Morocco

One Day in Marrakech

August 15, 2019 By Eden Fite

Any trip to Morocco should include at least one day in Marrakech. This vibrant and bustling capital city offers a total sensory overload.

From the constant buzzing of motorbikes to the sights and smells of the Medina and spice markets, Marrakech is like no place else. Trust me when I tell you, you don’t want to miss this.

While there’s plenty to see and do, you can cover a lot of ground with just one day in Marrakech.

This itinerary takes you to all the must-see places in Marrakech. It includes travel time between stops and some helpful tips to make your day run smoothly.

Let’s get started.

Quick Tips for Spending One Day in Marrakech

Get up early today or plan to arrive very early if you only have one day in Marrakech. You want to have as much of the day as possible because we’ve got lots to see.

Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a ton of walking.

Pack a couple of bottles of water and some snacks so you don’t have to go looking for these things later.

Have Dirhams on you in small denominations. It will be easier to pay for things as you go through the day.

Make sure all your devices are charged. You’ll be out all day and may not have access to an outlet.

Don’t forget your camera. There will be many opportunities for photos throughout the day.

Dress appropriately. Remember that you are in a conservative country, so wear pants or long dresses and do not wear low cut tops.

Tray of Moroccan mint tea on a blue table — Photo by Veinneta

Try Moroccan Mint Tea

Start off your one day in Marrakech by sampling some of the local mint tea with breakfast. Moroccan mint tea is available just about everywhere in Morocco and will be served alongside most meals. The tea is made from green tea and fresh mint leaves. It can be served sweetened if you like.

Like green tea, Moroccan mint tea is said to have many health benefits and is often enjoyed multiple times throughout the day.

Next destination: Koutoubia Mosque

Visit Koutoubia Mosque

Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and is considered a very important landmark. The minaret tower pictured above stands at 253 feet. You can see the minaret from up to 18 miles away on a clear day.

The top of the minaret is where the call to prayer is made from. You will hear the call to prayer 5 times a day while visiting Morocco. The first is usually before sunrise at around 5:00 a.m.

It is important to note, non-Muslims may not enter the mosque. I have also heard that the guards will typically only allow locals to enter, regardless of faith. That being said, the Koutoubia Mosque is an important landmark for the city and well worth your time to see.

Next destination: The Bahia Palace – 9 minutes driving time

Interior of Bahia Palace, Marrakech, Morocco

Visit Bahia Palace

After you’ve finished at Koutoubia Mosque, make your way to the Bahia Palace. The palace is beautiful and is considered a masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. It was built in the 19th century and is quite massive, covering almost 20 acres. At the time it was built it was intended to be the greatest palace ever built.

The Bahia Palace consists of over 100 rooms, several courtyards, gardens, fountains, and artwork. Visitors can walk through the palace on their own or as part of a guided tour.

The Bahia Palace is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 and 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Fridays. Admission is 10 Dirhams per person.

Next destination: Yves Saint Laurent Museum – 16 minutes driving time

Yves Saint Laurent Museum

The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is dedicated entirely to legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. The exhibits in the museum take you through the designer’s life and career, including his time spent in Marrakech. You will get to see up close some of his most iconic pieces from his collections over the years.

The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. except for Wednesdays. Admission is 100 Dirhams per person.

Next destination: The Majorelle Garden – 2 minutes walking time

Majorelle Garden in Marrakech — Photo by Balate Dorin

The Majorelle Garden

The beautiful Majorelle Garden is located just next door to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. In 1931 French painter Jacques Majorelle commissioned architect Paul Sinoir to build him an art-deco home in Marrakech. Majorelle lived in and worked out of the home until the 1950’s when he sold the home and surrounding gardens.

In 1980, the property was purchased by Yves Saint Laurent and his business partner Pierre Berge. Saint Laurent and Berge had become familiar with the gardens during a visit to Marrakech back in 1966. They decided to purchase it when they heard it was for sale and might be replaced with a hotel.

After purchasing the property, Saint Laurent and Berge moved into the villa and began restoring the gardens. They also began acquiring art from Jacques Marjorelle to display on the property.

When Saint Laurent passed away in 2008, Berge donated the property to his foundation so that it would remain well kept accessible to the public. Saint Laurent’s ashes were scattered in the garden.

The Majorelle Garden is open every day of the year. From October through April they are open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. From May through September they are open from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. During the month of Ramadan they are open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Admission is 70 Dirhams per person.

Next destination: Amal – 6 minutes driving time

Lunch at AMAL

When you’re ready for lunch head over to AMAL for some really good Moroccan food. The restaurant menu changes daily but serves delicious traditional Moroccan dishes, some international favorites, and fresh-baked pastries.

The AMAL restaurant serves as a training center for disadvantaged women. Through the training program, they learn to prepare traditional Moroccan cuisine and international dishes.

The women trainees are often uneducated divorced mothers, widows, orphans, or former child maids. The restaurant trains 30 to 40 women annually. The AMAL training program has been very successful and often leads to traditional employment in other restaurants or elsewhere in the food industry.

AMAL is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for breakfast or lunch. Dinner is by reservation only for groups of 20 or more.

Next Destination: Marrakech Medina – 10 minutes driving time

Marrakech Medina

After lunch make your way over to the famous Marrakech medina. Here you will get lost in the busy souks and visit Jemaa el Fna, the main market square.

If you were hoping to do any shopping in Morocco, this is the place to do it. There are over 3,000 stalls in the medina selling everything from rugs, pottery, scarves, bags, jewelry, and tons more.

If you’re planning to purchase any items from the souks, be sure to bring cash and be ready to bargain. It is expected that you will counter the first price you’re given, so don’t be shy about trying to get a great deal.

Once you’ve finished wandering through the souks, be sure to head over to Jemaa el Fna before you leave.

Jemaa el Fna is where you’ll find the snake charmers, henna artists, horse carriages, and everything else you can think of. It’s very hectic in there, so keep your eyes open and give a firm NO to anyone selling you things you don’t want.

Walk around the square for a bit and get a few pictures before you leave. Just be sure to avoid the Marrakech snake scam. Anyone standing in the square with a snake is just there to hustle you out of your money. So avoid them.

Despite the scammers, Jemaa el Fna is worth a walk through. It’s such a scene, you really don’t want to miss it.

Next destination: Saadian Tombs – 8 minutes driving time

Saadian Tombs

The Saadian Tombs hold the bodies of important leaders and figures from the Saadian Dynasty, dating back to the 1500s.

The Saadian Tombs consist of two mausoleums containing about 66 tombs and an outdoor garden with an additional 100 tombs.

The mausoleums were constructed lavishly and are made from imported Italian marble, gold, and quite impressive tile work.

In the centuries following the Saadian Dynasty, the tombs were forgotten about. It wasn’t until 1917 that the Saadian Tombs were rediscovered due to aerial photographs that were taken of the area. Since that time they have been restored and preserved.

The Saadian Tombs are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is about 7 Euros.

Next destination: El Badi Palace – 6 minutes walking time

El Badi Palace

As you’re nearing the end of your one day in Marrakech, you’ll want to squeeze in a quick visit to the El Badi Palace.

The El Badi Palace was also constructed during the Saadian Dynasty. While it is mostly in ruins today, it is still worth a visit. At the time it was built it was one of the most luxurious palaces in Marrakech.

The palace was constructed with a large sum of ransom money paid by the Portuguese after the Battle of the Three Kings in 1578. It took about 15 years to build, with construction nearing completion around 1593.

The palace was constructed using some of the most expensive materials available at the time including onyx and gold.

It is believed to have contained about 360 rooms, a massive courtyard, a large pool, and several pavilions believed to be used as summer houses.

El Badi Palace is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Admission is 70 Dirhams.

Where to eat in Marrakech

There are so many great restaurants in Marrakech, I promise you won’t have any trouble finding great food. Here are a few that I recommend:

Nomad: Nomad serves modern Moroccan cuisine in a beautiful rooftop restaurant overlooking the medina. They feature fresh local produce with plenty of vegetarian options.
Naranj: Naranj is located just outside the Medina and serves fresh Lebanese and Moroccan cuisine. They offer salads, sandwiches, falafel, and other popular Mediterranean dishes.
La Grande Table Marocaine: If you’re looking for elegant dining and the opportunity to try some of the best traditional Moroccan food in Africa, this is the place. I haven’t been, but I’ve heard it’s the best.
Cafe des Epices: Another rooftop overlooking the Medina, Cafe des Epices serves authentic and fresh traditional Moroccan cuisine.

If you’re looking for a quick and affordable meal, I highly recommend stopping at one of the many food stalls in the Medina. You’ll find food of all kinds for a great price.

If you have extra time, you may even want to consider joining a food tour while you’re in Marrakech. There are so many different and unique dishes to try in Morocco. A guided food tour with a local who knows their way around the city would be an excellent way to experience the culinary scene in Marrakech. It would also make the perfect end to your incredible one day in Marrakech.

This is something I didn’t get the chance to do during my visit but really wish I had.

Let me know what you think about this One Day in Marrakech travel guide. I’d love to know if there is anything else you’d add to the itinerary.

If you’re wondering where to head next consider desert camping in Morocco in the Sahara. It may very well end up being one of your favorite nights in Morocco.

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Eden Fite

Part-time Traveler | Dog Lover | Avoider of Crowds

I help people use their vacation days to see the world.

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February 14, 2019 By Eden Fite

During my visit to Morocco in November, our group spent an incredible night out under the stars camping in the Sahara. Before arriving we spent two days traveling south from Marrakech towards the desert. After a five hour drive and a night in stunning Quarzazate, we spent the next evening immersed in the vast Sahara at Erg Lihoudi Desert Camp. This was an experience I will never forget and one I’d recommend to every last one of you. If you’re planning to visit Morocco, book at least one-night camping in the Sahara desert, you’ll be so happy you did.

Read on to find out what desert camping in Morocco is really like.

Desert Camping in Morocco

Sahara Desert Camp Amenities

Most Sahara desert camps come with similar amenities. At Erg Lihoudi desert camp, guests are served traditional Moroccan mint tea and a few light snacks upon arrival. Both dinner and breakfast are always included. Dinner will typically include two or three different tagines (a traditional Moroccan dish) along with salad and several sides. Breakfast will usually include eggs, bacon, pastries, juice, and coffee.

Most camps have several seating areas spread throughout the campsite to relax and watch the stars once the sun goes down. Some camps will have sandboards on hand for those wanting to give sand boarding a try. From what I could tell during my visit, this is much harder than it looks. All desert camps will have a campfire at night. If you plan ahead, you can even have S’mores. You can thank Becky from We Are Travel Girls for this genius idea. Note: If you plan to visit a desert camp and make S’mores, marshmallows will be almost impossible to find once you arrive in Morocco. Pick them up at home and toss them in your suitcase.

Live Berber Music

Live music will be included as part of the entertainment during your stay in most of the Sahara desert camps. The majority of these musicians will be playing Moroccan Berber music, which you will hear a lot during your time in Morocco. Berber music is the traditional music of the Berber people, which are native to Morocco and other areas of northern Africa. This music is typically played with a variety of African drums, castanets, an oboe-like instrument, and vocals.

Inside the Sahara desert tents

The interior of the Sahara desert tents is quite spacious, about the size of an average hotel room. Inside you will find a bed, a small seating area, a vanity, and a restroom. The tents are set up to have electricity, so you will have some lights and be able to charge your phone at night. The floor of the tent is covered in a thick red carpet. There will be sand everywhere from the desert, but they do a good job of keeping it to a minimum.

The restroom is equipped with a sink, a toilet, and a shower. The water in this camp did not get warm and was actually freezing cold. If visiting during the fall or winter I would plan to go without a shower in the morning, unless you happen to be here during the warmer summer months. I visited in November, and it was so cold in my tent at night, I slept with all my clothes on. Literally, ALL the clothes in my suitcase. After a night like that, I was not about to jump into a freezing cold shower in the morning. I recommend bringing a warm jacket or a sleeping bag if you visit in the fall or winter.

Morocco Camel Trekking

Most Sahara desert camp packages include camel trekking. You will take a jeep out a short way into the desert and meet up with a small group of guides, and enough camels for your group. The camel ride will take about one hour as you’re led through the desert by the guides to the location of your camp. Your luggage will stay with the vehicles you drove out to the desert in, and will be dropped off at your camp while you finish your camel ride. You’ll want to wear pants and bring a light headscarf. The desert can get quite windy and the scarf will help keep sand out of your mouth and hair.

If you do not wish to participate in a camel ride, you can easily get to your desert camp by vehicle.

Eden Fite on a camel in the Sahara desert, Morocco

What to expect at a Sahara desert camp

Being out in the middle of the Sahara is the very best part of the desert camping in Morocco experience. You can walk to the top of nearby sand dunes and see the desert go on for miles and miles in every direction. It’s very peaceful, and if you wander away from the campsite a little, you’ll find almost complete silence. This is especially powerful at night if you’re lucky enough to have clear skies. The stargazing was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. It’s also what made that nine-hour drive totally worth it.

The accommodations are relatively comfortable and spacious. The bathroom area is separated by only a curtain, so privacy will be minimal if you are sharing your tent. The inside of the tents are not temperature controlled, so if it’s hot outside your tent will be hot, if it’s cold outside it will be cold inside. Temperatures in the desert can be extreme, so research average temperatures for both day and night prior to your departure and plan accordingly. The inside of the tent will also be fairly dusty due to all the desert sand, so if you have allergies be prepared for this.

The food served at the desert camps is decent, but will not be your best meal in Morocco. If you find you don’t particularly like Moroccan food, I suggest you bring yourself something to eat. There may not be any food or snacks available for purchase.

The live music in the camps is interesting and I did enjoy it but think they could have limited it to just 30 minutes. After a while, our group started getting a bit restless so people started wandering off. At times they may attempt to persuade you to dance with them. I’m not much of a dancer so found myself slowly backing away, but I definitely enjoyed watching everyone else attempt to dance to this style of music.

Overall, I think the experience of camping in the Sahara is totally worth it, even with the nine-hour drive to and from Marrakesh. I think this part of your trip is best completed at the beginning of your visit in order to get the long drives out of the way. This way, you can spend the rest of your trip just relaxing and enjoying this beautiful country from places like Marrakesh and Essaouira, both of which are wonderful.

Sahara desert sunrise

There are certain places in the world that are just perfect for viewing a sunrise or sunset and the Sahara is one of them. Set your alarm for the wee hours before you go to bed so you can get up early to catch the most magnificent and peaceful sunrise you’ll ever experience. The sun rises slowly up over the rolling sand dunes, and it’s an incredible sight to see. It’s soft, golden light, which is perfect for photographs. If it’s not too windy, grab a cup of coffee or tea and walk to the top of a nearby sand dune. You’ll have the perfect vantage point to watch the sunrise up over the horizon.

If you can, try to catch the golden hour just before sunset the night before as well. This will be a great opportunity to get some really great photographs of what is likely a once in a lifetime opportunity for you. Just be careful if you bring out your good camera, you do not want to get sand in your gear.

What to wear to the Sahara desert

If you plan to participate in the camel trekking you will want to wear long pants. For shoes, I recommend sneakers or boots, whatever will not fall off while you’re on the camel. You should also bring a light scarf to cover your face and hair. The desert can get very windy, so the scarf will prevent you from getting sand in your mouth and your hair. Bring your sunglasses with you as well to protect your eyes.

No matter what time of year you plan on desert camping in Morocco, you’ll want to pack extra warm clothing. During my visit in November, the evening was absolutely freezing cold. I wore a winter ski jacket during the evening after the sunset, which I ended up sleeping in as well. So, prepare for chilly evenings in the fall, winter, and spring. During the summer evenings can also be cool, so packing a light jacket will still be a good idea. Having too many options will be a good thing, especially if the temperatures really drop. If you’re traveling during the warmer summer months, pack light-colored and loose-fitting clothing. You will also want to keep in mind that even though it may get extremely warm in the Sahara, you are still in a conservative country, so the appropriate dress will be expected.

Planning your visit to the Sahara

How to get to the Sahara

The easiest and most relaxing way to get to the Sahara is to make arrangements with a tour company. They will arrange for transportation to pick you up at your hotel in Marrakech and take you all the way to the Sahara. Many tours will stop in the town of Quarzazate for one night, then continue on the next morning. Quarzazate is about 4 hours from Marrakech. This is a great way to break up an otherwise very long drive. Plus, Quarzazate is famous for its many movie studios and ancient Berber village Ait Ben Haddou, which is well worth your time to see. If you’re looking for a good dessert tour company, I recommend Experience Morocco. They were fantastic and took care of all the details. Plus their tour guide was excellent, ask for Shasha.

If you’re considering a night in Quarzazate, be sure to get up early the next morning so you have time to stop at Ait Ben Haddou before you make your way out to the Sahara.

If you have a car and prefer to drive, be advised that the roads will be windy and narrow. In order to get to the desert, you must pass through the Atlas mountains. If you leave straight from Marrakesh, the drive will take about eight hours. Please be advised that during your drive you may encounter locals walking along the road, and lots of goats. Please drive carefully.

Desert camps in Morocco

There are literally dozens of options for desert tours and desert camping in Morocco throughout the Sahara. As I stated above, most of the luxury desert camps offer similar amenities, so I recommend finding the one closest to where you’re headed next, or the one offering the best price. Here is a brief list of available desert camps to get your search underway:

Erg Chebbi Luxury Desert Camp: Nights at Erg Chebbi run 200 Euro per person each night and include dinner and breakfast. If you book two or more nights they offer a discount and also include lunch. A campfire, music, and non-alcoholic beverages are included. Camel rides can be added at an additional cost.

Sahara Luxury Camps: Packages start at 350 Euro per night for one tent. The price includes a camel ride, dinner and breakfast, water, mint tea, and live music.

Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp: Prices here are 235 Euro per night with a two-night minimum. This price also includes all food and drinks.

Azawad Desert Luxury Camp: Tents here start at 120 Euro for a private single. They also have a campfire and live music. Camel rides, 4×4 rides, and sandboarding are also available for an additional fee.

Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp: Packages for one night start at 460 Euro and include pick up from your hotel in Marrakech and one night in their luxury desert camp. The price also includes some meals, beverages, and a camel trek.