Useful Information For Travelers to Marrakech

Useful information for travelers to Marrakech

Bring a photocopy of your passport (leave the real one in your hotel) and keep valuables in zippered pockets. Beware of pickpockets in crowds, especially at Jemaa el-Fna.

Most Moroccans are Muslims, so dress modestly. A headscarf is recommended for women. Covering your shoulders and chest is essential for visiting mosques like Koutoubia.

Riads

The quaint Moroccan buildings known as Riads are an essential part of Marrakech's cultural experience, allowing visitors to feel at home while exploring the city's storied streets and souks. The word "riad" translates to garden in Arabic, and the best ones feature interior courtyards, typically with a pool or fountain, along with rooms that open into the central space. Some riads have also been converted into hotels and spas, blending western boutique hotel trends with Moroccan architecture and traditions to create some truly spectacular spaces.

Riads have become so popular that Airbnb now features them as a search option, which means it's easier than ever to find one that will be perfect for your trip. But with so many options, which are the best riads to stay at in Marrakech?

If you're looking for a true riad experience, look no further than this charming boutique riad. With dove-grey wooden shutters and balconies, a calming color palette, and artisan crafts throughout, Riad Noos Noos is a haven away from the medina hustle and bustle. Guests can enjoy breakfast on the dreamy sun-trap rooftop, relax in the tranquil courtyard garden, or get a rejuvenating hammam massage before retiring to their comfy rooms.

While this luxury riad may be more expensive than some other riads, it's worth every penny. Its spacious suites are decorated in a modern yet traditional style, with plenty of natural light and comfortable beds. The opulent bathrooms feature large bathtubs and walk-in showers with beautiful tiling. The riad also has two terraces, including the breathtakingly gorgeous rooftop where guests can dine or enjoy the stunning mountain views.

Located in the mellow Mellah neighborhood, this cozy riad is an oasis of peace away from the medina's frenetic energy. The seven guest rooms are decorated with simple furnishings, earthy colors, and soaring walls to create a relaxing atmosphere. There's also no TV or air conditioning, encouraging guests to disconnect from the modern world and embrace a slower pace of living during their stay.

A short 10-minute walk from the famed Jemaa el Fna square, this elegant riad is as beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Featuring beautiful tile work, a swanky rooftop pool, and an intimate indoor/outdoor dining room, Riad Kasbah is sure to make you feel like royalty during your stay.

It is impossible to get acquainted with the sights of Morocco in one day, as well as in a week, but you can see the maximum number of new places with the help of a rented car at one of the country's airports. For example, in Agadir airport you can rent a car from 18 euros per day, in Marrakech airport - from 21 euros per day.

Medina

The heart of Marrakech is the medina, Morocco’s original walled city whose maze of alleyways and magical souks has changed little in the hundreds of years since they were laid out. It’s a teeming place of spice and textile markets, hammam bath houses and ornate palaces and courtyards. Its maze of alleyways teem with people from around the world sharing meals at long tables as aromatic smoke rises from open fires and vendors hawking tagines and snail soup (a local delicacy).

The medina’s narrow streets are lined with riad hotels, each boasting high ceilings, decades-old intricate zellige tiles and ornate carved cedar wood. They’re often crowded with people and motorbikes but if you know the shortcuts, it’s possible to escape the chaos. Most riads are located within the medina walls, and if you’re staying at one, be sure to make time for a walk along the ramparts. The medina’s old gates, called Babs, are beautiful and each represents a distinct Moroccan city — Marrakech’s is orange-red, Chefchaouen’s blue and Essaouira’s white.

Once you reach the end of your medina wanderings, you’ll be spit out into the main square of Djemaa El Fna, where snake charmers, trained monkeys, Berber musicians, dancers and tooth-pullers compete for your attention. It’s a noisy, vibrant place that’s alive from sun up until sundown.

There are also food stalls in Djemaa El Fna and the surrounding streets, where you can eat some of the best street foods in all of Morocco. Just be aware that the stalls are sometimes run by crooks who will unashamedly short-change you. It’s not a big deal, especially if you’re from a country where this isn’t the norm but it can feel irritating. Be patient, double-check your change and don’t be afraid to say no if you’re not satisfied with the service. It will usually stop immediately if you are firm. Also, bring plenty of cash: you won’t be able to use your credit cards in the souks and street vendors. Aim to leave the medina with a wallet full of dirhams and a map in hand.

Souks

The souks of Marrakech are a fascinating glimpse into the city’s rich trading history. The alleyways are crowded with stalls selling brass-ware, jewel-colored silks, and mounds of spices. The atmosphere is a sensory overload of sight, sound, and smell. It can be daunting at first, but once you’ve gotten your bearings the winding pathways will become familiar and you’ll be able to enjoy a spot of good-natured haggling.

It’s easy to get lost in the maze of narrow alleyways, and it helps to have a map or your phone with GPS switched on. It’s also a good idea to make note of any landmarks that you see, and use them as reference points when you’re wandering around. You can always ask locals for directions, but they’ll likely expect a tip or try to steer you into shops that pay them commissions.

Most of the souks are named based on the products they sell, but many have been around for centuries and the product offerings may have changed slightly over time. The most important thing to remember when visiting the souks is to go with an open mind and be prepared to walk through a lot of stalls in order to find what you’re looking for. Trying to cram too much into one visit is a surefire way to end up frustrated.

If you aren’t a confident shopper or if it is your first trip to the souks, consider booking a guided tour with a local guide. They can help you navigate the most important paths and show you places that you might not find on your own.

While it is rare to be targeted by unscrupulous hawkers, it does happen occasionally. Staying calm and smiling is often enough to ward off these attempts, but it’s worth keeping your belongings close by. As with any crowded, confined space, it’s important to be aware of pickpockets as well, so keep an eye on your valuables at all times. The tiniest lapse in concentration can lead to an item disappearing from your hands. This is also a good reason to travel in small groups.

Attractions

A visit to Marrakech would be incomplete without taking the time to explore its top attractions. From enchanting gardens to storied palaces, there are plenty of places to visit that reveal the Ochre City’s noble past, fast-paced present and eternal obsession with beauty.

If you have limited time in the city, then a guided tour is a great way to make the most of your time. A full-day tour of Marrakech allows you to see all of the main sights and enjoy some local experiences.

The Jemaa el Fna is the heart of Marrakech and a tour is the best way to navigate its maze of streets. The evening tours allow you to experience the square at its best as the food stalls come alive with music and flute players while the dancers and artists perform their skills under twinkling lights.

Another popular place to visit is the Majorelle Garden, a peaceful retreat a short taxi ride from the Medina. The gardens were saved from destruction by the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and feature exotic plants and trees in a lush oasis.

Other popular spots to check out include the Saadian Tombs, the Bahia Palace and the Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa. The madrasa was built in the 14th century and was once the largest Qur’an school in North Africa. The beautiful courtyard is a sight to behold and the ornate doors and walls are covered in zellij (mosaic tilework) and calligraphy.

For a taste of Moroccan culture, head to one of the city’s hammams (public baths). The first time visitors are often taken aback by the openness and requirement to remove clothing but most have said that the experience was one of the highlights of their trip to Marrakech. Options for a hammam include Les Bains de Marrakech, Hammam Dar El Bacha and traveler favorites such as HERITAGE SPA and HERITAGE SPA & SPA Rosa Bonheur.

Visiting the tanneries is an interesting, albeit smelly, experience. Despite the stories online that talk about scams, it’s still an interesting place to take some photos and learn about how leather is processed in Morocco.