Marrakech

How many days: 3 to 4

Three days covers the medina's main sights, the souks and at least one of the gardens, with time to rest in between. The pace is better when you do not stack too many things in one day.

A fourth day opens up a day trip into the Atlas foothills or out to the coast at Essaouira, which are both usually done with a driver or an organised tour. Check journey times before you commit, as roads can be slow.

What to do in Marrakech

Get lost in the souks

The markets north of the main square sell leather, lamps, ceramics, spices and textiles. Prices are usually negotiated, so settle on what you are willing to pay before you start, and walk away politely if it is too high.

Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa at different times

The main square changes through the day, from quiet in the morning to crowded with food stalls and performers in the evening. Watch for a while before deciding what to try.

See Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs

Two of the city's best-known historic sights, close to each other in the southern part of the medina. Both are small enough to see in a morning.

Spend time in Jardin Majorelle

A garden famous for its blue buildings and plants. It tends to get busy, so going early and checking the current ticket rules before you go is sensible.

Try a hammam

A traditional bathhouse visit is a good way to spend an afternoon. Some are for locals and some are set up for visitors, so ask your accommodation which kind suits you.

Day trip to the Atlas Mountains or Essaouira

The mountains are a cooler, quieter change of scene, and Essaouira is a breezy walled port on the Atlantic coast. Either is a long day, so start early.

What to eat and drink

Tagine

Slow-cooked stews named after the conical clay pot they are cooked in, usually made with meat or vegetables and spices. A staple on almost every menu.

Couscous

Traditionally eaten on Fridays, with vegetables and meat. Many restaurants serve it every day, but it is worth asking about the Friday version.

Pastilla

A layered pastry traditionally filled with spiced poultry and dusted with sugar and cinnamon. It is sweet and savoury at once, which surprises some visitors.

Mint tea

Sweet green tea poured from a height, offered everywhere as a sign of hospitality. It is a social ritual as much as a drink.

Fresh juice and street food

Orange juice is sold from carts around the main square. For street food, pick busy stalls with high turnover, and ask your riad host for advice if you are unsure.

Harira

A tomato and lentil soup, often eaten to break the fast in Ramadan. A good, filling starter at any time of year.

Getting around

The medina is a pedestrian maze. Cars cannot reach many riads, so accommodation often arranges a pickup from the nearest gate, and it is worth confirming how to get there before you arrive.

Outside the walls, small taxis are the usual way to get around. Agree the fare before you get in or insist on the meter, and keep small notes for payment. Ride-hailing apps are available in some form but practice varies, so do not rely on them.

The airport is a short drive from the centre by taxi. Check the current fare and bus options with your accommodation or the airport's official site.

Good to know

• Dress modestly out of respect for local custom. Shoulders and knees covered is a good general rule outside your hotel.
• Midday is hot for much of the year. Plan activities for mornings and evenings, and rest in the afternoon.
• Always ask before photographing people, especially in the souks and the main square, and be prepared to be asked for a tip if you do.
• The currency is the Moroccan dirham. Carry cash for markets and small purchases, since cards are less widely accepted there.