Your Ultimate Guide To Traveling To Marrakesh, Morocco

Marrakesh is an overall experience for all of your sense. It is not for the faint of heart, and may be a polarizing destination, but it is guaranteed to be one of the most unique experiences you’ll ever go through. In order to fully enjoy it, you need to be prepared for Marrakesh. This is what you’ll need to know before planning your trip.

You Will Get Lost

When it comes to traveling, getting lost is one of the experiences that most people fear the most. However, when you’re visiting Marrakesh, prepare for this to happen, as even Google Maps is bound to fail you here. This is especially true if you’re visiting the Medina, as the small and narrow streets tend to be overcrowded. If you’re totally uncomfortable with the idea of being a bit lost, you can always book a trip to the Medina with an organized tour group.

Your Word Will Get You Far

One of the defining features of the people of Marrakesh, and Moroccans as a whole, is that they are very friendly. They also take promises very seriously. For example, if you’re visiting the main square called Djemaa El Fna, you’ll find many stalls with vendors selling dried fruit, nuts, and many types of souvenirs. Travel blogger Anna Karsten shared that when she told a vendor she would come back the next day, he promised that if she did, he would lower the price of the dates she was interested in. When she did return the next day, he gave her four times the amount of dates for 20% of the original asking price. He told her that he respects tourists who are honest.

You Will Haggle With Taxi Drivers

One downside of traveling is having to deal with people trying to scam tourists. This is unfortunately true with cab drivers in Marrakesh as well. To get from the airport to the Medina, the normal price should e between 50-70 dirhams. However, many drivers will try to ask for 350 dirhams instead. You should be prepared to argue to lower the price, or even better, pre-book your taxi ride instead.

Luxury For Less

One really nice benefit of visiting Marrakesh is that you can book incredible hotels for much less than you’d expect. For about $5 a night, you can book a stay at Waka Waka, which is a fantastic hostel option. If you want to go full-on luxury, you can book a stay at Riad Palais Sebban for about $100 a night. For that reasonable price, you get to stay at a gorgeous hotel that boasts a beautiful pool right in the heart of Marrakesh.

Jamaa El Fna Square Will Overwhelm You

Marrakesh’s main square is an experience that is unlike any other, which can quickly become overwhelming. Part of the chaos includes people trying to convince you to buy things while others try to get you to take photos with them, and then have you pay them for that privilege. You may even find a snake or monkey being put on your shoulders. However, don’t be discouraged by the craziness. The square is a wonderful place to visit and has plenty to offer to visitors.