Marrakech, Morocco: Travel Guide
I’d long hoped to visit the hustling, bustling city of Marrakech, even more so after such a wonderful trip to Fez earlier in the year. Known for its stunning red-hued architecture, vibrant culture, and rich history, I knew I was in for an adventure. With Autumn in full swing in England, arriving into 30 degree sunshine and blue skies after just a 3 hour flight felt like hacking the system, and filled me with energy to get out exploring as soon as I landed.
Quick tips
Weather: Best visited in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when temperatures are pleasant and the city is alive with festivals.
Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Marrakech is primarily a cash-based city, especially in local markets, taxis, small shops, and traditional restaurants. You can get cash out at the airport, but there are ATMs throughout the city too.
Language: Arabic and French are widely spoken, but English is common in tourist areas and I didn’t struggle to get by. That said, it’s always appreciated to learn a couple of phrases in Arabic - “Shukran” (thank you) goes a long way!
Local knowledge: Meeting a local guide was the absolute best decision to maximise my experience.
Dress code: While Marrakech is a progressive Moroccan city and I encountered many locals and tourists dressed liberally, modest clothing in religious sites or out of the city in more rural areas is respectful of the culture.
Cultural etiquette: Haggling in souks is expected, and tipping (around 10%) is customary.
Getting around: The city is pretty walkable, and taxis are easy to pick up whenever needed. Ask your hotel/Airbnb host what a reasonable price is to get from A to B and negotiate taxi fares beforehand.
Things to do
There are many wonderful things to do and see here, from historic sites to just wandering the streets and soaking up the atmosphere, but I can’t recommend enough seeking out a licensed guide to really teach you about the cultural customs (of which there are many!) help you navigate the maze of alleyways and keep you moving through the streets as the locals enthusiastically invite you to share a mint tea and peruse their shops.
I was lucky enough to have met Driss Regague, a National Official Tour Guide, when visiting Fez earlier in the year. With roots in Marrakech and extensive knowledge of the whole country, he was more than happy to plan a brilliant itinerary for me. The most infectiously happy person who could barely walk a street without being recognised, not only did we have fun, but his perfect English, encyclopaedic understanding of Moroccan history and life, and laid back approach confirmed I was in experienced hands. After somehow skipping me to the front of the queue at every attraction, Driss would reassure me he’d be waiting for me on the other side, giving me space to explore in my own time until I was ready to continue the adventure.
Another benefit of having a local guide is avoiding tourist traps as they can recommend the best places to eat, and even help you negotiate better rates for food and taxis. Because of this, I felt it was great value for money and a fantastic way to get acquainted with this bustling, beautiful city.
Driss can be easily reached on his business WhatsApp on +212 (0) 610 47 88 96. Whether visiting Marrakech or planning a trip to multiple cities, he will ensure you see the true Morocco and I have absolutely no doubt that the time you spend together will be a real highlight.
A few top places to visit and things to do include:
Jemaa el-Fnaa - The heart of Marrakech, this lively square is a must-see. By day, it’s filled with food stalls, performers, and snake charmers. By night, it transforms into a buzzing outdoor market with endless street food options and entertainment.
Bahia Palace - A stunning example of Moroccan architecture, featuring beautifully intricate courtyards, gardens, and rooms decorated with zellige tiles and carved wood.
Koutoubia Mosque - The largest mosque in Marrakech, Koutoubia is an iconic landmark visible throughout the city. While non-Muslims cannot enter, the exterior and surrounding gardens are worth visiting for a peaceful escape from the busy medina.
Explore the Souks - Vibrant stalls sell everything from spices to textiles. It’s a great place to practise your bargaining skills and pick up souvenirs like ceramics, lanterns, and traditional clothing. The Ryanair hand luggage allowance needn’t crush your hopes of taking a slice of Morocco home, as a lot of the shops can arrange postage straight back for you.
My favourite experience was at Palais Les Almoravides - a rug shop of dreams. I could have spent hours browsing the incredible array of gorgeous, high-quality items, and loved learning about how they were handwoven in different regions using different techniques. The welcoming owners had a secret mint tea recipe, brewing it with saffron and other spices which was absolutely delicious and made the moment we shared together even more memorable. It’s certainly worth seeking out this gem, hidden away within the souks.
Visit Jardin Majorelle - This botanical garden, once owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, offers a colourful and tranquil escape. The bright blue buildings and lush greenery are a favourite for photographers and garden enthusiasts alike - an inspiring place to spend a couple of hours wandering.
Relax in a Hammam - A traditional hammam is an essential part of experiencing Moroccan culture. Visit Les Bains de Marrakech or Hammam de la Rose for a vigorous scrub and massage after a day of sightseeing.
Stay
Whatever your travel style or budget, Marrakech has accommodation to suit everyone. There are endless options on booking.com, Google and Airbnb, and with warm hospitality at the heart of the culture here, you really are spoilt for choice. For a special occasion or those looking for something luxurious, then La Mamounia is unparalleled. This legendary hotel is known for its opulent design, beautiful gardens, and world-class service. Having been lucky enough to stay here myself, I can wholeheartedly recommend for the most memorable and magical stay - there aren’t enough stars in the sky to do this place justice.
Eat
Marrakech’s culinary scene ranges from traditional street food to upscale dining. From tagines to pastilla to harira to couscous (and not like you make out of the packet at home) there really is so much to try. Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa square in the evening for endless street food stalls where vendors will be fighting for your attention to pick their menu over the identical stalls either side - the most charming wins! You can’t go far wrong for a cheap meal and it’s a really fun place to soak up the lively atmosphere in the evenings.
But without a doubt the most memorable and brilliant thing I ate, not only in Marrakech but probably this whole year, was tanjia from Chez Lamine. Perfectly seasoned meat is slow cooked in a clay pot until it’s meltingly soft - served either in a saucy stew, or more simply on a plate to be dipped in cumin salt - eaten with hands, plenty of freshly baked bread, and shared with friends. A Marrakech speciality not to be missed.
Day Trips
Atlas Mountains - Offering stunning scenery, epic trekking and a chance to explore Berber villages, a trip into the mountains is the ultimate contrast to busy Marrakech and makes for a wonderful escape. While the Ourika Valley is a popular choice for its easy accessibility, waterfalls and river walks, I decided to travel slightly further to visit Imlil, at the foot of Toubkal mountain.
If time allows, I couldn’t recommend more to spend at least a night, if not a few, in one of the villages. I stayed at Riad Atlas 4 Seasons, a charming mountainside riad owned and run by the most wonderful family - truly, the hospitality here was heartwarming and the delicious home cooking was some of the best I had. You’d struggle to find a spot more picturesque too, with a huge terrace filled with happy guests overlooking the beautiful mountains, even more magical underneath the Milky Way clearly visible in the night sky.
There are plenty of trails that you can explore alone, but it’s recommended to get a guide if you’d like to venture off track or experience more of the local culture. My guide, Rachid, was brilliant - organised easily through Riad Atlas 4 Seasons, and fantastic value (I did a lot of research!). Kind, knowledgeable, and an absolute pleasure to spend a day exploring with, Rachid took me to many villages in the area, introduced me to wonderful locals, and tailored the hike perfectly to what I was after. This was undoubtedly the highlight of my trip to Morocco, and I’m already looking at flights to go back next year, perhaps even to hike Toubkal.
Aït Benhaddou - A UNESCO World Heritage site and famous film location, this ancient fortified village is about 3.5 hours from Marrakech and offers a glimpse into Morocco's historic architecture.
Agafay Desert - A rocky desert located just outside Marrakech, offering camel rides, quad biking, and luxury desert camps for a desert experience without travelling to the Sahara.
Essaouira - This charming coastal town is a two-hour drive from Marrakech, making it an ideal day trip. Essaouira offers a laid-back atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and a fascinating medina filled with art galleries and seafood restaurants. Again, if you have time to spare then you would not regret a couple of days by the sea - Le Jardin des Douars might be just the paradise you’re looking for.
Offering an unforgettable journey through Moroccan culture, history, and hospitality, Marrakech is sure to inspire you long after you’ve left its captivating streets. And with so many incredible places within easy reach too, the desert, the mountains and the sea, there are endless reasons to return again and again. I’m already looking forward to my next trip back.