Why visit Marrakech? I’d heard mixed reviews and even some pretty horrific tales about Morocco. I’m glad I took the trip to discover the magic for myself and visit Marrakech. It’s a city that awakens all the senses and was our first stop when we visited Morocco. We had two nights pre-booked but the vibe kept us there for six! The sounds of the call to prayer led by the Kasbah Mosque reverberating around the city as other mosques join in. The smell of street food stalls, fried onions and kofta, sardine patties, and charcoaled corn. The sights of rainbow colours in the Souks, stunning architecture, and beautiful azulejos.
Don’t get me wrong I can see how Marrakech could be intimidating. The labyrinth of Medina laneways can be confusing. The faux guides wanting to take you places. Local kids trying to 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. Yet, if you can see beyond this you’ll find a vibrant, colourful, charismatic, and soulful city.
Cities are a little easier to navigate with advice from fellow travellers. This in mind here are my top tips so that you can enjoy the magic when you visit Marrakech.
Top Tips to get the most from your visit to Marrakech…
1. Stay in the Medina.
With beautifully decorated traditional Moroccan homes centered around an external courtyard, why would you want to stay in a hotel? Most riads are independently owned, local hospitality at it’s best! We had an amazing stay at Riad Adika, the hospitality was exceptional, the decor stunning, and the food incredible.
2. Don’t leave the airport without coins.
Before you leave the airport make sure 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 don’t go in order is impossible to navigate. 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 on a price upfront.
3. Walk on the right.
The narrow streets inside The Medina are chaos. Depending on the time day and year you arrive depends on the level of chaos. Scooters, pushbikes, donkeys, carts, and cars all share the narrow streets 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. You’re pulled in one direction and screamed at from another. 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: Number one, the stalls all sell the same fare for the same price so it’s hard to recommend one over the other. It 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! Number two, 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 press on without taking the pressure of persuasion. It took us three times round to finally choose.
5. The best burger in the world.
Moroccan street food is cheap, local, and tasty. Sardine patties, kofta, spiced chickpeas, popcorn, kebabs, grilled corn on the cob, and chewy sweet treats. Don’t pay any more than a few dirhams for such snacks. 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 will pass you by if you have your head in a map. Be confident. Trust that because you are inside four walls of the Medina you can’t get lost and enjoy wandering. I promise you’ll stumble across way more than what’s in the guide books.
7. Drinking in Marrakech.
As a Muslim country, Morocco is dryer than most. Yet Marrakech has capitalised onto the European traveller. There are various bars and restaurants that serve local and imported alcohol. If you look Western, the likelihood is that the bars will find you! You don’t need to look too far for a watering hole as staff hand out flyers on the streets trying to get you in for ‘happy hour’. Prepare to pay a premium, it’s not like going to the beachside bar in Thailand or a town cafe in France.
8. It’s not closed.
Be ready for the same old scam as in Asia. Locals will 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 and they are trying to earn a commission.
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. If you want a photo agree on a price first and then enjoy photographing. It’s important to understand that local people believe that photographing them is like taking 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 into 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.
When on your trip please practice responsible travel habits and spend locally. Read my top 10 tips on how to keep the dollar in the local community here.
Have you any other tips to get the most from a visit to Marrakech? I’d love to hear them in the comments below.
