A Guide to Majestic Marrakech

Marrakech – the Red City – known for its chaos and charm – a must see. Built by the Berber Empire, it is a popular tourist destination and one of the busiest cities in Africa. Marrakech is comprised of two distinct areas – the modern city (more commercial) and the “medina” (old city) home to the Jemaa el-Fnaa square and the markets. 

Here is a guide to help you know what to see and do in Marrakech, Morocco!                Expect to be overwhelmed, charmed and to get lost!   

 Things to remember 

• Dress respectfully, try to keep shoulder and knees covered and don’t show too much cleavage 
• Be careful taking photos of street vendors, ask first, some may try to charge you! 
• Morocco has a closed currency ! 

Getting about                                                       Morocco is a very walkable city. Lots of Petit taxis, buses and caleches (horse and carts) oh and camels !  

 Absolute musts 

1) Jemaa el-Fnaa by day 

This ancient square is the beating heart of Marrakech. Embrace the chaos, a loud, vibrant atmosphere in this local gathering point. Filled with snake charmers, henna artists, food vendors, street performers, locals and tourists.  

 2) Wander the Souks 

Opposite Jemma el-Fnaa, you’ll find the famous maze of markets. Walk through the maze of stalls, feeling like you’ve stumbled in to Aladdins cave. Here you will find silverware, glassware, metals work , textiles, leatherwork and the best handbags ever ! Haggle haggle haggle !  

    
 3) Explore the spice market 

Not only to satisfy your nose with the amazing smells, but to satisfy your eyes! A sensory overload ! Take in the buzz and submerge yourself in the atmosphere. Even if you don’t buy, you must go look!  

   
4) Caleches – Horse and Cart ride 

The horse and carts line the streets, they all seem well looked after, we chose an old man who was 90 and looked like he adored his horses. He led us through the old town and new, sharing his knowledge and facts. Showing us things we would have never been able to explore by foot or car or bus. Travelling down all the narrow streets and getting to experience Marrakech through the life of the locals.  

     
 
 
5) Get a Henna TattooMake sure you agree a price prior to getting it done. This is amazing to watch, the women are so talented, the tattoos look beautiful and it’s was amazing to experience a piece of the Moroccan culture.  

   
6) Explore the Medina by night 

As the sun goes down, the square really comes to life. Smoke from the food stalls spirals high in to the dusk sky, snake charmers play their eerie music and the vast space floods with onlookers. Ps the kebabs are awesome !  

 Have you ever been to Marrakech or anywhere else in Morocco? Is it on your wanderlist ?