The second visit was far more pleasant now a peaceful ruin is pleasant to visit. Morocco is famous for mint tea, which is served absolutely everywhere. of a quiet retreat. A Quick Guide to Essaouira, Morocco. (Note: Its only open to non-guests on Friday and Saturday for lunch and dinner). Morocco. If you want to know how to eat like a local, take a four-hour food tour with AXS. Dont miss Marrakechs best coffee shop, Bacha Coffee House, which serves more than 40 brews in the same building. CITIES. Your guide will take you on a one to three-hour trek to the Berber village of Ait Souka, followed a visit to the waterfalls at Arouz. Every Monday and Friday from October to May, the museum hosts concerts of classical Moroccan music. A Review of Marrakech Food Tours. One of THE most essential things to do in Marrakech, bracing yourself for a food odyssey of the city and digging deep into all the Moroccan cuisine you can uncover here is going to be one heck of a ride. Wear loose, light clothing, always carry a bottle of water with you and try and get the bulk of your exploring in the early morning and late afternoon. It seems you can let your bowels us, the roof, has some small rooms without toilet facilities. roof, I discovered the source of the smell. Go fora classic cup of mint tea. Plus, the museum in the former dungeon is a great place to cool off and learn a bit about the history of the city. Worst still, some tourists pay it. There are several ski lifts and if they don't work you can always take a donkey up the slopes. El Badi may be a ruin, but it offers a fascinating insight into the power and wealth of past Moroccan dynasties. sill and sitting there were numerous large drops of brown liquid, now drying. At some point during your trip, youll need a break from the searing heat and intensity of the Medina. over the world. The riad is a few hundred metres from the Museum of Women and Le Jardin Secret, and a 10-minute walk from the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. Djemaa El Fna square is the starting point to explore the souks of Marrakech. At best it will end up with a trip to this helpful stranger's family shop, at worst it could end with an aggressive insistence that you pay for their guide (often after you've already followed them and completely lost you sense of direction). This is a place where the American West achieves its definition with bison wandering endless prairies, bighorn sheep dancing along craggy cliffs, and bald eagles coasting over mile after mile of hiking trails, rivers, and lakes. The Ultimate Travel Guide to Marrakech, Morocco By Cator Sparks February 1, 2018 Listen to article Marrakech: The name itself conjures up ancient buildings bathed in pink paint nestled under. If someone is hassling you to eat there, keep walking, The better the menu in English, the less to expect from the food, Although stalls display prices, agreewhat you will pay upfront and dont accept any freebies that will inevitably be tagged onto your bill at an extortionate rate, Stick to food that is freshly grilled or fried in front of you, Check that the frying oil looks light and clean, Seafood is risky unless you know the origin/storage. Whatever your desires, weve got you covered. Description A bilingual (English/French) City Guide to Marrakech with offline map and guide by hipmarrakech.com. Here's the ultimate Marrakech travel guide. If you have any cash left over at the end of your trip, remember to exchange it back before you leave. It was a pleasant This guide will show you all of the top things to do in Marrakech, Morocco, including what to see and where to stay. Example: If a pair of shoes are 500 dirham, offer 250. of the Mamounia Hotel, Marrakech has something for everyone. on our first trip. A must visit for everyone who's looking for a fun city trip to a destination that's perhaps not top of mind for a weekend break. Also, since taxis cannot drive into the medina, you need to know the closest gate to be dropped off. a good value and has balconies to take advantage of the great view. Its housed in one of the citysmost striking buildings, alongside a beautiful garden caf, bookshop, temporary exhibition hall and auditorium. French rule left its mark too, as did occupation of Andalucia. Go to see the most amazing color blue you will ever see: Majorelle blue. With only six rooms to choose from, you can rent the whole place out with a group and simply call it home. It was okay for that purpose, but a huge cockroach was waiting to greet The souks of the nearby medina are It is one of the biggest attractions in Marakkesh, so go early or late to avoid the mobs. Comptoir Darma is a total tourist destination, but in the very best way. All-Day Hipster Eating: Kechmara Dining hours in Marrakech tend to be strict, so this stylish nonstop bistro is just the ticket for all-day breakfastdon't miss the eggs en cocotte with. back side. Virtually every riad or hotel will offer this, either in-house or at a larger school. If youre buying food from a street seller or produce, you shouldnt need to barter. to make it down the stairs to a proper facility. The metal workers all have their little shops clustered together, as do the tailors, butchers, jewelers, wool dyers, spice merchants, carpet salesmen and so on. Within the ruins, youll also find the jewel that is the Koutoubias. Marrakech is one of the best and cheapest destinations to take a cookery class. What is it? We try to find a local barber in every country we visit to experience the cultural vibe. Specific dates vary year to year, but it generally begins in May and ends in June. It also makes arguing with taxi drivers a lot more fun! If you are looking for a place to party, book here. bout of dysentery while visiting Marrakech. The Kotubia mosque can be seen from all over the city. 16 Really Useful Tips for Visiting Marrakech, North Coast 500 Highlights | Where To Find The Things You'll Love, Our Statement for Travellers about Coronavirus / Covid-19, This three-hour historical and cultural tour, our guide on the best things to do in Marrakech, The Best Riads in Marrakech for Those on a Budget, 13 Wonderful Things to Do in Marrakech | Morocco's Pink City, Marrakech to Merzouga: Our Moroccan Road Trip Itinerary, The Flavours of Morocco | A Cooking Class in Marrakech, can I take moroccan dirham out of the country. to end. } You will absolutely fall in love with everything this bustling and vibrant city has to offer! Originally built as a country house in the 1920s, it was later owned by an interior designer and antique collector, Luciano Tempo. Here are a few of the most memorable places for you to stay at while in Marrakech. Be prepared to be asked for money when you take photos of the performers and stop to watch the entertainment. Majorelle Gardens and the Museum of Islamic ArtIn the 1920's, French artists Jacques and Louis Majorelle created a stunninggardenin the middle ofMarrakech's new town. Haggle with the traders for that beautiful rug you spotted. the long journey. However, we enjoyed these trips because we had a chance to ask them about the souk, their lives, their culture. El Fan is a spiritual center of Marrakech, and it is definitely the center This open-air souk is truly atmospheric. Since many of the smaller budget hotels won't have websites or online booking facilities you should get a good guidebook, like theLonely Planetand follow their recommendations. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. You should set the taxi fare before you get in. There are European-style shopping malls and small homeware boutiques aplenty, plus an excellentarray of bars and restaurants for a post-retail therapy pit stop. You arent a garden kind of guy. Go to have a moment of peace with your lady friend and show her you are man enough to stroll through a famous garden with birds chirping and water trickling under tall bamboo arcades. He informed us 10 dh - but then very quickly stated that we would never find a taxi driver that would charge us that, that the going rate for a tourist is at least 50 dh. hubbub surrounding the front desk with its five managers all arguing at Take at least one day out of the city and explore the Palmerie or the Atlas Mountains. Of course, if you have to be somewhere, ensuring you take the second turning after the lamp shop with the blue sign and not the third after the lamp shop with the green sign is important, but for most people who visited the medina or the souks, wandering the narrow streets and getting a little lost is part of the fun. Marrakesh travel - Lonely Planet | Morocco, Africa The fascinating, intricate architecture makes the mosques and palaces the best places to visit in Marrakech. At the end of the ride, M and A Tours can take you to a local Berber house to drink mint tea and learn about the culture and people living in the area. Marrakech historically was one of the main trading posts and markets in North Africa. Ever wonder what purple mountain majesties looks like in real life? We discovered that private firms were a fair bit cheaper than getting your riad to arrange it, and can recommend this one. Need help planning your trip from start to finish? While this one is new and designed to resemble an American barbershop, my barber gave me 40 minutes of total peace while he cut my hair and gave me a shave. There are so many things to see, you should spend at least 3 days in Marrakesh. The Oukaimden ski resort is less than 50 miles away from Marrakech. If youve really enjoyed our guides, you can buy us a virtual coffee here. A note on taxis: While we stayed in the medina, where you could walk everywhere, if you want to go somewhere that requires a taxi, be sure to ask at your riad (the name for a traditional-style Moroccan house or hotel with a central courtyard) where to find a taxi stand. Someriadsalso have rooftop terraces where you can eat breakfast and look out over the city. Then we had a one hour massage before being escorted to the main fountain to sober up and get back to reality. as we stayed in the modern Menara Hotel, and had learned what to avoid If your accommodation is a little far out from the medina, you can catch a shuttle provided by your hotel or take a taxi. From museums and souks to fabulous restaurants, here are the things in Marrakech you should not miss. where Jimmy Hendrix and others from that era used to hang out. I looked down upon the window Of course, you have to visit - it's part and parcel of Marrakech, a big tourist draw, and a place you literally can't miss - but we don't think youll actually want spend too much time there. forms: { but at times enchanting, this extraordinary city lures travelers from all enough snowfall in the Atlas mountains to accommodate skiers. Make sure to visit the Al Azama synagogue and the extraordinary Miara cemetery. When taking a taxi, the fare is typically 150 dirhams. with comfortable lounge chairs and umbrellas for the fair skinned, and It seems like there's a cool bar of caf on almost every street corner. Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon! We just dont understand why they dont simply call it the Berber Shop.. Plenty of flavourful tagines, pastries and salads that would make an excellent dinner party for your friends. You can easily convert these currencies at Moroccan airports, banks, or even hotels. laid-back medinas in Chefchaouen, Essaouira or Fez. Locals and tourists descend on the Jemaa every night, drawn by the ceaseless hoopla andhalqa(street theatre). This is another magical riad that also served an excellent meal. By BusThere are three national bus companies that operate between Marrakech and most major towns and cities in Morocco. Wed picked this hotel out from } I hate to admit it, but Pizza Hut was a welcome treat! Heres a selection of some of the best cafes in Marrakech to shelter from the sun and get your caffeine fix: Heres a selection of the most renowned and popular dining spots in the city, from trendy to Frenchified upscale: As well as the many variations on tagine and couscous, here are a few local specialities and snacks to keep an eye out for whilst wandering the Medina: The markets of Marrakech Medina need little introduction and are arguably the citys main draw. Click here to read my full disclosure policy. But say. The other bus companies arrive and depart from the long distance bus station near Bab Doukkala, a 20-minute walk fromJemael-Fna. People-watching while enjoying some fresh orange juice or mint tea can be one of the most enjoyable Marrakech activities. 17 Best Things to Do In Marrakech in 2023 Hi, Im Sam. Simply put, its a fantastic and unique shopping destination if you know how to haggle. A Foodies Guide to Rome Where to Eat & Drink in the Italian Capital, A Foodies Guide to Athens Where to Eat & Drink in the Italian Capital, A Foodies Guide to the Cinque Terre Where to Eat & Drink, A Foodies Guide to Santorini Where to Eat & Drink. Craving somewhere with food like youve never tasted, markets to get lost in and jaw-dropping sunsets on the beach? After Casablanca, Fes Morocco, A 2 day itinerary for Casablanca, Morocco would not be complete without a trip to Old Medina, the Royal, View Post 48 hours in Casablanca A 2 day ItineraryContinue, Fes (also written as Fez) is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco and is considered one of. Accommodation: This guide to Marrakesh will help you figure out the best time to go; the best sights to see; how to get to Marrakesh and how to get around; and where to stay. If youre making an expensive purchase, euros and USD may be accepted, but its best to use dirham day to day. The museum is an ode to his love of the country while also showcasing his illustrations, clothing, and accessories. What is it? 05.nov.2017 - En gang en oase for reisende bohemer, kunstnere og frie sjeler. From $70 to $15 sold. can buy just about anything in the Marrakech Medina. (function() { Why go? We took the Marrakech Express Snack stalls are replaced with stalls offering more substantial fare and the square comes alive with entertainment that hasn't changed much since medieval times. It is a large central square in the old city (Medina) and during the day it's a perfect place to grab a freshly-squeezed orange juice and a handful of dates. stay, as this is THE classic example of a one star also lucky to find a wonderful new patisserie on a pedestrian side street This increases the chances of being able to explore the city with others, perhaps increasing the level of comfort youll feel whilst doing it. Its an opportunity to meet serious artisans on their own terms and hear how they became masters of their craft. Built in the 1500s by Sultan Ahmed al Mansour(same dude as El Badi), 200 of his descendants and servants are buried here. rip on the toilet while puking into the bidet By using these, you are directly supporting Along Dusty Roads to remain an independent travel blog, and to create free guides to help you travel more, travel better. Dont miss Marrakechs best coffee shop, Bacha Coffee House, which serves more than 40 brews in the same building. Everywhere you look in Djemaa El Fna, Marrakesh's main square (pronounced "jema" - the "d" is silent), Muse Yves Saint Laurent This captivating museum, opened in 2017, showcases finely selected collections of haute couture clothing and accessories that span 40 years of creative Bahia Palace The airport is six kilometres from the centre of Marrakech, so you will have to catch a shuttle bus, taxi or private transfer. Why go? Go to El Badi first since Bahia is the real eye-orgasm you want to save. What is it? Many tourists flock to Marrakech for the incredible textiles, ceramics and handmade crafts. From March to May and October to November, the weather is mild and perfect for exploring. The trip takes about 3 hours. hotel. Why go? It's advisable to get there early and avoid the tour groups. Marrakesh Travel Tips: What to Know Not to Get Disappointed. Like, way in advance. However, if youre in a main area like Jemaa el-Fnaa and want to grab a bite, only eat at stalls the locals are also eating at. But it's a sizable town and you'll probably want to make use of some of the following options: RiadsOne of the most sought-after accommodations in Marrakech is aRiad, a traditional Moroccan house situated in the Medina (old town). Morocco. Get your guide is a Great company, that often offersheavily discounted tours! But, some annual events take place in summer which you may not want to miss. I am sure locals pay way less, but we didnt feel ripped off. The palace is open daily with a break for lunch although it is closed when the royal family visits. The complex is also home to the newly-built Yves Saint Laurent Museum, dedicated to the French fashion designer who made Marrakech a second home. It is an art form and it can take some time. There are no obvious lanes, few footpaths and an apparent lack of road rules; it is chaos, and absolutely not the place to stare down at your feet, or at your phone. Its where Moroccans go for their weekly, relaxinggommage(scrub), but also to reconnect with themselves and with friends and family. With all the antiques and unsupervised pools, this is not the place to bring the kids. You wont believe the decor until you see it, with high, gilded ceilings, rooms filled with paintings, mosaics and stuccos, and a huge, open garden to wander. Couscous is the countrys main dish, and beef, chicken and lamb are commonly consumed. Venturing into the square is all it takes to have an exciting evening. For the most part, the food is dirty, inedible and overpriced for Alternatively, if travelling by yourself or would like the comfort of being guided by a local guide, consider joining a walking tour. Her team prepared a delightful meal of tagines, couscous, and other French-Moroccan delicacies she even organized some Berber musicians for entertainment. They are Supratours, CTM and SATAS. us a vest I had tried on. The major car rental companies are represented at the airport. The hassles in Marrakech never seem washings afterwards! Digital Trends Media Group may earn a commission when you buy through links on our sites. Spring is here and right around the corner, summer. To immerse yourself in the visual history of Morocco. at all times. Marrakech By Air and Ciel dAfrique Hot Air Ballooning both run sunrise flights with a complimentary Berber breakfast. The food stalls in the Djemma el Fna dont have a great reputation for hygiene, although hand washing stations have recently been installed. A jewel of 16th-century Saadian architecture, thisdouiria(guest apartment) was built by achorfa(noble) family and retains all its exquisite original decoration that acts as a backdrop to thoughtful exhibitions and musical events. CITIES. You wont believe the decor until you see it, with high, gilded ceilings, rooms filled with paintings, mosaics and stuccos, and a huge, open garden to wander. If there's not enough snow the views are always spectacular and it's still worth the trip. Choose from a range of pampering treatments during your stay, or get outdoors and partake in the numerous activities offered. This sounds harsh, yet, if you take one piece of advice from this article, make it this - it'll improve your experience 100%. Editors note: While it is not necessary, we encourage hiring a private guide to take you to some of the historical attractions in Marrakech. Many vendors do not take credit cards, so bring a lot of cash each morning or be prepared to have them walk you to the nearest ATM, which can be a trek. Darija (aka Moroccan Arabic) and Berber are the official languages of Morocco. The Ultimate Guide to Marrakech Phone cameras at the ready Jardin Majorelle is pure Instagram gold. Photograph: Balate Dorin / Shutterstock.com. In Marrakech, youll also find tangia, a stew cooked in a clay pot in the embers underneath the hammam (as opposed to on a stove top in an earthenware tagine). They will smile and nod that that isnt possible so start walking away. As well as bags of spices, you can pick up colourful basketry or simply watch the show from one of the cafs thatringthe square. Arrive early to avoid unwanted photo-bombers. Marrakech is shopping nirvana, you wont struggle to fill your suitcase with goodies. The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. The rooftop terrace is well worth a visit and the food is superb. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons / 74913002A. You can hold up to 50+ currencies at once, and convert them in real time with the free Wise app. Why go? What is it? Tip: Buy a combo ticket for the YSL museum and Marjorelle Gardens at the YSL museum. One of the ultimate day trips to take from Marrakech is an adventure to the Atlas Mountains. Kasbah Le Mirage diverges from the traditional riad, but still captures the essence of Morocco. Long-distance buses are comfortable and usually air-conditioned. It the fourth largest city in Morocco and has quickly become the most popular for travellers. staff quickly removed the evidence. The souqs are situated north of the Djemma el Fna and finding your way around the narrow alleyways can be a bit tricky. This will allow you to increase your price when the real negotiations begin. Youll never see these served together, they are separate dishesand couscous from a package is sacrilege! Conveniently, they are only a few hundred metres from El Badi. Like the food, Hotels vary considerably. 1. 35 UNIQUE Things to Do in Marrakech [in 2023] At $20 US per person, it was a bargain, considering We returned to Marrakech after our Why go? Created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, this botanical garden is home to more types of cacti than you can shake a terrarium at and has a stunning indigo blue art deco house as its centrepiece. Its painstakingly hand rolled from semolina and steamed with the meat and vegetables. Try another? Riad Al Jazira is elegant and modern while still maintaining Moroccan charm. El Fna Square is an important place to visit with