One Day in Marrakech: The Ultimate Marrakech Itinerary

“You’ll either love it or hate it,” someone once told me before I visited Marrakech. Well, after just one day wandering the ochre-toned alleyways, dodging mopeds in the souks, and sipping mint tea under the call to prayer—I can confidently say: I loved it. And I want to share my full day with you—step-by-step, as it happened. If you only have 24 hours in Marrakech, this is the itinerary that will help you experience its essence without rushing or missing the magic.”

8:00 AM – A Quiet Start at Koutoubia Mosque

I started my day early, mostly because Marrakech wakes up with the sun, and partly because I wanted to enjoy a slice of peace before the city kicked into full gear. I made my way to Koutoubia Mosque, the most iconic landmark in the city. The minaret towers above everything else in the Medina, acting like a compass for lost tourists (aka, me).

You can’t go inside unless you're Muslim, but honestly, the best part was just sitting on a bench in the gardens nearby. Locals passed by slowly, chatting, laughing, sipping tea. The sun was already warming the dusty ground. It was the calm before the (beautiful) chaos.

9:00 AM – Wandering Through the Saadian Tombs

Just a short walk from the mosque, tucked behind high walls, are the Saadian Tombs. I’ll admit—I almost missed them because the entrance is so discreet. But inside? Wow. These tombs date back to the 1500s and are some of the most beautifully decorated places I saw in Morocco. Intricate tiles, carved cedarwood, Arabic inscriptions—it was like stepping into an ancient world. I spent maybe 20 minutes here, just enough to take it in without getting overwhelmed.

10:00 AM – Exploring the Badii Palace Ruins

Next, I wandered over to El Badii Palace. This place is huge—and not in a “lavishly restored” kind of way. No, it’s more like a grand old skeleton. Towering walls, storks nesting on rooftops, vast sunken gardens, and a gigantic empty pool that once shimmered with water and glory. You can climb up to the top for sweeping views of the city, and I totally recommend it. I stayed for almost an hour because I loved imagining how magnificent it must have looked 400 years ago.

11:30 AM – Getting Lost in Bahia Palace

After the raw ruins of Badii, stepping into the Bahia Palace felt like diving into a jewel box. Every inch of this place is covered in zellige tiles, intricate plasterwork, and painted wooden ceilings. It’s not just beautiful—it’s overwhelming. There are courtyards with fountains, gardens with orange trees, and rooms that once housed royal concubines.

I did get lost a couple of times (don’t worry, everyone does), but that’s half the fun. You’ll want to spend at least 45 minutes here if not more, depending on how long you can go without stopping to photograph another tile pattern.

1:00 PM – Lunch on a Rooftop Overlooking the Medina

By this point, I was starving. I followed a local’s recommendation and went to Café Zeitoun, just next to Jemaa el-Fna. The rooftop terrace gave me a perfect view of the square, and I ordered a chicken tagine with olives and preserved lemon. The steam rising from the tagine as I poured myself a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice—absolute perfection.

As I ate, the sounds of the city began to rise. Drums, flutes, chatter in Arabic and French, the occasional “Bonjour!” directed at tourists. Marrakech doesn’t whisper—it sings.

2:30 PM – Surviving (and Loving) the Medina Souks

After lunch, I dove headfirst into the souks of Marrakech. And yes, I mean dove—you don’t just walk into the souks, you get swallowed by them. The narrow streets are lined with stalls selling everything from handwoven carpets to brass lanterns to piles of cumin and saffron.

I tried my hand at haggling for a small leather pouch, and though I’m sure I overpaid, it was worth it just for the banter. One vendor even offered to “exchange my bag for my sunglasses and my shoes,” with a wink. It’s chaotic, it’s colorful, it’s loud—and I couldn’t get enough.

4:30 PM – Mint Tea and a Breather at a Hidden Riad

I needed a break, so I ducked into Riad Chayma (which I’d booked for the night) and ordered a pot of mint tea on the rooftop. Sitting there with my shoes off, watching the late afternoon light stretch across the terracotta rooftops, I finally felt like I’d earned my moment of stillness.

The tea was sweet, strong, and impossibly fragrant. I drank it slowly, listening to the city breathe below me. In Marrakech, even the pauses are poetic.

6:00 PM – Golden Hour at Jemaa el-Fna

As the sun started to dip, I returned to Jemaa el-Fna. This square transforms as the day fades. Snake charmers and juice sellers make way for food stalls, dancers, acrobats, and crowds of locals gathering to watch musicians or storytellers.

I climbed to the rooftop of Café de France for the golden hour. The sun dipped behind the pink rooftops, painting the whole city in warm light. I snapped photos, then put my phone down and just took it all in—the chaos, the joy, the ancient pulse of the square.

7:30 PM – Dinner at a Street Stall

Now it was time to eat again. I chose a street stall with locals already lining up and ordered grilled lamb skewers with bread and a side of spicy harissa. It cost next to nothing and tasted like everything I’d dreamed of. The cook smiled at me and said, “First time in Marrakech?” I nodded. He grinned, “You’ll be back.”

9:00 PM – One Last Walk Through the Medina

On my way back to the riad, I took a final wander through the medina. The city slows down a little after dinner. Kids were playing with a football, cats lounged lazily by shop doors, and the last calls to prayer echoed gently in the air.

I felt tired, but in the best possible way—the way you do after a day well-lived. Marrakech had pulled me in completely. In just one day, I had tasted its flavor, touched its textures, and listened to its rhythms.

Final Thoughts

If you only have one day in Marrakech, you can still create a story worth telling. You can lose yourself and find something new in the process. You can chase the scent of spices, hear music without instruments, and feel like you’ve stepped through a magic doorway.

Would I go back? Absolutely. Next time, maybe for a week. Or a lifetime.

Best Marrakech tour guide | Private Tour Guide

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Quick Tips for Your One Day in Marrakech

• Start early – Beat the crowds at major attractions
• Wear comfy shoes – You’ll walk A LOT
• Carry small change – For food, tips, and small purchases
• Don’t stress about getting lost – It’s part of the experience
• Haggle with humor – Vendors appreciate a good laugh

If you’ve only got 24 hours here—embrace it all. Marrakech gives everything to those who open their senses wide.

Have you been to Marrakech? Drop your best memories or hidden gem tips in the comments—I’d love to read them.