Marrakesh is, without a doubt, the most famous Moroccan city among tourists. Usually, it's the first city that grabs travelers' attention when they think of Morocco. The reasons behind Marrakesh's fame are various.
For the most part, the worldwide reputation Marrkesh has was initially attributed to the efforts of successive Moroccan governments in marketing its cultural, historical, and natural traits to the world. These efforts were successful in attracting tourists over the years and continue to do so to this day. But is Marrakesh really worth visiting?
The answer is yes. Marrakesh is worth visiting. The red city, as locals describe it, offers a wide range of activities for tourists to experience. Its architecture and medieval atmosphere provide a glimpse into a middle-ages city, but with a sprinkle of modernity, of course. Marrakesh is also a big city with modern infrastructure, which means that your visit will be comfortable. However, there are some aspects to be mindful of.
This post will help you learn why Marrakesh worth visiting, but it will also prepare you for some inconviences that you might experience while there.
Visiting Marrakesh: Pros & Tips
Let's start by exploring what makes Marrakesh a city worth visiting. We'll highlight the most important advantages of visiting Marrakesh to give you a glimpse of what to expect. Of course, there are many more wonderful experiences Marrakesh can offer, but you'll have to decide and make the trip yourself to discover them.
Marrakesh Morocco Has Good Food.
Marrakesh offers some great Moroccan dishes to try. Since it's a big city, Marrakesh hosts a variety of restaurants from different areas of Morocco. Essentially, you'll be able to taste a wide range of Moroccan food options without having to travel to different cities. This is why Marrakesh is a fantastic destination for foodies.
Even if you're not a foodie, you'll love the Moroccan food in Marrakesh. It will add an extra level of enjoyment to your trip, and you should definitely explore some menus. We recommend trying "tanjia" and "Al kharouf al malaki," or "the royal sheep," which is a specialty of a small restaurant with the same name.
In general, you don't have to worry about food in Marrakesh. The city also has international restaurants offering different cuisines, like Chinese and Italian. If, for any reason, you decide not to eat Moroccan food, you will still be able to find alternatives. However, Moroccan food is quite diverse, and we're sure you'll enjoy most of it.
Vibrant atmosphere.
Marrakesh feels like a city from the Arab Middle Ages. Walking through the old Medina makes you feel like you’ve traveled back in time. The unique buildings, many of them centuries old, add to the experience and create a unique relaxing vibe. If walking doesn't suit you, then caleches or wagons with beautiful horses could be a better way for you to explore the city, but not the medina with its narrowed alleys unfortunately.
In the middle of the city is Jemaa el-Fnaa, a famous square where you can really feel the spirit of Marrakesh. It's where you'll find all kind of performers and bizarre shows and activities. From dancing monkeys and snakes to traditional tales tellers, Jemaa el-Fnaa has it all. Food and fresh cold juices are also available.
Next to the square there's a big crowded souk. If you like shopping or simply discovering new items, then you must visit the souk. There are so many stores and vendors with different types of rugs, jewelry, and other artisanal artifacts. Take a walk, look around, and be prepared for some bargaining because that's how things goes in moroccan souks.
Friendly Locals
Marrakech is full of scammers, but we'll talk about that later.
In general, the locals are friendly and won't hesitate to help you if you ask. You'll find it easier to navigate Marrakech and get good suggestions for spots to visit if you talk to the locals. Even better, you can hire a local guide to show you around and help you communicate with people.
Moroccans, in general, are very hospitable, but the people of Marrakech particularly have a reputation for being kind and funny. Fun has a special place in their hearts. They enjoy music and comedy shows in Jemaa El Fnaa. You'll see them gathering around performers, laughing and clapping. It's their favorite way to relieve stress from their daily lives.
You trip would be much memorable if you managed to engage with the locals in Marrakesh, but you have to be careful. Like any other touristy destination in the world, Marrakesh has its share of scammers and tourists trap. That's why hiring a guide or paying for a travel agency services are the best ways to visit Marrakesh.
So Much Activities
You won't get bored in Marrakech. There's always something to discover and try. The city offers various types of entertainment for different tastes. If you have a young spirit and enjoy sleepless nights and partying, you can visit nightclubs where alcohol is allowed.If you're a parent with your family, you can enjoy trips to parks like Cyber Park Arsat Moulay Abdeslam or Oasiria Water Park.
We recommend workshops and cooking classes. What could be better than learning a new skill that will amaze your friends back home? The answer is learning two skills. Marrakech offers you the opportunity not just to discover but also to learn new things. Many locals offer workshops and classes, especially cooking classes, for families and individual tourists. Book a session and have fun in a stunning riad.
For athletic visitors or those looking for challenges, hiking to Toubkal's summit is a must. Mount Toubkal is the highest peak in the Atlas Mountains and in North Africa. It's also the second highest peak on the entire continent at 4,167 meters (13,671 feet). Hiring a local guide is a wise decision if you want to have this experience safely.
Marrakech also offers camel rides. Kids will love this experience, and you might as well. However, camel trekking is even better in other locations outside Marrakech. Don't worry though, because the Sahara isn't far from the Red City. Another great aspect of Marrakech is its geographical location: it's close to various interesting destinations that you can explore.
Beautiful Nearby Locations
The surroundings of Marrakesh are as interesting as the city itself. There are some beautiful villages that you could visit. The nature is also wonderful. Many travel agencies offer tours around Marrakesh and even to the desert. Through these tours, you'll get the chance to visit Berber villages, meet the locals, and learn about their lifestyles while enjoying nature.
We recommend Ourika Valley. It's a beautiful valley with stunning views and a relaxing atmosphere. Ourika is located just about 30 kilometers from Marrakesh and is definitely a destination worth visiting, at least for a delicious tajine in nature. If you're willing to go further, then Ouzoud Waterfalls would be your destination. They're some of the highest and most beautiful waterfalls in North Africa.
The distance from Marrakesh to Ouzoud Waterfalls is about 150 kilometers.
Our favorite destination is the Agafay Desert, a rocky desert where you can have fun riding camels and camping with other tourists and locals. The Agafay Desert is just 30 kilometers (19 miles) from Marrakesh. That would take you around 45 minutes to an hour by car, depending on road conditions and traffic.
Other good destinations to explore from Marrakesh are Essaouira and Aït Benhaddou.
Visiting Marrakesh: Cons & Tips
Now let's explore some of the drawbacks of visiting Marrakesh. We'll highlight the most significant disadvantages to give you a realistic view of what to expect. Of course, there may be other challenges that you encounter, but ultimately, you'll have to experience the city yourself to fully understand its complexities.
Scammers
As with any touristy city in the world, Marrakesh has its share of scammers. Some people will try to overcharge you for services and goods, while others will attempt to sell you items based on false claims. There are no centuries-old rugs that once belonged to a prince or a dynasty, so don't believe everything you hear. If you're in the souks and looking to shop, always bargain with the vendor for a fair price. Shopping in Moroccan souks, in general, can be an exhausting task, but it's part of the overall experience.
Taxis are the worst in Marrakesh. Many of them overcharge tourists even for short trips. Not all taxi drivers are bad, of course, but to be safe, always ask how much your trip will cost before getting in. If the price seems unreasonable, simply avoid taking the fare. Another way to avoid getting scammed by taxi drivers is to ask clerks or the receptionist at your hotel before going out for a taxi. This way, you'll have an idea of how much it should cost to reach your destination.
We always recommend hiring a guide or paying for a reputable travel agency to avoid scammers. A good guide will help you pay fair prices, navigate Marrakesh better, and even connect with the locals. Paying for a travel agency spares you the struggle and confusion about which places to visit and what experiences to have. Travel agencies are usually clear about their prices, so you can get an idea of how much your whole trip will cost from the beginning.
Marrakesh Is Hot
Summers in Marrakesh are very hot, with temperatures reaching as high as 40-45°C (104-113°F). The hottest months are typically July and August. High temperatures can affect your experience by making daytime activities difficult and exhausting. Therefore, it’s wise to consider this factor before choosing the right time to visit the red city. It's also important to protect yourself from the sun while in Marrakesh. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and avoid sitting in direct sunlight.
The best time to visit Marrakesh is during the spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). During these seasons, you can explore the city and its surroundings more comfortably and in a less crowded environment. However, visiting Marrakesh during spring and autumn may not be suitable for some tourists, especially families, due to work and school commitments.
So, understandably, summer might be the only option for you if you're a parent. The bright side is that Marrakesh is more charming in the summer when it's bustling with people. With few protective measures against the hot weather, you'll have a more memorable experience.
Conclusion:
Here you go! This is Marrakesh with its cons and pros for tourists. In my opinion, Marrakesh is indeed worth visiting at least once in a lifetime, even with all the drawbacks like the hot weather, scammers, and expense. Here's an idea: Why don't you make Marrakesh your exploration point? Book a trip directly to it, explore it for a few days, and then venture beyond. Morocco is packed with other great locations, and Marrakesh would be a great starting point.
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