48 hours in Marrakech - header

Marrakech City Guide: 48 hours in Marrakech

Team YLBB

 

July 9, 2016

Experience 48 hours in Marrakech as a magical enchantment!

Marrakech, so far away, yet so close. You board a plane in Amsterdam, and barely four hours later, you find yourself in a completely different world. So completely different that you think, "Hey, was this really only a four-hour flight?" And I love culture shock. That's precisely why I experienced my 48 hours in Marrakech like a big adventure. 

Because guess what? Do you want to immerse yourself in a completely different world, but without flying too far or too long? Then Marrakech A perfect destination for a weekend getaway. Here you can not only soak up the culture, but also enjoy fantastic shopping and delicious food. You can read about my 48 hours in Marrakech here.

Follow @yourlbb on Instagram

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺 🫕 Thinking back of amazing days in the snow, I'm in the mood for cheese fondue! I call it comfort food at its finest, and I also love making fresh cheese fondue at home this winter (sometimes even better than eating out ✌🏼☺️). 𝗠𝘆 𝗳𝗮𝘃𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: 📍 @badhuis.amsterdam (East) Every Thursday is fondue night. For €26 pp you dig into a pot of cheese fondue with unlimited sourdough bread, crudités and vegetables. Good vibes included! 📍 @smelt.amsterdam (City Centre) Always a good idea. The cheeses come from De Kaaskamer, so yes: this is next level. Perfect if you love to mix & match. 📍 @cafe_bern (City Centre) Here they serve the best Classic Gruyère cheese fondue. No fuss, just great flavour. This is cheese fondue exactly how it's meant to be. 𝗡𝗲𝘅𝘁-𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝗶𝗻: 📍 @fromagerie_kef (City Centre, North & East) Amsterdam's go-to cheese specialist. From fondue cheeses to perfect wine pairings — and yes, tasting is encouraged. 📍 @fromagerielamuse (South) Cheese fondue kits for at home plus several recipes to make yourself. Which one will you try first? 📍 @dekaaskameramsterdam (City Centre) Swiss fondue, Dutch cheese fondue or ready-made options — you'll always leave with everything you need for the ultimate cozy night in. On 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 you'll find the complete guide with 12+ cheese fondue spots in Amsterdam. Let's make a list like this for the rest of The Netherlands too! What's your favorite spot? 🧀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck Follow @yourlbb & @yourlbb.amsterdam for more Amsterdam restaurant guides, travel guides & the best things to do on the weekends. #cheesefondue #amsterdam #winter
Do you still have a permanent job? This TRAVEL TIP is for everyone who wants to travel a lot in 2026 despite having a permanent job. Save these tips, put them next to your calendar and send them to your travel bestie! And then ask for time off as soon as possible, before your colleagues see these tips too ;-). Happy travels 😘 𝗟𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 𝗚𝗼𝗲𝗱𝗲 𝗩𝗿𝗶𝗷𝗱𝗮𝗴 & 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗻 ⟶ Take vacation days: March 30 - April 2 & April 7 - 10 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 ツ Total free period: March 28 - April 12 (16 days) Holidays & Vacation ⟶ Take vacation days: April 28 - May 1, May 4 & May 6 - 8 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 days ツ Total free: April 25 - May 10 (16 days) Holidays ⟶ Take vacation days: December 21 - 24 & December 28 - 31 ⟶ Number of vacation days required: 8 ツ Total free: December 21 - January 3, 2027 (16 days) **Vacation Schedule & Holidays** ⟶ Take vacation days: Monday, March 30 - Thursday, April 2 ⟶ Vacation days needed: 4 - Total free: March 28 - April 6 (10 days) **Vacation Schedule** ⟶ Take vacation days: May 15 ⟶ Number of vacation days needed: 1 ツ Total free: May 14-17 (4 days) 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗻 ⟶ Take vacation days: May 22 or 26 ⟶ Number of vacation days needed: 1 ツ Total free: May 22-25 or May 23-26 (4 days) Follow @yourlbb for more Travel Tips. And the extensive article about vacation days can now be found on 𝘄𝘄𝘄.𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸.𝗺𝗲 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #vakantiedagen2026 #traveltips
Market agenda and prices are rising steadily 👀 The market agenda may now be a little different Quieter, but luckily there’s still plenty planned for January & February, including a new gem (I predict)! Don’t miss these weekend markets: • 𝗡𝗶𝗲𝘂𝘄 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗱𝗮𝗺: @cabinetamsterdam, a curated vintage design market under one roof, including snacks & coffee. • @sundaymarket • Museum Market • @rotterdamseoogst • @themakermarket The complete guide on Your Little Black Book lists 12 weekend markets in the Netherlands, including dates & locations for January & February. Send these tips to your market-wandering bestie! Follow @yourlbb for more tips on restaurants, travel, hotspots & the best things to do. ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #weekendmarkets #netherlandstips #autumnouting #vintagemarket
**Rotterdam is a vibrant city: Rotterdam is a vibrant city** As a child I came there with my parents to shop, as a teenager and in my twenties to club. Now I love coming there for a weekend escape characterized by good food, nice wine bars and that typical Rotterdam down-to-earth attitude. Rotterdam is buzzing with creativity and has a real IT factor. In this mini-guide, I share my favorite hotspots that you'll really want to know. 📌𝗦𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘇𝗲 𝗴𝘂𝗶𝗱𝗲 for your next trip to Rotterdam. 𝗖𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗘𝗘 ⦁ @parqiet_parkcafe ⦁ @dunerotterdam ⦁ @wollyaandewaterkant ⦁ @nice.neighbourhood 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 ⦁ @morganandmees ⦁ @hotelame ⦁ @roommate_bruno ⦁ @thejameshotelrotterdam 𝗡𝗘𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗕𝗢𝗨𝗥𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 ⦁ Noord ⦁ Katendrecht ⦁ Dijkzigt (Museum Park) ⦁ Scheepvaartkwartier 𝗗𝗢 ⦁ Take the Watertaxi ⦁ @boijmans ⦁ Walk & unwind at de Kralingse Plas ⦁ @nlfotomuseum ⦁ Visit @stationbergweg 𝗘𝗔𝗧 ⦁ @tresrotterdam ⦁ @barbertarotterdam ⦁ @hinoki_rotterdam ⦁ @barbistroloevetdie ⦁ @oxrotterdam ⦁ @restaurant_rotonde ⦁ On my to-visit list, the new @lioncitybistro 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦 ⦁ @walsjerot_nl ⦁ @cafeverward ⦁ @spikizibar ⦁ @lenselinq 💌What's your favourite spot in Rotterdam? ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck
Maybe the last weekend with ice and snow ⛄️❄️ Are you cocooning indoors or preferring to go outside? In our Snowy Amsterdam Guide, I share my favorite winter tips for this weekend in the city. Save it – because snow days like this are rare 🥰 Do you have a nice winter tip for Amsterdam? I'm reading along 👀 ✖️✖️✖️ 🖊️ @anne_de_buck #snow #amsterdam #winter snow in amsterdam, things to do winter in amsterdam
I have always been part of the family and have always been proud of my work. NEW DATE AND EVENTS IN AMSTERDAM 🗝️👀 Mark your calendars! Because on January 17 & 18 Hotelnacht is back in Amsterdam with an edition full of health & wellness events and of course legendary parties that you will be talking about all year long. I got a sneak peek at The Art of Balance theme at the luxurious Anantara Krasnapolsky and arranged a similarly special experience for you as a YLBB follower. AND YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: • overnight stay for 2 people in a luxury room on January 17, 2026 • access to the spa & wellness (based on availability via the wellness desk) • pre-dinner cocktail at Bar The Tailor • fully catered chef's dinner • passe-partouts for the Hotelnacht parties • extensive breakfast in the Wintergarden • participation in the unique Ice Experience in the Summergarden of Krasnapolsky 𝗭𝗢 𝗠𝗔𝗔𝗞 𝗝𝗘 𝗞𝗔𝗡𝗦: • let us know who you would like to check in with at Anantara Grand Hotel Krasnapolsky during the Mastercard Hotelnacht • download the Mastercard Hotelnacht app where you can find the See the full program • and check out @hotelnacht and @anantarakrasnapolsky for the latest updates and to get the fun started! The winner will be notified on January 5th via a comment from @hotelnacht that I'll share in my stories. Fingers crossed for you! Love, Anne #hotelnacht #amsterdam #yourlbbcollab #winactie #giveaway

Day 1 >> 48 hours in Marrakech

For 'start innovating' 
Want to hit the jackpot? Then definitely start your 48 hours in Marrakech at Djemaa el Fna square. Also known as the epicenter of Marrakesh. Because here, every corner is a culture shock. During the day, there's a market, but in the evening, the vibrant energy truly reaches its peak. Then, this square overflows with the magic of Marrakech, and you're instantly enchanted.

48 hours in Marrakech 600x450
On this square you will find everything. From juice stands with fresh juice to dentists selling secondhand dentures. Absolutely everything. The square is bursting with buzz, aromas, drumming, and curiosities. In short: one big cultural explosion. You'll easily encounter snake charmers—or monkeys—there are musicians, you can play games, or listen to stories. And taste! From goat brains to snails, the real daredevils among us won't leave this square until they've tasted everything.

48 hours in marrakech - nomad 600x450
Food
Not into goat brains or snails? No worries. Because even then Djemaa el Fna The place to be. Look up and you'll spot a hidden rooftop bar here and there. It takes a bit of searching to find it, but the observant observer will soon recognize the rooftop bar signs in the square. The alleyways of the souk behind it will quickly point the way. Here's what I discovered:Nomad Marrakech.
48 hours in marrakech - nomads 2 600x450

Found thanks to the black-and-white signs and also visible from the square – wow, what a wonderful respite from the hustle and bustle of the square! You'll have to climb a few stairs to reach this oasis of tranquility, but it's worth it. Here you enter a truly beautiful blend of Morocco meets Nordic. Together, it's reminiscent of a lovely beach club somewhere in the South of France or Ibiza. But no, you're still right in the heart of the medina. The menu features Western dishes interspersed with Moroccan classics. So there's something for everyone: couscous, burgers, or gazpacho, for example. Delicious!

48 hours in marrakech - nomad 600x450 3

Day 2 >> 48 hours in Marrakech

For 'start innovating'
Another enchantment on the agenda. Because on day 2 I visited Jardin Majorelle. A garden once owned by Louis Majorelle, a French interior designer. Believe me, your day won't get more colorful than this. And the moment you enter the garden, you'll understand why. Besides the beautiful flowers, cacti, butterflies, and many different species of birds, the unique painted walls and paths will surely catch your eye. It's like walking onto the set of an Arabian fairy tale. Nowhere else will you find such beautiful color combinations.

48 hours in marrakech - jardin majorelle 2 600x450

48 hours in marrakech - jardin majorelle 4 600x450

48 hours in marrakech - jardin majorelle 1 600 x450

Blue walls interspersed with bright yellow—and many other colorful—pots and vases. It's no wonder that the late Yves Saint Laurent was eager to take over the garden in 1980. Even more interesting: after his death, his ashes were scattered here. In the center of the garden, you'll find not only a beautiful fountain, but also the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech. A small but charming museum showcasing North African costumes. From traditional djellabas and hanbels (shawls made from kilim) to designs and jewelry by Yves Saint Laurent and Louis Majorelle. Suddenly, it becomes clear what inspired many a woman's Burning Man outfit ;-)

Did you think you'd had your fill of fairytales after Jardin Majorelle? Absolutely not. I continued my way back to Djemaa el Fna. But this time, I didn't linger in the square, but lost myself and my way in the souks beyond. 

48 hours in Marrakech - souks 1
48 hours in Marrakech - souks 2

Wow, wow, and wow again. Clear your calendar for the rest of the day, because you'll want to wander for hours here. Just like the Jardin Majorelle, every corner of the souks is postcard-worthy. The narrow alleyways—like the city's house style—are painted in every imaginable shade of terracotta. These colors, combined with the sunlight filtering through the thatched roofs, will automatically make you want to look for Aladdin or Yasmin. They have to be here somewhere ;-)

48 hours in Marrakech - souks 4

And you can find everything there: from the finest leather bags and boots to beautifully woven rugs and pillowcases. Just be aware: bargaining is essential ;-) And don't be put off by the enthusiastic salesman's approach. Look, don't buy!

48 hours in Marrakech - souks

Food:
Had a break from the souks? Then Terrasse des Épices is waiting for you. Another delightful rooftop that will transport you further to the Orient. The trendy decor combined with the relaxing music is reminiscent of a Café del Mar in Ibiza or Hotel Costes. In short: a haven where you can unwind from the hustle and bustle below. Wonderful!

48 hours in marrakech - terrasse des espices

 

DAY 3 >> 48 HOURS IN MARRAKECH

Things to do: After your visit to the Souks, you'll know you can wander for hours. To the left and right of the narrow alleyways, you'll find countless riads and countless other buildings. One building you'll definitely want to visit is the Ben Youssef Madrassa school. The one behind the Ali Ben Youssef Mosque Located in the medina, this ancient Islamic school was once the largest in the region. Students from all over the world came here to learn all about the Quran.

48 hours in Marrakech - Ben Youssef Madrasa 1

What makes this building so fascinating are the countless tiny rooms and staircases on its various floors. These were once the sleeping quarters of students who couldn't afford to go home. It's a remarkable sight, as you're transported back in time 100 years.

48 hours in Marrakech - Ben Youssef Madrasa 2

Food: The most delicious ending for your 48 hours in Marrakech You'll find it at Le Salama. A beautiful restaurant steeped in oriental charm. Here you'll find the typical handmade lamps made of copper, mahden, and metal, and the rest of the space also features Moroccan designs. The menu features various small Moroccan tapas, making it the perfect meal for the journey home. The kefte with tomato is a must!

48 hours in marrakech - le salama

Tip: Have you always wanted a kilim rug for your home? You won't find them anywhere as beautiful as here in Morocco. The selection is enormous, and they're willing to pull out all the stops for you. You won't find them as cheap anywhere else, so bargaining is essential ;-)

48 hours in Marrakech - kilim

More hotspots in Marrakech

MARRAKECH TRAVEL TIPS: THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RIADS at a glance

Traveling to Marrakech and want to stay in a riad? Check out the most beautiful riads in Marrakech here.

Riad Be // Gem Riad // Riad Yasmine // Riad Zenithya // Riad Goloboy // Riad Spa Sindibad // Riad Kasbah // Riad Dar Tamil // Riad El Fenn // Riad & Spa Alia // Riad Farnatchi // Riad Palais Sebban

MARRAKECH TRAVEL TIPS: THE BEST HOTELS in MARRAKECH

Looking for a hotel where you can also relax by the pool?

The Sultana Marrakesh // // Dar Rhizlane // 2Ciels Boutique Hotel // Fairmont Royal Palm // Les Jardins De La Médina // Selman Marrakesh // Domaine Abiad

Search directly for a cheap ticket to Marrakech

Several airlines fly directly or with a connecting flight from the Netherlands to Marrakech. We always use Skyscanner to find the cheapest tickets. Using the widget below, you can instantly find a cheap ticket for the period you want to fly to Marrakech.

Train City Trips

view all 5 tips here

Travel Essentials

view all 36 tips here