for the day instead of renting a car.
Morocco is a Muslim country, so modest clothing is appreciated, especially in traditional areas. For women, clothes that cover shoulders and knees are respectful. In modern areas and high-end hotels, dress codes are more relaxed. Always bring a light layer as evenings can be cool, even in summer.
While many hotels, restaurants, and shops in tourist areas accept credit cards, it's good to have some cash (Moroccan dirhams) for small purchases, taxis, and markets. ATMs are widely available in Marrakech to withdraw local currency.