How To Spend A Great Week In Morocco

Back in 2017, we enjoyed a wonderful trip to Morocco. We based ourselves in Marrakech, toured the Draa Valley, passed through the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, and stayed in the Zagora desert. In this blog post, we’ll talk about how to spend a great week in Morocco.

Francesca and I have been traveling together for over 10 years, and we can proudly say we are well-traveled at this stage! In 2017, we spent a week in Morocco and had an amazing time. Now we want to share that experience with you. Let’s dive right in!

Morocco one week itinerary from Marrakech

The best one-week Morocco itinerary has to start in Marrakech. Known for its ancient walled city, the Medina, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Marrakech is one of the most vibrant cities in Morocco. It offers a plethora of activities, from tasting renowned cuisine to exploring stunning architecture and gardens. To spend a great week in Morocco, allocate 2-3 days to Marrakech.

During our time in Marrakech, we stayed at Hotel & Spa Riad Al Jazira. A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a central courtyard, and many in Marrakech have been converted into guesthouses, offering a unique and authentic experience. Riad Al Jazira is located in a tranquil area within walking distance of the Medina. We enjoyed their delicious food, especially the breakfast served by the pool. Their quality of service is superb, which is why they rank among the top Marrakech riads on Booking.com.

Given our positive experience, we highly recommend staying at Riad Al Jazira. In any case, you should stay in a Riad to fully experience the authentic Moroccan charm.

Find the best Riads in Marrakech here

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The Best Things to Do in Marrakech

We spent three days in Marrakech and honestly felt we could have stayed even longer. Coincidentally, our college friends were also there, so it was great to spend time with them too! Now, let’s look at the best things to do in Marrakech.

1) Medina

One of the most popular attractions in Marrakech is the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, which is located in the heart of Medina. It’s a vibrant and colorful square where you can find street performers, food stalls, and vendors selling all sorts of traditional Moroccan goods. The square is particularly lively at night, and it’s a great place to try some authentic Moroccan cuisine. While exploring the Medina, you can easily spend hours getting lost in the maze of narrow streets and alleyways, browsing the “souks” (markets) for spices, textiles, pottery, and other handmade goods.

2) Bahia Palace

Another must-visit attraction in Marrakech is the 19th-century Bahia Palace. Known for its beautiful gardens, intricate tilework, and stunning architecture that blends Moroccan and Islamic styles, the palace is a true gem. One of the most impressive features of Bahia Palace is the Grand Court, a large courtyard surrounded by a two-story gallery with ornate columns and arches. The courtyard is paved with marble and features a large fountain at its center. To fully appreciate this stunning palace, it is recommended to take a guided tour.

3) Hammah

One of the best experiences to try in Marrakech is visiting a “Hammam.” A Hammam is a traditional Moroccan bathhouse where locals go to relax and socialize. Many Hammams offer spa treatments, such as massages and facials. Naturally, we treated ourselves to a Hammam with a pamper package 😊.

4) Majorelle Garden

Majorelle Garden is also a must-see if you have the time during a week in Morocco. Known for its lush greenery, colorful flowers, and stunning architecture, the garden features more than 300 species of plants from around the world, including cacti, bamboo, palm trees, and water lilies. We enjoyed the peace of this garden after spending a half day in the noisy Medina.

5) Sunset Aperitifs

One thing we enjoyed most about Marrakech was relaxing on the terraces. There are many bars and restaurants situated on terraces, allowing us to enjoy panoramic aperitifs.

6) Nightlife and Cuisine

Morocco is famously known for its rich and flavorful cuisine. One of the most popular dishes in Moroccan cuisine is “Tagine”. It’s a slow-cooked stew made with meat, vegetables, and spices, traditionally prepared in a clay pot to lock in the flavors and aromas. Another beloved dish is Couscous, a staple food made from semolina flour, often served with a savory stew of vegetables and meat like lamb or chicken. For the ultimate culinary experience and insight into Moroccan cuisine, consider booking the Marrakech Food Tour.

The nightlife in Marrakech is vibrant and diverse, offering something for every taste during a week in Morocco. Whether you prefer a casual dining experience or a more upscale setting, you can enjoy delicious Tagine or Couscous. We tried both options. One day, we savored tasty homemade food at an outdoor eatery surrounded by donkeys and cats! On another evening, we dressed up and headed to Palais Jad Mahal, a renowned club known for its excellent food, drinks, and belly dance shows.

10 Things to Know about Marrakech

Here are 10 essential tips for spending a great week in Morocco in Marrakech:

1. Language: While Arabic and Berber are the official languages, many Moroccans also speak French and English.

2. Currency: The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD), best exchanged at banks or official exchange offices.

3. Bargaining: Don’t hesitate to haggle for a good price, especially in the souks where bargaining is customary.

4. Dress Code: As Morocco is a Muslim country, conservative dressing, particularly in the Medina, is respectful.

5. Prayer Times: Muslims pray five times a day; be mindful of these times and avoid loud noise.

6. Alcohol: While available in some restaurants and bars, it’s not as widely accessible due to religious customs.

7. Transportation: Taxis are plentiful, but agree on a fare before your journey. Local buses and professional transfers are also options.

8. Street Names: The streets in Marrakech’s Medina can be maze-like and lack clear names, so a map or asking for directions is wise.

9. Tourist Scams: Exercise caution against potential scams, particularly from overly friendly locals offering guidance for a fee.

10. Dressing for the Weather: Given Marrakech’s hot summers, wear lightweight, breathable clothing and stay hydrated.

How to spend a great week in Morocco: Beyond Marrakech

Now that we’ve explored Marrakech, it’s time to move on. Morocco boasts a wealth of historical cities and stunning natural settings. While a week in Morocco won’t allow you to visit everything, you can discover more by joining a bus tour.

Aït Benhaddou

In the early morning, we departed from Marrakech and headed south toward Aït Benhaddou. The roads in Morocco are mostly unpaved, and driving can be challenging at times. For this reason, we wouldn’t recommend hiring a car but instead joining a bus tour.

Aït Benhaddou is a fortified village located approximately 30 kilometers from the city of Ouarzazate. Renowned for its well-preserved “Ksar” (fortified village) made of adobe, it has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The Ksar served as a crucial stop for traders traveling along the old caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakech, underscoring its historical significance. Additionally, Aït Benhaddou has served as a filming location for numerous Hollywood movies, including Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, and The Mummy.

Upon our arrival, a group of local children warmly welcomed us and assisted us in crossing the river, in exchange for a tip. Despite being a popular destination, we found ourselves among the few visitors and relished the tranquility of the village. We spent around an hour exploring the impressive architecture, delving into the area’s history, and immersing ourselves in the local culture.

Ouarzazate

Ouarzazate, situated in southern Morocco, is renowned for its breathtaking desert landscapes, historic Kasbahs, and thriving film industry. While we only made a brief stop in Ouarzazate to grab some food, we didn’t have the opportunity to explore much of the city. However, what truly captivated us about this region was the surrounding landscapes: driving through an oasis amidst the desert with the snow-capped Atlas Mountains as a backdrop was truly awe-inspiring. As we journeyed toward the Draa Valley, we encountered lush palm groves, picturesque villages, and historic Kasbahs along the way. This led us to our main destination: Zagora.

Zagora Desert

Zagora, nestled on the fringe of the Sahara Desert, is celebrated for its captivating desert vistas, ancient sites, and rich Berber heritage. Upon our arrival, we embarked on a camel trek through the desert, perfectly timed to catch the sunset. Upon reaching the base camp, we shared a meal with local Berbers, indulged in music around a crackling fire, and were mesmerized by the clear, starry sky above. The night sky dazzled with the brilliance of countless stars, with the Milky Way distinctly visible. It was an unforgettable night, marking the perfect conclusion to our great week in Morocco.

Time for conclusions

In this blog post, we’ve detailed how to spend a great week in Morocco. Our one-week Morocco itinerary encompassed 3 days in Marrakech followed by a tour to Zagora in the Draa Valley. Marrakech, one of the most vibrant cities in Morocco, offers a plethora of activities and attractions. We’ve outlined the best things to do in Marrakech and provided a list of 10 essential tips for visiting the city.

Morocco is a country brimming with delights, from its delectable cuisine to its historical cities, picturesque valleys, and breathtaking sunsets. Prepare yourself for a great week in Morocco filled with unforgettable experiences.

Next, we’ll share some of the best tours available in Morocco, each with comprehensive details and unbiased reviews from travelers worldwide. Many of these tours also offer free cancellation for added peace of mind.