Marrakech Travel Tips: 5 things you need to know before going to Marrakech
Marrakech…my go-to city that I have to visit every time I need a break. I love Marrakesh. In fact, I visit Marrakesh once a year, it’s becoming a ritual to me. And this year, I went back again to The Red City for just 4 days and I still feel like I need to come back to experience even more of it. LOL cuz I never get enough of it. Anyway, so Marrakesh is a place that most of travelers love. But it’s also one of these places where you need to adjust your expectations accordingly and be prepared that it’s a place like no other. That’s why I thought why not share with you guys some Marrakech Travel Tips so that you’ll know everything you need to know before visiting this beautiful city. So here we go: 5 things you need to know before going to Marrakech!
Ceck out my Marrakech Travel Guide here !
5 Marrakech Travel Tips :
1. Research the temperature but come prepared for any weather
In winter it can get cold, especially at night, so pack accordingly. I was lucky around New Years and didn’t need coats during the day – just a sweater in the morning. Pack layers so you can add and remove clothing as needed. At night it was cold and I’ve read the temperature can drop enough that you’ll need mittens, hat and scarf as well.
If visiting in the summer, bring loose clothing. Our Medina tour guide was talking about 40C temperatures in the summer! Don’t forget to pack sunscreen too.
You’ll also want comfortable shoes for walking around the Souks. I’d avoid wearing flip-flops as the streets can be uneven and dusty.
2. Prepare to Argue With Taxi Drivers
Unfortunately, there are many taxi scams in Marrakesh. Be CAREFUL! One of the most common places people are scammed is at the airport where it should cost you around 50-70 dirhams to get to the medina, but drivers won’t take you for less than 350. I’m honestly not surprised they do that as I’ve seen many tourists agreeing to that price.
Unless you argue, you won’t be able to pay a normal price. One time arguing didn’t work for me, another I lowered the price to 100 dirhams which was still too much, but at least I didn’t get totally scammed.
That said, you might want to pre-book your taxi from the airport if you don’t feel like haggling after a long journey. This one is a reliable and affordable option.
3. Be Prepared for Craziness at Jamaa el Fna Square
Jamaa el Fna – main square in Marrakesh, is absolutely crazy. People are going to try to make you buy things and make you pay for taking photos of them. They might put snakes, monkeys and everything else they can find, on your shoulders. Yes, they do abuse these animals.
But don’t let this discourage you from enjoying the square. I absolutely loved the food stalls there and would surely recommend them to any visitor.
4. You’re gonna use cash a lot
Morocco is a cash society, so you’ll want to make getting cash a priority. Many ATM’s are located in the Jemaa el-Fna (main square of the Medina) plus other cash machines can be found throughout the city, though these can be few and far between. Credit cards are accepted at hotels as well as some restaurants, but not all. So having cash is essential, as many marketplace stands and taxis won’t accept credit cards.
5. Be Prepared for the Sensations
Marrakech can inundate you with all its sights, smells, and flavors. Expect to see glittering tile work, heaps of multi-colored spices and intricate, hand-woven Berber rugs while you inhale the distinct fragrance of Argan oil or roasting tagines while navigating the crowds of Jemaa-el Fnaa square.
Feeling over-stimulated? Order a tagine — a dish of cooked meat, vegetables and spices prepared in the namesake conical clay pot — with a steaming mint tea. Even on the hottest, most frenetic summer days, this is a refreshing way to enjoy a meal in Marrakech.
