Cheap things to do in Marrakech
Street food, souks and Atlas air without spending more than you should.
This is Marrakech for people who want the real thing: mechoui from a clay pit, a medina wander that costs nothing, a cocktail that does not require a tie. Three days split between the old city and the French-built new town, with one Atlas excursion to clear the head. It suits solo travellers and pairs who would rather spend money on the journey than the restaurant.
Day 1: Mouassine, Ben Youssef and the souks
Start with coffee and tilework in the northern medina, eat roast lamb by weight at a pit-fire counter, then drift through riad gardens and spice-market squares until the evening cools off.
- 9:30 AM
Mozaik' Art, Coffee and Brunch
Brunch café near the Bahia side of the medina: msemen, eggs and fresh orange juice before the walk north.
Map - 10:30 AM
Madrasa Ben Youssef
16th-century Islamic college, zellij tilework, carved cedar and marble courtyard; arrive early before the tour groups pile.
Map - 12:30 PM
Chez Lamine Hadj Mustapha Jemaa El Fna
The famous mechoui counter by Jemaa el-Fnaa: pit-roasted lamb sold by weight with bread and cumin.
Map - 2:00 PM
Le Jardin Secret
Restored riad-palace garden in the souks, Islamic and exotic gardens, rooftop tower views over the medina; unhurried afternoon wander.
Map - 7:30 PM
Café Des Épices
Three-floor café over the Rahba Kedima spice square; a tagine on the roof as the lights come on.
Map - 9:30 PM
La Pergola
Laid-back cocktail bar close to the medina, wind down with a local drink without stretching the budget or the bedtime.
Map
Day 2: Guéliz: palaces, craft and pasta
A pasha's palace in the medina, government-fixed craft prices that arm you for souk haggling, and an honest Italian dinner in Guéliz that won't clear you out.
- 9:30 AM
- 10:30 AM
Dar El Bacha Museum
Glaoui pasha's 1910 palace of tiles and carved plaster; add your name for Bacha Coffee on arrival.
Map - 12:30 PM
Dar Cherifa
Literary café in a 16th-century Mouassine riad, carved cedar overhead; a simple lunch and mint tea.
Map - 2:30 PM
Ensemble Artisanal
Government-run craft bazaar with fixed prices. Visit first to establish benchmark prices before haggling in the souks.
Map - 7:30 PM
La Trattoria
La Trattoria for a relaxed dinner, reliable Italian in Guéliz at a reasonable price.
Map
Day 3: Atlas escape, then back for dinner
Take the valley road to Setti Fadma for a riverside scramble and waterfall lunch, return to Guéliz for a casual Moroccan meal and a last drink near the medina walls.
Where to stay
Riad 72
Riad 72 is the cheapest pick on the list and sits right in the Mouassine quarter, a short walk from Day 1's entire itinerary.
Riad Marrakech 'Les Jardins De Mouassine'
Les Jardins de Mouassine is another budget-priced riad in the same pocket of the medina, with a garden that earns its name.
Make Marrakech your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Jardin Majorelle: a few days ahead
- Berber Museum: a few days ahead
- Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech: a few days ahead
- Les Bains de Marrakech: a few days ahead
- Hammam de la Rose: a few days ahead
- Amal Women's Training Center and Moroccan Restaurant: a few days ahead
Skip these
- The tannery detour: a stranger says your route is closed or today is a special tannery festival, then a shop terrace and a large guide fee follow.
- It's closed, said about whatever you named, almost never is. Smile, say la, shukran, and check your own map.
- The henna grab near the square: hands in pockets, say no early, and do not negotiate afterwards.
- Monkey and snake handlers expect payment the moment a camera rises. Agree a small price before any photo, or do not photograph them.
The full Marrakech travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around