A Travel Guide to The Enchanting Red City of Marrakech
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MOROCCO TRAVEL INFO
LANGUAGES | ARABIC, BERBER (Many also speak Spanish and French due to historical colonial rule)
CURRENCY | MOROCCAN DIRHAM (MAD)
POPULATION | 37 million people
INTERESTING FACT | Morocco is home to the largest desert in the world, the Sahara desert.
As one of the four historical imperial cities of Morocco, the medina of Marrakech (the ancient part of the city) is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The red sandstone walls of the Medina give Marrakech the title ‘Red City’.
The walls are adorned with beautiful colourful rugs, intricately detailed lanterns, hand painted pottery and other hidden delights. Our first visit to Morocco was over 10 years ago, and since then the labyrinth of the souk has expanded even further.
A great way to get to experience what Morocco has to offer is to combine Marrakech city and with a relaxing getaway along Morocco’s beautiful coastline, read about our guide to Taghazout and the re-built city of Agadir.
Take a trip to the Sahara desert and stay the night in the desert under the stars and explore the majestic sand dunes and learn about the nomadic Berber people. Or maybe you’re interested in hiking the Atlas Mountains which are home to Northern Africa’s tallest mountain, Toubkal.
This travel guide will show you what to do in Marrakech, best places to eat and where to stay in this bustling, enchanting city. Marrakech is the ideal place for a city break as a weekend getaway for delicious food and entertainment and make sure to relax in a Riad for the ultimate Moroccan experience.
Where is Marrakech?
Marrakech is located in the western region of Morocco, set within the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, these can be seen from the rooftops in the city set as an impressive shadow on the horizon. The city is 300km southeast of the capital Rabat and 184km from the coastal city of Essaouira.
What is Marrakech known for?
Over 300km away from the capital Rabat, Marrakech is situated in the Tensift river valley where the river meanders north of the city. The lush river valley provides the perfect habitat for a variety of palms, citrus fruits, fig, flowers, olive trees and pomegranate. In contrast to the serene green landscape, the red walls of the city are home to a city that seems to never sleep. You’ll discover beautiful gardens, a peaceful oasis for some rest from the busy souks.
How to get to Marrakech CITY?
If you will be arriving from outside of Morocco, the nearest airpot is Marrakech Menara international airport and takes around 3 hours 30 minutes from London airports in the UK. The best and easiest way to get to Marrakech city from the airport is to take a taxi. Marrakech airport is located southwest of the city and only 15-30 minutes (depending on traffic) by taxi, there are also options to get the bus into the city. The currency in Morocco is Moroccan Dihrams (MAD) and the taxi from the airport to Marrakech should cost around 100-150 MAD.
If you are planning to explore more than one city in Morocco, Marrakech is well connected and we took the bus from Agadir to Marrakech which took around 3 hours 30 minutes and cost 240 MAD (£20/$24/€23) for both of us and an additional 9 dirhams for our suitcases. The best way to get your ticket was to book directly with the bus tour company, there are two Supratours and CTM.
Marrakech is connected by train to Casablanca, Tangier, Rabat, Safi Meknes and Fes with the possibility to travel by high speed train. Casablanca (2 hours 50 minutes), Rabat (3 hours 30 minutes), Tangier (6 hours), Essaouira (2 hours 45 minutes), Agadir (3 hours 10 minutes).
How to get around Marrakech?
The best way to get around the city is by foot, most places you can walk to through the streets and that’s mostly what we did. When walking around the medina, we use maps.me for offline maps if we got lost, which did happen a few times but we quickly got to know the streets. If you get lost, don't be scared to ask a local, there were a couple of times where we were hesitant to ask, as we were warned they would ask for money. We were met with kindness and it does help if you can speak some French or Arabic.
There may be some attractions outside the medina where you can catch a taxi (flag down on the street is best), there are also local buses too. Or if you are arriving from another city like we did from Agadir, we took the taxi from the CTM bus station in Marrakech (google maps link) into the old medina.
Travel tip | It’s worth getting your accommodation or hotel to arrange a pre-booked taxi to save the hassle of having to figure out the costs. Be aware that there are some scams with taxis, make sure to bring small change, ask for the meter to be put on or agree the price prior to getting in the taxi.
What to take with you whilst visiting Marrakech?
The currency in Morocco is Moroccan Dihrams (MAD) and many places will accept card, however there will be some places that will only take cash for example if you’re looking to get some bargains in the souks or plan to get taxi you’ll need cash. When you arrive at the airport there are currency exchange bureaus and ATMs and you’ll find ATMs in Marrakesh. We use a travel card called Revolut which is really easy to use and does not charge you for using it abroad.
It’s worth learning a few phrases in Arabic or French before you go to Marrakech if you need to ask for directions, how much something is etc. Learning a bit of the language will help you get around and is a massive advantage and a respectful way to travel.
Don’t forget to pack a warm jumper for those chilly evenings and if you plan to do an excursion into the Sahara it’s essential to bring warmer layers as temperatures will drop significantly especially in the winter months.
Is it safe to drink tap water in MARRAKECH?
Across Morocco, it is recommended to drink bottled water when visiting most places including cities like Marrakesh. Most cities have treated water, however it is worth drinking bottled water as there is still a possibility of getting sick from drinking tap water.
What should I wear in Marrakech?
If you are visiting in the January like we did, it’s still worth bringing a jumper as it does get cold in the evenings. Some days can be a bit cooler when there is a wind chill. When visiting Morocco, you’ll notice that it is acceptable to wear shorts and t-shirts for men. For women, it’s recommended to cover your shoulders and wear knee-length skirts, shorts and dresses.
What are the visa requirements for Morocco?
As a UK citizen, there is no visa requirement to enter Morocco as a tourist. You are entitled to a maximum of 90 days to stay in the country and you must have a valid passport. Before you arrive you must print and complete a passenger health form (check gov.uk for current advice) to be handed in when you land in Morocco. The passenger health forms are provided when you arrive, however we’d recommend doing it beforehand to save you time. This will make the airport process a bit quicker when arriving.
When is the best time to visit Marrakech?
Morocco has a hot and dry climate throughout the year, the best recommended time of year to visit is in March to May when temperatures average a pleasant 25°C and there is plenty of sunshine during the day. It’s also worth visiting in September to March where there are still long hours of sunshine, however the temperatures can be much cooler from November to February and we visited in January where many attractions were quiet and the temperature was cooler than the coast.
What are the best things to see and do in Marrakech?
The city of Marrakech will be a unique experience for your senses, you’ll discover sights of beautiful, colourful architecture, aromas of delicious Moroccan spices and the sounds of the call to prayer. The medina of the city is known as the old city and here you’ll find lots to discover and explore.
Jemaa el Fna night market
The centre of entertainment is the market square, where you will find fresh juice stalls, dancers, snake charmers and traditional handcrafts. Return to the market at night and the Jemaa el Fna square is transformed to an evening show of musical talent and a huge choice of food stalls from seafood to bbq skewers. Be aware that pickpockets operate in this area and keep your valuables safe.
Souks
The souks are an area of the city where you’ll find a maze of streets lined with market stalls. Here you’ll find handcrafts including intricately detailed lamps, colourful woven rugs, aromatic spices and so much more! We loved exploring these streets, getting lost along little alleyways befriending stray cats and taking in the new sensory experiences. Over the years, the area of the souks has expanded and will test you memory and navigation skills to find your way through. The main souk is found next to Jamaa el Fna square called Souk Semmarine.
We visited Marrakech 10 years ago and found that the shop owners were less persistent and much more relaxed when browsing their shops and no pressure to buy as compared to our previous visit. That being said, be firm if you are not interested as we had a few times where women grabbed my hand for henna and do not show interest. Some henna can cause a painful allergic reaction and contains toxic chemicals so is worth avoiding.
If you find something you are interested in buying, try not to show too much interest as it’s all part of the bargaining game. You may find some shops have set price tags for items and the price is non negotiable, however in most cases you’ll have to negotiate the price, a rule of thumb is to offer one third to a half of the initial price and go from there.
Another must see is the Places des Épices which is the traditional spice souk which is fragrant and also features beautifully woven handcrafts. Nearby, you’ll find NOMAD and Café des Épices which are great spots to grab a drink and watch the souk from above.
Madrasa Ben Youssef
If you’re looking for some beautiful Moroccan architecture, then you have to visit Madrasa Ben Youssef. A former Islamic school, Ben Youssef was recently restored in 1999 and opened its doors for the public to admire the colourful mosaics, intricate stone work and picture perfect pool. It costs 50 MAD per person to enter and we’d recommend you get there early (opens at 9am) as by 10am it gets crowded.
Once you’ve finished exploring, you’ll be close to the spice market and souks to explore more. We enjoyed looking around some nearby rug shops including ‘Les nomads de Marrakech’ who were friendly and happy to show you around without any pressure. Other nearby attractions include; Almoravid Koubba, the Marrakech museum and Women’s museum showcasing Moroccan women and their contributions.
Ancient Medina
The ancient medina of Marrakech is known as the old city or red city and is marked by the red sandstone walls that mark its boundary. Explore the beautiful streets and enter through one of the historical gates. One of the most impressive gates is the Agnaou Gate which was built in the 12th century.
Le Jardin Secret
A beautiful botanical garden set within the walls of a restored palace found in the heart of the medina. This restored palace also features a tower that has incredible views across the city. Discover wonderful Moroccan architecture, admire the wonderful plants and take a break from the busy streets in the Medina. The cost is 80 MAD (£6/€7/$8) to enter the gardens and an additional 40 MAD to climb the tower.
Day trips from Marrakech
Agadir
An impressive and modern coastal city, this city was forced to rebuild itself after a devastating earthquake in the 1960’s. Agadir is situated on the west coast of Morocco, home to the largest souk in Morocco and a beautiful selection of beaches.
Taghazout
This sleepy fishing village is a surfer’s paradise with the ultimate chilled atmosphere, ideal for anyone on the search for a destination that has both beautiful beaches and adventure. Read our guide to this charming coastal village here.
Sahara desert
A once in a lifetime experience, walk amongst the largest desert in the world, the Sahara Desert. Ride a camel into these golden, rolling dunes, with a chance to spot some desert wildlife and sleep under the stars. Read about our experience here sleeping in the Sahara for the night.
Atlas Mountains
Discover the rural Berber village life amongst the majestic Atlas Mountains. This the highest mountain range in North Africa, with the tallest peak Mount Toubkal standing at 4,167m. As an avid adventurer, you can hike up Mount Toubkal and reveal panoramic views over Toubkal National Park. Read about our experience here of climbing the tallest peak in North Africa.
Where to eat in Marrakesh?
The city of Marrakesh has a massive selection of places to eat, serving both traditional cuisine such as tagines and couscous with the combination of international cuisine. Most of the places we mention below have a rooftop terrace, so walk up the steps to see the wonderful views over Marrakech city.
Cafe Atay
We stumbled across this place on our first night in Marrakesh, without doing any research but wanted to find somewhere with a rooftop terrace and eat some good food and we were very happy to find Cafe Atay. The service was very friendly and the hummus and bread was delicious with views over Ben Youssef mosque. The hummus and bread costs 60 MAD (£5/5.5 euros/$6) Chicken tagine 80 MAD (£6/€7/$8) and also serves vegan and vegetarian options.
Limoni
A hidden treasure and relaxing refuge from the busy streets, Limoni is an italian restaurant that also serves traditional Morocco food in a beautiful courtyard setting underneath lemon trees, surrounded by intricate and colourful tiles. The smell of lemons is divine and transports you to a feeling of warm summer days. A margherita pizza costs 80 MAD (£6/€7/$8) and a vegetarian tagine 85 MAD.
NOMAD
A rooftop restaurant overlooking the Spice market, a great spot for sunset. Serving fresh local produce, traditional Moroccan cuisine and international dishes with vegetarian, vegan and gluten free options. We’d recommend getting one of the fresh juices and a starter if you’re feeling peckish. We really enjoyed the mezze plate which came with seasonal dips and fresh yoghurt bread and courgette fritters with mint garlic yoghurt. The menu is a bit more pricey with starters around 75 MAD (£6/€7/$8) and mains from 135 MAD (£11/€12/$13).
Where to stay in Marrakech?
Demeures d’Orient Riad and Spa
Originally a former Islamic school, Demeures d’Orient Riad was imagined and made a reality by three generations of women. A peaceful sanctuary was built in the heart of the old medina as a traditional Riad, this is a Moroccan townhouse that is shaped in a rectangle with rooms coming off from the main courtyard area. Demeures d’Orient features a large pool at the heart of the courtyard, with plenty of cosy seating, a spa that offers traditional hammam and a beautiful rooftop area with a view of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Prices start from 2,412 MAD per night (£195/€220/$235) where you can book a special package which includes breakfast, massages and more. The location of the Riad is a short walk to the souks, restaurants and Jemaa El Fna market square.
