Caught in a love affair with Marrakech’s chaos and calm; its bustling markets, tranquil gardens, and the enchanting call to prayer at sunset. A city that has everything.
This year, for our anniversary, we journeyed to the vibrant and enchanting city of Marrakech. Nestled in the central areas of Morocco, Marrakech sits near the majestic Atlas Mountains and the doorstep of the awe-inspiring Sahara Desert, just 100 kilometers away. The city boasts a fascinating duality, distinctly divided into two areas: the historic medina, a maze of timeless charm enclosed by ancient walls, adorned with striking clay-colored architecture that exudes warmth and history, and the more modern, cosmopolitan neighborhoods, teeming with energy and life.
The Medina of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the historic heart of the city, offering an enthralling blend of sights, sounds, and aromas that transport visitors to a bygone era. Encircled by ancient ochre walls, the medina is a labyrinth of narrow, winding alleys, where history meets the vibrant energy of daily life. Traditional clay-colored buildings, adorned with intricate patterns and decorative details, create an unforgettable sense of place, while bustling squares and courtyards punctuate the maze-like streets.
At the very soul of the Medina are its world-famous souks. These traditional marketplaces are a sensory feast, brimming with color and activity. Each souk is dedicated to a different craft or product—lanterns and leatherwork, spices and carpets, jewelry and ceramics—displaying the artisanal expertise that has been passed down through generations. The air is filled with the tantalizing aromas of spices like saffron, cumin, and cinnamon, while the vibrant stalls are a kaleidoscope of textures and hues.
Place des Epices
Exploring the souks is an adventure in itself, with the chance to haggle over treasures, watch skilled craftsmen at work, or simply marvel at the lively atmosphere. The iconic Souk Semmarine, with its dazzling displays of textiles and traditional clothing, is a must-visit, as is the Souk Haddadine, known for its blacksmiths creating intricate metalwork. Beyond shopping, the souks also offer a glimpse into the cultural and social fabric of Marrakech, where the rhythms of daily life unfold amidst the lively exchanges between locals and visitors alike.
The Medina of Marrakech and its souks are much more than places to visit—they’re an experience of immersion in Morocco’s rich heritage and timeless charm.
Marrakech Travel 101: Must-Know Tips for Visitors
Visa Procedure
To visit Morocco, you will need a visa, unless you are a citizen of the Australia, Canada, European Union, Hong-Kong, Japan, Malaysia ,Kazakhstan, UK and USA. For the rest of the world, you will either need a visa, or e-visa depending on your nationality. You can go to this link and check if you need a visa or not.
For citizens of India, e-visa application procedure is quite simple and costs a mere 795 MAD (this is for December 2024). Follow this link here, and all you need to fill in are certain details and pay the fees. The e-visa is issued within a couple of working days. So, even if you want a plan a quick trip, Morocco is the place.
Currency
In Morocco, the currency is Moroccan Dirham (MAD). However, locals accept Euros ( € ) at the exchange rate of 1€ = 10 MAD. Since MAD is a closed currency (not available outside Morocco), it is always suggested to exchange your currency for some dirhams when you fly into Marrakech (or any other city for that matter). Airports and cities are well-equipped with numerous currency exchange counters for your convenience. Alternatively, there is a practical alternative worth considering.
If you have applications like Revolut or TransferWise, you can conveniently deposit funds into a Moroccan Dirham (MAD) account and withdraw cash from the numerous ATMs scattered throughout the city. Keep in mind that most ATMs charge a fee of approximately 30 MAD per transaction. To avoid extra charges, it’s a good idea to carry an ample amount of local currency before venturing into the souks for your explorations.
International Roaming & e-SIMs
Staying connected while traveling to Marrakech is easier than ever, thanks to international roaming and eSIM options. While many mobile providers offer international roaming plans, these can often be expensive and may not provide the best value for short trips. A more convenient and cost-effective alternative is using an eSIM. These can be purchased online before your trip and activated instantly. Just make sure your smartphone is eSIM-compatible before making the switch. Since we had Revolut, we took advantage of their e-SIM offer, which was quite economical for us. A 28 days validity with 5 GB of data costed us around 15 Euros.
Language
Arabic is the official language, but French is widely spoken. So if you know either of these two, you are all set. However, if you are not familiar with either, do not worry, English is commonly understood in the tourist areas. Just remember to start your conversation with a “Salam Alaikum” (Hello) and end with a “Shukran” (Thank you).
Getting around, safety and scams
Getting around in Marrakech is an adventure in itself, with a mix of traditional and modern transportation options. Within the Medina, walking is the best way to explore its narrow, winding streets, though it’s easy to lose your way in its maze-like layout—having a map or hiring a licensed guide can save time and stress. For longer distances, the yellow taxis are a convenient choice, but always agree on a fare before starting your journey, as meters are rarely used. While Marrakech is generally safe, tourists should stay vigilant against common scams, such as overly persistent “guides” who offer unsolicited assistance or inflated prices for goods and services. A firm but polite “La shukran” (No, thank you) can help defuse unwanted attention.
Religious Practices
Religious practices are an integral part of daily life in Marrakech, and visitors will undoubtedly notice the strong presence of Islam throughout the city. The call to prayer echoes five times a day from the city’s mosques, creating a serene rhythm that punctuates daily activities. It is important for visitors to be respectful of prayer times, especially in more traditional areas, and to dress modestly when exploring the Medina or visiting religious sites. Non-Muslims are generally not allowed to enter mosques in Marrakech, but the stunning architecture of Marrakech mosques, such as the Koutoubia Mosque, the Ben Youssef mosque and the Kasbah mosque can still be admired from the outside.
Weather
Summers, from June to August, can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), making it less ideal for extensive outdoor exploration. Winters, from December to February, are mild and pleasant, with daytime temperatures averaging around 20°C (68°F), though evenings can be chilly. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best times to visit, offering comfortably warm days and cooler nights. These seasons are perfect for exploring the Medina, enjoying rooftop dining, and venturing to nearby attractions like the Atlas Mountains. Regardless of the season, it’s wise to pack layers, as temperatures can fluctuate dramatically between day and night.
Marrakech must visit places
Ben Youssef Madrasa
Nestled in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina, the Ben Youssef Madrasa is a stunning testament to Morocco’s rich history, artistry, and cultural heritage. Once the largest Islamic college in North Africa, it now serves as one of the most visited landmarks in Marrakech, enchanting visitors with its architectural beauty and serene ambiance.
Opening hours : 9 am to 5 pm
Ticket prices : 50 MAD (pay at the counter)
Bahia Palace
The palace was commissioned by the sultan in 19th century as a residence for his family. It is an elaborate complex of over 150 rooms, courtyards and gardens. A visit here transports you to an era of opulence, power, and artistry.
Opening hours : 9 am to 5 pm
Ticket prices : 70 MAD
El Badi Palace
Built in the late 16th century by Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur of the Saadian dynasty, the palace was designed to showcase the wealth and power amassed after the Portuguese defeat at the Battle of the Three Kings.
Opening hours : 9 am to 5 pm
Ticket prices : 100 MAD
Dar El Bacha
Known as the “House of the Pasha,” it once served as the residence of Thami El Glaoui, the powerful Pasha of Marrakech during the early 20th century. Today, it stands as a beautifully restored cultural gem that invites visitors to step into a world of elegance and heritage. They have a beautiful cafe as well, called the Bacha cafe, however the waiting times are on an average 2-3 hours. So it is suggested to enregister your names at the cafe when you enter, and explore the rest of the place in the meantime.
Opening hours : 10 am to 6 pm
Ticket prices : 70 MAD
Jardin Le Majorelle & Musee Yves Saint Laurent
One of Marrakech’s most iconic landmarks, is a serene and vibrant garden that offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. The tickets are sold in slots for each day, with limited number of tickets for each slot. We recommend to plan the visit to this garden some days in advance. You can book the tickets from their official website.
Opening hours : 8 am to 5 pm
Ticket prices : 170 MAD
Jardin Secret
Tucked away in the bustling Medina of Marrakech, this 400 year old garden boasts a diverse collection of plants. This garden complex is an stunning example of a mix of Moroccan and Andalusian architecture. You can buy tickets at the counter.
Opening hours : 9.30 am to 7.30 pm (closing hours differ based on season and Ramadan)
Ticket prices : 100 MAD
Agafay Desert
One of most memorable trips from Marrakech was our visit to the Agafay desert, which is the gateway to the Sahara desert. We used a GetYourGuide activity to embark on a captivating journey into the Agafay Desert. This activity will include a camel ride through the desert, while marvelling at the vibrant colors of the sunset, and ending the day with a wholesome & delicious dinner and loads of music and fireworks show.
Souks of Medina
The souks of medina are the soul of Marrakech. These are traditional marketplace are nestled in the vibrant maze of narrow alleyways , bustling with life, color and history. The souks are divided into sections, each specializing in a particular craft or product. As you wander, you’ll encounter stalls filled with handwoven carpets, intricate lanterns, colorful ceramics, and beautifully embroidered textiles.
One fascinating feature that caught our eye was the distinctive roofs of the souks. Each one stood out with its own unique design, crafted from jute ropes and characterized by a perforated architectural style.
The roofs of the souks
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