Top Ten Travel Tips: Marrakech – Morocco

Visiting Marrakech for the first time can be an exciting and magical experience – from exploring its labyrinth-like bazaars to sampling its outrageous cuisine. Trying to cram them all into one holiday can be a stressful experience and its often hard to know which activities and sights you should prioritize: which is why these Marrakech travel tips from Hotels4u resort manager, Gregg Walker, are so helpful – you’ll be making the most of this majestic Moroccan City in no time!

1. Steam & Scrub Up

Take a traditional Hamman and Gommage – it’s a hot steam room accompanied by a good old fashioned scrub. Not only will you feel as clean as whistle, and wonderfully relaxed, you’ll feel 10 years younger too.

For the uninitiated, it can also be quite an interesting cultural experience.

2. Find Marrakech’s Hidden Gem: The Kasbah

The Kasbah also known as the old town, is just like a film set. It’s important to keep your eyes open as there are so many hidden gems around every corner – from stunning architecture to excellent little Riads serving the best in local cuisine.

3. Take A City Tour

A city tour is an excellent way to find your bearings in Marrakech – they are reasonably priced and will show you the highlights. Then you can then go back and explore your favorite places at your own pace.

4. Enjoy Free Activities On Offer

Enjoy the free activities evening at the Place Fna El Jemma – as the sun goes down, this place hots up. Watch it change from a sedate daytime square to a full on Marrakech experience. Noise, sights and smells never to be forgotten can be found here.

5. Try Local Cuisine

A trip to Marrakech would not be complete without enjoying the best of local cuisine. Tajine, Cous Cous, Pastilla and wonderful fragrant salads usually form part of a local meal. There are so may restaurants to chose from, some of the best are in the hidden Riads.

6.  Have A Great Night Out

For the best night out, start with pre-dinner drinks at the Piano Bar in Les Jardines De Koutoubia, to feel like you’ve stepped back in time, then wonderful food at one of the world class fashionable restaurants in town. Taxi’s all the way but make sure you set the price before you get in.

7. Go Shopping

The whole city is a shop! Stock up on local souvenirs, but remember to barter as it is most certainly expected. Herbs and spices from a Berber Pharmacy will always be a talking point at dinner parties, trinkets, candles, Arabic clothes, you name it you can get it. You can even ship larger items home to avoid those excess baggage charges.

8. Know Your Transport Options

The best way to get around is either on foot or by taxi. Make sure you get the prices before you get into a taxi to avoid any unpleasant surprises. Organised tours are also a great way to see Marrakech and the surrounding area.

9. What To Do If Money Is No Object

Stay at one of the best 5 star hotels in the city, take cocktails at La Mamounia, have a private driver to take you to the Pacha complex, eat top class food and dance the night away under the stars at Africa’s largest nightclub.

10. Other Things To Consider

For longer stays, consider a day trip further afield – perhaps the picturesque fishing village of Essouira or the nearby Atlas mountains. December is the film festival – keep an eye out for international film stars. In winter it can get cold at night so make sure you have some warm clothes. In summer expect it to be HOT!

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