Morocco 7-Day Itinerary – What to See and Do in One Week

This Morocco 7-day itinerary is a part of our broader travel guide for the country. We recommend you check it out for the best travel tips and the most accurate information on transportation, hotels, restaurants and safety tips in Morocco.

Morocco 7-Day Itinerary – Where to visit in Morocco in 1 week

Although 1 week is definitely too short to see the best Morocco has to offer, and if you really have no leeway to add a couple extra days, we’re still here to help you make the most of your experience. To do so, though, you’ll need to keep up the pace, even if you only end up visiting the “essentials”. By following our ambitious plan, you’ll still get to explore Marrakesh, the country’s biggest tourist destination – along with a couple cool day trips to Ait Ben Haddou and to the Agafay Desert (great alternative to the remote Sahara) – and complete the trifecta of imperial cities with a visit to both Fes and Meknes.

That being said, if you are looking for more comprehensive itineraries and have some additional time in hands, feel free to have a look at our extended guides to Morocco:

• Morocco 12-Day Itinerary – Best Places to Visit in the Country
• Morocco 14-Day Itinerary – Highlights of Two Weeks in Morocco

So, without further ado, here are the cities, places and tourist attractions you should visit in a 7-day itinerary through Morocco:

Morocco 7-Day Itinerary: Day 1 – Marrakesh: The Medina

Just arrived in Marrakesh, your first day in Moroccan soil will be entirely dedicated to exploring the fabulous Medina, the historic walled center where time seems to stand still. Here, where no cars or vans are allowed, buildings are built and coated with red clay, and numerous merchants still set up their stalls along the narrow and dusty, bustling streets. It’s a true microcosm of the commercial and religious traditions of the Maghreb region. However, before diving deep into the organized chaos of the Medina, your day will kick off with a visit to the Tanneries of Marrakesh, one of the city’s best-kept secrets. Although Fez’s is widely known for its tanneries, Marrakesh boasts its very own district dedicated to the treatment of leather and animal skins. Unlike Fez, however, Marrakesh’s tanneries aren’t particularly touristy, meaning the experience will be more chaotic, but also more traditional and authentic. As a final word of notice, keep in mind workers and locals tend to be particularly aggressive around here when it comes to making a few extra dirhams of you. Stay firm and refute any approaches.

When finally entering the inebriating Medina, you’ll start off by visiting the extraordinary Ben Youssef Madrasa (40 Dh), the largest of its kind in the country. In Islam, a madrasa is a school for religious studies, and this one is renowned for its exceptional beauty, with its stunning central courtyard and intricate zellij mosaics and stucco details. Although the entire Medina can be seen as a souq due to its maze-like layout and endless array of shops and stalls, most businesses are concentrated in specific areas, such as the district of Rahba Kedima. While it may seem chaotic at first glance, there is indeed some sort of organization, with different souqs specializing in specific products or services:

• Place Rahba Kedima: spices, herbs and teas;
• Souq Haddadine: metal products (lampshades, tables, etc.);
• Souq Cherratine: leather goods;
• Souq Sebbaghine: skins and textiles;
• Souq Zrabia: carpets, rugs and tapestries;
• Souq Smata: clothing;
• Souq Kchacha: dried fruits and vegetables.

In between, don’t forget to visit the Almoravid Qubba (60 Dh), the oldest monument in Marrakesh, before taking a moment to relax in the Jardin Secret (80 Dh). True to its name (Secret Garden), this picturesque and quaint green space – located amidst the chaos of the Medina – allows visitors to take a break from the sensory overload of central Marrakesh. Once part of a Saadian palace, the garden underwent massive renovation works and opened to the public in 2016, steadily gaining popularity (though it can still be considered a hidden gem of sorts). Next to the garden, we also recommend indulging in a traditional Hammam experience, a staple of Moroccan and North-African culture. Offering heated marble rooms and exfoliation massages with local products, you can find all kinds of Hammams throughout Marrakesh, both local and tourist-oriented. For a more authentic experience, consider visiting Hammam Mouassine, the city’s oldest (entry costs 10 Dh, massages and treatments are extra). After completing your cleansing ritual, ramp up the energy levels and head to the legendary Jemaa El-Fna, one of the city’s greatest attractions and an essential place where to witness the Moroccan way of life. Whether day or night, the square is constantly buzzing with traditional music, street vendors and motorbikes. For a panoramic view, enjoy a mint tea on the terrace of Café Glacier, taking in the mesmerizing atmosphere around you. Finally, end your day with a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque, whose minaret marks the highest point in the entire Medina. While non-Muslims can’t enter the mosque, a stroll through its gardens is enough to enjoy the building’s architecture.

First day wrap-up:

• Tanneries of Marrakesh
• Medina
  • Ben Youssef Madrasa
  • Souqs of Marrakesh
  • Almoravid Qubba
  • Jardin Secret
  • Hammam Mouassine (traditional baths)
  • Jemaa El-Fna
  • Koutoubia Mosque

Where to eat in Marrakesh – Cheap restaurants inside the Medina

• Snack Toubkal (Moroccan traditional)
• Café Des Épices (Moroccan traditional)
• Atay Café (Moroccan traditional)
• Henna Art Café (Moroccan traditional)
• Cuisine De Terroir (Moroccan traditional)
• Dabachi Chez Cherif (Moroccan traditional)
• Cafe Babouche (varied)
• L’mdina Marrakech (varied)
• Broc The Kasbah (vegetarian)
• Snack Bachar (sandwiches with meat, veggies and offal)

Morocco 7-Day Itinerary: Day 2 – Marrakesh: Palaces, Tombs and the Majorelle Gardens

Now that you’ve explored the Medina, your second day in Marrakesh will be spent discovering the city’s other attractions, with a focus on the palaces and remnants of the Saadian Sultanate, the powerful dynasty that ruled over Moroccan territory during the 16th and 17th centuries. However, to start your morning in a more relaxed tone, we recommend a quick stroll along Errachidia Street. Located near the Saadian Tombs, this thoroughfare provides a much-needed respite from the crowded and excessively touristy scene of the Medina. While offering the same traditional architecture and street markets, the atmosphere is notably more subdued, offering visitors a quieter experience. And since we mentioned the Saadian Tombs (70 Dh), a necropolis where many of Morocco’s historical monarchs are buried, this will be your next stop! Comprising several burial halls, with the sumptuous Chamber of the Twelve Columns as the highlight, this historical site is yet great another example of traditional Moroccan interior architecture. A bit further north, it’s also worth visiting the Badi Palace (70 Dh), which are actually the ruins of an ancient royal residence, before venturing into the district of Mellah. Historically recognized as Marrakesh’s Jewish quarter, Mellah was once home to a vibrant Semitic community. While now predominantly Muslim, you can still find signs of its Jewish heritage through the architecture and monuments that still honors its past, such as the Lazama Synagogue or the Jewish Cemetery, the largest in Morocco.

When it comes to palaces, and although Marrakesh offers plenty of options, the most impressive of the bunch is definitely Bahia Palace (70 Dh). Built in the 19th century to serve as the opulent residence of Si Musa, the grand vizier of the sultan and the highest position in the country’s government, the residence was subsequently expanded and improved, boasting some of the best examples of art made with colorful mosaics forming intricate geometric patterns. Just a few minutes away, we also suggest a visit to Dar Si Said (30 Dh), another imposing mansion, currently functioning as a museum that showcases an interesting collection of Berber art, Moroccan tapestries and traditional doors. Finally, you can catch a bus (explained in the transportation section) or walk about 3 km to reach the famous Majorelle Gardens (155 Dh), where your day will come to an end. Located outside the historic center, the gardens served as a retreat for the French high-fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé, and are famous for their exotic trees, cacti and vibrant colors. Please note that is mandatory to buy your tickets online, as there is no option to do so in person. Along with the gardens, you can also purchase a combo ticket (315 Dh) and visit the two on-site museums: the Yves Saint-Laurent Museum and the Pierre Bergé Berber Art Museum.

Second day wrap-up:

• Errachidia Street
• Saadian Tombs
• Badi Palace
• Mellah Quarter
  • Lazama Synagogue
  • Jewish Cemetery
• Bahia Palace
• Dar Si Said
• Majorelle Gardens (combo w/ Yves Saint-Laurent Museum e o Pierre Bergé Berber Art Museum)

Where to eat in Marrakesh – Cheap restaurants in Kasbah, Mellah e Gueliz

• Amal Women’s Training Center (Moroccan traditional)
• Café Restaurant Dar L’hssira (Moroccan traditional)
• Mazel Café (Moroccan traditional)
• Malah Café & Restaurant (Moroccan traditional)
• La table de Marrakech (Moroccan traditional)
• Black Chich (African food)
• Le Petit Thai (Thai)
• Mario e Luigi (Italian)
• Medina Burger (hamburgers)

Morocco 7-Day Itinerary – Day 3: Day Trip to the Agafay Desert

A “must” for anyone visiting Morocco, spending a day (or night) in the desert is the highlight of any trip to the country. Since the dunes of Erg Chebi and the deserts of Zagora and Chigaga are too far from Marrakesh for a feasible day trip, most visitors stick to the Agafay Desert, just 35 km away from the Red City. For us, this is actually the perfect way to have a desert-experience while on a short 7-day tour of Morocco!

While many travelers specifically aim to spend the night under the famous starry desert sky, most settle for a good day trip due to time or budget constraints. Although there are various tour options available, most include activities like quad biking in the dunes, camel rides, dinners with traditional entertainment/dances, and a brief stargazing session, offering a quick taste of the traditional desert experience. This is a typical tour departing from Marrakesh. Alternatively, if you’re keen on staying overnight in Agafay, Berber camps usually offer transportation services that will pick you up from your accommodation in Marrakesh – just ask them about prices and availability. You can also consider hiring a 4×4 taxi in the city and negotiating a price for a trip to the desert. However, be prepared to pay around 300 Dh for the one-way trip (excluding the return or any waiting time).

Hotels and Campsites in the Agafay Desert

• € – Camp Cameleon
• €€ – Caravan by Habitas Agafay
• €€€ – Oxygen Lodge Agafay

Third day wrap-up:

• Agafay Desert

Morocco 7-Day Itinerary: Day 4 – Day Trip to Ait Ben Haddou

While the time has come to bid farewell to Marrakesh, today you will partake in yet another day trip, this time to the famous town of Ait Ben Haddou. While you can technically do this trip independently, starting with a bus trip (with Supratours or CTM) or a shared taxi to Ouarzazate, followed by a private taxi to Ait Ben Haddou, located roughly 30 km away, the truth is that this would be one hell of a busy day considering the return trip. Plus, it’s highly unlikely you’d be able to make it back to Marrakesh in time for the last bus or train to Meknes, where you’re spending the night. That said, the smartest option is to join a private tour (like this one) that can take you to Ait Ben Haddou and back.

By now, you might be wondering if this place is really worth all the hassle. Well, it is. Nestled amidst the majestic peaks of the High Atlas, this fortified village (referred to locally as a “ksar”) is famed for its distinguished red clay high-rise buildings. An extremely popular filming location for period dramas, due do its old-world architecture, it stands as one of the nation’s most iconic sites. Plus, depending on the tour you pick, you may even have enough time to see the highlights of Ouarzazate, such as the Kasbah Taourirt (80 Dh), considered the city’s main ancient castle, or the Old Synagogue (30 Dh), the main place of worship for Ouarzazate’s once thriving Jewish community. Back in Marrakesh, and though you’ll be tired of traveling back and forth, we urge you to make one last effort and hit the road to Meknes. It’s tough, but it’s the price to pay for those wanting to see the very best of Morocco in just one week!

Fourth day wrap-up:

• Day Trip to Ait Ben Haddou (with the option to visit Ouarzazate as well)

Morocco 7-Day Itinerary: Day 5 – Meknes

Though your last day was certainly long and tiring, we guarantee you’ll be feeling good as new after enjoying a good night’s sleep, and 100% ready to explore Meknes, the least famous of Morocco’s imperial cities. That said, you’ll kick things off with a visit to the iconic Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail, the Sultan who established Meknes as the imperial capital in the 17th century, playing a pivotal role in reclaiming parts of the country from British and Spanish control. Despite being located within the grounds of a mosque closed to non-Muslims, the mausoleum is actually open to all visitors. Before venturing into the fortified historic center, it’s also worth taking a detour to the Qara Prison (10 Dh), the underground precinct where the same Sultan used to hold tens of thousands imprisoned, using them as slave laborers during the day. Back to street level, it’s then time to finally enter the bustling Medina of Meknes, starting with a visit to the legendary Bab al-Mansour, Morocco’s most famous city gate. In fact, this monument is so imposing and important that is no longer possible to cross it, with visitors entering the Medina through a smaller adjacent gate.

As for the city center, it offers the quintessential charm you’ve come to expect by now. Think winding alleys, picturesque narrow streets and bustling souqs everywhere – the classic Moroccan recipe! As soon as you enter the Medina, you’ll immediately come across Lahdim Square, a pocket-version of Marrakesh’s bustling Jeema El Fna, where you can soak in the lively atmosphere and explore the Dar Jamai Museum (20 Dh), a Moroccan art institution and one of the buildings with the most impressive interiors in the country. Exhibition aside, the museum’s rooms and garden alone are worth the visit! Next up, head north and finish your minitour of Meknes at the Bou Inania Madrasa (20 Dh), another historical Islamic school. Along with the traditional architecture, you can get up to the rooftop and enjoy the best views over the Medina. Right next to the madrasa, you may also have a look at the Grand Mosque of Meknes… but only from the outside!

If you like to travel on a slow pace, then this is good for the day. However, if you started early and managed to explore all these attractions in 2 or 3 hours, you might want to consider spending the afternoon visiting a remarkable place located approximately 30 km from the city. We’re obviously talking about the Archaeological Site of Volubilis (70 Dh), the awe-inspiring Roman remains of a 5000-year-old city. Not only will you be able to roam through the ruins of ancient basilicas, colonnaded streets and bathhouses, but you’ll also get to see Volubilis’ intricate and well-preserved mosaics – for many THE most impressive tourist attraction in Meknes! Near the ruins, and since you’re already there anyway, it’s worth making a quick stop in Moulay Idriss, Morocco’s main pilgrimage destination. However, it’s not the mosques or the temples that attract tourists (in fact, these are closed to non-Muslims), but rather the village’s extraordinary location on the hillsides. Even if you don’t have the time for anything else, at least do yourself a favor and take a brief walk through Molay’s streets and climb to La Grande Terrasse for sweeping views of the village, before returning to Meknes. A day as busy as it is memorable!

Regarding transportation and logistics for the afternoon, and given your limited time, we suggest you head to the Institute Française de Meknes, a hub for shared taxis (grand taxis) where you can hop on a car to Moulay Idriss. Given how close Meknes and the village are, you won’t have to wait long for the taxi to fill up and leave. Expect to pay around 20 Dh for the journey. For the onward journey to Volubilis, you’ll then need to arrange a private taxi. In this case, budget approximately 40-50 Dh for the 5-minute ride, including waiting time and return trip. Upon returning to the village, find another shared taxi to Meknes (again, around 20 Dh), where you’ll then board a bus or a train for the short ride to Fes, your last stop on the itinerary.

Fifth day wrap-up:

• Mausoleum of Moulay Ismail
• Qara Prison
• Medina of Meknes
• Bab al-Mansour
• Souqs
• Lahdim Square
• Dar Jamai Museum
• Bou Inania Madrasa
• Grand Mosque of Meknes
• Archaeological Site of Volubilis
• Moulay Idriss

Where to eat in Morocco – Cheap restaurants in Meknes

• Restaurant Dar Baraka (Moroccan traditional)
• Aisha (Moroccan traditional)
• Restaurant Ya Hala (Moroccan traditional)
• A La Marocaine (Moroccan traditional)
• Il Panzerotto (pizza)
• O’london Café (varied)

Morocco 7-Day Itinerary: Day 6 – Fes: Medina

After spending the night in one of Fes’ many traditional riads, it’s time to explore another of Morocco’s imperial capitals. In fact, and beyond its historical title, Fes actually shares many similarities with Marrakesh, starting with its extraordinary Medina, locally known as Fes el Bali. Much like what you saw in the “Red City”, cars are not allowed within the old city’s walls, though Fes’ Medina is even larger and more chaotic – in fact, Fes el Bali is the single biggest and oldest Medina in all of Africa! In total, we’re talking about over 9000 streets and alleys occupying 540 hectares of land, making it the largest pedestrian zone in the world. Without further ado, you’ll enter the Medina through Bab Boujloud, the most famous monumental gate to the historic center. As you pass through the gate, the Medina unfolds before you in an endless maze of colors, scents and – of course – souqs! While these are scattered pretty much everywhere, most shops and vendors can be found on the western bank of the River Oued Bou Khareb, particularly near the picturesque Place Seffarine, and along Talaa Kebira Street, considered the main thoroughfare in the historic center. It is precisely at the start of this street that you’ll find the Bou Inania Madrasa (20 Dh), arguably the most impressive religious building in the city, originally built in the 14th century.

Navigating through the bustling souqs of Talaa Kebira, you can make a detour to the Nejjarine Museum (20 Dh). To no surprise, Fes is a city of craftsmen and artisans, and you can visit this institution and see some of the most beautiful carvings and art pieces made of wood. Plus, the exhibition is housed inside a caravanserai, offering a glimpse into the renovated interior of one of these historic buildings. Near the museum, adjacent to Place Seffarine, we also recommend visiting the el-Attarine Madrasa (20 Dh), which many find even more beautiful than the Bou Inania, and the Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque, considered the oldest university in the world. Originally a center of theological studies, the building’s use is now restricted to its religious function, though it’s still officially part of the same university since 857. Similarly to most active religious buildings in Morocco, non-Muslims cannot enter the mosque, but they can still admire its beautiful central courtyard. As the day comes to an end, you simply cannot miss the classic visit to the Chouara Tanneries, the most famous of all the leather tanneries in Fes!  An important center for this activity for over 900 years, this is where you can watch how the animal skins are dyed before being turned into all kinds of objects and luxury goods. Besides, the view over all the colorful vats (the recipients where skins are left to dry) has become a postcard-picture of sorts! While you can’t enter the tanneries, most tourists visit one of the many shops overlooking the vats to enjoy the view. This is technically free, but leaving a little tip is obviously appreciated. Finally, you’ll cap off your day with a climb to the Marinid Tombs, located atop a hill in the quarter of Borj Nord, outside the Medina. The tombs may be in terrible shape, but the breathtaking view over the historic center couldn’t be better!

Sixth day wrap-up:

• Medina – Fes el Bali
• Bab Boujloud
• Souqs
• Talaa Kebira Street
• Bou Inania Madrasa
• Nejjarine Museum
• Place Seffarine
• el-Attarine Madrasa
• Al-Qarawiyyin Mosque
• Chouara Tanneries
• Marinid Tombs

Where to eat in Morocco – Cheap restaurants in Fes

• Al Oud (Moroccan traditional)
• Restaurant boujloud (Moroccan traditional)
• Chez Hakim (Moroccan traditional)
• Chez Rachid (Moroccan traditional)
• Chez Said (Moroccan traditional)
• Restaurant dar Khabya (Moroccan traditional)
• Thami’s (Moroccan traditional)
• Made in M (tagines and sandwiches)
• Le Peroke Café (varied)
• Le Tarbouche (varied)

Morocco 7-Day Itinerary: Day 7 – Fes: Mellah and the Palaces

Now that you’ve had the opportunity to visit the Medina, your second day in Fes (and final day of your trip) will be dedicated to exploring other attractions and districts of the city, starting with the Mellah Quarter. Along with the Medina and its status as an imperial city, it’s pretty much impossible not to draw any comparisons with Marrakesh, especially when Fes also boasts its very own Jewish district, equally called Mellah. There are barely any Jews left in Fes, but the remnants of their history remain, such as the Jewish Cemetery and the Aben Danan Synagogue. Also in this quarter, don’t miss out on the Royal Palace of Fes, built when the Marinids first started to develop this area of the city. Nowadays the palace is not open to the public, but it’s still worth checking out its exterior. As you leave the Jewish quarter and reapproach the Medina, take a break at the Bou Jeloud Gardens, the city’s main green area. Fes is a beautiful city with plenty to see and do, but it can also be confusing and chaotic, which is why this is such a cool place to wind down.

As you resume your walk and re-enter the Medina, this time you’ll explore the eastern bank of the Oued Bou Khareb River, where the atmosphere is more local and much less touristy. Start off by visiting the Glaoui Palace (25 Dh), once home to one of Morocco’s most influential clans in the 19th and 20th centuries, when some of its members served as Vizer to the Sultan and even as Pasha of Marrakesh. Though it may look quite humble when compared to its European counterparts, it’s yet another great example of traditional Moroccan architecture. Finally, once you make it to the river banks, you simply have to visit the Sarhij Madrasa (20 Dh), recently restored to its former glory, and the Al-Andalus Mosque, renowned for its striking green and white minaret that stands out from the rest of the Medina’s landscape. After finally making it to the end of your short visit to Morocco, it’s time to board the flight back home. Depending on your airport of departure, you may simply fly directly from Fes, or you’ll have to travel overland to Tangier, Casablanca or Marrakesh.

Seventh day wrap-up:

• Mellah District – Jewish Quarter
  • Jewish Cemetery
  • Aben Danan Synagogue
• Royal Palace of Fes
• Bou Jeloud Gardens
• Glaoui Palace
• Sarhij Madrasa
• Al-Andalus Mosque

Where to eat in Morocco – Cheap restaurants in Mellah and near Glaoui Palace

• Restaurant Palais Fes Yahya (Moroccan traditional)
• Café restaurant bel kayed (Moroccan traditional)
• Restaurant Tresor Fes (Moroccan traditional)
• Garden Coffee (varied)
• Restaurant Almandar (varied)
• Snack Malak (local fast food)