Marrakech, as we have learnt from other cities we have visited, needs more than one day. A minimum of 3 days will give you a far richer and diverse experience. The more the better.
Follow these tips to ensure you have a positively memorable guided tour. Less fear, less anxiety, and a heap more enjoyment from a city that keeps on giving. Armed with knowledge, maps, and savvy, you will truly feel the soul of this sensory Imperial city.
Logistics: Getting There and Staying Put
Accommodation and Motorhomes
If you travel by motorhome, it would be an all-rounded experience to either book a Riad in the city for a night or park up at the Guardian parking just outside the city walls, west of the Koutoubia Mosque. This way you get to experience Marrakech by night, which is an altogether different and magical experience compared to the daytime hustle.
Navigating the Roads: Hire Cars
If you come to Marrakech by plane, it is definitely worth hiring a car. Now, I’ll be honest: you do need nerves of steel to drive through the city. However, having done it many times, you just need to drive with confidence and behave a little bit like the locals. It is highly recommended to take out Excess Insurance; it costs around £60 for the year and, in our opinion, is well worth it for peace of mind.
Local Transport Alternatives
If you don’t have the confidence for a hire car—and who could blame you—there are other ways to get around:
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Yellow Taxis: They wait like a hive of bees at the airport or buzz around the centre. Be warned: they can be quite expensive for tourists.
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InDrive: This is a fabulous newcomer to Morocco. It’s a much fairer system that doesn’t "fleece" the tourist. It is similar to Uber but without the need to share bank details (you pay cash), which we prefer. Just download the free app.
Cultural Etiquette and Local Norms
Dress Code and Respect
For ladies, dress conservatively to be respectful of Muslim values and cultural norms. Cover shoulders and legs with pashminas, cotton trousers, or long skirts. This respect for the local culture often results in more positive interactions.
Food, Drink, and Hydration
Morocco is a warm to hot country all year round. Keep hydrated! Also, remember that in a Muslim country, very few places serve alcohol. While larger international hotels may offer it, generally speaking, it is not common.
Visiting During Ramadan
Before your trip, check when Ramadan falls (for example, in 2024 it began around March 10th). For the tourist, most things remain "open," but it does influence the local mood as people fast from dawn to sunset. Some smaller cafés may have restricted hours. Please be mindful and avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight hours out of respect.
Exploring Beyond the City Walls
Day Trips and Excursions
Do take time to look beyond the city to take a break from the frenetic pace of life within the walls. If you have more time, consider these trips:
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Agafay Desert: A couple of hours south for a stark, beautiful landscape.
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Ouzoud Falls: Three hours east to see majestic waterfalls.
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Aït Benhaddou: Drive south over the thrilling Tiz n Tichka Pass to this UNESCO world heritage site.
Note: Each of these probably requires an overnight stay to prevent travel fatigue.
The Secret to Enjoying the "Red City"
Pacing Yourself
The most important rule: don’t fill your day with too much activity. Having had six visits in the last year, I know this rule well!
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Do something in the morning.
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Stop for coffee.
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Explore the souks, then have lunch.
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Visit a museum in the afternoon, then head home for a rest.
Give it a Second Chance
If your first experience of the Red City has been tainted or overwhelming, please give it another go. Marrakech is addictive and keeps giving more each time you visit. Avoid overdoing it, and you will have a rich, cultural experience you'll never forget.
