Given all that Morocco has to offer, you might be wondering how you’ll manage to see it all in a Plan a Trip to Morocco for a Week Starting in Marrakech 7 days
Plan a Trip to Morocco for a Week Starting in Marrakech 7 days: Here’s a varied travel itinerary that will show you some of Morocco greatest attractions. Discover fascinating natural landscapes, lively cities with historic medinas, and a millennium-old culture all await you.
This is the exact way to do it, whether your goal is to get from point A to point B or to avoid the pushy salespeople and infamous touts at Morocco market.
How to Plan It Yourself
First off, you can do this trip without purchasing a pre-arranged, all-inclusive Morocco tour!
It is better and less expensive to do it yourself. Online reservations for lodging and local tours are quite simple to make. When compared to a package tour, this can easily cut your travel expenses by 50% while giving you more flexibility.
Get a classic Morocco trip with more freedom to explore each city by booking your hotel through Booking.com or Expedia, and then through a platform like GetYourGuide, book a 3-day trip to the Sahara.
Days 1 and 2 in Marrakech
When you first arrive in Marrakech, the stunning architecture, the ubiquitous reddish hue, and the lively atmosphere will astound you.
But first, you have to get from the airport to your lodging before you can explore all that Marrakech has to offer.
Arriving in Marrakech
The Menara airport and the city center are only fifteen minutes apart.
Bus: Take line 19 to the square Jeema el Fna. The bus ride lasts for thirty minutes, and the fare is thirty MAD ($3).
Taxi: There are two varieties: grand taxis, also known as “big taxis,” and petite taxis, also known as “small taxis.” The smaller ones have only three seats and use a metered pricing structure. Large taxis have eight seats available, and each seat has a set price. For petit taxis, the typical fare ranges from 50 MAD ($5) to 100 MAD ($10) for grand taxis.
The second thing to be aware of when using airport taxis is that some drivers attempt to defraud or mislead foreigners by failing to start the meter or by charging excessive amounts.
Private transfer: By scheduling private airport transportation, you can completely avoid using the neighborhood taxis and save time.
Plan a Trip to Morocco for a Week Starting in Marrakech 7 days
Get ready for Marrakech.
Although Marrakech is fantastic, the prevalence of con artists, touts, and aggressive salespeople may occasionally ruin your first impression of Morocco.
I just want to be clear about this because many websites fail to mention it, which can only cause annoyance!
While these irritations aren’t a problem throughout Morocco, Marrakech is particularly troubled by them. In addition to con artists, you’ll come across a lot of people at the market offering you unasked-for services like “helping” you find lodging or persistently trying to upsell you stuff.
Fortunately, there are a few tips to minimize this unwanted attention. Marrakech is much more enjoyable to explore if you are prepared for what to expect.
At times, it’s necessary to simply say “No, thank you” and turn to leave. In other cases, you have to say it aloud multiple times to ensure that it is understood. If that doesn’t work, tell them “La,” which is Arabic for “No,” and I promise they will stop right away. But always say this with a smile, since you are probably speaking to someone who is merely trying to make ends meet.
Just keep in mind that interacting with locals is a necessary aspect of traveling, and that these kinds of encounters are normal and can be overcome. If that disturbs you, remember that Essaouira, the next city, is far more relaxed than Marrakech.
Make sure to book a riad.
Staying in a traditional Riad will elevate your “local experience” to a whole new level. These are classic Moroccan structures, many of which have been turned into hotels, with central courtyards.
Morocco riads are distinctive structures with traditional Moorish design features like central courtyards, mosaic tiling, and hand-carved wooden ceilings.
Situated only a short distance from the well-known Jemaa el-Fnaa square, I suggest staying at the Riad Jemaa El Fna & Spa. This riad offers traditional Moroccan treatments in the Hammam and has a pool in the courtyard.
Must-See Locations in Marrakech
There is so much to do and see in Marrakech that one may experience a bit of sensory overload. The tumult of traffic and pedestrians will envelop you as soon as you step foot in the city.
However, in my opinion, that is what makes Marrakech so fascinating. Prepare yourself for an exploration of the “Red City” by arming yourself with patience and curiosity.
Explore the Heart of the City: The Medina
Begin your journey in the historic center, a UNESCO-listed labyrinth of narrow alleyways, riads, and bustling souks. Getting lost here isn’t a mistake—it’s part of the adventure. Every corner reveals hidden courtyards, artisan workshops, and centuries-old architecture.
The Medina is the soul of Marrakech, where tradition and daily life blend seamlessly.
Experience the Energy of Jemaa el-Fna Square
From the Medina, make your way to the city’s most iconic square. During the day, it’s filled with orange juice vendors, snake charmers, and henna artists. At night, it transforms into an open-air theater of food stalls, storytellers, and musicians.
This is the perfect starting point to access the surrounding souks, where you can haggle for spices, lanterns, carpets, and handcrafted treasures.
Discover Peace at Le Jardin Secret
Step away from the chaos and enter this 400-year-old Islamic garden. Restored to its former glory, Le Jardin Secret offers tranquil fountains, geometric landscaping, and a peaceful rooftop terrace with panoramic views over the Medina.
It’s the perfect place to recharge before diving back into the city’s vibrant rhythm.
Admire the Iconic Koutoubia Mosque
The largest mosque in Marrakech, the Koutoubia is an architectural masterpiece with its impressive 77-meter minaret. Although non-Muslims cannot enter, the exterior and surrounding gardens are worth visiting—especially at sunset when the red stone glows beautifully.
Step into Royal History at Dar el Bacha Museum
Once a lavish palace, this historic residence is now a museum showcasing Moroccan art and culture. Don’t miss the opulent coffee room inside—one of the most elegant places in Marrakech to enjoy a traditional mint tea.
Visit the Majestic Bahia Palace
A masterpiece of Moroccan architecture, Bahia Palace features intricate tilework, carved cedar ceilings, and serene courtyards. It offers insight into 19th-century royal life and is one of the most photogenic spots in the city.
Explore the Ruins of El Badi Palace
These dramatic ruins once formed a grand 16th-century palace. Today, massive walls and sunken gardens remain, offering stunning views over the city and, on clear days, the High Atlas Mountains.
Wander Through the Majorelle Garden
This vibrant botanical garden, originally designed by French painter Jacques Majorelle and later restored by Yves Saint Laurent, is famous for its bold cobalt-blue architecture and exotic plant collection. It’s a peaceful yet colorful escape from the city’s intensity.
Discover the Saadian Tombs
Dating back to the mid-1500s, these beautifully preserved tombs house the remains of Saadian sultans. Hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1917, they remain one of Marrakech’s most fascinating historical sites.
Indulge in Traditional Moroccan Cuisine
No visit to Marrakech is complete without savoring a traditional tajine. Whether it’s chicken with preserved lemons or lamb with prunes, the flavors are unforgettable.
At night, return to the Medina for a completely different atmosphere. The city becomes even more magical under the lights. Consider joining a guided street food tour to sample local delicacies and uncover hidden culinary gems. A knowledgeable guide can introduce you to authentic flavors you might otherwise miss.
Guided Tour or Independent Exploration?
While most monuments and sites are easy to explore independently, a half-day historical and cultural tour can provide deeper insights into the city’s rich heritage. However, if there’s one experience worth booking with a guide, it’s the street food tour—local expertise truly enhances the culinary adventure.
Marrakech is a city that overwhelms, excites, and captivates all at once. With patience and curiosity, every alleyway and courtyard reveals a story waiting to be discovered.
Plan a Trip to Morocco for a Week Starting in Marrakech 7 days
Days 3–5: Interior & Sahara
Beyond Marrakech, there are amazing scenery opportunities such as Sahara dunes, mountain canyons, and fortified cities.
This section of the one-week schedule will be the busiest with activities. Set aside at least two days to explore the fortified kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou, the canyons of the Dades Valley and Todgha Gorge, and Erg Chebbi, one of the two Saharan ergs—giant sand dunes created by wind.
You can either self-drive or go on a tour to see all of these locations. Although it would not be practical, you could theoretically make the trip by public transportation. You would have to depend on buses that only run once or twice a day; the travel time will always be longer between two locations.
Option 1: Hiring a vehicle
It’s not as scary to drive in Morocco as some tourists think. (In actuality, a large number of French and Spanish travelers travel by ferry to Morocco.)
You can go on your own exploration with a rental car. To save time, effort, and potential language problems, I advise making reservations online in advance. Although automatic cars are still much more common in Morocco, you can still easily find them by making reservations online.
For those looking to rent a car in Marrakech, I suggest using DiscoverCars. To find the best deals, it compares all rental companies, big and small brands alike.
To prevent any problems when returning the car, make sure you take pictures and videos as soon as you go to pick it up.
Driving in Marrakech can be extremely chaotic at times, but as soon as you leave the city, the mayhem will drastically decrease. In general, the country’s roads are in good shape.
Just be advised that Morocco can have more random events; for example, you might come across a stray goat while driving. Have a safe and enjoyable road trip through Morocco by driving carefully.
Option 2: Tour reservations
While taking a tour is a great way to get a lot of things checked off your list in a short amount of time, it may not be as exciting as driving yourself. Additionally, you’ll have a spot reserved for one night in a tent camp deep within the Sahara Desert.
Depending on the operator, your tour experience may be positive or negative. I honestly got this tour for a really low price from a local agent in Marrakech when I was visiting Morocco for the first time, and it was incredibly hurried with far too many people packed into a minibus. It reminded me a little bit of moving cattle, but you get what you pay for!
I recommend this GetYourGuide tour as the ideal option for experiencing the Sahara Desert and the other sights en route for a better experience. Pickup from the hotel, an English-speaking guide, dinner and breakfast (vegetarian and vegan options available), first-night hotel lodging, and a night at a Bedouin camp are all included.
There will still be a good deal of driving and sightseeing on this trip. But to top it all off, you get to spend a wonderful night in the peaceful desert beneath the stars, where you can unwind and take a break. 7-Day Plan a Trip to Morocco for a Week Starting in Marrakech
Days 6 and 7 in Essaouira
You’ll probably want to unwind by the seaside after hectic Marrakech and your days of interior sightseeing. And Essaouira is the best location to do it.
Directions to Essaouira
By bus is the most convenient way to travel from Marrakech to Essaouira. Supratours is the primary bus company providing the transfer. Three hours are needed for the ride. You can buy the ticket online or at the Supratours bus station directly. It costs about $10 one way. The train station in Marrakech is directly next to the bus station.
CTM is the other bus company that operates on this route, but it only has a daily transfer and a less convenient bus station in Essaouira than Supratours.
Accommodations in Essaouira
The ideal way to take in Essaouira’s relaxed vibe is to reserve a boutique hotel with a view of the sea. With its large swimming pool and traditional architecture, the historic Villa Quieta is a great choice.
Enjoy shopping in the Medina’s streets (which are much less busy than those in Marrakech!), lounging on the beach, soaking up the Moroccan sun, and cooling off in the sea during your days in Essaouira.
Plan a Trip to Morocco for a Week, Starting in Marrakech 7 days: Take a stroll around the port, which features the recognizable blue boats of the fishermen and the historic Portuguese defense walls. I recommend having lunch at the port, where you can select from the day’s catch, which is typically grilled.
Take time to visit the old Jewish quarter, the mullah, and indulge in a few hours in a hammam.