Marrakech is a city where creativity feels close to everyday life. Colour runs through the streets, and long-standing craft traditions sit next to newer galleries, studios and design spaces. The two days that follow highlight key museums, art spaces and a handful of good places to eat and drink, arranged by area to keep journeys simple.

Day 1

Start early at Jardin Majorelle, right after opening, when it is still quiet and easy to move around. Created by Jacques Majorelle in the 1920s, the garden is a clear introduction to Marrakech, with bold colour, palms, cacti and shaded paths. Inside, the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts gives a focused look at Morocco’s Indigenous heritage through jewellery, textiles and ceremonial objects. Stay for mint tea or a simple breakfast in the outside courtyard of The Café Majorelle, surrounded by the iconic blue walls, it’s a wonderful place to refuel. 

Before you leave the area, walk over to 33 Rue Majorelle. This concept store brings together classic Moroccan goods, contemporary housewares and clothing and is the perfect place to discover gifts inspired by the local design scene. 

From here it is a short walk to the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech. Designed by Studio KO and opened in 2017, the building picks up the colours and textures of the city. Inside, the world of Yves Saint Laurent is shown through garments, sketches and archival pieces. The museum is currently hosting an exhibition on David Seidner through summer 2026, with photographs that highlight the structure and elegance of Saint Laurent’s silhouettes. 

Next, head into Guéliz and visit Comptoir des Mines Galerie, set in an Art Deco building. It is one of the most important contemporary art spaces in Marrakech, with a programme that often focuses on Moroccan and pan African artists. It's a great place to discover local contemporary artists. 

Stay in Guéliz for lunch. Cantine Mouton Noir is nearby, easygoing and reliably good, especially if you are in the mood for a beef or fish burger. If you want to keep the focus on art, add Loft Art Gallery to the same route. Originally founded in Casablanca, it now has a strong presence in Marrakech and shows artists from Morocco and across the African continent. The exhibitions are usually thoughtful and well put together. Seen together, Comptoir des Mines and Loft Art Gallery give a solid sense of the city’s contemporary scene.

Later in the afternoon, choose one more gallery depending on your mood. David Bloch Gallery leans towards younger and more experimental work, often with graphic, geometric or street inspired pieces. Galerie 127 is a quieter option and focuses on photography. It is widely regarded as one of the leading photo galleries in North Africa. Either choice rounds out the day’s art stops.

As the light softens, head into the Medina (the old city of Marrakech) and go up to the rooftop at Café des Épices. From here you can watch the square below as it shifts from daytime market energy to a slower, evening pace.

For dinner, Nomad is just next door, which makes things very simple. The restaurant is spread over several levels above the same square and serves food that mixes Moroccan flavours with influences from around the world. It is relaxed but feels considered, and it works well for both early and later dinners. If you still have energy afterwards, walk over to Kabana, a lively rooftop with good drinks, an easy menu and fun music.

Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech.

Day 2

Begin with a drive of around thirty minutes out to MACAAL, the Museum of African Contemporary Art Al Maaden. Independent and not for profit, it is one of the key places in Morocco to see contemporary work from across the African continent. The collection includes photography, sculpture, textiles and mixed media. Start in the sculpture garden, then move indoors for the current exhibitions, which usually balance more political themes with quieter, experimental pieces. If you would like to stay in this area for lunch, nearby resorts offer shaded terraces with views over the surrounding landscape.

From MACAAL you can shape the day in two different ways, depending on how much time you want to spend outside the city.

Design lovers will want to head to Sidi Ghanem, a trendy area on the outskirts of Marrakesh where some of the most cutting-edge fashion and art, to homeware and food. First stop is. Jajjah 114: the world of contemporary artist Hassan Hajjaj which takes the form of a tea room, restaurant, gallery and shop. The furniture and details reflect his style, with stools made from repurposed plastic crates, red and white bistro chairs and bright green cushions. Try his infamous teas and juices, order a few small plates and look through the striking prints and objects while you are there.

You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to local gems. Just around the corner, Max Guadagn’s perfumery presents some of the most heavenly scents in the neighbourhood and even offers a personalised fragrance service. For design lovers, the immediate area is home to a curated mix of must-visit furniture and lifestyle spots, including Elite and Chic, The Boho Lab Marrakech, Le Magasin Général and RetroPlus, one of the district’s most beloved concept stores and perfectly placed for a leisurely browse.

Once you are back in the Medina, finish the cultural part of the day at the Maison de la Photographie. Hidden in the lanes of the old city, it holds a rich archive of Moroccan photography from the late nineteenth century to the mid twentieth century. The rooftop terrace has a clear view over the surrounding rooftops and is a good place to pause and take in the city.

Alternatively, you can continue from MACAAL to Jardin Rouge, home of the Montresso Art Foundation. It is roughly a thirty minute drive from MACAAL, so it works best if you plan it as part of a longer half day in this area. Visits need to be booked in advance. Once there, you can visit studios and see work in progress from resident artists, as well as exhibitions. It offers a useful behind the scenes look at how new work is being made in and around Marrakech.

For your final evening, choose a relaxed dinner in the Dar El Bacha district in the Medina. Dar Moha is a strong option. This former riad, with a central patio and pool, serves classic Moroccan dishes in a setting that feels both atmospheric and comfortable.

If you have extra time on either day, add Riad Yima to your list. This is another of Hassan Hajjaj’s spaces in the Medina, part gallery, part concept store and part tea salon, lined with his own furniture, textiles and portraits. The whole riad feels like stepping inside one of his images: recycled metal stools, traditional patterned fabrics, vintage African advertising signs, Arabic calligraphy and playful takes on global brands all layered together. He often uses the rooftop for his own shoots, which gives a sense of how personal the space is. It is small and popular, so it is worth booking ahead!

Hassan Hajjaj’s Riad in the Heart of Marrakech.