Complete Marrakech Travel Guide: Medina, Souks and Desert

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).

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

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.

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.