Marrakech with kids: 3 Day Itinerary for a Family trip

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Marrakech is a city that assaults the senses in the best possible way—bursting with colour, rich in culture, and steeped in history.

I’ve talked about it before but pre children we both visited Morocco and left with very different feelings.

Jak loved Morocco.

I did not.

However, this trip to Morocco has totally converted me. Marrakech is definitely a more challenging city but it has some charm to it.

Whether you’re navigating its maze-like souks for the first time or returning, let us help you to make your trip to Marrakech with kids memorable, but more importantly, manageable.

Ready for our tips on handling the chaos, snake-charmers, and occasional camel? Let’s get started!

Is Three Days Enough in Marrakech?

Yes, three days is plenty of time to experience Marrakech’s highlights without feeling overwhelmed.

It’s enough time to get a taste of Marrakech, with a good mix of activity and downtime.

We took three separate trips and decided a Marrakech 3 day itinerary was the perfect amount.

Tips for Making the Most of a Short Stay

• Focus on Key Experiences: Marrakech can be intense, so rather than trying to see everything, pick a few key experiences that interest your family.
• Start Early: Mornings are cooler and less crowded, making them the best time to explore. Plus, kids are generally in better spirits earlier in the day, which helps keep everyone happy.
• Mix Busy Days with Relaxation: Pair sightseeing with some quieter activities or kid friendly, like visiting a garden or enjoying the hotel pool. It helps everyone!

How to Get to Marrakech

Most visitors fly into Marrakech Menara Airport.

The airport is well-connected with direct flights from major European cities and some at the most amazing prices.

For budget airlines, we use Skyscanner to find the best prices

From the airport, it’s a short taxi ride to the Medina or your hotel.

I would recommend not arriving into Marrakech if possible. We flew out and it has to be one of our worst airport experiences in terms of constant queueing from outside the airport until we boarded the plane.

Alternatively, if you are coming from the cities in the North such as Rabat, Casablanca or Fes, you can arrive by train via ONCF. Trains are quick, cheap and efficient although not always on time!

Coming from places like as Essaouira, Agadir or Ouarzazate, you will likely come by bus using CTM or Supratours.

How to Get Around Marrakech

Getting around Marrakech is straightforward.

Most attractions are within walking distance in the Medina, but taxis are also readily available.

If you are staying out of the medina, you can use a taxi app such as Roby taxi or InDrive. Most of the small taxi’s will only take 3 people!

When travelling to Morocco you have to expect to barter. It’s a way of life.

The first price you’re quoted is just a starting point.

Taxi drivers in Marrakech are notorious for inflating prices for tourists so be prepared to haggle, alternatively you can book a taxi with the app mentioned above or through a recommended driver.

If you are staying in the Medina, or near the Medina then everything is walking distance.

However, the medina is a maze, make sure you have a downloaded map or data on your phone to navigate your way around.

Activities in Marrakech with Kids

Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, Medina and Souks

I think we have to start with the Medina.

You have probably heard of the Medina at night, but heading there in the day gives you an opportunity to acclimatise and get a sense of the medina.

Start at Djemaa el-Fna (the square), grab a juice (orange is amazing) before heading into the souks

The best way to approach the labrinyth of the souks is to just go with it. Give yourself 2-3 hours and play the take turns deciding which direction to go.

The souks are full of life and honestly, has some of the best and unique shopping. If you see something you like, buy it. You might not find it again!

Don’t forget to haggle!

We first visited the medina with kids during Ramadan and it was definitely quieter than our second visits but we noticed that there was very little harassment to buy things. It was nice.

Visiting the Medina at night

This is one of the best places for people watching and seeing the sunset. All around the squares are cafes, head there at least 30 mins, take your pick and sit and relax.

The medina comes alive at night. From snake charmers, to dancing monkeys, Henna ladies to hair braiding. It is busy!

Our kids actually found it quiet difficult to navigate the medina mostly because of the animals. There is clear animal abuse and you might find yourself with a snake on your shoulder from a pushy vendor.

They found the sidelines much easier.

Jardin Majorelle

Otherwise known as the Yves Saint Laurent garden, offers a peaceful retreat from the city’s bustle.

We stayed just next door to here and found the huge queues to get in very off putting. You can buy tickets in advance.

As with most places, the earlier you go, the quieter it should be (unless you book your ticket, which has ta time slot).

Berber Museum

The Berber Museum is inside Jardin. It’s an educational experience that introduces kids to the history and culture of Morocco’s indigenous people through exhibits of traditional clothing, jewelry, and artifacts.

Tanneries

This is one that is a little divisive. Whilst interesting to learn about the tanning process, the hustlers are pushy and the smell…

The key suggestions to see the tanneries is to go with a guide.

Menara Gardens

Pack a picnic and head to Menara Gardens, a peaceful spot with a large reflecting pool. The gardens offer a break from the city’s hustle, with space for the kids to run around while you take in the views of the Atlas Mountains.

Ben Youssef Madrasa

This former Islamic school, dating back to the 14th century, is beautiful, lots of history but even better, the courtyards, corridors and rooms makes it a great place to escape the crowds and play hide and seek with the kids.

Family Bike Tour

For a bit of adventure, consider a family bike tour around Marrakech. Companies offer routes that take you through quieter streets and past historic sites, giving you a different perspective of the city.

Camel Ride or Hot Air Balloon Adventure

On your last day, treat the kids to a camel ride just outside Marrakech. If you’re feeling adventurous, opt for a hot air balloon ride at sunrise for stunning views of the desert.

Hammam

A hammam is a bath house, where you generally strip down to your birthday suits and have a super duper wash and scrub surrounded by strangers.

There are options to private hire a hammam and even a few for families.

Shopping in Marrakech

Marrakech is a shopper’s paradise. The souks are filled with everything from handcrafted goods to vibrant textiles and is a lot more unique than what you will find in Asia. Remember to haggle—it’s part of the experience.

Where to Stay in Marrakech

If you have a limited time in Marrakech, we recommend staying in or as near to the medina as possible and if you budget allows, staying in a traditional riad for the ultimate Moroccan experience.

A riad is a traditional Moroccan accommodation with an open courtyard and rooms around the side.

Luxury: Palais Riad Lamrani

Your own small palace in the middle of the medina. A great pool in this little oasis of peace and a delicious breakfast to top it off.

Mid-range: Riad Matham

Beautiful, peaceful riad right in the heart of the Medina. Great rooftop views of the medina, incredible staff and a swimming pool.

Budget: Riad N10

Located down very quiet little alley only moments from the main square, great staff, nice atmosphere and clean rooms.

Other areas to stay in Marrakech

1. Hivernage

Hivernage is a chic, modern district. It’s quieter than the Medina, making it a great choice for families who want a more relaxed environment..

2. Gueliz

Gueliz is the city’s modern hub with plenty of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It’s more laid-back compared to the Medina, and you’ll find a range of family-friendly accommodations here, from mid-range hotels to upscale resorts. It’s also well-connected by public transport. This was our pick of places to stay

3. Agdal

Agdal is a residential area, a bit further from the city center but offers a quieter atmosphere.

4. Palmeraie

The Palmeraie is a vast area, ideal if you’re looking for a resort-style stay with plenty of amenities like pools and kids’ clubs. It’s a bit isolated, so it’s best for those who prefer staying on-site and enjoying the resort’s facilities.

Where to Eat in Marrakech with Kids

More important than where to eat is what on earth are the kids going to eat? Luckily we have you covered with our guide to Moroccan food. Heavily influenced by our own kids who deemed Moroccan food delicious!

Café Clock

Café Clock is a family-friendly spot known for its camel burger and cooking classes. The laid-back atmosphere and fun menu make it a hit with kids. And they run other activities too.

• Storytelling -7pm on Monday and Thursday night – free
• Jam sessions – 7pm on Wednesday night – free
• Live music- 6pm on Saturday– 50 dirhams per person

Amal Café

Amal Café in Marrakech is a nonprofit restaurant that provides vocational training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged women. The café serves a variety of Moroccan dishes, from tagines to couscous, in a cozy setting. It’s delicious, and a great place to enjoy a meal while supporting a good cause.

Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha

Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha is a local favourite right in the heart of the medina. Known for its traditional food, particularly its grilled meats and flavourful tagines, it’s a no-frills place with a casual vibe where you can dive into classic Moroccan street food.

Suggested 3-Day Marrakech Itinerary for Families

Day 1: Visit the Heart of Marrakech

Morning: Explore Jardin Majorelle and Yves Saint Laurent Museum
Start your adventure with a stroll through Jardin Majorelle, right next door is the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, where you can check out the designer’s stunning creations and get a glimpse into the world of fashion. This is a peaceful (yet busy! Is that possible?) start to your Marrakech trip.

Midday: Family-Friendly Lunch
Recharge with lunch at Café Clock. It’s a great spot with a relaxed vibe and a menu that kids will actually enjoy. The camel burger is a unique treat!

Afternoon: Wander the Medina and Souks
Head into the Medina to explore the souks. It’s a sensory overload, so keep the kids close. Watch out for carts and scooters trying to come through. The maze-like streets can be overwhelming, but that’s part of the fun!

Evening: Jemaa el-Fnaa Square
Wrap up the day at Jemaa el-Fnaa. It’s like a circus with street performers, food stalls, and all sorts of characters. The kids will be wide-eyed, but be cautious of the pushy vendors and their animals

Day 2: Gardens, Adventure, and Culture

Morning: Natural Henna Experience
Kick off your day with a henna session at a local café (don’t get henna from the ladies in the square). It’s a fun, low-key activity. If you have a wiggly kid, choose a small henna as you need to sit still while it dries!

Midday: Picnic at Menara Gardens
Grab a picnic and head to Menara Gardens. A peaceful gardens for the kids to run about.

Afternoon: Bike Tour of Marrakech
Get a different perspective of the city with a family-friendly bike tour. It’s an active way to see Marrakech beyond the crowded streets, and the kids will love the chance to ride around and explore.

Evening: Moroccan Dinner with Entertainment
Finish the day with a traditional Moroccan dinner at a place like Chez Ali. Enjoy some live entertainment, whether it’s belly dancing or traditional music.

Day 3: Adventure, Play, and Relaxation

Morning: Camel Ride or Hot Air Balloon
For a memorable start, take the kids on a camel ride just outside Marrakech. If you’re up for an early adventure, a hot air balloon ride offers stunning views of the desert and the city.

Midday: Explore the Gueliz District
Want a slightly less chaotic shopping experience then head to the Gueliz District. It’s the modern part of town with a mix of boutiques and cafes

Afternoon: Family Hammam Experience
Relax and rejuvenate with a family-friendly hammam experience.

Some spas offer special sessions for families where you can enjoy a traditional Moroccan steam bath and scrub together. It’s a great way to get the kids properly clean!

Things to Know Before Visiting Marrakech

What to Wear in Marrakech

For Women: Marrakech is a conservative city, so women should opt for loose, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. A scarf is handy for covering up in more traditional areas.

For Men: Men should also dress modestly, with long trousers and short- or long-sleeve shirts being the norm.

Tipping Customs in Marrakech

Tipping is customary in Marrakech. In restaurants, a 10% tip is standard if service isn’t included. For small services like a porter carrying your bags or a guide showing you around, a small tip is appreciated.

Safety in Marrakech

Marrakech is generally safe, but like any city, it’s important to stay aware of your surroundings. Keep valuables close, especially in crowded areas like the Medina. Be cautious with street vendors and avoid accepting help from unofficial guides.

Safety with Kids

Around the Medina, scooters and carts will stop for no-one, walk on the right side and follow the flow of traffic (people). Keep the kids tucked in or walk in a line

Tourist Scams in Marrakech

Anyone offering advice or to take you somewhere probably has an ulterior motive, and despite their protests at the start, may demand payment at the end. Also be war of asking for directions for this reason.

Similarly, avoid the services in Djemaa el-Fna Square. The henna is not good for your skin and the animals are treated cruelly.

Be careful taking photos or video, because if you accidentally video someone, they may approach for payment.

We had very little hassle, a big change from 15 years ago!

Don’t carry all your cash on you. Keep smaller money is the wallet you use in the market and the rest buried in your bag.

Day Trips and Overnight Trips from Marrakech

Agafay Desert

For a taste of the desert without the long drive, head to the Agafay Desert. It’s a rocky desert, not sandy like the Sahara, but offers camel rides, quad biking, and stargazing.

Is the Sahara desert with kids worth it? Check out our trip details here.

Atlas Mountains

If you like nature, waterfalls and a little hiking then take a trip to the Atlas Mountains. It’s 90 minutes from Marrakech (through slightly perilous road conditions) but it takes you through amazing countryside to the Berber villages near Imlil.

Ourika Valley

Just 45 minutes from Marrakech and filled with small tea houses and restaurants along a river, it’s the perfect place to escape Marrakech. Lots of fruit picking available too.

Sahara Desert Tours

This is a big one, although possible in 48hours from Marrakech.

Book a tour to Merzouga to visit the Sahara. It’s a bit of an epic journey but I’m not sure anything comes close to sleeping under the stars.

Visit Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou

Great stops on the way to the desert or interesting places to visit. An ancient kasbah and the perfect filming location for lots of TV shows and movies (think Game of Thrones and Gladiator).

Essaouira

Alternatively, head to the coast to Essaouira for a bit of blustery beach time. Known for it’s wind, it’s a great sea side spot for water spots or an easier medina.

Best SIM Card

We always arrive in a country with an esim, so we have no worries booking a taxi or confirming accommodation but then we bought an Maroc Telecom sim. It’s the largest mobile network in Morocco. They offer a variety of data-only SIM packages, starting at 500 MB for 1 day of validity. Buying a local sim is a much cheaper option.

Best Time to Visit Marrakech

The best times to visit Marrakech with kids are in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when the weather is warm but not too hot.

In May, when we visited, it was already heating up!

Heading into the hills can also be a little chilly and wet so be prepared.

Summers can be scorching, and while winters are mild, evenings can get chilly.

FAQs about Family Travel in Marrakech

Key facts

• Morocco Population – 37.34 million as of 2021
• Currency – Moroccan Dirhams or MAD
• ATM Machine – Look for the Al Barid ATM as they don’t charge foreign card fees. Most small shops won’t accept card so make sure you always have cash.
• Capital – Rabat (yeah, we thought it was Marrakech for a while too)
• Language Spoken – Moroccan Arabic (or Darija), Moroccan Berber (or Amazigh) and French
• Religion – Sunni Muslim
• Airports – Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) – only 5km from the Marrakech City Centre

3 days in Marrakech with kids

Marrakech is a cool city. It’s one of those places which takes a little more effort but is definitely worth it. It’s just another dynamic to Morocco, the country with so much variety, you have to explore beyond Marrakech.

This Marrakech 3 day itinerary can be chopped and changed to make the best plan for your families visit.

Our Favourite family planning tools

• Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site with the widest selection of budget accommodation. It’s easy to filter and sort into price and availability.
• Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss.
• Kiwi– We use Kiwi for our destination inspiration, and to help find those routes which are a little cheaper. It has a very flexible search option for finding flights.
• GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is the place to go for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safari’s and more!
• SafetyWing – A great travel insurance option that offers load of flexibility. 
• Genki – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel, gap years and digital nomads (including those who have already left home). 
• Wise– Our go to for all international spending and transfers. Get a fee free transfer of 500GBP with our link
• ESim– We always set up an esim for arrival into a country to help navigate our way around.
• Discover Cars– Our go to for rentals, internationally. We always find the best deals here
• 12go– Our go to for booking buses, trains, coaches and boats
• TravelSpend– Helps us to keep track of our budget

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