Marrakech: travel tips
Marrakech is one of the most important cities in the Kingdom of Morocco. A thousand-year history and a charm that have made it a privileged destination for international tourism for decades. Despite the earthquake that shook the region in 2023, Marrakech recovered in record time and is ready to welcome visitors eager to venture into a city full of contrasts, beauty and tradition. Here are some tips for you, fresh from your trip, to make the most of your experience in the red city.
General informations
Marrakech is located in the south-west of Morocco, approximately 150 km from the Atlantic Ocean. Other important cities in the country such as Casablanca, Rabat, Agadir or Fes are a few hundred kilometers away from the city of Ocher, so called due to the dominant color of its buildings. Getting to Marrakech is easy, in about 3 hours of flight from Italy or a little more from the rest of northern Europe. The brand new – and beautiful – airport, Marrakech Manara, is located about 10 km from the Medina, the historic center of the city, and is well connected by bus or taxi and private transfers. Once you land, be patient in the queue at passport control! Generally, border agents will ask you some simple questions such as reason for travel, place of stay, profession, etc. Once you pass the checks you will be admitted to Morocco and you can start your adventure. Speaking of the airport, the waiting times and queues to be had upon departure will be significantly higher! Show up at least 3 hours before your flight departure to avoid missing your plane! Online check-in is not accepted at Marrakech airport or at least, if your company allows you to do it, you will still have to print your boarding pass (it is not accepted on your mobile phone) and still show up at your company’s check-in desk airline to have it validated. Added to this queue is the baggage check at the entrance to the departure terminal, the “classic” security checks and finally the passport control at the exit. Depending on the time and season in which you go, the times can be very long! So be careful!
Speaking of season, what is the best time to visit Morocco? The most popular periods are spring and autumn, when you can enjoy excellent temperatures to enjoy the sun without the excessive summer heat. In winter the climate is still pleasant and the minimum rarely drops below 10 degrees.
Where to stay
Marrakech is a very large and chaotic city. Most of the attractions and monuments are located in the Medina, the old city. Here, as soon as you pass the walls, you will enter into a real frenzy! You’ll feel like you’re in a movie. At first you will be intimidated by the chaos, by the scooters whizzing through the streets, by the traffic, noises and smells but within a short time you will realize that it is much safer in Marrakech than in many European cities. To have an authentic experience you will have to stay in a typical riad. The riad is a type of typical Moroccan home characterized by a central courtyard, often adorned with fountains or swimming pools, which develops in height. There are thousands of riads in Marrakech, from the most humble to the most luxurious. They often feature magnificent roof terraces with splendid views of the city. For those who want a little more tranquility and comfort, Marrakech has resorts and luxury hotels outside the Medina of the main hotel chains from all over the world. The most luxurious and modern neighborhoods are Hivernage and Gueliz.
What to see
Wandering around the Medina and its narrow streets is a once in a lifetime experience. Finding your way in this urban fabric can be difficult and the GPS on your mobile phone may not be able to help you! The center of the Medina is undoubtedly Jamaa El Fna Square. Here you will find at every hour of the day and night a sea of people wandering among stalls, snake charmers, monkey trainers, etc. Do not be intimidated and observe curiously and then reach the various souks of the city where among people, scooters , stalls you will be immersed in a unique reality. Apart from these “popular” and commercial attractions, Marrakech offers artistic jewels of great value, heritage of a golden age in which Marrakech was one of the capitals of the kingdom. The Bahia Palace, for example, is an excellent example of Moroccan art, pomp and luxury in the heart of the Medina. A visit to its countless rooms and gardens is unmissable. As well as visiting the Tombs of the Saadites and the ruins of the El Badi Palace. Another jewel of Moorish art is the Medersa Ben Youssef. This Islamic school, founded in 1300 by Sultan Abou el Hassan, offers rooms and gardens of unique beauty.
One of the symbols of Marrakech is the Koutoubia Mosque, with its spectacular minaret that dominates the city skyline. Entrance to the mosque is reserved for Muslims but you can admire it up close in its front gardens.
Speaking of gardens, Marrakech offers magnificent gardens in which to regenerate from the chaos of the city. The most famous are certainly the Majorelle Gardens. Created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle around a beautiful Art Deco villa, these Islamic-style gardens welcome rare botanical species from all over the world in an exotic and lush atmosphere. The color contrasts make the perfect place for beautiful photos! In 1980 Pierre Bergé and Yves Saint Laurent purchased the area and brought it back to life. In 2011, the Berber art museum was inaugurated on the ground floor of the villa, and a few steps away you will find the Yves Saint Laurent Museum which celebrates the famous French designer.
Other gardens not to be missed are the Menara Gardens and the delightful Secret Garden.
What to do, where to eat. etc...
A few km from Marrakech you will find the fascinating desert of Agafay. Many travelers combine a visit to the city with a night in the desert for a unique experience. In my case I stayed in the splendid White Camel Luxury Camp. This structure consists of tents and lodges immersed in the desert in maximum comfort. In fact, you will find two swimming pools, one of which is infinity, restaurants and SPA. From here you can enjoy unique sunsets and go on dromedary or quad excursions.
Another experience not to be missed is a hot air balloon tour over the palm groves of Marrakech. Various companies organize hot air balloon rides at dawn complete with breakfast at the camp upon landing. In my case I relied on the Adventure ballon Marrakech!
Another unmissable activity in Morocco is to take a hammam, a traditional Moroccan steam bath that will regenerate you after the fatigue of your walks.
If you want a bit of relaxation, and your accommodation does not have a SPA or swimming pool, you can take advantage of the offers of numerous hotels and resorts in the city which open their doors to external customers with day passes. In my case I opted for the splendid Palace Es Saadi, in the Hivernage district, with its beautiful swimming pool and wellness program inside and the large outdoor swimming pools, one of which is heated. Packages often include lunch (be sure to book!).
Another tip… have an aperitif or dinner at one of the city’s rooftops. From here the view at sunset is unmissable. The most famous are El Fenn, La Pergola, Maison MK, M rooftop and la Cabana.
Recommendations
Here are some random recommendations to enjoy your holiday in Marrakech without bad surprises!
- Don’t drink water that isn’t bottled (to be even safer, avoid brushing your teeth with tap water).
- Be careful of scooters and various carts in the streets of the Medina! Stay on the right side!
- Be careful when crossing roads! The traffic is really intense and motorists pay little attention to pedestrians!
- Buy tickets for the main attractions only on official websites!
- Withdraw cash in the local currency, Moroccan dirham! In fact, credit or debit cards are often not accepted!
- Show respect for the local population. Even though you don’t pay much attention to clothing and you find a bit of everything on the streets, in certain contexts remember that you are still in an Islamic country
- Don’t photograph people without their consent! In Morocco there are still beliefs, especially among the elderly, that taking a photo steals your soul! So respect people’s beliefs and ask for permission! If you photograph snake charmers or anything else, be aware that they will often ask you for money!
- Bargain in the souks! As in all Arab countries, even in Morocco you will have to negotiate prices! Arm yourself with patience and enjoy the experience!
- Book the most famous restaurants and rooftops in advance, you risk not finding a seat!
- Enjoy the experience without preconceptions. Marrakech is a safe city but still be careful in some areas and when walking alone in the streets of the Medina in the dark!
Great photos! Enjoy seeing these scenes from your travels.
Thank you 😀😀