How to Spend Five Days Discovering the Magic of Marrakech
Save for your first (or next) trip to the Red City
Before you read any further, and for full transparency, I take no credit for this trip itinerary — my best pal and travel buddy,
was the brains behind the most incredible five days spent in Marrakech. Almost a year (!) after our trip that finally made it out of the chat, I’m still not over it; so it only made sense that it was the first of OUTLOOK’s city guides to make it to Substack.Day 1:
As soon as we came across a Breakfast Club at Gatwick airport, I knew it was going to be a good trip. One breakfast bun, mimosa and 3.5 hour flight later, we landed in Marrakech; and, after a short taxi ride into the Medina, we located Riad Dar Al Amal, where we’d be staying for the next few nights.
The pink bathroom alone was enough for a 5* review from me. I’m kidding, but seriously, after a lot of running around hysterically laughing and screaming (internally), we calmed down and headed out to explore.
During our stay, Riad Dar Al Amal was the little slice of heaven we needed after days spent in the hustle and bustle of the Medina. The owners couldn’t have been nicer and the location couldn’t have been better. A sure highlight of the trip was the breakfast in the courtyard each day, which included Msemen (Moroccan pancakes), jams, juice, and mint tea of course.
It would’ve been rude not to treat ourselves to a welcome drink and lunch at El Fenn on our arrival. We got in without a problem, but one evening were turned away due to it being full. It’s definitley on the more spenny side, but a great spot if you’re looking for a rooftop cocktail. I’ve already started saving to stay here if (when) I go back.
Day 2:
We spent our first full day exploring the Souks with @moroccan_private_tourguide — Kayla knew Afaadas through work, and it was the perfect way to get to know Marrakech. It’s definitley a way I would like to experience new places in the future.
Tip: travel light. The Souks are full of ceramics that make perfect gifts for loved ones back home (or for yourself, there’s no judgement here).
We stopped by Riad Yima, a boutique/gallery, home to the work of @hassanhajjaj_larache. I’d not seen Hajjaj’s art before, and I’m obsessed with his use of colour, plus the fact that his pieces are very ‘kitsch’. I believe it’s a permanent exhibition so be sure to drop by!
Day 3:
Our Riad was right around the corner from @bachacoffee, where we started our third day. Here you can choose from a huge range of coffee types from all over the world, and enjoy in the most beautiful setting. But, be prepared to queue early! It’s well known and slots for the day quickly fill up.
Fuelled with coffee, we grabbed a taxi to @jnanetamsna — a boutique hotel just outside of the city. For only £40 you have access to the pool area for the day, as well as a three course lunch, which I thought was a pretty good deal? It’s like nowhere I’d been before, and I think I was genuinely in shock when we arrived (see my reaction top left pic below). The interiors, service, vibes were 10/10, and I can only imagine what it would be like to stay here.
Leaving was tough, but we had dinner booked, so we tore ourselves away from the life of luxury and headed back to the Medina.
Tucked away behind a wooden door in the heart of the Medina you’ll find @lejardinmarrakech, an all-day eatery set in a garden oasis, offering traditional Moroccan dishes. I went for fish tagine (who is she? Once upon a time, if it wasn’t pasta I didn’t want it), and it didn’t disappoint — highly recommend if you can get a reservation.
Day 4:
As a colour lover, @jardinmajorellemarrakech has been on my Pinterest board for years and years. A short drive away from the Medina, this tranquil, botanical garden was a sanctuary for Yves Saint Laurent, and I can see why. That cobalt blue hits different. The contrast against the yellow and green is even more breathtaking in person, and it’s obvious why YSL found so much inspiration here.
You might not believe me but I didn’t pack the above outfit with this excursion in mind. I did however, save it for this day when I realised how good the colour coordination would be. And for all you Instagrammers (me included), good luck trying to get a photo without anyone else in it — this place is overly busy, but it’s so so worth it imo. You’re also able to go into the house itself, where you’ll find a museum dedicated to the history of the Berbers, which was super interesting.
Tip: You can purchase a combined ticket for the garden and for the YSL museum that’s just next door. I found the museum a little disappointing, but I’d say it’s still worth a look whilst you’re there!
Later that evening, we headed to @nomadmarrakech for some rooftop dining. We’d both heard great things about this place, so we were very happy to find that the food, service and views lived up to the hype.
Day 5:
The trip had been running far too smoothly, so we were due a little bump in the road. This came in the form of our stay in the desert at Caravan being cancelled. No reason or explanation, but we were suddenly left without accommodation for our fifth and final night. We didn’t have to worry for (too) long, as the lovely ladies at our Riad came to the rescue, and we were able to extend our stay by another night.
We did still want to experience the desert, so Kayla suggested we do a day trip instead. @beagafay was the place we kept coming back to, so we booked a day pass and headed out into the Agafay desert. I don’t think we spoke much during the one hour drive; perhaps both slightly concerned about where we were being taken, or maybe just because we were both in awe at the landscape surrounding us. If I’m honest, it was probably the latter for me.
After thinking that Marrakech couldn’t possibly get any better, Be Agafay really delivered, totally making up for our cancelled plans. Once the clouds had shifted and we’d picked our spot next to THE most insane pool I’ve ever seen, we were met with views of desert for miles, with camels and dune buggies just specks in the distance.
I’d honestly put this day up there with one of the best of my life so far (bit dramatic?); but it was the perfect way to end our trip, and I hope I’m lucky enough to go back and stay for a night or two one day. Stargazing in the desert is now firmly on my bucket list.
I didn’t know what to expect from Marrakech — we’d heard a lot of stories about women feeling unsafe, especially when travelling on their own or with friends. But luckily, that wasn’t our experience at all. If anything, I felt the complete opposite. From the colours and interiors to the warmth of the people and the good food, I left feeling full, refreshed and inspired. So, have I sold it to you? I really hope so.
I’d love to hear about your experience, whether you’d go back, and what you did and didn’t like about it. Let me know in the comments!
A visit to Marrakech was a great shock to me. This city taught me colour.”
— Yves Saint Laurent
Every photo looks like its come straight off a Pinterest board woweee. LOVE this
Bringing back all of the memories 🥹