The sights, the souks and the smells. Marrakech (pronounced MarrakeSH) is filled with tasty food, exceptional views and adventure around every corner. Possibly the most instragammable place on Planet Earth!
Here is my ultimate Marrakech guide:
Exchange your money once you arrive in Marrakech. Maybe try to see if you can change a small amount of cash before for any necessities you feel you'll need when you touch down but bear in mind Marrakech has a closed currency so exchange rates are best locally.
Stay in the Old Town for a traditional, more cultural vibe or the new city for quick access to certain areas and newer shops/amenities.
Book a Riad for some of/all of your stay. Riad's are beautiful and have courtyards and pools situated in the middle for a cool breeze on a hot day.
Use Viator for excursions - we did this and we had local tour guides and learned wonderful things about Marrakech (links below).
Eat all the traditional food. Moroccan tagine, Shwa (kebabs), cous cous and so much more.
Dedicate some time to visit one or several Hammams. We went to 2 different ones - Hammam De La Rose (£££) https://www.hammamdelarose.com/en/ and Les Bains De Azahara (££) https://lesbainsdeazahara.net. Don't fret if they ask you to remove all of your clothes and put on paper underwear. It's pretty normal. The ones we visited also provided us with everything we needed so we didn't need to pack extra flip flops etc. They all offer couples packages too for you love birds. Expect a full on scrubbing and if you look at the scrubbing glove they use after, you'll be shocked!
The local culture and local language, Derija, is derived from Arabic and French influences. Whilst it's fine to wear mostly all clothing, out of respect, make sure to pack some clothes which will cover your knees, chest area etc.
Must See Places:
To Stay: Riad Altair is where we stayed for all of our trip. We spent 4 days in Marrakech and this Riad was a wonderful escape. The staff are exceptional and everything from the decor to food is divine, not to mention the wonderful hospitality - https://www.riadaltair.com/. Also check out La Sultana Marrakech, Riad Mena & Beyond, Dar Darma, Riad Jardin Secret, Riad Mena, Riad Joya... omg so many Riads <3
To Eat: We went out for a 'fancy' dinner once during our visit and we chose La Maison Arab. We had tonnes of lamb (best I ever had) whilst we listened to chilled, live music. It was probably the most romantic restaurant I've been to - http://lamaisonarabe.com/. Also try out Villa Des Oranges, Dar Yacout, Pepe Nero and La Table Du Marché.
They have a food market at night in the souk and you'll be called from every angle by hilarious wheeler dealer type of men to come and enjoy the food. Pro Tip! If you want one dish of your choice but there is more than one of you, make it clear that you only want one. As they may give you each a plate but each plate costs more!
You can check out Nomad near the Old Town souk for spectacular views (on the rooftop) and it's a great lunch spot after getting lost in the rug shops - https://nomadmarrakech.com/
Take advantage of local spots nearby your hotels and if you pass a McDonalds and you're as weirdly obsessed as me when it comes to McDonalds' range of cuisine around the world, try a McArabia!
Out On The Town: 555 Famous Club for those who love to be in the social mix, So Lounge for shisha, food and party vibes, Comptoir for a full experience with a live show, food and cocktails galore.
To Do (Instagram Worthy):
Yves Saint Laurent Museum - https://www.museeyslmarrakech.com/en/
La Jardin Majorelle (The Majorelle Gardens) - http://jardinmajorelle.com/ang/ - the queues are off-putting but fast moving
La Mamounia (Hotel) - https://www.mamounia.com/en/
Ben Youssef Madrassa Courtyard (Historical & Religious Site) - http://www.medersa-ben-youssef.com/en/historical/ (Pro Tip! There is a Quran school located here so please stay covered if visiting here, pack a pashmina/light scarf for your trip)
To Do (Cultural & Historical):
Berber Village Day Trip: this is the exact one that we did which included Camel Riding, a chance to see how Argan Oil is made from scratch, A full Berber Villages tour and Dinner at a local Berber Village host house: https://www.viator.com/tours/Marrakech/Atlas-Mountains-and-Berber-Villages-Day-Trip-from-Marrakech/d5408-8479P1 (Pro Tip! Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing for hiking through the mountains)
Hot Air Balloon Ride: https://www.viator.com/tours/Marrakech/Atlas-Mountains-Hot-Air-Balloon-Ride-from-Marrakech-with-Berber-Breakfast-and-Desert-Camel-Experience/d5408-6374BALLOON
Dessert Safari: https://www.viator.com/tours/Marrakech/Day-trip-to-Agafay-Desert-and-Atlas-Mountains/d5408-62275P60
Browse through the Souks but watch out for people who offer to guide you through the Souks if you look lost as they may be after money but have fun bartering with the locals who sell rugs, black soap, lamp shades, shoes and all sorts... You will also see snake charmers and men with snakes ready to put around your neck, they will charge once the snake is on your neck so just be mindful of these types of money makers in the main square as there are many of these around (Pro Tip! Practice your haggling techniques before you go... If someone offers a price and you say no and walk away, they'll probably chase after you and haggle some more)
And although that's not it.. I can't fit it all into one post! Marrakech was by far one of my most loved and memorable trips and will forever be one of my favourite cities. If you'd like to know more or want to add any feedback then please Subscribe!
I hope this inspires you to visit the beautiful city of Marrakech because it's so worth the trip. Thank you... or shukraan ('Thank you' in Arabic)
Comments