morocco tourism wiki

• 1 Understand
• 2.1.1 Ground transport from airport
• 2.2 By train
• 3.2 By caleche
• 3.3 By taxi
• 4.1 Day trips
• 5.1 The Medina
• 5.2 Hammams
• 5.3 Desert trekking
• 7.1 How to eat (well) in the Djemaa El-Fna
• 7.3 Mid-range
• 7.4 Splurge
• 9.3 Discount hotels
• 9.4 Hostels
• 9.5 Guéliz (also known as Ville Nouvelle)
• 10.1 Consulates
• 11.1 Emergency phone numbers
• 11.2 Hospitals
• 11.3 Drinking water
• 11.4 Touts and scams

Marrakech (Arabic: مراكش, Berber: ⴰⵎⵓⵔⴰⴽⵓⵛ), also spelt Marrakesh , is one of the imperial cities of Morocco .

Understand [ edit ]

The name Marrakech originates from the Amazigh (Berber) words mur (n) wakush , which means "Land of God". It is the third largest city in Morocco after Casablanca and Rabat , and lies near the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and a few hours away from the foot of the Sahara Desert. Its location and contrasting landscape has made it an enviable destination in Morocco.

The city is divided into two parts: the Medina, the historical city, and the new European modern district called Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. The Medina is full of intertwining narrow passageways and local shops full of character; it also contains the large square Djemaa El-Fna, where many hotels are located and tourists, locals and vendors congregate. In contrast, Gueliz plays host to modern restaurants, fast food chains and big brand stores.

Marrakech is the main tourist destination in Morocco and thus it is also a place where many Moroccans try to become rich fast by ripping off tourists. This mentality is so widespread that even Moroccans are now ripped off whenever possible so that they call the city "Marrakech, Arnakech" - which rhymes in Arabic and translates to "Marrakech, Mafia". See the Scam section for more information.

For further information, you may also visit the 31.635556 -8.014167 1 Marrakech Tourist Information ( at a small square at the intersection of Avenue Mohammed V and Rue de Yugoslavie ).  

Get in [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

Marrakech has an international airport with direct scheduled flights from many major European centres, including flights operated by a number of low cost carriers. Connections via Casablanca (45-min flight) are also possible.

• Easyjet flies to Marrakech from Manchester, Stansted and Gatwick Airport (and also from Madrid , from Lyon , Amsterdam and from Basel )
• Ryanair - direct flights from Oporto (Portugal), London Luton, and London Stansted to Marrakech. They also fly from Hahn (Germany), Berlin (Germany), Alicante (Spain), Girona (Spain), Eindhoven (the Netherlands), Bergamo (Italy), Madrid and Reus (Spain), Dublin (Ireland) to Marrakech.
• British Airways flies from London Gatwick.
• TUIfly flies from Cologne and several other European destinations.
• Transavia a low-cost airline from Air France-KLM group coming to Marrakech from several cities in Europe, including Paris.
• Norwegian offers direct flights from Copenhagen , Oslo and Stockholm .
• Iberia offers two non stop flights from Madrid.
• TAP Portugal offers direct flights from Lisbon
• Domestic flights operated by Royal Air Maroc , with flights from Agadir , Casablanca (daily), Fez (daily), Ouarzazate , Al Hoceima , and Tangier .

Ground transport from airport [ edit ]

The airport is about 9 km south-west of the city center (Medina), and 6.6 km from the Djemaa El-Fna square.

The L19 Airport express bus is 30 dirham for a round trip (if the return trip is within 2 weeks of purchase) and the driver can make change. It serves all the major hotels and is a great way to go from the airport to the Medina area. The 31.600795 -8.025973 2 bus 19 departure stop is right out of the terminal according to the bus' route. (If not, exit the arrivals hall at Terminal 2, to your left you will see the parking area, walk into it and continue across all the taxis, at the end, close to the exit, there's an empty area with a black BUS sign without signs or maps, nor a place to sit or shadow.) The bus leaves the airport every twenty minutes between 07:00 and 21:30. This bus line terminates at Jeema El Fna and it only has a couple of stops along the way, most notably the Menara Mall. The whole trip takes 15-20 minutes. You can see the whole route and departure times in Google Maps. Beware , some taxi drivers will approach and try to convince you to go with them, sometimes even resorting to lies ("The bus is not running today" or "It comes only once an hour")—don't listen to them.

You can also catch No 11 city bus which runs from M'Hamid district to the long distance bus station at Bab Doukkala, stopping also at Jeema El Fna. It stops on Avenue Gnassa - main road near airport, 500 m from terminal. This is an option only for people with convenient luggage, but it is the cheapest one—the bus costs 4 dirham, like all local buses. The driver can make change.

The airport is about a 10-15 min ride by petit taxi from the city center. Prices directly from the airport are fixed, insanely inflated and displayed prominently just outside the airport (just like at every airport in Morocco). Walking the 200 m across the parking lot to the road and hailing a taxi there will get you a much, much better price per vehicle (about 20-40 dirham compared to the official 200 dirham).

Many hotels and riads offer a shuttle service for about €15 per person. The advantage is that you avoid the hassle, and they will lead you all the way to you lodging, even if the car cannot drive there. However, you might have to wait a while for all your fellow passengers to get out of the airport.

Several international rental car companies are based at the airport as well.

If you do not have too much luggage then it is possible to walk from the airport to the Medina even though it would take you from an hour and half to two hours. There is a footpath alongside the road all the way and the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque provides an excellent landmark to head towards. If you have enough time you can break the trip with a visit to the Menara gardens, which are between the airport and the city.

By train [ edit ]

• 31.630507 -8.017482 3 Train station , Avenue Hassan II ( Guéliz district ), ☏ +212 447768 . For train times and schedules, check out the Moroccan Railway website . ( updated Jan 2018 )

Trains from Casablanca (2nd class 84 dirham, 1st class 150 dirham, 3 hr), Rabat and Tangier connect with most domestic rail destinations in the country, with Marrakech as the southernmost stop. Trains run regularly between Marrakech and Casablanca (including the International Airport). They arrive around every two hours and regularly from other destinations like Rabat. Every day there are 8 direct 7 hr trains to Fez via Casablanca Voyageurs station and another two direct connections to Tangier.

From Tangier it's about a 10-hr journey. You can travel either by day train or night train. During the daytime, you will need to change trains for a connection halfway through the journey creating a welcome break for about 30 min. The night trains which leaves for Marrakech from Tangier travels straight through to Marrakech without the need for a connection. The night trains do have sleeper cars on board, though you will need to pay extra for these if you want a bed (around 350 dirham). If you're planning to go cheap and take the night train on the regular seats in second class (and planning to sleep), you'll be interrupted by movement of passengers and a few times by the ticket conductors throughout the night. It's a great way to travel but don't plan on sleeping on the train, especially if you are travelling alone.

There is no train line further south than Marrakech in Morocco; if you want to head south, to the desert, Atlas Mountains, Agadir or Essaouira on the coast, you'll have to get a bus, rental car or grand taxi.

Moroccan trains do not have restaurant cars. A snack trolley makes the rounds with sandwiches, soft drinks and coffee, but bringing some food for the journey isn't a bad idea. Stops in Casablanca and Rabat usually are long enough to grab a bite in the station en route.

By bus [ edit ]

• 31.635669 -7.999205 4 Gare Routière ( ALSA ) ( very central next to the medina, and more convenient than CTM, near Bab Doukkala, a 20-min walk (15-20 dirham by petit taxi ) from Djemaa El-Fna ). Most ALSA (local destination bus company) and private bus lines depart and arrive at this bus station. Supratours (?) and Eurolines buses operate from here. It's the place to take the buses from the small companies, that go directly to small destinations. Buy your ticket inside of the terminal at the according counter. There you will also find the proper prices, outside they will just quote you arbitrary prices or tell you it is more expensive because of AC. 1 dirham to enter the station . ( updated Apr 2019 )
• 31.626557 -8.020083 5 Gare Voyageurs ( CTM Bus Station ) ( one block south from the Supratours station next to the train station ). CTM operates a separate bus station. You can buy the tickets in advance. The CTM's offices are better than at the Gare Routière, and there are no people trying to push you to their bus company. The office and station on Zerktouni street does not exist anymore. CTM has also an office at the long distance bus station (see above) if you just want to buy your tickets in advance or check the schedule. A taxi ride from the CTM station to the main square is, if metered, about 12 dirham. The taxis waiting in front of the station are operated by a gang of dishonest drivers who will charge up to 100 dirham. One can just ignore their pushy boss and loudly offer 20 dirham - usually someone will accept or walk 50 m up or down the road and hail in taxi. ( updated Apr 2019 )
• 31.62166 -7.99204 6 Jardin Sidi Mimoun . Jump off point for minibuses to Asni , Imlil , Ourika Valley and the High Atlas in general. ( updated May 2019 )

There are many long distance bus companies operating within Morocco which serve Marrakech and other cities.

The bus companies mostly used by tourists are CTM [dead link] , Pullman du sud [dead link] and Supratours . Other companies do exist, though these three companies are usually the safest options, but mostly not the cheapest ones.

The long distance bus station, CTM and private bus companies travel to destinations such as Agadir (regular, 3 hr, 80 / 100 dirham local/CTM), Safi , Casablanca (regular, 4 hr, 80-95 dirham), El Jadida , Essaouira (regular, 3 hr, 55 / 80 dirham local/CTM), Fez , Meknes , Ouarzazate (regular, 3-3.5 hr, 80 dirham), Rabat , and Taroudant . Taxi touts will often gather in the bus station to convince you that a bus to your destination is 'full' and to steer you into a grand taxi, and will attempt to sell you goods as your taxi is prepared. This can be difficult if there is nobody manning the ticket desks, and the best option is to walk out of the station to the coaches - a ticket can usually be purchased from a conductor on board.

For trips to Meknes (6 hr, ~120 dirham), while seemingly shorter on the map, the mountain route via Beni Mellal takes at least 2 hr more than on the highway via Rabat and Casablanca​, going there by train (6½ hr, 174 dirham) is the most comfortable option, although buses might be slightly quicker.

Get around [ edit ]

Once in the medina, everything can be seen on foot , though you'll be doing a lot of walking. Many tourist destinations are signposted by brown, red or green signs affixed to posts or to buildings. Bear in mind that many of these signs don't take the direct route, and some seem to deliberately send tourists via various markets or other places money may be spent.

For exploring more of the city, buses and petits taxis are plentiful.

Alsa run the city buses and have maps, fares and a frequency guide on their web page.

Almost all buses stop at Djemaa El-Fna (the bus stop for Djemaa El-Fna is called Terminus Arset El Bilk , and it is marked on Google Maps) and Place Youssef Ben Tachfine and fares range from 2–5 dirham depending on the distance. Important municipal bus lines are:

• No 1 - Towards Gueliz
• No 8 - Stops at the central train station, and bus station (Gare Routiere Voyageurs Marrakech)
• No 10 - Stops at the long distance bus station
• No 11 - Will drop you off at the gardens of Menara
• No 18 - Outside of Airport to Djemaa el-Fna.
• No 19 - Airport express to Djemaa el-Fna (return for 30 dirham)

Bus No 19 leaves Djemaa el-Fna every half an hour, from 05:15 to 21:15. The trip to the airport takes about 25 minutes.

There is an open-topped City Sightseeing bus that will take you around the outskirts of the city, with commentary provided via headphones (supplied with your ticket) in any of 8 different languages. The best place to catch it is from the coach stops by Square de Foucauld. Tickets cost 145 dirham each and are valid for 24 hours from the time of issue, no matter how many times you get on or off. You can get a 48-hour ticket for very little extra and as there are two distinct tours, this can be a good deal. Check the timetable carefully, as the buses can stop running earlier than you might think.

By caleche [ edit ]

An alternative and romantic way to travel is by caleche , a small horse-drawn carriage. They can be hired at Square de Foucauld (the small park to the south of Djemaa El-Fna). It's wise to agree on a price before setting off. As a guide price, you should pay around 80 dirham per hour, per carriage.

By taxi [ edit ]

You should always ask to use the meter ( compteur in French); otherwise, you are just contributing to a culture of ripping off people. However, in the vast majority of cases, the drivers will refuse to take you if you insist on using the meter. Even locals often have troubles with drivers in Marrakesh, that's how it is. Even if you use the meter, the driver may try and charge extra for bags, or be lacking change in order to get a larger fare.

Your only option to completely avoid this is using the buses which serve most destinations of interest (see above). If you accept that you have to pay a small penalty fee for being a tourist, offer 50% more than the metered ride would cost upfront (see below).

For petit taxi , the maximum number of passengers is three (plus the driver), i.e. one fare applies to a single person, or a group two or three people.

• The meter starts from 1.70 dirham before 20:00 and 2.40 dirham after 20:00; there's no need to negotiate the price. Basically they have to use the meter even if it is midnight.
• The minimum charge is 7 dirham before 20:00 and after will be 10 dirham.
• 20 dirham is a good price for a 10-minute ride and if offered upfront will usually be accepted. If not, kindly refuse and simply take the next taxi.

For grand taxis (regular Mercedes taxis) there are no meters. Typically the set rate from Marrakech Airport to the Medina or Djemaa El-Fna (Main square) is 150 dirham. There also appears to be no limit to the number of people they'll attempt to squeeze in! Outside of the airport if you are a group of more than three, the maximum for a petit taxi , then do negotiate you fee before you enter the grand taxi.

See [ edit ]

There is much to see and do in Marrakech. An entire day can be dedicated to wandering around all the different souks, seeking out the best bargains. The city also offers several historical and architectural sites as well as some interesting museums.

• 31.592794 -8.025948 1 Medina . The Medina is the old city quarter located within the sandstone city walls that give Marrakech the nickname the Red City. As an ancient hub, it contains a maze of narrow streets and outdoor marketplaces.  
• 31.6271 -7.98727 3 The Souks ( suuqs ). Markets of Marrakech, just adjacent to Place Djemaa El-Fna, are where you can buy almost anything, from spices to shoes, jellabas to kaftans, and tea pots to tagines. Undoubtedly, being a foreigner means you will end up paying higher prices than a native would, but be sure to bargain nonetheless. If you happen to run out of dirham, you will also find plenty of people in the souks who will eagerly exchange your dollars or euros (though a fair rate here is less likely than at an official exchange). All that said, the sellers here are much less aggressive than, say, Egypt, so have fun! ( updated Jan 2018 )

• 31.63367 -7.97862 5 Tanneries . Visiting the tanneries can be an interesting experience. Even if some people tell you the area is only for locals, it is possible to visit the Tanneries without paying a youngster. After finding a tannery, ask one of the workers if you can visit it and take pictures  
• 31.62158 -7.98425 7 Moroccan Culinary Arts Museum ( Musée d'art culinaire Marocain ), Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid . If you are interested in food and eating culture, you will enjoy this museum. Audiovisual information about the rich culinary culture of Marocco, its ingredients, techniques and traditions. You can also touch and smell many things. They also sport a very well equipped cooking school. ( updated Mar 2023 )

• 31.6425 -8.0032 9 Yves Saint Laurent Museum , Rue Yves St Laurent ( next door to Majorelle Gardens ), ☏ +212 5242-98686 . Th-Tu 10:00 - 18:00 . 120 dirham, combination ticket with Majorelle Gardens and Berber Museum 180 dirham, queues are far shorter here than at the gardens to buy tickets though you have to buy either a YSL Museum ticket or combination ticket . ( updated Nov 2019 )
• 31.623406 -7.983862 10 Dar Si Saïd Museum ( on Rue Riad Zitoun Jdid, is a museum 5 mins away from Djemaa El-Fna. ). 10:00–18:00 . Museum set in an old palace with beautiful gardens. While somewhat run-down, it is worth seeing and houses many different artifacts from Morocco through the ages, such as wood carvings, musical instruments, and weapons. It is dedicated to the Moroccan craft industry of wood, gathering a very beautiful collection of popular art: carpets, clothing, pottery and ceramics. All these objects are regional, coming from Marrakech and all the south, especially from Tensift, High Atlas, Soussthe, Anti Atlas, Bani, and Tafilal. Locals: adults 10 dirham, children below 12 3 dirham; tourists: adults 30 dirham . ( updated Nov 2019 )

• 31.62006 -7.98018 15 Jewish Cemetery , Avenue Taoulat El Miara ( adjacent to the mellah, within the medina ). 09:00-17:00 . The largest Jewish cemetery in Morocco, characterized by white-washed tombs and sandy graves. The men selling tickets are full of interesting information about the cemetery but you have to ask. 10 dirham . ( updated Nov 2019 )
• 31.650543 -7.947038 18 Musée de la Palmeraie , Dar Tounsi, Route de Fès ( in the south of the Palmeraie, it is quite off the main tourist paths, expect to travel at about an hour per direction; you must get a taxi or bus 17 towards Palmeraie (which does not run often); the route with the museum is off to the left side of the road, the crossroads just before the Atacadao supermarket; you have to head follow the road for about 500 m, there are also signs ), ☏ +212-661 09 53 52 , [email protected] . 09:00-18:00? . In old agricultural buildings in the Palmeraie, made out of rammed earth. The architecture itself is interesting if you haven't seen it. It offers a small collection of contemporary art, with a room dedicated to Morrocan artists (also famous ones), the international ones are rather not top-notch. The gardens are nicely made and are good place to relax in quit. 40 dirham . ( updated Mar 2016 )
• 31.656111 -7.948056 19 Musee Farid Belkahia , Dar Tounsi, Route de Fès ( at the seat of the Fondation Farid Belkahia, which is off Route de Fès, Dar Tounsi, walking past Musée de la Palmeraie for further 500 m-1 km ), [email protected] . M-Sa . A museum dedicated to the renowned contemporary artist Farid Belkahia, showcasing different periods of his work ( updated Mar 2016 )
• 31.622273 -7.984071 20 Tiskiwin Museum , Derb El Bahia 8 ( between El Bahia and Museum Dar Si Said ). 09:00-12:30 and 14:30-18:00 . About the people in the Sahara. Created by Dutchman Bert Flint. 30 dirham . ( updated Jan 2018 )
• 31.63206 -7.98442 21 Maison de la Photographie , 46, Rue souk Ahal Fès ( 200 m behind Ben Youssef Medersa - Koranic School ). A little photography museum, it has one of the highest roof terraces in the Medina. 50 dirham . ( updated Dec 2019 )
• 31.6315 -7.9872 24 Almoravid Koubba . A very small but intricate domed pavilion, known for being the only surviving example of Almoravid religious architecture (early 12th century) in Marrakech. Located across the street from the Ben Youssef Mosque, it is believed to have been an annex of the former Almoravid mosque. It was excavated in the 20th century after being half-buried for centuries. The pavilion's exterior can be easily seen from the street, so paying for entry just lets you see its interior. 50 dirham . ( updated Mar 2023 )

Day trips [ edit ]

• Jbilets Geological Site . Explore the Berber village on a desert tour.  
• 31.40074 -7.82607 2 Anima garden ( Anima André Heller's Garden ), ☏ +212 666 56 17 76 , [email protected] . One of the prettiest gardens in the world. Created by André Heller , it is true oasis when you’re weary of the medina hubub. Book the official shuttle bus to get there and back for free.  

Do [ edit ]

• 31.70305 -8.02099 1 Chez Ali Fantasia , La Palmeraie de Marrakech ( 10 km north of Marrakech ), ☏ +212 5 24307730 . Horse show, acrobats on Arabian horses firing rifles in the air, horseback acrobatics, belly dancing, etc. It takes place at night in a huge imitation of an old castle. €15 .  

The Medina [ edit ]

The historic district of the city.

The main square in the Medina is Djemaa El-Fna. It is surrounded by endless labyrinths of souks (bazaars) and alley ways covering all of the Medina. Djemma El-Fna is a must as there is always something to see there day and night whether it be snake charmers, acrobats, sooth-sayers,or the musicians and food stalls. At night the square really comes to life as people navigate toward the exotic aromas and the entertaining sights. As the evening darkens, the hustle & bustle of activity rages on. The exotic music appears louder and more hypnotic.

The Medina is also the place to stay in a Riad, a Moroccan house with an internal courtyard. Most windows are inward facing towards the central atrium. This design of property suits Islamic tradition as there is no obvious wealth statement being made externally, no windows to peer through. Entering a Riad is like discovering an Aladdin's Cave in comparison to its non-descript exterior. They are great places to stay and offer an intimate and relaxing retreat.

Directly south of the Djemaa El-Fna is Rue Bab Agnaou. A five-min walk takes you straight to the famous Bab Agnaou entrance to the Kasbah district of the Medina. The Bab Agnaou entrance, through the ramparts, is by far the most impressive entrance of all medina rampart entrances.

The Kasbah, in comparison to the Derbs (streets) surrounding the Djemaa El-Fna, portrays a calmer, less abrasive atmosphere. It is home to the Royal Palace, also the former El - Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs. This naturally creates better security, cleaner streets and a hint of being a special place within the medina. The Kasbah has its own little bazaars (Souikas), food stalls, restaurants, hotels and riads for travellers to enjoy.

Hammams [ edit ]

Hammams are baths, often close to mosques to facilitate the performance of ablutions. In guidebooks and signs that call them "Moroccan Turkish Baths" the name "Turkish" is a misnomer, since Morocco (unlike Egypt or Syria) was never under Ottoman rule, but the historical role of the baths is authentic in Morocco.

• 31.617286 -7.99051 3 Les Bains de Marrakech , 2 Derb Sedra, Bab Agnaou (same building as Riad Mehdi) ( inside Bab Agnaou ), ☏ +212 438 1428 , [email protected] . 09:00-19:30 . Tourists-oriented in good sense: couples can have hammam together in a private room. Extensive list of massages and spa treatments from 30 min to a full day. Reception and attendants are proficient in speaking English, however, the scrubbing and massage personnel speak only very basic vocabulary. You need to book two days in advance. 170–1,400 dirham .  
• Hammam Dar el-Bacha , 20 Rue Fatima Zohra . men 12:00-13:00, women 13:00-21:00 .  
• Hammam Bab Doukkala , Rue Bab Doukkala ( southeast corner Bab Doukkala Mosque ). women 07:00-19:00, men 20:00 .  
• Thai marrakech , Résidence Les Jasmins Apt N° 13 4ème étage Angle Av. Mohamed v et Rue Oum Errabia Guéliz , ☏ +212 524 433 304 . Bann Thai institute is a beauty center based in the heart of Marrakech. His team is a graduate of the famous school of Wat Po in Bangkok. The center offers several Thai massage relaxation with a traditional Moroccan hammam natural products  
• 31.6383 -8.0043 4 Hamam Essalama ( traditional Hamam ), Rue Moulay Abdellah ( walking on Rue Moulay Abdellah, coming from Rue Bata or Rue Khalid Ben El Qualid, head towards Boulevard de Safi, the hamam is in the last block (just before Bvd Safi) at the near corner ). till 17:00 . Friendly staff, however, no English or French (other locals helped without any problem) 12 dirham entrance, 50 dirham scrub . ( updated Mar 2016 )
• 31.631942 -8.010283 5 Ô Bain de Lina ( massage, hammam, facials ), N 1, 84 Avenue Hassan II Residence El Faroukia ( next to AMAIA Restaurant, 200 m from the Grande Poste, near the Coffee "La Poste" ), ☏ +212 524 422 651 , [email protected] . Until 01:00 . Friendly staff, however, no English or French; other customers likely to help you out. 500 dirham . ( updated May 2018 )

Desert trekking [ edit ]

Marrakesh is not in the desert: you will spend several hours to get to the desert and that day tours are therefore pretty stressful. If you have the time, spend at least one night in the desert or in a town close to your desert trekking destination. Beware of tours that don't include meals and water as they will drop you at 100 dirham restaurants far from any other option, because of this and the kickback from shops you will visit multi-day trips to Merzouga can cost as little as 600 dirham if you play agencies against each other.

A good alternative to big desert trips is a day-trip to the Agafay desert. It is rockier (less sandy), but a common trip for the locals.

Buy [ edit ]

Along with the major souk (Arabic for 'market') adjacent to the Djemaa El-Fna, there are a plethora of smaller souks throughout the city where any number of products can be had. In any of them, you generally need to bargain . Keep an eye out for a wide array of hand-crafted candle-holding lanterns, as well as spectacular displays of local spices.

Most shops sell the same handful of items. But if you wander a little off from El-Fna, you can find small workshops with real craftsmen making handmade goods. You then get to talk to craftsmen that the item you bought. If you buy shoes or clothes that can also make alterations for you, and there a few places that make unique products that you will not see anywhere else.

Argan oil, produced only in Morocco, is used in Moroccan cooking and beauty treatments. If you enjoy its unique nutty flavor, be sure to pick some up in the souks. It will cost you about 70 dirham per 100 ml at local supermarket for cooking oil or 200 dirham for genuine cosmetic oil.

Marrakech is home to a large tanning industry, and leather goods of high quality can be bought here cheaply. Check out camel leather items especially - jackets, round poufs (little ottomans), and handbags.

For the shoes, always check they have no paper inside sole because it is very common. Do not be fooled by demonstration of bending the shoe back and forth; try it yourself by feeling and hearing how the paper bends. For poor quality shoes you should not pay more than 40 dirham, and for a good pair no more than 90 dirham. Shop around and learn the difference in shoe quality.

Also of interest would be items made of the local cactus silk, which is really rayon, a natural fiber made of plant cellulose and produced in Morocco. Rayon holds the chemical dyes well which accounts for the vibrant range of true colors (natural dyes cannot produce a "true" color). On offer are scarves, handbags, tablecloths, bedspreads and throws in stunning colors. Some merchants try to charge a premium price for this "cactus silk". Check well because there are many fakes and sellers will usually tell you any lie to get you to pay a high price.

Be sure to wander around the potters' souk, and look for brightly colored platters and bowls, as well as tagines (large, lidded cookpots) in all sizes

Lovely cashmere shawls can also be had for less than a fiver with a little bargaining.

If you cannot stand the bargaining, there are two government-run shops where you can buy handicrafts at fixed prices. Look for boutique d'artisans. One is near Djemaa El-Fna while the other one is in the ville nouvelle.

• 31.61594 -7.98891 1 Les établissements Bouchaïb , 7, Derb Baïssi Kasbah Boutouil ( on Rue de La Kasbah ), ☏ +212 524381853 . Huge two-story store with fixed prices. Carpets, spices, argon oil, jewelry, ceramics, furniture, wood handcrafts, etc. Check out the prices on the webpage before you go to get and idea of the cost of the items you are interested in .  

An option to explore the souks in a more tranquil way is to go during the Friday prayer. Although some shops will be closed, most stay open and are significantly less crowded than at other times.

The Apple and Samsung smartphones being sold on Djemaa El-Fna are Chinese-built fakes; they work fine but employ less storage and cheaper components than the originals. Bargain accordingly.

• 31.625272 -7.985867 2 Chez Monseur Michelin , 83 Riad Zitoun . Handmade bags and fashion items made from recycled tires and inner tubes. ( updated Mar 2015 )
• 31.631844 -7.984548 3 Faissal , 119 Rue Mouassine ( next to Maison de la Photographie ), ☏ +212 696972001 , [email protected] . Tiny workshop making scarves in wool, cotton, and linen. ( updated Aug 2019 )

Prices [ edit ]

In order to not become (heavily) overcharged: If there is no price tag, ask for the price first . This applies to both products and services.

As a guide for prices, maximum and generous prices you should pay.

• Djellaba, long coat with hood for men, made of cotton/wool. Low quality: 90 dirham. Good (thick) quality: 300 dirham.
• Paintings, depends on the quality and size but no more than 50 dirham for a 70x50cm.
• Shisha, 150 dirham for the smallest ones. Prices then vary with size and quality.
• Tobacco for shisha, 20 dirham. There are many flavours and decent prices at the duty-free store at the airport in Marrakech.
• Shoes, for home, no more than 50 dirham for a good one, for the street no more than 90 dirham for a good quality one.
• Lamp, no more than 60 dirham for a medium size lamp.
• Woven beanie, 15 dirham.
• T-shirt, no more than 50 dirham for a large.
• Small wooden snake toys, 5 dirham.
• Small teapot (2-3 cups), 90-100 dirham.
• Medium size cooking tagine 40 dirham. (Choose carefully, glazed tagines have a risk of releasing unsafe levels of lead.)
• Dress for women, poor quality, not wool, 30 dirham.
• Carpets: 1,000 dirham for a white wool carpet that is 8 ft x 12 ft
• Henna tattoo: medium-sized design should cost no more than 50 dirham (Ask for brown henna if you are allergic to PPP black henna, the brown henna is natural and safe)
• You can order special gold jewellery items like a chain with your name on it or using a customised design but ensure you have agreed on the price beforehand.
• 250 g of gunpowder tea, 30 dirham. Although best bought at a supermarket.
• Round piece of bread, 1.5 dirham.
• Spice mixes, 80 dirham/kg. Cumin, curcuma, cinnamon, ground ginger, etc. 40-60 dirham/kg

Also see Morocco#Buy . Do not offer a price that you are not willing to pay. Even hostel prices can be haggled.

Remember, sellers are just the middle man, they do not produce it, except maybe for some kinds of lamps, and they pay very little to the people who actually make it. Also, never pay in advance. And never let anyone write you an invoice. It is a bad idea and in most of the cases you will never see your goods or money back.

Most major banks and a slew of cash exchange shops can be found in a cluster around Arset el bilk (next to the main square). Most banks don't accept Unionpay and many ATMs displaying the Unionpay logo actually don't support the cards regardless of what Unionpay or the bank's website will tell you. Apparently the Société Générale banks can do withdrawals from 16:00-21:00.

Be aware that if you are shopping at western stores like Zara, that the return policies are different. Contrary to many other countries, purchases by credit card can only be exchanged, not returned. However, cash purchases can be returned for a refund.

Eat [ edit ]

How to eat (well) in the djemaa el-fna [ edit ].

Each night in the Djemaa El-Fna rows of street stalls are set up under giant white tents. The huts targeting tourists serve similar fare and have menus printed in French, Arabic and usually English. Everyone has tajine, couscous, brochette and some variety of soups. Some have specialities like offal, egg sandwiches or special tajines. Be aware that most restaurants employ rather insistent "greeters," who are very aggressive in trying to customers for their stall. The line 'we already ate' seems to work well to get them to stop. As of 2018, the "greeters" mentioned above have changed strategies to one of harassment and insults. They try to separate couples and corner women while hurling insults.

If you want to eat well in Marrakech, do what the locals do and eat at the food stalls in the square. It is a common misconception that these stalls are only here for the tourists. Actually, they have been in existence long before Marrakech became a tourist destination. All of the stalls can be regarded as perfectly safe to eat at. They are strictly licensed and controlled by the government, especially now as it is a popular destination for tourists. The locals eat at the cheaper stalls that don't employ greeters and serve the more interesting food: snails, sheep head, lentils and beans.

• Prices tend to vary a little. Depending upon how hungry you are, you can pay anything from 10 dirham for a bread filled with freshly grilled sausages, or perhaps a bowl of harira soup to 100 dirham for a full three-course meal with salad, bread, starter, main course, and tea.
• Try harira (great soup, of lamb/beef, red lentils and vegetables) and the fried aubergines. Don't be afraid-try the lamb head: it's really tasty. The "bull stew" (beef stew) should also be given a chance in the same stalls.
• Don't miss the tea! There is a row of tea sellers along the front of the food stalls who each sell tea for 3 dirham each (as of 2011). Most of the tea at these stalls is actually ginseng tea with cinnamon and ginger... most delicious and welcoming. They also have cake, made of basically the same spices, which can be a bit overpowering.
• All food stalls at Djemaa El-Fna display the price on the menus, making it less likely you'll be overcharged, but many will bring starters to you without asking, then charge for them at the end.
• Drinks are rarely on the menu so it is better to ask the price of them before ordering, as they can often be comparatively high. On the other hand, some stalls offer free mint tea to encourage you to choose them.
• Early mornings, look for people frying riifa in the covered part opposite the Koutoubia. Riifa is dough stretched and flattened and folded over, then cooked in a frying pan, and is best described as a Moroccan version of a pancake or crepe.

Budget [ edit ]

• 31.626675 -7.98706 1 Chez Chegrouni , Avenue Jamaa El Fna ( near the main entrance to the market. ). Their vegetarian couscous is supposedly the only true vegetarian couscous in town; it's also bland but they give you plenty of it. Prices go up if you sit on the terrace. Usually packed full of good-time tourists. 30 dirham . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.628835 -7.994112 2 Chez Yassine , 70 Avenue Fatima Zohra ( 5 min north from the Koutoubia mosque, 70 Rue Fatima Zohra Rmila (next to the Bacha hamam) ). Not much choice but served by very friendly people. Tajines and pizzas are great and you can also order skewers that are not on the menu. 30 dirham tagines . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.631548 -7.994308 3 Henna Cafe , 93 Arset Aouzal Souikat, bab Doukala ( go to the taxi rank at Dar El Basha and walk 100 m up towards Bab Doukala. Henna Café is on the right side ), ☏ +212 656566374 , [email protected] . 11:00-20:00 . If you want to travel ethically then this is your place. A pretty little cafe on 3 floors with an orange sign on the berber hand-carved wooden facade opened in November 2011. You can have a cup of tea or coffee or simple lunch with dessert or just a sandwich. The Henna Café offers safe henna body adornment as well-ranging from a 50 dirham small motif on your hand to a full arm complex design for a wedding from 500 dirham. All profits go to local causes. Henna cafe was set up by the owners of Riad Cinnamon and Riad Papillon and Vivid Trading in order to start to 'give back' to Marrakech and offer support to those who might want it. The café offers free English lessons to Moroccan women so that they can find employment out of the home. 40 dirham mains . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.630851 -7.987 4 Chez Bismilah , 193 Souk El kebir . Amazing food and wonderful service. The owner is very kind and the fantastic chef is a humble lady who cooks perfectly all the traditional moroccan recipes. Tayine Royale is recommended. The roof top has an amazing view over the old medina. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.62631 -7.986957 5 Café Babouche medina , 37 Rue des Banques . In a small street a few steps from the Jemaa El Fna square. You can eat there in a friendly atmosphere. The veal tagine with prunes and almonds is spectacular. ( updated Sep 2022 )

Mid-range [ edit ]

For more upscale eateries (and especially for non-Moroccan cuisine) you generally must go outside the Medina to Ville Nouvelle.

• 31.638889 -8.013611 6 Associacion Amal ( situated at the intersection of Rue Ibn Sibna and Rue Allal Ben Ahmed ), ☏ +212-5-24-44-68-96 . Lunch: daily 12:00-16:00, dinner: groups of min. 10 people by reservation only . Here you can experience lunch similar to what Moroccans eat at home: this women's aid association provides women with education in exchange for food which is then sold for financing the model. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.632767 -8.007503 7 16 Café . Moroccan kitchen. 16 café is caterer of events and weddings. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.630757 -7.989271 8 Café Arabe , 184 mouassine ( medina near dar el bacha ), ☏ +212 2442 9728 . They have a Moroccan and an Italian cook, so there are two menus to choose from. There are three floors including the downstairs courtyard which is lovely for lunch. The top floor terrace has fantastic views, you can lounge on their sofas sipping a cocktail and watching the sun go down over the medina. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.623671 -7.98949 9 sky mabrouka ( Pass. Prince Moulay Rachid ). Serves the same standard fare as everywhere else in a little courtyard or terrace. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.636011 -8.013307 10 Al Fassia , 55, boulevard Zerktouni , ☏ +212 524 43 40 60 . W-M . Traditional Moroccan food in cozy restaurant run by women (except the doorman). Wine served by the bottle. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.635135 -8.010525 11 Café du Livre , 44 Rue Tariq Bnou Ziad, Guéliz ( located near Place du 16 Novembre, Rue Tariq Bnou Ziad is more or less parallel to Ave Mohamed V (to the East), the Hotel is located between the crossroads with Rue de la Liberté and Rue Sourya ), ☏ +212 5244-46921 . 09:30-21:00 . A western style bookshop-café in the villa nouvelle medium priced, sandwiches ~ 40–60 dirham . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.617125 -7.989508 12 Café Kabash , 47 Boutouil, Kasbah ( on Rue Kashbah near Bab Agnaou ), ☏ +212 524 382 625 , [email protected] . Have a roof terrace with a good view. Daily Moroccan menus with tea and juice. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.626546 -7.987116 13 Le Marrakchi , Place jeema el-fna, 52 Rue des Banques ( opposite the market and adjacent to the newspaper stand. ). With two main courses and wine running at around 300 dirham, this is one of the poshest restaurants in the square. The food is not necessarily better than elsewhere, but it is one of the few restaurants that serves alcohol. It also has a completely enclosed upstairs terrace, which is ideal for views of the square when the weather is bad. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.635756 -8.011167 14 Le Bistrot Loft , 18 Rue de la Liberté , ☏ +212 524 434 216 . Steaks, bistro food and good wines. Bar with beer, aperitifs and cocktails. 200 dirham . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.627159 -7.993842 15 Diaffa , 16 Derb Jdid ( just off Av. Mohammed V, across from Club Med ), ☏ +212 44 38 68 98 . An upscale restaurant in one of the oldest buildings in the Medina, and offers Moroccan cuisine in an ambiance that recalls the Orient at the height of its magic and glory. The food, building (whether the tables around the central courtyard and fountain or the second-level balcony), and tactful and tasteful entertainment. ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.623892 -7.983458 16 Dar Najat's Kitchen , Douar Groua, derb lalla chacha, N.18 ( 5 min walk from Jeema el Fna ), ☏ +212 524375085 . Daily fresh food in a boutique riad. €23 per person . ( updated Apr 2019 )
• 31.63206 -7.98442 17 Maison de la Photographie , 46, Rue souk Ahal Fès ( 200 m behind Ben Youssef Medersa - Koranic School ). A little photography museum, it has one of the highest roof terraces in the Medina. Over lunch of a fixed-price menu (at 75 dirham as of 2012) you get panoramic views over the city and the High Atlas mountains. ( updated Feb 2015 )

Splurge [ edit ]

• 31.625165 -7.984017 18 Pepe Nero , 17, Derb Cherkaoui, Douar Graoua ( follow the signs from Rue Zitoun El Jedid; note the metal arrows ), ☏ +212 524 389067 , [email protected] . Tu-Su 12:00-14:30, 19:30-23:00 . Fine Italian and Moroccan dining in gorgeous Riad. Often full so make a reservation. 400 dirham for 3-4 course dinner, wine for 200 dirham . ( updated Sep 2022 )
• 31.620368 -7.991796 19 La Villa des Orangers , Rue Sidi Mimoune 6 , ☏ +212 524 384638 . 19:30-late . French gastronomic cuisine in a very calm and pleasant atmosphere. Enjoy your dinner in soft chairs, among dark woodpanels, bookcases and artwork. In the winter start with a drink at the fireplace. 700 dirham for three-course menu. 500 dirham for a bottle of wine. .  
• 31.63315 -8.010044 20 Le Grand Café de la Poste , Boulevard El mansour Eddahbi and Avenue Imam Malik , ☏ +212 24 43 30 38 , [email protected] . French brasserie with Moroccan influence in the former post office. 300 dirham for three courses. .  
• 31.672008 -7.928807 21 Le Grand Salon , Djnan Abiad, La Palmeraie B.P. 12478 ( in the Ksar Char-Bagh outside of the city ), ☏ +212 524 32 92 44 , [email protected] . Upscale restaurant with French cuisine. Serve organic vegetables and olive oil from its own gardens. 600 dirham for three courses .  
• 31.636567 -7.99348 22 Dar Yacout , 79, derb Sidi Ahmed Soussi, Bab Doukkala , ☏ +212 5 24 38 29 29 . Traditional Moroccan gastronomic cuisine. Has a terrace overlooking the Medina. 700 dirham menu .  
• 31.632081 -7.985288 23 Le Foundouk , Rue Souk Hal Fassi , ☏ +212 5 24 37 81 76 . Tu-Su . Moroccan and European cuisine. Roof terrace and bar. 300 dirham for a three-course dinner . ( updated Feb 2015 )
• 31.612611 -7.987404 24 Les Jardins de la Medina , 21 Derb Chtouka ( in the hotel of the same name ), ☏ +212 5 24 381 851 , [email protected] . 19:30-late . Traditional and modern Moroccan cuisine. Moroccan wine served by bottle and glass. Stylish restaurant with tall white columns. 450 dirham menu .  

Drink [ edit ]

Street vendors offer fresh orange juice ( jus d'Orange ) by the glass for 4 dirham. Try it with a dash of salt like the locals, but be wary of vendors who try and water the juice down with tap water. Also, pay attention when you buy as they offer 2 types of orange... the blood orange juice costs 10 dirham per glass and a misunderstanding on what you want to drink could occur.

Confirm the price of your orange juice and pay for it before you drink. Unscrupulous vendors will sometimes try to charge you 10 dirham for a 4-dirham glass of jus d'Orange , so don't accept your drink until you've paid the correct amount.

Be wary also, that they do not always clean the glasses very well so it is possible to get an upset stomach from the juice.

There is a very limited selection of places selling alcohol in the Medina.

• 31.634722 -8.012635 1 Chesterfield Pub ( Bar Anglais ), 115 Avenue Mohammed V ( In the Hotel Nassim ). 09:00-01:00 . A slightly unusual experience, apparently an 'English pub' it serves Moroccan lager and has an outside pool in a courtyard with palm trees, not an entirely English experience. Much less touristy than it sounds with a mainly local clientele. It serves a decent pint.  
• 31.626268 -7.98675 2 Le Salama , 40 Rue des Banques ( On Jeema El Fna, facing Cafe de France, take the road to the left of Café de France (as in walking behind it). After 100 m on the left hand side. ), [email protected] . 11:00-13:00 . Happy hour from 17:00 until they close, mostly western pop classics on the top floor. Very touristy with shishas, belly dancing and waiters who wear a fez - none of it is typically Moroccan but the overall atmosphere is between relaxed and party vibe. Also offers traditional Moroccan snacks. Good for smaller (up to 10 people) groups. ( updated Apr 2019 )
• 31.622504 -7.98953 3 Hotel Grand Tazi , Rue Bab Agnaou . The hotel has a public bar, serving beer and wine and is not overly expensive.  
• 31.626055 -7.992235 4 Narwama , Hay Zefriti 30, Rue Koutoubia. , ☏ +212 6 7250 8700 . Restaurant and bar that has a fire fountain in the centre and an open roof around the patio. The atmosphere is very chilled and their food is very good, but slightly expensive. Good for pre-dinner drinks. 150 dirham mains .  

Outside the Medina.

• 31.638698 -8.016321 5 Montecristo , Rue Ibn Aicha 20 , ☏ +212 5 24439031 . 20:00-02:00 . Nightclub with rooftop terrace  
• 31.622012 -8.000218 6 Jad Mahal , 10 Rue Haroun Errachid , ☏ +212 5 24 43 69 84 . 17:00-late . Lounge bar and formal restaurant.  
• 31.622273 -8.00049 7 Sky Lounge , 3 Rue du Temple ( at The Pearl Hotel ), ☏ +212 524 42 42 42 , [email protected] . 11:00-late . Fashionable rooftop lounge on top of the Pearl Hotel  
• 31.623719 -8.003104 8 Comptoir Darna , Avenue Echouhada , ☏ +212 524 437 702 , [email protected] . 20:00-03:00 . Cocktail bar and night club Dress code: elegant  
• 31.625921 -7.991686 9 Piano Bar , 26 Rue de la Koutoubia ( in les Jardins de la Koutoubia ), ☏ +212 024 38 88 00 . 17:00-midnight .  
• 31.630729 -8.004046 10 African Chic , 6 Rue Oum Errabia ( Behind Hotel Marrakech ), ☏ +212 5 24431424 . Moroccan Latin Brazilian. Also has a restaurant with a view to the dance floor.  
• 31.636816 -8.014553 11 Le Lounge , 24 Rue Yougoslavie , ☏ +212 70028561 . 10:00-01:00 .  

Sleep [ edit ]

Marrakech has an amazing choice of places to stay ranging from tented camps outside Marrakech to cheap hostels and hotels that can be charming or seedy to luxurious kasbahs in luxurious gardens or the traditional riad (garden courtyard) hotels. Wherever you choose (or can afford) to stay it really is a must to visit one of the riad hotels to see this amazing style of architecture. Most riad managers will be happy to show you around provided that they are not too busy and in some riads you can even book a lunch or dinner without being a resident provided that the riad is not privately rented. For example, see Riad Cinnamon, Riad Laksiba and Riad Papillon.

There are three main zones to sleep: Medina, Guéliz (also known as Ville Nouvelle), and the surroundings of the city. The Medina has the highest concentration of very cheap hotels and riads (small palaces), while Guéliz is much more quiet and most of the hotels are mid price (including showers in the room, breakfast service), but going to the Medina from the Guéliz by taxi costs about 10-15 dirham and can take a long time at busy periods (evenings and weekends).

The surroundings have all the huge tourist hotels, the ones that usually come with what the travel agencies offer. They can be further away from the medina and the rest of the city, but have big swimming pools, restaurants, and many services.

Dars [ edit ]

The Medina is packed with Riads and Dars (old grand houses converted into hotels and inns). Traditionally, riads should have gardens; with smaller dars having open courtyards. However the term riad is now used loosely to describe any house with an internal open-air center. These are wonderful places to stay to get a feel for life in Marrakech.

• 31.627528 -7.992106 1 Dar Attajmil , Marrakech-Medina, 23 Rue Laksour, Bab Laksour ( Once entered Bab Laksour, take the second alley right, keep on until no. 23. ), ☏ +212 524 426966 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:30 . Centrally located and easy to reach, Dar Attajmil has a sand colored courtyard shaded by a tall banana tree; 4 double rooms with bathroom, 1 family suite with private courtyard, several cozy sitting areas, fireplace and library, a large terrace garden where breakfast and meals are served and a devoted team of 5 lovely persons; hammam, massages, cooking class available. Owner organic farm near Essaouira provides daily fresh products, olive and argan oil and the opportunity to spend one or more days in this old restored property, among the argan trees. €80-110/night in B&B .  
• 31.628424 -7.98596 2 Dar Jaguar , 7-8 Derb El Mesfioui, Rahba Kedima, Medina , ☏ +212 524 445 606 , [email protected] . Dar Jaguar is an ancient riad that has been restored as a beautiful private guesthouse. It is situated in the heart of the old medina, neighbouring the exotic Place des Epices (spice market). From €99, breakfast included. . ( updated Nov 2018 )

Riads [ edit ]

The Medina is packed with Riads and Dars (old grand houses converted into hotels and inns). Riads should have gardens; with smaller Dars having open courtyards. However the term Riad is used very loosely today to describe a house with an internal open-air centre. These are wonderful places to stay to get a feel for life in Marrakech.

If you arrive by car, ask the hosts to help you find your way from the parking lot, especially if you never experienced orientation in a real medina before. Here are a sample of some of the riads (in alphabetical order) where you can experience Marrakech's unique style of living:

• 31.62758 -7.991989 3 Riad Abaka , 21 Derb Roukni Laksour , ☏ +212 6 6697 8703 , [email protected] . A spacious riad with seven beautifully furnished bedrooms and ensuite bathrooms. Located in the heart of the Medina, less than two minutes walk from Jemaa El Fna.  
• Riad Amazigh ( Equity Point Marrakech ), 80, Derb El Hammam Mouassine ( Nearby Djemaa el-Fna ), ☏ +212 524-440-793 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 10:00 . A former luxury riad now a beautiful hostel. Doubles, singles, and dorms which house up to 8 people. Roof top terrace with nice views, unheated pool, restaurant and bar. WiFi in communal areas, breakfast included. Open 24 hrs, can book activities and excursions. from €9 for bed in dorm . ( updated Jul 2017 )
• 31.625691 -7.984995 4 Riad Basma , Marrakech-Medina, 22 Derb Jamaa, Riad Basma ( From square Jamaa el Fna walk up to derb Dabachi and count 3 small streets (derbs) on the right turn right and keep on until nr. 22. ), ☏ +212 6 5051 7223 , [email protected] . Check-in: 12:00 , check-out: 12:00 . 5 double rooms with bathroom. from €35 . ( updated Apr 2019 )
• 31.62758 -7.991989 5 Riad Chennaoui , Riad Zitoune Jdid, Derb Sidi Fares N°01 , ☏ +212 5 2437 6140 , [email protected] . Simple and basic riad in the Medina. The staff are friendly and happy to discuss Moroccan life and culture over a shisha in the evening. This place can be difficult to find - you may have to pay a local to take you there (10-20 dirham should do it, although they will ask for more). Dorm beds around 100 dirham .  
• 31.632171 -7.988026 6 Riad Cinnamon , 9 Derb El Hadjra , ☏ +44 7584 327625 , [email protected] . Designed and rebuilt to a very high standard with amazing attention to detail and lots of unexpected extras such as the loan of a local mobile phone and ipad loan. Dinners served on roof terrace with incredible views, pools on patio and roof garden terrace. 5 rooms that can accommodate 3 to 4 people each, with an overall maximum of 16. from £112 per room . ( updated Jul 2017 )
• 31.629941 -7.985235 7 Riad Dar Eliane , 39 Derb Maada,Azbezt,Medina , ☏ +212 5 2437 5710 , [email protected] . Four spacious double bedrooms and bathrooms with A/C. Accommodation is on two floors of a restored 300 year old riad in an older and authentic quarter of Marrakesh. Ten minute walk to Jamaa el Fna.  
• Riad Iaazane , 57 Derb el Gnayz , El Mouassine , ☏ +212 5 2438 3205 , [email protected] . A restored riad with extensive use of traditional styling and ceramics, includes a roof terrace with views. Shower, internet with wifi access, washing, shisha (hooka), free mint tea, city map. An authentic local style breakfast included (08:30-11:30). The owners also operate a tour company that offers guided and structured tours of 1 to 3 days duration. Single €20, double €18, dorm €10 per person .  
• 31.619165 -7.983398 8 Riad LakLak , Marrakech Medina , [email protected] . A riad built in the 17th century, which sleeps 12 in 2 suites and 3 bedrooms, that can be rented as a whole. It is between the "Palais Bahia" and the "Palais Badii", close to Jemaa El Fna Square. from €180 . ( updated Jul 2017 )
• Riad Melhoun , 99 Derb Sidi Moussa, Quartier de la Bahia, 40007 Marrakech Médina , ☏ +212 524 386 252 , +212 678 734 373 (Mobile) , [email protected] . Located in central Marrakech, a 3-minute walk from the El Badi and El Bahia Palaces, it features an interior courtyard with a swimming pool and a furnished rooftop terrace with views of the medina. Each room has traditional Moroccan decoration and en-suite shower. Guests also have access to a traditional living room with a fireplace and a lounge area with books. Free Wi-Fi is available in common areas, hammam, massages and traditional meals are provided on request. ( updated Jul 2017 )
• 31.623889 -7.983495 9 Riad Dar Najat , Douar Graoua, Derb Lalla Chacha, No.18 ( Riad in the heart of Marrakech 5 min walk from Jemaa el Fna ), ☏ +212 6 6143 9221 , [email protected] . Jacuzzi on the roof terrace, wifi throughout the riad, 7 ensuite shower and A/C accommodation with great gastronomy. French owner, friendly team and atmosphere.  
• Riad Laksiba , 16 (bis5)Derb Kadi, Kasbah, Medina , ☏ +44 7850 39 01 07 (UK), +212 524 38 37 04 (Morocco) , [email protected] . £25-30 per person depending on season. A very popular Riad with UK visitors. Five bedrooms all with bespoke hand carved beds designed to be split to make twin bedrooms. From Bab Ksiba, an entrance into the Royal Kasbah quarter of the Medina, 1st right is Derb Kadi and Riad Laksiba is the last house in this little cul-de-sac. Ten minute walk to the Djemaa el-Fna main square.  
• Riad Lotus Perle , 54, Derb Zemrane,Bab Doukkala. , ☏ +212 524431537 , [email protected] . Riad Lotus Perle is in the Medina, in the heart of an old neighborhood near the lively souks and Djemaa El-Fna square, this is a wonderful riad composed of rooms and suites combining authenticity and modernity.  
• Riad Magellan , Derb El Hamman No.62, Mouassine , ☏ +212 6 6108 2042 , [email protected] . An elegant six-bedroom riad which offers a restful and relaxing atmosphere, in the heart of the Mouassine district. Traditional Moroccan meals are available as well as complementary Wi-Fi internet. Airport transfer service available on request.  
• Riad Naila , Marrakech Medina, Mosquée Sidi Ben Slimane , [email protected] . Riad Naila Marrakech is a gorgeous private rental home in the Medina of Marrakech built around a patio with a large roof terrace. It is in the Medina of Marrakech in a calm area a fifteen-minute walk away from the Djemaa El-Fna square. It has four bedrooms which sleep seven persons. Each bedroom has its own bath room. Additionally are available a fully equipped kitchen, a Moroccan lounge and a library. Riad Naila Marrakech is a private rental home. Prices range from €100-140 per day depending on the season for the entire house (sleeps 7 persons) .  
• 31.631961 -7.990918 10 Riad Papillon , 15, Derb Tizougarine, Dar El Basha ( near taxi rank. Go to Dar El Basha then walk towards the centre, take the 2nd road on the left Derb Tizougarine, bear right and go to the end of the cul de sac, has a bright blue door and brass hand of fatima knocker ), ☏ +212 6678451893 , [email protected] . Check-in: 3 , check-out: 11 . A riad with five beautiful rooms: Rose, Jasmine, Bougainvillea, Hibiscus and Geranium. It is located in the heart of the Dar el Basha antique district which is very safe. Cuisine is exceptional, service is warm and attentive but discrete. Papillon offers loan of local phone/iPad, IPhone charger, bathrobes. Breakfast and Wi-Fi internet are included. Very romantic and wonderful atmosphere with welcoming dipping pool and tent on roof terrace. Airport pickups available. Rooms range from £50-100 according to the season. Ask about any special offers and last minute deals .  
• Hotel Riad Primavera ( Just off of Allal Fassi Avenue and near the Marjane department store ), ☏ +212 2433 2570 , +212 2433 2572 , +212 2433 2573 , [email protected] . The only kosher hotel in all of Morocco. The kosher certification is in the lobby and is issued by the Beth Din of Marrakech. 22 rooms with personal A/C units, TVs, bathrooms with showers, decorated in typical Moroccan style. Prices tend to rise during major Jewish holidays and festivals.  

• 31.635828 -7.99101 11 Riad Dar Zaman , 29, Derb Bouelilou, Sidi Ben Slimane ( near taxi rank. Go to Sidi Ben Slimane then walk past the mosque towards the small square, take the 1st street on the right (just before the hammam), and turn immediately right into Derb Bouelilou, bear left and go to the end of the cul de sac, Dar Zaman has palm trees leading to the black studded door ), ☏ +212 611266998 , [email protected] . Check-in: 2 , check-out: 11 . A gorgeous old riad with four en suite rooms, in the heart of the historic Sidi Ben Slimane district. Very safe and close to popular cafés and restaurants. Cuisine is exquisite, service is warm and attentive, price includes breakfast, designer toiletries, mint tea and pastries and Wi-Fi internet. Fantastic views of Atlas Mountains from roof terrace, deliciously refreshing dipping pool, wonderful dreamy atmosphere. Rooms range from £50-100 according to the season. Askfor special offers and last minute deals. .  
• Riad Zara , 294 Derb Ben Salek , ☏ +212 2444 2940 , +212 6281 7000 (mobile) , [email protected] . Run by the friendly and helpful owner Monique and her assistant Hassan. Features a rooftop terrace with nice views of Medina and cozy cane chairs, and a small pool in the center of the Riad. Traditional meals such as Tajines can be served any time of the day. Breakfast includes an array of jams, amlou, pancakes, and mint tea and can be served at flexible times. In the evening, candles are lit and guests gather around the pool, enjoying wine and if you're lucky Hassan might give a live music performance.  
• Riad Zolah , 116 Derb El Hammam, Mouassine , ☏ +212 2438 7535 , [email protected] . Chic while cozy and informal riad run by Ismail and his team. The house cook, Fadila, makes fabulous fresh baked breads at breakfast. Gorgeous roof terrace and two candle-lit/petal-strewn courtyard patios (one with plunge pool).  
• Ryad Dyor , 1, Driba Jdida, Sidi Ben Slimane , ☏ +212 524 375 980 , [email protected] . Riad hotel with 7 luxury suites.  
• Riad Al Loune , 77 Derb el Kadi, Azbezt , ☏ +212 5243 80225 , [email protected] . Charming Riad with pool and hammam. The Riad is located in Azbezt's area, Marrakech Medina's heart.  

Discount hotels [ edit ]

The budget conscious will have more luck in the streets and alleyways south of Djemaa El-Fna, which are packed with discount hotels offering singles from 50 dirham. Derb Sidi Bouloukat is a good place to look, a quiet but safe alleyway packed with traditional-style hotels just a min from Djemaa El-Fna. Its entrance is easy to find, just a few steps away from Djemaa El-Fna. Take Riad Zatoune (unmarked) which starts right of the Moroccan Red Crescent (with your back towards the Koutoubia) and it's the first alley on the right (marked in Arabic only). On your way in Riad Zitoune you will also come across the public hammam (10 dirham, left entrance for women, right entrance for men, the soap, glove and small bucket can be bought at many shops across the street) and a small restaurant serving bissara and mint tea for less than 5 dirham.

Popular options with backpackers include:

• 31.624605 -7.989772 12 Hotel Ali . Rue Moulay Ismail. Beds in en suite, dorms, and rooftop terrace mattresses for 60 dirham per person per night, including cooked breakfasts served with orange juice and fresh coffee. Dorm guests can use the internet cafe for 5 dirham per hour. They have a laundry service and free internet access for private room guests, money exchange, a terrace restaurant with views of Djemaa El-Fna, and a downstairs hammam . Private rooms are available with a maximum per person price of 250 dirham per night including breakfast, free internet, and a daily traditional Hammam.  
• Hotel Salam (laksor) , bab ftouh rue haram chikh n.14, laksor, marrakech , ☏ +212 5 24443861 . Cheap and clean hotels, doesn't seem to have showers. 100 mad for double room, no bathroom . ( updated Jul 2017 )
• Hotel Atlas , ☏ +212 5 2439 1051 , [email protected] . 50 Derb Sidi Bouloukat. A 2-min walk to the famous square of Djemaa El-Fna. Clean and friendly with nice rooms with shared bathrooms. Singles from 90 dirham, doubles from 170 dirham, for 3 people 250 dirham, for 4 people 280 dirham, for 5 people 320 dirham. There are some rooms with AC for an additional 50 dirham. The hotel is charming and all arranged in the traditional way.  
• Hotel Central Palace , 59, Sidi Bouloukate ( near Djemaa El-Fna ). Rooms are around a noisy and echoey central courtyard. Rooms are clean, but the shared toilets can be another story. Indifferent staff and housekeepers. Nice terrace with a great view, and rooms starting at 150 dirham for a double room with shared showers and toilet. You get what you pay for, but all in all it's a good value considering that Marrakech is more expensive that most other places in Morocco. Car rentals can be arranged (around 350 dirham per day for a small but fairly new car).  
• Hotel el-Ward , 65 derb Sidi Bouloukat , ☏ +212 5 2444 3354 , [email protected] . Clean, quite comfortable, and the owners are very friendly whenever they feel like it. The rooftop terrace isn't lavish, but being one of the highest it does have a great view. 60/120/170/220 dirham for single/double/triple/quadruple.  
• 31.624076 -7.98779 13 Hotel Essaouira , 3 Derb Sidi Bouloukat , ☏ +212 5 2444 3805 . The hotel has singles with a shared bath from 50 dirham and doubles from 90 dirham. It is more or less like the others, but it's all painted in the traditional way, which gives it charm. Toilets and showers are bare-bones, a norm at this price range. Hot water does not stay hot for long. Overall a very good value and comfortable place from which to explore the old town.  
• Hotel Imouzzer , 74 Derb Sidi Bouloukate , ☏ +212 5 2444 5336 , [email protected] . One of the cheapest and best-value hotels with rooms starting at 65 dirham for singles and 120 dirham for doubles (slightly higher in high season), all with shared bathrooms. Rooms are arranged around a traditional courtyard, and both rooms and shared bathrooms are clean with hot water. The hotel also has a comfortable terrace where you can eat breakfast for 20 dirham.  
• Hotel Sindi , ☏ +212 4444 3337 . Sud 109, Derb Sidi Bouloukat, Riad Zitoun El Kidim,  
• Hotel Smara , 77 sidi Bouloukat. Near Djemaa El-Fna , ☏ +212 5 2444 5568 . Very clean, friendly people, nice rooms. 50 dirham and doubles 80 dirham.  
• Hotel Cecil . At the Djemaa El-Fna, Bouloukate. Offers doorms, rooms with shared bathroom (from US$13 per person), and ensuite rooms with AC (from US$18 per person). Rooftop breakfast and Wi-Fi included.  
• 31.594779 -7.989655 14 Palm Plaza Hotel and Spa , Avenue du 7ieme Art Zone Touristique Agdal ( located in Agdal, a new residential district, 10 mins from the airport ), ☏ +212 524 388 700 , [email protected] . . Luxurious and comfortable providing 230 rooms, including 151 twin, 52 double, 2 rooms for disabled persons, 6 junior suites, 20 senior suites and a royal suite. The hotel has a piano bar, night club and a restaurant. Snacks are available at the pool bar. The spa features a heated indoor swimming pool, a sauna, a hammam and a gym.  
• Riad Lyla , 4-5 Rue ouartani I Mouassani . In Laksour district, 2 min from Djemaa El-Fna, Lyla Riad Marrakech opens its doors. Gérard is the riad's passionate owner.  
• Riad Rahba . Offers private, en suite rooms and is a minute from Djemaa El-Fna, at the entrance to the Souks. The Riad combines the traditional Moroccan atmosphere with the comforts of a modern hostel and hotel. The rates include breakfast and wifi. From €18 per single en suite room per night.  
• 31.53479 -7.993166 15 Aqua Mirage Marrakech , Km 5 - Route De Tahanaout , ☏ +212 5 25 07 80 13 , [email protected] .  
• 31.703848 -7.973111 16 Le Vizir Center Park Resort , Route de Casablanca, Ouled ben Rahmoun , ☏ +212 05243-54141 , [email protected] . Suites decorated in 3 different styles of architecture.  

In the little streets between rue Bab Agnaou and rue Riad Zitoune (where the Smara, the Essaouira, and the Imouzzer are) there are a lot of other small hostels. It is difficult to get lost as they are surrounded by these two big streets and Djemaa El-Fna. It could be a good idea to arrive during the day (best in the morning) and wander around comparing many hostels in a short time.

Hostels [ edit ]

• Marrakech Rose , 13 Derb Laadam, Kenaria, Place Jemaa el Fna ( In a small alleyway near the Cafe de France, directly to the east of the main square in Marrakech. A bit difficult to find. The hostel staff will email you a map with directions once you have made a booking. ), ☏ +212 618444328 . Check-in: 12:00 , check-out: 11:00 . Charming little hostel right in the center of town, with small dorms and super-friendly staff. Great place to meet other travellers and socialize - mostly a younger crowd. Not the best choice if you want an early night's sleep. Dorm beds from US$10 .  
• Massine II , 107 Derb Snan, Mouassine , ☏ +212 6 6815 6412 , [email protected] . 2nd backpackers in Marrakech in the old Medina. Originally a 16th century house. Central garden, and rooftop. Shower, internet, washing facilities. Breakfast is available, book early, this is a popular establishment. Some travellers complain the sheets are not changed regularly. Also, travellers aren't always registered properly. from €6 in dorm .  
• 31.62702 -7.985301 17 The Heart of the Medina backpackers hostel , 47 Derb Ben Aissa, Dabachi , [email protected] . 1st backpackers hostel to be located in the Medina. 1 minute walk from Place Djemaa El-Fna. Rooftop terrace, hot showers, comfortable surroundings. No more than 6 beds to a room. Breakfast included as are bed linens, towels, and free Wi-Fi. You can expect to pay €8/person all year round per night if booked in advance via email or website. No lockouts, no curfews, and is open 24/7, 365 days/ year.  
• Rue Mohammed el-Hansali ( Near the train station ), ☏ +212 524 447713 . A clean hostel with an 23:30 curfew and obligatory wake up call at 08:00. Daily daytime lockout. It is a fair distance from the action in the heart of the Medina . A taxi can cost 15-20 dirham. Dorm beds from 70 dirham .  
• 31.559183 -8.045544 18 Sirayane boutique hotel & spa , Km 8 Route D'Amezmiz , ☏ +212 525 118880 , fax : +212 5 25 11 88 81 , [email protected] . Spread across nearly 5 acres of gardens, this boutique hotel faces the Atlas Mountains.  

Guéliz (also known as Ville Nouvelle) [ edit ]

• 31.635135 -8.010525 19 Hotel Toulousain , 44 Rue Tariq Bnou Ziad, Guéliz ( located near Place du 16 Novembre, Rue Tariq Bnou Ziad is more or less parallel to Ave Mohamed V (to the East), the Hotel is located between the crossroads with Rue de la Liberté and Rue Sourya ), ☏ +212 524-430-033 , fax : +212-524-431-446 , [email protected] . A budget-friendly hotel with rooms going off two nice courtyards, located in a rear building and therefore quiet, no luxury equipment but clean, tidy and friendly and helpful staff 150 dirham per night for a single room without bathroom up to 600 dirham double room 'Suite Hotel', breakfast included .  
• Hotel al Kabir ( Corner of bd. Zerktouni and rue Loubnane ), ☏ +212 2443 9540 , +212 2443 4150 . This modern, airy hotel is one of a group of similar standard hotels in this area of Guéliz. Mainly used by tour groups and reservation agencies, the Hotel al Kabir's rooms, accessible from three elevators, are all clean, modern, and well appointed, if a tad sterile, and the bathrooms are a reasonable size with shower/tub combos. single/double 291/382 dirham .  
• 31.629952 -8.018048 20 Hotel Ibis ( Near the train station ), ☏ +212 5 2443 5929 . A more impersonal European chain hotel, but very clean and peaceful. It is within a short taxi ride of all the action. If you want to be able to escape the hustle and bustle during the heat of the day and chill out by a pool, this place is perfect. Decent value for the money as well, with lovely rooms and showers. Free internet with wifi is provided in the lobby.  
• 31.636983 -8.010357 21 Moroccan House Hotel , 3 rue Loubnane , ☏ +212 4442 0305 , +212 4442 0306 . A colorful and personable hotel. As the name suggests, this is more like a house than a standard block hotel. The extravagantly painted and decorated interior is entered through bright blue heavy wood studded doors. Choice of various brightly colored interiors furnished with faux-antiques and lace-draped four-poster beds. Each bathroom has its own water heater and bath/shower combo, and comes supplied with a range of toiletries. Close to many of Guéliz's better restaurants and shops. 3-star rooms start at 405 dirham single, 484 dirham double; 4-star Pacha suites: 455 dirham single, 624 dirham double; 5-star Prince suites: 527 dirham single, 764 dirham double. .  
• 31.635923 -8.015916 22 Oudaya Hotel , 147 Rue Mohamed El Baqal , ☏ +212 4444 8512 . Situated close to the railway station, the Oudaya is a good alternative for travellers looking for a medium prized hotel in the Ville Nouvelle. The rooms are clean and well-kept with good size bathrooms, air-condition and TV. Breakfast is served from early in the morning and consists of a well stocked buffet, the restaurant is however mediocre and much better meals can be had just around the corner. The courtyard has a large pool (open 09:00-18:00) lined with a massive bougainvilla. The hotel does have a policy of no outside food, which includes bottled water, so make sure to keep any purchases hidden when entering.  
• [dead link] Villa Dar El Kanoun , ☏ +212 2449 2010 , fax : +212 2434 0635 . Route de Targa. Luxury B&B villa with swimming pool and garden. It offers five comfortable double rooms in a quiet residential area nearby Marrakech downtown. Breakfast is included. Rates begin at 1,000 dirham for a double room.  

Cope [ edit ]

There are many dry cleaning shops inside and outside of the Medina. It takes only one day to clean and will cost from 10-30 dirham per piece. If you stay at hotel, you can hand out your dirty clothes to a housekeeper. Usually they wash it by hand. They do not have a price list and usually say "up to you". You should not pay more than 50-100 dirham per plastic bag.

• Lost in Marrakech Laundry Service , 156 Derb Snane, Mouassine, Medina , ☏ +212 5 2438 4121 , [email protected] . M-Sa 09:00-16:00 . Laundromat with used books, wifi, coffee and smoothies. Finish in same day or in next day. 20 dirham for 2 kg.  

Consulates [ edit ]

Be sure to report any crime to both the local police and your embassy.

• British Honorary Consulate in Marrakech , Résidence Taib 55, Boulevard Zerktouni, Gueliz , ☏ +212 5 2442 0846 , fax : +212 5 2443 5276 . M-F 08:00-13:00 .  

Most other foreign embassies and consulates in Morocco are in Rabat , with a few more consulates in Casablanca .

Stay safe [ edit ]

Marrakech is a generally safe city, with police presence. However, staying alert about your surroundings and taking general safety precautions is always a good idea like everywhere. Here are some tips:

• Violent crime is normally not a major problem, but thefts are known to happen. Keep your money close and hidden, and avoid poorly lit streets or alleys at night.
• Guides offering their services should display an official badge from the local tourist authorities.
• Morocco is under an increased threat from international terrorism. Be vigilant when you're out and contact authorities if you notice anything suspicious.
• Be especially careful about being drugged, especially as a solo traveller . The common and easy-to-make drug GHB only lasts three hours and is undetectable in the body after 7 hours, so if you are attacked, take action immediately.
• Be careful ordering room service if you are a solo traveller, as even older women can be targets for robbery. Don't ask the waiter to enter your room.
• Get one of the shopkeepers to dress you up with a berber style scarf, for men and women, it will cover your face (leaving only space for your eyes) and you can remain undetected and will definitely not be harassed by the shopkeepers, one or two beggars may catch on that you are still a tourist from the way you are dressed though, so bear that in mind.

Emergency phone numbers [ edit ]

• Police , ☏ 19 .  
• Ambulance/ Fire , ☏ 15 .  

Hospitals [ edit ]

• Inb Tofail Hospital , Rue Abdelouahab Derraq , ☏ +212 4444 8011 .  
• Polyclinique du Sud , 2 Rue Yougoslavie, Gueliz , ☏ +212 4444 7999 , +212 4444 8372 , fax : +212 4443 2424 . In case of a medical emergency, it's always a good idea to know where to find the local physicians who speak your language. According to the U.S. Consulate website, Dr. Taarji Bel Abbass at the Polyclinique du Sud speaks "fair to good English".  

Drinking water [ edit ]

Don’t expect a good quality of tap water In Marrakech. While locals drink it with no problems, visitors often find it hard to digest and swallow. To be safe, opt for bottled mineral water, available at the numerous marketplace kiosks and food stalls. Make sure that the cap seal has not been broken, since vendors have been known to save money by refilling plastic bottles from the tap. At restaurants, ask for your drinks without ice, which are usually made with tap water.

Touts and scams [ edit ]

A Moroccan idiom is "Marrakech, Arnakech" ("Marrakech is Mafia"): Marrakech is the city with the most inflated prices, the most persistent touts and the most cunning scammers. Even Moroccans who visit Marrakech complain. So all the warnings listed on main page about Morocco should be taken extra seriously. On the plus side, at least since September 2016 (and still valid in April 2017), police has been cleaning up a lot; so take these items with a grain of salt and keep an open mind:

• "It's closed"/"it is a prayer area"/"you cannot go there, it is not a tourist area" : This is a common technique by scammers pretending to be tourist guides. Some will even have printed badges with photos and documents pretending to be from the Ministry of Tourism. They will ask you or guess where you are going and say that it's closed. Immediately after or later in the conversation, they will lure you to the location they want you to go, usually some sort of commerce with inflated prices. If a stranger approaches you and claims a location of interest is closed, it is very likely a scam. Shake your head, ignore possible shouting and keep walking.
• "Only every 15 days" : Another technique is to say a group of Berber only comes every 15 days to do commerce. Buy now, or miss the opportunity!
• Tanneries : It is a common scam near the tanneries in the medina to invite tourists for a free tour to the tanneries and then aggressively demand money. You can visit the tanneries for free, but be prepared to be intimidated by fake guides. Maybe better to go only in a group. The tanneries are always open thorugh the year, so avoid people telling you that there is a short time to see/buy.
• Directions then pay : If strangers are showing you the way and following you, they may ask you for money at the end of showing directions.
• Snake charmers : Stay at a distance unless willing to pay 20 dirham. They will put a snake around your neck for picture and expect payment.
• Taxi drivers in the "tourist hot spots" (train station, gare routiere, agence CTM, Djeema El-Fna), by default, do not use the meter, though they have to by law, and they overcharge a lot: Either insist on the meter (good luck with that) or agree on a flat price up front. By meter, the trip from the train station to Djeema El-Fna is 13 dirham during daytime, a price of 20 dirham is a good deal for a tourist, regular asking price is 50 to 70 dirham. If your luggage permits, just walking 100 m down the street, away from the "tourist hot spot", and hailing a taxi will get a cheaper fare. (or even a metered fare).
• Djeema El-Fna is now patrolled by tourist police and one can actually walk there pretty much hassle free, except for: At night time, the food stalls can be pretty "aggressive" when trying to convince you to eat there. "Aggressive" as in shoving the menu into your face, while blocking your path or grabbing your hand because they are sure you are an "old friend", starting a lengthy, friendly conversation. And they still try the "complimentary XY" trick where they'll serve you spoonfuls of fries, salads or other items while you are already eating - each tiny plate shows up as 5 dirham on the bill. The latter can be easily avoided by insisting on paying immediately when your food arrives and then just walking away after you finished your meal. On the plus side: With all the tourist police present, (April 2017) simply raising your voice when telling the same guy "la, shokran!" ( no, thank you! ) for the 3rd time or when debating a bill that lists items you did not order will probably make them stop for fear of police intervention.
• When ignoring touts, you might get dismissive remarks shouted after you , usually tailored to your (guessed) nationality: Unless you know at least French really well, just keep on ignoring them.
• When you get lost in the Medina , you should never have to pay more than 20 dirham to a random person to get you at least out of the medina to a taxi that can drop you of someplace from which you can navigate. Again, agree on a price upfront and have the exact amount ready (or change en route in some shop).
• Henna tattoos are popular with locals and tourists alike. But among the many genuine traders are some scam artists who offer a free henna tattoo only to charge ridiculous prices afterwards (up to 10 times as much as locals would have to pay). Simply refuse any "free" henna tattoos. And, in Marrakech more than in other places, be wary of overly good henna: It is probably regular, cheap henna, mixed with chemicals like PPD to make it appear darker (i.e. of higher quality). This is not only questionable from an overall health perspective but it can lead to serious allergic reactions.

Always remember: Most Moroccans are incredibly friendly, honest people, so sometimes making a fuss in public can generate unwanted attention for a scam artist and shame them into backing off.

Go next [ edit ]

Marrakech can make a good base for exploring the High Atlas or for organizing one to four day Sahara treks . The following are towns in the High Atlas that can be seen as part of a day trip:

• 31.217101 -8.233275 3 Amizmiz . With one of the largest Berber souks in the High Atlas Mountains every Tuesday, Amizmiz is well-worth a trip. This is especially true for those travellers wishing to experience the less urban, less touristy mountain towns of the High Atlas. The souk itself deals mostly in the ordinary household goods that any Walmart does; plan your souvenir shopping elsewhere.  
• 31.250038 -7.981342 4 Asni . A lovely rural village in the Atlas mountains.  
• 31.51269 -9.76996 5 Essaouira ( 2½ hours west by car. ). Charming coastal city. You will pass the goats in the Argan trees on the way there. ~250 dirham for transport only. . ( updated Feb 2015 )
• 31.206162 -7.860928 6 Oukaimeden . Ski lift at 3268 m. The snow falls in the mountains just south of Marrakech every winter. And it stays. Wealthy people from all over southern Morocco have since long learned to enjoy skiing in their own country. This has given the ski resort, Oukaïmeden, a distinct Moroccan touch, too. You do not need to bring your ski equipment all the way from home, all you need can be rented. You should only pay around 250 dirham for a full day here (including a lift pass). Oukaïmeden and the areas around are some of the greatest in Morocco, with four seasons, and ever changing nature. In summer, few people enter this area — it is probably too well known for winter sports. But staying here a day or two is a real treat. ( updated Feb 2015 )
• 31.22306 -7.68422 7 Ourika Valley ( in the Atlas Mountains. ). Tours involve stopping several times en route to the valley to look in tourist shops, a Berber house, and a collective run for women who make products out of Argan oil. Tours will also include a walk to visit the various different waterfalls. The journey can become difficult, so wear good walking and/or climbing shoes - suitable footwear is imperative. Think of clambering up rocks at the side of the river, and eventually criss-crossing over wet rocks to travel up the mountain. tours ~ 350 dirham . ( updated Feb 2015 )
• 31.22551 -7.67456 8 Setti Fatma ( A village at the end of the proper motor road up the Ourika Valley. ). The residential part is situated above the road and is not visited too much. The attractions are the lovely valley scenery and a walk to seven waterfalls - or for most day visitors one waterfall from which others can be seen.  
• Cascade d'Ouzoud . Impressive three-stage waterfalls between green and pink rock slopes has almost 100 m in height and are highest in Morocco. Ride by taxi or minivan of a local tourist company may be ordered near Djemaa El-Fna or in the streets in Medina. At least half of day need for journey but full day it is better. The way goes through picturesque valleys and takes some more than two hours on one direction. Waterfalls accessible on top and by closest downstairs till the bottom where pontoon boats offer to hike just to the place of water falling. Small cafes and food/souvenir shops available before the entrance and just on downstairs. Makakus monkeys meet mostly before sunset and walk just amongst the visitors or seat on trees and rocks. The waterfalls have full power on spring and beginning of summer and may almost dry later. Sun rays sparkly highlights the water stream before sunset.  

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8 best places to visit in Morocco

Oct 11, 2023 • 7 min read

Marrakesh is the most popular city for travelers, but the country has many more best places to visit © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

From Unesco World Heritage–listed cities to modern metropoles, arid deserts to snowy peaks, wild Atlantic beaches to secluded Mediterranean coves,  Morocco  has a place for all types of travelers.

Within easy reach of Europe, many come to Morocco for the year-round sunshine, all-inclusive beach vacations and a rich cultural heritage with historic cities so well preserved that it seems time travel is possible. Travel a little deeper to discover wilderness areas and a sense of remoteness. 

Morocco has invested heavily in modernizing its tourism offerings. Traveling around the country is easier thanks to domestic flights, high-speed rail, new roads and luxury coaches covering long distances.

This country has a ton of beautiful places to visit, but don't try to see it all at once. Instead, select a few places based on your interests and start making plans for your next trip.

Editor's note:  On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, centered on the Atlas Mountains and the area southwest of Marrakesh. Travel to other parts of the country, including Essaouira , is largely unaffected, but we encourage travelers to check bulletins and monitor reliable local news sources for the latest information.

1. Anti-Atlas 

Best for hiking and outdoor adventures

The Anti-Atlas is Morocco's lesser-explored mountain playground with plentiful plateaus, valleys and soaring peaks to explore. Travelers here can blaze new hiking trails, unearth empty archaeological sites and connect with locals who share their timeless valleys with generosity and warmth. 

Plentiful short hikes and climbing routes are available in the Ameln Valley, home to Jebel Lkest - Jebel meaning mountain - and Tafraoute’s dramatic granite boulder-strewn landscapes, including Napoleon’s Hat and the Painted Rocks . Drive or pedal your way along winding mountain passes to the date-palm filled Ait Mansour Gorges. 

Longer treks at Jebel Siroua (3,305m) include a dramatic volcano for those hardy hikers looking to spend several nights wild camping.

Take some time to connect with the Imazighen people living in the region. A glimpse into their simple life and grounding way of being is food for the soul.

2. Marrakesh

Best place for romance 

The 'pink city' is one of Morocco's must-sees – all your senses come to life here, and there are plenty of things to do in Marrakesh . Soak up the city's charm with the rosy hues of the medina wall at sunset and the heavy scent of citrus trees in season. Weave your way past the horse carriages into Djemaa el Fna , packed with performers and street food vendors. Explore the lantern-lit alleys of the medina and the walled gardens of Jardin Majorelle , as well as flamboyant historic palaces and a flourishing art scene in the Ville Nouvelle. 

Treat yourself to a stay in a charming Marrakesh riad, such as Dar Attajmil , where every detail has been thoughtfully created and attentive hospitality awaits. Marrakesh has some of the country's best spas and hammams , from Royal Mansour to Hammam de la Rose . Watch the sunset over the Atlas Mountains from the exquisite roof terrace of El Fenn  and enjoy cozy candlelit dinners in this gastronomic city with international chefs from Australia to Japan. 

For a touch of desert romance, the Agafay Desert and its luxury glamping options are within easy reach of Marrakesh, perfect for a night under the stars.

3. Aït Ben Haddou

Best place for blockbuster movie scenes 

Travel on the former trading route from Marrakesh to the Sahara and you’ll reach sun-scorched Ouarzazate . The region is home to majestic Aït Ben Haddou , an 11th-century mudbrick ksar (fortified village) that's one of Morocco's most striking, well-preserved ancient sites. Still inhabited and now protected by Unesco, it was made famous in the TV show Game of Thrones . 

The region, dubbed 'Ouallywood,' is Morocco's version of Hollywood, and  Atlas Film Studios  has been the setting for such classics as Gladiator , Prison Break  and Kingdom of Heaven .

Planning tip : Aït Ben Haddou is best visited at sunrise or sunset. Walk through the village to take in the incredible views and scale of this remarkable ancient site.  

4. Taghazout Bay

Best place for chill beach vibes 

The stretch of the Atlantic Ocean from Essaouira to Sidi Ifni is where you'll find the largest concentration of Morocco's surf beaches. At its heart is the quaint village of Taghazout , a fishing and surfing community with painted steps, colorful houses and an eclectic mix of cafes, grills and surf shops. With the surf comes yoga, and days here flow easily between sunrise and sunset rooftop yoga classes.

Even if you're not into surfing, Taghazout Bay, with its 5km sandy beach, offers year-round summer vacation vibes and an excellent choice of accommodations ranging from five-star beach resorts to bohemian homestays, making it one of the best places in Morocco for a beach vacation. 

Planning tip: Travel in January or February to watch the world's best surfers competing at Taghazout’s showstopper wave, Anchor Point. Come in September for quieter, mellower and warmer waves.

5. Essaouira

Best place for a one-stop city and beach vacation 

If you have to choose one place to enjoy the broad spectrum of everything Morocco offers, Essaouira is a great pick. This relaxed city has an oceanfront location with a sandy beach, watersport centers, a working fishing port and a noisy fish market for fresh-off-the-boat seafood.

At its historic heart is a pedestrianized medina with markets selling ceramics and traditional riads to sleep in. Many riads have been upgraded to suit the artsy crowd attracted to this charming city. Essaouira's annual Gnaoua music festival , galleries and historic ramparts sit alongside contemporary restaurants , cocktail bars and a variety of shopping experiences .

Planning tip: Many come to Essaouira for the wind, and it's one of the country's best places to kitesurf. If it's too windy for the beach, nearby countryside retreats offer pool day passes to non-guests.

6. Sahara Desert

Best place for getting away from it all 

The drive to the Sahara is long, but when you arrive on the edge of the world's largest hot desert, the pavement stops and the sand begins with an endless ocean of dunes ahead. Whether you choose to travel by 4WD or camel deeper into the desert, the emptiness of the Sahara can bring a sense of remoteness that's rare to find these days.

Visiting the Moroccan Sahara is an opportunity to disconnect, empty your mind and enjoy being in the middle of nowhere. This stark and barren environment comes to life with a good guide, especially at night when the night sky free of light pollution fills with stars.   

Planning tip: Pick a camp away from the crowds. Erg Chigaga has some of the highest sand dunes and the most remote places to stay.

Best place for history buffs

As the oldest city in Morocco, Fez proudly keeps one foot firmly planted in the past. Its crumbling medieval medina is vast, and it's almost guaranteed that you will get lost wiggling your way through a maze of workshops, apothecaries and market stalls. The Kairaouine Library and Mosque houses the world's oldest library and is Morocco's renowned spiritual and study center.

Planning tip: While you're in the area, visit the imperial city of Meknes  and the fantastically preserved ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis .  

Best place for a sense of geographical location 

The ferry between Spain and  Tangier  takes just one hour, and seeing Spain from Africa's coastline brings to light Morocco’s proximity to Europe. The 'white city,' so-named for its whitewashed buildings, has a buzzing art scene, tapas restaurants and cafe culture –  Cafe Hafa has some of the best ocean views. Spanish is still widely spoken, adding to the Euro-Afro vibe, and open plazas such as Grand Socco and beautiful Mediterranean beaches make it a smooth entry point for travelers to Morocco.

Combine your time in the city with a trip to  Hercules Caves and Cape Spartel’s lighthouse and rugged coastline. You could also use Tangier as a base for a road trip to the famously blue city of  Chefchaouen  and Spanish-infused Asilah . Hop on Al Boraq, the high-speed train , and you’ll be in the capital city of  Rabat in an hour and a half.

This article was first published Apr 29, 2021 and updated Oct 11, 2023.

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the ultimate travel guide to Morocco

• Getting there

The medieval alleyways of Fez and the great stone folds of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech’s spice-scented souks and the vast emptiness of the Sahara Desert, where Berber clans still follow a nomadic lifestyle… Morocco is an eclectic country, and break break it down in our Morocco travel guide here.

A fascinating blend of European and North African culture, it’s epic landscape looks like it has been moulded specifically for adventurers, with its four mountain ranges, rugged coastline and ancient villages nestling between olive groves. There are so many must-visit places in Morocco, you may find yourself plotting your next visit before you’ve even gone home.

So where to start when planning your Moroccan adventure? Here are our picks of the best things to see and do in Morocco.

Things to See in Morocco

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Whether you prefer to spend your time admiring the intricate tiles that coat the minaret of Casablanca’s Hassan II Mosque or catching a show at the Jemaa el Fna theatre in Marrakech, there is no shortage of cultural things to see in Morocco.

Get off the beaten track in Chefchaouen, also known as the blue city, which crouches like a sapphire among the high peaks of the Rif Mountains. Whet your appetite with our quick guide to its greatest treasures here.

One of the top 10 things to see in Morocco has to be Fez’s medina, where romantically crumbling Moorish buildings jostle for space with working tanneries and carts drawn by donkeys.

Equally entrancing, and far less hectic, is sipping a sweet mint tea prepared by a Berber guide as you watch the sunrise over the golden peaks of the Erg Chebbi sand dunes.

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In a landscape that varies from ferocious swathes of desert to lush valleys nurturing rose farms and golden beaches, the best places to visit in Morocco will depend entirely on what sort of holiday you’re after.

If winding streets that lead to souks filled with the smell of incense and Instagram-perfect interiors moodily lit by Moroccan lamps sound like heaven, opt for an urban break. Marrakech Tangier, Rabat  and Meknes are all among the best cities to visit in Morocco.

Looking for adventure? Immerse yourself in the ethereal beauty of the Atlas Mountains, where you can climb to the top of Mount Toukbal, the highest peak in North Africa, and wander at the mysterious cave paintings among the foothills of Jebel Saghro.

To combine the best of both, head to a hip surfer town such as Essouria and Taghazout, where you can spend your days riding the waves and your evenings lounging on silken cushions on a stylish roof terrace.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Morocco depends on which areas you are most drawn to.

The winter months are from November to February, so if if you’re considering visiting then and would like warm weather, stick to the south. Higher ground and the High Atlas in particular are often covered in a mantle of snow from November onwards.

Between June and August, the country experiences its big summer burn and holidays in the Sahara become an endurance test. The seaside cities that cling to the Atlantic coast are a good bet at this time of year. Casablanca is one of the best places to visit in Morocco in August.

In the spring months of March, April and May the air in the Skoura Oasis is thick with the smell of roses and the countryside becomes a kaleidoscope of almond blossom and scarlet poppies.

The weather in Autumn is equally comfortable, making this a top season for mountain hikes and desert adventures.

Tours and Deals

Does driving La Route du Coeur in a vintage car sound appealing, or trekking across the desert on camelback? How about soaring over the Atlas Mountains in a hot air balloon or tasting your way around Tangier’s souk? A small group tour can be one of the best ways to experience Morocco and there are countless options to choose from.

It’s fiery food and fascinating fusion of African, Arabic and Berber cultures may make it feel like another world, but Morocco is actually just an hour’s ferry from Spain. Lots of companies actually offer Spain, Portugal and Morocco itineraries that take barely more than a fortnight, so you can experience the best of the Mediterranean and North Africa in one. Try Cosmos or Intrepid .

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Where to Stay in Morocco

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From chaotic towns to rolling farms and mountain villages, warm hospitality is the golden thread that binds Morocco’s culture together. At tea time, there are always more glasses on the table than people in the house and a store owner will often produce a plate of pistachio biscuits to make the haggling process a little sweeter.

Whether you choose to bed down in a hilltop kasbah (walled fortress), splash out on a luxury hotel such as the Palais Namaskar or rent a room from a local family, a warm welcome is guaranteed. Take a closer look at your accommodation options here.

Traditional Guesthouses

One of the most interesting things about Morocco is its riads.

These medieval mansions that once belonged to wealthy Arabic locals are always found in the heart of the old town, and are built around a courtyard garden that’s typically shaded by an orange tree and cooled with a decorative fountain. Rent them by the room, or live your Arabian dream and take the entire house.

Riad Kniza is one of the most enchanting in Marrakech, while Essaouria’s Dar Maya boasts a rooftop hot tub and traditional hamam.

Desert Camps

What better way to feel connected to Morocco’s past than by spending a few nights in a desert camp, as the Ait Atta people have been doing for literally thousands of years?

To immerse yourself in the culture of Morocco and be sure you’re sharing your experience with no one but the animals, opt for a mobile private camp such as those offered by offered by Natural High .

If you prefer your camping trips to involve en suite bathrooms and beds draped in handwoven fabrics, try the Desert Luxury Camp which enjoys a prime location amongst the apricot-coloured peaks of the Erg Chebbi desert.

Seaside Accommodation

It boasts both an Atlantic and Mediterranean coast and miles of golden beaches, so it’s no surprise that some of the best places to stay in Morocco are on the sea.

We love the sleepy resort town of Oualidia, which is famed for its flavoursome oysters and stylish hotels such as La Sultana .

To combine culture with plenty of towel time, opt for the six-mile stretch of sand in Agadir. The ultra-luxe Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort Sofitel Agadir Royal Bay Resort has plenty of local character as it’s built in the style of a traditional kasbah.

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Best Places to Eat in Morocco

The Romans, Arabs, Spanish and French have all snatched Morocco from each other over the last 2,000 years and each has left their distinctive mark on the food scene. So, what exactly do people eat in Morocco today?

Couscous is the national dish and is traditionally enjoyed on Fridays. Try it with vegetables or chicken at Cafe le Studio , located in Marrakech’s colourful Yves Saint Lauren Museum .

Another key food to eat in Morocco is tagine. These stews, slow-cooked over an open fire in clay pots, have their roots in the Berber tradition, and as you use chunks of bread to scoop out tender beef flavoured with lemon and olives it’s easy to make believe that you are in a desert camp in the Sahara.

Terrasse Bakic h serves a very traditional version alongside sweeping views over Marrakech’s medina.

Cultural Experiences Morocco

Morocco’s culture is as rich and colourful as the handwoven rugs in Rabat’s market. Expect strict etiquette, carefully preserved traditions and festivals that have been celebrated since ancient times.

Religion plays a major role in daily life, and the sound of the imam calling the people to prayer still echoes hauntingly five times a day through the old town of most cities. Get a sense of religion’s role in shaping the country with a guided tour of Ben Youssef Medersa , a staggeringly beautiful 16th century Koran school.

The pink-hued village of Tafraoute nestles in an oasis of almond trees among the barren granite of Tiznit province. Visit during February to experience the almond blossom festival, without doubt one of the most beautiful things to see in Morocco.

Getting to Morocco

It’s possible to fly to Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes and Rabat with a single layover from all major Australian airports. Layovers are typically taken in Dubai or Doha.

There are no direct flights to Morocco from Australia.

More destinations to explore near Morocco

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Morocco Travel

Places to visit, Things to do.

Best of Morocco Travel

Are you thinking of taking a trip to Morocco? Want to learn more about the striking beauty, culture, and adventure that awaits you within its winding alleys and rich beaches? Then look no further, because within the pages of Moroccopedia you will find everything you are looking for Morocco Travel. What do you like to…

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•  Discover the World of Moroccan Leather

Morocco, a nation rich in culture and history, captivates travelers with its vibrant markets, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Amid the many treasures Morocco offers, the realm of…

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• Casablanca or Rabat

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Welcome to Moroccopedia

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• Exploring the Imperial Cities of Morocco

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Geographically speaking, Morocco is surrounded by the rich African borders of Algeria and Mauritania, while both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean sea provides strategic points for water access. Its Mediterranean climate also adds up to its natural charm with abundant wildlife that boasts of biodiversity.

Most travelers usually describe Morocco as an exotic place that is full of surprises and ancient wonders. Despite the series of revolts that followed the rule of different dynasties, Morocco was able to restore and preserve most of its historical sites and ancient relics. Needless to say, it survived most tragedies and even imbibed high-end architectural tastes for ancient mosques and other Islamic pilgrimages .

The imperial cities of Morocco are considered as portals to a warm and inviting culture. Fez is known for its archaic structures, while Marrakech is more famous for its luxurious Riads. Casablanca, on the other hand, is known for as a shopping paradise with bustling commercial centers and flea markets. Rabat, the capital city of Morocco, has a more pronounced influence from its French origin. Meanwhile, artists who crave for inspiration usually find Tangier a lovely site to create their masterpieces.

Morocco is not just a cultural haven but also a spiritual retreat that accepts different religious beliefs such as Christianity, paganism, and Judaism . Aside from the shopping extravagance of haggling over prices of exquisite rugs, wood works, and artifacts, a wealth of exhilarating activities are also available through its rich coastlines, scenic views, and as a culinary paradise for some of the best cuisines.

• 1 Hotels and lodging
• 2 Attractions
• 4.1 Getting to Morocco
• 4.2 Exploring Morocco
• 5 Practical information and resources
• 6.1 Text with links to user-reviews on other pages
• 8 Photo gallery
• 9 Everything else
• 10 External resources

Hotels and lodging [ ]

Regardless of where you come from, everybody wants to be treated like a VIP, especially when visiting another country. If there's one more thing Morocco should be known for apart from bargain shopping, it has to be the high-rate service of Morocco hotels that fits a royalty. Thousands of miles away from home, staying in top hotels in the imperial cities of Morocco can dare make a difference on your journey to infinite discoveries.

Morocco also offers a wide range of hostels.

Le Meridien Merinides Hotel: One of the finest hotels in Morocco

In a main square near Medina, you'll find the Almohades Hotel. The hotel suite is fully furnished with bathroom facilities, TV, and even a mini bar. You'll also have fun staying in the open lounge and restaurant that serves one of the best-tasting gourmet dishes. You may also choose to stay at the Royal Mansour where the lobby itself boasts of a dramatic entrance with impressive interior decoration. It hosts a great view by the bay and the Hassan II mosque, while you may also have a relaxing time in the hotel's sauna and the fitness suite.

The streets of Fez are filled with amazing deals and exotic finds for leather goods, lamps, and carpets. There are also too many sights to see and shops to visit in this bustling Moroccan city. However, tourists usually find themselves lost in its vast territory. Thus, for utmost safety and convenience, the Palais Jamai Hotel is a great choice because of its proximity to some of the best tourist spots. Not only will you enjoy the luxuries of its stylish suites, but you'll also be served with a generous plate of luscious Moroccan recipes in its famous hotel restaurant. The Le Meridien Merinides Hotel, meanwhile, also offers the best value for your money with overlooking views. The sports facilities and French-inspired restaurants in the lobby are among its finest treats.

With ancient city walls, majestic palaces, and verdant gardens, you'll find it hard not to fall in love with Marrakech. Aside from its historical sites, this city is also teeming with fun-filled activities for a modern nightlife. Fortunately, Riad Ma'ab Located on the quiet derb Chentouf in Riad Laarousse, this Riad has 5 rooms, all equipped with private bathrooms, A/C, and Berber furnishings from local craftsmen. It has a completely renovated courtyard. Ma'ab is a Berber name meaning "A place to which one returns".Jardins de la Medina is just a stones-throw away from the Djemma el Fna and other tourist highlights. This Moroccan hotel in Marrakech offers a serene ambiance, with palm trees and flowers that adorn its outdoor facilities. The Tichka Salam Hotel also provides one of the finest accommodations in town. Unlike other Moroccan hotels, Tichka Salam Hotel is similar to a residential facility with a laid-back atmosphere. For some hidden gems in Marrakesh, check out these Secret Tips Marrakesh.

Meknes is known for its mausoleum and grandiose architectural designs. The extensive walls that surround this city fascinate most travelers. You'll also find nearby museums and art exhibits in Meknes that speak a lot about the diverse culture of Morocco. Great thing there's the Zaki Hotel, where guests may enjoy the colorful interiors and vibrant atmosphere of its setting. The sun terrace and the landscape garden are among its top attractions. The Palais Didi Guest House, on the other hand, is a 17th-century-inspired palace. Apart from its eclectic interiors and old-fashioned facilities, the hotel also lies at the heart of the amazing tourist sites at Meknes.

The intricate details and architectural highlights of boulevards and structures in Rabat only confirm how the city capital of Morocco is highly inspired by French and spanish influences. Another great thing about Rabat is its train system that links the city to Fez, Casablanca, and other tourist destinations. As a guest at Villa Mandarine, you'll surely have the best time touring around Rabat. You'll also enjoy staying indoors with lush gardens like the zoo of the city and Western interiors as among the highlights of the hotel. You'll also love the Moroccan crafts and art pieces displayed all over the walls and corners of the guest house. Leisure activities also involve swimming, playing billiards, and relaxing at the sauna or gym.

For travelers who wish to stay close at the heart of Rabat, La Tour Hassan Hotel provides an ideal setting and location. The refurbished hotel offers high-end services apart from its lush gardens and fountains that radiate tranquility amidst the city of Rabat.

Attractions [ ]

There are three ways to describe Morocco—free, exotic, and charming. But what makes Morocco really special is the intense feeling it brings you as a traveler. Just by standing in the middle of this red earth, you'll suddenly feel like you have all the time in the world to explore. You can easily get lost in its vibrant culture, rich heritage, and even fall in love with its amazing people. In a fast-paced modern world, a trip to Morocco offers a great way to look at things differently. With spellbinding sites, only one thing is for sure—your journey to intimate discoveries is one that is priceless and endless.

The Old Morocco

Part of Morocco's charm is how it embraced the past with open arms. As such, old city walls and age-old fortresses still surround its imperial cities. One good example is the Djemma el Fna , a famous square in Marrakech where almost all types of people gather for the day's bustling activities. As a cultural hot spot, you'll also have a chance to watch musicians and artists perform live. On top of this, you'll also find yourself in great awe for the monumental minaret, which is hailed today as one of Morocco's homegrown masterpieces along with the 900-year old gates that surround the medina. But should you have an opportunity to stop by Fez, the Royal Palace is one of the most elegant sites you shouldn't dare miss.

The Natural Wonders of Morocco

Mountains, deserts, gardens, and valleys—you don't have to travel around the globe just to take a peek at these natural wonders. Morocco has all of them and has surprisingly preserved these miracles despite the ravages of time. The long stretch of the Sahara desert is an infinite delight to most travelers who also love to ride the camel. With a perfect trail for mountain valleys, hiking is another popular activity. But just when you thought you've seen it all, wait until you take a glimpse of the Atlas Mountains. There's simply no other way to describe this experience but as a real assault to your senses. For a fine escape from the modern city life, the Dades Valley, with its red, fine sands, will definitely fulfill your long-lost voyage to the unknown. Museums in Morocco

The museums in Morocco are home to rare pieces of archaeological crafts and relics that date back to more than 4,000 years. As one of the most prestigious museums in town, a good place to begin your historical journey is through the Museum of Antiquities . For hints on popular culture and tradition, art exhibits and festivals will also introduce you to strange beliefs and insights about Morocco that you've never known before. You'll also enjoy reliving the past battles through the Horse Festival in Tissa. But if you're an art lover or simply fancy yourself as an exotic adventurer, the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival in July is surely an event to look forward to.

Places of Worship

While the world continues to shed more blood on religious wars, what's admirable about Morocco is how it remained free from the clutch of overpowering beliefs. Although Morocco is known for its trail of archaic mosques, tourists will also find churches and synagogues all over the city. Surprisingly, this North African country is a spiritual haven for various forms of worship and pilgrimages. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is one of the largest, not to mention, among the most exquisite structures in Morocco. However, the Casablanca Cathedral also boasts of architectural details with more pronounced French influences, while the Ibn Dahan Synagogue usually receives a popular visit from Jews.

The Rich Coastline

Because of its rich coastline, thousands of people every year book their hotels in Morocco to have the best seaside experience. The beaches are aesthetically preserved with clear, blue water and soft, fine sands. Famous destinations for this include the Grottes d'Hercules and Lalla Fatma. But for a breathtaking view and awe-inspiring experience, not only travel guides but even natives would recommend the Ouzoud Falls . It is by far one of the most exciting flowing water scenes in Morocco.

Shopping [ ]

Maps and transportation [ ], getting to morocco [ ].

Mainly Tourists would fly to Morocco, usually to Marrakesh or Casablanca .

Exploring Morocco [ ]

Morocco is an exotic and authentic country which has so much to offer, exploring Morocco is always a unique and new experience. there are many ways exploring Morocco such as taking a Tour around the country for multi days, or take Marrakesh as holiday base for a week or so then visit the beautiful surrounding Mountains and Atlantic Ocean coast and Sahara Desert.

In the Sahara desert you can join the Camel trekking tours for an overnight desert trip under the stars of the Sahara desert, There are many tour companies offering desert tours from Marrakech, Fes and from all over Morocco. You can choose Erg Chebbi near Merzouga or Erg Chegaga near Mhamid as both desert destinations of Morocco.

Practical information and resources [ ]

Restaurants [ ], text with links to user-reviews on other pages [ ], nghtlife [ ], photo gallery [ ], everything else [ ], external resources [ ].

Add links to other sites he Wikipedia has an article: Morocco

• Morocco - Wikitravel

Navigate: Main Page ... Africa ... Morocco

Major Cities: Agadir , Casablanca , Essaouira , Marrakech , Rabat ( edit )

Overview • Discuss! • Hotels • Restaurants • Photo gallery • Attractions • Shopping • Transport • Numbers to know • Maps • Everything else • External resources

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20 Iconic Movie Locations You Can Visit in Real Life

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1. Hobbiton, New Zealand

In the rolling hills of Matamata, New Zealand, lies Hobbiton, the enchanting village of the Hobbits from “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. This picturesque location has been preserved and is open for tours, allowing fans to experience the magic of the Shire firsthand, complete with its iconic hobbit holes and the Green Dragon Inn.

2. Al Khazneh, Jordan

The ancient city of Petra in Jordan is home to Al Khazneh, also known as The Treasury. This stunning archaeological site gained fame as the location of the Holy Grail in “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” Visitors can explore this historical wonder and feel like adventurous archaeologists themselves.

3. Doune Castle, Scotland

Doune Castle in Scotland served as the primary filming location for “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.” This medieval stronghold offers a glimpse into history and the opportunity to retrace the steps of the Monty Python troupe in their comical quest for the Holy Grail.

4. Katz’s Delicatessen, New York

Katz’s Delicatessen in New York City is famed for its scene in “When Harry Met Sally.” Fans of the film can dine at this iconic eatery, known for its delicious pastrami sandwiches, and even sit at the very table where the famous scene was filmed.

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5. Skellig Michael, Ireland

The remote island of Skellig Michael off the coast of Ireland became known worldwide as the hiding place of Luke Skywalker in “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” The island’s ancient monastic ruins and dramatic ocean views provide a breathtaking experience for Star Wars fans and history enthusiasts alike.

6. The Timberline Lodge, Oregon

The Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon was used for exterior shots of the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick’s “The Shining.” Visitors can explore the grounds of this historic lodge and perhaps feel a chill reminiscent of the eerie atmosphere of the film.

7. Salzburg, Austria

The beautiful city of Salzburg in Austria served as the backdrop for much of “The Sound of Music.” Fans can take guided tours that visit several locations from the film, including the Mirabell Gardens, where the song “Do-Re-Mi” was filmed.

8. Monument Valley, USA

The iconic scene of Forrest Gump running on a long, straight road with Monument Valley in the background is a memorable cinematic moment. Visitors can drive to this exact spot on U.S. Route 163 and experience the vast beauty of this Navajo Nation landmark.

9. Platform 9¾, King’s Cross Station, London

For Harry Potter fans, a visit to Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross Station in London is a must. Although the magical platform itself may not exist, the station has a dedicated area complete with a luggage trolley embedded in the wall, allowing fans to recreate their own Hogwarts departure.

10. The Firehouse, New York

The firehouse used as the Ghostbusters’ headquarters in New York City is a real fire station, located in Tribeca. Fans can visit this iconic building, which still operates as a functioning firehouse, and relive the ghost-catching adventures of the famous paranormal investigators.

11. The Spanish Steps, Rome

Rome’s Spanish Steps became an iconic film location thanks to “Roman Holiday,” starring Audrey Hepburn and Gregory Peck. Visitors can stroll up the steps and enjoy the romantic ambiance of this historic Roman landmark.

12. Kualoa Ranch, Hawaii

Kualoa Ranch in Hawaii, known for its lush landscapes and stunning cliffs, served as a key filming location for “Jurassic Park.” Visitors can take guided tours of the ranch and see locations where various scenes from the dinosaur adventure film were shot.

13. Aït Benhaddou, Morocco

The ancient fortified city of Aït Benhaddou in Morocco was used as a backdrop in “Game of Thrones,” representing the city of Yunkai. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a journey into a world of historic architecture and striking landscapes.

14. The Royal Palace of Caserta, Italy

The Royal Palace of Caserta in Italy doubled as the Naboo Royal Palace in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.” This grand 18th-century palace, with its luxurious interiors and expansive gardens, is open to visitors who can explore its royal splendor.

15. The Grand Hotel, Mackinac Island, Michigan

Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel, where “Somewhere in Time” starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour was filmed, is a time capsule of elegance. Visitors can enjoy the hotel’s historic charm and picturesque setting, taking a step back in time just like the film’s protagonist.

16. Ta Prohm Temple, Cambodia

Ta Prohm Temple in Cambodia, entwined with sprawling tree roots, gained fame through “Tomb Raider.” The temple’s mystical and ancient ambiance is a treasure for visitors, offering a sense of adventure akin to Lara Croft’s expeditions.

17. The Stanley Hotel, Colorado

While not a filming location, The Stanley Hotel in Colorado famously inspired Stephen King to write “The Shining.” Visitors can explore this historic hotel, which embraces its spooky reputation with ghost tours and a hedge maze reminiscent of the film’s eerie scenes.

18. Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts

Martha’s Vineyard served as the fictional Amity Island in Steven Spielberg’s “Jaws.” Visitors to this charming island can explore the various locations used in the film and maybe even feel a slight shiver when dipping their toes in the water.

19. The Millennium Bridge, London

The Millennium Bridge in London is recognizable from its dramatic collapse in “Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.” This pedestrian bridge offers stunning views of the River Thames and is a must-visit for Harry Potter fans touring London’s landmarks.

20. Villa del Balbianello, Italy

The Villa del Balbianello on Lake Como, Italy, appears in “Casino Royale” as the hospital where James Bond recuperates. This stunning villa, with its elegant architecture and lush gardens, is open to visitors who can bask in its luxurious atmosphere and breathtaking views.

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My wife and I are separating. I provided the down payment, and paid the mortgage on our home. Will I be allowed to keep it if we divorce?

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