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Note
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Marrakesh is the third largest city in Morocco after Casablanca and Rabat, located near the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.
The city is divided into two different parts: the historical city of Medina, and the new European modern district called Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. The Medina is filled of complex narrow alleys and traditional local shops. Gueliz has top trendy hotels, contemporary restaurants and modern stores.
REASONS TO GO
The amazing square of Jemaa El Fna, one of the most authentic in the northern Africa.
Sleeping in one of the deluxe and exotic riads.
The traditional souks around the Medina and the trendy stores in Gueliz.
ORIENTATION
Djemaa El-Fna Square and the souks around it are the most amazing and exotic places to visit in Marrakesh.
Koutoubia mosque is an important landmark and has a really beautiful illumination by night. You should also visit the Saadian Tombs, the fresh Majorelle Gardens in Gueliz, the Dar Si Saïd Museum and the view from El Bahia palace terrace.
BEST TIME TO GO
Marrakesh is a good city to visit at any time of the year. However, spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times, when days are warm and nights are not too cold.
As Morocco is an Islamic country, the month of Ramadan is probably not the best time to go, as during this time, opening hours completely change.
HOW TO GET THERE
By plane
Marrakesh-Menara Airport has many connections from all over Europe, including with low cost companies.
The airport is located approximately 6km (4 miles) from the city. To reach the city centre you can take a bus (line 19) or a taxi.
By train
The train station is located in the Gueliz district. There are connections from Casablanca, Rabat and Tangier.
By bus
There are many long distance bus companies operating within Morocco which serve Marrakesh and other cities.
TRAVELLING AROUND
The best way to move around the medina or the Gueliz district is on foot. To explore more of the city you can take a bus (almost all buses stop at Djemaa El-Fna and Place Youssef en Tachfine) or a petit taxi.
PATIENT PURCHASING
Nearly all visitors to Marrakesh end up buying things at the first shop they go to, or one that the guide suggests. We bought a tablecloth for £60 with the guide, only to find the same one yards from our riad for £20.
When shopping do not take any money, neither cash nor credit cards. Instead take a pencil and pad. Note the price, quality and address of the shop (mark on the map) of what you want to buy and at the end of the tour go back to the shop(s) on your own to ensure you get the best buy.
Local laws and etiquette
After nightly antics in the Djemaa el-Fna for 1,000 years, Marrakesh isn’t easily shocked. Still, it’s considered a sign of respect for your hosts to keep knees and shoulders covered. (This goes for men, too.)
Headscarves and skull caps aren’t expected, nor are they judged. In cosmopolitan Marrakesh, it is understood that religious devotion and cultural affiliation cannot be determined by appearances alone.
Gender roles aren’t rigidly defined in Marrakesh, where women play pivotal roles in family and civic life – just ask Mayor Fatima Zohra Mansour.
Some rules do apply, just not to traffic. Mosques and zawiyyas (saint’s shrines) are not open to non-Muslims. Although Marrakesh is broad-minded, Moroccan laws still technically prohibit extramarital sex, drinking in public and smoking kif (hashish). As always in Marrakesh, discretion is advised.
Don’t be embarrassed by consulting maps, or declining unsolicited company. Although Marrakesh has cracked down on professional faux guides (false guides), mischievous children may still try to mislead you. When in doubt, ask directions from the nearest hanout (corner shop owner).
Official guides hired through riads or the tourist office will squire you through the Medina for a price (£16-£20 per half-day) – but doesn’t that defeat the whole purpose of the Marrakesh adventure? Also: souk merchants give better prices when they don’t have to pay a guide’s commission.
Currency: Dirham (abbreviated to MAD or Dh). Telephone code: Dial 00 212 if calling Marrakesh from the UK. From inside Morocco, substitite 00 212 in all the above numbers with 0. Time difference: +1 hour. Languages: Darija (Moroccan Arabic), French, Tashelhit (Berber). Flight time: London to Marrakesh is between 3hr 30min and four hours.
