Looking for what to do in one week in Marrakech, filled with adventure and culture? Then look no further. Marrakech is one of those cities where adventure comes easy and at a great price. In the medina, you’ll find buzzing souks, rooftop restaurants serving aromatic tagines, and pink-orange walls glowing under the North African sun. But the real magic of Marrakech lies beyond the city, in the excursions that take you to mountains, waterfalls, and deserts.
If you’re looking for a trip that balances culture, adventure, and relaxation, a week in Morocco is just right. If you want to go to a few locations, we recommend you checking out our one week in Morroco guide. We spent seven days this trip in Marrakech exploring the city and its surroundings, filling our time with affordable activities like mountain treks, camel rides, hammam scrubs, and even desert stargazing. This guide shares everything we did, our favourite food spots, what we learned, and how you can make the most of your own Marrakech adventure.
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Marrakech Excursions and Day Trips at a Glance:
- Best relaxing day trip from Marrakech: Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Hike and Boat Trip –
- Best active outdoor day trip from Marrakech: From Marrakesh: Atlas Mountains Talamrout Summit Day Hike tour
- Best one night exursion into the desert from Marrakech: Two-day Zagora desert excursion
Marrakech is also one of the most affordable destinations we’ve visited. We went in early December, got an amazing deal on flights, stayed in a traditional riad, and still had plenty of budget left for juices, hammams, and excursions.
Here’s our one-week Marrakech itinerary — a mix of city wandering, day trips, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that left us enchanted by Morocco.
Day 1–2: Exploring Marrakech and Its Souks
Start your trip by exploring Marrakech’s old medina. It’s a labyrinth of narrow streets where souks overflow with rugs, lanterns, spices, and argan oil products. Argan oil isn’t only for skincare — we were told locals use culinary argan oil in cooking too. Another favorite discovery was Moroccan black soap, a thick olive-based paste used in hammams for deep exfoliation.
Food is everywhere in Marrakech, from sizzling street stalls to rooftop terraces. But one drink stood out above the rest: the avocado and date smoothie. We had one almost every morning before our excursions. Nourishing, creamy, and grounding, it’s the perfect start before heading out into the dry desert or mountains. Try one at Al Jawda, a bakery and juice just off Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
For landmarks inside Marrakech, we visited the Koutoubia Mosque, the city’s most famous landmark, with its 12th-century minaret towering over the medina. We also spent time at Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square where street performers, storytellers, and food stalls come alive at night. And for a taste of Moroccan luxury, head into La Mamounia Hotel — you don’t need to stay there to wander its lush gardens and elegant interiors.
Then head to Majorelle Gardens, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, which is a tranquil retreat of cobalt blue and exotic plants. If you have extra time, visit Bahia Palace for its mosaics and courtyards.
Day 3: Day Trip to Ouzoud Waterfall
One of the most popular excursions from Marrakech is a visit to Ouzoud Waterfall, about three hours away. At 110 meters tall, it’s the highest waterfall in Morocco, set against dramatic red cliffs and olive groves where monkeys are everywhere. Be careful though — the monkeys can be cheeky (one jumped on our head).
We booked a guided tour with from Marrakech to the Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Hike and Boat Trip on GetYourGuide, which included a short hike to the falls, a boat ride at the base, and time at a café with the waterfall flowing in the background. Yes, it’s touristy, but still stunning and a refreshing break from Marrakech’s intensity.
Day 4: Trekking in the Atlas Mountains
For us, the highlight of Marrakech was trekking in the Atlas Mountains, just outside the city. Many travelers opt for a day trek which is what we did. We did the: From Marrakesh: Atlas Mountains Talamrout Summit Day Hike tour on Get Your Guide.
We picked up from Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square at around 8am, where we met the three others on our tour. We drover over an hour into mountains, firstly to a Berber village for mint tea and a bathroom break before the hike.
We climbed through pine plantation, up towards snow-dusted peaks toward our summit – Adrar Talamrout (2,600m) that had panoramic views of the desert and mountains. The trek was medium difficulty, but the views were gorgeous: snowy mountains on one side, rolling desert plains on the other. Lunch was a freshly cooked chicken tagine with couscous and salad, enjoyed with fellow travelers in a small hut overlooking the valley.
If you want to connect with Morocco’s landscapes and people, this is the excursion to do.
Day 5–6: Desert Camp Adventure
No trip to Morocco is complete without a desert camp experience. We booked a two-day Zagora desert excursion with Get Your Guide that took us through the High Atlas passes, with a stop at Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its role in movies like Gladiator, The Mummy, and Game of Thrones.
By evening, we arrived in the Zagora desert, climbed onto camels, and rode into camp under the setting sun. It was both hilarious and slightly uncomfortable — camels are not the comfiest rides. But the moment we reached camp, it all felt worth it.
That night, after dinner, we gathered around a campfire as locals drummed and sang. The sky was so clear you could trace the Milky Way. A tip: bring warm clothes. Desert nights are freezing, and extra layers, hats, and scarves are essential.
The next morning we watched the sunrise over the dunes before heading back by camel. If you have the time, book a two-night desert trip instead of one — it allows you to go deeper into the desert with less time on the bus, which was pretty exhausting.
Day 7: Hammam Experience & Final Souk Shopping
On your last day, slow the pace with a traditional hammam. We recommend Hammam Mouassine, one of the city’s oldest. The ritual begins with a steam, followed by a scrub with black soap, and often ends with a massage. Please remember to take an extra pair of underwear as you need to wear undies in the hamman and they will be soaked!
If you book a massage, always ask if they use pure argan oil — many spas offer an upgrade, and it’s worth it as it is a good quali. Known as Morocco’s “liquid gold,” argan oil leaves your skin hydrated and glowing after days in the desert.
Spend your final hours back in the souks to pick up souvenirs: black soap, argan oil, woven baskets, or spice blends. End the evening with fresh dates or honey-drenched pastries from Pâtisserie des Princes.
Best Time to Visit Marrakech
The best times to visit are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–early December), when temperatures are warm but manageable. We went in early December, which is off-peak and turned out perfect: cooler weather, while still warm in the day – ideal for hiking, cheaper accommodation, and fewer crowds.
Tips for Marrakech Excursions
- Bring layers — the mountains and desert get very cold, even if the city is hot.
- Stay hydrated — fresh juices are everywhere and buy bottle water or bring a water filter. We used our Survivor Water Filter to drink from the tap.
- Be flexible — buses can run late, but the experiences are worth it. Get the Whatsapp or number of your guides and taxi drivers
- Try a hammam — it’s not just relaxing, it’s part of Moroccan culture. You will be scrubbed down so hard you will feel like a newborn baby.
Marrakech Restaurants and Reccomendations
- Le Bistro Arabe – Moroccan Jazz Restaurant in Marrakech, there isn’t really much going on in the evenings, but one thing we would have liked to do is go to Le Bistro Arabe, a jazz bar and restaurant that you need to book in advance.
- BlackChich – African Berber Fusion – Really nice drinks, we had a pineapple and ginger juice which was delicious. Also nice African Berber fusion meals that were a nice break from tagines
- Mabrouk Rooftop & Sky Bar – Delcious lamb tagine
- Al Jawda – Best avocado smoothies, or dates and milk drink. Also nice cakes and treats. We came here for breakfast most mornings.
- Get a street pomegranate juice or orange juice.
FAQ: One Week in Marrakech
Is one week enough for Marrakech?
Yes. A week is perfect for exploring the city, the Atlas Mountains, Ouzoud Waterfall, and the desert. We fit it all in without feeling rushed.
How much do Marrakech excursions cost?
Most day trips cost between $50–$100, while desert camps are still very affordable compared to other countries. Morocco is budget-friendly, especially off-season.
Is Marrakech safe for travelers?
Yes, but as in any busy city, stay alert in the souks and use well-reviewed guides for excursions. We always felt welcomed by locals.
What should I wear in Marrakech?
Modest clothing works best. Women will feel most comfortable in long trousers, skirts, and scarves. Always pack warm clothes for the desert and breathable fabrics for the city. We have a guide on what to pack for Morocco for women for more insights.
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