We suggest a four night Marrakesh city break in Morocco should be spent taking in all the sights and sounds that this ancient Arabic city has to offer.
Youtube link to the JustRetired50Plus recommended Marrakesh tour Video:-
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Marrakesh, Morocco
For our four night stay in the city of Marrakesh we stayed at the 5 star Les Jarins De La Koutoubia (Medina) hotel . While travelling in Morocco, you have to be more conscious of personal safety than you would be normally.
You're unlikely to ever be in any real physical danger in Morocco, however, petty crime and harassment require you, more so than other countries, to stay on guard. Most travel agencies around the world agree that Marrakech is quite safe to visit however certain precautions must be taken before visiting the famous red city. Although the city is beautiful and a feast for the eyes, petty crime is not uncommon here, especially against tourists. Marrakesh’s small narrow streets and crowded areas makes it a particularly appealing place for pickpockets.
Despite all that we have said above, based on its historical and architectural heritage added to its quirky Moroccan Arabic vibe, Marrakesh is a must see. It is often referred to as the Red or Rose city, due to the colour of the high walls that surround the ancient Medina.
A sense of Marrakesh, Morocco
Firstly, the capital of Morocco can be spelled Marrakech or Marrakesh. Marrakesh is the third largest city in Morocco. It is the home to Mosques, Palaces and Gardens along with being a major economic centre in north west Africa. Within the city lies the Medina, a densely packed, walled medieval city dating back to the Berber Empire.
We choose the option of staying at the 5 star Les Jarins De La Koutoubia (Medina) hotel as it is situated only minutes walk from both the Jamaa el Fna Medina market square and the Koutoubia Mosque. With its Indian, French, Moroccan and European restaurants and all that you would expect from a modern hotel, albeit, totally Moroccan in its styling, we considered it the safest and most comfortable option for us. Without the hotel skimping on quality, it was the cheapest 5 star hotel that we have stayed in, in a very long time. With a tasty breakfast included each morning, it made a perfect base for our four night stay in Marrakesh.
For the more price sensitive, staying at an available Riad is a cheaper option.
A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with a garden on the inside. While these houses or palaces were originally for the wealthier of society, many have now been turned into guest houses. In contrast to a large hotel, these houses are run more along the lines of a bed & breakfast or a boutique hotel.
The currency used is the Moroccan dirham. You should always carry some cash on you for the small transactions and vendors who are ill-equipped to handle card transactions.
In direct comparison to other destinations in Europe, you will find Marrakesh affordable and very good value for your money.
We found Marrakesh to be eminently walkable, but if you are taking taxis try to agree the price at the outset of your journey.
Be aware of scammers who approach you and offer to show you around or give you directions. These offers are rarely acts of kindness. They are generally attempts to get money from you. Your best defence is to ignore them in the first instance and if they are persistent, firmly say “La La Shukraan”, meaning “No no thank you”. Walk away from the situation if you feel uncomfortable at any time. Be aware of your surroundings, it is even more necessary in Morocco than normal. Walk with confidence, even if you are lost.
We visited in February when the days are bright with warm sun, 60-70 degrees F. Summer months in Morocco can be oppressively hot.
Part of the joy of travelling is experiencing other cultures and customs different to your own. You have to be open to the experience and particularly in moments where you might feel a little uncomfortable.
Remember, Morocco is an Islamic society, if you dress in a way that is respectful to the local custom and practice, you will likely experience fewer uncomfortable moments.
Shopping in Marrakesh is very colourful and varied. You can spend endless time wandering around the Medina and souks buying clothes, argan oil and perfumes, spices, scarves etc, but be mindful of your return baggage allowance.
Recommendations for Marrakesh, Morocco
A great way to spend four days in Marrakesh, in our opinion, would be something along the following:
Day 1: Jemaa Al Fna & Koutoubia Mosque & Medina
Non Muslims are not permitted inside the Koutoubia Mosque, but the surroundings are pleasant and it gives lots of opportunities for photographs.
Spend a few hours wandering around the Medina and the enclosed souks with their covered streets.The atmosphere is busy and intense especially if you visit in the late afternoon/evening. Be prepared to haggle if you want to make a purchase and never accept the first offer. Shopping can be slightly intimidating here for the more shy type of individuals. If you are feeling nervous at the claustrophobia of the souks, you can always hire a guide to show you the ropes. Jemaa Al Fna is the main plaza in the Medina. There are countless vendors selling camel meat, orange juice, snails and even used false teeth. It is also the place where you can get the Arab night vibe with its snake charmers and monkeys on chains, reminiscent of a weird carnival.
Day 2: Take trip to see the Jardin de Majorelle and later sit in a rooftop cafe overlooking the Medina, to soak up the atmosphere from on-high. Finish off your day with a Hammam. A hammam is a steam room, similar to a Turkish bath, where Moroccans go each week to cleanse themselves. Getting aggressively washed by a complete stranger is possibly out of your comfort zone, however, the full experience of a hammam, mud wrap and massage will definitely make a good conversation topic when you get home. Remember “When in Rome! Do as the Romans do”.
The Jardin de Majorelle gardens were built as a memorial to Yves Saint Laurent. Filled with plants, towering cacti, fountains and pergola buildings in vivid Moroccan colours. They again give lots of opportunities for photographs.
Day 3: A trip to the Bahai Palace. With its Arabic architecture and ample gardens, there are plenty of photo opportunities. There is not too much information available at the site, so we found it worthwhile hiring a guide to fill us in on the history of the site.
We also visited the El Badi palace, mainly all in ruin now, but you can get a good idea of the opulence during its prime.
Day 4: We recommend a visit to the Jewish cemetery in favour of a visit to the leather tannery.
Although Marrakesh is predominantly Arabic, there was a large Jewish community historically that has now dwindled to around 2000 individuals. A visit to their cemetery is well worth the trip. There is no entry charge, however, there is a blue donation box to support the upkeep.
Although the tannery is historic and a good photo opportunity, there is the pungent, penetrating smell of urine, rotting flesh and stagnant water. There is a smell like Ammonia at the tannery, and it's one that cannot be easily forgotten.
If your flight is in the evening, it should be possible to leave your luggage in the hotel’s designated luggage room and perhaps hit the souks for the last minute gifts, or you can always linger in a street level or roof top coffee shop and just people watch.
Our must see recommendation for a trip to Marrakesh, Morocco in North West Africa:-
Hire a guide to take you on a walking tour of the Medina inner walled city, it will greatly enhance your experience and understanding of this ancient Berber culture.
The Yves Saint Laurent dedicated Jardin de Majorelle gardens are a Mecca for all gardeners looking for inspiration or ideas.
Visit any of the Mosques or Palaces, followed by a stroll around the numerous covered-in Souks with lots of Arabic themed memorabilia to feast your eyes on.
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