Marrakech, located in the heart of Morocco, is an enticing and eclectic destination brimming with cultural attractions, excellent food, and a vibrant atmosphere. This city offers a unique blend of North African and French influences, creating a hybrid of cultural traditions that will captivate any traveler.
For the organized, logical traveler, Marrakech may seem like a nightmare. Its labyrinth of twisty alleyways are almost impossible to navigate, not that its array of snake charmers, fortune tellers and spice sellers will let you go anywhere fast. The problem here isn't the city: It's your state-of-mind. Start your visit within the salmon-pink walls of the Medina of Marrakech, which contrasts with the white, jagged peaks of the nearby Atlas Mountains and serves as the inspiration for the city's nickname, the Red City.
Why Visit Marrakech?
Marrakech offers bright colours, loud music, the taste of exotic food, the smell of herbs and spices, and the softness of silk and leather goods. It's a city that beckons a traveler to truly be immersed in another country’s tradition. Imagine holding the past in one hand, the present in the other and mashing them together - Marrakech would be the result. The ancient ramparts seem to keep time from escaping the medina and its bustling Jemaa El Fna, which is filled with lively Berber chemists, snake charmers and more. Meanwhile, in Ville Nouvelle (New Town), located just outside the medina walls, you'll discover a city reminiscent of quintessential France.
Bahia Palace🇲🇦 | Discover Marrakech’s Hidden Gem (Eng Sub)
Best Times to Visit Marrakech
The best times to visit Marrakech are from March to May and between September and November. These shoulder seasons are known for their desirable weather (with average daytime temps in the low 70s to low 90s) and affordable hotel rates. Avoid visiting in the brutally hot summer when highs regularly top 100 degrees and the city sees a large influx of tourists and expats. The winter months offer temperatures in the low 40s to upper 60s but also see a spike in tourism, with visitors from colder climates flocking to the Red City in search of warmer temps. Be mindful of religious holidays, such as Ramadan and Christmas, as well as national holidays that follow the lunar calendar, which can affect everything from public transportation to attraction hours to room rates.
What to Know Before You Go
- Hire a guide: Professional guides can help you navigate Marrakech's maze-like alleyways. But don't let them do your shopping for you: Some guides will steer you toward specific vendors (and higher prices) in exchange for a commission.
- Dress appropriately: Most Moroccans are Muslims, so pack conservative attire that covers your shoulders, chest, midriff and knees. You'll want to be especially mindful of your appearance while visiting Koutoubia Mosque and other religious sites.
- Watch your pockets: Pickpockets run rampant in heavily visited areas like Jemaa El Fna. Carry any valuable items in zippered bags under your arm or in your front pockets.
- Choose your room wisely: When making hotel or riad (traditional guesthouse) reservations, ask where the nearest mosque is located. and can wake even the heaviest sleeper.
- Pay in cash: You can use credit cards at some restaurants, but you'll avoid any problems with the exchange rate - not to mention credit card scams - if you pay with cash instead. Plus, most shopkeepers do not accept credit cards.
- Exercise willpower: It's hard to resist the medina's beautiful crafts, but don't let a hawker's stubborn sales pitch dupe you. If your bargaining skills don't sway them, walk away. There's always another shop.
- Eat in the streets: Marrakech boasts an impressive array of restaurants, but you can savor authentic flavors and save some coin if you get your meals from street vendors. You'll find plenty of options in Jemaa El Fna.
Culture and Customs
Marrakech's dueling influences - French and North African - have created a hybrid of cultural traditions. While you'll most likely hear locals speaking Darija (Moroccan Arabic), residents will often greet you with a hearty "bonjour" (hello). Christians and Jews make up a fair portion of Marrakech's population, but Islam is the dominant religion here. The city is speckled with dramatic domed mosques, including Koutoubia Mosque in the medina. Visitors can admire the ornate arches from the outside, but the interiors are reserved for practicing Muslims.
Read also: Morocco's Red City: Marrakech
The Moroccan dirham is Morocco's official currency. One dirham is equal to $0.11. Euros (1 euro equals approximately $1.22) are also accepted by some vendors in Marrakech, but exchange rates are generally more favorable when using dirhams. Most shopkeepers and restaurants do not accept credit cards. There is no standard tipping policy in Morocco, but it is generally best to leave at least 10 percent of your restaurant bill when you receive great service. Some eateries in areas frequented by tourists will automatically add a tip to your bill, so be sure to check before tipping. For taxi services, round up to the nearest 5 dirhams. When visiting a hammam, it's customary to leave 20 to 25 dirhams (or $2 to $3) per attendant. And at hotels, expect to give 10 to 20 dirhams ($1 to $2) to bellhops and 20 dirhams (about $2) per day or 100 dirhams (less than $11) per week to housekeepers. Professional tour guides are paid well, so tipping for their services is not expected.
What to Eat in Marrakech
One of North Africa's most unique cuisines is Moroccan, and one of the best places to sample it is in Marrakech. Known for their unconventional flavor combinations and subtle spices (think: cinnamon, saffron, cumin and turmeric), Moroccan dishes are featured on many restaurant and cooking class menus throughout Marrakech. Must-try delicacies include tagines (stews baked in traditional clay, cone-shaped pots that go by the same name), couscous (a fine wheat pasta commonly served with a protein and vegetables) and salads made with ingredients like carrots and dates.
No visit to Marrakech would be complete without savoring the city's world-renowned street fare. Areas like Jemaa El Fna are packed with food stalls selling an array of tasty items. Traditional options include b'stilla (a layered pastry made with pigeon, almonds, eggs and various spices), harira (a tomato-, chickpea- and lentil-based soup generally served during Ramadan) and snails simmered in a citrusy, herb-filled broth.
To cool off after a long day in the sun, Moroccans love to sip orange juice, which is made with oranges grown in Marrakech's alleys and courtyards. Additionally, locals enjoy serving mint tea to guests or drinking it while catching up with friends. This flavorful tea combines gunpowder tea (a kind of Chinese green tea), sugar and fresh spearmint leaves, and is poured from high above the glass to create a crown (or froth). Both beverages are available at food stalls and restaurants throughout the city.
Getting Around Marrakech
The best way to get around Marrakech is on foot. Sure, this is a big city, but most of the main attractions are clustered at or within walking distance of the medina. Alternatively, if you're looking for a fun way to get from the medina to other parts of the city, consider taking a calèche (horse-drawn carriage). Or, you can take one of ALSA's Tourist Buses to many popular Marrakech sights. Upon flying into Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and taking a train to the Marrakech Train Station or continuing on to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), located about 5 miles southwest of the medina, you can either take a taxi or an ALSA bus to the city center. Many hotels also offer airport shuttle services.
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Must-See Attractions and Activities
- Jemaa el-Fna Square: By day, Jemaa el-Fna is bustling with juice stands, henna artists, and snake charmers. By night, the square comes alive with food stalls and street performers. It’s chaotic, exciting, and, yes, overwhelming.
- Le Jardin Majorelle: Nature and design lovers should put Le Jardin Majorelle on the must-see list. The brilliant blue walls (known as Majorelle blue), exotic plants, and hidden corners make for some postcard-worthy snaps.
- Bahia Palace: To experience an example of historical Moroccan architecture, you’ll want to spend some time exploring the stunning Bahia Palace. The palace is located within the medina (near El Badi Palace - you can easily combine the two), and features breathtaking courtyards, halls lined with tiles and mosaics and tranquil gardens.
- Medersa Ben Youssef: In my opinion, Medersa Ben Youssef, the largest madrassah (Islamic school) in Morocco, is the most impactful piece of Moroccan architecture we discovered during our travels through Marrakech.
- Traditional Moroccan Hammam: Just imagine yourself completely naked in a steam room and an old Moroccan lady scrubbing you clean. You’ll lose at least three layers of skin but emerge feeling incredibly refreshed. It was a crazy experience, but I 10/10 recommend it.
Where to Stay in Marrakech
Marrakech has a huge wealth of accommodation across the city. From traditional riads to modern hotels, you will definitely find something to match your budget.
For the authentic experience, stay in a riad-a traditional house built around a central courtyard in the center of the medina. These offer a peaceful retreat from the busy streets.
- Riad Aslal: A great value with a small courtyard pool, central location, and super helpful staff. Their mint tea welcome ritual is the perfect introduction to Morocco.
- Riad L’Atelier: Perfectly located in a quiet street off from the medina, and the riad hosts went above and beyond to make our stay spectacular.
- Berber Lodge: Inspired by traditional Berber architecture and is built on an an old Olive Garden, with pink buildings scattered across the property set against a backdrop of striking mountains.
- La Mamounia ($$$$): For an iconic luxury hotel just outside the Medina, it is a large hotel with beautiful gardens, a full spa, and beautiful pools.
- The Oberoi Marrakech ($$$): For a palatial resort outside the city, featuring a central water feature, sprawling gardens, and a spa.
- Riad 72 ($$): For a jewel-box boutique hotel and beautiful riad in a perfect area of the Medina, each of the rooms is unique and decorated to highlight traditional Moroccan craftsmanship.
- Riad Yasmine ($$): For a quaint riad in the heart of the Medina, this boutique hotel is well-appointed and incredibly cozy.
Sample Itinerary: 3 Days in Marrakech
If you have plans to visit the Atlas Mountains or anywhere else outside of Marrakech, you’d definitely need to add days on but otherwise, three days to explore Marrakech is ideal.
- Day 1: Explore the Medina, visit Jemaa el-Fna Square, and enjoy a traditional Moroccan dinner.
- Day 2: Visit Le Jardin Majorelle, Musée Yves Saint Laurent, and Bahia Palace.
- Day 3: Take a cooking class, relax at a hammam, and shop for souvenirs in the souks.
Entry & Exit Requirements
You will need a valid passport with at least one blank page to enter Morocco, and you can stay up to 90 days without a visa. While in Marrakech, carry a photocopy of your passport (leave the physical copy in a secure location) in case local officials stop you to check your ID.
Read also: A Vibrant Retreat in Marrakech
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