Marrakech travel blog — The fullest Marrakech travel guide for first-timers

With unique cultural features, Marrakech (Marrakesh) Morocco is the place for you to have many interesting discoveries about this North African country. There are a lot of things to start with Morocco but since Marrakech is one of my first destinations, I will give you an overview of my trip to Marrakech. So, is Marrakech worth visiting, what to do in Marrakesh and how to plan a budget trip to Marrakech perfectly? Let’s check out our Marrakech travel blog (Marrakesh blog) with the fullest Marrakech travel guide (guide to Marrakesh, Marrakesh tourist guide, Marrakech city guide, Marrakech guide, Marrakech tourist guide, Marrakesh guide) from how to get Marrakech, best places to do, best time to come, what to eat as well as top things to do in Marrakech to help you maximize your trip as follows!

If you like the mystery and vibrant, a bit ancient, you will definitely like Marrakech. However, Morocco is not a developed country and modern civilization like Singapore or European countries, but this is a country for those who love to explore, experience and study because I think it’s a bit ancient and has a wild look.

Overview of Marrakech (#guide to marrakesh)

As one of the most beautiful and appealing cities in Morocco, Marrakech is a must-visit when traveling to North Africa. This city of over thousands of years was once a thriving city, a great shopping place and home to some of the most stunning architectures that you’ll hard to find anywhere else in the world. The Moroccan city of Marrakech is also famous for its beautiful, magnificent riads (hotels often converted from traditional houses in the past) and you’ll find great little shops dotted the winding streets throughout its Medina (Old Town).

Marrakech is the country’s fourth largest city, after Casablanca, Fes and Tangier. Marrakesh, located in the southwest, was once the capital of Morocco, playing an important role in the trans-Saharan trade route. The history of formation and development of Marrakesh goes through many periods. Since the 13th century, Marrakesh was no longer the capital, but is still one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, an important commercial center. Marrakesh is also one of Morocco’s art cities, a national and international tourist destination.

Until now, it’s still a pearl of the Orient as it was centuries ago, Marrakech attracts all kinds of visitors. There are few places where red is so overwhelming as in Marrakesh, houses, walls, even the streets are painted pink or red. Perhaps that’s why it dubbed the “red city”. I don’t know if it’s because of that bright color or not, but everyone who comes here has a feeling of optimism and joy. Here, everyone will find something interesting for themselves.

Marrakech is a favorite place for both backpackers, snacking in roadside stalls at the square and sleeping on bunk beds in budget inns to Hollywood stars who have their own rooms in splendid, luxury hotels.

When to visit? (#marrakech travel blog)

The time I went was summer and on their second big holiday – Aid el Kebir, which usually falls in July/August. This holiday season is when each family raises one sheep (the poorer family will raise a goat) and then slaughter it and give it to family, friends, and neighbors. Because wherever I go, there were people with their goats and sheep, which I admit is very foul. Just like Tet in Vietnam, at this time everyone is returning home, so bus tickets sell out quickly.

If I have a chance to go next time, I will try to avoid these holidays. In addition, you can go in other months that are quite cool (April and May is the peak time), the weather is pleasant. However, always bring a jacket because the temperature at night will be significantly lower than during the day (except in summer, it is always hot, peaking in July and August). It doesn’t rain much so you don’t have to worry.

Marrakech is warm all year round. The average temperature is around 12 degrees Celsius in the coldest months and 30 degrees Celsius in the summer. It can get super hot (more than 38 degrees Celsius) on summer afternoons.

How to get to Marrakech? (#marrakech travel guide)

Plane (#marrakech travel blog)

The city of Marrakech Morocco has an international airport Marrakesh Menara Airport (IATA: RAK, ICAO: GMMX) with direct scheduled flights to London and Paris and many arrivals from all over Europe. If you depart from Asia or elsewhere, you will have to transit in Casablanca. The airport is only about 4 miles (15 minutes) from the city center and buses, as well as taxis, operate all day. You should bargain taxi fare in advance.

Tips for check-in at the airport: When I flew to the airport, there was no issue at all. Standing in line waiting for security procedures to go out is a bit long, the airport is not too large, so it’s easy to navigate. However, when you take a return flight, you should note that although you can completely check in online, you still have to go to at Marrakech airport 3 hours in advance to bring the boarding pass to validate (get a stamp of confirmation) at the check-in counter of the airline. Last time I didn’t know, arrived 2 and a half hours in advance and was left behind, buying a new ticket to go back cost £350. After the trip, I learned the harsh lesson of not being careless, for air tickets, if there is any information, just read through it all because each airport will have a different regulation.

Train (#marrakech travel guide)

Regularly run between Marrakech and Casablanca. The trip takes about 3 hours. If you want to go to Fez, Tangier or Meknes then you can take the train via Rabat (4 hours from Marrakech). There is also a night train between Tangier and Marrakech. It’s the best to take a taxi to the train station in Marrakech as it’s quite far from the old town (if that’s where you stay).

Bus

There are three national bus companies operating between Marrakech and most major towns and cities in country of Morocco. They are Supratours, CTM and SATAS. Long-distance buses are comfortable and usually air-conditioned. The Supratours bus is handy if you’re traveling by train from Marrakech train station.

Getting around

From one province to another

The main means of transportation are buses and trains. Taking the bus here is the most convenient and fastest (CTM or Supratours are both reputable and comfortable), if the bus tickets are sold out, you can always take the train as an alternative. However, you won’t like take a train because it’s hot and packed with passengers (stuffed like sardines, air conditioning is also not effect). Probably because the time I went was the big holiday season. If you don’t go on the holiday, it probably won’t be so bad.

Getting around the city

You can walk or take a taxi but remember to bargain! That is why you should stay in a place near the center, so it will be easier to move and more economical for you. Normally I would walk, but sometimes it’s too hot so I have to take a taxi.

Taxi

Taxis are available all over town and are probably the most efficient way to get to tourist attractions. Large taxis are old Mercedes vehicles that carry up to six people at a fixed fare. They usually follow specific routes and you will find them at the bus stop, Djemaa el Fna and the main post office in Gueliz (new town). Taxis are usually a bit more expensive than other means of transport but it is convenient and you get to wherever you want. The meter on taxis is not always used, so ask the driver to turn it on or bargain the price before you get on any taxi.

Caleche

Caleche is a horse-drawn carriage and a popular way to get around the city of Marrakech. For example, prices are clear for popular routes, but for other routes you will have to haggle with the driver. Should bid before you get in the car. You can catch a Caleche in the garden square between the Koutoubia mosque and Djemaa el Fna, El Badi Palace.

Bus

Buses in town are cheap but can be crowded. The central bus station, Place El Mouarabitene is located just outside Bab Doukkala on the northwest edge of the old town (Medina). You can buy tickets from the bus driver directly. Bus number 8 will take you to the train station, number 10 goes to the central bus station and number 1 runs between Medina and Gueliz (new town).

Motorcycles or bicycles are also a popular way to get around Marrakech and you can cycle in the medina which is very great.

What to do and where to go in Marrakesh? (#marrakech blog)

Majorelle Garden and Museum of Islamic Art

Address: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40090, Morocco
Hours: 8AM–6PM

In the 1920s, French artists Jacques and Louis Majorelle created a beautiful garden in the middle of the new town of Marrakech. The Majorelle gardens are filled with colour, plants of all shapes and sizes, flowers, fish ponds. Designer Yves Saint Laurent currently owns the gardens and has also built a house on the site himself. The building that gets the most attention, however, is the bright blue and yellow building that Majorelle used as his studio and is now the Museum of Islamic Art. This small museum includes some good examples of Moroccan tribal art, rugs, goldsmiths and pottery. Gardens and museums open daily to visitors.

I fell in love with this place from the moment I walked in, a completely cool place in contrast to the 38 degrees Celsius outside. Except for the fact that it is popular tourist attraction. However, it is a place worth visiting. The history of the garden is also interesting as the garden was owned by an architect, then abandoned for a while and then bought by YSL, so you will see YSL’s museum in this lovely garden.

Medina (#marrakech blog)

Medina is the old quarter of Marrakech with maze-liked alleys, all kinds of shops where you can easily get lost. Even the map can’t update all medinas, so be careful. Normally, Riads will be located in the medina, so you should remember the way carefully.

The booked hotel is in the heart of the medina, so you must ask a guide to get to the right address. The zigzag alleys, the streets slanting into the street like the matrix of the Moroccan medina have been famous for a long time. As for its confusion, the houses are all shops selling or concurrently providing all kinds of repair services, crafting and handicrafts.

The wall of about 9 km long surrounding this labyrinth protected the dynasties many centuries ago, contributing to closing the life of the inhabitants inside. Therefore, the medina becomes more and more mysterious to strangers from afar. Just one day strolling in the old town of medina, a thousand and one interesting things can come to you.

The entrance to the doors of the mosques is the stopping line of the infidels, but it doesn’t matter. At Ben Youssef Madrasa Marrakech islamic school, visitors can visit its architectural masterpiece. In the center of the yard is a square lake lying close to the ground, reflecting the panorama of Medersa Ben Youssouf like a giant mirror.

Ben Youssef Madrasa is an ancient Islamic school in Morocco. Its mosaic entrance is always a “like” magnet for your photos. The wooden doors are carved in the Islamic style, the dome is in the Arabic style, and the top is filled with colorful tiles in geometric patterns.

Souqs (#marrakesh tourist guide)

Souqs (or Souks) are basically Moroccan traditional markets selling everything from food to high-quality crafts, so if you like  shopping and haggling, you’ll love this place. Even if you don’t like shopping, souqs are a cultural experience you don’t want to miss. Souqs is divided into small areas that specialize in a certain item such as apparel stores, jewelry, wool dyeing, spices, carpet sales, etc.

The souk is a must-visit place when traveling to Morocco if you like shopping or simply visit to know and try your bargain ability. You should buy a Moroccan rug as a souvenir, or buy a traditional djellaba (a long, loose-fitting unisex outer robe with full sleeves) here. Djellaba is the type of costume that two characters Yoda and Obi-Wan Kenobi wore in the hit “Star Wars” series. The souk located in the Medina is an old and attractive market in Marrakech, when you come here you will have the opportunity to shop to your heart’s content at affordable prices.

Musee Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts)

Address: 8 Rue de la Bahia, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
Hours: 10AM–6PM/Tuesday: Closed

A 2 in 1 palace and museum well worth a visit. The palace is luxurious and beautiful with a lovely courtyard where you can relax and take some pictures. The museum is a place to display jewelry, costumes, ceramics, daggers…

El Bahia Palace

Address: Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
Hours: 9AM–5PM

This place is a great example of the finest Moroccan architecture. There are a lot of details, arches, lighting, carvings and it was built as a harem residence, which makes it even more interesting. The palace is open daily and has a lunch break but will be closed when the royal family visits.

Bahia Palace with its beautiful royal garden and hundreds of elaborately carved rooms, full of precious items is the most vivid evidence showing the luxurious life of the Moroccan royal family in previous centuries.

Bahia Palace is known as one of the most typical works for Nouveau Riche architecture (architectural style inspired by spacious nature) of the 19th and 20th centuries. The garden is fragrant with fresh citrus scent, the fountains placed throughout the palace hall or the traditional zouak motifs of the Middle East blend in the whole to create a magnificent construction.

It is a cultural and historical site with a long history and unique architecture that every visitor to Marrakech should not miss. The palace was built in 1578 with 360 rooms, a large outer courtyard and used a large amount of gold imported from Sudan to decorate El Bahia. Especially underground contains a small prison used by the king to imprison prisoners.

Conquering the Atlas Mountains (#marrakesh blog)

Cross the hills to conquer the Atlas Mountains or climb Mount Toubkal – North Africa’s highest peak. If that’s still not special enough, you can cross the mountains and go to the desert camping of the Dar Ahlam hotel right in the middle of the dunes, at the gateway to the Sahara.

Zagora desert tour

There will be different types of tours, 3 days 2 nights, 2 days 1 night… but because we didn’t have enough time and probably can’t stand it if we don’t shower and go to the toilet in the desert in hot weather, so we chose the tour of 2 days 1 night only. However, there are many different places and tours, I recommend you to take 3 days and 2 nights tour because you will go deep into the Merzouga desert, the scenery will be more beautiful, but it takes time to travel from Marrakech to the campsite, from 9-12 hours, very tired because of the zigzag road, those who are prone to motion sickness with car should prepare mentally, take medicine and remember to have breakfast before going. If you do not want to go far, you can refer to other desert tours closer (Scarabeo Camp). If you choose to go to another desert closer but still want to visit other places far from the city, you can find day tours and return, so it will be less tiring.

Tour prices are vary, depending on your budget, luxury also, affordable also. As for us, we are only students, so the tour is not very expensive and I booked that tour in the Riad.

Itinerary: You will be taken by car to places in desert, however, the way is very long (as I mentioned above), stopping at rest points and a village recognized by UNESCO. Once you arrive, you will be able to ride camel into the campsite with tents. I have to admit that the feeling of riding a camel is fun and interesting but very painful, the next day I can’t go all the way back.

In terms of my own experience:

It was a fun experience with new friends from Germany, Italy, and Spain. However, I don’t like the fact that the tour has many stops and a tour guide will ask you for a tip after the trip (which I did not expect). You’ll also be taken through the filming location of Game Of Thrones, beautiful as recognized by Unesco. A small note is that to cross that village you have to cross a stream or river, there will be sandbags for you to go up, however, there are children there who will be eager to take you over and ask for money, so remember that you can go by yourself.

Another experience is to remember to bring enough money, because the tour only includes dinner and 1 breakfast in the tent for you and then you also have to give the guide (useless) tips, if possible you could deal the tip with the guide in advance like I did. At first, he asked for 80 dh, I paid it down to 60 dh. Remember to buy a lot of bottled water to go to the desert to drink, brush your teeth and wash your face.

My most favorite thing is when I was immersed in quiet nature, there are rugs spread out on the sand for you to sit and play. After dinner in the main tent, you will have free time. Just lying on the rug, listening to the drums and singing of the locals, looking up at the starry sky with sand grains blown by the wind in the desert, you will forget all the fatigue on the way here. The laughter, stories and new friends are memories that I will never forget.

Beautiful scenery and cute camels! In short, it’s a great experience.

Jemaa el-Fnaa

The center of Marrakech’s old town is a rather large square – Jemaa el Fnaa was once a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can see the sunrise in the morning. At night, this place turns into a “sanctuary” for you to discover local cuisine with countless street foods. In particular, you can strolling around to see street artists perform. You will enjoy watching them hypnotize snakes, acrobatics on ropes, contortion.

One of the biggest flea markets in the world and it’s absolutely crazy and bustling, especially at night. Prices in this area are relatively high compared to other local markets. I really love the atmosphere and vibe here.

There’s a very big cafe near the center of the market, I can’t remember the name, but it’s on the rooftop, looking down is a stunning market scene. But I think you passing by can see it. Popular cafe, with a large space on the right hand side from the entrance, when you see the ATM, you go straight a little to come.

In the afternoon, the heat was dissipated, people and people bustled about walking on the square recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2001. The smoke from the barbecue shops covered a large corner of the square, the smell of food attracts more people.

The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, located behind the gate of the city wall, with a height of 77m, is known as the Eiffel Tower of Morocco, is a famous work of art in North Africa, typical of Islamic Spanish architecture. Four spheres surround the top of the tower with the largest being 2m wide, symbolizing the Sun, Moon and stars.

The Koutoubia Mosque was built in 1184 and completed in 1199. It is therefore considered one of the oldest and largest mosques in Marrakech. The church has an ancient and sacred architecture, so when visitors want to visit the church, they must dress modestly and appropriately.

What to eat and drink? (#marrakesh tourist guide)

• Chicken Tagine: Chicken stew with lemon, potatoes and some other tubers (chicken tagine with lemon) is one of their signature dishes, quite tasty and easy to eat, not too greasy. It usually served with bread, but it must be said that their bread is very dry, because this country was very poor before and is still developing, so obviously some of their dishes will not be as good as already developed countries (I heard people tell).
• Barbecue (chicken, beef, etc.) in the night market is also delicious and cheap. Since their main religion is Islam, they do not eat pork.
• Méchoui: Made from lamb meat on skewers or grilled in the oven, served with salad.
• Ghoriba Bahla Moroccan Shortbread Cookies: The ghoriba is made from flour, sesame and almonds mixed together and baked in the oven. Enjoy this cake with a cup of hot ginger tea.
• Zaalouk: Grilled eggplant and tomato salad mixed together with garlic.
• Snail: The snail dish there is very simple, so I don’t like it very much (it must be said that it is as bland as snail broth without salt or spices) but because of the experience, why not?
• The fruit of the cactus (cactus pear or prickly pear): This fruit is very watery, and it’s cheap, but just eat 3-4 fruits, eating a lot is “cool in the gut”. You go along the road and you will see carts full of those fruits, like in Vietnam, there are carts selling fruit.
• Mint tea: Chilly with mint leaves and is a perfect drink to cool down in scorching hot weather and high humidity. People here do not use ice like ours in Vietnam, they will drink hot tea because this is the best way to reduce body temperature.
• At any riad you will be invited to drink mint tea like this. If you ask me what to buy as a gift, I recommend you buy mint or Moroccan tea here.
• Mixed tea: Because I can’t remember the exact name of the tea, but as far as I remember, it was combined and cooked by many different types of leaves and herbs. Drinking will have a feeling of heat from the throat to the abdomen, a drink suitable for the cold season. You can try it in the Jemaa el-Fnaa square.
• Smoothies: Their fruit is excellently juicy, probably because it was hot summer when we go. It’s so sweet that they make smoothies without sugar or milk, just chilled and ground fruit. Even kiwi is still sweet. The price is also quite cheap, so I drunk a lot, orange juice is 4 dh, other smoothies are 10 dh.

Lunch’s French and Moroccan fusion menu is the perfect match when you visit the famous souk flea markets. But you have to accept that the eateries here do not serve alcoholic beverages.

Moroccans drink tea from noon to night. The good news is that you won’t get bored drinking tea here as they have a wide variety of teas to choose from, and especially tea-based cocktails.

Try to find and dine at the restaurant Terrasse des Épices (Address: Sidi Abdel Aziz، 15 souk cherifia, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco/Hours: 12–5PM, 6:30PM–12AM) which is very special in Marrakech. From here you can also see the city and the mountains in the distance.

Where to stay? (#marrakech guide)

Riads

One of the most searched places in Marrakech is the Riad, a traditional Moroccan house located in the Medina (old town). All riads will have a central courtyard that will usually have a fountain, restaurant or pool. Some riads also have rooftop terraces where you can have breakfast and look out over the city. A complete list of riads in Marrakech including photos and prices can be found here.

Compared to a 5-star hotel, this is a place to help you get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and find peace. You can choose a famous riad like EL Fenn with beautiful design and luxurious interior. Riad Farnatchi and Maison MK are also good choices.

Elegant and luxurious hotel La Mamounia in the heart of Marrakech was built in 1923 when Morocco was still under the French protectorate. Hotel Mamounia is a blend of elegant Art Deco style with traditional Arabic interior decoration. President Franklin used to relax at La Mamounia after a World War II strategy talks. And this is also the place to save the mark of clown Charlie Chaplin, the Rolling Stones and many other Hollywood stars for nearly a century.

Not overwhelming luxury and splendor, the hotels in Marrakech are unique in their own way. It is the villa Le Riad Yasmine (Agoda, Booking) with a swimming pool that caused an Instagram storm through the photo frame of blogger GypseaLust – a true ‘oasis’ on the edge of the desert, green and grassy for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of life.

Sofitel Marrakech Lounge & Spa (Agoda, Booking) is as splendid as a palace, where you can experience all of the most expensive and vibrant pleasures of this Muslim city. If you like sophisticated and elegant architecture, Royal Mansour Marrakech is definitely a great choice for an interesting vacation in Morocco.

Budget hotels are also plentiful as many smaller budget hotels will not have a website or online booking apps. These accommodation are usually located south of Djemaa el Fna.

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• Movenpick Hotel Mansour Eddahbi Marrakech (Agoda, Booking)
• Hôtel Racine
• Almas (Agoda, Booking)
• La Maison Arabe (Agoda, Booking)
• Iberostar Club Palmeraie Marrakech (Agoda, Booking)
• Hôtel Ibn Batouta
• Riad Houdou (Agoda, Booking)
• Riad Dar Anika (Agoda, Booking)
• Aqua Fun Club Marrakech

Check out more top and best hotels in Marrakesh on Agoda.com or Booking.com

Marrakech itinerary 4 days

I stayed in Marrakech for 4 days and 3 nights. In which, I had to book separate days because I had 1 night in the desert, so I booked the same place for convenient luggage storage. The trip itinerary I designed is as follows: the first night in Marrakech, the next night in the desert and send luggage at the Riad, the last night in the city). There are also hotels here, but because the experience will be more local if you stay in the Riad. Riad is a type of villa in the past that rich people built for the mistress (little wife, little girlfriend…) to live in, so it was divided into many rooms, usually with a courtyard with a swimming pool in the middle of that yard. Quite beautiful and close to the center. I stay at Riad Fabiola which is also very beautiful, walk about 15 minutes to the big square.

Tips & experiences

Eating and drinking, because I ate a lot of junk, drank a lot of water and had an upscale meal, so it cost me about $150. In addition, there will be other costs incurred, read in the article you can refer to it. In addition, you can exchange money at the airport, the exchange rate was quite good and more convenient, when you exchange you will be given a card like a bank card, you can receive completely cash send some cash in the card, where you can use the card, swipe, if not, you can withdraw money from ATMs. I recommend getting a card because keeping a lot of cash is also quite dangerous.

Regarding on how to dress, limit wearing clothes that are too open, revealing because after all, this is a country with Islam as the main religion, so the way you dress shows respect for people’s culture. Wear something compact, easy to move because you will have to go a lot, but when you go to dinner, feel free to dress up in beautiful clothes.

Some of the locals here really make the most of exploit tourists. After helping you (maybe they will enthusiastically guide you or lead you to a place to eat), they will ask for money as a fee of about 2 euros as the minimum. However, not all locals here are the same, some are very friendly and kind (but in the center or  tourism in Marrakech , remember to be careful).

Languages:  In the city of Marrakech Morocco you can find a wide range of languages including French, Spanish, Arabic and Berber. English is common wherever there are tourists, but it is certainly helpful to know a few French words.

Currency: Morocco uses dirhams and US dollars. It is best to bring cash and change as it is a bit difficult to find an ATM.

SIM: It can be helpful to buy a local SIM (with Morocco Telecom), the signal is pretty good throughout Morocco, even in the mountains, and then you can find your way around the city using Google Maps.

Clothing: Morocco is a Muslim country, so you will notice some cultural differences. I recommend wearing loose-fitting, lightweight clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

Customs: When you communicate with people, remember that the left hand is considered unclean so people always use the right hand to interact and eat. Also, if you’re there on a weekend, Friday is a holy day so some places will close.

Few people know, the name Marrakech in Moroccan literally meaning the “Land of God”. But surely, the special impression of visitors about the city Marrakech is not the purity, but the excitement in the colorful old town (medina) of the Middle East, the never sleep nights on Jemaa el-Fnaa square, the thousand and one night markets and luxury hotels like an oasis on the edge of the desert.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Marrakech you can refer to

• Moroccan Cooking Class in Marrakech
• Marrakech: Private Transfer to or from RAK Airport
• From Marrakesh: Sunset and Magical Dinner in Agafay Desert
• Marrakech: Camel Ride in the Oasis Palmeraie
• From Marrakech: Ouzoud Waterfalls Guided Hike and Boat Trip
• Marrakech: Atlas Mountains and Agafay Desert Day Trip
• From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Tour to Merzouga Erg Chebbi
• Marrakech Quad Bike Experience: Desert and Palmeraie
• Marrakesh: Full-Day Desert and Mountain Tour with Camel Ride
• From Marrakech: Essaouira Full-Day Trip
• Marrakech: Street Food Tour by Night
• From Marrakech: Day Trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou
• From Marrakech: Merzouga 3-Day Desert Safari with Food
• Marrakech: Half-Day Historical and Cultural Tour
• From Marrakesh: Ourika Valley & Atlas Mountains Day Tour

Read more Morocco guide here.