Marrekesh Travel Guide
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Top Attractions
Cheap Flying Tips
Where to Stay
Things to Do
Your Guide to Marrekesh
Marrekesh is one of the most beautiful and historic cities in North Africa. With a history spanning almost one thousand years, it’s a great vacation spot for those who want to learn about medieval Muslim history. But even beyond that, Marrekesh boasts a thriving city life, massive cultural centers, and lots to do.
Marrakesh is a global cultural landmark and a great choice for any traveler looking to broaden their horizons. Not only that, a traveler can visit conveniently, cheaply, and comfortably as long as they do the right research.
So, let’s start with some of the tops draws Marrekesh has to offer. Whether you’re relaxing in the Menara Gardens or browsing a bustling marketplace, Marrekesh has so much to offer for you and your family. The attractions will catch your attention and capture your imagination, making your vacation something to remember for the rest of your life.
Top Attractions in Marrekesh
The options in Marrekesh are nearly endless. When you first step off the plane, you’ll immediately feel like you’re in a whole new world, so choosing what to explore can be an overwhelming decision. Let us help you with our top attractions in Marrekesh.
Menara Gardens
The Menara Gardens are located in the Western part of the city, and they are truly stunning. The Gardens are a must-see for any history buffs in your group, as they were built all the way back in the twelfth century, along with major renovations and expansions in the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries.
Even if you aren’t particularly interested in the history of the gardens, there is no denying their beauty. The architecture and the olive trees are gorgeous, and walking among them is quite something. The Menara Gardens function as a sort of public park, so feel free to enjoy them and relax.
Finally, if you’re a photographer, the Gardens are located in such a way that you can see the massive Atlas mountains on the horizon behind them! Taken together with the picturesque human-made lake in front of the beautiful buildings, it is probably the most incredible sight in all of Morocco.
Bahia Palace
Built-in 1859 and subject to major renovations throughout the rest of the nineteenth century, the Bahia Palace is a beautiful example of Moroccan architecture.
Though the rooms are empty, as furniture and other decorations were removed after the death of Grand Vizier Ba Ahmed ben Moussa, there is still quite a bit to see.
The building is massive, with well over one hundred different rooms to explore. Though they are not furnished, many are enormous, and you’ll also stumble upon multiple gardens. Finally, the must-see attraction at the Bahia Palace is the Grand Courtyard. Massive, open to the air, and complete with deep blue tiling, it really is a sight to see.
The City Walls
Built-in the twelfth century, the walls of Marrekesh are something you just can’t pass on. They surround something called the ‘medina’ district, one of the busiest and most crowded parts of the city. In other words, you’ll probably be in the area at some point anyway, so it makes sense to see such an important cultural landmark.
Like a lot of famous buildings in Marrekesh, though the walls were built in the twelfth century, they have undergone several renovations since. If you really want an outing that takes you out and about, you can find the different renovations and various gates spread around the Medina.
The Experience Flying into Marrekesh Airports
If you are flying into Marrekesh, you’ll be flying into Marrekesh Menara Airport, located in the southern region of the city. Menara Airport is one of the largest airports in Morocco, second only to the Mohamed V Airport in Casablanca.
Menara Airport offers all of the amenities one would expect in a modern airport, including taxis, car rentals, and even a pharmacy! There isn’t much general shopping to do, but the airport is conveniently located near the heart of the city, so you’ll want to get out there anyway!
Top Three Tips to Fly Cheap to Marrekesh
Everyone loves a deal! Here are our top three tips for flying into Marrekesh without breaking the bank.
It Might be Less Expensive to Fly into Casablanca First
Consider flying into Casablanca first. Casablanca’s airport is much larger than Menara, as Casablanca houses most of Morocco’s business sector. Since there are so many more flights going in and out, you may be able to find a better deal.
Casablanca is a great city to visit in its own right, and it’s only a two and a half-hour train ride away from Marrekesh. Considering you will have to purchase a train ticket, this is less a way to save money and more a way to get more vacation for your dollar.
Keep the 24-Hour Rule in Mind
Take advantage of the 24-hour rule. If you’re flying in from the US, there is a regulation that allows you to cancel a ticket within 24 hours of purchasing it if the flight is more than seven days away, originates in or lands in the United States, and was booked directly with the airline (not through an agency).
This means it pays to keep an eye on ticket prices for twenty-four hours after purchasing one because you can always cancel and buy the ticket at a lower price! Make sure the airline you’re buying from doesn’t offer a 24-hour price freeze, because if they do, they are not subject to this regulation and may require a fee to cancel.
Visit Marrekesh in the Offseason for Affordable Flights
Fly in the offseason. Airlines are considerably less busy in the spring and the fall due to a relative lack of holidays and generally less extreme weather. Be careful though, always make sure there are no local holidays you’re unaware of that might spike prices.
Popular Areas of the City to Stay
Medina, as mentioned before, is the center of city life in Marrekesh, containing the lion’s share of the city’s famous souks (markets). In addition to more well-established hotels, there are small Riads, a sort of bed and breakfast, in this quarter that get great reviews.
If you want to stay somewhere with a more Western feel, Gueliz is considered the European Quarter of the city. If you’re the sort of person who enjoys nightclubs, this is the neighborhood you’re going to be spending the most time in.
Popular Hotels in Those Areas
You know where you’re going, but where are you going to stay? These are some of the most popular hotels in each area, either for the bargain master trying to save cash or for those looking for the finer things.
Kenzi Club Agdal Medina
Kenzi Club Agdal Medina, located in the walled Medina, is an excellent blend of modern comfort and classic aesthetic. Offering free wifi, restaurants, an indoor pool, and no less than four different outdoor pools!
You’ll also get the benefit of beautiful gardens full of hundred-year-old olive trees. The palatial estate is great for long walks or even a nap under the shade.
The Medina Loft and Spa
If you’re looking for something with a more modern feel, The Medina Loft and Spa is a great place to start. Located in the European quarter of the city, The Loft and Spa have everything you would expect, including complimentary wifi and breakfast, at a reasonable price.
Popular Airbnb Places in Those Areas
As mentioned before, Marrekesh has a culture of small family-owned bed and breakfasts in the form of the Riads of Medina. You should have no problem finding a suitable AirBnB, but always make sure to vet your prospective AirBnB and use your better judgment!
Top Things to Do in Marrekesh
As you already know, Marrekesh is the perfect place to dive in and absorb Marocco’s incredible culture. Here are some things from our must-do list.
Go to a Souk
Otherwise known as a bazaar, souks are traditional Moroccan markets that throw you into the heart of the culture in Marrekesh. Souks are known worldwide for being busy and chaotic, with crowds moving in all directions as shopkeepers try to get your attention by shouting prices and advertisements.
Souks are as much theatre as they are commercial. There will be plenty on sale, from clothing to spices, but the real appeal is the experience. The stalls are all covered in colorful cloth, and the shopkeepers will harass you and even grab onto you if you look like you might want to buy something.
Once you do decide to buy something, keep in mind that haggling is expected. You can certainly buy anything you want outright, but remember that the haggling is priced in, so you’ll probably end up overpaying. Just remember to be confident, and start well below the listed price. The shopkeeper will probably act shocked, but that’s just part of the dance!
Visit a Hammam
The Hammam is yet another unique Moroccan cultural experience. Somewhere between a spa and a public bath, Hammams are the perfect place to rest after a long day of seeing the sights, haggling, and baking in the sun. Hammams are especially well known for their skincare routines, so you might want to look one up if the sun is getting to you.
Coolest Airbnb Experiences in Marrekesh
If you manage to snag a Riad in Medina, you can live within the chaos of the Souk. While going to a souk is always an overwhelming experience, being able to walk in your door right off the street from it is said to be something else entirely. By taking small breaks at home, you can further immerse yourself in this landmark cultural experience.
Overall, Marrekesh is the cultural capital of Morocco. If you want to experience all that Moroccan culture has to offer, whether you’re relaxing in an upscale hotel or living in a small Riad, you absolutely can’t go wrong!
The experience may seem overwhelming to consider, but keep in mind that Marrekesh is an extremely popular tourist destination. While it is certainly unique, you don’t have to worry about going too far off the beaten path as there are plenty of accommodations for foreigners looking to see the city!
