The flight took just over an hour, but as we entered the city it felt as though we were a million miles from Europe… We had just arrived into Marrakesh, after departing from Seville, Spain. I’d booked a few nights in a Riad on StudentUniverse.com.
Luckily, somebody from our hotel came and met us from the taxi, as there’s no way would have found the Riad otherwise. Marrakesh is full of winding, narrow, and seemingly unmarked streets. Getting lost is almost inevitable… It’s a bit daunting at first, but as you familiarize yourself and get your bearings getting lost can actually be an adventure. Plus you can always ask locals for directions, but some will expect a few dollars in return.
A Riad is a hotel/guesthouse in Morocco, which has multiple rooms, all surrounding a large shared courtyard, with roof terraces. The riads are lavishly decorated, and covered with communal sofas and cushions. Prices for a decent double room start from $50 per night, including breakfast, although you can pay much less for shared accommodation.
Marrakesh is separated into 2 parts, the old and the new town. We stayed in the old town, the “original Marrakesh“. The streets surround a large square called Djemaa El Fna. Here in the day you’ll find everything from snake charmers, to women offering henna tattoos, to delicious dried fruit stalls. At night the main square turns into a food market, which is actually a UNESCO national heritage site. You’ve been forewarned… food stands will tout very hard for your business! You can sample some of the local delicacies, lamb brains anyone? or how about some 5 spice snails! My favorite was the traditional Moroccan salads and kebabs. The atmosphere is incredible as the buzz of the market carries on through the night- not to mention the quick service you’ll receive.
The souks are one of the main draws to Marrakesh. Miles of winding streets, shops everywhere you look. Again it’s easy to get lost, but if you keep walking you’ll eventually meet the city wall, and find your way back. You’ll wish you had extra suitcases for all the souvenirs you’re sure to pick up. Leather goods, lamps and spices are some of the best buys. Keep in mind that haggling is expected and prices start reasonably higher than what you should pay. The shop keepers of Marrakesh are pro’s, and can sometimes be aggressive when haggling so be sure to only pay what you think is a good price, and don’t be bullied into purchasing. There’s no golden rule but only buy from somebody you have a good experience with, then your souvenir will hold fond memories. If you want to gauge prices, take a look round a fixed price shop first to get a better idea.
To get away from the craziness of the souks, we grabbed an ice cream and headed to one of the gardens near the city centre. These are welcome places of sanctity on a hot day. Other attractions to visit in Marrakesh include the Koutoubia Mosque, Saadian Tombs, and El Badi Palace. StudentUniverse has a trip that will take you to see all the monuments in Marrakesh. If you have a strong stomach, you can also visit the tanneries, where leather is processed. But be warned, the chemicals used make the place smell pretty rancid.
Overall Marrakesh is a great place to visit for experiencing authentic cultures, foods & having a blast doing it!
I would suggest girls dress modestly while travelling here. I was with my boyfriend, and didn’t receive any hassle, but other people I spoke with had experienced some discomfort. I never went out without covering my legs, chest and shoulders. Scarfs are a good option, and an excuse to do more shopping!
Marrakesh is not a great place if you hate cats or motor bikes, they are literally everywhere, I nearly trampled on a few kittens. I found letting the bikes move round me, opposed to trying to dodge them, caused less confusion.The climate is pleasant all year round. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are probably the best times to visit. It gets really hot in the summer months, reaching up to 100+ Fahrenheit (40 Celsius) in August.Morocco has an exchange control, so you’re not allowed to import or export the Moroccan Dirham’s. Foreign currency can be exchanged at Bureau de Changes, at a bank and sometimes at your hotel. We wrongly took travellers checks, which they wouldn’t exchange in many places.
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