3 Days in Marrakech: A Whirlwind Getaway

Written By Chloe Lingard

I know what you’re thinking… Three days in Marrakech? That’s barely any time! Why bother?

Well, here’s the thing: we found super cheap flights with Ryanair, skipped the luggage fees (because it was just a short trip), and it all lined up with Peter’s work leave. Marrakech wasn’t exactly on his bucket list, but honestly? We had a blast.

We flew from Bristol (not too far from home), stayed at the DoubleTree hotel by the airport the night before, and in just four hours landed in Marrakech. Ready to dive in.

What Was the Plan?

You might expect I had a detailed itinerary, but I kept it simple:

  1. Go on a hot air balloon ride

  2. Explore the souks

Everything else? Pure spontaneity and that ended up being the best part.

Day 1: Arrival & Rooftop Vibes

We checked into our Airbnb, wandered the medina, got to grips with the currency, and hunted down a drink. Turns out, alcohol in Marrakech is limited and can be pricey, but we soon discovered some rooftop gems.

We kicked off our evening at DarDar Rooftop, a breezy rooftop spot with lanterns, panoramic views of the Koutoubia Mosque, good cocktails, and a fun atmosphere. 

Later, we headed to La Pergola Rooftop Jazz Bar, perched on Riad Monceau. Great live jazz, signature cocktails (think Berber Mojito), and that perfect chilled rooftop energy. 

Day 2: Sunrise Balloons, Gardens & Sushi

We woke up at 4am for our hot air balloon ride. Even though it had been blazing the day before, the morning was crisp. We sat by a fire with coffee and snacks, watching the crew prep the balloons, and then floated above the desert as the sun rose… simply magical.

After landing, we enjoyed a peaceful breakfast (a few hungry bees included) and made our way back to the city. Peter played photographer while we wandered through lush gardens filled with plants from all over the world.

That evening, we treated ourselves to an amazing meal at a sushi restaurant on a rooftop, with live music and a laid-back yet stylish vibe.

Day 3: Waterpark Time & Last Moments

Our last morning started with breakfast on the rooftop of our riad, soaking up views of the red rooftops. Then, we made our way to Oasiria Water Park. A 10-hectare space with 20 attractions, a wave pool, slides, and plenty of relaxing pools.

We chilled in the lazy river, went on all the slides, and had a delicious lunch there before heading back to the airport.

Rooftop Bars Worth It

Here are some rooftop bars we loved (or recommend) for a drink, a view, and a relaxed evening:

  • Le Salama Rooftop & Sky Bar — Elegant Moroccan decor, live music, and a full bar. Great for dinner or sunset cocktails. 

  • Dardar Rooftop Cocktails & Eat — Stylish rooftop terrace, friendly service, good food, and a full drinks menu. 

  • La Pergola Rooftop Jazz Bar — Jazz nights, signature cocktails, and a cosy, elevated spot in the heart of the medina. 

The Takeaway

Three days, a whirlwind of sights, hot air balloons, rooftop bars, gardens, and lazy rivers. Marrakech proved that you don’t need a long trip to make unforgettable memories.

Sometimes, a short, spontaneous adventure is all you need to experience the magic of a city and Marrakech is definitely one of those places.

Chloe Lingard