Top Marrakech Travel Tips for Travellers
Are you planning a visit to Marrakech, Morocco? If so, it’s essential to be aware of the potential challenges that may arise during your journey. From cultural differences to language barriers and navigating bustling markets to haggling for goods, many factors can affect your experience. However, you can ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable with the right approach and proper knowledge. In this travel guide, I’ll provide some essential Marrakech Travel tips for making the most of your stay in Marrakech. Keep reading to learn more about how to ensure a successful trip!
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Marrakech Travel Guide on What to Expect
Marrakech is an enchanting city located in the heart of Morocco. It’s a bustling metropolis with a unique culture and many sights to explore. This North African destination has something to offer everyone, from shopping in the colourful markets to visiting historical sites or relaxing in one of its many beautiful gardens. However, if you’re planning on visiting Marrakech, there are some tips you should follow to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable stay.
Transport in Marrakech
Getting around Marrakech is easy, and there are plenty of transport options available. If you want to explore the city quickly, hop on a petit taxi – they’re small cars painted yellow and can be hailed from anywhere. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more leisurely, horse-drawn carriages called calèche offer a scenic route through some of the city’s most picturesque streets.
For those wanting to venture further afield, the airport is just a short drive away, and buses run regularly between major destinations in Morocco. There are also trains connecting Marrakech to other cities – perfect for exploring different parts of Morocco!
Whichever mode of transport you choose, make sure to buy tickets in advance as this will save time (and money!) for travel.
Accommodation in Marrakech
Many accommodation options in Marrakech offer something for every budget and style, whether you want a luxurious hotel with all the bells and whistles or a simpler option that lets you experience the local culture.
If you’re looking for luxury, consider staying at a top hotel in the city. These lavish establishments offer breathtaking views of the city skyline and amenities such as spas, swimming pools, and fine dining restaurants. Plus, many come with their concierge services to make your stay more enjoyable.
For those seeking a more affordable option, plenty of hostels and guesthouses are scattered around town. Most are clean and comfortable, with basic amenities such as air conditioning and hot water showers.
Finally, if you’re looking for a cultural experience in the heart of the action, then choose a riad in the Medina. This option will provide the most authentic experience and is one of my hot Marrakech travel tips.
Expedia, Hotelopia or Booking.com are my favourite providers if you’re looking for Marrakech accommodation.
Marrakech Travel Tips & Safety Considerations
Travelling to Marrakech is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of Morocco. However, there are some safety considerations you should be aware of. Explore Marrakech with peace of mind by following these safety tips, and enjoy your time in this beautiful city. But be aware even with these precautions; you may still experience some unwanted attention – read on to learn how to handle it.
After Dark in the Medina
Visiting the Medina is one of the best things to do in Marrakech. When the sun sets, the Medina is transformed into a lively and vibrant place. The streets come alive with music and laughter as locals and visitors gather to enjoy the night. From live music performances to late-night markets, there is something for everyone in the Medina after dark.
To ensure you return to your hotel safely, consider pre-booking a taxi or asking your accommodation for recommendations before venturing out after dark. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your evening in Marrakech will be enjoyable!
Unwanted Attention
Exploring Marrakech can be an incredibly enriching experience; however, it’s common to receive unwanted attention while out and about. This attention can range from catcalling to people trying to sell things or even asking for money. While this may feel uncomfortable, remaining respectful and polite when responding is essential.
The best way to handle this is to say “no thank you” or “la shukran” (which means “no thank you” in Arabic). It is also helpful to avoid eye contact as this can encourage further advances. Finally, if the situation becomes too overwhelming, calmly excuse yourself and find a place with more people. By following these tips, you can ensure that your time exploring Marrakech remains safe and enjoyable!
Marrakech Scams
Sometimes people question whether Marrakech is safe as there are some well-known scams that unsuspecting tourists often fall for. That said, if you know what to look out for, you can easily avoid them and have a great trip. These are the scams I encountered when I was in the heart of Medina.
- Don’t fall for the ‘leather tanning factory’ scam. You may get approached by someone telling you that a traditional ceremony is happening only on that day you mustn’t miss. If you follow, you will get taken far away from the heart of the media until you eventually get to a place where they tan the leather in different colours. They will usher you into the building and demand money to see how the tanning happens.
- Only let people put something on you if you’ve asked them to. Some people try to drum up business by putting a bracelet around your wrist or starting to design a henna pattern on your skin in exchange for money. They can do this quickly, making it much harder to say no or not to pay someone when they’ve already started doing something, whether you want it or not.
- Avoid following directions from people who you haven’t asked. If you get lost, speak to another tourist or someone from one of the markets you’ve bought from. Unfortunately, several people may offer what seems to be friendly advice. They will ask if you’re looking for the main square/exit and if they will point you where to go. However, they will tip off someone else on that route who will also give you directions. Typically, they expect money if you follow the direction, or they’re deliberately leading you somewhere you should avoid.
General Marrakech Travel Tips for Travellers
Below are some of my top Marrakech travel tips that really helped me with my experience in this exciting country:
- Brush up on your haggling skills. Be prepared to haggle for pretty much everything in the Medina. Have a clear price in your mind and walk away if the price isn’t right. A good rule of thumb is to half their initial offer and start from there.
- Grab a map of the Medina. The Medina is a maze, and all the market stalls and narrow roads begin to look the same. You need a map with clear entry and exit points to avoid getting lost. Unfortunately, some people pray on tourists getting lost. You may receive unsolicited advice on which direction to go, but this may divert you to somewhere else or is done in expectation of money.
- Dress respectfully. Morocco is an Islamic country, so you should dress appropriately for the culture. Wear something that covers your shoulders and knees if you’re a woman. It can be unbearably hot in Morocco, so wear light clothing that you are comfortable in and good walking shoes!
- Look at Hotels a little further out. Unless you want to stay in a riad around the Medina, it pays to stay at a hotel a little further out. This choice gives you a moment to relax from the chaos of the city, and you can typically have more facilities such as a pool you can enjoy.
- Be aware of the weather in Marrakech, which can range from hot summers to chilly winters. Pack accordingly for all seasons, especially during the summer when temperatures can reach 40°C! It will also help to bring a sunhat and sunglasses for protection from the harsh sunlight in this North African destination.
- Get familiar with the local currency – Dirhams (MAD). Ensure you have access to plenty of cash, as ATMs may be challenging to find in some areas. Most vendors will accept Great British Pounds, US Dollars or Euros but expect to get a worse exchange rate when using them. If you need a currency card, I recommend Revolut for great conversion rates or Post Office Travel Money if getting cash.
- Make sure you’re insured – Before you leave home, purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any eventualities while away from home. Cover For You is my go to provider.
- Enjoy exploring this vibrant city – just remember these general Marrakech travel tips!
Marrakech Travel Tips In Summary
Marrakech is a vibrant and exotic destination that can be overwhelming for travellers. Be sure to keep safe, pack the right things and to enjoy the experience most importantly. To make the most of your visit, consider these essential Marrakech Travel tips to ensure a memorable trip!
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