My Marrakech Story – and a 3-Day Itinerary to Make It Yours

By Selene | Retracing the Umayyad Caliphate Series

There’s something cinematic about arriving in Marrakech. Maybe it’s the rust-red glow of the Medina walls at sunset, or the way the call to prayer echoes through narrow alleys scented with cumin, rosewater, and orange blossom. Maybe it’s the feeling that you’re not just stepping into a city—but into a living memory.

As part of our faith-inspired journey retracing the Umayyad Caliphate, Marrakech was a detour—but one that made complete sense. While it wasn’t part of the original Umayyad stronghold, it played a vital role in shaping the Islamic presence in North Africa, and by extension, Andalusia. So we stopped. And I’m so glad we did.

Where We Stayed

Before I get into the sights, let me just say this: booking our stay through HalalBooking made everything so much easier. We chose a traditional riad in the heart of the old city—peaceful, private, and just steps away from the souks. Think mosaic-tiled courtyards, a little rooftop terrace for sipping tea, and the kind of quiet that makes you forget the world outside.

The best part? Knowing the food was halal, the atmosphere modest, and the vibe just right for a spiritually-inclined trip. HalalBooking had filters for privacy, hammam access, and even whether the pool was family-friendly or women-only. Super helpful when you're trying to stay true to your values while also relaxing.

Exploring Made Easy

For anyone nervous about navigating a new place—especially a lively, layered city like Marrakech—let me say this: the local guided tours were a lifesaver. Through HalalBooking’s suggestions and local partners, we booked a half-day walking tour of the Medina, led by a brilliant local guide who spoke perfect English and knew exactly where to take us (and what to avoid).

He took us through hidden riads, spice markets, artisan workshops, and even gave tips on where to eat and pray. We also joined a day tour to the Atlas Mountains that included a stop at a Berber village and a traditional lunch. Everything was arranged, halal-friendly, and relaxed—no stress, no hassle.

You can totally explore on your own, but having someone walk you through Marrakech’s history, culture, and spiritual landmarks adds so much depth to the experience. And honestly? It saves time and energy.

The Medina: A Maze of Memory

We started where every Marrakech story begins—the Medina. This 11th-century UNESCO heritage site pulls you in like a dream. Cobbled paths twist and turn between souks selling handwoven rugs, brass lanterns, pyramids of spice, and babouches in every color imaginable. One moment you’re bargaining over oud perfume, the next you’re sipping mint tea in a quiet riad courtyard shaded by orange trees.

At the heart of it all is Jemaa el-Fna, a pulsating square that turns into a theatre at dusk. Drummers, dancers, snake charmers, and storytellers take the stage. But for me, the real star was the food: sizzling méchoui lamb, bubbling tagines, and fresh pomegranate juice that tasted like something straight out of paradise.

Sacred Spaces & Spiritual Stillness

Marrakech is layered in Islamic heritage. We made salat at Koutoubia Mosque, its minaret rising proudly over the old city, a beacon for centuries of worshippers. We stood in awe inside Ben Youssef Madrasa, once North Africa’s largest Islamic college. Carved cedar, stucco arabesques, and zellij tile work spoke a language of devotion and precision, reminding us how deeply beauty and faith were intertwined.

Even the palaces here whisper Islamic grandeur. At Bahia Palace, light bounced off tiled courtyards and hand-painted ceilings. At El Badi, now in ruin, I closed my eyes and imagined how it once looked—300 rooms echoing with poetry and politics, its fountains flowing under the watch of Saadian sultans.

Beyond the City Walls

On our third day, we left the hum of the Medina and headed toward the Atlas Mountains. Snow-capped peaks framed tiny Berber villages built from earth and stone. Here, in a family home, we were welcomed with couscous and mint tea, stories shared in a mix of Arabic, Tamazight, and French. It was slow, simple, sincere—exactly what my soul needed.

Reflections in Red

Marrakech is called the Red City, and not just for its walls. There’s warmth here—earthy, bold, and impossible to ignore. It’s in the colors, the hospitality, the food, the history, and the rhythm of everyday life. For me, Marrakech was more than a stop on the map. It was a bridge—a reminder that while the Umayyads may have moved on, the spirit of Islamic civilization remained, evolving, flowering, and leaving traces in every corner.

So yes, once upon a time in Marrakech, I found not only history but heart. And in a city layered with stories, mine now lives too.

But Marrakech will stay with me—like the smell of saffron on my fingers, the echo of adhan in the dusk, and the taste of sweet tea under a sky full of stars.

Planning your own journey?
I highly recommend checking out HalalBooking.com for accommodations and local tour options. They’ve got a great selection of halal-friendly riads and villas—and their curated tours take the guesswork out of planning. Especially useful if it’s your first time in Morocco.

🌴 Selene’s 3-Day Marrakech Itinerary

Inspired by faith, history & the rhythm of the Red City

Day 1: Medina, Mosques & Markets

Theme: Get grounded in old Marrakech

• Morning
  • Start at the Medina: Enter through Bab Agnaou gate. Wander through souks, get a feel for the maze.
  • Koutoubia Mosque: Stop for salat and admire the architecture (non-Muslims can’t enter but the grounds are beautiful).
  • Ben Youssef Madrasa: A must-see for Islamic art and architecture lovers.
• Lunch:
  • Eat at Café Clock – great tagines, halal, with a rooftop view and live gnaoua music on some nights.
• Afternoon
  • Visit Bahia Palace – gorgeous mosaics and tranquil courtyards.
  • Browse Souk Semmarine for spices, leather goods, and textiles.
• Evening
  • Jemaa el-Fna at sunset: Grab fresh juice, watch the square come alive with street performers and food stalls.
  • Optional: Short guided Medina tour to get insider tips from a local.

Day 2: Gardens, Palaces & Riad Life

Theme: Art, tranquility & the finer side of Marrakech

• Morning
  • Visit Majorelle Garden early before the crowds.
  • Optional: Step into Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door (skip if short on time).
  • Head to Gueliz District: Browse the Matisse Gallery and boutiques.
• Lunch:
  • Le Grand Café de la Poste – French-Moroccan fusion with a halal menu and old colonial vibes.
• Afternoon
  • Explore the El Badi Palace ruins – raw, atmospheric, and full of stories.
  • Relax at your riad with mint tea on the terrace or enjoy a hammam treatment.
• Evening
  • Try a cooking class in a local riad (book ahead) – learn how to make tagine from scratch.

Day 3: Atlas Mountains Escape

Theme: Faith, simplicity, and connection with nature

• Early Morning
  • Take a guided day trip to the Atlas Mountains. Pelago offers packages that include:
    • Pickup from your riad
    • Visit to a Berber village
    • Breakfast with a local family
    • Light hike through valleys and waterfalls
• Lunch:
  • Enjoy a traditional couscous or tangia lunch in a Berber home—cooked slowly in clay pots over the embers.
• Afternoon
  • Return to Marrakech by late afternoon.
  • Final stroll in the Medina or quiet time at Menara Gardens to wind down.
• Evening
  • Farewell dinner at a halal-friendly fine dining spot like La Table du Riad or Al Fassia (legendary for Moroccan classics).

Where to Stay

Book via HalalBooking.com for peace of mind. Recommended options:

• Riad Hikaya – private, charming, and perfect for couples or solo travelers.
• Villa Dar Holm – ideal for families or small groups, with optional private chef.
• Royal Mansour (if you're feeling fancy) – separate hammam for women, luxury with Islamic design throughout.

Next stop: Al-Andalus. But Marrakech will stay with me—like the smell of saffron on my fingers, the echo of adhan in the dusk, and the taste of sweet tea under a sky full of stars.

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