Slow Travel Marrakech: A 3-Day Green Itinerary
My previous trip to Marrakech was all about history and landmarks. I visited most of the main sights and finally felt like I knew the city up close.
This spring break, I want something different. I’m an introvert, I get drained quickly in busy souks, and I absolutely love nature.
So I designed a plan that stays true to Marrakech’s character, but gives me space to breathe: gardens, rooftops, slow walks, and simple food nearby.
I planned 3 short days focused on what I truly enjoy: calm walking, local food, and time for photos and reflection.
Here’s my route – you can copy it or adjust it to your own taste.
Day 1 – Arrival & Arsat Moulay Abdel Salam
I’ll arrive in Marrakech around 13:30 PM, go straight to check-in, take a hot shower, and rest from the trip. No rushing, no “drop your bags and run”.
After about two hours, I’ll head out for lunch at Maison Reine Mediterranean Rooftop Restaurant & Concept Store.
It’s quiet, close to the center, and has a simple menu. I’m planning to try the pasticcio pie with iced tea just to see how it tastes in Marrakech.
A couple of hours later, I’ll walk to Arsat Moulay Abdel Salam. Last time I tried to visit, it was closed because I arrived too late.
This time I want to take my time and really explore it. It looks big, and that’s exactly the spirit of this trip: relaxation, not fear of missing out.
I’ll wander slowly, sit if I find a nice bench, maybe take a few photos and just let the place sink in.
Evening: I’ll spend the night around Jemaa el‑Fnaa, have a light dinner there, and then head back to the Riad before the noise becomes too much.
Day 2 – Anima Garden & Majorelle Garden (The Contrast of Green)
Morning: Anima Garden (The Escape Outside the City)
I’ll head out to Anima Garden, one of the most imaginative green spaces around Marrakech. Located about 27 km outside the hectic Medina, it is the ultimate retreat for an introvert.
The garden runs a convenient shuttle bus that leaves from the Koutoubia parking at 9:30 AM (returning at 1:00 PM) or in the afternoon at 2:30 PM (returning at 5:30 PM).
⚠️ Tip for Slow Travelers: While the shuttle is great, spaces are limited. If you want a completely stress-free experience without waiting in lines, pre-booking your entry or a dedicated transfer is a lifesaver.
I know I’ll mostly walk in silence here, enjoy the fusion of African art and exotic plants, and take photos whenever something catches my eye.
Around 2 PM: Back to the Medina
Once back in the Medina, I’ll be ready for lunch at Café des Épices. Their famous Paris–Marrakech Burger mixes a classic burger with local flavours: smoked eggplant, Moroccan spices, and homemade fries.
I also want to try their cinnamon and ginger tea to experience the herbal blends that smell exactly like the spice square right below the terrace.
Afternoon: Majorelle Garden
To get to my next stop, transportation can be tricky. As a local, I sometimes take the L12 bus near Koutoubia for a few dirhams. It is slower, but it is real.
However, if you’re a foreign visitor, I highly recommend hailing a Petit Taxi instead. Just make sure they turn on the meter—it should cost around 30-40 DH from the Medina to the Gueliz district.
From there, I’ll go straight to Majorelle Garden to enjoy the famous Majorelle blue and the rare plants.
🚨 Crucial Booking Update: You cannot buy tickets at the gate anymore. Majorelle tickets are online-only (170 DH for adults). They sell out days in advance, especially during spring break. If the official site is sold out for your dates, don’t panic—you can usually grab a combined tour that includes entry.
Day 3 – The Secret Garden & Menara Gardens
The third day is the most “green” one.
First stop: The Secret Garden (Le Jardin Secret),
just a 5-minute walk from Dar el‑Bacha. For me, it’s the perfect alternative to crowded Majorelle: same historic palace feeling, but with way fewer tour buses.
I’ll take my time there, sit somewhere quiet, and read a book about spirituality. I’m thinking of bringing “The Celestine Prophecy” – it fits perfectly with the atmosphere of hidden paradise gardens and inner reflection.
After that, I’ll head to Nomad, near Café des Épices.
A Quick Confession: Yes, places like Nomad and Café des Épices are more expensive than raw local spots because you are paying a “view tax” for the gorgeous rooftop aesthetic.
But for this specific slow, relaxed trip, the calm atmosphere and the Fish of the Day (covered with almond pesto and lemon) are absolutely worth the splurge just this once.
Afternoon (~4 PM): Menara Gardens
I’ll finish my green itinerary at the Menara Gardens.
It’s a huge, open space with an iconic water pavilion, thousands of olive trees, and distant views of the Atlas Mountains.
I’ll walk as much as I feel like, then head back to the Riad to pack.
About The “Marrakech View Tax” (My Restaurant Advice)
For authentic Moroccan food with a real home-cooked taste, you should always look for simple, unpretentious spots like Chez Lamine for traditional slow-cooked lamb (Tanjia).
Be cautious of the modern, heavily marketed restaurants clustered right next to Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Many of them serve standard, mediocre food at double the price simply because they offer a rooftop view of the crowd.
While I love the design and peace of Nomad or Maison Reine for a quiet afternoon break, remember to balance your trip: use the rooftops for the calm vibes, but head to the street spots where locals eat if you want the real, deep flavors of Moroccan cooking.
Final Thoughts: Embrace the Quiet Side of the Red City
Marrakech is famous for its sensory overload, but it doesn’t have to drain you.
By swapping the crowded tour buses for hidden green courtyards, and racing through sights for slow rooftop afternoons, you’ll discover a completely different side to the Red City—one that lets you breathe, reflect, and truly connect.
Traveling slowly isn’t about seeing less; it’s about experiencing what you do see, deeply.
