The best way to discover Marrakech is to just dive right in. Your first day feels like a trial by fire, but once you learn the rhythm of the city you can really come to appreciate the chaos. However, it is always a good idea to have some direction before setting off into the literal maze of the Medina, so we’ve created our Ultimate Marrakech Guide for you.

Ultimate Marrakech Guide

Marrakech Guide: Districts

Medina

The Medina is the old walled city, a labyrinth of unmarked roads and alleys festooned with goods of all kinds for sale. Having existed for a thousand years, the Medina takes you back in time to the way Marrakech used to be – when you aren’t jumping out of the way of motorcycles weaving through the crowds.

For those wishing to get a real experience while in Marrakech – or any Moroccan city – you should spend a fair amount of time in the Medina. Here you can find plenty to do, whether you’re interested in getting a great deal or learning about the culture:

• Jemaa el-Fna – the main square and orientation point, Jemaa el-Fna is a lively place. During the day, you’ll find vendors selling a wide range of goods and numerous cafes and restaurants along the sides. Snake charmers, henna ladies, and watermen do their best to entice you with their crafts and displays. At night, the square turns into a giant mess of stalls selling more food than you could hope for.
• Souks – there is no one particular souk – market – rather the entire city is the market. The roads and alleys are lined with goods of all kind spilling out into the walk-way. Here haggling is the name of the game, and the savvy shopper can walk away with all sorts of goods and souvenirs at great prices. Just remember to be willing to walk away, and if something seems too good to be true, it is probably a fake.
• Ensemble Artisanal – for those who hate haggling (like us), the Ensemble Artisanal is a fixed price market where you are mostly left alone as you browse through the shops. The items are typically priced a bit higher than you could get if you haggle, but you are guaranteed at least a decent level of quality and you can shop in peace.
• Medersa Ben Youseff – unless you are Muslim, you will not be able to visit any mosques while in Marrakech. However, you may visit the old Medersa – Islamic school – and see excellent examples of Islamic art. While it is a little difficult to locate within the city, it is well worth the effort.
• Le Jardin Secret – this recently renovated riad showcases beautiful examples of Moroccan gardens and the hydraulic systems that brought fresh water from the Atlas mountains to the city for centuries. It is a great place to take a quiet respite from the chaos of the streets.
• Maison de la Photographie – the House of Photography exhibits both permanent and rotating displays of Moroccan photography. There is a heavy focus on historical photographs, from before the modernization of the country.
• Heritage Museum – comprising of 6 display rooms, the museum displays the multicultural heritage of Morocco. The primary focus is on the Berber, Arab, and Jewish populations that have made Marrakech into the city it is today.
• Musee Boucharouite – while hard to find without a guide, and no online presence, this museum displays the fantastic textiles of Marrakech. Discover the intricate detail and art of Moroccan rugs.

Sidi Ghanem

Sidi Ghanem is the industrial zone on the north side of Marrakech. Here you find working spaces and contemporary showrooms. While “industrial zone” doesn’t elicit the idea of peace and tranquility, in reality, it offers a more laid back and modern approach to getting Moroccan goods. You are more likely to find high-quality goods, artisan shops, and art galleries.

Because of the location, you cannot walk to Sidi Ghanem especially if you are staying in the Medina or old part of town. We suggest hiring a taxi or driver and avoiding getting behind the wheel yourself to make it out here.

Mellah

The Mellah is the old Jewish quarter. It is located just outside the Medina and beside the Kasbah. Here you can find more souks and take in the Jewish influence. The Jewish community is slowly dwindling as time goes on, but it was spared the atrocities of WWII due to the Sultan’s opposition to the Vichy regime.

Mellah offers a quieter take on the chaos of the Medina. Be sure to check out the sites.

• Cementerio Judio – the Jewish cemetery and the largest in all of Morocco. Containing thousands of raised tombs and caskets of stone, the cemetery is open to the public with a small donation entrance fee of 20 Dirham. The cemetery is 600 years old and still properly maintained. Find at along Avenue Imam El Ghazali.
• Alzama Synagogue – a historic synagogue, the building itself is somewhat small but offers a quaint view of the Jewish culture within Marrakech. At this point in time, it is in a transition from an active Synagogue to a museum.

Gueliz

For those wanting a glimpse of modern Marrakech, Gueliz is the district to visit. With a modern, western influence, Gueliz was designed by the French in the early 1900s and bears a striking difference to the old town. Well-kept streets, wide sidewalks, cultivated gardens, and modern shopping malls abound.

• Jardin Majorelle – arguably the most famous of the Marrakech gardens, it was designed by French artist Jacques MMajorelleover the course of 40 years and to this day stands as a peaceful oasis within the city.
• Matisse Art Gallery – the most famous art gallery within Marrakech. It does not feature art by Matisse but is instead named after him. Instead, you’ll find up-and-coming and prominent Moroccan artists on display here.

Kasbah

Rock the Kasbah! This old part of the city houses the royal palaces and original grandeur of the city. Here the streets are little calmer and the vendors less insistent.

• El Badi Palace – now in ruins, this Saadian Palace is enormous. You can now explore the expanse of the complex and discover the living quarters, guest houses, and even the prison that once made up the Sultan’s home.
• La Bahia Palace – now a museum, this palace has not fallen into ruin. Here you can find a relatively more modern royal palace with excellent examples of mosaic works, carvings, and other Islamic designs all within a lush garden setting.
• Tombs of the Saadians – housing 60 tombs made of worked stucco, cedar, and marble – the tombs offer a beautiful view of the grandeur of the Saadi Dynasty.
• Koutoubia Mosque – the iconic old mosque stands tall and still sounds the call to prayer every day. Although you cannot enter unless you are Muslim, you can still wander the grounds and its gardens will admire it’s exterior.
• Mosque Moulay El Yazid – is the new mosque that rises just a short distance from the Koutoubia. A bit more modern, and bit more colorful it is also worth checking out as you wander through the Kasbah.

Marrakech Guide: Transportation

There are many options for getting around Marrakech. The mode you choose really will depend on what you are doing for the day. Regardless of your choice, we highly recommend being cautious throughout the day as traffic can be chaotic and accidents do happen! Even within the Medina, there is a chance you’ll get run over by a cart-laden donkey!

• Walking – if you’re in the Medina, this is really your only option. The city is flat as a pancake, with narrow alleys and tight corners making it very easy to walk. Though you may see locals riding bikes, or even riding motorcycles this is definitely something we highly recommend against if you somehow find yourself with that option.
• Calèches – these green horse-drawn carriages gather at Pl de Foucauld just in front of Jemaa El-Fna. They have state fixed rates of 120 Dirham an hour and are a great option for touring the ramparts and outer stretches of the old city if you don’t feel like walking.
• Cars and Bikes – if you’re staying for a prolonged period or are outside the medina, you may have the option of these. There are guarded car parks out front of Jemaa El-Fna as well as various lots in Gueliz district. After seeing the traffic, we’d recommend not driving yourself if you can avoid it.
• Taxis – beige colored taxis run throughout the day and night. Many will try to say that the meter is broken – it’s not – so insist they use it or find someone else. We recommend trying to book a taxi through your accommodation to ensure that you arrive/depart when and where you intend to at a proper price.
• Tour Buses – various tour companies operate large buses that will take travelers to other towns, the desert, or other attractions outside Marrakech. These buses gather in the morning at Pl de Foucauld and will return in the late afternoon depending on their specific itinerary. These tickets must be purchased beforehand.

Marrakech Guide: Food

When exploring Marrakech you’ll discover an awesome selection of Moroccan food. Aromatic spices float on the air as you wander the medina and hit you in the face as you pass by a spice vendor. Numerous cafes and vendors reside in Jemaa El-Fna, and each night the square turns into a mess of food stalls to try.

While most well-known for fluffy couscous, savory tagines, and pungent cumin – there is far more to the cuisine than that. Though we only had three days in the city, we were greeted with amazing food everywhere.

And of course, there is the must-drink Moroccan beverage of Berber Whiskey – aka Mint Tea.

Marrakech Guide: Accommodation

There are many options when it comes to accommodation within Marrakech. We stayed in a Riad booked through Airbnb. When it comes to picking a place to stay, you should know the kind of experience you want to get out of your stay and where you intend to spend the majority of your time.

The most authentic experience is a Moroccan Riad. These are traditional homes with inward-facing rooms opening to a communal courtyard. Typically they are several stories tall with a rooftop terrace. Depending on the specifics of the Riad, you may be living alongside a family, or in a larger home that caters to numerous visitors. If you are staying within the Medina, we highly recommend a Riad.

Resort-style hotels also operate around the edges of the ramparts. These are definitely outside of the “budget” price range. But if you can afford a stay, you can expect the royal treatment.

Marrakech Guide: Weather

Marrakech is situated inland and close to the Atlas mountains. With a continental climate, the weather is moderately warm through most the year with various extremes. The summers are very hot during the day, and the winters get frigid at night. The big takeaway is:

• Bring layers – whether light layers to protect from the sun and dust in summer or heavier layers you can shed in the winter as the day warms up, layers are your friend. Plus, Morocco is a conservative country so covering up will be appreciated.
• Carry water – Marrakech is basically a desert environment. You shouldn’t have trouble buying water while out, but it’s important to keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
• Expect rain in November – although it isn’t heavy usually, November is the wettest month of the year so bring an umbrella or poncho if you don’t want to risk getting wet. Conversely, May through October is the hot and dry season.
• If planning on venturing out – to the Sahara or the Atlas Mountains, for example, be sure to pack accordingly as these environments are rather extreme and remote. The desert can be scorching during the day, but freezing at night, even in summer.

Marrakech Guide: Safety & Scams

We would not say that Marrakech is a dangerous city, but neither would we consider it a safe city. While the rate of violent crime is actually quite low, due to the heavy-handed penalties criminals receive, visitors should still be well-aware of their belongings, where they are, and do their best to avoid scams.

Pickpocketing and petty theft are the most likely crimes you’ll encounter if you do come across these unfortunate events. Intimidation and extortion are also other means you may come across. During most encounters, however, you can simply walk away and nothing will come of it as few will pursue you. They’re hoping you get scared or don’t know better and will pay up to be left alone.

The real danger comes when you are lost, alone, late at night – particularly if you a female traveler. For this reason, we highly recommend an airport pickup arranged directly with your Riad or hotel that will pick you up and take you directly to the door of your Riad. Unless you are already familiar with the city, arriving in Marrakech and then trying to find your accommodation on your own – especially late at night – is just asking for trouble.

What most people are likely to encounter however are the numerous scams. They are easy to spot and once you are aware of them, easy enough to avoid or ignore.

• Nice Guy – the most ubiquitous of the scams. You’re lost, or even just wandering when someone appears from nowhere offering help. Charming and friendly at first, they will change in the end. You are led through a maze of alleys further disorientating you and then randomly they stop, point in a direction and say, “it is just 1 minute further that way.” They hold out their hand expecting money for taking you nowhere. If you aren’t paying attention it is easy to give a few Dirham away before realizing you are still lost. More bold scammers try to intimidate and extort more money from you. You’ll be painfully aware of this when you are suddenly surrounded by a half-dozen young men and boys and they say you need to pay the equivalent of $30 or even hand over your camera. How do you avoid this? It is actually simple – ignore them and don’t accept help, and don’t pay them. If anyone comes up and offers you help, they aren’t going to help. Say you don’t want help, and you won’t pay them. They may still pretend to “lead you” and then demand money, possibly try to embarrass you to pay in front of a crowd. Just stand your ground and say “NO”. We ran into this scam five times in our first night alone when lost in the medina. If you truly need help, look for other tourists who might know the way, or go into a shop or cafe and ask the owner to call your riad. Never trust random people on the street for help. It is unfortunate, but simply the way things are.
• Henna Ladies – the problem here, is that there are actual Henna tattoos that you can get that aren’t scams. But it is easy to spot this scam. While in Jemaa El-Fna, old ladies with Henna guns will come up to you (mostly women) and insist that you get a tattoo. They are persistent. A simple no will not do – you must keep walking. The thing to watch out for here is women may grab your hand and just start drawing away without your permission, then demand payment for a terrible job. Briana had this happen to her. Even though we continued to walk away, the henna lady was very persistent and grabbed Bri’s hand and began to draw. She pulled away immediately and we managed to move past. It is also noted that the chemicals used are of poor quality and can cause skin rashes and irritation. Just like with the “Nice Guys”, if someone comes up to you offering their help and services, just walk away. If you want Henna tattoos, then find a reputable shop to visit.
• Snake Charmer – this person might be playing the flute to a rug covered with cobras and other poisonous creatures, or they may just have a monkey. It is sure to attract your gaze, and the instant you pay more than a half second’s worth of attention or snap a picture, they are demanding money. Just steer clear of these spots and you will be fine. If you really want that picture of a guy with a cobra, or you want your picture with a monkey, then just go in knowing that you will be paying for it. Try to talk with the person first, and establish payment beforehand to avoid a bad deal.
• Water Vendors – dressed in traditional water vendor garb, these guys no longer sell water. Just like the snake charmers, they are there to take pictures with tourists and then demand money. Again, just avoid them, or set a price beforehand if you need to get that picture.
• Bathrooms – did you know that public bathrooms are free? You didn’t? Well, that is what they are counting on. Public bathrooms are free, but attendants will try to get away with charging tourists a small fee to use them. This is confusing because some attractions do charge to use the bathrooms. The fee is usually cheap, only 5 – 10 Dirham, so many people won’t think anything of it or realize they are being scammed. You can argue with the attendant if you encounter this – but the fee is so cheap, it may just be worth paying the fee simply out of convenience. It is cheap enough to be inconsequential you, but actually, mean something to locals.
• Tanneries – do you want to go to the tanneries? It sounds interesting, it is an attraction, and everyone wants to show you the way. This is very similar to the “Nice Guy”, but the difference is that it is usually a child who tries to lead you and they are far less insistent. They will actually take you to the tanneries, where they will try to hand you off to someone who will then try and sell leather to you. They will ask for a small fee, usually 10 – 20 Dirham. This is one of the more innocent scams you may come across. If you don’t want to go, simply say no thanks. They will usually leave you alone.
• Miscalculated Costs – this scam may seem innocent and it’s easy to fall victim to if you aren’t paying attention. We encountered this one while at a cafe. The server started adding up costs quickly, and then came up with a sum that didn’t quite line up, and then ran off with the check. He charged us an extra 10 Dirham. The best way to avoid this is to make sure you calculate all costs personally and double-check the cost you are quoted. Always count your change you receive as well. In our case, we paid what the server said, but omitted the tip we would have paid – so it came out even. On one hand, they may legitimately have done their math wrong and it was an innocent mistake – but on the other, they handle money every day and should know what they are doing.
• The Key Takeaway – be vigilant about yourself, your belongings, and location and you should be fine.

Additional Tips

• Language – the locally spoken languages are Arabic and French. The Arabic is a distinct Moroccan dialect with heavy influences from the Berbers, so French is your best bet. Spanish is spoken some as well. Surprisingly, we found English to be spoken with enough regularity to not have any issues. If you are being bothered – we’d read that saying “La Shukran” (Arabic for ‘no thank you’) would be fine. However, we found that this tends to be insulting to the locals, as it is dismissive. “Oh, you speak Arabic? Or just ‘la shukran‘?” If you are addressed in a language other than Arabic, try to respond back in that language. “Non-Merci” will work as well.
• Unlocked Phone – the medina is complicated to navigate. Maps are only so useful, and if you are lost, there is a good chance a map won’t help you anyways. If you have an iPhone or an unlocked phone, then there are apps you can download that will use the built-in GPS to give you very good directions for navigating. My phone had been stolen a few days earlier in Barcelona, so we went with static maps and got lost. A few tourists we asked for help had an app that solved our problem.
• Go Slow – again, the medina is complicated to navigate. Go slow and take note of your location. If you suddenly find yourself lost, backtrack to your last known location and reorient yourself. It is very easy to get caught up in the medina and become totally lost.

Do you have any advice to travel Marrakech? Let us know below.

Marrakech Guide: Things to Bring

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• Travel Pack – Carrying the right pack can make a huge difference while out. Our Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Travel Pack will help ensure you get off on the right foot.
• Water Bottles – Collapsible Water Bottles – These are some of our favorite items to bring with us. They’re really light-weight and you can also roll them up so you can store them away easily. If there is one item that is most important to bring with you, it is water.
• Hiking Clothes – You wouldn’t think of this as a hike at first, but really you’re covering a lot of distance and you are totally exposed. In the desert, it is easy to be overexposed to the sun and not realize it until too late. Keeping yourself covered can really help. A recent addition to my wardrobe has made a big difference. For him | For her
• Sun Screen – It was chilly in November, so we were covered but if you don’t cover up with clothes, then you should wear sunscreen. We’ve used these and we haven’t been burned since, plus they are allowed in carry-on luggage. TSA Approved Sunscreen

 

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