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Marrakech is a place of immense beauty, tradition and culture. It lies beneath the peaks of the Atlas mountains and the Moroccan Sahara.
Languages: Morocco has two official languages: Berber and Arabic. French is also widely spoken. You could get by with English in touristy areas.
Currency: The Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is the currency of Morocco.
One pound will get you approximately 11 Moroccan Dirhams.
Climate: Marrakech is warm all year round. The summer months (May till August) tend to be the hottest, with temperatures exceeding 35°C. The best time to visit Marrakech is during spring and autumn when temperatures are consistently pleasant without getting unbearably hot.
Where to stay in Marrakech
The secret to a perfect trip to Marrakech is all about the accommodation you choose. Marrakech has traditional riads in the old city (medina) and modern hotels in the new city. You want to find a beautiful riad within the medina for a real taste of Moroccan culture. A riad is a traditional home in Morocco with rooms built around a central courtyard. The interior of these riads are often filled with swimming pools, leafy plants and intricate Moroccan tiling, giving them their magical feel. Even budget riads offer a stylish Morroccan experience.
While riads are a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the medina, if you are looking for a quiet night’s sleep, you may be disturbed by the fajar azaan (call to prayer) at dawn, or by motorbikes weaving their way through the narrow alleys in the early morning. If you’re a light sleeper, go for a modern hotel outside the Medina.
Places to visit in Marrakech
1. The Souks in Jemaa El Fna
Jemaa El Fna is at the heart of Marrakech’s Medina. The main square is crowded with snake charmers, fortune tellers, henna painters, local music and souveniers. It could be best described as, bustling, vibrant, loud, and just downright culturally invigorating. By evening, it changes into a huge open-air dining area packed with stalls lit by gas lanterns.
There are plenty of souks around the main square, selling spices, dried fruit, tagines, ornaments, rugs, shawls and the list goes on! Even if you don’t intend to buying anything, take a stroll around the busy market streets.
2. Ouzoud waterfalls
Located in the High Atlas Mountains, the Ouzoud Waterfalls are the highest waterfalls in north Africa. Enjoy a scenic drive past the olive groves and picturesque Berber villages. Meet the local monkeys and take a boat ride under the waterfalls. While the waterfalls are a 2 and half hour drive from Marrakech, it’s definitely worth it.
You can arrange an excursion with an online company, with your hotel, or with any of the excursion shops around Marrakech.
3. Local historical sites
Ben Youssef Madrasa
The Ben Youssef Madrasa was the largest Islamic Madrasa in Morocco during its height. With intricate stucco, zellige tilework and finely carved cedarwood, it’s the most impressive Quranic school in Morocco. You can see the small rooms that the boys stayed in while studying at the Madrasa.
Saadian tombs
The tombs of the Saadian dynasty that ruled Morocco from 1554 to 1669. Visit with a guide who can give you the background and history of this site.
Bahia palace
Bahia is a nineteenth-century palace and set of gardens. Created by Minister Ahmed bin Musa in the 19th century to commemorate the name of his wife, “Bahia”, it contains some of the city’s finest painted ceilings. The garden is full of fragrant fruit trees and Arabic architecture.
Jardin Marjorelle
This is a twelve-acre ornamental garden with plants from all around the world including cacti, bamboo and lily ponds. It was created in the 1920s and 1930s by French painter Jacques Majorelle.
4. Moroccan Hammam
Marrakech is known for its hammams and is one of the best places to get authentic hammam spa treatments in Morocco. A Morrocan Hammam is steam room where people go to cleanse themselves (almost like a Turkish bath). You’ll sit in a hot steam room for a while and then be exfoliated and massaged. Hammam’s are separated by gender.
Most tourists choose La Mamounia or Royal Mansour hotels for their Hammam experience. These are however extremely pricey compared to regular Marrakech spas.
5. El Harti park
El Harti park is a tranquil place, perfect for taking a break from the city’s noise. The park presents nice, tidy gardens with interesting topiary. It is full of fruit trees, various kinds of aloe, cacti and singing birds! It has a playground for children. This park is surprisingly not packed with tourists. Entry is free as it is a public park.
6. Agafay Desert
The Agafay desert is only a 30 minute drive from Marrakech. While you won’t find the golden, rolling sand dunes of the Sahara here (it’s a stone desert), you can still have the secluded desert experience complete with a stunning view of the High Atlas Mountains. You can take a camel ride or enjoy a quad bike, and then gaze at the sunset
You can arrange an excursion with an online company, with your hotel, or with any of the excursion shops around Marrakech.
What to Eat in Marrakech
Moroccan cuisine comprises of tagines, kebabs and couscous, accompanied by hummus, baba ghanoush, and Moroccan salad. The Jemaa Al Fna square is full in the evening with street vendors selling delicious meals at decent prices. You will find high-end restaurants in the modern ‘new city’, but I’d recommend sticking to the lower-cost places, as the food is still high quality and delicious.
Some tips
1. Chances of getting lost in Marrakech are high! If you ever find yourself lost, ask shopkeepers - not just any random person. Shopkeepers will give you the correct directions. Locals occasionally give misleading directions or ask for money if they escort you to your destination.
2. Bargain hard when you buy things. Sellers often start off with a price three times more than a product’s actual price. A lot of shops sell similar products, so if you have time, shop around.
3. Bargain with taxi drivers. They often state a higher price. If they don’t accept a lower price, there’ll be plenty of other taxis around. Ask people working in your hotel for the approximate price for getting from A to B so that you know what you’re working with.
4. Be careful when taking photos with snake charmers, musicians or any other performers in the Jemaa Al Fna (the main square). They will charge you.
5. Pickpocketing does happen in busy areas. Keep your belongings close to you. Put your wallet in a front pocket and keep any side bag in front of you.
6. Avoid drinking tap water. Purchase bottles from small shops or stalls.
7. One of the best things about Marrakech is that you can make your trip as budget as you like or a pricey as you like. The budget options (riads, Hammams, food places) still provide the full flavour of Moroccan culture.
8. Lastly, let Marrakech happen! Enjoy the culture, the hustle and bustle of the souks, the tranquillity of the Moroccan Sahara and the beauty of the High Atlas Mountains. Soak it all in…!
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