Nestled in the vibrant tapestry of Morocco lies the enchanting city of Marrakech, where ancient traditions intertwine with modern allure. In this travel article, I’ll delve into the labyrinthine streets of the medina, uncovering hidden gems, navigating bustling souks, and savoring the flavors of Moroccan cuisine. From the majestic beauty of the Majorelle Gardens to the tranquil serenity of riads tucked away in narrow alleyways, Marrakech offers a sensory feast for the adventurous traveler. So, pack your bags and join me on an unforgettable journey through the captivating streets and rich culture of Marrakech.
General Tips and Costs
Accommodation and Meals Costs: Marrakech offers affordable vacation options. I spent around 20 to 30 euros per day on breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You can find beautiful accommodations on AirBnB starting from 15 to 25 euros per person per night.
Visa: Currently, citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the USA, the UK, the EU, and many other countries can visit Morocco without a visa, as long as they have a valid passport and a confirmed onward or return ticket.
Currency: The official currency is the Dirham. Since the Dirham is a closed currency, you can only exchange money on-site. It’s important to note that card payments are not widely accepted even in major cities. Therefore, it’s advisable to exchange money directly at the airport or withdraw from an ATM. When exchanging, ask for small bills as vendors at markets often lack sufficient change.
Mobile Service: At the airport, I was able to purchase a SIM card for around 10 euros, which included 10GB of data for 30 days. The reception was always good–even in the desert.
Activities and Highlights
Let’s embark this amazing journey together! I would recommend planning a minimum of three days for your stay in Marrakech to leisurely visit the main attractions. From majestic gardens to vibrant markets, from historical palaces to cozy riads, Marrakech has something to offer for every taste. Are you ready to explore this fascinating city? Here are my top ten must-see attractions.
Day 1
1|10 Ben Youssef Madrasa – Symphony in Stone and Stucco
Tucked away in the bustling Medina of Marrakech, lies the Ben Youssef Madrasa—a timeless masterpiece. This architectural gem from the 14th century enchants with its combination of red sandstone and intricate carvings. Every corner provides an Instagram-worthy scene, from the colorful tiles to the delicate stucco work in the courtyard. However, the Madrasa is not only a sight to behold but also holds a rich history. Once the largest Islamic school in North Africa, the Madrasa is now a proud UNESCO World Heritage site. The entrance fee of 50 MAD is definitely worth every cent.
To avoid the crowds, it is recommended to visit early in the morning. Even at 11:00 AM, it was difficult to take a photo without other visitors in the frame.
2|10 The Koutoubia Mosque
With its majestic 77-meter-high minaret towering over the city, the Koutoubia Mosque serves as a symbol of the city’s rich history. Erected in the 12th century, it ranks among the oldest mosques in all of Morocco. Access is reserved exclusively for Muslims. Nevertheless, even from the outside, the architecture is highly impressive. For the best view of the mosque, I recommend visiting Parque Lalla Hasna, where you will find a charming fountain that serves as the perfect backdrop for your souvenir photos. However, be cautious as you wander, as vendors may approach you with cookies, claiming they’re complimentary when they actually seek payment. Stay firm in your refusal and politely decline any offers.
3|10 Conclude your evening at Nomade: Savor the sunset over Marrakech
Nomade restaurant, with its charming rooftop terrace nestled in the heart of the Medina, offers a breathtaking view of Marrakech. Watch the sunset over the rooftops of Marrakech while unwinding with a refreshing glass of orange juice or a cup of mint tea. Indulge in Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist.
The zucchini fritters with goat cheese, feta, and argan oil were fantastic. For my main course, I enjoyed a delightful barley couscous with seasonal vegetables. Though slightly upscale, a visit to this establishment is truly worthwhile. Appetizers range from €7 to €15, while main courses are priced between €13 and €17. It’s recommended to make a reservation here, which can easily be done online.
Day 2
4|10 El Badi Palace: explore a historical masterpiece
Even if the El-Badi Palace appears to be nothing more than a ruin from times gone by, it is still worth a visit when you come to Marrakech. You can still admire the beautiful courtyard with its water features and explore the former dungeons in a dark vault under the palace. The enormous remains of the walls still give an idea of how magnificent and monumental El Badi Palace must have once looked. Many storks nest and raise their young on the large clay walls that separate the palace from the rest of the city and which are more or less well preserved.
For the perfect shot, it’s best to come early in the morning. We were there around 9:00 am and had the whole area to ourselves. The entrance fee is 70 MAD.
5|10 Jemaa el Fna Square: Experience the Vibrant Bustle
Take a stroll across the lively Jemaa el Fna Square and immerse yourself in the colorful hustle and bustle of street performers and merchants. However, amidst the bustling marketplace, you may come across snake charmers, a practice that has drawn criticism from animal rights activists. So please keep away from them and don’t support this practice.
6|10 Souks of the Medina: Explore the colorful markets
Immerse yourself in the world of the Medina souks: arguably the largest and most beautiful markets in the Arab world. Discover traditional craftsmanship, exotic spices, and authentic Moroccan goods. Wander through the winding alleyways and let yourself be seduced by the diverse impressions and scents. If you ever lose your way–and believe me, it happens quicker than you think–Google Maps will help you find your way back.
You really can find everything in the souks: from handmade cushion covers and carpets to aromatic spices, intricate lamps, traditional teapots, and high-quality leather goods. I particularly fell in love with the ceramics. I ended up buying a whopping seven cups. Oops!
Perhaps the largest and most famous market is the Souk Semmarine, which is located right next to Jemaa al-Fnaa Square. There’s so much to discover here: impressive lamp shops and fragrant spice stalls on the Place d’Epices.
Bargaining is a must here, so be brave and start with a third or a quarter of the quoted price. It took me quite some courage, but it’s worth it and it’s part of the experience. As a tourist, you’ll only be able to haggle the seller down to about half of the initial offer anyway. If the price still doesn’t suit you, simply tell them that you’ll think about it and that you might come back later–in most cases, the seller will lower the price further. And if not, you are guaranteed to find the same product at another stall.
Photo Tip: The souks with their lamp, ceramic, and spice stalls offer so many great photo opportunities. But beware, not all shops allow photography. I’ve found that it’s best to politely ask before taking a photo. You don’t necessarily have to buy anything to be allowed to take pictures: at many stalls, simply tagging them on Instagram is enough. For example, at the probably most photographed spice stand on Instagram, which you’ll find directly at the Place d’Epices. It’s called „Herboristerie Avicenne“.
7|10 Another Picturesque Rooftop: Sunset at Café des Épices
Café des Épices is the perfect spot for a break after all the hustle and bustle in the souks. You’ll be greeted with a splendid view of the Place d’Espices! The café has three floors, so there’s plenty of space.
Here, I can highly recommend the Berber omelette – it was incredibly tasty! Despite the high-quality cuisine, all main dishes are priced under ten euros. Treat yourself to refreshing beverages like orange or avocado-date juice. Reservations can be made online to secure a spot on the rooftop terrace for the breathtaking sunset.
Day 3
8|10 Majorelle Gardens: Mixed feelings
Immerse yourself in the captivating chaos of the Majorelle Gardens, a botanical wonderland teeming with exotic plants and vibrant colors. The gardens offer a unique experience right in the heart of Marrakech – albeit not without its challenges. Tickets must be booked online before visiting and cost 155 MAD for regular admission. For children and students, the visit is priced at 80 MAD.
It’s crucial to arrive very early in the morning. The crowds can be overwhelming. Unfortunately, we only managed to secure tickets for 1:00 PM and had to wait in line for over an hour. Finding a moment of quiet was a real challenge.
The gardens are famous today mainly because the fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, along with his partner Pierre Bergé, acquired them in 1980. Saint Laurent repeatedly drew inspiration for his collections there. After retiring from the fashion industry, the villa and garden became one of his retreats. After his death in 2008, his ashes were scattered in the rose garden.
9|10 All Good Things Come in Threes: The Rooftop Terrace of Atay Cafe
Whether for a quick lunch break or an evening dinner, Atay Cafe is a commendable choice. The café offers fantastic food in a great location. From the outside, it may seem unassuming, but the rooftop terrace invites you to sit back and relax while enjoying a great view over the Medina, offering a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of the souks and alleyways.
The menu features a selection of appetizers, traditional tagines, as well as pasta and other international dishes. The quality of the food is very good, with the vegetarian tagine being particularly delicious. All in all, the value for money is great, with an estimated price per person of MAD 100–150.
10|10 Desert Excursion: Experience the Magic of the Moroccan Desert
If you have the time, you should definitely plan a trip to the desert. For a day trip, the spectacular Agafay Desert is highly recommended. If you have more time, embark on an exciting tour through the Atlas Mountains to the vast sand dunes of Merzouga or Erg Chebbi. An experience you will never forget!
What I wish I had known earlier: It’s best to book your desert tour upon your arrival in Morocco. The tours are offered on every corner, and you can even negotiate the price – often much cheaper than booking in advance on the internet.
What should I wear as a woman in Morocco?
Since Morocco is a Muslim country, it is generally advisable to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for the local culture. However, especially in the Medina of Marrakech, we have seen some female tourists wearing short shorts and skimpy skirts. So, in principle, you can also wear more revealing clothes, but then you have to expect to attract unwanted attention. In riads or hotel complexes, however, you can safely wear short dresses etc.
Is Marrakech safe for solo female travelers?
Generally, we felt very safe at all times. However, we were cautious and returned to our riad after sunset, where we spent the evening on the terrace. My friend and I read that it’s not recommended to be out alone in the dark.
Do I need a guide?
Definitely not. You can easily explore the sights on your own. You can easily find your way to the attractions with Google Maps and reach almost all of them by foot. Don’t be put off if someone calls after you that something is closed – that’s usually not the case. People often try to unsettle you so that you hire them as a guide.
How to get around
CTM Buses: A popular option for traveling between major cities in Morocco are the CTM buses. Tickets are relatively inexpensive, but note that there is an additional surcharge for luggage and large backpacks.
Taxis: When using taxis, make sure the meter is on or negotiate the price before starting the journey.
Language tips: A few Arabic phrases can be helpful. For example, „Hello“ in Arabic means „Ahlan“ or „As-salamu alaikum“. „La Shoukran“ in Arabic, meaning „No, thank you“, is also very useful.
Best Travel Time
The best time to travel is between November and April. During this period, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.
Riad or Hotel?
For all those who want to experience Marrakech from its authentic side, a riad as accommodation is an absolute must. These traditional guesthouses are scattered throughout the old town, but finding them in this maze of alleys is a bit of a challenge. But that’s part of the charm! You step through an often rather unspectacular door – and suddenly you’re in a completely different world. Unlike hotels, riads are much more personal and welcoming.
