Marrakech Must-Knows

One of the most charming and wonderful places I have had the pleasure of visiting, no trip to Northern Africa would be complete without a visit to Morocco's red city, Marrakech. Home to a huge medina, incredible architecture and beautiful Riads, Marrakech is certainly an eye opener and one not to be missed off the bucket list. A diverse city, it can be a daunting site upon arrival if you have no idea what to expect, so in this blog I have put together my top tips, good to knows and must-do excursions to help you plan your own trip to the imperial city of Morocco. Good to know Language - As you wander through the streets of Marrakech, you will hear a mixture of languages including Arabic, Spanish, French, English and Berber. English will get you the basics, but French and Berber are the most spoken, so it is definitely handy to know a few key French phrases for your stay. Currency - Moroccan Dirhams which is a closed currency, so you will need to change your money once in Marrakesh. For the best rates, wait until you’re at your hotel/riad or in the city to change. 1 Moroccan Dirham is the equivalent to approx. 80pence, and if you haggle right, you will find some real bargains! In the 7 days I stayed in Marrakech, not including excursions, I changed up approximately £200, bought five pashminas, mint tea, two bags and a purse and still had change! A beautifully cheap city as long as you are prepared to barter. Clothing - Marrakech is a Muslim city so you will notice cultural differences very quickly if you are not from a Muslim area. Although not illegal, it can be frowned upon if women are not appropriately dressed, so I recommend packing light weight clothes such as maxi dresses and shoals to cover shoulders and knees when entering public places. Most hotels/riads do not mind beachwear around the pool, just remember to cover up when leaving the hotel grounds. Climate - As Marrakech is in Morocco, North Africa, temperatures are fairly warm all year around. The cooler months (November - March) average around 17 degrees Fahrenheit, and the height of the summer in July/August averages around 37 degrees Fahrenheit, although when I visited in May, our hottest day reached 44 degrees! We very wisely chose this to be a pool and shade day. One thing to note, Marrakech is an inland city with no beaches, so if a beach holiday is what you are looking for, another Moroccan city such as Casablanca or Agadir may be a better choice. Transport - Marrakech is a fairly easy city to get around. The hotel I stayed in (Sensimar Medina Gardens) was very close to the Jemaa El Fna (main square) so walking their most evenings was no problem for us, however taxis are also accessible. Another form of transport is a horse and carriage ride, but we never took one of these as we personally felt the horses were kept in cruel conditions and it didn't sit comfortable with us. Generally, locals are very friendly, but do look out for some who will 'lead' you to your destination and then expect money. We sadly fell for this trap and didn't end up where we were initially trying to get to! Luckily my partner was quick on his feet and politely advised the locals we did not have any money on us to give. Plugs - European adapters. Not much else to say, but a handy tip to know! Things to do Jemaa El Fna - The main square in Marrakech, home to souks, riads and street performers. It is a maze of colour, each alleyway leading you to something or somewhere new. It is worth noting the square is completely different depending on whether you visit in the day or evening. Daytime visits are quiet, not many stalls are open and no street performers. If you are nervous about getting 'stuck in' or have small children with you, I’d recommend a day visit as the evenings are very hectic! I loved visiting at night, just as the sun is setting is when the square comes alive. Snake charmers, monkey dancers, street food, the sounds of bartering, spicy smells, I fell in love with the hustle and bustle! A real bargain can be had at the souks, just brush up on your haggling skills and confidence! Many of the stalls actually make their goods whilst they are open, a great opportunity to witness and buy something unique. Jardin Majorelle - Botanical gardens created by French artist Jacques Majorelle, and home to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. Tour guides will try to sell you an excursion here, but my advice is it's cheaper and easier to visit yourself! We took a taxi from our hotel and visited early morning thinking we would beat the crowds. We were wrong, it is a tourist haven! Beautiful gardens make for lovely pictures, but don't be fooled by the snaps, it can take a while to get them as so many others are doing the same thing. We also completed the gardens and museum in around an hour, so it is only necessary to schedule a morning or afternoon visit. Ben Youssef Madrasa - Ancient landmark in the heart of Marrakech and one of the most beautiful sites in the whole city. It is a stunning building, filled with delicate marble mosaics and an amazing courtyard. Amidst the craziness of Marrakech, you will find a quiet and welcome break during your visit here. We visited the Ben Youssef Madrasa on the same day as the Jardin Majorelle, I would recommend saving approx. 1 hour to complete it. Atlas Mountains - A mountain range spanning Morocco, Tunisia and Algreb. A 2-hour drive from Marrakech, this incredible range is a must-see whilst in the glistening North African country. Nothing like Marrakech, the villages here take everything 'back to basics'. The local Berber people use animals such as cows and horses to help with their heavy work load and are huge fans of mint tea. Pick the right excursion and you will be taken to meet a local who will be more than happy to show you the tea process. Although a long day (many people choose to spend a few days at the mountain range) I highly recommend for a taste of 'traditional' Moroccan life. Ouzoud waterfalls - One of Morocco's natural wonders, 360-foot waterfalls set in the Atlas Mountains. Lots of photo opportunities and a boat ride directly underneath the falls. A good excursion but not one I would rush back to do, as I feel the Atlas Mountains excursion was actually enough for us to see. I hope this blog will give you a better understand of this crazy city! I love to talk travel, so if you have any questions about Marrakech, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Thank you.