Nestled at the crossroads of history and culture, Marrakech, Morocco, is a captivating destination that promises a whirlwind of colours, aromas, and experiences. I recently travelled to Marrakech with my family and if you're looking to extend your Europe trip, consider hopping on a flight to Marrakech! Here's a 4D3N itinerary to start planning your 1001 Arabian Nights trip to Marrakech.
Things to know about Marrakech
- The best time to go to Marrakech is any time except summer as it gets blazing hot!
- Despite being an Islamic country, they don't have bidets and this surprised me the most! So, be sure to bring your handy bidet.
- The souk areas can be overwhelming as sellers can be quite pushy. So, just try to smile and say no.
- Most of the locals don't speak English - only Arabic and French. It'll be helpful to know some basic phrases before your trip!
- The only way to get around Marrakech is by taxi or bus. As we have a toddler with us, we didn't bother going on the bus and it was too hot to walk so we got the taxi every time. It costs MAD50 to go anywhere in the city.
- It'll be helpful to show the names of the places you're going to in Arabic or French to the taxi driver.
- Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency, meaning you can only get the currency in the country. I recommend that you withdraw money from the ATM as the currency exchange rate is lower.
- Most attraction places require you to get the tickets online, so be sure to purchase those before your trip!
- The locals LOVED kids, so don't worry about bringing your kids with you. They'll be treated like royalty.
Day 1: Arrival and Getting Acquainted
Morning
- Arrive in Marrakech and check in to your chosen accommodation, preferably a riad that offers a family-friendly atmosphere. Do note that if your riad is located in the Medina, you'll have to walk through the vibrant souk to get there as the Medina is a no-car zone. Otherwise, arrange an airport transfer with your riad and they'll have someone to meet you with a trolley to carry your luggage.
- We stayed in an apartment about a 10-minute drive from the Medina and this worked for us as we prefer to cook our own meals (cries in Ringgit). If you choose to go through this route, make sure you book a reputable accommodation so you won't get scammed!
- After settling in, head to the Spice Market for lunch. We recommend the Café Des Épices as they're air-conditioned and have an amazing selection of Moroccan food. There's also a dining space overlooking the market.
Afternoon
- Explore the Koutoubia Mosque and its beautiful gardens. While kids might not be allowed inside the mosque, they can marvel at its impressive architecture from outside.
- We recommend performing a prayer here to fully immerse with the locals!
Evening
- Head to Djemaa El-Fna in the evening to experience its transformation into a bustling night market. Let your kids enjoy the performances, henna tattoos, and diverse food stalls.
- My kid particularly enjoyed the performances by the locals (a tip is appreciated) and the horse carriages.
- The souk is definitely a lively place where locals and tourists converge, so I'd advised wearing a baby carrier (for young kids) or a lightweight, small-sized stroller.
Day 2: Exploring the Culture and History
Morning
- Start your day at the Bahia Palace, known for its stunning architecture and gardens. Engage your kids with tales of Moroccan royalty.
- This was one of our best experiences! The palace is huge and filled with beautiful architecture. There was a room that reflected colourful lights and my kid really enjoyed running around.
- Walk to the nearby Saadian Tombs and explore the ornate mausoleums and intricate designs.
Afternoon
- Explore the endless sights and aroma of the Medina.
- Check out the small alleyways for handmade leather, rugs, lamps and souvenirs. The sellers are friendly and they're more than happy to show you their handiwork.
- Be sure to buy your tickets to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum online prior to your visit.
- Photography is not allowed in some areas (the room where YSL's creations are).
- It's a nice place to visit even though you're not a fashion fan.
- There are plenty of restaurants in the area for you to grab lunch before heading to Jardin Majorelle, which is just next door to the museum. We recommend Cafe Majorelle - there are plenty of Instagram-worthy spots, peacocks and plenty of shades!
Afternoon
- Next stop, visit Jardin Majorelle, a serene garden oasis. It's perfect for the kids to explore the lush surroundings and vibrant colours.
- Make sure your camera's battery is full as you'll be taking lots of photos here!
- We loved the bigger-than-life cactus - truly something you don't see back home.
Evening
- Have a farewell dinner at a traditional Moroccan restaurant, complete with live music and performances.
- We enjoyed our dinner at Le Tanjia, near Bahia Palace. It has an amazing array of Moroccan food (the lamb tajine is delicious!). There's also a rooftop dining area overlooking the Tinsmith Square.
- A perfect closure to your Moroccan trip!
Day 4: Farewell
Morning
- Enjoy some last-minute shopping in the Medina before your flight!
- Be sure to head to the airport at least 3 hours before your flight as the traffic can be unpredictable.
- There are plenty of cafes and restaurants after the security check. They accept both Euro and Moroccan Dirham.
This 4-night, 3-day itinerary offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration, outdoor adventures, and family-friendly experiences in Marrakech. I hope you'll create unforgettable memories for both you and your kids while discovering the magic of this vibrant Moroccan city!