Marrakesh: 10 Best Things You Need to Know
Marrakesh is a bustling and vibrant red city, and is the fourth largest in Morocco. As a former imperial city, it is both an economic and vastly cultural. There is plenty to see and explore both inside and out of the maze like streets that make up the medina. Here are the top 10 things you need to know about Marrakesh.
1) Navigating the Maze
One of the most wonderful and equally confusing things about Marrakesh is the network of alleyways that make up the city center. It’s a wanderer’s dream, something new and interesting at every corner and all along the way. But also very, very easy to forget your way.
To the untrained eye, every alley looks similar and packed with vendor shops that start to bleed together. Load a Google map on your phone while you have wifi at your hotel. Make sure it includes the medina. That way, if you get turned around, even if you have no wifi you can find your way out. Just be careful where you whip out your phone.
2) Take a Walking Day Tour
You’ll learn quickly in Marrakesh that it can feel a bit overwhelming once you’re in the medina. There is a lot of history and beauty in the city, but a lot of it is hidden in the maze of the city. Hiring someone to give you the lay of the land is extremely helpful.
We had Mustafa, who was arranged for us by Morrocco Colourful Tours. He was absolutely fantastic! He guided us through the alleys of the city, from Bahia Palace to the Jewish Quarter and through the massive Souk Jama El f’na (Market). Mustafa knew his stuff. Not only did we learn so much about the city, but he also took us to the best spots for products such as argan oil and silver.
3) Location is Key
Where you stay in Marrakesh is important. You’ll want to stay in the medina, or close to it. It is the most interesting and happening part of the city, so you don’t really want to have a trek to get to it. Note: the medina is a WALKING ONLY area, so if you’re staying there be prepared to roll your suitcase on some pretty rough streets for a bit.
The hotel we stayed in was absolutely perfect. It was the Hotel & Ryad Art Palace, an adults only luxury boutique hotel located on the far end of Souk Jama El f’na. The slight splurge was beyond worth the value. The hotel itself looked more like a palace when you walked through the door.
Everything from the staff to the accommodations were impeccable. Equipped with a rooftop pool overlooking the market, it’s the kind of place you never want to leave. They serve you traditional Moroccan tea and sweets while they finalize your check in.
The manager Adel comes to chat with you and drops useful tips for your stay in fluid conversation. Everything happens with a smile. This was hands down one of the best experiences I ever had in a hotel. Highly, highly recommend!
4) Beware When Shopping
When in Marrakesh, you’re going to want to buy a lot of stuff. That is the hazard of being in a city full of vendors. in the souks (markets) you will find everything from spices and oils to knock off designer merchandise. Silver teapots and clay dishes, tapestries and textiles, there’s no shortage of goods to acquire.
Quality and price are the key when buying things in Marrakesh. This is where it’s good to know someone who can tip you off to the right places. There are the “made for tourist” places, especially in the central parts of the markets, where the quality is low and the price is high. Don’t shop there.
Look for the places where the locals shop. There you will find the good quality spices, nuts, and variety of other local products. Also, don’t forget to negotiate prices. Morocco is a country founded on bartering, so always cut the price to less that 1/2 and work your way to a middle ground from there.
5) Visit the Jardin Majorelle
For a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh, spend some time at the Jardin Majorelle. A wonderful walled oasis, this garden owned by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé is a beautiful representation of the vastness of the world.
The only downside to the garden is that you can’t get tickets online, so get there early. It is a popular destination for tourists, so the line for tickets gets super long. Once inside, don’t rush. Take in the serenity of this excellently planned space. Bask in the ingenuity of the wonderful landscaping.
6) Go to a Hammam
Something Morocco is widely known for is its “hammam” spa and bath houses. Taken from a Turkish idea, it is an experience that usually includes a special body scrub that removes toxins from your skin. Some places also offer massages and other spa amenities.
When you’ve had enough of exploring the city, visiting a hammam is a great way to unwind and wash off the stress and sweat of the city. You’ll walk out feeling like your skin is 10 years younger and ready for the best sleep of your life.
7) Eat Lebanese Food
Don’t get me wrong, Moroccan food is great. Eat lots of it. The thing is, it kind of gets a little redundant after a while. How much tajine and couscous can a person eat in one trip, really? When you’ve had your fill and are craving a change of categories, go eat at Naranj.
Though still in the Arabic food category, Lebanese food offers a different take on similar produce. The quaint little outdoor rooftop area offers the perfect ambiance for enjoying some fantastic food. The owners Ruba and Waheieb are super friendly and speak perfect English, so definitely chat it up with them.
8) Get a Henna Tattoo
If you want a local souvenir to take home with you for a while, nothing screams Marrakesh like getting a henna tattoo. Don’t let the name discourage you, there’s nothing permanent about it. Essentially it’s dye from a hina plant that stays on your skin for roughly two weeks.
While you’ll want to get a henna tattoo, be careful where you’re get it done. DO NOT let random women on the street talk you into it. The dye they use may cause allergic reactions on your skin. For a reputable place, visit Henna Cafe in the medina of Marrakesh. The lady who does it is great, and they have a cute little cafe for tea and snacks while you wait.
9) Discover Argon Oil
Argon oil is one of Morocco’s largest commodities. It has many applications and uses, and medicinal properties. You’ll find it all over Marrakesh, but again here you’ll want to look for quality. Not all oils are made alike, some are thinner or made of less quality products.
If you’re interested in learning about using Argon oil, make a stop at Aux 100,000 Epices. It’s a “pharmacy” in Marrakech, but not the drug kind. It specializes in Argon Oil products, and has a wonderful pharmacist names Dris who will walk you through each of the different products and what their uses are. There’s even a lovely native woman who sits in front manually extracting oil from argon fruits.
10) Drink Mint Tea
You absolutely cannot leave Marrakesh without having a proper Moroccan tea. It is served in adorable silver pots with matching silver trays, with perfectly palm sized glasses. Moroccan tea isn’t just a drink, it is a cultural staple. Moroccans treat tea like Americans treat beer. It’s impolite to say no when someone offers you one.
Fun fact you probably don’t know. There are 600 different types of mint in existence. You will see mint by the bushels all over the city. Find one who’s owner speaks your language and ask them to show you the differences. It will literally blow your mind.
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