In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know before traveling to Marrakech, including transportation, where to stay in Marrakech , the best city views, must-see experiences, day trips, and much more.
Marrakech is a beautiful city located just north of the Atlas Mountains. It is one of Morocco’s most important cities and has a rich history as an Imperial City. Like other large cities in Morocco, Marrakech has a Medina, which is an old walled area full of street vendors. In fact, the Medina is so special that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
To get started with your orientation, let’s talk about Jemaa el-Fna Square, a busy square and marketplace in the Medina. Nearby, you all find the Koutoubia Mosque, the largest mosque in Marrakech.
The Medina is full of traditional souks, or markets, while the tanneries can be found in the eastern part of the area. In the heart of the city, you can visit places like the Son of Joseph School, Almoravid Koubba, and the Musée de Marrakech. Close to these, you’ll also find Le Jardin Secret, a peaceful garden perfect for relaxation.
Another beautiful garden is Jardin Majorelle, known for its villa painted in a vibrant blue called Majorelle Blue. It’s located near the Yves Saint Laurent Museum.
If you’re looking for more green spaces, check out the Menara Gardens southwest of the Medina and the Jardins de l’Agdal to the south.
Marrakech has many gates, and one of the most famous is Bab Agnaou. Built in the 12th century, this gate once allowed entry into the royal kasbah. Not far from there are Saadian’s Tombs, where over 60 members of a former royal family are buried.
Another interesting spot nearby is Place des Ferblantiers, a beautiful square in the city.
Marrakech also has impressive palaces. El Badii Palace, although in ruins today, was built in the late 16th century. Bahia Palace, built in the 19th century, is another magnificent palace to visit.
Don’t miss the mellah, the Jewish quarter, where you’ll find the Miara Jewish Cemetery.
When you arrive in Marrakech, you’ll likely land at Marrakech Menara Airport, which is very close to the city center. If you’re coming from another Moroccan city, you’ll arrive at the main train station located in the western part of Marrakech.
To give you an idea of distances, it takes about 15 minutes to walk from Jemaa el-Fna Square to Saadian’s Tombs, which is about 0.7 miles (1.1 km). If you want to walk from the Koutoubia Mosque to Jardin Majorelle, it’s about a 35-minute walk, covering 1.6 miles (2.6 km).
This guide should help you feel more prepared for your trip to Marrakech!
best time to visit
The best times to visit Marrakech are in spring, especially in March and April, or in fall, from September to November. The weather is nice, and the city isn’t too crowded during these months.
If you want to save money, the cheapest time to visit is early December, January, and February. The hottest month is July, so it’s not the best time to go because of the heat.
But don’t worry! Marrakech is a wonderful place to visit all year round, and you’ll enjoy your trip no matter when you go.
To avoid big crowds at tourist spots, check Google to see how busy a place is at different times of the day. It’s also a good idea to visit early in the morning or on weekdays when it’s less crowded.
where to stay in marrakech ?
If it’s your first time in Marrakech and you want to feel the city’s lively atmosphere, staying in the Medina is a great choice. If you’re looking for nightlife or a trendy place to stay, Gueliz or Hivernage is the area for you.
For a quieter, more peaceful stay and if you’re willing to spend a little more, consider staying farther away from the city center. Chrifia is a good neighborhood, especially for families.
On average, a mid-range hotel room for two costs around 74$ . If you’re on a budget, you can find budget hotels for about 26$ per night.
These prices are just averages, and there can be a lot of variation depending on the hotel. If you do some research online, you can find good deals, especially if your travel dates are flexible and you avoid the busy season.
Stay in a Riad:
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house or palace with a beautiful garden or courtyard in the middle. Riads are charming, historic, and atmospheric, making them the perfect place to stay in Marrakech. You’ll likely find one that fits your budget. Enjoy breakfast on a peaceful patio or a rooftop terrace, and cool off in a plunge pool.
3 budget friendly hotel
- hotel medina
- raid tislite & spa
- the central house Marrakech medina
3 best luxury hotel
- hotel & ryad art place Marrakech
- les jardins de la koutoubia
- riad dar zaouia
transportation
To get to and from Marrakech Menara Airport, you can choose from buses, taxis, car rentals, or private transfers arranged by your hotel or host (which is often the most reliable and avoids haggling). Once in the city, walking is usually the easiest way to get around, especially in the Medina, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes.
For other options, you can take a Grand Taxi (fits 6-8 people with a fixed price) or a Petit Taxi (a smaller, metered taxi for 3 people, But make sure to ask the driver to turn on the meter or agree on the price in advance). Buses are available, with public buses costing 3-4 dirhams(2$-3$), though they can be crowded, so tourist buses (costing between 145-165 dirhams [40$-44$]) are often more comfortable.
You can also take a Hop On Hop Off Bus or a Calèche (horse-drawn carriage) around Jemaa El Fna Square. Renting a car is possible, but it’s not recommended for navigating Marrakech. For more detailed information, check out our travel guide, which includes everything from this video along with maps and top attractions!
Currency, Exchange Office, ATMs, and Cash
The currency in Marrakech is the Moroccan Dirham.At the time of write the post, 1 US dollar is roughly equal to 10 Moroccan Dirhams, and 1 Euro is about 11 Dirhams. You can also use Euros in some places around the city.
While credit cards are accepted in certain locations, especially hotels and some restaurants, you’ll need cash for most places. There are plenty of ATMs in Jemaa El Fna Square and around the city, and you can also exchange money at exchange offices. For the best rates, head to the city center, and make sure to get small bills and coins. Be cautious when using ATMs, as ATM scams can sometimes happen in Marrakech.
Basic Information
Travel Adapters:
You will need a travel adapter to charge your phone and other devices in Morocco. Morocco uses European-style plugs, so you might want to buy a universal adapter that works in different countries. Some adapters charge your devices faster, so it’s worth looking into options like the Ceptics travel adapter, which can charge up to four devices at once.
Dress Modestly:
There isn’t a formal dress code, but it’s important to dress modestly out of respect for local customs. It’s a good idea to cover your chest, shoulders, and stomach, and wear pants, or skirts, shorts, or dresses that reach at least the knee.
Crowds & Lines:
Marrakech is a very busy city, especially in the streets and markets. To avoid crowds, visit during less busy times, go early in the morning, or use apps like Google Maps to check how crowded a place is.
Drinking Water:
The tap water in Morocco has many minerals, so it’s safer to drink bottled water instead.
Toilets:
In Marrakech, many public toilets are squat-style and often don’t provide toilet paper. However, you can find sitting toilets in mid-range and higher-end hotels. It’s recommended to carry your own toilet paper with you.
WiFi:
You can find free WiFi in many hotels, cafes, and restaurants. There is also free WiFi at Marrakech’s Cyber Park.
SIM Cards & Pocket WiFi:
You can buy a prepaid SIM card from local providers like Maroc Telecom, Inwi, or Orange. Another option is to rent a pocket WiFi or mobile hotspot. If you travel a lot, consider using Google Fi.
Visa Requirements:
If you’re from the US, Canada, the UK, EU countries, or Australia, you don’t need a visa to visit Marrakech. If you’re from another country, check with your government to see if you need one.
Wheelchair Access:
Some areas in Marrakech are wheelchair-friendly, but many historical places, especially in the Medina, have uneven ground and steps, making them harder to access. Wheelchair access is not as developed as in the US or Europe.
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Don’t forget to try in Marrakech
Try Traditional Mint Tea:
Marrakech’s mint tea is a sweet drink made with green tea, mint leaves, and sugar. It’s a great way to start your day or relax before sundown.
Taste Local Delicacies:
You’ll find delicious things like traditional desserts, fresh juice, argan oil, and more. Make sure to try this while you’re there!
Explore the Souks and Bargain:
In Jemma el-Fnaa Square, you’ll see donkey carts, dancers, and large tourist groups. The air is filled with the scent of spices and fresh orange juice, and you’ll hear snake charmers and vendors calling out their goods. After exploring the square, head to the souks (markets) nearby, which are full of shops selling all kinds of things. Prices in the souks vary, so be ready to bargain. A good rule of thumb is to aim for about 30% of the initial asking price and settle on around 50%.
Visit a Hammam:
A hammam is similar to a Turkish bath, and Marrakech has both luxurious and local hammams. It’s a unique experience to try while you’re in the city!
safe alert
Marrakech is unfortunately known for scams, especially in the Medina. Tourists may face various types of scams, including friendly strangers, tanneries scams, taxi scams, and more. Our main advice is to avoid looking like an easy target. Stay alert and act smart so you don’t seem vulnerable. If you look lost or confused, a “helpful” stranger will likely approach you, especially if you’re looking at a map. For more details on how to spot and avoid these scams, check out our travel guide.
Even though scams can happen, Marrakech is generally a safe place for tourists, with low levels of crime. Most incidents involve pickpocketing or purse-snatching. To stay safe, avoid non-touristy areas at night and always use common sense.
foods
You can find affordable and authentic food at street stalls and local restaurants. We recommend using TripAdvisor to find well-reviewed places nearby.
For a budget meal at a restaurant, lunch typically costs between 30 to 70 Dirhams, while dinner ranges from 50 to 120 Dirhams. A bowl of harira soup usually costs between 3 to 30 Dirhams, and a serving of tagine ranges from 25 to 80 Dirhams, depending on how touristy the restaurant is.
For sweets, expect to pay around 5 Dirhams for a serving of chebakia, a traditional Moroccan cookie.
As for drinks, coffee costs about 10 Dirhams, a 1-liter bottle of water ranges from 5 to 10 Dirhams, a can of soda costs between 3 to 7 Dirhams, and a pint of beer ranges from 18 to 30 Dirhams. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice is about 10 Dirhams, and mint tea costs between 5 to 20 Dirhams.
Tipping:
It’s common to tip anyone who provides good service. For small bills, you can round up to the nearest whole number. For example, if your restaurant bill is 174 Dirhams, you can pay 200 Dirhams for good service. In higher-end restaurants, a 10% tip is standard.
Grocery Stores:
Aside from supermarkets, you’ll find small local shops where you can buy basic items.
For an unforgettable experience, take a day trip outside of Marrakech. One great option is to visit Essaouira, a peaceful coastal city with beautiful 16th-century walls and stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Known as Mogador during Portuguese colonization, Essaouira is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s famous not only for its rich history but also for its laid-back beach vibe and artistic atmosphere.
On your way to Essaouira, you can also visit the argan oil cooperatives and see the famous tree goats.
In this post, we’ve covered all the important points. If there’s anything else you’re curious about, feel free to comment, and we’ll assist you fully. If you’re interested in learning more about the Marrakech and travel destinations, stay connected with us. We bring new travel spots to help enhance your life. Our posts are beneficial to everyone, so please support us and stay connected. Thank you for reading!
