marrakech tips for travellers

Everything you need to know before going to Marrakesh

Nov 29, 2023 • 6 min read

Marrakesh can be a sensory overload for first-time visitors so read on for some local advice before you go © minoandriani / Getty Images

I lived in Marrakesh full-time for almost 10 years with no intention of leaving. My life in Morocco was colorful, diverse and endlessly inspiring for a curious, creative soul like me. And today the city’s intrigue and magic continues to pull me back. 

I will never tire of wandering the tiny alleyways of the Marrakesh medina, stopping for a nouss nouss at Cafe des Epices or gazing at the art deco architecture throughout my Gueliz neighborhood, stepping inside to discover independent art galleries . 

Picture-perfect guest houses, and chefs putting a creative spin on local cuisine, are also part of the charm. The design scene in Marrakesh is second-to-none, and in my opinion unique in Morocco as traditional artisans sell their wares alongside contemporary designers, putting a new touch on the traditional techniques and crafts.

A visit to Marrakesh is not about ticking sites off a must-see list but rather meandering – stumbling upon a historic site and watching the world go by from a street-side cafe – the city itself is a sight. Allow three days to see the main historical sites, sample local cuisine and take in a bit of shopping, but design lovers could easily spend a week here.  

1. Plan your days prior to arrival

While there is something to be said for spontaneous wanders and chance encounters, Marrakesh is the country’s leading tourist destination and guides, experiences and restaurants book up days, weeks and months in advance.

Jardin Majorelle  and the nearby Musée Yves Saint Laurent  require online advance bookings via their website. To ensure a table at popular restaurants like +61 , La Famille  and Nomad , book prior to arrival for best availability. 

2. Book an airport transfer or catch the local bus

It’s best to organize an airport transfer via your accommodation provider for a smooth arrival. Taxis have a reputation for overcharging clients, despite posted rates. A city bus departs frequently from the airport to Djemaa el Fna and destinations throughout Gueliz for Dh30 (cash only). Find the bus stop beyond the waiting taxis, near the car rental offices. 

3. Hone your negotiation skills in advance

From haggling in souqs to negotiating fares with taxi drivers, bargaining is commonplace in Marrakesh. Shopkeepers often state an offer and the buyer is expected to negotiate a price they are prepared to pay. I say: pay what the goods are worth to you . You may find the same item cheaper (or more expensive) elsewhere, but is that worth worrying about? It's all part of the Morocco experience.

Prior to hopping in a cab, negotiate a price in advance if the meter is not activated, or if it (notoriously) doesn’t work. The price within Marrakesh city limits shouldn’t cost more than Dh30 if the meter is activated. Daytime rates start at Dh1.70 – Dh2.40 at night – and increase based on distance. If the meter does not work, negotiate the price in advance and make sure you have small bills and coins to pay the exact amount agreed upon (the amount will already include a tip).

4. Be wise about the street food you eat

Some of the best food is served up street side in Marrakesh. When deciding where to eat, consider how many locals are pulling up a seat to tuck into the local delicacy like msemen (pancakes), harira (soup) or a tajine. In Djemaa el Fna , opt for stalls where the food is prepared in front of you. 

5. Stay current

Morocco’s Dirham is a closed currency, and visitors are permitted to arrive and leave with a maximum of 1,000 Dirhams. Most ATMs distribute up to Dh2,000 per transaction to a daily maximum of Dh4,000 per bank card, though this varies by international bank. All banks will charge a fee.

For the best currency exchange, head to Hotel Ali in Djemaa el Fna or Hotel Farouq on Avenue Hassan II near the train station. 

6. Dress like a local for a comfortable experience 

For women, I suggest ditching any belly tops and short shorts while wandering in the Marrakesh medina, one of the city’s most traditional neighborhoods. Instead, opt for dresses that fall below the knee or trousers and a shirt that covers your shoulders. For men, knee-length shorts or trousers are advised. For traversing the cobblestoned and uneven footpaths, flats are best, ideally close-toed.

7. Don’t avoid visiting Marrakesh just because it’s Ramadan

Don’t put off a trip to Marrakesh during the month of Ramadan. It provides an insight into another aspect of this rich culture. Locals will expect that visitors will want to eat and drink, even while out in public. Guides may join you at the table and won’t want you to feel guilty about eating or drinking. During this holy month it is even more important that you're mindful about alcohol consumption. 

8. Local table manners

When accepting a sample of olives or dates in the souqs, or sharing a tajine with locals, always use and eat with your right hand. If invited into a local’s home, arriving with some sweet treats will be graciously received, and bakeries – Amoud,  Pâtisserie Amandine and Café 16 – are local favorites. 

9. When it comes to love, discretion is key 

Sexual relations between non-married Moroccan men and women are not typically flaunted in public. It is illegal for an unmarried Moroccan to book a hotel room or self-catering apartment with a non-Moroccan. Discretion is recommended when it comes to flaunting one’s affection for their partner, regardless of nationality or sexual orientation.

10. Knowing a few words of Darija will earn you points

Though folks working in tourism often speak several languages, with English becoming increasingly common, learning a few words of Darija (Moroccan Arabic) will earn respect. Walking into a shop, it’s common to greet fellow customers and shopkeepers with an "Assalaamu alaykum"  (peace be with you) and respond with “Wa alaykum ssalaam”. “Chakrun” for thank you, “la chakrun” for no thank you, and “afak” for please are also key. 

11. Problems you may encounter in Marrakesh

Stumbling upon a faux guide either on foot in the medina, or a man on a bike who claims to work at your hotel with offers to visit the Berber market or another special, can’t-miss event may result in being led to a family member’s carpet or spice shop. A firm, but polite “no thank you” is often sufficient as you walk confidently in the direction you plan to go.

While it may cause frustration, getting lost in the Marrakesh medina is part of the fun – until it’s not. If and when this happens, remain confident in where you’re going. Ask an older gentleman in the souqs for directions if necessary. If engaging a local lad to show the way, expect to pay for their assistance (Dh20 is reasonable).

Plain-clothes police officers roam the medina frequently and are there to help, taking tourist concerns seriously. A central police station is located in Djemaa el Fna.

Also note: Although Morocco experienced a magnitude seven earthquake in September 2023, with the area surrounding Marrakesh heavily hit, natural disasters within the city are rare.

12. Keep these must-have items in your day bag 

Brushing one’s teeth with tap water is not likely to cause any health issues, but bottled or filtered water for hydrating is recommended. You’ll also want to pack hand sanitizer and wet wipes for days spent wandering, shopping and eating. Always keep a pack of tissues on hand for bathrooms which may not be stocked with toilet paper.   

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25 Tips for your First Trip to Marrakech, Morocco

By Brianna | January 27, 2020

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Few cities capture the imagination quite like Marrakech. A blend of Berber, Arabic and French influences give this UNESCO World Heritage site a timeless appeal. With the beautiful frenzy of the Medina, ornate Arabic architecture and one of the world’s greatest cuisines it’s no surprise that more people are traveling to Marrakech now more than ever. Whether you spell it Marrakech or Marrakesh (both are acceptable), a visit to Morocco’s Red City is surely an experience you will  never forget. Marrakech can be overwhelming to say the least, with a dizzying array of sights, smells and tastes providing a sensory overload; but armed with these tips you can find the best things to do in Marrakech and make your first trip one to remember.

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1.Airport/Transportation in Marrakech

Flights to Marrakech arrive at Menara Airport (RAK). A valid passport is required for entry into Morocco, currently for Americans visas are not required for visits less than 90 days ( check the State Department website for the latest requirements ).

Taxis are available but best to arrange transportation with your hotel. If you are staying in the Medina be aware that cars can’t make it through the narrow streets to drop you off directly at your accommodation. Your riad or hotel can arrange for staff to meet you at a drop off point and walk with you to your destination.

2.Money in Morocco

Cash is king in Marrakech as only resorts, riads, some restaurants and a handful of shops accept credit cards. ATMs can be hard to find in the Medina (much easier in the new city) so your best bet is to exchange money at the airport (this can be done for no fee). Some riads and resorts will also exchange money for you. The official currency is the Moroccan Dirham(MAD) and currently the exchange rate is approximately 9 MAD/1USD. Of note, it is also illegal to take dirham out of Morocco so make sure you spend or exchange your dirham before leaving the country.

3. Tipping in Morocco

Morocco has a big tipping culture and it is expected that you tip anyone you assists you (whether that help was wanted or not). Be sure to carry plenty of coins and small bills.

4. Dress for Women

I did not once feel unsafe as a woman travelling in Marrakech and while many women visit and have a great experience it is not uncommon to hear from women who have received unwanted attention or catcalls. Marrakech tends to be more accepting of Western attire but as Morocco is a Muslim country women are advised to dress conservatively. So what should you wear in Morocco ? This means making sure your knees and shoulders are covered ( save the halter top for Ibiza ladies ). I wore loose t shirts and lightweight pants or long skirts most days, with a wrap or scarf to cover up if I got chilly at night. Close toed shoes are also a good idea as donkeys and other animals (and what they leave behind) are a common sight in the Medina.

5. Stay in an Authentic Riad in Marrakech

For a more authentic Marrakech experience a stay in a riad is your best bet. Riads are traditional Moroccan homes centered around a courtyard located within the Medina, most are 10 rooms or less and offer up a more intimate experience. Most riads are decorated with handmade items from the local souks and many feature beautiful courtyard pools and gardens as well as rooftop terraces. There are beautiful riads throughout Marrakech for every budget, for less than $100 per night you can enjoy the boutique hospitality of Riad Al Loune  or if you’re looking to splash out  check in at the luxurious  El Fenn . I loved my stay at Riad Farnatchi , a beautifully restored guesthouse in the heart of the Medina (read my review of Riad Farnatchi here ).

Riads in Marrakech

Budget riads.

Riad Haraka

Mid-Range Riads

Riad Sapphire

Riad Annyssates

Luxury Riads

6. Luxury Resorts in Marrakech

Marrakech’s modern and fashionable Ville Nouvelle (new city) is home to some some of the world’s most glamorous resorts. For five star luxury with a decidedly Moroccan flair check out the Royal Mansour   and La Mamounia .

7.Weather in Marrakech

Marrakech is a popular destination with nearly year round sunshine. Summers (June-September) can get quite hot with temperature near 100 degrees F while the winter months can get chilly with night time temps dipping into the 30 degree F range. March-May and September-October are generally pleasant with highs in the 70s and 80s.

8.Shop the Souks in Marrakech

I’m typically not a big shopper when I travel but Marrakech is one of the few places where I wish I had shopped more. Morocco has a rich heritage of crafts and instead of the typical “made in China” souvenirs I found the souks filled with leather goods ( I got a pair of handmade leather shoes for $18 ), beautiful metal work, colorful ceramics and handmade rugs.

9.Buying Moroccan Rugs in Marrakech

I had zero intention of buying a rug went I visited Marrakech.

I now own a Moroccan rug.

Our tour guide brought us into the cooperative and I fully expected to enjoy the demonstration while sipping my mint tea and go on my way. I’m not sure if it was the intricate Berber patterns, or the softness of the camel wool but I soon found myself the proud owner of a Moroccan rug and I absolutely love it. The quality of this handmade Berber rug far surpasses any commercial rug I’ve owned before. You will find rugs of varying size and quality throughout the souks, be prepared to haggle or buy your rug from a cooperative that ensures a fair wage for the craftswomen.

10. Language in Morocco

The official languages in Morocco are Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) and additionally many Moroccans speak French. While most people I interacted with spoke English it’s always a good idea to learn a few words of the local language wherever you travel, here are a few common words in Arabic:

Hello -Al Salam Alaikum,

Thank You – Shukran,

Yes – naäam,

No – Laa

11. Scams in Marrakech

Scams are an unfortunate part of life in the Medina, often in the form of unsolicited help with directions, telling tourists that the street they are on is closed or “tannery tours” , all of which will then demand a payment for their services. My friend Amanda of Marocmama has excellent advice on various scams in Marrakech.

12.Consider Hiring a Guide in Marrakech

The winding streets of the Medina can be overwhelming for a first time visitor, I recommend hiring a guide for your first afternoon or morning out to get a feel for the city as well learn about the history and culture of Marrakech. Have your hotel or riad arrange a guide for you or if you hire one on your own make sure they are licensed( licensed guides will have a badge).

13. You Will Get Lost

With the narrow winding streets of the Medina and little signage the chances of you getting lost at some point is fairly high. Paper maps provided by your hotel immediately mark you as a tourist, a better option is to download an offline map via Google maps. Beware of unsolicited advice for directions ( see Scams above ), if you must ask for directions your best bet is asking a shopkeeper or restaurant staff.

14. Food in Marrakech

Food in Marrakech is a feast for all the senses. The souks are lined with rows of sweet oranges, plump dates and countless varieties of olives while the air is heavy with the scent of intensely fragrant spices from the spice market.  Gently spiced shakshuka (eggs cooked in a gently spiced tomato sauce) and spongy Moroccan pancakes are a must for breakfast. You can’t leave Marrakech without  having a tagine; a stew, usually with chicken, lamb, beef or vegetables cooked and served in a clay pot of the same name. Eating is one of the best ways to experience Marrakech and a few of my personal favorites were sfenj ( a fried doughnut drizzled with intensely floral honey), msemen (fried bread either served plain or stuffed with spices, meat or cheese),  and tanjia (succulent lamb slow roasted in clay pots for hours in underground ovens). To see where the locals eat join one of several tours offered by Marrakech Food Tours or take a Moroccan cooking class .

15. Mint Tea in Morocco

Whether served as a sign of welcome, sipped during a business transaction or enjoyed as a way to unwind in the afternoon mint tea is central to life in Marrakech. A blend of green tea and fresh mint it is traditionally served very sweet.

16. Alcohol in Marrakech

Being a Muslim country alcohol is not prevelant though you can increasingly find wine, beer and cocktails in restaurants and hotels catering to tourists (often at exhorbitant prices). Surprisingly there are even a handful of Moroccan vineyards producing Spanish style wines. Drinking to the point of intoxication (especially in public) is highly frowned upon.

17.Religion

Islam is the official state religion of Morocco, you will hear the call to prayer ring throughout the city 5 times per days and in general non-Muslims are not allowed inside mosques. Friday is the Muslim day of prayer and you may find some businesses and restaurants closed.

18. Jamma el fna

When night falls Marrakech’s main square comes alive in what’s some call the greatest show on Earth. One of North Africa’s oldest and busiest market squares it is home to a dizzying array of dancers, magicians and storytellers vying for your attention (and dirham) as well as food vendors hawking a variety of Moroccan specialties. Of note, the animals you see with the snake charmers and dancing monkey acts are usually poorly treated and it’s best not to patronize these acts.

19.Be Prepared to Bargain

Haggling is an essential part of the shopping experience in Morocco. Don’t be afraid to walk away if the vendor does not agree to a final price you are comfortable with.

20. Argan Oil and Traditional Medicine in Morocco

Argan oil is arguably one of Morocco’s best known exports, usually used for hair and skin care in the US. Many shops in the souks sell pure argan oil both for cosmetic and culinary uses. Morocco has a long tradition of using herbs as traditional medicine and I recommend a stop at an herbalist for everything from natural remedies to fragrant cooking spices.

21. Bottled Water

To avoid any tummy issues it is advised that you use bottled water for drinking and brushing your teeth.

22.Toilet Paper

Toilet paper in public restrooms is not a given in Marrakech so it’s best to carry your own. In places where there is a restroom attendant make sure you leave a small tip.

23. Going to a Hammam in Marrakech

A visit to a hammam, a traditional Moroccan bathhouse, is a must for any visit to Marrakech. A typical hammam experience starts with a steam room, a thorough scrubbing with a traditional kessa mitt and an olive based black soap and several rinses alternately with warm and cool water. For a traditional experience you can visit one of Marrakech’s community hammams ( be aware that community hammams are separated by gender, either with separate spaces or differing times for men and women) or treat yourself to an elevated hammam experience at one of Marrakech’s luxury spas. Whatever hammam experience you choose know you will be naked (or nearly naked) in front of others.

24. Top Marrakech Attractions

Ben youssef madersa.

One of the most popular sites in Marrakech, the Ben Youssef Madersa previously served as a center for Islamic learning for over 400 years.  Today visitors marvel at the intricately carved Moorish walls and stunning tile mosaics.

Majorelle Gardens

Once a private retreat for famed French designer Yves Saint Laurent the Majorelle Gardens are a beautiful mix of Berber and French cultures and provide a calming respite from the hustle of Marrakech.

Le Jardin Secret

An oasis from the chaos of the Medina, this beautifully restored courtyard features stunning tile work and lush gardens.

Bahia Palace

Considered one of the most lavish palaces in Marrakech, Bahia Palace features expansive courtyards, lush gardens and ornate architecture.

There are also many great day trips you can take from Marrakech , from the golden sands of the Sahara to the rugged peaks of the Atlas Mountains . You can also visit the blue city of Chefchaouen .

25. Photography in Marrakech

The sights and colors of Marrakech can be irresistible to photographers but before you start snapping away nonstop be aware that many people in Marrakech are not open to having their picture, or pictures of their products, taken. In fact, I saw several signs in the souks requesting no photography. The main thing is to ask permission to take pictures and be respectful if the answer is no.

More Marrakech Inspiration

Review of the Selman Hotel, a luxury hotel in Marrakech  

Make sure to include Marrakech when you’re traveling through Morocco with kids .

Planning a trip to Marrakech, Morocco? Pin this post for later!

About the Author

Freelance travel writer and blogger who seeks out laid back luxury. Focus on culinary, adventure and nature travel. [READ ALL ARTICLES]

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February 9, 2018 at 1:24 pm

This is sooo helpful as we’re likely taking our first trip to Marrakech this spring after two years of living close by in Spain! Especially BYOTP (bring your own toilet paper) – eek!

Absolutely beautiful photos too, now you’ve got me even more excited to visit!

Brianna says

March 2, 2018 at 10:31 pm

Thank you so much! Marrakech is an amazing destination.

Rhonda Albom says

February 10, 2018 at 6:02 am

The medinas in Moroccan cities were fascinating. I always stayed in riads whenever I could. The staff in the riads provided great tips on everything from where to eat down to which stalls in the souk to buy particular items from. Don’t forget, Friday is couscous day although my favourite dishes were chicken tajines with preserved lemon and olives or chicken with prunes.

March 2, 2018 at 10:32 pm

The couscous dishes were some of my favorites!

February 10, 2018 at 9:17 am

What beautiful photos you have of Marrakech!

Hannah says

February 10, 2018 at 10:24 am

This is a great list! I was nervous about visiting Marrakech because I’ve read so many negative things but your list makes it sound incredible and has totally changed my mind about going! Thanks so much for sharing 🙂

March 2, 2018 at 10:33 pm

Marrakech can be overwhelming at first but is an amazing destination!

Marissa says

February 10, 2018 at 11:21 am

I just got back from Morocco last week, so I 100% agree with all of these! I found the souks in Marrakech had the best options compared to other cities I visited. It’s also important that you mentioned you will get lost because it’s true, but it’s fine. I tried to embrace it and “purposely” get lost during the day to explore more.

March 2, 2018 at 10:34 pm

The streets can be crazy to navigate for sure!

Rocio Novarino says

February 10, 2018 at 11:41 am

Nice pictures!! I am a photographer, so I take a particular look at the pictures always!! Stunning ones!

March 2, 2018 at 10:35 pm

Brianne Miers says

February 10, 2018 at 12:10 pm

Thanks for such a thorough and helpful post, Brianna! Marrakech is very high on my list, so this will be a great resource for me. Jamma el fna sounds like an incredible sight to see! And very interesting about the sensitivities surrounding photography.

Carmelatte says

February 10, 2018 at 12:12 pm

I am totally in love with your pictures <3

http://carmelatte.co/dubai-tour-guide-firsttimers/

Esther says

February 10, 2018 at 2:57 pm

I totally agree on this. Husband and I travelled through Morocco and loved staying in Riads. Guides were worth our money, since we really didn’t like the scams. Also, after visiting Morroco twice, we now know that it can take quite a while to get into the country as queues for customs can be looong. In Casablanca I nearly finished my book waiting kn line for almost 2 hours!! #weekendwanderlust

March 2, 2018 at 10:36 pm

Hiring a guide in Marrakech was a life saver for us!

February 10, 2018 at 10:22 pm

Thanks for all the tips.. They will come handy when I plan for Morocco.. Would you recommend going solo in that country?

March 2, 2018 at 10:39 pm

I had several friends travel solo in Morocco. Like anywhere be sure to take your usual safety precautions and be aware.

February 11, 2018 at 5:21 am

Souks of Marrakech look so colorful. I am not sure if I will pick up a carpet as they are heavy to carry, but I know I will end up picking something or the other. Are there herbalists available to explain those herbs? Due to lack of explanation, I always find it difficult to buy herbs.

March 2, 2018 at 10:40 pm

The merchant was able to ship my rug to me. There was an herbalist and she was very helpful.

Claire says

February 11, 2018 at 7:03 am

Great tips! Especially for the closed shoes – I wouldn’t want to step in something unpleasant! The food sounds amazing, I love shakshuka and tagine, although the European versions of them – I’ve never had them in Morocco. I think I’d need to take a food tour to sample all the delicious dishes I can!

Carolina Colborn says

February 11, 2018 at 12:05 pm

Great tips. I remember our trip to Tangier and it is the same: getting lost in narrow alleys and poorly treated animals for show. But the colors and food are truly amazing. Lots of good photographs and meals!

Yvette Benhamou says

February 11, 2018 at 2:45 pm

My dad is from Casablanca and a Morocco has long been on my list of places I’d like to visit. Great tips and your photos are stunning.

Indrani says

February 12, 2018 at 4:29 am

You had an excellent tour there! I am relieved to know it isn’t so unsafe for women there as it sounds. Thanks for the tips on dressing. Lucky you got a rug from there, hope to have one myself. This no photography sign I saw in Sharjah, UAE too.

February 12, 2018 at 5:56 am

Great tips! Morocco is high on my list of places to visit. Actually hope to make it there around April after traveling through Asia. It just seems like a place full of life, color and more. Saving this one so I can start planning my trip there. #weekendwanderlust

February 13, 2018 at 8:14 am

Morocco seems to be a popular spot right now. It was not on my radar so you comprehensive set of tips are something I have pinned in case we travel there. It would be a toss up for me whether I stay in a traditional Riad or what looks to be great luxury accommodations. Maybe splitting my time would work. We did a hammam in Cordoba and it was so relaxing. I would definitely look for one here. I must admit I laughed when I heard you bought a rug. I too usually avoid places like this – maybe because I am afraid I too would go home with a rug!

Sandy N Vyjay says

February 13, 2018 at 12:21 pm

This is an exhaustive dossier on Marrakech. Indeed a ready reckoner for first time visitors to Marrakech. Marrakech and Morocco have been on our bucket list and we hope to get there some day. When we do this post and the tips therein are going to stand us in good stead. Who knows, we may end up being the proud owners of a Moroccan rug.

alison abbott says

February 13, 2018 at 10:14 pm

I hear you! I had no intention of purchasing a carpet either. It’s one of my most favorite purchases ever and takes me back to the medina each day I walk on it. Great tips-they are all spot on.

JeffNourse says

February 15, 2018 at 8:23 am

What a useful tips you shared with us. It is really interesting and informative post. Thank you so much for sharing it.

Kristin L. says

February 15, 2018 at 10:03 am

I remember going to Marrakech for the first time in 2005 and I was SO stressed about what to wear, so I made sure I had plenty of things that covered my knees and my shoulders. Then, to my surprise, I arrived and found all the young local women wearing the shortest mini-skirts and tank tops! I’ve been back to Morocco twice since then and don’t worry about my clothing, except if I’m going in a mosque.

Lauren Monitz says

February 15, 2018 at 1:58 pm

Morocco is just so hot right now! While I don’t like going to super trendy places, I keep seeing these amazing photos and feel like I must!

Mike from TravelAndDestinations says

February 17, 2018 at 1:34 pm

Definitely the best post I have read on Marrakech. Me and my gf are thinking of visiting this year so it’s super helpful and also good to know about the scams. I will also check out your friends post that you recommended. The city looks amazing and I can’t wait to visit!!

February 17, 2018 at 9:45 pm

Very useful tips! I’m looking at going to Morocco so this is very timely. thanks!

February 19, 2018 at 11:01 am

OMG I’ve been dying to go to Morocco all year. Your pictures made my wanderlust worse, I went back in 2008 but as a backpacker so I couldn’t bring any big souvenirs back, I want to go back with an empty suitcase and hit the souks hard!

Charlotte says

February 19, 2018 at 11:57 am

I loved this post, so many great tips! Marocco is high on my travel wish list. And I have every intention of buying one of those incredible rugs 😀 Can’t wait!

Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net) says

February 20, 2018 at 9:32 pm

What a great post! We are ashamed to say that we have not been to Morocco, and we even have friends to visit there! Shame Shame Shame on us. When we do go, though… we’ll be reading through your posts again! Meanwhile, your beautiful pictures are fueling our Moroccan day dreams. 🙂

March 2, 2018 at 8:15 am

Lovely post and great tips to get me ready for my trip to Morocco! Cheers!

Cory Lee says

March 2, 2018 at 9:33 am

This is such a great post! I’ll be going to Morocco next month and while I’ll be touring a lot of the country, I’m most excited for Marrakech. Awesome tips here!

Jossus Travelpics says

March 2, 2018 at 10:11 pm

I loved Marrakech and the Bahia Palace.

Bernie Watt says

April 25, 2018 at 12:27 pm

Great advice. We are so, so keen to get to Morocco and this is quite the inspiration.

Sebastian Vaz says

August 10, 2018 at 2:42 am

I haven’t been to Morocco. But I have heard lots of good things about the country. Must visit soon. Your guide will help me plan. Thanks 🙂

Violet Tellez says

August 30, 2018 at 1:29 pm

Thank you for the insightful info. I’m currently planning a trip for next spring and originally thought about joining a tour group but since I’d rather have a more relaxed schedule, an individual tour guide might be best to help me get around. Can you recommend a good company that does this, please?

We3Travel says

September 21, 2018 at 5:00 pm

Great tips and I’m glad I read them before our trip!

Marilyn Jacob says

June 21, 2019 at 1:14 am

We are travelling.to Morocco in December,so it’s our very first time.Looking forward to our.holiday.Good tips and advice made sense to.me,so I.am aware ,I will make the best and enjoy Morocco.

August 2, 2019 at 7:09 pm

the amount of times i got lost in Medina, sometimes it was fun – like in Essaouira, sometimes a bit scarry like in Marrakesh, but still at least i have stories to tell.

Katie Diederichs says

February 1, 2020 at 12:02 pm

This is SO helpful! We’ve been itching to get to Morocco, so I’m definitely saving this for later.

February 1, 2020 at 1:14 pm

The food and the night market look amazing! I always feel like Morocco is a mysterious place.

Linnea says

February 1, 2020 at 1:36 pm

Great guide! I appreciated the tip about cash. How much was your rug if you don’t mind me asking? Did you ship it home?

Kariss Ainsworth says

February 1, 2020 at 3:49 pm

I’ve been looking at going here, it is so colourful!

Diana Sahara says

October 24, 2020 at 3:08 am

yeah it s amazing. Colors and smells…

February 1, 2020 at 9:36 pm

This guide was so so helpful thank you so much and loved the recommendations and the pictures. Looking forward to go to Le Jardin Secret it makes me curious.

October 24, 2020 at 3:06 am

Very useful tips! There is also a bus to go to the medina for those traveling on budget and yeah! For sure everyone gets lost in the medina. I think it s important to point that someone will try to help you when you get lost (expecting some tip) so better to let him know you will not tip him in advance…

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My Top 23 Essential Marrakesh Travel Tips (You Can Thank Me Later)

Marrakech is a fabulous city, full of intrigue and wonder, but it is chaotic and can be intimidating when you visit for the first time, or maybe even the second or third time.

Morocco’s Red City is a different world, so having an idea on what to expect, where to go, what to do, how to dress, how to get around and how to handle the medina is great to have in the back of your mind before you even arrive so that you are fully prepared for the adventure ahead.

Please Note:  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which will earn me a small commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate sales help with the running costs of this site, so thank you for your support!

Table of Contents

My Top Tips for Marrakesh

Take a tour with marrakech by locals.

Saeed of Marrakech By Locals was a great guide, full of knowledge and very engaging. He gave us a potted history of the city as well as lots of useful tips for visiting Marrakech and we went to lots of places we would never have found on our own.

He’s very strict, absolutely NO SHOPPING! Which personally I think is a great rule as it’s really annoying waiting around for other people to shop, especially in a city like Marrakech.

But you will see lots of cool stuff that you will want to buy so just take note of where you are so that you can go back. I did this by taking screenshots on my phone and writing in my notes, but I’m sure there’s probably a more high tech way to do it!

I’d highly recommend doing this tour on your first day so that it helps you get your bearings and know where to go, where to shop and where to eat.

Wear Comfy Shoes 

You are going to do a lot of walking in Marrakech, so make sure your shoes are comfy as can be. On Saeed’s tour alone, I think we walked around 6 miles, so a pair of comfy pumps or sandals are a must.

How to Find Your Way Around the Medina

Finding your way around the medina (old walled city) can be tricky, but taking a tour near the beginning of your stay definitely helps.

By day, you can ask the way, but by night when everything has closed and there are very few people about, it becomes a little more difficult to navigate.

As you walk from your riad or hotel to Jemaa el Fna (the main square) for the first time, take note of a few landmarks that will help you find your way home, your breadcrumbs, if you will. But just be aware, that just like in Hansel and Gretel, the breadcrumbs can disappear, as by night the shops all close and get boarded up and you can’t tell them apart. So make sure your markers are fixed and that they won’t change when night falls.

As you enter the square, remember which cafes or restaurants are on each side of the street you come out of. That way you’re at least heading in the right direction when you go home.

I would maybe just avoid walking home too late at night.

It may also be helpful to buy a local SIM (I’m with Maroc Telecom) as the signal is pretty good all over Morocco, even in the mountains (the only place it wasn’t great was in the Sahara) and I was able to find my way around the city using Google Maps just fine. If you don’t have an unlocked phone, download MAPS.ME or a similar app.

For those staying outside the medina, you can get taxis from near Koutoubia Mosque or Bahia Palace.

How to Find Your Way Around the Souk

Saeed told us that the souk (market in the medina where you can buy anything and everything) is like a fishbone, with one main spine running through it. From this main street, you can pretty much find your way to all the other parts of the market and just keep coming back to the main street. But I do also think there’s something fabulous about just wandering aimlessly and seeing where you end up.

There are parts of the souk that specialise in specific products and you can actually see some of the products being made there, including shoes, rugs, lanterns, and leather goods, whereas a lot of shops on the main stretches sell more of a mix. If your bargaining skills are good, you should definitely head to where they make the items as you may get a good deal as this is where the other traders buy from.

If you get lost, don’t panic. As someone once told me “that is the charm of the city, to always be lost” and it’s not that big, so you will eventually find your way out and all you need to do to get your bearings is head back towards Jemaa-el-Fna.

But again, Google Maps works pretty well in the souk too!

Shopkeepers Are Your Friends

If you want some help navigating, the best people to ask are shopkeepers or those that are working in the souk. They will point you in the right direction usually without wanting anything in return and they also can’t leave their shops.

I always try to walk with purpose and try not to look lost, even when I am. That way someone is less likely to try and take advantage of my situation.

Generally, people in Morocco are very lovely and helpful, but it has been known for some (especially in the cities) to come up to you and offer to show you the way and either take you somewhere else (their friend’s shop) or turnaround and ask you for money, however, I believe the government has clamped down on this anyway (I think it’s actually illegal now- but don’t quote me on that). We did get a few people offering to show us where to go, but none asked for money, although a couple did the first time I was there a few years ago.

Build-in Time for Shopping & Leave Room in Your Suitcase

If you hadn’t worked it out, Marrakech is a shoppers paradise, so build in some time for shopping. Then you’re going to need to leave a bit of room in your suitcase to fit all your souvenirs in and lots of cash to buy them with.

I wasn’t going to buy anything this time and my backpack was full when I left home, however, somehow, I came back with a jumpsuit, 7 scarves (yes 7), a pair of earrings, a bracelet, a pair of shoes, a painting and an all in one kaftan thing that makes me look like Jasmine from Aladdin and that was me bring restrained.

My friend came back with even more stuff, including a rug, a wooden camel, jewellery, some wooden boxes, a game, a bag, ceramics…

Bargain Hard

Haggling is a national sport in Morocco and I don’t want to say that everyone is trying to rip you off, but most will give it a good go. If they did it at the Olympics, the Moroccans would win every time. It’s in their blood.

A lot of shops sell the same stuff, so you can definitely get a good price if you shop around and aren’t too hasty in your purchases. I bought a pair of shoes (they were similar to the sky blue ones above) for 180 dirhams bringing the guy down from his initial 250. He was a little old man so I figured he wasn’t ripping me off.

Later on, I saw a very similar pair of shoes in another shop. When I asked the price, the guy said 100 dirhams. So the little old fella had definitely seen me coming!

My main rules of haggling:

• Go in with a sense of humour and a smile. Moroccans have an excellent sense of humour, so have a bit of banter with the shopkeepers. It can be really fun.
• Look disinterested. Whilst I was waiting for my friend outside a shop the other day, a guy tried to sell me a bag. I’d actually seen it a few days earlier and quite liked it, but I knew I couldn’t get it home with my luggage restrictions and on closer inspection, it looked a bit dirty. I kept saying no, no, no. He started his price at 700 dirhams, he thought I was driving a hard bargain, but I actually just didn’t want to pay the excess baggage fee and wasn’t so keen anymore, so he kept dropping his price and eventually was saying 250 dirhams. He dropped his price by 550 dirhams, that’s £42 or $60. If this guy came down that much, just think how much he was trying to rip me off in the first place.
• Walk away if you need to, just to emphasise your disinterest.
• Go in with a price in your head that you are happy with. When the salesperson gives you their price, drop it right down, to maybe a third of the price or less if you’re feeling feisty. They say 800, you say 200, meet somewhere in the middle that you are happy with. They’ll never sell for less than it’s worth so don’t feel bad about starting low (see number 2).
• Be firm. Sometimes I just keep repeating the price I want to pay until they give in.
• Don’t let anyone bully you into buying something you don’t want. I cannot even tell you how many times I used to get home and be like ‘why did I buy that?’ – but I’m much better at saying these days!
• Check it’s real. Before you buy anything and pay a lot for it, check it’s authenticity. If they say it’s real leather, drop some water on it . If they say it’s a rug made from wool, take a lighter to it (real wool won’t light). If they say it’s real silver, check for the stamp or test it with a magnet (real silver is not magnetic). Not always easy (I mean who carries a magnet round with them?), but just don’t always believe everything the sellers tell you.

Play the Happy Imbecile (if you need to)

As you walk through the markets, lots of people will call you and try to get you to go into their shop, buy their stuff, drink their orange juice and they can be persistent. So I just smile, wave, and carry on wandering, looking around smiling like an idiot so they think that I’m in my own little world.

As I walk away I’ll often hear ‘miss, miss, excuse me, hello miss’ and I just keep on walking. That way I don’t appear rude, just a bit stupid.

This is one of my favourite tricks, which I have been doing for years, however, a Dutch guy I met in Mozambique hit the nail on the head with this description. This was his tactic for avoiding the notoriously corrupt Mozambican police. As they tried to flag him down, he would wave and smile like a maniac and just keep on driving.

Learn the Word “Inshallah”

A favourite phrase of mine in ‘Inshallah’ which means ‘God willing’ in Arabic. It’s used commonly in Morocco, for when you hope to see someone again, or if you’re hoping something good will happen.

People also use it in the context of time, as in the same way the Spanish use ‘manyana’. Morocco is in Africa, so it’s not immune to good old ‘African time’, you get there when you get there at an unspecified time in the future, ‘Inshallah’.

Although nowadays, a lot of people use it to get out of situations that they don’t want to be in. For example:

A shopkeeper says ‘Come in and see my shop, just look, not buy’ (you will hear this a lot) and you really don’t want to, you say ‘Inshallah’ with a smile and keep on walking. Probably not the right use for the word, maybe you will go back to that shop, maybe you won’t but when you say it, the shopkeepers generally find it funny and understand you’re not in the mood right now.

Pronounce it ‘In-SHA-LAH’ with the emphasis on the ‘sha’ and the ‘lah’.

Advice on Getting Taxis

When you need to get a taxi, always ask a local (maybe the people who work at your hotel) how much a taxi will be from A to B.  They can usually give you an approximate price so you know what you are working with.

Just be aware that when you go to get your taxi, the taxi drivers will always quote you a higher price – tourist price.

There is some negotiation, but some will just walk away if you don’t give them what they ask for. There are usually a few taxis around though, so you can just move on to the next, but very rarely will they go down to the price that it actually probably should be, so you just need to find a price that works for you both, without you getting totally ripped off. This is how my conversation went earlier today:

Me: How much is a taxi to the bus station? (The owner of my riad told me it should be about 50 dirhams)

Taxi Driver: 70 dirhams.

Taxi Driver: 60

Taxi Driver: Ok 50.

So just be firm. If you find a good taxi driver, who gives you a fair price the first time, take his number and please send it to me.

Taking Photographs

General street scenes are fine, but if you take pictures of a specific person or someone’s stall without asking they may get offended or ask for money.

If you want to take photos of the street performers (musicians, snake charmers, or the guys in traditional costume in the square, etc), you will need to pay for the privilege. They sometimes tell you to take a photo and then demand money after, so just be aware that this may happen and try to agree on the price before if you really want that photo.

When you’re watching the busier performances in the square it’s usually fine and you won’t need to pay (maybe give a tip if you feel like it), but if you want a posed photo, then be prepared to cough up.

12. Avoid the Men with the Monkeys & Snakes in Jemaa el Fna

Speaking of the guys with the monkeys…

One of the things I don’t like about Marrakech is the men in Jemaa el Fna (the main square) with the chained up monkeys and the Snake Charmers. They like to get you to take pictures with the animals for money. It’s cruel (they often mistreat the animals) and the men can be aggressive.

I was walking through the square when one of the monkey guys came towards me, trying to get me to touch his monkey (this is not a euphemism) and I kind of ducked out of his way “What, you don’t like monkeys?” He said. “No, I don’t like the fact that you have chained the monkey up.” His response? Shouting “You are ugly as fuck!” in my face. As I walked away he shouted “Nice ass.” 

I just ignored it. Do I wish I’d said something, maybe? But would it have achieved anything? Probably not.

But it’s ok, I go to sleep happy in the knowledge that I travel the world for a living and he is an asshole that walks around a square all day chained to a monkey.

Dealing With Male Harassment

I’ve heard stories of women being catcalled or even having stones thrown at them in Morocco, but I hadn’t personally had any real negativity or harassment thrown my way until the dude with the monkey.

I get the odd “beautiful” or “hey Shakira” but I just give them a polite yet tight-lipped smile and keep on walking so as not to encourage that behaviour. I often pretend that I haven’t heard, or I just raise my eyebrows, roll my eyes, and give a wry smile and just keep on going.

This time I was there I had a guy whisper ‘sex’ into my ear as he walked past me at night and another creepy guy tapped his lips as if to say ‘give me a kiss’ when he was showing us where they dye the materials to make the rugs. He then kept following us around and trying to get us up to a rooftop restaurant to see the ‘views’. We quickly made our excuses and left.

I find the best way to deal with this kind of behaviour is just to not rise to it. Keeping relatively covered up and wearing a wedding ring also helps.

If you are alone, do not let anyone show you a ‘secret’ place and don’t walk alone late at night in the quieter parts of the medina.

Bring a European Plug Adapter

Take a Food Tour with Marrakech Food Tours

I honestly can’t rate this tour highly enough and it’s definitely one of my top Marrakech tips!

Run by Amanda, the blogger behind Maroc Mama and her husband Youssef (who was our guide that night), Marrakech Food Tours is a great way to get an insight into Marrakech (and Morocco) through the heart of the city – the food, the souks, and the people.

Again, they will take you to local places that you would never find on your own and you’ll get to try all kinds of different Moroccan dishes, including sheep’s head (you get a sticker if you eat the eyeball – I passed on that one) and THE BEST couscous I’ve ever tasted.

Book in advance as the tours fill up pretty quickly and I’d say not to do this tour on the same day as you do Saeed’s tour as you will be exhausted.

If you can’t book onto Amanda’s tour, you could try this tour which also gets rave reviews.

Don’t Drink the Tap Water

The tap water in Morocco is not known for being particularly drinkable, so it’s probably best to avoid it, especially if you are prone to a dodgy tummy every now and again.

I am one of those people who brushes their teeth with the water, with the thought in mind that I’m building up my immunity, but I definitely wouldn’t encourage anyone else to do it!

Bring a LifeStraw bottle (or similar) with you and then you don’t have to keep buying bottles of water.

Where to Find Alcohol in Marrakech

So many people asked me about where they could find alcohol in the Marrakech medina because only a few bars and restaurants sell it and those that do, tend to be quite expensive.

The nightlife in the medina is pretty chilled, but the places that I know do sell alcohol are Cafe Arabe, Dar Anika, the Piano Bar at Les Jardins De La Koutoubia, Le Tanjia, Le Salama, Kosybar and the Churchill Bar at La Mamounia (just outside the medina).

But if you want more lively nightlife (and alcohol) head to the modern parts of the city, Gueliz, and Hivernage, which are a short taxi ride away from Jemaa-el-Fna. A taxi should probably only be about 30 – 50 dirhams, but you’ll likely be charged around 80 dirhams one way.

Bigger supermarkets like Carrefour and some riads also sell alcohol.

Keep an Eye on Your Belongings

The medina, souks and Jemaa el Fna are all very busy and therefore it’s an ideal place for pickpockets to lurk.

Keep your wallet and phone safe within your bag or about your person and if you have a bag, keep it zipped and close to you.

Skip Jardin Majorelle

Some people are bound to disagree with me on this, however, I honestly think Jardin Majorelle is one of the most over-hyped, boring tourist attractions I have ever visited. It might be ok if you’re a big fan of Yves Saint Laurent or really into art deco design, but even then, I’d say it wasn’t that great compared to other places you can visit in Marrakech.

I do love a garden, but there are others that I much prefer to Jardin Majorelle. It’s also usually pretty busy so you need to go early to avoid the crowds.

However they have now opened the Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door, so if you combine the two, it’s probably much better. I like the look of Anima Garden instead, but I haven’t been there yet!

Swat up on Your French, Arabic or Berber

A lot of people can speak English, but knowing a little bit of French is useful, especially in restaurants, as most of the menus are in French and a lot of people speak it.

The two official languages are Arabic and Amazigh (Berber) and even if you don’t speak a lot, attempting a few words will always go down well. The most important probably being thank you, which is ‘shukraan’ (I’ve seen it spelled various ways) in Arabic and ‘sahit’ in Berber. And of course the best word in Arabic… ‘Inshallah’.

Always Make Time for Tea

When you’ve had enough of the madness of the medina, head indoors to a nice riad courtyard or a rooftop terrace to partake in one of Morocco’s favourite pastimes – drinking traditional mint tea. It’s delicious!

You can get mint tea almost anywhere, but we had a lovely pot at Riad Yima , which is an art gallery, shop, and tea room all in one.

Dress Appropriately

Marrakech is pretty conservative and the local women are usually very covered up especially in the medina, however, it is a cosmopolitan city and they are used to tourists, so you don’t have to go to extremes.

Keeping knees and cleavage covered is definitely a good idea, so no shorts or short skirts or plunging tops, if just to avoid any unwanted attention if nothing else. I generally prefer to keep my shoulders relatively covered out of respect for the local culture, but I wouldn’t feel uncomfortable if they weren’t. Saying that I usually carry a scarf with me at all times – you can easily buy them in Morocco if you don’t have any at home.

You’ll also need to take note of the weather too. If you go in the summer months, Marrakech gets very hot, so breathable, lightweight clothing is good. Marrakech can also get cold and wet at certain times of the year, so take something warm and/or waterproof with you. I was just there in April and it was freezing and raining.

When it rains in Marrakech the souks become very waterlogged as the drainage system isn’t great, so you may want to take some closed-toe shoes that will withstand a little bit of water.

Just Let Marrakech Happen

One of my best tips for Marrakech is to just go with the flow. It’s good to have a bit of a plan for Marrakech and some things do book up in advance (good restaurants/food tour etc) but you should leave a bit of time to just let Marrakech happen, to wander, to get a bit lost, let the chaos unfold around you and to just to sit and people watch for a while.

I hope this helps you get prepared for your trip to Marrakech!

Other Morocco posts you might enjoy…

• The Perfect 2-Week Morocco Itinerary
• Surfing in Morocco – The Complete Tagazout Travel Guide
• The Charm of Marrakesh
• Highlights of the Rock My Morocco Adventure
• 16 of Africa’s Most Incredible Hiking Destinations
• Morocco – Yoga, Surf Sleep, Repeat
• Camping Under the Stars in the Sahara Desert, Morocco

I love to travel all over the world, but it's Africa that holds a special place in my heart. My mission is to help people travel Africa in an authentic, safe, fun, adventurous and ethical way.

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24 Comments

I was in Marrakech last month, and I heartily agree with all of Helen’s advice (except skipping the Jardin Majorelle, but then I’m really into gardens). Here are a few little doodads by way of addition. My Parisian French helped quite a bit, but be aware that Moroccan Arabic is its own creature and Egyptian or Gulf Arabic will be of limited utility. A pleasant surprise for me in Marrakech is that the ice cream is quite good. If you’re into architecture and decorative arts, I recommend the Marrakech Museum (next to the Merdersa Ben Yousef). The building is the star attraction there. In most ‘restored’ historic buildings, the marvelous, ornate plaster and stucco work is restored structurally, but it is left white. At the Marrakech Museum, that decorative work is restored to its polychrome glory.

Thanks Tom! Great tips! 🙂

Great list! I wish I had seen this before I went… My husband and I had a bit of a confrontation with the snake guys in the square our first day (he gave them $20 to end it, smh) and also had a guy in Essaouira try to take us to his friend’s restaurant and then demand money. We refused, and he popped up in 3 different places around the city shouting that the Americans owed him money. Those are definitely two very real things to try to avoid.

However, I LOVED the Maroc Mama food tour- so delicious! It was definitely the best thing we did in Marrakech and the street vendors were much less aggressive when we were with Youssef. And the shopping was unreal!

Yeah, the snake and monkey guys are just horrible people who can become aggressive very quickly – best avoided. and wow, the guy in Essaouira sounds really persistent. I’m really on my guard now when anyone offers to show me the way, I always refuse but some people just genuinely want to help. Then I feel bad I was so adamant! 🙂

I haven’t been to Marrakech but seeing your photo it looks like the place has a lot of fun and lively colors from shops to cafes. I would definitely like to visit the country soon but for now I will add it to my “must travel places” on my bucket list.

It’s amazing!!! 🙂

It is absolutely beautiful. The culture looks like my local swap shop. I haven’t been yet but I would love to go just to try their food and shop haha! We might go to Marrakech this summer If we have enough saved up but the tickets are super expensive $1100+.

Ow wow, that’s expensive! Marrakech itself is pretty reasonable though – except to eat and drink in fancy restaurants! 🙂

Such a detailed post full of useful tips. I really want to go to Marrakech but am a bit nervous about going there alone. Thanks for sharing these advice. Just what I was looking for!

Thank you! Honestly, don’t be scared, it’s a great place to travel, just keep your wits about you.

Thanks for sharing all of these. Totally agree with all your tips! We loved Marrakech and didn’t encounter any problems like I heard so many others unfortunately did. Like you, we always walk with purpose and look like we know where we are going even if we are slightly lost. The men that try to “guide” you were a pain but we were able to mostly avoid them. Definitely agree with wearing comfy shoes and bargaining hard!

Very informative post and enjoyable to read! I’m thinking about taking a trip to Morocco towards the end of the year so I’ve saved this post. Thank you for writing it 🙂

Thanks Sandy! Hope you have an amazing time!

So helpful! Thank you so much! You sure had me in stitches with the monkey man!!!

Ha ha, no worries! 🙂 Hope you are well!!!

Your post is so useuful and I love it. Marrakech is on my bucket list for one year now and I can’t wait to see it.

Wow, first of all, thanks so much for this lovely article with these colorful pictures. I really like it. I’m definitely going to try some of these tips for my next trip.

Such an amazing post.

Thanks for sharing wonderful tips with us. I really loved your post.

Keep Sharing…!!!!

Amazing list Helen, Loved it.

Great Post Helen

I love the pictures . Very nice article . Also taking Moroccan cooking class is a good experience as well as trying the Moroccan Hammam (spa).

Excellent blog post, and thank you for sharing some very helpful thoughts!!! Best of luck with your travels.

What a great article! Marrakech is such a great place but I definitely wish I did more research before I went! Thanks for all the info!

I have been to Marrakesh before, long ago, and am about to visit with my partner and our 5 year old girl. This blog is by far the best of of all the travel tips I have seen, all very wise. It seems like the place has calmed down a little since I was last there 10 years’ ago so am a little less nervous about launching into the souks with my little girl in tow!

Vive l’adventure!

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Morocco Today

21 Amazing Marrakech Tips from a Local for 2024

May 2, 2024

Visiting Marrakech for the first time and need some local Marrakech tips to plan the best trip possible? If so then this article is for you. 

I live in Essaouira and am just a three hour bus ride away from Marrakech. So, I visit this amazing city often. 

Plus, my partner is Moroccan and actually went to college/university in Marrakech. 

So, between the two of us we have a ton of travel tips for Marrakech to share with you. 

These tips are designed to help you make the most of your time in Marrakech and make your visit as smooth and fun as possible. 

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my  disclosure  for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

Table of Contents

1. never pay the price taxi drivers quote for your ride.

Look, there’s no way around it. The taxi drivers in Marrakech are total scammers, which is why I always prefer using the bus. They always overcharge you, especially if you’re a tourist. 

Even if you’re not a tourist they still scam you! My boyfriend is Moroccan and when we were trying to go to the train station from the Medina, they tried to charge us 150 Dirham!

So, one of my best Marrakech travel tips is to ask your hotel/riad how much a taxi should cost to your chosen destination. 

Then, when you get in the taxi, have your GPS out and ready with the route to your final destination. 

Ask them to turn on the meter and follow the route on your phone since they sometimes like to drive in a non-direct way so that you pay more for your trip. 

If they refuse, just mention the “police” and most of them will quickly put on the meter and do what they are told. Police do not tolerate these kinds of scams and the mere mention of authorities will make them back down quickly. 

Local Tip: At Marrakech Airport there is designated taxi stand that will be on your right when you exit arrivals. Use it to get a fare price on a taxi from the airport to your hotel/riad. 

Do not ask for a ride from a taxi driver directly since they will try to scam you. 

2. Download an Offline Map or Use a GPS to Make Your Way Around the Medina 

The Medina in Marrakech is like one giant maze – which is part of the fun and part of the hassle. 

It’s fun to get lost in the medina but also annoying if you have somewhere to go and can’t seem to get there. 

Just be prepared to get lost. I mean, my partner lived in Marrakech for four years and still got lost the last time we visited.

It’s honestly easy to get lost since there are no signs, no landmarks, and no pattern to the layout of the streets in the Medina. 

Just be prepared for it by downloading an offline map to help you get around. You could also use the GPS on your phone but it can be inaccurate and eat up data. 

Whatever you do though…

3. Don’t Accept Unsolicited Advice from People in the Medina

Get outside the medina and the people of Marrakech are super nice and eager to help you – and all out of the goodness of their hearts. 

However, in the medina there are large number of people who are standing around and waiting to scam completely lost, super desperate tourists who are overwhelmed after several days in Marrakech .

They aren’t dangerous but you can tell they are scammers because they offer unsolicited advice. 

They will spontaneously offer to show you around or tell you something is closed when you didn’t even ask about it. 

Don’t listen to them. Nine times out of ten if you accept their help they will either take you to a family store, in the hope that you will buy a Marrakech souvenir , or they will take you to your chosen destination and then demand a ridiculous amount of money for their help. 

Just say, “no thank you” and keep walking. Moroccan people are amazon and super generous. But, a lot of them do not hang out in the Medina. 

4. Don’t Walk Around the Medina at Night Alone

I currently live/travel in Morocco with my Moroccan partner. However, when I first arrived in the country I was a solo female traveler in Marrakech . I gained all these Marrakech tips over time.

So, I walked around the city a lot on my own. And yes, I was also walking around the medina at night by myself. 

Generally, I would not walk around the Medina at night on your own, especially if you are a woman. You should be fine up until 9:00 pm and then it starts to get a bit shady. 

Most people will leave you alone but there are always a few creepy men who will try and hassle you. 

A good rule of thumb is to get back before the souks start closing o,r if you’re solo then try to go out at night with other people. 

I stayed at the Central House and always met people at this hostel (it really feels like a boutique hotel) that I could hang out with. 

But, if you’re a woman, try and hang out with guys since most men in the city will leave you alone if you are walking around with a man. I met a female friend at the hostel and when we went out together, men still bothered us. 

However, when I am with my partner I get absolutely no attention from men. 

5. Use Up all Your Moroccan Dirham Before You Leave

This is never a problem for me because I am forever going back to Morocco. I live there or eventually head back because my partner’s family lives there. 

But, these Marrakech tips are particular useful if you really don’t plan on returning to Morocco then be sure to spend all your Dirham before you enter the airport. 

It’s just difficult to exchange the currency once you get home and TBH, it’s really not even supposed to leave the country. 

It can also be hard to find someone in the airport who will exchange Dirham or accept it at Duty Free stores. So, go crazy in the souks and shop till you drop as you enjoy one of the best things to do in Marrakech. 

6. Women Should Dress a Bit More Conservatively

As far as Muslim countries go, Morocco, and Marrakech specifically, are pretty chill. A lot of foreigners visit the city so no one will really bat an eyelash if you walk around in shorts. 

However, that does not mean you should walk around the Medina in a string bikini. You also don’t really want to do that since you’ll get a lot of unwanted attention. 

I basically dressed like I was going to my grandma’s house. So, I wore shorts or leggings and t-shirts without a problem.

I mean, you don’t need to go to the other extreme and cover every inch of your body. But, avoid cleavage and dress perhaps a bit more modestly than you would at home. 

This is one of my Marrakech tips that I would advise keeping in mind as you figure out what to pack for Marrakech .

Local Tip: If you plan to travel to smaller villages in Morocco then you should dress more modestly and try to cover your legs. 

We stayed in a town outside of Fes and my boyfriend was basically told that I should not be wearing shorts. 

So, be prepared for more conservative attitudes towards women and clothing in less touristy areas. 

7. Be Careful When It Comes to Booty Calls With Locals

Look, we have all been there. You go to a club and live it up while you enjoy one of the top things to do in Marrakech at night. 

You meet a nice local and want the party to continue once you get back to your hotel. 

Well, you should know that it is illegal for Moroccan citizens to spend the night with a member of the opposite sex unless they are married. 

So, if your hotel/riad finds out that you had a local of the opposite sex in your room, you could get into serious trouble. 

I doubt you’ll get arrested but they could ask you to leave and they take this law very seriously.

Just don’t do it or be discreet and make sure no one notices what you did last night. 

Now, if you are a foreign couple traveling to Marrakech then no worries. You absolutely can spend the night in the same hotel room if you are unmarried since neither person is Moroccan. 

The law apples to Moroccans only. However, I have heard of some foreign couples having issues with sharing a hotel room. It is not against the law but just look at the hotel’s policies before booking and see if they have a rule against it. 

This is one of the Marrakech tips that you should really keep in mind.

8. Always Have Cash On You 

Marrakech accepts cards as a form of payment A LOT more frequently than the rest of Morocco. 

However, cards are definitely not accepted everywhere. In fact, the only places that really accept cards are high-end hotels or restaurants. 

So, always have some cash on you at all times. Take just what you need for the day and leave the rest back at the safe in your hotel/riad. 

This way if something happens to your stuff, you still have cash/cards available to you once you return to your accommodation. Definitely one of the Marrakech tips that you should pay attention to.

Speaking of cash…

9. Withdraw the Money You Need Before You Head to the Medina

If you are staying in the New Town area then finding an ATM will not be an issue. However, there are basically no ATMs in the Medina. 

The ones they do have are for local banks that do not accept foreign cards. So, try to get the cash you’ll need during your Marrakech itinerary at the airport. 

Also, only withdraw cash from reputable bank ATMs. I never withdraw cash from random ATMs because I have no idea who runs the ATM and if they will try to steal my card information.

Plus, the fees associated with cash withdrawals at some of these ATMs can be absolutely insane. 

So, stick with ATMs at actual banks (some even have security guards for added protection) and you should be just fine. 

10. Be Sure to Stay in a Riad

Riads are traditional, multi-storey Moroccan homes with rooms that sit around a central courtyard. 

The courtyard generally has a garden, fountain, or pool, and can be an indoor or outdoor courtyard depending on where you are in the country.

Riads are generally smaller than hotels and have no more than 10, individually decorated rooms. The result is personal service that is unmatched. 

Plus, many Marrakech riads include fresh, homemade Moroccan breakfast with the price of their stay. 

It’s a great place to stay since you’ll get to enjoy authentic mosaic tiles, elaborate archways, towering columns, and quiet plunge pools. Additionally, riads are often designed so that guests can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet. 

It’s the perfect place to stay in Morocco since you can marvel at traditional architecture and enjoy a truly authentic Moroccan experience while you’re in the city. 

My picks for the best riads in Marrakech include:

• Riad Palais Sebban (Mid-range) – Once an18th-century palace, this is a gorgeous riad where you can relax inside a tile filed courtyard near the main square. Vibrant rooms feature private balconies, are well-priced, and offer access to the hammam and on-site restaurant. 
• La Sultana (Luxury) – This opulent, 5-star riad is great if you want to use the heated outdoor pool and relax on their enormous sundeck. Service is also top-notch and they have a lovely restaurant and are well-located near the Medina. 

11. Souvenirs Are Cheaper in Other Moroccan Cities

One of my top Marrakech tips is about souvenirs. A lot of people start their Morocco itinerary In Marrakech. Therefore, they are immediately taken in by the novelty of the medina and all the goods that are for sale in the souks.

So, I get why you would arrive in Marrakech and want to buy ALL THE THINGS – and you should if you are only planning a 2 day Marrakech itinerary and that’s it. 

But, if you are visiingt other, smaller cities in Morocco, like Essaouira, then just know that the goods you’ll find there are cheaper and of better quality. 

I mean, I bought a scarf in Essaouira for around 100 Dirham and love it. It’s really big and kind of like a giant blanket. 

What I didn’t realize is that the scarf is also of really good quality. So much so that a guy on the street in Fes actually offered to buy it off me.

 I said no but he was a local so clearly the scarf was a good purchase. Yeah, that same scarf in Marrakech probably would have cost me 200 Dirham or more. 

12. Don’t Forget to Haggle

I suck at haggling and let my boyfriend handle most of it because he is Morrocan and does it really well. 

But, as a rule, do not accept the initial price quoted for an item. Sellers intentionally give you a higher price because they expect you to haggle. 

Just be aware that they will charge foreigners more. So, don’t be afraid to haggle a bit more aggressively. 

Generally, I start at 50% of what they ask and go from there. I like to give myself wiggle room so that they have time to bring the price down. 

However, many people start at 25% less than what they are asking and go from there. It is totally up to you and what you feel comfortable with. 

But, heed this Marrakech travel tip and don’t pay the initial asking price. 

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13. Book a Riad in the Medina

For convenience, stay in the Medina. The Medina is very walkable and well-located near most of the best things to do in Marrakech. 

So, if you’re planning 3 days in Marrakech then booking a hotel or riad in the Medina will allow you to quickly and easily see all of the best landmarks in Marrakech. 

In fact, many of things you’ll want to do are within a 10 or 15 minute walk of the Medina, with only Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum being a 30-minute walk away.

Plus, the Medina has this old-world charm about it that is unmatched. In contrast, Gueliz is also a nice place to stay. 

It’s safe and much more modern than the Medina since it’s in the New Town area. 

However, you will have to walk between 20 and 30 minutes just to get into the Medina. So, this may not be the best place to stay if you are short on time and want to quickly tick things off your Marrakech bucket list. 

14. Don’t Visit During Summer

Whatever you do, do not visit Marrakech during the summer. This is 110% not the best time to visit Marrakech , unless all you want to do is chill by the pool. 

See, summer in Marrakech is from June through August. Typically, highs are between 91°F and 99°F while lows go down to between 63°F and 70°F. 

Because it’s so hot, it is really difficult to walk around in the middle of the day. Plus, while many buildings do have AC, it is usually not strong and super effective. 

So, try visiting Marrakech between April and May or between October and November when crowds are minimal and the weather is nice. 

If you do visit during the summer, always carry lots of water and wear light clothes that cover your body. This way, you will be protected from the sun. 

You should also wear a hat, lots of sunscreen, and try going out either early in the morning or late at night to avoid the heat of the day. 

15. Don’t Get Up With the Sun

When traveling, I like to get up early and make the most of my day since I typically only have a couple of days in the places I visit. 

However, that strategy doesn’t work in Marrakech, and Morocco as a whole. Because of the heat, most people tend to get up later in the day. 

So, if you get up at 6:00 am, nothing will be open, not even the park. The earliest I would get up is maybe 7:30 am so that you can walk  to Jardin Majorelle and get there when they open at 8:30 am. 

Otherwise, don’t bother arriving anywhere before 9:00 am since it just won’t be open. 

16. Watch Out for Pickpockets

I definitely never felt unsafe in Marakech. Casablanca, yes, but not Marrakech. 

However, it’s always wise to be aware of your surroundings and watch out for pickpockets when you travel to a foreign city. 

And Marrakech is not exception. The streets in the Medina are small and they are absolutely packed with people. Therefore, it’s easy for someone to sneak in and pick your pocket. 

So, keep a close eye on your valuables, use common sense, and you should be just fine since Marrakech is a very safe place to visit. 

17. Learn the Language

The two most common languages spoken in Morocco are Arabic (Moroccan dialect) and French. 

English is also spoken but not nearly as widely as French since Morocco was a French colony for a very long time. 

Now, I know it is tempting to default to French when no one speaks English. I know I did this because I know a few words in French. But, you really should learn a few phrases in Moroccan dialect. 

Not only will locals really appreciate it, but Arabic is taught in schools and is the official language, not French.

 So, don’t assume everyone speaks French and definitely ask if people speak French before you start using it. 

To be honest, my boyfriend hates French and when people speak to him in French. It really bothers him and he was the one who first encouraged me to learn Arabic, even though I find it difficult. 

Now, no one will yell at you if you speak French and many people don’t mind speaking French, but some do. Just don’t assume everyone knows and wants to speak in French. 

There is a lot of anger due to French colonization and many locals would appreciate it if you said “hi” or “thank you” to them in Moroccan dialect. 

Local Tip : Moroccan dialect is very different from official Arabic. In fact, my boyfriend routinely has to switch to official Arabic when speaking with other Arabic speakers since they cannot understand him otherwise. 

Some words are the same but you should try and learn a few words in Moroccan dialect specifically. 

18. Watch Where You’re Walking in the Medina

The streets of the Medina are small and packed with people, bikes, cats, donkeys, carts, motorbikes, and anything else you can think of. 

So, one of my fave Marrakech tips is to always be aware of your surroundings and move over if someone is coming. 

Also, minimize the time you spend looking at your phone or feet so that you can see if someone is coming. 

This way you don’t get run over by a rogue motorbike since there are really no official road rules here. I know it’s hard since the best brunch restaurants in Marrakech are filled with delish food and can be quite distracting (LOL).

19. Be Cautious When Drinking Tap Water

Drinking tap water is a huge topic when it comes to traveling in Morocco and Marrakech. Personally, I think tap water is safe to drink in Marrakech. 

I used it to brush my teeth and my partner used to drink it all the time. I personally drank the tap water in Essaouira and had no problem. 

I honestly can’t remember if I drank drank the tap water in Marrakech. But, in all my time there I never got sick from anything. 

However, if you are nervous or unsure about the water, then bring a filtered water bottle or purchase bottled water while you are here. 

I had no problems but maybe you have a sensitive stomach. I also have lived all over the world so maybe my stomach is more used to water in foreign countries. 

Either way, do what you feel is right because you don’t want to spend your entire trip in the bathroom. 

20. Grab Tampons at the Airport Before You Head to the Medina

If you are a woman and you might get your period in Marrakech then bring tampons from home or buy tampons at the airport. 

Most stores only carry pads, not tampons. This is because locals just don’t use them and so a lot of stores don’t carry them. 

You can definitely get them at bigger grocery stores like Carrefour, but many of those stores are in the New Town and not near the Medina. I have definitely seen them in the airport at the pharmacy so you can stock up on them while you’re there. 

21. Be Prepared for Jemaa el-Fnaa

A lot of people are not fans of Jemma el-Fnaa Square. I personally have no problem with it but many people hate the crowds and feel that the people are sketchy. 

Many tourists also don’t like locals here trying to have you take photos with monkeys on chains or with cobras who have probably be defanged.

Additionally, it’s a very touristy place where you need to watch out for pickpockets and should avoid super touristy, overpriced eateries. 

So, if you are not into this sort of thing, stop by for an hour and leave. But do give it a try since it’s one of those spots in Marrakech that people love or hate. 

FAQs about Best Marrakech Tips

What to avoid in marrakesh.

One of my important tips about Marrakech is all about knowing what are the things to avoid in Marrakech are:

• Getting scammed by a taxi driver
• Paying the initial price offered
• Forgetting you’re in a Muslim country
• Forgetting to carry cash
• Not wearing good walking shoes.
• Taking photors with snake charmers

What Do I Need to Know Before Going to Marrakesh?

The things you need to know before going to Marrakech are:

• Use the designated taxi stand to get from the airport to the Medina
• Get ready to haggle
• Eat lots of street food but only go where the locals go
• Dreess like a local for a comfortable day outside. 
• Plan out your days in advance
• Book your hammam treatment in Marrakech in advance

Can I Brush My Teeth with Tap Water in Morocco?

I did and I was totally fine. But, if you are nervous about it then just buy bottled water or use a water bottle with a built in flter. 

How Do I Not Get Lost in Marrakech?

Look, it is unavoidable, you will get lost in the Medina in Marrakech. It’s just a giant maze and there are no landmarks, so it will happen. 

To navigate, use an offline map like Maps.me or Google. I used Google GPS and was fine but many people seem to get lost with it or it just doesn’t work. 

That wraps up this guide to  the best travel tips for Marrakech. Did your fave tips make the list? 

If you found this post helpful, join our email list and Facebook group for even more great travel tips. 

Local’s Amazing One Day in Marrakech Itinerary for 2024

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23 Essential Marrakech Tips You Need to Know

Marrakech is a real love it or hate it kind of place. Many people are shocked when they touch down in Marrakech, for despite the glamorous images of Morocco that we often see on our Instagram feeds, Marrakech is not easy . It doesn’t apologise for being what it is; rather, it cranks up the volume and forces you to listen to it. If you want to have any chance of enjoying Marrakech, you’ve got to get with the programme pretty quickly, otherwise Marrakech will chew you up and spit you out quicker than you can say ‘ yallah !’ (‘Let’s go’ in Arabic). This all sounds like a lot of work, I can hear you thinking. Surely I’d be better off just going somewhere else. Not so fast. For all its ‘quirks,’ (and trust me, some of them are infuriating ) Marrakech remains one of my favourite cities. It is culturally rich, it is vibrant, it is beautiful, it is a parody of itself, it is colourful (in every sense of the word) and it is unapologetic. It is at once frightfully authentic and painfully inauthentic. It is wonderful. I have visited Marrakech twice, the first time being for almost a month (I was volunteering there), and the second time for just a few days earlier this year. I am one of the people who loves this chaotic city, and I hope that my Marrakech tips will help you to love it just as much. Here are my tried and tested travel tips for Marrakech.

Table of Contents

23 Marrakech Tips | Visiting Marrakech

Marrakech in a nutshell.

Dusty buildings and towering mosques, a bustling medina with a labyrinth of twisting alleyways, beautiful riads, opulent palaces and rooftop cafes serving steaming cups of sweet mint tea are just some of the delights to be found in Marrakech. Here you will find stalls selling everything from handcrafted leather sandals to antique silver teapots, steaming glasses of sweet mint tea and yes, there are snake charmers (more on those later). Morocco’s Pink City is an assault on the senses in the most magical way. People shouting in Arabic, Berber and French punctuate the narrow streets of the medina, where smells of grilled meat, rich spices and donkey doo combine to create the unmistakeable smell that is Marrakech. If you are even remotely intrigued by any of these things, then visiting Marrakech may just be for you. However, there are lots of travel tips for Marrakech that you should keep in mind if you want to make the most of your experience.

23 Travel Tips for Marrakech

1. brush up on your french.

No, you don’t have to speak French, but if you can manage a little bit, you’ll definitely have an advantage. While the official languages of Morocco are Modern Standard Arabic and Amazigh (Berber), many Moroccans speak French as well. For the most part in Marrakech, people tend to speak good English, but if you plan to travel around the country or do any day trips, French may come in useful.

2. Carry cash

Marrakech is a place where cash is king, and it’s not wise to rely on your card. I’ve seen articles state that it’s difficult to find ATM machines in the medina – that isn’t true, there are several dotted around the Jemaa al-Fnaa (main square) – but many places will only accept cash, especially if you plan to shop in the markets or eat street food. You should also use dirhams whenever you can. While some places will accept USD or EUR, you will always get a terrible exchange rate. You can withdraw Moroccan dirhams from the ATMs in the airport, or exchange your money there.

3. Arrange your airport taxi beforehand

I almost never arrange airport transportation beforehand, relying heavily on Google Maps and public transport when I travel. However, when I flew to Marrakech, I arrived late and so I had to book a taxi. The cost of a taxi from the airport to the city centre should be 70-80 dirhams (7-8 EUR) but the taxis that are actually at the airport will often not take anything less than 350 DH (35 EUR!), so be sure to arrange something in advance! You can do this by asking your riad or hotel to arrange transport, or book yourself a private transfer. Booking a private transfer is often the cheapest option – this private transfer on GetYourGuide is only 8.50 EUR! If you are arriving in the daytime, you can take the L19 Express bus from the airport to the city centre. The journey time is around 40 minutes and it will cost you 3 EUR (with a free return valid for two weeks.) Buses run from 6:00am until 11:30pm.

While we’re on the subject of taxis, NEVER get into a taxi without agreeing on a price beforehand, and also never pay the first amount the driver offers. It isn’t uncommon for drivers to tell you that they’re minimum price is actually about four times more what you should be paying. To help avoid being fooled by them, ask the staff at your guesthouse what a reasonable price is and refuse to pay much more than that. If the driver isn’t budging, don’t be afraid to walk away and find another taxi.

5. Be careful when taking photos

Moroccans don’t like random strangers taking pictures of them. One Moroccan guy told me that this relates to a superstition whereby Moroccans believe their soul is captured if a picture is taken of them, but I’m sure even the people who aren’t superstitious don’t really enjoy people taking their photo without permission (especially women wearing hijab and men with beards). If you really want to take a picture of somebody, be sure to ask first and offer them some money (10 DH) in return. Also note that many store owners do not like you taking pictures of their stalls and will ask you for money if they catch you doing it. Lastly, do not take pictures of the monkeys, snakes and other animals that you will see in the Jemaa el-Fnaa. I will go into the numerous issues with this in more detail later, but for now, just know that the men in charge of the animals will DEMAND money from you (often huge amounts like 200 DH) and they can get pretty nasty.

6. Drones are illegal

While we’re on the topic of photography, drones are illegal in the whole of Morocco. When you are passing through airport security, your bags are scanned and there are signs everywhere saying that drones are not allowed into the country. If you somehow manage to get your drone in, you may well get arrested, forced to pay a hefty fine and have your drone confiscated if you are caught using it. I don’t care how much you want that aerial shot over the medina – it’s not worth it.

7. Get a safe henna tattoo

If you want to get a henna tattoo while visiting Marrakech, do not get one from one of the ladies on the Jemaa el-Fnaa. These women are not licensed to be there, and what’s more, the black henna that they use often contains gasoline, which can cause severe burning. You’ll also pay 10x the price for a less than stellar experience. The best places to go for henna in Marrakech are Henna Art Cafe and Cafe Clock (you can enjoy a camel burger at the latter while you wait!).

8. Dress modestly

Although Marrakech is a very touristy city, Morocco is still very much a Muslim country and you want to be respectful of their culture (I hope!). As a woman, I recommend covering your shoulders and knees (a maxi dress with a scarf over your shoulders or loose-fitting trousers with a t-shirt would be ideal), and for men, I suggest avoiding shorts and tank tops (vests/singlets).

9. Visit Jemaa el-Fnaa…briefly.

Naturally, you will want to go to Jemaa el-Fnaa during your Marrakech trip. It’s one of the top things to do in Marrakech, and it also happens to be the biggest of its kind in North Africa, and one of the most famous in the Arab world! The Jemaa el-Fnaa epitomises everything that people dislike about Marrakech while still drawing in the crowds every day and night. Here you will find delicious fresh orange juice ( do drink this), dodgy street food stands (made for tourists, locals don’t recommend these), monkeys dressed in human clothes, Gnawa dancing, souvenir stalls, mopeds, musicians, street kids, donkeys, scam artists. snake charmers and just about anything else you can imagine. Walk around, enjoy the craziness, and leave. Whether it’s food, souvenirs or henna ladies, don’t spend your money here. Alternatively, check out this GetYourGuide evening medina tour of the medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa, to experience everything fully without fear or being scammed.

10. Do NOT believe anything anybody on the street tells you

This street is closed, the palace isn’t open for visitors today, it’s the last day of the Berber market and you can’t miss it! Whatever, and I repeat, WHATEVER random men on the streets of Marrakech will tell you, DO NOT LISTEN. I don’t care if he says he’s ‘not a tour guide’ or that he ‘doesn’t want money.’ I don’t care if he appears to be busy working and is just giving you a recommendation out of the goodness of his heart. I don’t care if 500 people tell you that it’s the last day of the annual Berber Market and you simply have to go and see it. THEY ARE LYING. ALL OF THEM. If you only take one of these travel tips for Marrakech seriously, make it this one. Marrakech scams can take many forms, but all of them involve you parting with money at some point. Maybe he ‘shows you the way’ somewhere and demands a tip at the end, or maybe he just happens to take you into his uncle’s shop, where you will be expected to buy something. Sometimes these scammers are very sophisticated. I spent a month living in Marrakech and thought I knew what to avoid, but when I returned this year, I still ended up believing that there was a real Berber market (and ending up being taken into a leather shop instead). I very sternly told the man who had taken me there that I would not be giving him any money and refused to back down, even when three of his friends surrounded me and became angry. Luckily, I managed to walk away from the situation unharmed and with all of my money, but it just goes to show that you can be as careful as you want and still wind up falling into a trap at some point. Pro tip – If you do get lost and need to ask for directions, NEVER ask somebody on the street. Always try and go inside a shop and ask the person working there.

11. Don’t go inside the mosques

Mosques in Marrakech are closed to non-Muslims, and no matter how keen you are to venture inside and get a photograph, you are not allowed. Appreciate them from the outside, and don’t go wandering in.

12. Keep to the right

This is a very simple but very useful Marrakech tip. When walking anywhere in Marrakech, especially in the medina, always keep to the right. Mopeds will whizz by, donkeys amble lazily down alleyways and everyone seems to be in a rush, but if you keep to the right like the locals do, you won’t have to worry about any of these things.

13. Don’t drink the tap water

I tend to always drink tap water when I travel but tap water in Morocco is just not safe to drink for foreigners. Bottled water is available to buy in the medina for around 50 cents, or you can use a water bottle with a filter like this one to make the tap water safe.

14. Don’t take part in animal tourism

When you wander through Jemaa el-Fnaa, you can’t fail to miss the monkeys and snakes. The monkeys, often dressed in human clothes, are put onto tourist’s shoulders so that they can have a picture with a monkey. A staggering number of people do this, paying no mind to the fact that the monkeys are kept on chains that cut into their skin and kicked and beaten by their owners. Not only that, but the monkeys are stolen from the nearby mountains and brought to Marrakech to be used as playthings for tourists. As for the snake charmers, of course they are not actually hypnotising the snakes. The snakes are doped up and have their mouths sewn shut to prevent them from biting anyone. They will die after only a day or two, and are immediately replaced with another poor soul. I understand the novelty of seeing snake charmers and being able to pose with a monkey, but this is not ethical whatsoever, and the animals are truly mistreated. Please do not add to the demand for this by giving these men your money.

15. Don’t give money to street kids

I care deeply about human rights. Few things make me sadder than seeing street kids with emaciated bodies and dirty faces, begging for money or selling packets of tissues on the streets. Please, do not give them your money. Many of Morocco’s street kids are addicted to drugs (specifically glue) and will spend the money you give them on their addictions. Many more are under the control of street gangs that force them to beg and take their money (forced begging is one of the major forms of human trafficking in certain countries). Even giving food to a street kid can be problematic, as the child can simply sell that food and give the money to their trafficker. Alternatively, if a child’s parents see that sending their child out to beg for food and money every day actually does bring in food for the family, they are likely to continue to send their child out to beg, rather than sending them to school. Sharing a small snack is fine, but anything more may not be as harmless as you think. If you want to help, consider donating money to one of the many organisations that help street children.

16. Do stay in a riad, but choose wisely

Marrakech is famous for its beautiful riads, and you should definitely opt to stay in one of these rather than a fancy hotel in the ‘new town’ area. A riad is a type of accommodation with an interior garden and they pretty much all look like palaces. Usually, riads are guesthouses, but my hostel in Marrakech was actually a riad as well, which was pretty sweet. One word of advice – taxis cannot enter the medina so you will be dropped off outside and have to find your way to the riad with your bags. For this reason, and because the medina is incredibly easy to get lost in (even Google Maps doesn’t work properly inside the medina), I recommend choosing a riad close to Jemaa el-Fnaa so that you will easily be able to find your way in and out.

17. Manage your expectations

Marrakech is truly a beautiful city, but it isn’t all palaces and Insta-worthy doorways. Many people go to Marrakech expecting it to be super glamorous and exactly like what they’ve seen on social media, but that just isn’t realistic. Marrakech is dusty. It’s dirty. There are uneven paving stones, puddles, mud and a fair amount of donkey poo to boot. Piles of trash on the streets are not uncommon to see. As long as you go in knowing this (and wearing covered shoes), you’ll be just fine.

18. Be prepared to haggle

Haggling is part and parcel of life in Marrakech, and if you don’t do it, you’re going to be paying well over the odds in the souks. The general rule is to offer half of whatever the vendor asks for something, and bargain from there. I personally tend to not budge much past the halfway mark, but if you’re a less confident haggler, just have an exact figure of what you’re willing to pay in mind before you ask the price of something. Of course, this rule only applies to shopping in the markets. If the thought of venturing into the souks makes you feel nervous, check out this 3-hour colourful souks tour on GetYourGuide for an immersive and authentic experience. Don’t walk into a grocery store and start haggling over a can of Sprite!

19. Turn that frown upside down

Many tourists report having negative experiences with store owners and various people they meet on the street of Marrakech. It’s not uncommon for people to feel as though shop owners become aggressive very quickly after being told ‘no.’ Here’s the thing. Moroccan people will mirror you facial expression and attitude. If you’ve been growing frustrated and end up becoming snappy, dismissive or downright rude, you will see that attitude mirrored back at you. It definitely is annoying when the hundredth store owner of the day asks if you want to buy some mint tea or curry powder, but the moment you show a negative reaction, that’s when they’ll turn. I tend to be very smiley but firm, often making a joke out of it. I’m a backpacker, I have no money! Come on dude, you asked me twice already, did you forget me? No thanks, I’m saving my money for tagine! Nope, don’t even try it – it’s a no! As long as you keep smiling, you can call them out in a playful way and they won’t mind. Trust me – this is one of the most useful travel tips for Marrakech out there!

20. Do get out of the city

There are tonnes of things to do in Marrakech, but getting out of the city and exploring some of the wonderful surroundings is definitely something I recommend. I went out into the Atlas Mountains to spend the night at a Berber family home and learn how to make tagine , as well as taking a trip to Ouzoud Falls for a boat ride and walk in the mountains. If you’ve got more time, you can even spend a couple of nights in the Sahara desert!

21. Keep an eye on your belongings

Pickpocketing is not uncommon in Marrakech, particularly in the souks and narrow streets of the medina. Keep a close eye on your things and make sure your gear is insured , just in case.

22. Don’t travel without insurance

While we’re on the topic of travel insurance, I really don’t recommend visiting Morocco without it. A guy in my hostel was bitten by a stray dog in Essaouira, another person I know got pickpocketed in Marrakech, and I’m pretty sure somebody has fallen off the back of a camel at some point in time. Morocco is generally safe, even for solo female travellers , but travelling without insurance is an accident waiting to happen. I always recommend World Nomads or SafetyWing for their extensive cover. Some activities that World Nomads cover that you may end up doing in Morocco include hiking, horse riding, camping (in the Sahara), camel riding (!), surfing, windsurfing and more.

23. Do eat street food!

Although there is no shortage of fancy restaurants serving up Moroccan delights, you should also try some street food in Marrakech, particularly if you are on a budget. Although the street food stands in the main square are not recommended, it isn’t difficult to find tiny stalls in the medina selling tasty food at rock bottom prices. All you need to do is follow your nose, or head to the stands where you see young Moroccan men crowding around. For a sandwich like this, with lamb kefta, salad and a variety of sauces, don’t pay more than 5 or 10 dirham (50 cents to 1 EUR). The seller may try and charge you 20 dirham, but this is too much. If you want to sample everything and learn about Moroccan food and culture while you do it, this evening street food tour is just the thing.

Travel Tips for Marrakech | Final Thoughts

I hope that these Marrakech tips have left you a bit more prepared for your first visit to Marrakech. It may seem like a lot, and I may well have made Marrakech seem like the most stressful and intimidating place out there, but trust me, it really isn’t. Marrakech is a wonderful city with tonnes of things to see and do, great food, and some of the best shopping in the world. You do need to be vigilant about protecting your belongings and staying mindful of scams, but as long as you use your street smarts and aren’t too trusting, you’ll be absolutely fine in Marrakech. Got any questions? Please let me know in the comments section below! Until next time, XOXO

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1 thought on “23 essential marrakech tips you need to know”.

I absolutely loved this article, it’s so interesting and informative. Whilst some people may be put off visiting it’s better than spending lots of money getting there and completely hating it. To me it looks and sounds like an incredible place with a vibe that is totally unique.

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Marrakech Travel Guide: Travel Tips and our Honest Review

Marrakech – just a four hour flight from Europe, but a totally different world . Marrakech is overwhelming yet full of life, it will fascinate you and take your breath away. Anyone who travels to Marrakech expects a dream from the Arabian nights but is brought to the ground of reality pretty quickly. Why? We will tell you about it in this blog article.

So if you are planning a trip to Marrakech and are looking for reviews, then you’ve landed in the right place on our travel blog. We show you the most beautiful sights and highlights in Marrakech and reveal our personal tips . Ready for a full-on experience? Let’s go!

1. Marrakech: Expectations vs. Reality

2. marrakech travel guide: best places to visit, 3. eating & drinking in marrakech: our tips, 4. where to stay: hotel tips for marrakech, 5. extra travel tips: transport and security in marrakech.

Marrakech – some love it, others hate it. Ok, hate may be an exaggeration, but let’s put it this way: we know enough people who traveled to Marrakech with very high expectations and were subsequently left very disappointed. The reason for this is quite simple: many associate Marrakech with a dream from 1001 Arabian nights. Unfortunately, this is not quite the reality . Let’s go into that a little more.

Marrakech: what REALLY awaits you

Almost nowhere in Morocco is tourism as strong as in Marrakech. The locals react with such behavior that you cannot even accuse them of: they are just trying to make as much money as possible. In the souks (the markets) you get ripped off quickly. And when you are invited to a mint tea, it is clear what follows: of course they want to sell you something.

In addition, there is of course the Arab culture : In patriarchal Morocco (sadly) men are in charge. And you can see that on the streets, too, because comparatively, you find few local women. As a European-looking woman, you immediately stand out and are often addressed.

The feeling that someone is constantly trying to sell you something is not a nice one. And after the 10th time “No, thank you.” It will – admittedly – also be annoying. In this respect we can understand people who find Marrakech exhausting.

The good news: if you adjust to it, it’s not half as bad. We personally have had no negative experiences in Marrakech. Sure, the dealers sometimes get uncomfortably close, but fortunately physical assaults are rare.

Marrakech is not the same everywhere as what Instagram shows

The hotels and riads (traditional Moroccan accommodation) in Marrakech are at least as nice as you would expect. To be honest, we have never traveled to a country where the hotels are as tasteful as in Morocco. If you are looking for the dream of 1001 nights in Marrakech, you will almost certainly find it in your own accommodation.

However, the streets are a different story. You have to be aware of that. The bustling souks, the people, the donkey carts and other animals, the rushing mopeds, the smells and new impressions that are pounding on you – all this can be overwhelming pretty quickly. Marrakech is an adventure – and not just a pretty Instagram feed.

How many days should I plan for a trip to Marrakech?

Our biggest recommendation to you is this: Please don’t just stay in Marrakech. Morocco has so much more to offer and we highly recommend exploring more of this country. (We also liked many other destinations, such as Fez , better than Marrakech.)

If you are planning a tour of Morocco , Marrakech is a good first stop. We would recommend that you stay here for about 3 to 4 nights . During this period you get a good insight and can easily visit the most important sights of Marrakech.

If Marrakech is your only travel destination in Morocco, we would stay a little longer, maybe about 5 nights . So you can take one or two extra day trips (e.g. to the Atlas Mountains).

Medina & Souks

Let’s start right here, where the action is: the medina. The medina is the old town of Marrakech and a labyrinth of allegedly narrow streets. Some of the sights that we will list here are also in the medina – nevertheless, the medina is definitely a highlight in itself, so we wanted to describe it separately.

Keeping your bearings in the medina is practically impossible. So just go ahead and see where your path leads you. It is particularly crowded in the souks , i.e. the markets of Marrakech. If you go north from Djemaa el Fnaa (the huge square – more on that in a moment), you will get straight to the souks.

Teapots, carpets, lamps, spices, shoes, scarves – if you want to buy souvenirs or new favorite items for your apartment, you’ve come to the right place. Very important: negotiating or bartering is part of the experience ! Traders will initially ask for at least double to three times what they imagine.

Would you prefer to visit the souks accompanied by an experienced guide? Then we can highly recommend a guided tour of the markets.

You can book the tour here: Tour of the souks of Marrakech

Djemaa el Fna

The infamous big square of Marrakech is the heart of the city and probably the most important sight of Marrakech . The official name of the square is Djemaa el Fna – in Marrakech, however, the French word “La place” is usually used interchangeably.

On the Djemaa el Fna, a vibrant, colorful hustle and bustle of jugglers, drummers and food stalls awaits you. The place is incredibly spacious, incredibly chaotic – and incredibly touristy. After the first sensations have pelted on you, someone will probably be standing in front of you trying to sell you something.

Important: On Djemaa el Fna, it is common for you to be asked for money as soon as you point your camera at locals. (Incidentally, this is the case in many larger cities in Morocco.) With the bustle you don’t even notice that you might have someone in front of your lens. So just stay polite and tip. But please leave the animal shows with snakes and monkeys!

The later the afternoon , the fuller it gets on the Djemaa el Fna. The flair becomes very special in the evening when the street restaurants start their grills and smoke plumes spread over the square.

Our tip: There are countless rooftop bars and restaurants on the edge of the square. You shouldn’t miss out on watching the sunset over the rooftops of Djemaa el Fna. The best thing to do is order a fresh mint tea and be a witness of how the place changes from minute to minute.

Bahia palace

One of the most beautiful sights in Marrakech is without a doubt the magnificent Bahia Palace. The palace dates back to the late 19th century and beautifully combines Andalusian and Moorish architecture .

When visiting, you usually follow the tour that leads you through countless rooms and courtyards . You will pass orange trees, fountains, elaborate carvings and mosaics – in short: a paradise for all those who can do something with Moroccan architecture.

Because the Bahia Palace is one of the highlights in Marrakech, the rush is usually quite large. We therefore recommend that you come as early as possible so that you can visit the palace in peace.

Admission: 70 Dirhams Opening times: 9 am to 5 pm

Ben Youssef Madrasa

One of our favorite places in Marrakech! The Ben Youssef Madrasa is a former Koran school . No kidding, it looks like a scene taken from a picture book! We have to say that we were really lucky because we came during a time slot in which there were hardly any other people on site. (A huge tour group arrived after us – so it’s unfortunately not always so ‘empty’.)

The Ben Youssef Madrasa probably dates back to the 14th century . Although the building is not too spacious, we spent at least an hour soaking up the flair and taking photos of the mosaics.

Current note: The Koran school is currently being renovated (early 2020), but should be opened again soon.

Entry: 50 Dirhams Opening times: 9 am to 5 pm

Koutoubia Mosque (= Kutubiyya Mosque)

The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech and the symbol of the city . Its impressive 77 meter high minaret is visible from many places in the city and is a good point of orientation. The mosque dates back to the 12th century, making it one of the oldest in the country.

The downer: The Koutoubia mosque can only be visited by Muslims. Other believers are denied access. Even though we could only admire the mosque from the outside, it was still quite a highlight.

Majorelle Gardens (Jardin Majorelle)

The Jardin Majorelle is one of the most visited attractions in Marrakech and is highly praised in many travel guides. This botanical garden was once bought by the French artist Yves Saint Laurent and extensively redesigned in several stages.

The color scheme is rather strange: cobalt blue and yellow are predominant. In the midst of huge cacti and palm trees, cobalt blue and yellow elements such as pavilions or benches flash out.

The Jardin Majorelle is an oasis away from the hectic medina of Marrakech. But we have to be honest: personally, the garden didn’t impress us as much as we were expecting. Although we did find it a little overrated, the Jardin Majorelle is of course still worth a visit.

In addition to the Jardin Majorelle itself, you can also visit the Berber Museum and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum . We generally recommend that you avoid lunch time, because there is usually a lot going on at that time. It is not uncommon to have to queue at the entrance for a really long time.

Admission: 100 Dirhams (Jardin Majorelle only), 220 Dirhams (combined ticket for Jardin Majorelle, Berber Museum and Yves Saint Laurent Museum) Jardin Majorelle opening times: May to September from 8 am to 6 pm, October to April from 8 am to 5:30 pm, during Ramadan from 9 am to 4:30 pm

Anima: André Heller garden

One of the newest sights in Marrakech is André Heller’s garden called Anima. The garden is by no means as crowded as the Jardin Majorelle, but it is made a lot more impressive and complex.

What awaits you here? A three hectare (!) Large garden that combines wonderfully lush vegetation with art . You are surprised as you peer around every corner and there are so many botanical and artistic details that you can never pay attention to everything during a visit.

The Anima Garden is located a few kilometers outside the center of Marrakech. There is a free shuttle that runs about three times a day. Departure is from the parking lot behind the Koutoubia mosque (Parking + Lavage La Koutoubia). The journey takes about 40 minutes.

You should take enough time for your visit. You can stroll for several hours without any problems and you will always discover something new. There is also a nice café on the site, Café Paul Bowles , which is perfect for a break.

Entry: 120 Dirhams Opening times: 9 am to 6 pm

La Maison de la Photographie

The Maison de la Photographie is a photo museum that shows historical photographs from Morocco . The museum is housed in a beautifully renovated riad and is therefore worth visiting.

If you are interested in photography, we can warmly recommend a visit to this museum. We personally really enjoyed the Maison de la Photographie. It is a small oasis away from the lively medina.

Our tip: The pinnacle of the visit is waiting for you on the roof terrace of the museum. There is a small restaurant with a wonderful view – be sure to drop by!

Entry: 50 Dirhams Opening times: 9:30 am to 7 pm

Marrakech has an incredible variety of restaurants and cafes. There are simple, inexpensive street restaurants as well as hip, international trendy restaurants with fusion cuisine.

You shouldn’t miss two specialties in Morocco. First of all, there is fresh mint tea . This is drunk on almost every occasion in Morocco and is characterized by the fact that it is very sweetened. And the second specialty would be Tajine , a braised vegetable and meat dish that is prepared in the clay pot of the same name and is often served with couscous.

Tajine is often available as a vegetarian version, but unfortunately this is often the only meatless dish in traditional restaurants. If you have a vegetarian or vegan diet, we recommend the HappyCow app when searching for a restaurant.

Tips for restaurants and cafes in Marrakech

Nomad: trendy place with a beautiful roof terrace from which you can see the Atlas Mountains. Creative Moroccan dishes are on the menu.

M Rooftop: Very nice, young rooftop restaurant with a view of the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque. Traditional dishes with a modern touch are served at a very high level. Highly recommended!

Café Clock: Young, artistically inspired restaurant with good cuisine. Moroccan dishes are served.

The accommodations in Marrakech (and generally in all of Morocco) are to die for. If possible, we would recommend staying in a riad. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses with a beautiful courtyard. We stayed in two very different accommodations in Marrakech, both of which we highly recommend.

Tip for boutique riad: Riad dar Karma

The Riad dar Karma is a beautiful boutique riad located in a hidden alley in the center of Marrakech. From the outside you cannot imagine what kind of an oasis awaits you behind the gates.

You spend the night here in traditional and very tasteful rooms. There are only six rooms or suites in total, which is why the Riad dar Karma has a very personal, pleasant atmosphere. There is a small pool in one of the two courtyards. The highlight, however, is on the roof: the roof terrace is literally a dream. In good weather, breakfast is served here every day. There is no better way to start the day.

The Riad dar Karma is located in the so-called Kasbah district , which is about a 20-minute walk from Djemaa el Fna. The advantage: It is comparatively quiet in the Kasbah district, but you are pretty central and you can reach all sights on foot.

You can book the riad here: Riad dar Karma

Tip for luxury hotel: La Sultana Marrakech

Would you like to treat yourself to a little luxury ? Then we can recommend La Sultana Marrakech. We stayed here for one night. A palace-like, stately hotel with a unique flair awaits you here. There are 28 rooms, but over 100 employees – that actually says it all.

Breakfast is terrific and the spa is in a class of its own. The indoor pool is a dream of 1001 nights and rightly the most photographed motif in the whole hotel. Another highlight is the roof terrace, from which you can enjoy a wonderful view.

If you could find a fault in anything, it would be the location of some rooms on the ground floor, which get very little light entering the room. Nonetheless: a unique, highly recommended hotel.

You can book the hotel here: La Sultana Marrakech

Local transport: How do I get from A to B in Marrakech?

Most of the sights in the center of Marrakech can be easily reached on foot : The Djemaa el Fna, the souks, the Koutoubia mosque and the Ben Youssef Madrasa, for example, are all within walking distance. In addition, the alleys in the medina are sometimes so narrow that you cannot even get in with a car.

However, some distances (for example to the Jardin Majorelle) are too far to walk – or of course you are just too tired at some point. Then we recommend a so-called petit taxi.

Taxis in Marrakech

There are Grands Taxis (i.e. large) and Petits Taxis (i.e. small) in many cities in Morocco. Petits taxis are more for inner-city transportation. They are so small that they can drive in very narrow streets.

A petit taxi ride in Marrakech costs around 30 Dirhams . There should actually be a taximeter in every taxi, but the driver will almost certainly try to convince you that it doesn’t work. Arguing often makes little sense, so it’s best to set a fixed price. If the price seems clearly excessive (50 Dirhams or more are often asked for), just ask the next taxi driver.

From the airport to the city

The easiest way to get to the hotel from the airport is by taxi. You can take both a petit and a grand taxi for this. Be sure to set the price in advance! The trip should not cost more than 150 Dirhams – best case you are bartering down from there.

Travel Guide to Marrakech

Option 1: complete travel guide for morocco.

If your trip not only takes you to Marrakech, but also to other parts of Morocco, we can highly recommend the Rough Guide travel guide. Rough Guide travel guides are well-known by the fact that they are fairly detailed and very well researched.

The new edition of the Morocco travel guide by Rough Guide was published in 2019 and is therefore quite up to date. Our conclusion: perfect for all individual travelers!

You can buy the guide here: The Rough Guide Morocco

Option 2: Travel Guide to Marrakech

If you only travel to Marrakech, an entire Morocco travel guide makes no sense. In this case we recommend the Lonely Planet Pocket travel guide. This guide is rather compact, but sufficient for a city trip to Marrakech. We really like the clear design of this travel guide series.

You can buy the guide here: Lonely Planet Marrakech

Security in Marrakech

We have to honestly admit: In Marrakech we felt the most uncomfortable of all places in Morocco. Fortunately, nothing happened to us, but the narrow streets of the medina were really not a place to relax, especially at night.

As already described in the introduction to this blog article, some of the men are very pushy. Poverty is also a big issue in Morocco. Pickpocketing is just a norm. We therefore strongly recommend that you carry your valuables as close to your body as possible instead of simply hanging them loosely around your shoulders.

Would we still go back to Marrakech? For sure! Would we recommend women traveling alone to Marrakech? On condition, to be honest. But we wouldn’t specifically advise against it either. At any rate, we would only avoid the medina at night.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

We were invited by La Sultana Marrakech for one night – thank you very much! This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, then we will receive a small commission. This will not change the prices for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you ever been to Marrakech? How did you like it? Are you perhaps one of those who were rather disappointed? Maybe you have other recommendations? We look forward to reading your comments with any extra tips!

You might also be interested in this

Morocco Travel Guide: How to prepare and plan your Trip

Fez Travel Guide: Best Sights and Tips for the Oldest Medina in Morocco

Casablanca Travel Guide: How to Spend the Perfect Day

2 responses.

We are traveling to Marrakech in November and your travel guide has been very useful, thank you.

Hello Ann, Thank you so much – really appreciated! :) Safe travels Kathi & Romeo

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Destinations | AFRICA

15+ useful travel tips for marrakech for the first time visitor.

23 Mar 2024 | Africa , Destinations , Morocco

Planning your first trip to Morocco? Then you will find my travel tips for Marrakech extremely beneficial for an effortless vacation! 

These travel tips are essential to staying safe and relaxed during your stay. 

** Disclaimer: This post contains affiliated links which means that purchases made through these links reward Bey of Travel a small commission without any additional charge for the purchaser.** 

15+ Useful Travel Tips for Marrakech for first time visitor 

Marrakech is one of the most beautiful and exotic cities in the world. It’s a place where you can truly escape and relax. With its stunning architecture, vibrant culture, and delicious food, Marrakech is a must-see destination for any traveler.

It is one of the imperial cities of Morocco, along with Fez, Meknes, and Rabat. And Rabat is the capital city of the Kingdom of Morocco! 

The name Marrakech means “Land of God”, and it originates from the Amazigh (Berber) words amur (n) kush. 

Visiting Marrakech is like experiencing a living history museum. Imagine yourself walking through the narrow streets of Medina, taking in the sights and sounds of this incredible city. 

Truly, with its warm weather and friendly people, Marrakech is a perfect place to relax and recharge.

READ NEXT |  MARRAKECH – THE PERFECT 3 DAY ITINERARY

Where is marrakech’s location .

Marrakech is located in the mid-southwestern region of Morocco – Marrakesh-Safi. It is served by the Marrakech Menara Airport . 

Tourist visa for Morocco and passports

This is probably common sense before you travel, but it’s always worth mentioning. To travel from Europe to Marrakech, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months as of the date of your departure.

Don’t get caught out – make sure you check your passport well in advance.

Passport holders of the European Union, Australia, New Zealand, the USA,  and Canada, do not need a visa to travel to Morocco. Do carry supporting documents for your travel plans (like tours, accommodation bookings, return tickets, etc.)

For those needing a travel visa to Morocco, you can apply by making an appointment at the Morocco consulate or embassy. Gather all the documents, along with your passport for your tourist visa, pay the fees and then have your visa stamped. More information here  

Currency in Morocco – Moroccan Dirham 

The Moroccan dirham is the currency of Morocco. Ten Dirham almost equates to 1 Euro (€ 0.94).

Be aware that most shops only accept cash – make sure you bring along enough money wherever you go. You can find ATMs in the newer part of the city, but there are almost none in the medina.

You will find many currency exchange shops in the medina if you need to change money. 

Weather in Marrakech

Marrakech is quite high up at altitude, so the weather can be cool, even in summer. While it’s warm during the day, temperatures at night are actually quite low so pack accordingly. 

It also gets very cold and windy in winter (December to February) when many places close for the season.

Do pack your best sunglasses (or you need to buy them in Marrakech, directly off the streets), sunscreen, and a sunhat. It’s hot in Marrakech but it can get very cold at night. 

Also bring clothes to keep warm, like scarves. Moroccan women wear the traditional long black coat with dark clothing, called a djellaba.

What to wear in Marrakech?

Dress respectfully in Marrakech and Morocco in general. This way you can avoid unwanted attention from passersby. 

Marrakech is located in Morocco, an African country where most people are Muslim. Respect their culture and religion during your stay. This means you need to ensure you’re dressing respectfully, always covering your shoulders and knees. 

Also, remember to pack a scarf or wrap to cover up when needed.

You will see lots of locals in traditional clothing too. But don’t feel pressured into wearing your djellaba (traditional Moroccan women’s dress).  If you want to, go ahead! If not, also no worries.

Morocco is still very much an open society and many women do not wear the hijab or headscarf. But having a scarf on you is useful when needed! 

Plus carry comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing. 

How to get around Marrakech?

Inside the medina, you will be walking a ton to get around.

Outside the medina, you can opt for a taxi. There are lots of taxis in the medina. There are two types of taxis in Marrakech – petite (small) taxis and grand taxis. 

If taking a taxi, you have to agree on the price before getting in. Some taxis are unofficial taxis that are not regulated by any authority. If you don’t speak Moroccan Arabic, just simply say how much do you think it should cost and prepare for bargaining.  

Keep in mind, there is no Uber in Marrakech. 

In Marrakech, Mopeds and Travel Scooters are everywhere. It is apparently the most popular form of transport for locals who wish to get around quickly.

If you want to explore the city on your own in a royal way, there are horse-drawn carriages. They don’t seem to be regulated so you have to negotiate a price before hopping in.

Again, don’t trust taxi drivers

No list of Marrakech tips would be complete without this warning. Negotiate and agree on a fare in advance with your taxi driver, and always ask them if they can set up the meter. 

And if the driver says no? Get out immediately and take another taxi. It’s best to ask your hotel or riad if they can arrange a reliable taxi driver for you, with whom you should agree on a price in advance as well.

Experience by staying in a riad 

Although there are many hotels and luxury resorts in Marrakech, I would recommend you stay in a typical Moroccan riad (which means garden in Arabic).

Riads used to house the rich – but nowadays they’ve been transformed into beautiful residences for the countless tourists that visit Marrakech year after year. They usually have a limited number of rooms, and really breathe the typical Moroccan atmosphere.

You will be able to walk through their elaborate courtyards, enjoy traditional Moroccan food and meet the other guests staying at the riad , which is actually quite fun!

We stayed in Riad Villa Amira & Spa and were very pleased with the accommodation.

Book your stay here

Avoid the medina at night in Marrakech: Maintain your personal safety when in Morocco

The most important advice I can give you is to not walk around Marrakech by yourself at night. 

Even though it might be tempting, don’t explore the Medina by yourself at night… even as a couple you won’t feel at ease.

We heard many stories, and we actually saw a girl getting attacked by men wandering through the medina. She luckily got away (but left quite shaken). Don’t walk through dark alleys or stand alone in shady places like you might do back home – it just isn’t safe!

Plus don’t flash any gold or jewels and ensure you have money concealed in various pockets so they don’t see it all at once.

And when in doubt, or need directions ensure you are prepared prior to leave the hotel or riad premises. Hotel and riad staff are helpful and friendly. Just ask them if you’re unsure about where to go, and they will point you in the right direction.

It is okay to get lost (with a guide or alone during the day)

It’s a guarantee – you will definitely get lost in the maze of small streets in Medina, whether you want to or not. Don’t panic though, because sooner or later you will find a point of recognition, and most times you’ll find your way back easily.

Another option is to book a walking tour with a local guide to get accustomed to the area. Medina itself is huge, but you can surely make note of a few places that you will be using every day (like a restaurant, exit to the main city, taxi stand, etc.)

Avoid Jamaa el Fna

You might be thinking, isn’t Jamaa El Fna one of the most popular tourist spots? Although this main square is one of the main attractions in the city (and it’s difficult to avoid), you’d rather not spend too much time here.

Little monkeys hang on leashes and snakes are drugged and locked up in baskets to lure tourists to take a photo. This is of course no way to treat animals – so don’t support these malpractices.

Things to see in Marrakech

When visiting Marrakech for the first time, you must wander the medina, and also check off these must-see places

– Koutoubia mosque , which is one of the largest and oldest mosques in Marrakech

– Yves Saint Laurent Majorelle botanical garden created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle

– Palmeraie (gardens) de Marrakech, a popular lush palm oasis located just 15 minutes from Medina. The gardens have been planted over the years by the wealthy and powerful from all around Morocco, so their styles vary.

Due to the location of Marrakech, you can surely embark on day trips from the imperial city – this way you can stay overnight here, and still explore Morocco.

A day trip to the Atlas Mountains is a popular option. 

Overrated tours in Marrakech

Quad biking: Even though this is a popular activity, it isn’t really worth doing because you won’t see anything interesting out there – everything looks the same everywhere you go!

Camel trip: Don’t go for this, as we are unsure how animals are cared for in Morocco. 

And it might look beautiful in photos, but it’s actually a horrible experience. You will most likely get ill from the bumpy ride and if you go during the winter months you might catch a cold because of the cold breeze. 

Do not trust anyone who gives you unsolicited advice

Do not be too trustworthy in Marrakech. Many people might offer you unsolicited advice, but they’re only doing this to get something out of it for themselves. Make sure you don’t respond to them or follow them. 

For example, sometimes young people might try to talk to you and say that the street you’re walking on is closed, but in reality, this isn’t the case. They try to mislead you, take you along, and then ask for a ‘guidance fee’.

Eat at a restaurant, not a cafe or street stall

Street food might look enticing and cheap, but it’s definitely not worth the risk! Make sure to only eat where there are lots of locals – those places will never let you down.

Except of course if you order the most popular Marrakech dish, Kalia. It is exceptionally delicious but can have serious effects on your digestion. I recommend you only try it once while in Marrakech!  

Plus Moroccan mint tea is very refreshing, especially after a meal.

Definitely try out a Marrakesh dinner and show, The ones at Nobu restaurant are great!

Restaurant prices are of course more expensive than the ones next to your hostel, but you can always choose not to eat there every day and just cook on your own. Also, avoid drinking tap water in the city. 

Pro tip : I also highly recommend getting a water bottle with you!

Learn how to negotiate 

In Marrakech stores and souks, prices will not be displayed anywhere. Expect a ridiculously high price at first, and then negotiate down to the price you had in mind. Marrakech is a super nice city for shopping, but keep in mind that you’ll find the same items in other places throughout Morocco for much less.

So there you have it! These are some of the useful tips for Marrakech travel!

Now if you’ve been dreaming of a Moroccan adventure, Marrakech is a great start. It is an incredible destination with so many things for tourists to see and explore! 

Do follow my tips listed above when you are ready to go. Whether they are on vacation or taking a business trip, it is important that travelers learn about the culture before arriving in Marrakech by dressing modestly and reading up on some customs beforehand. 

Quick reminder: Make sure that your passport has at least six months left before expiring as well as visas from other countries if they’re needed. 

In addition, you should know how much money will be converted into Dirhams upon arrival – which can make negotiating prices easier once exploring the souks a little easier!

Do you have any further questions about this article? Feel free to leave a comment below.

Pin: 15+ Marrakech Morocco Travel Tips 

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I have never been to Marroco but would love to visit Marrakech!

I hope you can one day! It is such a vibrant city to visit!

Thank you so much for these tips. Nice to know for when I make it there!

I hope you will make it someday, it is such a pleasant city to visit!

I have traveled to Marrakech before and these tips are indeed the ones you need to be able to better understand the culture and enjoy the city fully!

Thank you so much for reading Sarah!

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• A Solo Travelers Guide To...

A Solo Traveller’s Guide to Marrakech

Prepare to be bewitched – there’s nothing quite like the blend of curious chaos and cultural diversity that epitomises Marrakech , and with riads and tours aplenty it’s perfectly set up for an unforgettable solo trip.

You’ll never forget your first time in this ancient city on the edge of the Sahara, fringed by the snow-tipped Atlas Mountains. Explore the centuries-old plaster-pink ramparts of the Medina, haggle for a bargain in the souks, take in the drama of Djemaa El Fna square while quietly sipping a cup of sugary mint tea – whatever you do, Marrakech is a book of magic any solo traveller won’t want to put down. In this guide, we give you the lowdown on what to do, where to stay and what to eat on a solo trip to Marrakech.

What’s the vibe?

Marrakech charms you in the way an eccentric aunt can be your favourite, with so much personality packed into a city whose soundtrack is the call to prayer ringing out from stork-topped minarets. Explore noisy souks lined with North African spices and handmade leather babouches, and admire exquisite examples of Islamic architecture. Stay as long as you can in the Djemaa El Fna, a central square alive with a giddying mix of musicians, snake charmers and spiced street food you’ll keep coming back for.

Where to stay in Marrakech as a solo traveller

1. riad le j.

Tucked away behind the Mouassine Mosque in the beating heart of the Medina – just five minutes’ walk from the Djemaa El Fna – this restored riad is run by designer-minded owners who are only too happy to guide you around the area. Cosy rooms feature restored carved ceilings you can admire from comfortable beds, with furnishings and paint in pretty shades of pink and green. Get to know your fellow guests by the courtyard fountain or over house-party style communal meals infused with spices, lentils, meat and fish.

2. La Mamounia

Spa Hotel, Hotel

Spoil yourself in this regal homage to Moorish opulence circled by acres of historic gardens atmospherically lit by lanterns each night. The location in the Hivernage neighbourhood means easy access to the Medina and the 12th-century Koutoubia minaret. Hot towels, dates and almond milk greet you before relaxation in rooms dressed in intricate tiling, lattice-wood screens and rich art deco shades. Mingle at the buffet breakfast served poolside, shaded by towering palm trees.

3. 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa

A blissful mix of Moroccan artistry and the art deco touch Marrakech is known for define this contemporary hotel, which overlooks palm-tree-lined El Harti Park in the fashionable Gueliz district. Monochrome tiles and potted plants frame turquoise pools you can cool off in after a day of getting to know the Red City. Unwind after a reviving hammam as you sip fresh mint tea or sample tapas in the rooftop bar with your eye on those soaring Atlas Mountains.

You’ll spend a night at 2Ciels Luxury Boutique Hotel & Spa as part of Culture Trip’s exclusive six-day Moroccan trip .

Eat and drink in Marrakech

Restaurant, Moroccan

Within the sandstone walls of Riad Noir d’Ivoire, a lavish boutique hotel in the Medina, Oban’s modern-Moroccan menus will woo you with seasonal ingredients elevating dishes such as monkfish tagine or seafood pastilla. You can pair your meal with any one of the 3,000 bottles in the open-design wine cellar. Soft lighting creates an intimate space you’ll feel happy to dine in, alone or with a crowd.

5. Hotel Restaurant Café de France

Hotel Restaurant, Moroccan

One of the oldest and most famous cafes in Marrakech earns its bragging rights for the Djemaa El Fna location and rooftop terraces in view of the mountains. Locals mingle with tourists here for cups of mint tea on a street-side terrace. It’s also a local landmark for tour groups to meet before heading off on a cultural discovery.

Dreamy sunset cocktails and Mediterranean-inspired fusion created by an Ibizan chef keep travellers coming back to this design-forward spot – part cool lounge, part tropical-themed rooftop terrace in the heart of the Medina. If you’re here alone, it’s unlikely things will stay that way for long – what with the sumptuous sushi and cocktails such as Lavender Fizz.

What to do in Marrakech as a solo traveller

Hike the Atlas Mountains, stopping off at an ancient Berber village

Trade bustling souks and alleyways for soaring mountains and tiny villages on a day trip out of Marrakech to the Atlas Mountains. Led by a guide, you’ll discover the Berber community, explore ancient settlements, savour a slow-cooked tagine and – depending on what tour you choose – stay the night in a hilltop kasbah with panoramic dancing views of the rugged landscape.

A trip to the Atlas Mountains with an overnight stay in a local community is just one of many authentic activities you’ll experience on Culture Trip’s six-day Moroccan adventure , led by our Local Insider.

Soak up the natural beauty of Jardin Majorelle

A visit to this enchanting urban idyll should be near the top of the to-do list on any solo trip to Marrakech. Created in the 1920s by French painter Jacques Majorelle – before fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Berge took over – the garden is filled with cooling marble pools and lily-pad-topped ponds, creating a serene spot to reflect or relax in the shade of a banana tree.

Haggle for spices and slippers in the Medina

Only those who’ve lived here all their lives can navigate this crowded, cobblestoned network of alleyways, home to donkeys, leather shops and stalls piled high with fragrant spices. That’s where our small-group tour comes in handy – helping you haggle for handicrafts, traditional leathers and henna tattoos, with stacks of insider knowledge.

Stay safe, stay happy

Marrakech is generally a safe and friendly place to visit, whether you’re travelling solo or not. However, as with any city of this size, you should take care to avoid isolated areas when exploring alone – such as the mountains outside of the city or along the Medina’s quiet streets and alleyways at night. This is where an insider-led trip can provide that extra comfort blanket to allow you to explore at night, unperturbed.

Getting around Marrakech as a solo traveller

Near constant crowds and a web of narrow interlaced streets and squares make central Marrakech very much a place for getting around on foot. The benefit is that you can stop to marvel at an intricately carved doorway here or haggle over a woven rug there. Some streets are so narrow that bikes, scooters and the odd donkey cart struggle to pass.

Outside the Medina however, you can hop into a “petit taxi” and usually agree on a price with the driver before you set off. Then there’s the horse-drawn carriage ride, ultimately the most sedate way to see the sights from Djemaa El Fna or the Koutoubia Mosque.

Want to experience Marrakech with other culturally curious travellers? Share your travel experience by joining Culture Trip’s six-day Moroccan adventure to discover the whirlwind of sights, sounds and smells that make Marrakech so unique.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Adventure Awaits

Top Marrakech Travel Tips for Travellers

Are you planning a visit to Marrakech, Morocco? If so, it’s essential to be aware of the potential challenges that may arise during your journey. From cultural differences to language barriers and navigating bustling markets to haggling for goods, many factors can affect your experience. However, you can ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable with the right approach and proper knowledge. In this travel guide, I’ll provide some essential Marrakech Travel tips for making the most of your stay in Marrakech. Keep reading to learn more about how to ensure a successful trip!

Table of Contents

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Marrakech Travel Guide on What to Expect

Marrakech is an enchanting city located in the heart of Morocco. It’s a bustling metropolis with a unique culture and many sights to explore. This North African destination has something to offer everyone, from shopping in the colourful markets to visiting historical sites or relaxing in one of its many beautiful gardens. However, if you’re planning on visiting Marrakech, there are some tips you should follow to ensure you have a smooth and enjoyable stay.

Transport in Marrakech

Getting around Marrakech is easy, and there are plenty of transport options available. If you want to explore the city quickly, hop on a petit taxi – they’re small cars painted yellow and can be hailed from anywhere. Alternatively, if you’re looking for something more leisurely, horse-drawn carriages called calèche offer a scenic route through some of the city’s most picturesque streets.

For those wanting to venture further afield, the airport is just a short drive away, and buses run regularly between major destinations in Morocco. There are also trains connecting Marrakech to other cities – perfect for exploring different parts of Morocco!

Whichever mode of transport you choose, make sure to buy tickets in advance as this will save time (and money!) for travel. 

Accommodation in Marrakech

Many accommodation options in Marrakech offer something for every budget and style, whether you want a luxurious hotel with all the bells and whistles or a simpler option that lets you experience the local culture. 

If you’re looking for luxury, consider staying at a top hotel in the city. These lavish establishments offer breathtaking views of the city skyline and amenities such as spas, swimming pools, and fine dining restaurants. Plus, many come with their concierge services to make your stay more enjoyable.

For those seeking a more affordable option, plenty of hostels and guesthouses are scattered around town. Most are clean and comfortable, with basic amenities such as air conditioning and hot water showers. 

Finally, if you’re looking for a cultural experience in the heart of the action, then choose a riad in the Medina. This option will provide the most authentic experience and is one of my hot Marrakech travel tips.

Expedia , Hotelopia or Booking.com are my favourite providers if you’re looking for Marrakech accommodation.

Marrakech Travel Tips & Safety Considerations

Travelling to Marrakech is a great way to experience the beauty and culture of Morocco. However, there are some safety considerations you should be aware of. Explore Marrakech with peace of mind by following these safety tips, and enjoy your time in this beautiful city. But be aware even with these precautions; you may still experience some unwanted attention – read on to learn how to handle it.

After Dark in the Medina

Visiting the Medina is one of the best things to do in Marrakech . When the sun sets, the Medina is transformed into a lively and vibrant place. The streets come alive with music and laughter as locals and visitors gather to enjoy the night. From live music performances to late-night markets, there is something for everyone in the Medina after dark.

To ensure you return to your hotel safely, consider pre-booking a taxi or asking your accommodation for recommendations before venturing out after dark. By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your evening in Marrakech will be enjoyable!

Unwanted Attention

Exploring Marrakech can be an incredibly enriching experience; however, it’s common to receive unwanted attention while out and about. This attention can range from catcalling to people trying to sell things or even asking for money. While this may feel uncomfortable, remaining respectful and polite when responding is essential.

The best way to handle this is to say “no thank you” or “la shukran” (which means “no thank you” in Arabic). It is also helpful to avoid eye contact as this can encourage further advances. Finally, if the situation becomes too overwhelming, calmly excuse yourself and find a place with more people. By following these tips, you can ensure that your time exploring Marrakech remains safe and enjoyable!

Marrakech Scams

Sometimes people question whether Marrakech is safe as there are some well-known scams that unsuspecting tourists often fall for. That said, if you know what to look out for, you can easily avoid them and have a great trip. These are the scams I encountered when I was in the heart of Medina.

• Don’t fall for the ‘leather tanning factory’ scam.  You may get approached by someone telling you that a traditional ceremony is happening only on that day you mustn’t miss. If you follow, you will get taken far away from the heart of the media until you eventually get to a place where they tan the leather in different colours. They will usher you into the building and demand money to see how the tanning happens.
• Only let people put something on you if you’ve asked them to.  Some people try to drum up business by putting a bracelet around your wrist or starting to design a henna pattern on your skin in exchange for money. They can do this quickly, making it much harder to say no or not to pay someone when they’ve already started doing something, whether you want it or not.
• Avoid following directions from people who you haven’t asked.  If you get lost, speak to another tourist or someone from one of the markets you’ve bought from. Unfortunately, several people may offer what seems to be friendly advice. They will ask if you’re looking for the main square/exit and if they will point you where to go. However, they will tip off someone else on that route who will also give you directions. Typically, they expect money if you follow the direction, or they’re deliberately leading you somewhere you should avoid.

General Marrakech Travel Tips for Travellers 

Below are some of my top Marrakech travel tips that really helped me with my experience in this exciting country: 

• Brush up on your haggling skills . Be prepared to haggle for pretty much everything in the Medina. Have a clear price in your mind and walk away if the price isn’t right. A good rule of thumb is to half their initial offer and start from there.
• Grab a map of the Medina . The Medina is a maze, and all the market stalls and narrow roads begin to look the same. You need a map with clear entry and exit points to avoid getting lost. Unfortunately, some people pray on tourists getting lost. You may receive unsolicited advice on which direction to go, but this may divert you to somewhere else or is done in expectation of money.

• Dress respectfully . Morocco is an Islamic country, so you should dress appropriately for the culture. Wear something that covers your shoulders and knees if you’re a woman. It can be unbearably hot in Morocco, so wear light clothing that you are comfortable in and good walking shoes!
• Look at Hotels  a little further out.  Unless you want to stay in a riad around the Medina, it pays to stay at a hotel a little further out. This choice gives you a moment to relax from the chaos of the city, and you can typically have more facilities such as a pool you can enjoy.
• Be aware of the weather in Marrakech , which can range from hot summers to chilly winters. Pack accordingly for all seasons, especially during the summer when temperatures can reach 40°C! It will also help to bring a sunhat and sunglasses for protection from the harsh sunlight in this North African destination.
• Get familiar with the local currency  – Dirhams (MAD). Ensure you have access to plenty of cash, as ATMs may be challenging to find in some areas. Most vendors will accept Great British Pounds, US Dollars or Euros but expect to get a worse exchange rate when using them. If you need a currency card, I recommend Revolut for great conversion rates or Post Office Travel Money if getting cash.
• Make sure you’re insured  – Before you leave home, purchase comprehensive travel insurance to cover any eventualities while away from home.  Cover For You is my go to provider.
• Enjoy exploring this vibrant city  – just remember these general Marrakech travel tips!

Marrakech Travel Tips In Summary

Marrakech is a vibrant and exotic destination that can be overwhelming for travellers. Be sure to keep safe, pack the right things and to enjoy the experience most importantly. To make the most of your visit, consider these essential Marrakech Travel tips to ensure a memorable trip!

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Marrakech Travel Tips: What to Know so You Won’t Be Disappointed

Marrakesh is a place that travelers either love or hate. But it’s also one of these places where you need to adjust your expectations accordingly and be prepared that it’s a place like no other . I love Marrakesh.

In fact, I’ve been back to Marrakesh twice already since my first visit and I still feel like I need to come back to experience even more of it.

Read my tips and things to do before heading to Marrakesh to avoid disappointments. I hope you’ll fall in love with the city as much as I did. Even if you’re just traveling to Marrakech for a weekend .

Marrakesh Travel Tips: What to Know Not to Get Disappointed

1. don’t trust any weather forecasts.

Be prepared for both extremely hot and quite cold weather conditions.

Before coming to Marrakesh I triple-checked the weather forecast and it indicated 18-25 degrees all the time. I’m glad I took a coat before leaving home because it turned out it was freezing in Marrakesh.

Funnily enough, my phone still indicated 20 degrees. I swear it was no more than 7 Celsius (44 F).

2. Prepare to Get Lost No Matter What

In Marrakesh, you have to forget about maps. They simply don’t work there, especially in the Medina when the streets reminded me a lot of Italian ones, however way busier and more complicated.

Even Google Maps gets lost all the time, so try to remember your walk back to your riad or hotel.

My tip:  If you want to stay inside the Medina you might want to book a riad close to one of the gates. That way, if you get lost, you can easily ask someone about the name of the gate. Plus, you won’t need to carry your luggage very far from the taxi, since no cars are allowed inside the Medina.

3. Marrakesh is Safe for Female Travelers if You Take Precautions

I read a lot of female blogs that described how they were harassed by locals. I didn’t experienced such treatment on either my first or second visit.

In fact, I find Mexico more annoying and since  I’ve lived in Mexico  one can assume that it isn’t so bad.

Locals in Morocco were all really friendly to me. Sure, one or two people were annoying vendors, but I quickly replied to them in French that they should behave and I’m not buying anything, and they stopped. The same things keep happening in cities like New York, London, anywhere really…

4. Remember that a Word Means a Lot in Marrakech

Speaking of locals and their friendliness, there is one thing that changes a lot in Marrakesh – the meaning of the word “ promise “.

On the main square – Djemaa El Fna, there are plenty of different stalls selling food, dried fruits, and nuts, souvenirs, etc. When I went to get some of the dates and almonds with a girl from a hostel, the guy lowered the price for us after we promised we’d come back the next day.

At first, I didn’t honestly believe that, but I went back there the next day. I literally got four times more dates and nuts for about 20% of the original price. The guy told me that many tourists lie in order to get a good price, but if he sees good in people who are honest he doesn’t mind giving them as much as he can.

I must say that for every nice person in Marrakesh you can find one scam artist trying to fool tourists . If someone on the street is trying to talk to you in English and tells you out of the blue that some street is closed and drags you somewhere to buy something at their shop. 

5. Prepare to Argue With Taxi Drivers

Unfortunately, there are many taxi scams in Marrakesh . One of the most common places people are scammed is at the airport where it should cost you around 50-70 dirhams to get to the medina, but drivers won’t take you for less than 350.

I’m honestly not surprised they do that as I’ve seen many tourists agreeing to that price.

Unless you argue, you won’t be able to pay a normal price . One time arguing didn’t work for me, another I lowered the price to 100 dirhams which was still too much, but at least I didn’t get totally scammed.

That said, you might want to pre-book your taxi from the airport if you don’t feel like haggling after a long journey. This one is a reliable and affordable option.

6. You Can Book Luxurious Accommodation for Cheap

There are plenty of hostels & luxurious riads in Marrakesh and they’re all very cheap. There’s no need to spend a fortune on trendy spots like  La Mamounia  (unless you really want to stay there, but remember you can book their spa regardless). In fact, I think Royal Mansour is better quality 😉

During my first visit, I stayed at Riad Dar Anika which turned out to be way more than I could have asked for this price. I also visited Riad Be which was gorgeous, so I can vouch for it as well.

On my second visit with my husband, I stayed in a gorgeous riad for just $100 per night –  Riad Palais Sebban . This place was definitely one of a kind – just take a look at this pool below. 

7. Be Prepared for Craziness at Jamaa el Fna Square

Jamaa el Fna is the main square in Marrakesh and it’s absolutely crazy. People are going to try to make you buy things and make you pay for taking photos of them .

They might put snakes, monkeys, and everything else they can find, on your shoulders. Yes, they do abuse these animals.

But don’t let this discourage you from enjoying the square. I absolutely loved the food stalls there and would surely recommend them to any visitor. Sure, it’s touristy, but it’s not a tourist trap. 

8. There Are Two Different Sahara Trips – Don’t Be Fooled by Vendors

During my first visit to Morocco, I got totally screwed by a local tour operator. There was not much written about Morocco online back then, but these days you’re lucky that the research has been done for you.

You might be told that you can pick a 2 or 3-day trip to the desert from Marrakesh and they’re the same, just one is longer. They’re NOT THE SAME trips and lead to different places !

You can read about my first-hand experience with Zagora and Merzouga in a separate post . If you’re not a fan of organized tours you can also simply  rent a car  (that is totally safe and easy in Morocco!) and drive yourself to the desert at your own pace. You’ll just need to book a spot at the desert camp, last time I stayed at Merzouga Activities Camp . 

9. If You Don’t Have Enough Time for a Desert Trip – Do a Balloon Tour 

If you don’t have enough time to enjoy a full multi-day desert experience and cross the Atlas Mountain, you can get a taste of the mountains from the hot air balloon.

Actually, even if you do have time you should do a balloon tour as it gives you a completely different experience.

Where to Stay in Marrakesh?

Luxury: Riad Palais Sebban

Mid Range: Riad Vis Ta Vie

Budget: Kasbah Red Castel Hostel

Suggested Travel Insurance for Morocco:

• Safety Wing – It’s good and affordable insurance for travelers and expats. They’re easy to make claims with. 

Extra Tips for Marrakech:

• Lonely Planet Pocket Marrakesh
• Trick for saving on water:  If you want to save money on water get this water bottle . It’s a water bottle with a special filter that will allow you to drink tap water (or even some from the pond, puddle or waterfall) everywhere!

Any questions about Marrakesh or traveling to Morocco in general? Don’t hesitate to ask in the comments below!

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Tuesday 28th of November 2023

These are some great tips! We were in Marrakech a few years ago and I definitely agree that getting lost is part of the adventure. There's so much to see and take in

Jennifer M. Bell

Sunday 5th of February 2023

Marrakech is a popular tourist destination and can get very crowded, especially in the main square and markets.

mehdi berrada

Tuesday 22nd of March 2022

This is a wonderful article which helped me find this amazing hotel

Michelle Walton

Thursday 23rd of September 2021

Great info and blog. I am going to Marrakech to celebrate my 50th birthday; I fly out on 4th October and will arrive on 5th October (b-day is the 6th). We have booked a hot air balloon ride for the morning of my b-day, and wondered if you might have a recommendation for a great birthday dinner?

I found a restaurant Dar Moha, and I do like fine dining, but being a foodie, having enjoyed a few Michelin starred restaurants, I am more interested in the best gastronomy available. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Salut, Michelle

Anna Karsten

La Grande Table Marocaine at Royal Mansour won't disappoint for sure :)

Monday 20th of April 2020

Thank you so much for sharing your article Anna about Morocco. Keep doing a good job! Mohamed

• General Information

Tips for Visiting Marrakech

When travellers are forewarned they are forearmed, this is why this article contains a number of tips that will prove helpful when visiting Marrakech or any other city in Morocco.

Believe only half of what you are told 

When asking locals for directions to a specific tourist attraction , it is likely that they will tell you it is closed either because of holidays or because of a specific event taking place in the attraction.

They usually do this so they can easily persuade you to follow them and visit another monument or shop, where they will probably get a commission. Make sure to ask someone else or find another source to verify what you have been told.

Don’t take directions from strangers

If you are lost and want to find a specific shop or restaurant, we don't recommend asking for directions on the streets. Otherwise, you will probably be taken by a young man who will pretend to be heading that way, or wants to take the opportunity to practise his English, and end up in his brother, uncle or friend's shop. Sometimes you will find the shop to be interesting and there might be something you like, but in most cases you will find yourself even further away from where you wanted to go and a bit annoyed.

Some of the best salespeople

If you stop to look at something in a shop, it is very likely that five minutes later you end up inside having a mint tea with the owner while he tries to persuade you that his products are the best in Morocco.

No matter how sharp you might be and how little you want to buy something, you will most likely be persuaded to buy something you have absolutely no interest in, they're that good!

Do not get into a taxi without a taximeter

If you catch a cab and you realize the taximeter isn’t switched on, make sure they activate it . If they refuse to do so, get out and find another taxi.

Girls should stay away from large groups of men

We recommend girls travelling by themselves to keep away from groups of men that gather in Marrakech’s main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa at night. If they do, it is most likely that they will be molested.

Airport transfer service

If you arrive in Marrakech in the evening and it is the first time you visit Morocco, we recommend booking an airport transfer service to your riad in the medina with Introducing Marrakech . It is not very much more expensive than a normal taxi and you will be guaranteed a hassle-free journey and safe arrival at your riad.

Do not drink tap water

If you don’t want to be sick during your stay in Morocco we strongly recommend drinking bottled water only . Avoid eating salad and fruit that has been washed with tap water and if you ask for beverages, make sure you are not given ice.

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Safety and Security

Although Marrakech is a very safe city, it can give the impression of being a little insecure, especially if it is the first time in the country or in the Maghreb and you are not yet used to walking down the Medina’s dark alleyways.

In our photo albums, you'll find the best images of Marrakech. In this section, we have included all the photos you will find throughout our travel guide. 

Top 11 tips when visiting Marrakech

I recently took a 3 day trip over to Marrakech, to follow this up it seemed appropriate to tell you all what to expect before you visit. I hadn’t visited Marrakech before this trip so I didn’t really know what to expect and look out for but sometimes it’s quite nice arriving without expectations beyond a few basic tips. Marrakech and Morocco in general is becoming an even more popular destination this year so it seemed appropriate to share tips from one traveller to another. Here are our top 11 tips when visiting Marrakech!

1. The heat

Marrakech in the summer reaches desert-like temperatures, the heat is increased by the pink walled buildings and narrow alleyways. Definitely be prepared for this, keep hydrated, stay cool with thin loose clothing and in summer time (May-August) try to get all your exploring down in the morning or late afternoon!

2. You will be hassled

The best way to explain this is to say that you will essentially be walking dollar bills to many of the shop owners in the souks, all of them are keen to get you to purchase goods from their stores. Whether that be Moroccan shoes, carpets, spices, tea or foreign animals they’ll be keen to flog it all to you. After the first trip to the souks you’ll have got the hang of the polite ignore but sometimes it’s quite fun just to go along with it and learn about the products they’re selling, be careful though we spent a little time trying on Moroccan slippers and when we decided they didn’t look nearly as good on the shop owner got a little bit aggressive. Walk through the souks open to a little exploration, expect to be hassled but be firm with declining if you’re not interested. Don’t be put off by the locals from this however, the majority are incredibly friendly and willing to help wherever they can!

3. “I work for the hotel”

You may experience a man sidling up next to you as you leave your hotel and after you’ve dismissed his salesman advances of offering to show you a new market or good quality stall, he’ll do a little chuckle and say “don’t worry I work for the hotel!” We had a man claim he delivered the flowers to our hotel, me being incredibly gullible willingly followed him along whilst my boyfriend was a little more dubious, as the walk to this special market continued the validity of his claim to work for the hotel began to wane until we decided that it definitely wasn’t true and made a speedy getaway. Apparently this is quite a common tactic to get tourists to stalls so be careful and politely decline unless you really want to see what they’re offering!

As aforementioned you will essentially be walking money so prices will most definitely be put up when you ask. Say no and go in with a very low price that you’re prepared to budge up a little if they say no and have a maximum that you will walk away from if they don’t agree to it. The walking away tactic works very well because often as soon as they see that you’re leaving they’ll often agree to your offer. The likelihood is that they’re getting a very large profit on the item or items anyway so don’t worry if you think you’re being rude, it’s all part of the experience and more than expected by the salesmen!

5. Taxi Fares

One tip that was invaluable to our stay here was to agree with your cab driver the amount you’ll be paying before the journey begins. Also if you’re staying in a hotel make sure you ask the amount they advise a cab journey to be and then pitch it to the cab driver when you get in, usually they happily agree to it after sometimes trying to haggle a little. Try not to get into taxis that are lined up outside tourist sights such as the Majorelle Gardens,

6. Stay at a Riad

There’s hundreds of riads throughout the Medina and they’re the best place to stay to have a true Marrakech experience, they range from basic to the luxurious. You can find many on Airbnb or luxury hotels such as La Sultana or El Fenn are hotel composed from a number of converted riads, maintaining an authentic feel whilst also providing a comfortable and luxurious stay. Whilst there are a number of more swanky hotels in the new city, if you want to be in the heart of the city with your own little sanctuary away from the craziness then a riad is definitely your best bet!

7. Clothing

Whilst Marrakech isn’t as conservative as visiting many Arabian countries, it is still a predominantly Muslim country and you should respect that culture. So whilst it’s very hot try to veer away from skimpy outfits, ladies that means no mini skirts and men try not to wear tank tops. Marrakech is full of tourists so locals are more  accustomed to the odd scantily clad visitor but if you don’t want to draw unwanted attention to yourself then dress appropriately. It’s just as easy to keep cool by dressing in floaty clothing that covers more than walking around in beach wear, it’s always important to respect and research the culture you’re visiting, you’re going to be in the minority so be aware and respect that! The streets are also often uneven or cobbled so bring sensible and comfortable shoes for all the walking you’ll be doing.

8. Useful phrases and words 

It’s always helpful to have a little knowledge of some key words when visiting a country, Marrakech has two predominant languages, Arabic and French, but many also speak a little English too. So here are 3 Arabic words that will be useful for your trip. If you know a little French using that goes a long way too!

Thank you = “Choukran”  and  “La Choukran” = “No Thank you”,  pronounced “shokran”.

“Where is … ? “= “Feen … ?” Pronounced “fin”.

“Hello” = “Salam Alikome” , this also means ‘peace be with you’ and is used as a greeting.

Two main points here, first, do not take photos of the locals without permission, second, do not take photos of monkeys/snake charmers in the main square. The first point is for cultural reasons, they believe that pictures capture their soul and so unless you have permission try to avoid taking pictures of local people in Marrakech.  Secondly, do not take photos of the monkeys on chains or the snakes being charmed in the main square unless you’re willing to pay a hefty sum for the privilege. On this note also be careful of taking obvious photos of the stores as they may try and make you pay or buy something for doing so.

10.  Money

It’s best to convert enough money in the airport and bring some extra of your currency (GBP, USD, AUD etc) to change at bureaus in the city centre. This is because we found it quite challenging to find cash points that actually worked without walking in the complete opposite direction. There’s a number of Exchange Bureaus when you arrive at Marrakech Menara airport or convert some before you head over there. Don’t carry all your money around with you for obvious safety reasons but you’ll get quite a lot for your money with the Moroccan Dirham’s and if you’re eating out at simple restuarants in the city the food is relatively cheap so don’t carry around more than you need!

11. Food and Water

It’s best to drink bottled water whilst you’re here to avoid any unwanted contamination. The food as long as it’s hot and freshly cooked is usually fine to eat anywhere. Definitely try and eat local cuisine as it’s always going to be better and is likely to be the most fresh items on the menu. Try the food at the night market and also at the cafes overlooking the main square, they’re all delicious and much cheaper than eating at the more upmarket restaurants that are predominantly located in the new town or at the luxury hotels. You must also try the mint tea here, it’s exquisite and deliciously sugary!

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Solo Travel Guide to Marrakech: Safety Tips and Cultural Etiquette

Essential Safety Tips for Solo Travellers

There are certain rules for any solo travellers and it doesn ’ t really matter where you are. 

Be careful. Be aware of your surroundings. Always carry your hotel address on you. Keep cash in your pocket and in your purse / wallet. Walk in well lit streets. Do research in advance. Know where you are going. Be streetwise.

Streetwise Travel in Marrakech

There is no difference to travelling alone in Marrakech say than there is in Mumbai, New York, Katmandu or Singapore.  You need to be streetwise where-ever you go. And you should always do research in advance.  Chat to your hosts or the concierge at your hotels.  Ask if it is safe to walk, or if you should get a taxi.  Ask if it is ok to be on your own?  And then make decisions.

Marrakech: A Friendly and Vibrant City

Marrakech is a busy, bustling and sometimes chaotic town. It is what makes it so interesting – the narrow alleys, the bustling markets, the traffic and the many people.  It is also an incredibly friendly place.  Moroccans in Marrakech know that they need tourists and understand how important tourism is to the economy.  As a solo traveller, they want to keep you safe.  They only want good stories.  They will welcome you and look after you.

Staying Safe and Respectful

#But you still need to be streetwise.  Don ’ t trust everyone you meet, keep your money safe, and only ask questions from people who you think are there to help. If you are a woman alone and somebody is harassing you, move away as quickly as you can.  Don ’ t go into quiet streets on your own and ignore cat calling. Hopefully there isn ’ t any, but be aware.  If you are nervous, get a guide for the day.  In fact, when exploring Marrakech it is recommended anyway that you get a guide to help you negotiate the streets but also to ensure you see and find all the fabulous places.

Exploring Marrakech’s Cultural Gems

You can visit palaces and mosques on your own. Maybe use a guidebook, or read up in advance so you know what you are looking at.  Always keep cash in small denominations, both for entrance fees and for tipping.  And remember, keep cash in two places, just in case you lose your wallet or it gets stolen. It ’ s unlikely but in any big place, things can happen.  

Embrace the Solo Travel Experience

There are a lot of solo travellers in Morocco, usually young and adventurous.  If you are travelling on your own, you will likely meet up and make new friends quickly. There are many fabulous restaurants and coffee shops where you will feel totally comfortable alone, and always try the street cafes too.  When you walk around the old town or Medina, have fun, don ’ t feel too anxious about where you are, but have a landmark in your mind so you don ’ t get lost.  And dress appropriately.  For women, even in peak summer, dress modestly .  And if you are going to enter a mosque or similar, you should read up on the ground rules regarding dress.  You never want to offend anyone.

Street Map of Marrakech

Morocco solo travel tours.

Morocco Solo Adventure Tour

7 day holiday.

Experience the ultimate solo travel adventure in Morocco with our Marrakech & Sahara Holiday. This unforgettable journey is not only safe and hassle-free, but it also offers stunning sights and expert guides to accompany you every step of the way. Immerse yourself in the ancient medina of Marrakech and witness the breathtaking beauty of the High Atlas Mountains. Our professionally conducted Hammam & Massage services guarantee top-notch hygiene standards. Trust our local drivers to safely transport you to the Sahara Desert, where knowledgeable locals will guide you through an incredible camel trekking experience to the luxurious Desert Camp at Erg Chegaga. History buffs will be thrilled by visits to secure historic sites such as the Kasbah of Telouet and Ait Ben Haddou, with regular security measures in place. Rest easy in a safe and stylish boutique hotel in Ouarzazate, a city renowned for its cinematic history. Count on the warm hospitality of the Moroccan communities to create a friendly and memorable environment throughout your trip.

2-5 Day Tour

Experience a safe and unforgettable Morocco Desert Tour from Marrakech with Moroccan Journeys. Our top priority is your safety, and we take care of every detail along the way. Our professional guides and well-planned itineraries provide peace of mind. Trust our experienced local drivers to navigate the High Atlas Mountains effortlessly. Stay in stylish boutique hotels that prioritize your comfort and safety. Explore popular attractions like Ait Ben Haddou and Hollywood Atlas Studios under careful supervision. The off-road dunes drive and camel trek to the Luxury Desert Camp are guided by locals who know the terrain inside out. If you’re considering solo travel in Morocco, choose Moroccan Journeys for a secure and unforgettable adventure.

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Morocco Guided Tours: Exploring Marrakech’s Hidden Gems

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Travelguide Marrakech

Tips for your holiday in Morocco

Your travel guide to Marrakech and Morocco

Marrakech is one of Morocco’s most exciting destinations. You should aim to spend at least a few days in the “Red City“ if you are to get a true sense of its unique ambience. Take the time to meander through the souks in the Medina, visit some of Morocco’s most beautiful buildings and soak up an exotic atmosphere redolent of the 1,001 nights.

Alongside Fez, Meknès and Rabat, Marrakech is one of Morocco’s four royal cities. Its history can be traced back to the 11th Century. Many great dynasties have left their mark here. Monumental buildings such as the El-Badi Palace and the Bahia Palace have borne witness to the passage of time in one the Islamic world’s most important outposts.

Among the souks of the Medina, the atmosphere can be confronting in its intensity. Unfamiliar colours, smells and sounds overwhelm the senses. At the heart of this bustle and chaos is the Jemaa el-Fnaa. The so-called Beheading Square exerts an enduring fascination. Here, you can experience snake-charmers, storytellers and musicians. As night falls, the scent of food stalls envelopes the square. It is fair to say that you haven’t really been to Marrakech unless you have experienced the Jemaa el-Fnaa.

Marrakech is located in the western part of southern Morocco. The “Red City” is not just a dream destination for a city-break, but the perfect place from which to set off on a tour of the coast, the High Atlas Mountains or the Sahara.

Travel time and weather

Marrakech is worth visiting at any time of year. Although temperatures do fluctuate throughout the seasons, you will generally find that – apart from mid-Summer, which can be uncomfortably hot – the climate is usually more pleasant than it is in Europe.

In the months of April, May, September and October, all options are open to you when planning a trip. These are the best times to travel to Morocco.

At other times of the year, some limitations may apply. For example, in the summer, the Sahara becomes very hot, especially during the middle of the day.

• Ideal travel time for travelling to Marrakech
• The weather in Morocco

Holiday duration

You should allow at least three days for your visit to Marrakech. This is enough time to get a proper feel for the city, and to see most of the important attractions.

If you would like to see more of Morocco during your trip, take the time to plan an excursion or small tour outside of the city.

Around 7-10 days is a good length of time to spend on a first visit to southern Morocco. Of course, the more time you have, the more flexible you will be able to be when making arrangements.

Getting there

The quickest and easiest way to travel to Morocco from Europe is by plane. Flights from Germany usually take around 4 and a half hours. Return flights cost between 80 und 300 Euros.

There is a regular shuttlebus from the airport to the city-centre. Taxis are also available. Private transfers are scarcely any more expensive, but much less hassle.

• Get into town from Marrakech Airport
• Private Airport transfers

Accommodation in Marrakech

Marrakech offers a wide variety of accommodation and you will generally find that you are spoilt for choice when searching for a hotel. It is definitely worth choosing a nice riad in the medina. Many of these are townhouses which have been luxuriously renovated. They generally have green inner courtyards and are true pearls, which will make your holiday unforgettable.

There are also various conventional hotels in the newer part of the city, as well as a number of hostels for those on a budget.

• The 10 most beautiful riads in Marrakech
• Hostels in Marrakech

The most beautiful sights in Marrakech

Marrakech has no shortage of fascinating buildings, small museums, gardens and exhibitions. The less time you have, the more difficult it will be to decide what to do.

For most, the absolute must-sees in Marrakech are the Bahia Palace, the Koutoubia Mosque, the Medersa Ben Youssef and the Jardin Majorelle.

• Overview: Sights in Marrakech

What to do in Marrakech?

If you would like to explore beyond the impressive palaces of Marrakech, take the time to arrange an excursion or some exciting activities.

This might mean anything from a half-day cookery course, to a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise, to a desert tour lasting several days

• Day trips and excursions
• Desert tours

The Anima Garden: A Trip to the “Island of the Blessed”

A trip to André Heller’s Anima Garden is a journey into another world where art and nature are lovingly intertwined. Find out more about the most beautiful garden in Morocco! This breath-taking dream of greenery in an otherwise barren landscape

Camel rides in Marrakech

You don’t necessarily need to go to the Moroccan desert to enjoy a camel ride. Short excursions just outside of Marrakech give you the chance to experience an adventure on camelback. For example, camel tours are popular as the sun is setting over the Palmeraie.

Desert Tour from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga

A three-day desert safari from Marrakech to Erg Chegaga. This organised tour takes you on a drive through the diverse landscapes of Southern Morocco and you’ll spend two nights in the Sahara. One word of caution though: This trip potentially offers an all-time holiday highlight that’s hard to beat.

Trekking in the Atlas Mountains (3 days)

The Toubkal National Park is the ideal place for hiking in the Marrakech region. If you go on a guided trekking tour, you’ll experience the Atlas Mountains first-hand against the breath-taking backdrop of snow-capped peaks, luscious valleys and secluded Berber villages. A field report.

A cooking class at the House of Fusion for foodies, amateur chefs and gourmets

Gourmets and ambitious amateur chefs will really get their money’s worth by taking part in the cooking class at the House of Fusion. Along with her students, Hostess Edwina puts together an ingenious 8-course meal in honour of traditional Moroccan cuisine. A field report.

Private transfers in Morocco

For transport between cities in Morocco you can choose between bus, train, rental car or shared taxi. However, it can also be worth considering the private transfers of professional travel agencies, as these may can spare you time and stress

Field report: Atlas Mountains & 4 Valleys Day Trip

A day trip to the nearby Atlas is a great addition to a longer stay in Marrakech. On this tour, you will explore four different valleys and experience the landscape diversity of Morocco. This day trip is designed for small

Day trips and excursions from Marrakech

Marrakech is a perfect base for day trips beyond the suqs of the medina. Experience the various Moroccan landscapes in the lush and fertile Ourika-Valley, the Portuguese-style coastal town of Essaouira, the Toubkal National Park or at the Ouzoud Waterfalls

Field report: Private Airport Transfer in Marrakech with Getyourguide

There are many ways to get from Marrakech’s Menara Airport into the city centre. Apart from shuttle bus services and taxis you can by now book convenient airport transfers easily online. Here’s a field report on Getyourguide. A four-hour-flight (depending

How to get into town from Marrakech’s Menara Airport

After having sat in a plane for hours and having passed passport desk and visa control you will find yourself in the entrance hall of spacious Menara Airport. If you have booked an organised trip or planned otherwise in advance,

Travel tips for Morocco

There are some cultural differences that you will need to bear in mind during your travels. Many things are simply done differently in Morocco, from attitudes to alcohol to the practice of haggling.

In our FAQs you will find advice on a range of topics from changing currency, renting a car, using the internet, alcohol, homosexuality and travelling as an unmarried couple.

• FAQ: Travel in Morocco
• Tips for your first holidays in Marrakech
• Currency and money
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Morocco is a very safe country to visit. Statistically speaking, robbery and violent crime rates are lower than they are in many European countries. Even in large cities like Marrakech with large numbers of tourists, unpleasant situations are very unusual.

This at least partly because the consumption of alcohol is frowned upon under Islam.

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Solo Female Traveller Marrakech Guide + TOP Tips | Morocco

Morocco is a vibrant and beautiful country. It’s one of the closest African countries to travel to from the UK, with no time difference, meaning no jet lag, that’s always a bonus! But ‘Is it safe for women travelling alone? ‘ This is one of the most common questions for solo female travellers going to Marrakech.

As a solo female traveller arriving at Marrakesh  Menara airport you start to get the feel for the place, there’s a buzz around and you immediately feel welcomed into the city…. later to possibly be identified as the Moroccan hassle!

As with any new location, arriving is when you feel the most nervous, that point when you’ve not found your bearings!

I loved my time in Morocco and would definitely visit again. 

(In fact, I  visited Morocco  last December to do some winter hiking in the Atlas mountains, plus a few days in Marrakech – you can read my winter guide to hiking the Atlas Mountains here.

This is the ultimate ‘Marrakesh Guide’ for anyone travelling there to give you a bit of a heads up on what to expect from Marrakech , especially a few tips if you are a solo female traveller .

Here’s my Marrakech Guide which includes top tips for solo female travellers.

Top Tips For Visiting Marrakech (+ Tips For Female Travellers)

Arriving into marrakesh, the beautiful koutoubia mosque.

I love that part of solo travelling, I’ve only been in the country less than half an hour and already the locals are being friendly and helpful.

As a solo female traveller, I often prefer to use public transport . Why? One because it’s cheaper but two because I feel safer travelling on public transport than alone in a taxi. Ask the bus driver to tell you which stop to get off at in central Marrakech if you are worried about missing your stop.

Bus information

The L19 bus takes 13 minutes to get to the main centre from Marrakech Airport. The fifth stop is the Jemaa el Fna, so easy to know you’re in the right place.

The first bus leaves at 6.30 am and the last one is at 10.30 pm, then they go at very regularly 10 minutes intervals so you never have to wait very long!

Cost: 30 MAD (Approx £2.40 GPB or $3.10 USD)

Becky’s Marrakech Tip

• Taxi negotiations can be a pain . I would recommend buying the return bus ticket so you have a stress free departure and cheaper if you’re travelling solo (30 MAD single or 50 MAD return)**

Marrakesh Guide

Exploring the souks, be prepared to get lost…. very lost.

As a solo female traveller, I literally could not walk a step with someone trying to entice me into their stall. “Come look at this… your shoes are so pretty (they weren’t)… I like your dress… where are you from”. I’m a polite person but after a day in Marrakesh, I ended up adopting the walk fast option just to escape. Even in a group, you will be hassled but alone you’re certainly targeted more since you aren’t already talking to someone!

The approach of the stallholders in the Marrakech souks is direct so be prepared when you start to explore. Embrace the experience and walk confidently, even if you don’t feel like that!

Becky’s Tips for solo travellers

• Take a bottle of water (it’s hot).
• Look for the signs back to the Jemaa el Fna square (I didn’t spot these the first time)
• Walk confidently, I promise you will make it out!
• As a solo traveller, be prepared that you will be hassled more than couples or groups

Marrakesh Main Medina

A 24-hour buzz in the famous jemaa el fna square.

Amongst the crowds of people selling various products and services, there are sadly a few things I really hated. It’s common in the main Medina for Moroccans to dress monkeys up in outfits to pose for photos. I can’t bear seeing things like this, even worse is watching tourists handing over money , encouraging it to continue.

Please think before you do this.

And it’s the same with the cobras, which are drugged to perform. I don’t agree with it and it saddens me when I see so many people still lining up for photos :(.

No photos are free in Marrakesh, as I found out after these guys insisted (I said ‘no thanks’ about 5 times) I take their photo, then demanded money.

If you’re travelling solo it’s likely that you’ll be targeted more from these photo sellers in Marrakech! Don’t let it put you off from exploring though.

Becky’s Tip for solo travellers

• Walk and smile or failing that run…. haha only joking 🙂
• Be prepared for the stallholders to approach you as you walk past the stalls.
• Take a lightweight tripod to capture photos of yourself on your Marrakech trip

Marrakesh Guide to Nightlife

Experiencing nightlife in marrakesh main medina.

At night the Jemaa el Fna Square comes to life (even more). Metal frames are transformed into food stalls with numbers against them. They all sell pretty similar food, it’s mainly a BBQ style but there are huge menus to choose from a range of different things from.

It’s great to wander around to decide where you want to eat. But some of the Moroccans can start to get annoyed if you don’t pick their stall. And I encountered some that were quite aggressive.”Come here eat my food, no you can eat more, you are too skinny you need more food……”. Arhhh chill guys!

It can be a little intimidating as a female traveller on your own . Keep your bag close to you, be confident and if you feel unsure move on. Alternatively, there are many other solo travellers about so you can always buddy up with someone for the evening.

Marrakech can be a little intimidating as a female traveller on your own

As the evening continues in the Marrakech, there are people storytelling and musicians playing all in little groups over the medina , some with huge crowds and some with just a few. I preferred the smaller groups, they made you feel welcome and part of the group.

Some of the larger groups came round asking for money , even when you had only just arrived. There’s no filming or photography so be prepared to be told to stop if you try…. better still enjoy the entertainment!

Becky’s Marrakech Tips

• If you’ve already eaten still be expected for the hassle. Maybe best to just avoid!
• Take some small change with you so you can tip the artists/musicians that you love because they don’t offer change if you only have large notes!

*Check prices for Morocco flights now with  Skyscanner.com

Jardin Majorelle Marrakesh Guide

Step away from the marrakesh madness at jardin majorelle.

Jardin Majorelle is a beautiful garden hidden behind a wall from the main road, it’s about 40  minutes walk from the main medina, the entrance fee is Dh70* . It is a real treat once you step inside, huge bamboo towering above you as soon as you enter.

As you carelessly wander around Jardin Majorelle  you forget all about the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh life outside the walls. Inside there’s also a Berber museum (you can pay extra to visit).  And a café so you can take your time and spend a few hours there relaxing.

Marrakesh Guide – Overall thoughts + Solo Female Travel

On reflection from my time travelling in Morocco , like any big city, Marrakesh was a great place to visit and experience. As a solo female traveller, there was the extra effort required at times but that’s part of the experience and  as long as you are sensible and prepared you will have no problems.

You might like to read: 15 reasons to trek Mt Toubkal

For me though, there were other places in Morocco to explore. And it’s one of the reasons after summitting Mount Toubkal in the Atlas Mountain , instead of spending my last three days in Marrakesh. I jumped on a bus and visited a gorgeous place called Essaouira on the coast where I had a very amusing experience in  my first Moroccan Hamman.

Morocco is a country I would love to go back to. There’s the famous blue Chefchaouen which I would love to see. And of course, Casablanca looks amazing. If you looking for some more inspiration for your Morocco trip? Check out   Study Hard Travel Smart’s blog  for tips on visiting Casablanca and of course, a tour in the Sahara Desert would be amazing.

I hope you found this Marrakesh Guide useful and I wish you a lovely trip 🙂

Do I think Marrakech is safe for solo female travellers?

My honest opinion is that Marrakech is a safe place to visit. Although I did find it high maintenance when I was out exploring. It’s not as relaxing at times due to the amount of HASSLE I received.

I genuinely felt the attention I received in Marrakech was all harmless

However, I genuinely felt the attention I received in Marrakech was all harmless but depending on how you react in those situations you may want to consider if this is the right destination for you to visit alone.  Although, for my trek in the Atlas Mountains I opted to book a tour guide to lead the way wth G Adventures !

More Things to Do in Morocco

• Try a traditional Moroccan Hamman
• Go hiking in the Atlas Mountains (Mt Toubkal in summer)

Are you visiting Marrakesh or have you already been? Do you have any more questions about solo female travel in Marrakech? Tell me about in the comments below and share any more tips for solo travellers or ask me any questions.

Save on your Morocco Pinterest Board

**Marrakesh/Marrakech Guide – All prices correct at time of writing February 2017 (Updated March 2018).

*Becky the Traveller participates in the Amazon Services Associates Programme, as well as other affiliate programmes. If you make a purchase through these, I earn from the qualifying links. This is at no extra cost to you. Read more here .

Becky the Traveller

34 thoughts on “ solo female traveller marrakech guide + top tips | morocco ”.

Cool! I’m going to Morocco sometime this year, so this is a great guide. Thanks.

Ah that’s fantastic, Morocco is lovely you will have a great time. I have also just written a post about visiting a Moroccan Hamman, which is a must do experience too 🙂

Thank you for this. Very informative. I’m going 27 November only for 2 nights. My first time to tour alone. Will there be problem carrying selfie stick? I should be used to people harrassing as it’s like that in Philippines. Maybe if I dress like a tomboy would be better ☺️

Ah that’s a pleasure I’m glad you found it useful. I think you’ll be fine with the selfie stick, I had my big SLR camera with me the whole time!! Ha ha I don’t think it matters what you wear. Funny I actually had a Moroccan guy hassling me on Instagram messages the other day, it obviously doesn’t matter if you’re there in person or not!!

Oh I so did not know that they have the same time zone as UK! I’ve always wanted to go. Flight used to be so cheap there but I think it’s not the case anymore 🙁

Ah you should still go, it’s pretty cheap when you get there, food, accom and travel so it kind of evens itself out 🙂

So much purple lol! Great read. Looks like an interesting place minus the typical vendors hassaring for business!

Ha ha thanks Shaun, I like purple… hope it didn’t put you off!!! Yes it’s a great place to visit, you kind of get used to how the vendors hassle you, I just thought it was nice to prepare people then it’s not as much of a shock!!!

I would love to visit Marrkesh! I want to wander the median! I’m pretty brace but I think I would be nervous to be there as a solo female though.

Ah I hope I didn’t put you off, honestly I am sure you would be fine. I think it’s just important to act confident even if you are not and ask for help if you need it not from those that are hassling but from others. I met many a kind person, one who directed me out of the souks the first time I got lost!!

Great article. We have been in Morocco last year and we LOVED IT ! Good to see others opinions about the same place. Good photos too. Please have a look at our Morocco post and write what you wish you have done from our list 🙂

Great thanks very much. Yes it is really a lovely place, just wanted to give people a head’s up on what to expect, it’s useful to be armed… especially with small change! Yes I will take a look thanks 🙂

Not really been on our radar, Marrakech By Night would be a wonderful experience. Thanks for the share.

Yeah it’s a really buzz at night, I could have spent hours going round the different muscians and performers. Would defintely recommend a visit if it’s not too far for you 🙂

Wow, this looks like an interesting trip! Good tips about taking a bus to prevent having to negotiate a taxi, and about photos not being free. The Jardin Marjorelle looks like a nice change of pace after visiting the market.

Hey Becky, these are some really practical tips. A lot of them would apply to India as well. Glad you shared your experience and learning along with it. Makes it easier for anyone heading here. Well done!

Marrakesh sounds like quite the bustling city! I think I’d be like you, and love the square but also hate it. Here in Mexico the vendors can be insistent in their sales pitches, but not nearly at bad as you describe! It looks beautiful though, I’d love to visit it one day.

I love reading about solo adventures. I haven’t been to Morocco yet but it will likely be solo or on a photo tour. Good to know in advance that people will expect payment if you take their photo. I love street photography so that’s always challenging and a bit awkward for me.

Such a great read. I would love to travel to Marrakesh and this made me more eager to go…apart from the hassle… why is there always the hassle!!!!

Marrakesh always struck me as a colourful and a vibrant place. It’s lovely markets to the beautiful architecture, Your tips for travel are indeed sensible and practical and sure to make the Marrakesh experience something to cherish for a long, long time.

I have been twice, love so much this city. I am also a loyal customer to my orange juice seller ahaha, they are the bests in the world 🙂 Miss the vibe from there!!

Yes they are indeed, just what you need on a hot day. It’s such a buzz I loved it. Sounds like you like it if you have been twice 🙂

Your pictures are beautiful. I completely enjoyed going through your post and some of the tips are really really helpful. My personal opinion is that these business vendors push you for buying in all the countries and it is damn annoying.

Ah thank you so much, glad my tips were helpful. I completely agree that you have people push you into buying their products, I have experienced this myself too but I think Marrakech has to be the worst so far!! I know they are doing it because they are promoting their business but if they chilled a bit more I would be much more inclined to browse in the shops and maybe even buy things!

Some good tips, especially about being prepared to pay everyone for everything! I remember walking past a band playing in Jemaa el Fna, I glanced at them, they then insisted I tip them as I’d looked! Is the dentist guy still there? That garden looks amazing – I love the blue building set in the green gardens. And you’re right about visiting Essaouira – a lovely town. Toubkal mountain is also great!

Hi Emily, great thanks, yes useful to know about having small change. ha ha so funny I remember to dentist, I actually took a photo of all the teeth and no one was there but as soon as he heard the click he came running over. I just offered to delete photo, what was I ever going to do with it ha ha!!

Jardin Marjorelle is gorgeous, would recommend a visit if you are going back, so relaxing too. Did you climb Mt Toubkal too? I am just writing my post about my adventure!

Bookmarked this, Becky! I plan to go to Morocco this year as part of my travel bucket list this 2017. I usually travel alone as a backpacker and being female, this article sounds interesting and helpful for me. Aside from Marrakesh, any other points of interest you would like to recommend?

Hi Monica, that’s great to hear, whenabouts in 2017 are you hoping on visiting? Glad you found it useful, I think a lot of things you figure out after a day or two but sometimes it’s just nice to know a bit more information in advance! I also did a trip in the Atlas Mountains, climbing Mt Toubkal if you like adventures. I am just writing my blog post on so feel free to look out for that in the next week or so.

I also visiting a place called Essaouira, my recent blog post on visiting a Moroccan Hamman/Spa shows a couple of photos from there but again I will be writing up about soon. I would defintely recommend a visit, it’s a lovely little place, like a mini Marrakech but also on the coast so has a great fishing market too.

Man, this is good timing! I’m heading there next week, so I’ll definitely be kindly bookmarking this page!

Ah that’s fantastic, hope you have an amazing time. Be sure to check out my other post on trying a Moroccan Hamman, that’s an experience you should defintely try!

Hello! Someone in my Facebook gfoup shared this website with us so I came to look it over.

I’m definitely enjoying the information. I’m bookmarking and will be tweeting this to my followers! Fantastic blog and great style and design.

Ah that’s fantastic, thanks so much 🙂

Solo traveling is very difficult for female solo travelers. You share the information is really very helpful for solo female travelers. Nice information. Thanks!

Thanks, David, it’s nice for a male to appreciate our difficulties! Have a great day and happy travels

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Announcing the Hot List Winners of 2024

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants , and cruise ships , a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech, or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List hotel winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

North Island Okavango

Angama Amboseli

Jannah Lamu

Farasha Farmhouse , Marrakech

Kozo Kigali

Waldorf Astoria Seychelles Platte Island — Seychelles

SOUTH AFRICA

Nikkei Cape Town

Molori Mashuma , Mana Pools National Park

Pemako Punakha

Regent Hong Kong

Mementos by ITC Hotels, Ekaaya Udaipur

Naar , Darwa

Papa's , Mumbai

Cap Karoso , Sumba

Further , Bali

Locavore NXT Bali

Le Pristine Tokyo

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza

Trunk(Hotel) Yoyogi Park , Tokyo

Shinta Mani Mustang - A Bensley Collection , Jomsom

SOUTH KOREA

JW Marriott Jeju Resort & Spa

Pot Au Phở , Ho Chi Minh

Le Foote , Sydney

Southern Ocean Lodge , Kangaroo Island

Sun Ranch , Byron Bay

MIDDLE EAST

Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

SAUDI ARABIA

Six Senses Southern Dunes , Umluj

The St. Regis Riyadh

UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

The Guild , Dubai

SIRO One Za'abeel, Dubai

Soul Kitchen , Dubai

The Lana, Dorchester Collection , Dubai

Koan , Copenhagen

Hotel Maria , Helsinki

1 Place Vendôme , Paris

The Carlton Cannes, a Regent Hotel , Cannes

Datil , Paris

Hôtel Le Grand Mazarin , Paris

La Nauve Hôtel & Jardin , Cognac

Rosewood Munich

Mandarin Oriental, Costa Navarino

Monument , Athens

One&Only Aesthesis , Athens

Highland Base Kerlingarfjöll

Bulgari Hotel Roma , Rome

Trattoria del Ciumbia , Milan

Hotel La Palma , Capri

La Roqqa , Porto Ercole

Nolinski Venezia , Venice

Palazzo Roma , Rome

Saporium , Florence

Hotel Violino d’Oro , Venice

Mamula Island

NETHERLANDS

De Durgerdam , Amsterdam

Canalha , Lisbon

Andreu Genestra , Mallorca

Barro , Ávila

César Lanzarote , Lanzarote

Hotel Corazón , Mallorca

Grand Hotel Son Net , Mallorca

Palacio Arriluce , Getxo

Son Vell Menorca , Menorca

The Peninsula Istanbul

UNITED KINGDOM

Broadwick Soho , London

Chishuru , London

The Devonshire , London

Chelsea Townhouse, London

Estelle Manor , Cotswolds

Fish Shop , Ballater The Peninsula London

Raffles London at The OWO

Colima 71 , Mexico City

Maizajo Mexico City

Maroma, A Belmond Hotel , Riviera Maya

Riviera Maya EDITION

The St. Regis Kanai Resort , Riviera Maya

SOUTH AMERICA

Casa Lucía , Buenos Aires

Trescha , Buenos Aires

Oseille , Rio de Janiero

99 Restaurante, Santiago

Our Habitas Atacama , San Pedro de Atacama

Puqio , Arequipa

THE CARIBBEAN

Silversands Beach House

UNITED STATES

The Celestine , New Orleans

Dawn Ranch , Sonoma, California

The Fifth Avenue Hotel , New York

Fontainebleau Las Vegas

The Georgian , Santa Monica, California

The Global Ambassador , Phoenix

Hotel Bardo, Savannah

Ilis , New York

Kiln , San Francisco

Kona Village, a Rosewood Resort , Kona, Hawaii

Maty's , Miami

Warren Street Hotel , New York

Yess , Los Angeles

World Voyager, Atlas Ocean Voyages

CRUISE SHIPS

Silver Nova , Silversea

Norwegian Viva

Seven Seas Grandeur , Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Oceania Vista

World Voyager , Atlas Ocean Voyages

Scenic Eclipse II

Emerald Sakara

Celebrity Ascent

Seabourn Pursuit

Icon of the Seas , Royal Caribbean

MSC Euribia

Viking Aton

Resilient Lady , Virgin Voyages

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler's Hot List issue. Never miss an issue when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler.

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In Paris and Beyond, 6 Sumptuous European Hotels

For Olympics-goers and just plain vacationers, here are new accommodations that offer a special taste of France, Italy and Greece.

By Stephanie Rosenbloom

If you’re planning to attend the Paris Olympics and see a bit of Europe this summer, you have a variety of plush new hotels from which to choose (though they’re likely to fill up quickly). Whether you’re going to the Games or simply going on vacation, you’ll find fresh boutique properties in Paris and many more that are an easy flight away, be it to the French Riviera, Rome, or fittingly, an island in Greece, the birthplace of the ancient games .

Hôtel Balzac

Beginning June 1, after a two-year renovation, Hôtel Balzac , a member of Relais & Châteaux , the luxury hotel and restaurant network, is planning to open in the Eighth Arrondissement, within walking distance of the Champs-Élysées. Meant to feel like a Parisian home and inspired by 1930s style, the hotel is a sister property of the cozy Relais Christine in the Sixth Arrondissement, as well as the Saint James Paris in the 16th Arrondissement.

With interiors designed by Festen Architecture , there will be 58 rooms and suites in soothing neutral hues, some with views of the Eiffel Tower. Beyond your room you’ll find a lounge where you can enjoy breakfast before strolling the famous boulevard; a Japanese-inspired spa for treatments upon your return; a cocktail bar; and Pierre Gagnaire , a Michelin-starred restaurant with modern French cuisine. Prices from 590 euros, or about $630 a night.

Maison Proust

Like several of the latest hotels in Paris, such as Hotel Norman and Le Grand Mazarin , this hot spot in the Marais is an intimate affair with just 23 rooms and suites. A homage to the novelist Marcel Proust , the hotel features sumptuous spaces that conjure the Belle Époque and in them you’ll discover objects linked to the hotel’s namesake, including an autographed copy of “Swann’s Way.”

Designed by Jacques Garcia , the French interior decorator known for luxurious spaces like the Hôtel Costes in Paris and La Mamounia in Marrakech, Maison Proust is a member of the Collection Maisons Particulières , a group of hotels designed to feel like mansions. Each of the glamorous rooms are inspired by personalities from Proust’s world, including Colette and Monet.

If you can’t manage to nab one, you can still visit the bar where on Fridays, Colin Field , formerly the head bartender at Bar Hemingway at the storied Ritz Paris , is now creating cocktails (from 25 euros, or about $27) like L’Élixir de Proust, with raspberry essence and Champagne. You can also unwind at Spa La Mer , where there’s a hammam and pool.

Yet even without all that, the hotel’s location in the Marais — amid restaurants, shops and destinations like the Musée National Picasso-Paris and the Musée Carnavalet — makes it an enviable spot from which to step out and explore one of the world’s most walkable cities. Prices from €950 (with slight seasonal variation).

St.-Tropez, France

Arev saint tropez.

Within walking distance of the colorful village of St.-Tropez, this 43 room-and-suite hotel opened in March with flowering trees, a pool surrounded by striped umbrellas, and an outdoor bar where frozen rosé awaits. The popular Pampelonne Beach and its beach clubs are a brief drive away, while smaller nearby beaches offer the opportunity for a quick dip. Or stay put and indulge in a massage at the spa, head outside for a sunrise Pilates or yoga class, or hop on a Peloton bike at the fitness center. Unlike the Olympics, games at AREV Saint Tropez, like pétanque and padel , can be played in between glasses of rosé.

The rooms (some with private terraces and patios with flowers) were designed by Luis Bustamante , with splashes of blue, white and red, creating a nautical feel even when you’re not lounging by the sea. Explore outside your room and you’ll come across the Strand Restaurant and Champagne Lounge . The original Strand, a local crowd-pleaser, closed years ago, though this reincarnation at AREV Saint Tropez hopes to bring back some of the joie de vivre of its predecessor with live music, French wines and contemporary takes on regional dishes such as thon de Méditerranée, red tuna atop crispy risotto. For dessert, try the rice pudding or the chocolate soufflé. Prices from €1,440 June through August, and starting at €590 from October through March.

Nice, France

Hôtel du couvent.

Set in a convent dating to the 17th century, this 88 room-and-suite hotel plans to open in June, when it will offer guests glimpses into its monastic past. The property’s restoration is being spearheaded by Valéry Grégo, who founded Perseus , a builder and operator of hotels, including Le Pigalle in Paris. There will be a vegetable and herb garden, a bakery and an herbalist shop where you can stop in for custom-made teas with herbs from the garden.

Vegetables, fruits and eggs from both the garden and an off-site farm in Touët-sur-Var may be served at the hotel’s restaurants: Le Restaurant du Couvent, Le Bistrot des Serruriers and La Guinguette Café, where you can sip a drink in the garden near the lap pool. Wander the grounds and take advantage of the studio for yoga, exercise and meditation, or partake of a series of thermal “ Roman baths .” The baths are a nod to the remains of the Roman baths in nearby Cimiez , where you can also visit the Musée National Marc Chagall and Musée Matisse .

Return to the hotel, part of the Luxury Collection from Marriott, with interior design by Festen Architecture, and to the serene colors of your airy room. Prices from €390 a night.

On May 31, Leitmotiv — the group behind the buzzy, garden-themed La Fantaisie boutique hotel in Paris — is planning to open their first property outside of France: Casa Monti, in Rome.

The hotel is in Rome’s Monti neighborhood, dappled with cafes and restaurants, and takes its inspiration from the area’s artists, encouraging guests to think of themselves as artists in residence. Past its 18th-century facade are frescoes and 36 rooms and suites that are awash with color and bold patterns by the interior designer Laura Gonzalez . You’re within walking distance of must-see sights like the Roman Forum and the Colosseum. And upon returning from a day of exploring you can drop by the spa, linger over dinner — indoors or al fresco — at the hotel restaurant and then watch night fall from your perch on the rooftop bar. Prices from €450 a night.

Paros, Greece

Rising from the Greek island of Paros, this escape on Piperi beach blends soft sand with Cycladic cubic style architecture. The hotel has 38 rooms and suites, including some with private plunge pools. If you can manage to leave yours behind to explore the grounds, you’ll find the wellness area , where you can get a massage or body treatment outdoors in a private curtained chamber. Avant Mar’s name joins the French word for “before” with the Spanish word for “the sea,” highlighting the hotel’s location “in front of the sea,” and there’s an open-air theater that can be used for yoga and Pilates upon request, as well as an Olympics-worthy, 55-meter-long swimming pool.

Back on dry land, a gin-and-tonic bar called the Bridge plans to open the end of this month with views of the Aegean Sea. And mark your calendar for July 10 to 13 when the Japanese chef Nobu Matsuhisa will be at the hotel’s waterside restaurant, Matsuhisa Paros , for the Nobu Food Festival. (The restaurant is scheduled to open for the season on June 7). For Greek fare at the hotel, visit Thymes for breakfast, lunch or dinner by the pool. And don’t forget dessert. Stop into Figs, the hotel’s pastry shop, to get your fix of traditional Greek sweets. Prices from €715 a night.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Mumbai:  Spend 36 hours in this fast-changing Indian city  by exploring ancient caves, catching a concert in a former textile mill and feasting on mangoes.

Kyoto:  The Japanese city’s dry gardens offer spots for quiet contemplation  in an increasingly overtouristed destination.

Iceland:  The country markets itself as a destination to see the northern lights. But they can be elusive, as one writer recently found .

Texas:  Canoeing the Rio Grande near Big Bend National Park can be magical. But as the river dries, it’s getting harder to find where a boat will actually float .