Marrakesh, also called the "Red City", is the fourth largest city in Morocco. The medina quarters is a UNESCO World Heritage site. If you only have one day in Marrakesh, this itinerary will work for you. While there is much to see and do, one full day is enough to cover a lot of ground in Marrakesh.
Map of Marrakesh (click to see enlarged map). The basic (orange) loop would be Palais Bahia -> Palais Badii -> Saadian Tombs -> Bab Agnaou -> Koutoubia Mosque & Garden -> Jemaa El Fna Square -> Souk. It is totally walkable within this basic loop. More extensive itinerary would include one or two other attractions such as Medersa Ben Youssef, Jardin Majorelle, the tannery or the Menara Gardens (purple box). You may totally skip Wall agdal Marrakesh as you won't miss out much. It is best to stay in one of the Riads within the basic loop so that you won't waste much time getting to the attractions.
A good breakfast at the Riad is a good kick-start to the day before exploring the city. The Riad that I was staying is Riad Jnane Mogador in the Medina.
1) Palais Bahia
I visited Palais Bahia first thing in the morning to beat some of the crowds.
This is the Petite Courtyard. At nearly two hectares, Palais Bahia is one of the largest palaces in the medina. It was constructed at the end of 19th century. Commissioned by the Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed ben Moussa, the palace took over ten years to complete.
The Grand Courtyard is the largest courtyard (50m by 30m) surrounded by rooms and niches. Its construction was completed in 1898 - 1899. It is paved entirely in marble and zellige tiles including three basins.
The palace has over 100 rooms but sadly, all the rooms are empty now. When the vizier died, many including his wives and the sultan took all the art work and furniture from the palace to decorate their own palaces. The Grand Riad is the oldest part in the Palace. It is a vast indoor garden with three basins, two niches and two large rooms.
I spent around 40 minutes here before moving on to Palais Badii.
Admission fee: 80 Dirham (adult)
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm
Google map location: https://g.page/palais-de-la-bahia?share
2) Palais Badii
Palais Badii was built at the end of 16th century by the sultan Ahmed al-Mansour to commemorate the victory of the Battle of the Three Kings against the Portugese. It is now a ruined palace but its enormous ruined courtyard will give you an idea of the building's splendour in the past.
It is worth to spend more time here (45 minutes to 1 hour) as the complex is big.
Admission fee: 80 Dirham (adult), 30 Dirham (children under age 12)
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm
Google map location: https://g.page/palais-el-badii?share
3) Saadian Tombs
The main access to the Saadian Tombs was through the mosque besides it. Built in 1917, a new entrance was opened into the south-west corner, leading into an open-air space occupied by a cemetery and a garden. This is the entrance for tourists.
Be prepared to queue up to see the tombs. The nucleus of this necropolis was erected by the Sultan Abdallah Al-ghalib in 1557, in order to house the tomb of his father, Muhammad Shaykh, the founder of the Saadian dynasty. The tombs are the resting place of approximately 60 members of the Saadi dynasty. These tombs date back to the end of the 16th century.
The compound is relatively small. I would say spending 15 - 20 minutes here (depending on how long is the queue) would be enough.
Admission fee: 80 Dirhams (adult)
Opening hours: 9am - 12pm & 2.30pm - 6pm
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/56dtxaP2tAj2ugZW9
4) Bab Agnaou
Bab Agnaou gate was built by the Almohads and still serves as a passageway today. It is the most beautiful of all the gates. Definitely worth a stop for some photos.
Google map location: https://g.page/bab-agnaou?share
5) Koutoubia Mosque and Garden
Once passing through the gate, walk straight and you'll soon see the iconic minaret of Koutoubia Mosque. It is the largest mosque in Marrakesh. The mosque has been erected since 12th century. It is Marrakesh's most famous landmark. Non-Muslims cannot go inside the mosque or minaret nor can they enter any other mosque in Marrakesh.
On the northwestern side of the minaret are the ruins of the original prayer hall.
Koutoubia Garden is a favourite spot for strolling and relaxing on park benches.
If you don't feel like walking, there are plenty of horse carriages in this area.
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/jtDZrPMGCJPFFZey5
6) Ensemble Artisinal Marrakesh
I stumbled upon this handicraft center while on my way to Wall agdal Marrakesh. It is a government sponsored complex of artisan workshops. The best artisans are selected to work here. The quality is good and price is reasonable. It also has a nice café if you want to have lunch.
Opening hours: 9.30am - 7pm (the rest of the week), 9am - 2pm (Sun)
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/3SCSWxApxKaaH1Hm6
7) Wall agdal Marrakesh
Just a 10-minute walk from Koutoubia Mosque is the Wall agdal Marrakesh. Wall agdal Marrakesh is part of the medina wall. This part of the wall is well preserved.
* You may skip this wall and head straight to Jemaa El Fna Square instead which is nearer to Koutoubia Mosque. But I would recommend to go to the square during evening before sunset for dinner.
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/NkVADSZepVRCRjjJ8
7) Jardin Majorelle
Next, I headed to Jardin Majorelle. From Wall agdal Marrakesh, it's about 5-minute drive or 25-minutes walk. If you have more time or you insist to include it into your 1-day itinerary, you can still do so like I did. Don't waste time walking to get there. Just get a taxi.
I visited the garden only as the ticket price is a bit steep as compared to other attractions. Do try to buy tickets online to avoid queue at the entrance.
* Ticket must be purchased at least 24 hours before your visit if you choose to purchase online.
** Tickets can also be purchased at the ticket office during opening hours.
Jardin Majorelle was designed in 1924 by Jacques Majorelle, French landscape painter that had settled in Marrakesh in 1919. Since 1980, the garden is owned by Yves Saint Lauren. The garden is divided into different areas for different plants and flowers.
The Museun of Berber Arts.
Other parts of the garden including Memorial Yves Saint Laurent. The garden was a pleasure to stroll in and a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle of the city. Much recommended for a visit while visiting Marrakesh.
Admission fee: 120 Dirham (garden only), 150 Dirhams (Museun of Berber Arts + Majorelle Garden), 100 Dirham (Yves Saint Laurent Museum), 220 Dirham (Combined ticket), free for children under age 12 (garden)
Opening hours: 8am - 6.30pm, last entry at 6pm (garden) / 8am - 6pm, last entry at 5.30pm (Museun of Berber Arts)
Website: https://www.jardinmajorelle.com/en/
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/XuyCLSoZMwnMmqTq9
8) Tannery
Since I missed the tannery in Fez, I decided to see the tannery in Marrakesh. If you have been to others tannery in Morocco, you can skip this one. The tannery in Marrakesh is located in the north end of the medina, away from other attractions. I took a taxi from Jardin Majorelle and asked the taxi driver to drop me at the nearest medina gate to the tannery, Bab Debbagh-Kawtar. The journey was about 11 minutes, the fare was about 30 Dirham. Be extra careful to avoid scammers in this area. Just said 'No' to any approaching strangers offering to take you to the tannery. Fortunately, no one bothered me during my brief visit to the tannery.
The scent of the tanneries can be overwhelming. If you want to witness the production process, it is best to visit in early morning. I arrived here late afternoon. The workers are drying the leathers on the floor and wall.
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/Gu6WuzMz1Xozg9yD7
9) Souks
The Souks of Marrakesh is an area surrounding Jemaa El Fna Square, which is a winding labyrinth of narrow alleyways and streets packed with stalls. Different souk sell different products. You will be able to find clothes, food, spices, pottery and many other traditional products in the souks. It is typical to bargain and haggle in any shops here. It is my favourite spot in Marrakesh.
10) Jemaa El Fna Square
Jemaa El Fna Square is the main square in Marrakesh. I would recommend to come during the evening and watch how it transforms at night. There are many fruit juice stalls at the square. Just buy one cup to quench your thirst, but don't forget to haggle for price. They usually charge tourists more.
I even saw a snake charmer performing in the square, with three cobras! I didn't dare to get too near.
I had dinner on the terrace of one of the many restaurants surrounding the square. It was a pleasure watching the hustle and bustle of the square from above.
Jemaa El Fna Square is charming when the lights were lit at night. More stalls opened at night in the middle of the square. It marked the perfect end of my day in Marrakesh.
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/8z12QbpMY2Rzc1nN7
Others attraction that I didn't visit as below:
Medersa Ben Youssef
Unfortunately, it was closed for renovation works until spring 2020. It is the largest Islamic college in Morocco and also the most important. It was founded in the 14th century and has housed over 900 students. Photo above is a stock photo which depicts its magnificent interior patio.
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/u9EW99obHBYkdztB7
Menara Gardens
Menara Gardens near the Menara Mall is a historic public park which was established during the 12th century. The most beautiful part of the garden is the lake (see the stock photo above for your reference). If you have time, you can consider dropping by this garden.
Google map location: https://goo.gl/maps/eCtwFns2WpNtEfSS7
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