Marrakesh. The Red City. The Daughter of the Desert.
If you fancy spending your dream holiday in the beautiful landscapes of Morocco, which city in this North African Kingdom will possibly grab your eye? I bet it’s not Rabat {the capital of the Kingdom of Morocco}. Well, that’s because Marrakesh, also known as the ‘Red City’, takes all the attention with the unique spectacle it has to offer its visitors. Being a hotspot that tourists more often than not prefer to visit, to put things into perspective, this dream tourist destination received an influx of two million visitors in 2019 alone! In this comprehensive Marrakesh Travel Guide, I share insider tips that will equip with you everything you need for an experience of a lifetime! Read on…
After having spent enough time in the majestic High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert, the touchdown at Marrakesh gave a sense of civilisation back to us. Let’s just say that vehicular horns, buzzing motorbikes, and the frenzied pace of the city smacked our senses and we were back to reality!
Travelling to Marrakesh is the dream of any traveller. As Vikram and I set to explore this imperial city over the next few days, we came to realise that it was a bit different from the other places we’d explored in Morocco. It was a unique blend of the much-acclaimed culture of Morocco, beautiful architecture {notably in the Medina}, and mouth-watering cuisine. And its diverse nature just couldn’t be ignored. What else made it unique was that this African pearl was equal parts adventurous as it was charming and even then, you wouldn’t be able to believe its size and how busy it seemed. We discovered a cocktail of smells, flavours, sounds, and sights that satisfied our every expectation, and then some!
A Few Interesting Facts About Marrakesh
If it’s your first visit to Marrakesh, here are some things worth knowing:
- The red sandstone walls of the city which were constructed in the 1100s, give Marrakesh its other name ~ Red City.
- The oldest parts of the city date back to when Marrakesh was founded in 1062. Its famed Medina was given the status of UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.
- Being the fourth largest city in Morocco, its population is only 930,000.
- Marrakesh hosts the Djemaa el-Fna ~ a triangular plaza at the heart of the Medina, considered to be the busiest in all of Africa.
- The prevalent architecture of Marrakesh is unique; Sahara and West African styles merge with Andalusian influence from cities like Spain and Cordoba.
Pro tip: Since Marrakesh isn’t that large a city, a city tour comprising all the key features can be achieved in a span of two to three days.
How To Get To Marrakesh
A multitude of options is at your disposal. You can arrive in the city by plane, thanks to its international airport, or by bus as roads in Morocco are well laid, or via train. Additionally, a trip to Fes or a Sahara Desert Tour can be taken from Marrakesh.
What To Expect In Marrakesh
Language: Luckily, there is a wide spoken range of languages which includes Spanish, French, Berber, and Arabic. You’ll be fine with English at any hotspot but knowing a few words of French wouldn’t hurt.
Currency: Valued at nearly INR 20, Dirham acts as the currency of Morocco. When it comes to spending money, carry cash, and I recommend bargaining {well, something most of us Indians are good at}.
Climate: Pack your best summer clothes because temperatures hitting 30 degrees at an average wait to greet you. Marrakesh being warm all year, even the winters average at 13 degrees Celsius.
Clothing: Being respectful of the prevailing Muslim culture, it is recommended that loose-fitting {preferable lightweight, given the climate} clothes covering shoulders and knees be worn.
Customs: Moroccans will avoid your left hand due to the general belief of it being unclean, so the right hand is your go-to for interaction. Also, if you’re there on a long weekend, some places might remain closed on Friday {being the holy day}.
Marrakesh Travel Guide: Top 5 Things to See and Do in Marrakesh
Here are my top 5 that will make your travel memorable:
Enjoy a Stroll through the Intricate Medina
This is one of those experiences that catches you off guard and is best witnessed than read. The city has a so-called “old town.” Why? Because it is nearly a millennium old! Yes, you read that right. Exploring the walled city {on the World Heritage List} was an exhilarating experience for us; there’s a different sense of joy in wandering casually in a town that resembles a maze and is full of narrow alleyways and crowded souks!
Be very clear about one thing ~ do not expect order here. While pacing to keep up with our tour guide was hardly a significant effort; seeing, sensing, and processing this new beautiful place is what takes some getting used to. There’s frenzy in the Medina as people seamlessly blend into the rhythmic chaos while giving way upon hearing cries of “Balek! Balek!” Motorbikes, donkey carts, and a host of other things are thrown into the mix ~ make sure you make way for them.
As we passed by Berber carpet souks, spice bazaars, and pottery and ceramics sellers, the shop owners tried to catch our attention and get us to see the merchandise they were selling. This Moroccan labyrinthine seemed endless, and you realise that you’ve spent a quarter of your day wandering, taking in the atmosphere and the culture when you have a look at the time. A word of advice: if something does catch your attention, be prepared to bargain before you buy what you fancy.
Pro tip: If you’re looking to click a picture, ask for permission. I promise you, that’s the way here.
Hang Out at the Serene Jardin Majorelle
The Jardin Majorelle is a botanical garden and is a great place to be if you want to be in the lap of nature. Jacques Majorelle, a French artist, maintained the area until the heavens beckoned in 1962. With the creator gone, the garden did suffer some neglect before being restored by fashion designers Yves Saint-Laurent and Pierre Bergé in the 1980s.
We found the Jardine to be the polar opposite of the bazaar. This is the place where you unwind in serenity as you walk around; the signature blue colour {Majorelle blue} making the structures distinctly conspicuous. A book shop, a café and a museum flank the garden, which is a natural blending pot where over 300 plant species from five continents thrive! The exotic flora apart, we got to see fountains and ponds throughout this beautiful and tranquil escape.
Regardless of your love for art, spare 100 MAD and visit the Musee Yves Saint Laurent. This museum opened less than three years back, and your hundred goes as 70 MAD for the entrance and 30 MAD for the museum.
Marvel at the Standing Artefacts of the Dynasty at Saadian Tombs
The tombs stand tall, and stately mausoleums are a great memory to have. Built by the Saadi dynasty during its rule from 1549 to 1659, these 400-year-old structures that hold the remains of important figures are said to have been “lost” and rediscovered in 1917. Do you believe in magic?
Patience shall get you to the Hall of Twelve Columns, the mausoleum built for Saadian Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour ed-Dahbi, as you’ll likely have to wait in line. The Sultan was known for his wealth and love for extravagance, and this love is clearly reflected from the surface of the Italian Carrara marble that’s covered with delicately detailed pure gold ornamentation.
If you’re paying a visit to the Medina, make a stop either way to cover the open-air mausoleum. 10 MAD ~ that’s all you need.
Pro tip: History and art lovers who wish to see the Royal home may visit the El Badii Palace. Once majestic, these structures were decimated by Moulay Ismail ibn Sharif who took over the reign after the Saadi Dynasty’s rule. Ruins are all you get, but they’re Royal.
Be Captivated by the Bahia “Brilliant” Palace
Bahia literally means “Brilliant,” and that’s a solid reason why you should pay a visit once you’re done appreciating the Tombs. The palace is within walking distance from the Tombs and is yet another popular point in Marrakesh.
Constructed in the second half of the nineteenth century by Si Moussa, who was the grand vizier of Sultan Hassan, La Bahia took over fourteen years to build. No ordinary structure, the Bahia has 150 rooms, and has lavish features including wooden doorways carved from Cedarwood, intricate stucco designs, and tiled fireplaces; use your imagination and it shall manifest here!
The sight of Lalla Zineb is equally captivating with stained-glass windows, ceilings painted with rose bouquets, and hand-woven silk panels covering the walls… Sounds über luxurious, doesn’t it?
Make sure to check out the sweet-scented, beautiful courtyard garden too. The entrance is 10 MAD.
Blend with the Culture while Exploring the Town Square/Djemaa el Fna
The Djemaa el-Fna is the main square and outdoor theatre for the city; expect a different treatment here. If you’re interested in exotic street talent, this is the ideal place for you. With monkey handlers, snake charmers, fortune tellers, tattoo artists, belly dancers, musicians, and henna ladies ~ you’ll discover drama in progress! If you haven’t already painted a picture of crowd and chaos, please do, because this epicentre of Morocco’s most iconic tourist destination is overwhelming!
The vibrant Jamaâ transforms into a street market as dusk falls. Hundreds of “exotic culinary cooks” set up their dining tables and tents to cater to one and all. Whatever you choose at this epic culinary bazaar, you’re sure to have a meaningful ‘locals’ experience. Another experience that you cannot miss is watching the sunset that appears brilliant from the rooftop cafés in the square. Regardless of the stories you hear or pictures you see, you have to experience firsthand this repository of Moroccan cultural traditions to really understand what it’s all about!
Marrakesh Travel Guide: How To Save Money?
- Local markets are cost-effective: The tourist centres in the new town are more expensive, I would hence advise you to avoid those centres and eat at the local markets in the Medina. It will save you a significant amount of money on food.
- Cab fares are meant to be negotiated: The cabs here do not have fixed prices. Don’t be afraid to negotiate hard before getting into one.
- Take advantage of the local Couchsurfing community: Marrakesh has a thriving Couchsurfing community, and it will serve two purposes; you will get a place to stay and sleep for free, and also get a local person to point you to great places to visit.
- Drinking is not advisable: Despite the local customs frowning upon alcohol, there are many places where drinks are available. However, you will have to pay dearly over the regular price. By avoiding alcohol, you will respect the local beliefs while saving substantially and giving your liver a healthy respite.
- Enjoy the incredible street food: At around 30 MAD on an average meal, restaurants are not too expensive. But you know what; the street food is even cheaper, with a wide variety of choices. Take your pick from delectable kebabs, sausages, hot roasted chicken, and many other delicacies served by the street vendors.
- Do pay attention to how you dress: Being a tourist attraction, Marrakesh is more liberal than other cities around it. However, it is still advisable to dress conservatively {being sufficiently covered up is advisable}. It will keep you safe from harassment, and you will not have to spend on extra clothing to cover up, should you need some.
Is Marrakesh Safe For Lone Travellers?
As long as you are careful, Marrakesh is mostly safe. Use your common sense and take precautions, and you will be able to enjoy the wonders of Marrakesh without any hassle. Pay attention to your surroundings and respond appropriately if any issues arise. Your intuition can be your best guide.
Lone female travellers should keep in mind that being part of Arabic society, men in Marrakesh have a different attitude towards you. You might experience some unwanted attention and a few catcalls. Still, as long as you act confidently and sensibly, there won’t be any serious consequences. Be calm and collected in unpleasant situations, but act firmly and you should be able to enjoy your trip to the fullest.
To conclude: Marrakesh is the same as, and perhaps wildly different from, what you might imagine. It is antiquated and modern; almost tropical and desert-like. It is chaotic and exotic and intriguing, but unquestionably more tourist-friendly than you might expect.
So there you have it ~ everything you need to know about spending time in Marrakesh via my Marrakesh Travel Guide. Is this someplace you’d like to visit?