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Plan the perfect 2 days in Marrakech with kids, taking in the highlights of this vibrant family-friendly Moroccan city, with this family-friendly Marrakech itinerary. From accommodation to getting around, and the must-see attractions in this beautiful part of Morocco.
Planning Your Visit To Marrakech
Marrakech, also known as “Marrakesh”, is a unique experience. Above all other things – it offers a genuinely different experience. And that’s why you don’t want to miss your chance to take a Marrakech family holiday.
To get a feel of the trenchant African sun, the unabashed bustle of life all around you, the uninhibited sellers and hawkers shouting and shoving goods in your face. That is why you go to Marrakech.
Of course, you also go for the more subtle wonders of the city – the Red City. The name itself is enough to bring excitement. But it is also enough to make you wonder just how suitable it is for visiting with kids.
Well, don’t fret. Despite all the hustle and bustle of the city, it takes very little time to get used to, and afterwards, it is almost quite literally a breeze.
There is something on offer for your whole family in Marrakech, Morocco, whether you are visiting just Morocco or part of a larger African family holiday.
Below is how to make the most of your 2-day trip to Marrakech with kids, starting with the best places to stay in Marrakech and how to make your way around during your 2-day itinerary, followed by the best things to do in Marrakech with kids.
Best Family-Friendly Places To Stay In Marrakech
The Marrakech Medina is without a doubt the best place to stay when visiting the city majorly on an excursion and for sightseeing.
In the Medina is where you have a large number of tourist attractions such as the Bahia Palace, the Jamaal El Fna Square, and so on.
It also offers the most profoundly Moroccan experience of the whole city.
You get to see the traditional Moroccan architecture and building styles. You also get to stay in a proper riad, palace-like houses with large courtyards where the kids could play in.
Best Marrakech Riads
There are a whole lot of amazing riads in Marrakech, all coming at different prices. This is one of the reasons why it is advisable to not make a decision too hastily.
We were lucky enough to find a truly remarkable spot at the Riad Si Said, a five-star riad with incredibly large rooms and more than enough space.
The rooms were also artfully furnished, and decorated with enough Moroccan art to constantly remind us of the fact that we are indeed on an exquisite journey.
Our riad also had a swimming pool for the kids, both on the floor level and on the roof. These were absolutely perfect for the hot weather and of course, the kids loved it.
The service was also prompt and highly professional. These are the things you should generally be on the lookout for.
Getting Around In Marrakech
Taxis in Marrakech are a hoot. An exhilarating experience in itself, that is if you’re willing to get into it. There’s shouting and haggling and lots of noise.
Since you’re travelling with kids, your best bet will be to avoid all the unpleasantness.
This you can easily do by booking a private taxi beforehand or having your hotel organize a car for you. This will incur additional fees, but honestly, it is always such a good deal, and, considering the hassle, it is very well worth it.
If you decide to board an arbitrary taxi, it is always imperative to negotiate a price before your journey commences. Most of the cab drivers at the airport do speak English to a comprehensible extent, so this shouldn’t be a problem at all.
Generally, regarding pricing, there is no place within the city that should cost more than 6 dollars, which is about 50 MAD.
Note that this is only for arbitrary taxis only and not privately booked cars.
Although not likely a budget-friendly option, the kids will also love a horse-drawn cart ride for something unique.
Another option the kids will love is a city tour around Marrakech, taking you to the most important attractions and areas within the city.
Best Time To Visit Marrakech
The best time to visit Marrakech is in the spring or fall. The weather is milder and there are fewer crowds. However, Marrakech is a year-round destination, so you can find things to do no matter when you visit.
Best Things To Do In Marrakech With Kids
A family vacation to Marrakech is a wonderful experience with rich culture and plenty of fun things to see and do.
You will find UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning architecture, unique markets, and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
We have put together a 2 days in Marrakech itinerary to help you plan your visit.
Here is the perfect way to spend 2 days in Marrakech:
Day 1 in Marrakech With Kids
Arrival
The Marrakech-Menara Airport is your first stop on your journey to Marrakech.
It is quite easy to get a direct flight to Marrakech from London and most European and United States cities too. In instances where this is not available, you can easily go first to Casablanca, also in Morocco, and then transfer smoothly to Marrakech.
Book a Marrakech airport transfer to your accommodation before you arrive.
Place Jemaa El Fna
Now to get down to the main events. The options are pretty exhaustive, but the first on the list has to be the Place Jemaa El Fna.
From snake charmers to traditional musicians, henna artists, and live shows, the Place Jamaal El Fna main square has it all.
It is without a doubt the crux of events in Marrakech. It may easily get overwhelming, though, so it is highly advisable to keep an eye on your kids at all times.
I may have even advised you to skip it entirely when travelling with the kids, had it not been such an integral part of any trip to Marrakech.
You may still choose to skip it though, should you happen to be travelling with toddlers or babies in a large family group. This is something older kids will love!
Have A Camel Ride
One of the most popular things to do in Marrakech is to take a camel ride through the desert. This is a great activity for kids of all ages and is a perfect way to see the desert landscape.
Best of all, this is an activity that does not need to take too long so you can quickly fit it in during one of your two days in the beautiful city!
Marrakech is around 560km from the Sahara Dessert so this is a great way to experience a little of that Sahara magic even if you can’t make it there on this trip!
Visit the Jardin Majorelle
The Majorelle Garden is a paradise. It isn’t located in the busy area of the city, and you may need to call a cab to find it, but it is worth it!
Apart from being a fantastic way to teach your kids to cultivate a passion for all things green, it is also a really effective way to just relax with nature.
You don’t even have to stay too long at Jardin Majorelle gardens. You may choose to spend a couple of hours in the evening here. This is a lovely family-friendly thing to do in Marrakech at night.
Wandering the environment for a little bit is all it takes to clear your mind and get fully acquainted with the surroundings.
There is also a small museum of information and artefacts around where you may choose to end the day’s sightseeing.
Day 2 in Marrakech
Koutoubia Mosque
When visiting Marrakech, and the whole of Morocco for that matter, is well renowned for its beautiful mosques.
And among the most popular, and, dare I say, most magnificent of them all, is the Koutoubia Mosque. It is the largest mosque in Marrakech city, with a history stretching as far back as the 12th century.
Sadly, and quite understandably, the interior of the mosque isn’t open to visitors, but its exteriors very much are. And you’re guaranteed the opportunity to get in a couple of remarkable shots with the family.
The Saadian Tombs
For a little dose of adventure and history, you should definitely pay a visit to the opulent Saadian Tombs.
Made of Italian marble and pure gold, the tombs had been hidden behind thick walls before being rediscovered in 1917.
Terrasse des Épices
Lastly, if you have some time to spare, you may choose to end your day at the Terrasse des Épices, one of the spectacular rooftop terraces popular all over Marrakech.
Here you enjoy a relaxed atmosphere along with exquisite Moroccan and international dishes.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is what I consider a couple of days absolutely well spent.
3 Or More Days In Marrakech
If you have a longer stay in Marrakech, there are plenty of other incredible experiences that are worth adding to your Marrakech itinerary!
- Atlas Mountains Day Trip – Visit the beautiful Atlas mountains and see waterfalls and other natural landmarks that you won’t regret making time to see!
- Take a Day Trip to Ait Benhaddou – Ait Benhaddou is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most beautiful places in Morocco. It is a great place to explore with kids, as there are plenty of opportunities to learn about the history and culture of the country.
- Go Quad Biking – For something really thrilling, go quad biking through the Marrakech desert. This is a great activity for older kids, teens and adults who love adventure.
- Take a Cooking Class – One of the best ways to experience the local culture is to take a cooking class. You will learn how to make traditional Moroccan dishes and get to eat what you make! This is a great way to help fussy kids gain an appreciation of new cuisine too!
- Family activities – While not specifically Morrocan, kids will enjoy go-kart racing, laser tag, bowling and theme parks. You can find all these activities in Marrakech.
And for something truly memorable, what about a hot air balloon flight over Marrakech with a traditional Moroccan breakfast – suitable for ages 3 and up!
If you have 3 days or more to spend in Marrakech, it would also be a wonderful opportunity to try out some of these fantastic authentic Marrakech tours and day trips as part of your extended Marrakech itinerary:
FAQs For Visiting Marrakech
Is it safe to walk around Marrakech?
Marrakech is generally considered safe for walking around, especially in popular tourist areas. However, it’s always wise to take basic precautions like being aware of your surroundings, keeping valuables secure, and avoiding poorly lit or isolated areas, particularly at night.
What is the best area to stay in Marrakech?
The medina, or old town, is a popular and vibrant area to stay in Marrakech. It offers easy access to major attractions like Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, souks, and historical sites. Gueliz, the modern part of the city, is another option with its upscale hotels, restaurants, and shopping areas. Both areas have their own unique charm.
Is Marrakech worth visiting?
Absolutely! Marrakech is a city rich in culture, history, and unique experiences. From exploring the bustling souks and visiting stunning palaces to immersing yourself in Moroccan cuisine and enjoying traditional music and dance, Marrakech offers a vibrant and unforgettable travel experience.
Is 2 days enough in Marrakech?
While Marrakech has much to offer, two days can provide a good introduction to the city’s main highlights. With careful planning and prioritizing top attractions, you can visit iconic sites like Jemaa el-Fnaa, Bahia Palace, Koutoubia Mosque, and the Saadian Tombs. However, if you have more time, it’s recommended to extend your stay to fully immerse yourself in the city’s rich cultural offerings and explore at a more relaxed pace.
We hope this guide to Marrakech for families helps you plan your perfect Marrakech itinerary!
Author Bio – Driss Benchemsi is a writer and an explorer. He’s a serial expat who studied on three continents and speaks four languages. He blogs and shares articles, photos and videos about Morocco at Think Morocco.