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Jan
10
Marrakesh Travel & Sightseeing Guide
Filed Under Morocco
A trip to Marrakesh
‘Tent City’ is one of the main stops on the Moroccan tourist trail, and walking through the city it’s easy to see why. Incredible architecture looms all around, the most notable being the last remaining of the three legendary towers, the Koutoubia minaret. Rising 70 metres above the skyline, it is as impressive a structure today as it was when it was built in the 12th century. The city is surrounded by some of Morocco’s most picturesque desert and is within easy reach of the beaches on Morocco’s northern coast.
Flights to Marrakesh
Getting to Marrakesh has never been easier, with more and more low-cost airlines from Europe including it on their routes. Getting a 45-minute connection from Casablanca is also possible. The Marrakesh Menara Airport is just four miles from the city, making the centre accessible in about 15 minutes. This feat is made all the more hassle-free with the new bus that runs from the airport and stops at main points in town. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Marrakesh try Thomas Cook.
Taxis are available, but be sure to agree on a price before the driver whisks you away. Taxi scams are a common occurrence in Marrakesh, so it is best to only use vehicles that have a metre. If you’re staying in a mid range to upscale hotel, they may be able to arrange a shuttle for you.
Marrakesh
Sightseeing in Marrakesh
Whether you’re looking for it or not, chances are the first sight you’ll see in Marrakesh is the Koutoubia tower. The only thing more impressive than the 70-metre tower is the structure that surrounds it, with an area five times that of the tower itself. Remarkably well preserved from the 12th century, intricate lattice designs that are characteristic of the Arabic world are on full show here.
The main square of Marrakesh, Djemaa El Fna is a great place to wander and soak up the local atmosphere with its colourful markets and hustle and bustle. The Agdai and Menara gardens are beautiful and peaceful places to spend a couple of hours, while for a history lesson visit the Saadin Tombs.
Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Morocco is not a country to visit if your number one way to spend an evening is drinking. Though beer and wine is available in establishments catering specifically to tourists, the Muslim populous are for the most part non-drinkers, opting instead for the ever-popular hot mint tea.
For a taste of how the locals eat, get stuck into the Djemma El Fna’s many street stalls, where a cornucopia of local delicacies are served up hot and fresh to locals and tourists alike. Vegetarians take note: this is carnivore country.
Fun by day – shopping and activities
Shopping in Marrakesh will inevitable involve bargaining, the ancient art that can be awkward and unsettling for those unfamiliar with haggling. No matter what you plan to buy, remember that haggling over the price is normal for locals, and as a visitor you’re expected to play along. You may even find you get good at it.
One activity ensuring immersion in local culture is a trip to a hammam, a public bath. There are hammams for tourists where you’ll be pampered every step of the way, but in the public versions you do it yourself. Buying a scrubbing mitten and an extra pair of skivvies from the market will assure you fit right in; well, as much as possible anyway.
Daytrips
The Atlas Mountains are a fantastic destination for travellers interested in escaping Marrakesh on a daytrip. Hiring a grand taxi is the easiest and most affordable way to travel out of the city. The Berber villages located high in the Atlas Mountains make for fascinating visits, with over 100 sub-village communities.
At these villages visitors are afforded the opportunity to experience traditional Berber culture and way of life. The locals are kind and eager to educate tourists on Berber art, history and cuisine. If mountain biking, hiking and river rafting sound appealing, then heading to the Ourika Valley is a fantastic idea.
Ourika Valley is located roughly one hour outside of Marrakesh via taxi. For gorgeous views of waterfalls and long strolls along mountain trails, make your way to Setti Fatma, which is at one end of the valley. Visiting Berber villages and the Ourika Valley can be done on the same daytrip or excursion.
Must-see attractions
The Medersa Ben Youssef is great place to start a day of sightseeing and venturing around the city. Travelling on foot is an easy way to familiarise yourself with the town as you must walk through several souks and local neighbourhoods to get to most attractions. The oversized Theological College bears remnants of Marrakesh’s Merinid architecture period.
For snake charmers, fortune tellers, local eateries and street performances, Jma-l-Fna is the venue to visit. The market-like area transforms into rows of food booths and entertainment as the sun sets and more tourists make their way to the festivities. Food is even served in the early hours of the morning and the orange juice has become famous and popular with visitors.
For a more outdoors and romantic experience the Majorelle Gardens are a good choice. The garden was designed by the famous French designer Yves St Laurent and is one of the most decorative and colourful gardens in the country. A stroll through Bahia Palace may also prove to be worthwhile.
For shopping and souvenirs, head north of the city to Criee Berbere. This is a square with tons of shops selling everything from dead lizards to carpets and other trinkets. Be sure to bring you best bidding face as the carpets here are sold by auction. While there are cheaper places in the city to buy carpets, most tourists visit the Berbere purely for the experience.
Best time to go
For those who wish to escape the colder climates of their home country, Marrakech is an excellent choice during the winter (December to February). The spring and autumn seasons offer temperatures in the mid-20s (°C) and also make for good travel times.
The summer months (June to August) see erratic and extreme weather and there can be up to a 20°C shift in temperature in a matter of days. The summertime weather can be unbearable for those that are from cooler climates so this is something to consider before planning your trip.
Rainy day suggestions
For a glimpse into Marrakesh’s rich art history and culture visit the Museum of Marrakesh. A rainy day is a great time to roam through the halls and admire both the architecture of the buildings as well as the artwork on display in this museum. Rainy days are also a great time to check out Djemaa el Fna’s café culture, as strips of eateries and diners line the busy square. Tourists can enjoy everything from local ice cream to pasta here.
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