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Why Visit Marrakech
Marrakech is a sensory explosion. The organised chaos of the medina, the aroma of spices, the colours of the souks and the call to prayer from the minarets create a unique experience — and it's just a 3.5-hour flight from London.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May): Ideal. 20–30°C, gardens in bloom.
- Autumn (October–November): Perfect. Pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists.
- Summer (June–September): Extreme heat, 40–45°C. Only recommended if you handle heat well.
- Winter (December–February): Cool (10–20°C during the day), cold at night. Good for desert trips.
Top Attractions
The Medina
- Jemaa el-Fna Square: The heart of Marrakech. By day: fresh orange juice stalls (4 MAD / £0.30). By night: food stalls, musicians and storytellers.
- Souks: A labyrinth of alleys with crafts, leather, ceramics, carpets and spices. Each souk specialises in one product.
- Medersa Ben Youssef: 14th-century Quranic school with stunning tilework and stucco. Entry 70 MAD (£5.50).
Gardens & Palaces
- Jardin Majorelle: Created by French painter Jacques Majorelle, restored by Yves Saint Laurent. The iconic Majorelle blue is unforgettable. Entry 170 MAD (£13.50). Combined ticket with Berber Museum: 230 MAD (£18.40).
- Bahia Palace: 19th-century masterpiece of Moroccan architecture. Entry 70 MAD (£5.50).
- Saadian Tombs: Discovered in 1917, dating from the 16th century. Entry 70 MAD (£5.50).
Info
Riads (traditional houses with interior courtyards) are the best way to stay in Marrakech. From £25–35 per night for charming riads with breakfast included.
Day Trips
- Merzouga Desert (Sahara): 2–3 day excursion. Night in a Berber camp, camel ride at sunset. From £80–120 per person.
- Ouzoud Waterfalls: Morocco's tallest waterfalls (110m). 2.5 hours away. Day trip from £25.
- Ourika Valley: 1 hour away. Berber villages, hiking and the Monday market. From £20.
- Ait Benhaddou: UNESCO World Heritage ksar (fortified city). Filming location for Gladiator and Game of Thrones. 3.5 hours away.
Getting Around
- On foot: The medina is explored on foot. Streets are narrow and car-free.
- Petit taxi: Red taxis within the city. Insist on the meter. Short trips cost 10–20 MAD (£0.80–£1.60).
- Caleches: Horse-drawn carriages. Negotiable, 100–200 MAD (£8–£16) for a tour.
From Marrakech Airport (RAK) to centre:
- Bus 19: 30 MAD (£2.40), 30 minutes to Jemaa el-Fna
- Taxi: 70–100 MAD (£5.50–£8) with meter
Warning
In the medina, if someone offers to "help" you find a place, they'll ask for money afterwards (20–50 MAD). Use Google Maps offline or politely decline with "la, shukran" (no, thank you).
Moroccan Cuisine
- Tagine: Slow-cooked stew in a clay pot. Chicken with lemon and olives, or lamb with prunes. 40–80 MAD (£3–£6.50).
- Couscous: Traditionally eaten on Fridays. 50–80 MAD.
- Pastilla (Bastilla): Flaky pastry filled with chicken, almonds, cinnamon and icing sugar. Sweet and savoury. 50–70 MAD.
- Harira: Traditional tomato and legume soup. 10–20 MAD.
- Mint tea: The national drink. Served everywhere with great ceremony.
- Fresh orange juice: 4–5 MAD (£0.30–£0.40) at Jemaa el-Fna Square.
Hotels in Marrakech
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Practical Tips
- Visa: UK citizens can visit Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days.
- Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD). £1 ≈ 12.5 MAD. Change at exchange offices, not at the airport.
- Haggling: Part of the culture. Start at 30–40% of the asking price. Never start haggling unless you intend to buy.
- Dress code: Morocco is a Muslim country. Cover shoulders and knees, especially in the medina.
- Tipping: Small tips expected (10–20 MAD) in restaurants, for guides and in hammams.
- Safety: Marrakech is safe. The main nuisances are persistent sellers and unofficial guides.