Almost every visitor to Marrakech will get lost in the souks of the medina at least once. It is likely that every visitor will be approached at least ten times by one of the many vendors. And sooner or later, everyone will be fascinated by the vibrant atmosphere, the tangle of activities, and the countless impressions.
To help you enjoy your short vacation as soon as possible without stress or confusion, we have put together some basic tips for Marrakech in this article. These start with the journey from Marrakech airport to the city, the first interactions with locals, the immense Jamaa Lafna square and its souks, and continue with mobility and behavior guidelines while in the city. Additionally, for a good preparation for an excursion or hike in Morocco, we have included a list of essential equipment and clothing to bring.
After your transfer and upon arrival at your hotel or riad, take some time to settle in peacefully. Before heading out for your first visit to the square and medina, we recommend carrying a city map and a business card from your accommodation. Also, leave your valuables at the hotel, including your passport, unless you need a copy.
If you don’t know the way back to your riad, ask adults—either women or men—for directions. If you ask younger people, they might lead you to bazaars, especially tanneries.
Avoid dark alleys and be cautious with your phone in crowded streets—this can happen anywhere in the world. When drinking orange juice, make sure it is squeezed in front of you and served without ice cubes. Avoid drinking tap water and buy mineral water instead; a 1.5L bottle costs around 6 dirhams.
Although tap water is drinkable, you are not used to it. Women offering henna services should be politely declined, as you risk allergic reactions. To get authentic henna at reasonable prices, visit the Henna Café on Riad Zitoune Street.
In the bazaars, it is sometimes possible to negotiate prices by up to 50%. However, if you prefer to shop in a place with fixed prices, visit the Artisan Complex on Mohamed V Avenue, just 5 minutes from the Koutoubia Minaret.
If street vendors or other people bother you, you can respond with “LA CHOUKRAN”, which means “No, thank you.” This usually makes them back off immediately.
If you have free time in Marrakech and want to explore the city, visit the Majorelle Gardens or the Secret Gardens. If you wish to venture outside Marrakech, we recommend a trip to the magnificent Anima Garden by Austrian artist André Heller, located about 40 km from Marrakech on the road to the Ourika Valley.
Check out our Day Trips for more excursions.
This city, with nearly a million inhabitants, is a favorite of King Mohammed VI. The main languages spoken in Marrakech are Arabic and French (a remnant of the colonial era), but in the souks, vendors speak almost every language—including Chinese.
Additionally, Berber languages, such as Tamazight, are primarily spoken in rural areas and among the elderly. Berber is the ancestral language of Morocco and North Africa.
During our mountain and desert excursions, we are accompanied by Berbers, most of whom speak only Berber and Arabic, with little to no knowledge of foreign languages. However, their joy, humor, and nightly music make it easy to connect with them.
For the mountains
(Toubkal and Mgoun)
Crampons, ice axes, and gaiters. (These can be rented in Imlil in winter.) Hiking footwear: Bring high-altitude footwear to protect your ankles. Remember to bring spare laces... you never know! Sneakers or sandals for the evening. (Sandals are also useful in the desert.) Socks: Loops for the day to tuck into hiking boots. And regular socks. Waterproof pants in winter. Down jacket and light long-sleeved shirt. Thermal underwear. Waterproof clothing (K-Way, Goretex jacket). Fleece gloves and a hat for the climb.
Sun protection: Be careful at any time of year, as the Moroccan sun can be very intense. Therefore, it is advisable to bring a high-intensity sunscreen. Light canvas trekking pants or Bermuda shorts: It is best to avoid short shorts to avoid shocking others. T-shirts: Not too extravagant for women to avoid shocking the locals. A hat or shawl for sun protection. Sunglasses. Long-sleeved shirts. Moist towelettes. Optional, depending on your habits: binoculars, camera, trekking poles. An additional simple bag to store your belongings in case you want to leave them at the hotel until your return from the hike.
A large bag to carry on the backs of mules and dromedaries. A sleeping bag. A small backpack for your daily belongings. A small first-aid kit: medication for stomach upsets, antibiotics (consult your doctor), enough to treat minor foot ailments, and your personal medications. Toiletry bag. Towel and washcloth: a washcloth is often very useful when the river and well serve as a bath... Lipstick and antibacterial hand gel. Headlamp with a spare battery and bulb. Toilet paper and a lighter to burn it.
Documents, papers
Passport (including a copy) and two passport-sized photos as a backup. Cash, credit card, traveler's checks: USD/Euro (small bills). Purse, fanny pack. Insurance cards. ID cards for medications. Address lists, writing materials, etc. Travel program. Don't forget: Unlock your Maestro card for Morocco.
Umbrella (also serves as sun protection). Glasses (reading glasses), spare lenses, etc. Pocket knife (not in carry-on luggage during the flight). Sigg bottle (also serves as a canteen), at least 1 liter. Headlamp with spare batteries and charger. Sleeping bag resistant to approximately -5 degrees. Inflatable pillow and neck pillow. Sleeping mat (thin foam mats available).
Camera, charger. Small solar panel. 220-volt adapter. Telescopic poles. Needle and thread. Songbook for those who like to sing.
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