I’d heard mixed reviews and even some pretty horrific tales about Morocco but am glad I took the trip to discover the magic for myself.  Marrakech is a city that awakens all the senses and was our first stop.  We had two nights pre-booked but the vibe kept us there for six!  The sounds - call to prayer led by the Kasbah Mosque reverberating around the city as other mosques join in.  The smells - street food stalls wafting fried onions and kofta, sardine patties and charcoaled corn. The sights - the rainbow colours of the souks, stunning architecture and beautiful azulejos.

Don’t get me wrong I can see how Marrakech could be considered intimidating. The labyrinth of Medina laneways can be confusing. The faux guides wanting to take you places, show you to the ‘big square’ or advising that attractions are ‘shut’ is relentless. The hassle to buy is constant and the children begging or trying to sell you tissues is confronting. However, if you can see beyond this you’ll be rewarded with a vibrant, colourful, charismatic and soulful city.

I always find that cities are a little easier to navigate with advice from fellow travellers who have recently visited. This in mind and so that hopefully, you can experience the magic of Marrakech here are my top tips for a fabulous time:

Top Tips to get the most from your stay in Marrakech…

1.  Stay in the Medina:
With beautifully decorated traditional Moroccan homes centred around an external courtyard why on earth would you want to stay in a hotel? Most riads are independently owned, local hospitality at it’s best!

2.  Don’t leave the airport without coins:
Before you leave the airport ensure you have coins - change in Marrakech is like gold dust! If you are staying in the Medina the likelihood that you won’t find your riad is high! The maze of back alleys with no names and numbers that certainly don’t go in order. You will need the help of a local. It should cost around 10 dirhams but if you don’t have change then you’ll end up paying with a note! Always agree a price upfront.

3.  Walk on the right:
Chaos could be used to describe the roads within the Medina. Depending on the time day and year you arrive depends on the level of chaos. Scooters, pushbike, donkey’s, carts and cars all share the narrow streets through the Medina with no obvious highway code! Most locals seem to walk on the right which seems to be best.

4.  Djemaa el-Fna - where to eat:
No visit to Marrakech is complete without experiencing the raucous grilling competition in the main square. It kicks off at sunset between the 65 outdoor restaurant stalls. As you’re being pulled in one direction and screamed at from another, as one lad points to Mama cooking beckoning you to eat there another asks where you’re from before reeling off lines such as “M&S quality but Aldi prices” (if you’re from the UK). It can be an overwhelming experience. My advice is two-fold - firstly the stalls all sell the same fare for the same price so it’s hard to recommend one over the other. It also works on a rota system - there are two lots of restaurants that take it on a 10 day on and 10 day off basis so the restaurant we ate at on our first night in Marrakech wasn’t there three weeks later! Secondly, go with your gut - if you feel a connection with the guys trying to coax you in then reward them with your custom, if you don’t then simply press on. It took us three times round to finally choose. Don’t be pressured. Take your time. Go with your gut!

5.  The best burger in the world:
Moroccan street food is cheap, local and tasty. Whether its sardine patties, kofta, spiced chickpeas, popcorn, kebabs, grilled corn on the cob or chewy sweet treats you shouldn’t be paying any more than a few dirhams. On Rue Riad Zitoun el-Kedim opposite the mosque is a butcher who’s minced beef Khobz are the best I have ever tasted. With the option of adding onions, cheese, chilli and/or egg this taste sensation is something you’ll be going back for day after day!

6.  Put down the map:
One for all the senses Marrakech is lost on you if you have your head in a map. Be confident, trust that because you are inside four walls of the Medina you can’t really get lost and just enjoy wandering. I promise you’ll stumble across way more than just what’s in the guide books.

7.  Drinking in Marrakech:
As a Muslim country, Morocco is dryer than most, however, Marrakech has capitalised onto the European traveller. There are a number of bars and restaurants that serve local and imported beer, wine and spirits. My advice is to just wander if you look slightly western likelihood is the bars will find you! With flyers being handed out and staff on the streets trying to get you in for ‘happy hour’ you don’t have to look too far for a watering hole.

8.  It’s not closed:
The same old scam as in Asia where locals tell you an attraction or location is closed only to then take you to their chosen shop or attraction! Ignore them, the likelihood is it’s as open as it’s ever been!

9.  Photography:
Beware that any street entertainer will want paying if you take a photo - being sneaky about stealing a shot can also turn quite nasty so just suck it up and if you want a photo agree on a price first and then enjoy photographing. It’s also important to understand that local people believe that to be photographed is to take a piece of their soul. Be respectful and if you want to take a photo ask first.

10.  Have a sense of humour:
You’ll get heckled, shouted after, hassled and sold too but don’t let it intimidate you. These are fellow humans trying to make a living. Stop, have a chat, have a joke, give banter back, go in to their shop and have a look. Remember, you are not obliged to buy anything. If anyone does get agitated, stand your ground and be confident.

Have you any travelling tips for others to enjoy the magic of Marrakech?