In this guide, you will find all of my tips for Marrakech, ranging from essential information to must-visit sights and restaurants. Please note that these are based on my personal experience, and individual experiences may vary. While I strive to keep the guide as up-to-date as possible, it is always advisable to verify opening times and other details in advance.
Marrakech is a city located in central Morocco, renowned for its bustling souks (markets), traditional cuisine, and rich culture. In comparison to other parts of Morocco, Marrakech stands out as a highly frequented destination, making it an excellent starting point for your first visit to the country.
However, Marrakech offers much more than that! You will discover numerous luxurious and contemporary restaurants, and the new town is a paradise for shopping enthusiasts.
Here are a few essential considerations to keep in mind when traveling to Morocco for the first time:
💬 Language
The most commonly spoken languages in Marrakech are Arabic, French, and English. English is widely spoken in most tourist areas. Additionally, it's helpful to pre-download Arabic on Google Translate for offline use. This way, even without internet access, you can still use the app to communicate.
💸 Money
The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Approximately, 10 MAD is equal to 1 euro. In the city, particularly in the old town, cash is the predominant form of payment. Hence, ensure that you have enough cash with you. This brings us to the next point: Morocco is located outside of Europe, which means that using your debit card can be challenging, as well as your credit card. For instance, our Rabobank credit cards didn't work at ATMs, but were accepted in various restaurants. If possible, consider bringing credit cards from different banks.
🗓️ Best time to visit
Marrakech features a continental climate, characterized by warm to very hot days in the summer and a relatively stable temperature throughout the rest of the year. During winter, temperatures can drop significantly at night, sometimes even reaching freezing point. Due to its inland location, Marrakech is an ideal destination for a city trip. However, during the summer, when temperatures soar to 40 degrees Celsius daily and the city becomes crowded, may make the experience less pleasant. For temperatures ranging from 20-25 degrees Celsius, it is best to visit the city between February and early May, as well as from late September to early December.
⏰ Length of stay
The duration of your stay in Marrakech depends on your desired activities and whether you plan to take day trips. For exploring the city itself, 3 to 4 days is sufficient to leisurely experience its attractions. If you plan on including a day trip, it is desirable to stay for 5 days. If you wish to engage in multiple day trips, it is advisable to allocate 5 to 7 days.
☪ Faith and culture
Morocco is an Islamic country, and Marrakech is no exception. However, it is crucial to note that Morocco is known for its tolerance. When it comes to matters of faith, please consider the following:
1. Five daily prayers: Muslims are called to pray five times a day. You may hear the call to prayer from the mosque through loudspeakers or minarets. The call can be heard in the vicinity of the mosque. It is important to be respectful when you encounter people praying in the streets. If you happen to be in the same room as individuals who are praying, it is considerate to maintain a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
2. Mosque accessibility: Most mosques in Morocco are not open to the general public, including tourists. This policy is even enshrined in the law. This restriction can be traced back to the time when Marrakech was under French rule (1912-1956) when the mosques were often treated disrespectfully.
In summary, while visiting Marrakech, it is essential to be mindful of Islamic customs, respect those who are praying, and understand that mosque visits are generally not permitted for tourists due to historical reasons.
🚂 Transportation
- Public transportation
Marrakech can be quite chaotic, and this applies to its public transport as well. While buses are available, it's important to note that online information (such as Maps) may not always be accurate. Ensure you have cash on hand to pay for your bus ticket. For reliable information on public transport, it is advisable to consult your host or the reception at your hotel.
- Taxis
There are several taxi ranks throughout the city. It's recommended to inquire about the estimated cost of your ride in advance. Currently, there are no online platforms like Uber or Bolt for ordering taxis in Marrakech, but there are alternatives. The Roby app and Heetch are two platforms that operate in Morocco. They allow you to book an official taxi and provide a cost estimate. However, please note that registration with a mobile phone number is required, which may not be possible without a Moroccan SIM card. Additionally, using mobile data for these apps can be expensive.
During our trip to Marrakech, the option we found most convenient was booking taxis through our hotel. We pre-booked a taxi from the airport to our accommodation through Booking.com. We were picked up in a clean minivan, and further arrangements were made. For subsequent taxi bookings, we used WhatsApp to contact the same taxi service. When that wasn't available, we relied on the hotel reception to call a taxi for us.
- Walking
Marrakech is a highly walkable city, particularly if your accommodation is close to the old town. Most attractions are within a 30-40 minute walking distance from each other. Walking allows you to explore the city, discover hidden alleys, and is often more practical than using a car, especially in the old city center.
🦺 Safety
Marrakech is generally a safe city to visit, but it's important to be aware that you are in a country with a different cultural context. While safety concerns are relatively low, it's advisable to be mindful of certain cultural norms and practices.
One aspect to consider is dress code. In a conservative culture like Morocco, dressing in a revealing or provocative manner may attract attention and potentially lead to comments or unwanted advances. As women, we experienced being called out at times, sometimes with rudeness. However, it's worth noting that despite such encounters, we never felt unsafe, even during nighttime. In fact, we often received positive assistance and support from locals.
To ensure your safety and comfort, it's recommended to dress modestly and respectfully, particularly when visiting religious sites or more traditional areas of the city. Additionally, being aware of your surroundings, staying in well-lit areas, and using common sense precautions can contribute to a safe and enjoyable experience in Marrakech.
Overall, while some cultural differences may arise, Marrakech remains a safe destination where, with appropriate awareness and respect, visitors can fully immerse themselves in its vibrant atmosphere and rich cultural heritage.
🍸 Drinks
Finally, there are a few additional points to consider:
- It is highly recommended to purchase a Moroccan SIM card, as it offers the most cost-effective way to access the internet. Buying mobile data through your own provider can be very expensive.
- Prior to our trip to Morocco, we came across information online suggesting that taking pictures in public would lead to harassment. However, this is definitely not true! You are free to take pictures in public places. Nevertheless, it's important to be respectful and mindful of people's privacy. Taking unsolicited photos of individuals, especially during their prayers or inside mosques, is not appreciated. The same applies to shops in the souks. Always ask for permission before taking a photo.
- It's worth noting that some places may have standing toilets instead of the traditional sitting ones, and toilet paper may not always be available.
- During our trip, we observed that animals in Marrakech are treated differently compared to what we are accustomed to in Western Europe. Local residents explained to us that animals are often viewed as working objects in this context. It's important to keep this in mind and be mentally prepared for what you may witness. Animals may not always appear to be in good condition. For instance, we encountered monkeys that were chained as a means of attracting tourists for photo opportunities. As animal lovers, this can be distressing to witness.
- Lastly, it's worth noting that Marrakech is a bustling city, particularly at popular attractions like the main square. It can become crowded, and there is a possibility of encountering pickpockets. To mitigate this risk, we opted to secure our bags with a simple padlock. This provided us with peace of mind while exploring the city, allowing us to focus on the experience without worrying about potential theft.
