The short answer
Yes, a two-night weekend makes a good Marrakech trip. Two full days cover the headline sights (the Bahia Palace, the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrasa), a garden such as Jardin Majorelle, a hammam and two evenings on Jemaa el-Fnaa. What a weekend can't fit is a day trip into the Atlas or the desert.
In more detail
The key is pacing. Do the sights in the cooler morning hours, rest in the riad or on a rooftop through the middle of the day, and go back out from late afternoon. Trying to see everything in daylight is the fastest way to a tired, cross second day.
Split the city in two. One day for the north of the medina: the souks, Mouassine, the dyers' lane and the Ben Youssef Madrasa. One day for the south: the Bahia Palace, the Mellah, the Kasbah and the Saadian Tombs. Majorelle sits outside the walls, so fit it in early on whichever morning suits.
If you can stretch to three nights, the extra day is best spent out of town. An evening in the Agafay desert or a day in the Ourika Valley shows a side of the region the medina can't.
Good to know
- Arrive on a Friday evening and go straight to the square.
- Book Majorelle for early morning.
- Keep one evening free of plans.