Marrakech is a city of storytellers. Founded in the 11th century by the Almoravids, its red ramparts, labyrinthine souks, and muezzin calls create a soundtrack that lingers long after you leave. In one week, you can weave between spice-scented alleys, serene riad courtyards, and lantern-lit rooftops, then step beyond the city for mountain air and desert sunsets.

Highlights range from the masterpieces of the medina—Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, and the Saadian Tombs—to modern icons like Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Day trips lead to Berber villages in the High Atlas and the stony dunes of the Agafay, where the sky turns copper at dusk and stars feel close enough to touch.

Practical notes: carry some dirhams for small purchases, dress modestly in religious areas, and expect to bargain in the souks (start at 30–40% of the first price and smile). Taxis are plentiful—agree on the fare or ask to use the meter. Spring and fall offer balmy weather; in summer, plan a midday break. Book popular sights and balloon rides in advance.

Marrakech

Within the medina’s walls, centuries of craft live on: leather, brass, cedar, zellij tile, and woven wool. The main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa, has been the city’s theater since at least the 1600s—storytellers and musicians by day, sizzling food stalls by night. Just beyond, the Ville Nouvelle (Gueliz) hosts galleries, cafes, and contemporary Moroccan cuisine.

• Top sights: Koutoubia Mosque (non-Muslims can admire from outside), Bahia Palace, Ben Youssef Madrasa, Saadian Tombs, Le Jardin Secret, Jardin Majorelle & YSL Museum, Dar El Bacha Museum.
• Don’t miss: rooftop sunsets over the Atlas, a traditional hammam, bargaining for a Beni Ourain rug or brass lantern, and a mint tea on a quiet riad terrace.
• Dining highlights: slow-cooked lamb mechoui, smoky zaalouk (eggplant), chicken or lamb tagines, fluffy msemen pancakes, and orange-blossom pastries.

Where to stay (curated picks + booking links):

• Search apartments and riads: VRBO Marrakech | Hotels.com Marrakech
• Royal Mansour Marrakech (iconic craftsmanship, private riads): Check availability
• Es Saadi Marrakech Resort – Hotel (resort vibe near Hivernage nightlife): Check availability
• Riad Dar Attajmil (intimate, warm hospitality steps from the souks): Check availability

Getting to Marrakech: Fly into RAK (Marrakech Menara). Find competitive fares on Trip.com or Kiwi.com. From many European cities (London ~3h45, Paris ~3h20, Madrid ~1h45), nonstop fares can range ~$70–$250 depending on season; from North America, expect one-stop options (~10–15h total), commonly ~$450–$900. If you’re flying to/from Europe and prefer a metasearch specialized in European routes, compare on Omio.

Day 1: Arrival, First Taste of the Medina

Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your riad—drop your bags and exhale; the courtyard fountain is your welcome committee. For a first wander, circle Koutoubia’s gardens, then enter Jemaa el-Fnaa to watch orange juice vendors and musicians at work.

Evening: Sunset on a rooftop is Marrakech in a single frame. Try L’Mida (modern Moroccan, citrusy salads and kefta tanjia) or Nomad (spiced lamb burger, harissa roasted carrots). For a lighter bite, Naranj serves excellent Levantine small plates and fresh juices. Nightcap: mint tea and almond briouats at Pâtisserie des Princes near the square.

Day 2: Palaces, Madrasa, and Souk Discovery

Morning: Breakfast at Café des Épices (msemen pancakes with honey, strong coffee). Visit Bahia Palace for painted cedar ceilings and riad gardens, then the Saadian Tombs—16th‑century marble and stucco at its finest.

Afternoon: Head to Ben Youssef Madrasa, an exquisite Quranic college with carved plaster courtyards. Nearby, Le Jardin Secret offers an oasis of symmetry and shade. Lunch at Le Jardin (zucchini zoodles with chermoula, lemon chicken tagine). Shop the souks: leather in Souk Semmarine, dyers’ alley in Souk des Teinturiers. Bargain kindly.

Evening: Reserve Dar Yacout or Le Foundouk for a traditional feast in a candlelit riad (multi-course salads, lemon chicken, lamb with prunes). Or keep it relaxed at Atay Café Food with skyline views and vegetarian couscous.

Day 3: Sunrise Balloon & Hammam Reboot

Early Morning: Float above palm groves and the Atlas foothills on a sunrise balloon—an unforgettable perspective on the Red City.

Atlas Mountain Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride From Marrakech

Late Morning: Return for a leisurely breakfast and a traditional hammam. Top picks: Les Bains de Marrakech, Heritage Spa, or Farnatchi Spa (reserve ahead). Expect a steam, black soap scrub, and argan oil finish.

Afternoon: Lunch at Limoni (hidden garden, citrus trees, saffron risotto or chicken with preserved lemon). If energy allows, stop by Dar El Bacha Museum of Confluences; the on-site Bacha Coffee pours single-origin brews with vanilla chantilly.

Evening: Dinner at Al Fassia (Gueliz), an institution run by women—try the lamb shoulder mechoui or delicate pastilla. For a late show with live music and gnawa rhythms, Comptoir Darna keeps the night festive.

Day 4: Majorelle Mornings & A Flavorsome Night

Morning: Visit Jardin Majorelle as gates open to beat the crowds—the cobalt blues and cactus silhouettes are photogenic in soft light. The Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door explores the designer’s Marrakech years. Timed tickets are essential in peak season.

Afternoon: Browse 33 Rue Majorelle (Moroccan design brands) or pop into galleries in Gueliz. Lunch at Plus61 (seasonal plates, charcoal prawns, bright salads) or Kechmara (bistro classics and a breezy terrace).

Evening (Food Tour): Dive into street flavors with a guided tasting—think harira soup at dusk, tanjia slow-cooked in the hammam’s embers, and honey-drizzled sfenj doughnuts while the square comes alive.

Authentic Moroccan Food Tour in Marrakech

Day 5: Full-Day High Atlas—Villages, Valleys, and Waterfalls

Head for the mountains to meet the culture and landscapes beyond the city. This full-day trip typically includes an argan oil cooperative visit, a camel ride in the foothills, tea in a Berber home, and a guided walk to a waterfall near Imlil, with a home-cooked tagine lunch and sweeping vistas of terraced valleys.

Atlas Mountains and 3 Valleys & Waterfalls - Camel Ride Marrakech

Day 6: Contemporary Marrakech & Agafay Desert Evening

Morning: Breakfast at Pâtisserie Amandine (almond gazelle horns, mille-feuille). Explore contemporary culture: MACAAL (African contemporary art) and street-style boutiques around Gueliz. Pick up ceramics or woven baskets to ship home.

Afternoon: Pool time—many hotels offer day passes; or retreat to your riad’s terrace with a book. Light lunch at L’Mida or grilled brochettes at Snack Toubkal near the square.

Late Afternoon & Night (Desert Experience): Swap the city for Agafay’s lunar landscapes: quad bikes at golden hour, a gentle sunset camel ride, then dinner under a canopy of stars with live music and dance before returning to Marrakech.

Agafay Desert: Dinner + Show with Quad Bike & Sunset Camel Ride

Day 7: Last Souk Strolls & Departure

Morning: Brunch at Café Clock (try the famed camel burger or date smoothies) or Henna Café (simple breakfasts and a charitable mission). Squeeze in the Saadian Tombs if you missed them or return to your favorite artisan to finalize that rug or lantern.

Afternoon: A quick mechoui feast before you go: seek out Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha on Mechoui Alley for fall-apart roasted lamb and cumin salt. Transfer to the airport for your afternoon departure—keep souvenirs in hand luggage if fragile.

Optional add-ons and tips:

• Jemaa el-Fnaa is dynamic but watch your pockets; ask before photographing performers.
• Friday midday is the main prayer time; some sites may close or have shorter hours.
• If arriving from Europe, compare fares on Omio as well as Trip.com and Kiwi.com.
• Non-Muslims cannot enter mosque prayer halls; admire Koutoubia from gardens and viewpoints.

One more balloon option if you prefer a combo with camel experience and Berber breakfast:

Atlas Mountains Hot Air Balloon Ride from Marrakech with Berber Breakfast and Desert Camel Experience

In seven days you’ve explored Marrakech’s medina and gardens, tasted its street food and refined kitchens, floated above its plains, and traced Berber paths into the High Atlas before a starry Agafay night. This is a city that rewards unhurried curiosity—leave space to get wonderfully lost, then find your way back by the scent of mint and orange blossom.