Last Updated on the 4th of December, 2025
Marrakech is a tapestry of Moorish palaces, towering mosques, and vibrant local life, which exists on the edge of the Sahara Desert.
But it’s not just a destination; it’s an experience that starts from the moment you step off the plane and feel that warm Moroccan sun on your face.
If you’re a fan of art and culture, Marrakech won’t disappoint. From the passionate Gnawa musician, storyteller and snake-charmer performances that fill the air with soulful melodies and rhythmic claps to the crafty pottery and handmade jewellery pieces in the buzzing souks, this city is a living, breathing work of art.
And let’s not forget the food — freshly cooked tagines made with subtle spices and intriguing flavour combinations that you’ll reminisce about long after you’ve returned home.
Now, before you visit Marrakech, knowing what to expect, the main attractions, and how to deal with the Medina can make your journey more pleasant. Learning a few tips beforehand is a great way to optimise your experience before you begin exploring this adventure-filled city.
What I am saying is that it’s good to know the lifestyle and to understand the customs when going to another country for the very first time, especially if you are coming from Europe as Marrakech is a pretty intense city.
Without further ado, here are some valuable tips if you plan on visiting Marrakech!
Read More: 10+ Crucial Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Marrakech For The First Time

01 | Best time to visit Marrakech
Spring and autumn are the best times to visit Marrakech as the summer brings unbearable heat (it can quickly reach 45 degrees).
It’s quite beautiful in wintertime too; the weather is usually sunny and pleasantly warm during the day but chilly in the evenings. We travelled in early March, and the average temperature was 20 ° C.
02 | Shopping for goods
The handmade goods found in souks are of excellent quality, and if you see something you like, buy it right away. With such a staggering amount of stalls, you aren’t likely to pass it again.
Many places don’t have fixed prices; therefore, be ready to bargain with the seller, and if you are not happy with the price (it can be unreasonably high at the beginning), say thanks and walk away.
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03 | Getting a Taxi
Before getting a taxi, always ask your accommodation host to give you an approximate price that should be expected to pay for travelling from point A to point B. You might still need to negotiate, but this way, you know what you are working with.
04| Don’t drink tap water
Don’t drink the tap water or even brush your teeth with it in Marrakech. If you want to avoid purchasing plastic bottles, then bring a reusable water bottle with a replaceable filter that removes most of the waterborne bacteria and parasites.
05 | Traveling during Ramadan
If you travel to Morocco during Ramadan, known worldwide as a month of fasting for Muslims, remember that opening hours change to accommodate prayers and meals. Tourist attractions and shops usually open later and close earlier than usual.
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06 | Is Marrakech a safe city
In general, Marrakech is a very safe city. Be aware of your surroundings and use common sense. Don’t walk around Medina after the dark, especially by yourself. Watch out for traffic, don’t flash your valuables and avoid ‘faux guides.’
07 | Organising a Transfer
Most of the riads are hiding behind simple doors, and usually, no signs are pointing in the right direction (forget about Google Maps; they are no good).
Our riad offered a private transfer straight from the airport to the accommodation, and we agreed right away. We were cheerfully greeted by a young, friendly man who drove us to the entrance of Old Medina, where an old guy with a pushcart was waiting for us.
08 | Don’t take photographs without permission
Local people are protective and, at times, even aggressive when it comes to photographing Marrakech. Avoid capturing locals, as you can be attacked by them or others who see you doing that.
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09 | Play the happy idiot
“Come in and see my shop. Just look, not buy” is a phrase you will hear often in Marrakech.
Be prepared to say ‘no’ throughout the day as many shopkeepers will try to get you into their shops to buy their products or to try their food. Feel free to use the magical word “In-Sha-Allah”, meaning “God is willing” in Arabic, with a smile and continue. When using this phrase, shopkeepers will see that you are uninterested in what they offer.
10 | Beware of motorbikes
The narrow alleyways aren’t just used by people, but also by motorbikes, donkeys and carts. As motorbikes are a very common means of transport, they are everywhere and come when you least expect them.
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Exploring the Old Medina
Oh, Old Medina, where do I even begin?
First of all, if you are visiting Marrakech for the very first time, prepare for the culture shock and get ready to be completely overwhelmed and disoriented.
Once the souks, traditional Arab markets, open in the morning, streets are flooded with people, constant chattering and buzzing. With the feel of the heat and the fumes from the motorbikes and so much distraction and hypnotic intensity of colours and smells, it’s challenging to fully engage with where you are.
If it gets a bit much, take a deep breath, think with your heart and let the emotions wash over you.
Getting lost in the labyrinth of crisscrossing alleyways that pretty much all look the same is part of the city’s charm. There’s just no way around it. Apart from the donkey carts, bicycles, and loud mopeds, Old Medina is a pedestrian-only zone, so you can’t howl a taxi to take you back to your accommodation.
*Pro Tip – If you are lost and want help in navigating, the best people to ask the way are the shopkeepers or those who are working in the souk.
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Currency in Marrakech
The primary currency in Morocco is the dirham (MAD or Dh). You are not allowed to take it out of the country and have to spend it before leaving (it’s impossible to re-change MAD outside of the country).
ATMs are a bit tricky to locate, and even when you do find one, they don’t accept foreign cards. Once you arrive, you can use the Bureau de Change in Marrakech’s Menara airport to exchange money.
Most of the hotels and riads accept credit cards, but in the markets and shops, cash is the primary way of paying.
To avoid being left with no money, we made a list of all the places we wanted to visit. We Googled the entrance fees, added transportation, food, and souvenirs and came up with a set amount we needed. This strategy, by the way, is a great way to keep spending in check.
- When we visited Marrakech, 100Dm was around 9 euros, so we kept this in mind while purchasing goods and services.
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Where to stay in Marrakech
If you are considering a trip to Marrakesh, you’ll need a place to sleep. You can choose between a typical hotel and a riad. We highly recommend staying in the Old Medina for a proper Moroccan experience.
Behind the Old Medina walls, you’ll find a vast amount of traditional houses, called Riads, each of them with a beautiful enclosed courtyard on the inside. One of the unique features is that the windows and doors in your room will open up to the yard.
Our room was light and airy and decorated with traditional furniture. On the rooftop was a wonderfully spacious terrace ornamented in creamy hues, with views of the Atlas Mountains in the distance. Potted plants, lanterns, thick carpets, columns and arches only spiced up the incredible interior and were pleasing to the eye.
The only downside to staying in a riad is the price; they are a wee bit more expensive than hotels, yet the overall experience, attention to detail, outstanding service and friendly staff were a few of the reasons we would stay there again.
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Dress code for Morocco and Marrakech
Morocco is a Muslim country, and Moroccans remain untouched by Western cultures and are loyal to traditions.
In Islamic countries, women are not allowed to show their waistline or legs in public places, so it’s best to cover yourself as much as possible.
Despite the unbearable heat during the summer months, dressing accordingly and respecting customs and traditions is merely a suitable manner; after all, we are guests in a foreign country. Make some effort and at least cover your shoulders and knees.
Loose clothing is best when visiting in the summer, and layers are perfect for the winter months. You can expect 40 ° C (104 ° F) in July and August.
If you don’t have any maxi skirts or dresses, you can always get some from the souks or even invest in a traditional Moroccan kaftan or djellaba, usually made out of soft-to-touch fabrics and beautiful colours.
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Where to eat in Marrakech
When visiting different countries, it’s a good idea to venture out for lunch or dinner to sample the local cuisine.
In Marrakech, however, we mostly dined at our riad, which served delicious vegetarian tagines and freshly made Moroccan salads.
But sampling the historic city’s flourishing food scene doesn’t have to be limited to the Riad food as street vendors are selling fresh fruit, bread, couscous, dates and sweets. You can also sample mint tea from the rooftop cafes or dive into t Djemaa el-Fna’s nightly street food market.
- Nomad Restaurant | is a wonderful rooftop restaurant with killer views located in the heart of Medina, serving traditional Moroccan dishes with a unique spin. It’s a great place for breakfast or lunch
- L’mida restaurant | A fantastic spot with a rooftop bar that offers a lively atmosphere and warm service. Not only can you enjoy traditional food, but you can also watch a sunset.
- Al Fassia | Renowned for its all-female team and located in two places – the original on 55, Blvd Zerktouni in Gueliz and in the Aguedal touristique zone- All Fassia’s dining scene is considered one of the best in the city.
*Good to know – many restaurants and venues don’t serve alcohol
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Now over to you!
Have you been to Marrakech? Let us know in the comments below!
Let us know if you are plotting a visit to Marrakech and have travel-related questions!
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Phenomenal! So close but I’ve never visited, now that I have learned your pointers perhaps I will. Great pics too! All the best Aiva.
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You would love it as Marrakesh has a centuries-long history of attracting artists, makers, and writers, who are each drawn to the Moroccan city due to its vibrant and deep-rooted creative scene.
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Got to get there one day. Cheers Aiva.
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🥰🥰🥰
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I think you’ve covered everything, Aiva. Good friends here have done a couple of trips and are very enthusiastic about Morocco. It’s something I hope to add to my experience one day, too.
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I hope you get to visit one day, Jo as it is a vibrant city filled with places to see and things to do. It would be a fairly short journey for you as flight time from Faro to Marrakech is just 1.5 hours long. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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It’s not the journey but the culture that is an issue for us, Aiva. My husband has a problem with Islam and I do understand. It’s a strange world sometimes, isn’t it? 🙄❤️
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Well, if that’s the case, then what can you do. Geopolitics will always be messy, combining that with cultural misunderstandings, historical conflicts, and socio-political dynamics and the issue of Islamophobia can quickly become a significant concern that deeply affects our shared values. Have a wonderful day. It’s finally nice and sunny in Sligo 🙂 take care xx
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🤗💙
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Such a beautiful post! ❣️❣️❣️
It brought back unforgettable memories
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Thanks so much, dear Luisa. I am glad that my post about Marrakech brought back wonderfl memories. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Oh , dearest Aiva
You are so very welcome. It is my pleasure as always 🥰
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🥰🥰🥰
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This is such useful information, and I just read a similar “tips” post about visiting Petra in Jordan. Maybe the blog gods are trying to get me to go to a Muslim country! Actually, I will, next summer. Can’t say which one, because we’re revealing it on the next pod. Great post, Aiva! I love the rich colors against the earth tones.
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I am glad you enjoyed the post! While there is something to be said for spontaneous wanders and chance encounters, Marrakesh is the country’s leading tourist destination and guides, experiences and restaurants book up days, weeks and months in advance. Therefore booking and organising before arrival is a must. I hope you get to explore a Muslim country especially as there are so many misinformed myths in the world about Muslim nations – about how travelling to any Muslim country is always dangerous, violent and unsafe for travellers. As travellers, we know that we know nothing about other countries, and the only way to get started is to go see the world for yourself. Needless to say, Muslim countries are as diverse as Muslims themselves. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I have been there! I remember being chased by a shop keeper after taking a photo!
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Thanks for sharing your experience. On my first time in Marrakech, I was chased by a snake charmer who demanded to delete photos I took of him. He left me to be once he saw I had no such photos on my camera. The second time around, my experience was the opposite. Shop owners were asking to take their photos and share them on social media hoping to attract customers. Marrakesh can be a sensory overload for first-time visitors so it’s always good to read up about what to expect. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Very helpful advice Aiva! We thoroughly enjoyed our visits to Rabat and Agadir, but missed Marrakech; maybe someday.
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Thanks so much. I loved visiting Marrakech and Essaouira but I also look forward to seeing more of northern Africa by visiting places like Agadir and Rabat, especially as we get great deals from Ireland to Agadir in the off-season. Did you write about your trip to Rabat and Agadir on your blog? I’d like to check it out. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Yes, I did share our experiences there. This link should take you to the posts. Thanks again Aiva! https://travelsthroughmylens.com/?s=Morocco
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Thanks so much for the link. I am eager to check out your blog posts about Rabat and Agadir! Aiva 🙂 xx
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A very detailed guide for this magical place Aiva. As you say, it is best to familiarize yourself with local customs before visiting anywhere. Thanks for taking us there. Happy Monday. Allan
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Thanks so much, Allan 🙂 Culturally, societies with a large Muslim population are very different from what we see in Western countries. For instance, because many Islamic countries are under a theocratic government, many laws are in sync with Islam and its requirements. With that being said, travellers will notice differences regarding local laws and customs in many Islamic countries compared to laws and customs in the West. Therefore, it is always good to know what to expect. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Such great tips! I would love to visit the markets, although I think all the scents and colors would overwhelm my senses quickly. I’ve heard all the food is outstanding.
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Thank you kindly, Lyssy. Visiting markets is super fun, but it can get overwhelming pretty fast. What we usually did – after a few hours of wandering around, we escaped to the nearby rooftop cafe to take a mini-break from the hustle and bustle and then we were ready to explore more of the vibrant souks. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I admit, I’d love to visit Marrakech but it feels very overwhelming. However, these tips make it feel more manageable. I think it’s probably still a few years down the road for me, but one day hopefully I make it there.
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I hope you make it to Northern Morocco one day, Diana as it is a truly fascinating place to explore. We are fortunate to have it so close to us. I can pop on a plane and land in one of its exciting ancient cities in less than 3 hours. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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A great guide Aiva, and timely. We’ll be in Morocco this fall. I’m surprised at your comment about ATMs and foreign cards. We read you can also withdraw from post offices, do you know if that’s true. Maggie
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That’s so exciting, Maggie. I’m glad to hear you heading to Morocco this year. When it comes to cards – Visa and Mastercard are most widely accepted. If you usually use an Amex card, you’ll need to take an alternative card or carry enough cash for your trip, as you may not be able to find an ATM to withdraw cash easily. To use an ATM in Morocco, you’ll generally need a 4-digit PIN code. However, if your primary card is an American magnetic stripe card, and it doesn’t usually require a PIN, you’ll need to get a PIN issued by your bank before you travel. I hope this helps. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks Aiva, we have chip credit cards here not swipe and when we started travelling we have made sure to change to different length codes. Thanks!
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You guys are such seasoned adventurers that I am pretty sure your debit/credit cards are up to date and work just fine in Morocco. xx
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Marrakech sounds like an exotic place for me, it would be really nice to visit their colourful markets, some day. It is so interesting that one needs to strictly follow their rules, but when they move to another country, it’s still them imposing over their own customs.
Happy Monday, xx
🥰
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It really is an exotic place full of an enthralling blend of captivating cultures, enchanting landscapes, and delicious cuisine! And it doesn’t matter which city you are eager to visit as Morocco promises an unforgettable journey of discovery. In general, Islam accepts all cultures around the world as long as they do not contradict its core principles. Also – it’s no secret that Muslim minority citizens in Western societies want to freely express and practice their religiosity, try to establish suitable institutions for educational and religious activities, and seek to politically promote their interests. These goals and the related demands receive mixed reactions from the general public. It is one thing to agree with the general liberal notion that Muslims should be able to live the life they want, but another to accept Muslim practices, such as the founding of Islamic schools, the building of minarets, or the refusal to shake hands with someone of the opposite gender. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Great post Aiva, especially on dressing properly and on taking photos. So many wonderful places to visit and explore!
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Thank you kindly! The dress code is vital because Marrakech is part of Morocco, and Morocco is a conservative Muslim country where you probably don’t want to walk around with your boobs and butt hanging out. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks for all the great advice. Morocco is on our list and the advice we’ve been given is that the easiest and safest way to visit is on a guided tour. We don’t usually do tours but in this case it’s probably a good alternative.
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With a reputation for being touristy, full of people waiting to scam you and a terrifying souk that will consume you, it’s not surprising that many choose to bypass Marrakech. Morocco’s fourth largest city is a bit like Marmite; people either love it or hate it. Having a Guided Tour of Marrakech will ensure that you fall into the first category and thereby surrender to the charms that are embedded into the soul of this ‘Red City’. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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This will be useful for anyone visiting Morocco for the first time. What I’m most surprised about is how the locals don’t like their photos taken because this is the exact opposite of how people in my home country (and in Southeast Asia in general) see those who point their cameras at them. We would gladly strike a pose! But the Moroccans have their own reasons and it’s always better to understand things like this when we travel. Like you said, after all we are guests.
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Whenever I travel, I love capturing people going about their everyday lives. By observing how they look, what they wear, how they behave and what they do in their natural environment gives me valuable insight into the country and its culture. But many people don’t want their photograph taken for personal, cultural and/or religious reasons. Especially nowadays it’s very important to take this into consideration as one picture can quickly reach thousands of people through social media. This is why you’ll have a hard time taking photos of women in Morocco, especially in rural areas. They generally don’t like it at all. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What a great intro to this fascinating spot. I suspect the sheer volume of people might do me in as I am not great in crowds anymore. But the market seems endlessly fascinating.
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With the bustling souks, vibrant streets, and constant calls from vendors can be a lot to take in – Marrakech can be overwhelming for some people, especially if it’s your first time visiting a North African city. But as the city has incredible architecture and widespread Moroccan tile patterns, therefore, it is well worth a visit. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I am certain it is super interesting, especially from an architectural point of view… the world is big, and there are only so many places one can make it to. Hard decisions aren’t they?
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I very well know the feeling that there are so many places to go and not enough time. And your bucket list will only grow bigger with time. I guess part of life is to accept that we will never do everything. The world is just too big. But it’s not really about doing all the things you want to do. It’s about loving whatever you have the chance to do. You might not get to travel to every country in the world, but at least you will enjoy yourself in the ones you get to visit! 🙂 xx
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I found Marrakech interesting but wouldn’t be in a hurry to return. I’d like to take a trip to the Atlas Mountains but the city centre albeit interesting wasn’t really for me.
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As avid travellers, we know well that not every place visited is going to be a dream fantasyland. And it’s easily understandable with such places as Marrakech because once you leave the comfort and tranquillity of your accommodation, most likely a riad in the Medina, your senses go haywire because you are swallowed by the surrounding chaos. Thanks for stopping by, and sorry for the late reply. Just found your post in my spam folder. Aiva 🙂 xx
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No problem, I occasionally find comments in my spam folder too that shouldn’t be there!
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🥰🥰🥰
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It sounds like you went at a good time of the year and didn’t have to deal with the heat. I don’t know how well I’d do at bargaining! Sounds like quite the experience.
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I was there in spring, Linda. It’s a great time of the year to visit Marrakech as you get between 8 and 10 hours of sunshine throughout the day and the temperatures are warm, averaging at around 25 °C. Also, it’s when the tourist population is much smaller and this allows you to take full advantage of the city’s attractions. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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This is really great guide for someone visiting this beautiful city. I like how you covered not just what to see, but how to see it safely and respectfully. It all seems so interesting from the buildings to the shops.
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Thanks so much. Marrakech is a vibrant and culturally rich city with so much to see and do. From exploring the bustling souks (markets) to admiring the stunning architecture of the Medina, there’s something special about this beautiful city. Plus, the food is amazing! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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I visited Marrakesh in 2017; it was my first city in Morocco, and it was indeed an overwhelming experience. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the greatest time due to getting almost robbed, but it’s still a lovely city to start your travels in Morocco! Thanks for sharing, Aiva 🙂
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I am sorry to hear about your experience of getting almost robbed. When I visited Marrakech, the locals were warm, friendly and hospitable. They made sure to help out when possible however, some vendors were pushy. Nevertheless, I was always on a high alert because unfortunately as tourists/visitors, we always have to look out for ourselves as we may get hassled by snake charmers, women will offer henna art for free then ask for money and some others pose as guides offering to take you around for free – then asking for money later. Sometimes I just brush it off but other times it bothers me as many visitors work hard to save up for that dream vacation only to be assaulted /robbed/scammed on arrival. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Have visited and loved it. Was very hot though in the height of summer and we escaped to the coast ( Essaouira) for a few days which was cooler and not as hectic.
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I am glad to hear you loved it! Marrakech is an enchanting place that captures the hearts of travellers worldwide including ours. On our first trip a few years ago, we also had a chance to escape to Essaouira. I fell in love with the coastal city’s unique atmosphere, traditional market and houses with white and blue facades. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Loved Essaouira too. X
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This is a very nice article about a very pretty city that I enjoyed visiting. Your advice is most welcome, as there is a real clash of civilisations when you arrive in Morocco.
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It is always advisable to know a thing or two about how to tap into the heart of a new destination especially if it is as thrilling and absolutely frightening as Marrakech due to its overwhelming smells, dazzling colours and exciting flavours which take visitors on a roller-coaster ride through souks. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The tips about navigating the souks and being aware of cultural norms are especially helpful.
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I am glad you found it useful 🙂 My first time in Marrakech was a bit stressful, but mostly because we were travelling with a bay. I couldn’t last more than a few hours in the chaotic medina without seeking refuge at the riad. When I returned to Marrakech a few years later, I fell in love with the city. I felt more at ease and strolled through the medina with confidence. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What a fascinating looking country, great tips for anyone visiting for the first time.
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It is, Glenys! For those coming from Europe, the journey to Marrakech is not long, but a change of scenery is guaranteed. In just three hours, you can go from the arid lands of Palm Grove to the bustling capital. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Never been to Marrakech. I think one of my daughters has…
Great post. Very complete.
🙏🏻
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Thanks so much, Brian! With sprawling gardens and magnificent mosques, Marrakech is a treat to the eyes. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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🙏🏻
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Thanks for the walk down memory lane. I was in Marrakech in 2011 as spent a month travelling through Morocco. It’s such an amazing country but back then, the constant badgering from touts wore me down as I was ready to leave after the month.
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Travelling through Morocco for a month sounds like a fantastic trip as there’s actually so much to see and do in the beautiful country. But I know what you mean about constant badgering from touts. While I loved the city’s bustling medinas and vibrant souks, persistent vendors were overwhelming. I was glad to find Marrakech’s quieter side in beautiful gardens where no one offered to sell anything. The peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the medina was more than welcomed as I had a chance to relax and enjoy the natural beauty that Marrakech has to offer. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Moulay Bousselham wasn’t touristy at all but my favourite was Chefchaouen albeit it was quite busy.
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I am glad to hear you loved it. That’s a statement I’ve heard from many travellers about Chefchaouen. I’d like to visit Chefchaouen one day too so I can enter a labyrinth of blues and whites. xx
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This is a beautiful guide to Marrakech, I’ve just posted my own experiences from there and definitely felt the magic of the city. I’m glad I’ve visited – my top tip is to stay off your phone in the Medina as we saw 3 people glued to their phones hit by the motorbikes! Thanks for sharing all your experiences and learnings from the city 🙂
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You know, Hannah, that’s a brilliant tip for visiting any city ( especially as thieves are now targeting people who have the newest iPhones because of their value ), but sadly, nowadays many people see phones as an extension of their hands. We live in a world where it’s hard to imagine taking a trip to the bathroom without a device, much less a full vacation—even one where the goal is to fully disconnect. I think if you really need to get the phone out to check google maps and other apps on getting around and places to go, eat, shop, etc, you should stop, move to the side near a building, look around and then get your cell phone out. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What an excellent guide. Marrakesh seems quite different now (better catering to tourists maybe) but also essentially the same as when I was there over 40 years ago. Your post makes me long to go back.
Alison
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Thanks so much, Alison. We felt safe and welcomed on both occasions in Marrakech as every business owner we encountered was a shining example of hospitality and entrepreneurship, creating spaces where peace thrived. As I love its incredible architecture, warm people and the sense of adventure one feels while exploring the vibrant souks, I am already dreaming about a third trip to Marrakech. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Looks so vibrant and colourful. It’s definitely one place that’s been on my list for a long time. One day I’ll refer back to this post. Great advice and inspiration Aiva.
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Marrakech is renowned for its bustling medinas, vibrant souks, and historical sites and we are fortunate to live just a few hours away. The kaleidoscope of colours you see as a day unfolds is unlike anything I’ve experienced before. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Aiva, your photos are stunning in this post! I’ve never been to Morocco which is silly, because I’ve always wanted to go. Some of the things you’ve highlighted make it seem quite daunting – but your post is such a helpful guide. Maybe one day I can travel with someone who’s been already
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Thanks so much, Mandy 🙂 I hope you get to visit Marrakech one day! On both occasions, I travelled to Marrakech with either friends or family. As you navigate the vibrant souks and bustling marketplaces, having someone by your side makes the experience less daunting. Time of the year also plays a big part in whether you will enjoy the city. Marrakech is very polluted and crowded – this, combined with the broiling heat of the day in summer, would make it difficult to enjoy. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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What a beautiful place! I would love to visit Marrakech but as someone who struggles saying no even to people that do not insist, I think I would have a really hard time there! But your post is such a useful guide, so thanks for sharing!
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I am just like you, Juliette and that’s why I sent my husband to deal with the street vendors as I am not much of a haggler nor an expert in dealing with shop owners offering various produce. After a few days of navigating busy souks, we came to the conclusion that our experience of the souks in Marrakech is highly influenced by the time of day we decided to visit them.
My tip – if you want a relatively calm browsing experience, turn up early, around 9:30 a.m. when the stalls have just opened. This way there will be fewer shoppers, and vendors won’t feel under so much pressure to make their sales as they have the whole day to go. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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The colours are spectacular! Lovely.
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I was in awe of all the terracotta hues and the red sandstone walls that enclose the medina – it’s a culture with a deep reverence for beauty and an understanding that art should exist at the forefront of life, which validates creatives and reminds them that their work is crucial.
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Your advice sounds central to having a good trip in Morocco. The tips about currency were especially great.
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Thanks so much. Marrakech is an exciting and pretty easy city to explore but there are a few things you need to know before you go, especially if it is your first time In Morocco. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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Thanks for your thorough guides.
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I am glad you found them useful xx
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I loved Marrakech, stayed in the medina and spent hours in the souks. Thanks for this reminder of that fascinating area.
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The heartbeat of Marrakech is its vibrant souks in the Medina and exploring them is a sensory experience like no other! Therefore, wandering the souks of Marrakech and learning about local history and culture as you make your way through the maze of shops make for an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
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This is a thorough and fantastic guide! Thank you so much!
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I’m glad you enjoyed it. Morocco is an incredible country in so many ways, and Marrakech is a great place for travellers, as the bustling city offers so much to see and do! Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Hope your New Year is off to a good start. Aiva 🙂 xx
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It is and I hope the same for you. 🙂
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Thank you 😊 xx
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Morocco in general seems quite interesting for our future travels. Your description of Marrakech would seem to dictate for us some kind of tour.
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Marrakech is an amazing city to visit- you’ll feel like you’ve been transported into a movie while you walk through the Old City, and then feel transported back to today when stepping into the New City. I hope you get to visit this part of the world one day. Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day. Hope your New Year is off to a good start. Aiva 🙂 xx
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