Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re talking about visiting Marrakech, a city in Western Morocco. It’s an amazing city that’s well worth visiting, so don’t let the “hates” here keep you from visiting Marrakech. There’s a lot to love about Marrakech, but there are also a few things you might not love when you visit Marrakech, Morocco.
Love #1: The Marrakech Medina
One of our favorite things to do in Marrakech is to explore the medina. The medina is an explosion for your senses with sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. You’ll find monkeys and snake charmers. The best way to start is by visiting a restaurant above the medina, so you can look down into the medina from above. At night, the squares really come alive with activity, but you’ll find shopping in the souks all day long. You will see real Moroccans living their lives and buying groceries, alongside tourists haggling for t-shirts. It’s an amazing experience.
Hate #1: The Customs Line
Your first impression of Marrakech will be the customs line, and it’s hit or miss how long it will take you to clear customs in Marrakech. It can take 20 minutes, or it can take two hours. Make sure you swing through the bathrooms before you get in line! If you get lucky and get through quickly, your driver may not be waiting for you yet because they are used to having extra time for guests to clear customs. After claiming your bags, head to one of the currency counters to get some local cash; it won’t be the best exchange rate, but it’s the easiest option.
Likewise, when you are leaving Marrakech, make sure you allow plenty of time to clear through customs again. This isn’t like European airports where you can arrive 45 minutes before your flight and just board the plane. You have to go through customs all over again, and it’s recommended that you arrive three hours before your flight.
Love #2: Riads & Bath Houses
Riads are multi-family homes that have been converted into overnight accommodations. The best riads in Marrakech have a beautiful courtyard on the interior, as well as rooftop restaurants. We loved staying at riads, but you can also find resorts and hotels just outside the medina area if you prefer more traditional accommodation
Bathhouses are another fun part of a trip to Marrakech. They are a great place to relax, and many offer spa treatments in addition to time to soak in the warm baths. There are public and private bathhouses; they are well worth visiting.
Maroc Mama shares the Best Places to Stay in Marrakech
Hate #2: Bartering for Prices
Haggling over prices at the medina is just a way of life in Morocco. It might be fun at first, but after a while, the haggling gets frustrating. Sometimes you just want to buy something and go, but in Morocco, you have to negotiate over prices. Expect to pay about 25-50% of the original price that you are quoted. Haggling is just part of the culture; it’s not scamming, it’s just how they do business.
Things That Will Shock You in Morocco
Price negotiation applies to taxi rides as well, so make sure you agree on a price before you get in the taxi.
Love #3: Interior Design
We were blown away by the interiors of some of the buildings we visited in Marrakech. For the most part, the exterior of buildings in Marrakech is kind of drab, made of cement slabs. So, when you enter a building, it’s a pleasant surprise to see the inside. All of the architectural efforts have gone towards the interior of the buildings. The Royal Palace is amazing inside! The interior design is part of what makes the riads so special.
Hate #3: Medina Craziness
Visiting a medina in Marrakech is definitely a love/hate for me. It’s total chaos, and you’ll have motorcycles, mopeds, donkeys, and all kinds of traffic whizzing by you when you least expect it. Add to this the sights, smells, and sounds and it can be an overwhelming experience. It can also be a bit dangerous, so keep an eye on your belongings, keep your wallet in your front pocket, and always look in every direction before stepping out into the alleyway.
If it gets to be too much, find a cafe or a riad you can step into for a minute to catch your breath. It’s also easy to get lost in the winding alleys of the medina, but people are very helpful to get you back on track where you need to go. Always carry a map with your hotel marked, as well as a GPS pin on your phone so you can find your way back at the end of the day.
Love #4: Tourism Infrastructure
For a former imperial city dating back to the 12th century or more, the tourism infrastructure in Marrakech is impressive! Aside from the long customs line, the airport is very modern and comfortable. There are plenty of accommodation choices, and your accommodation will also set up all the tours you need if you haven’t booked them before you arrive. Getting around is super easy as well. Marrakech is a hub of the country, so you can easily travel to other cities by plane, bus, or train.
Taking the Train from Marrakech to Casablanca
There are plenty of restaurants, and the food in Marrakech is really good. The service is great, which really helps you to feel welcome when you visit Marrakech. We took a cooking class that was super fun, and we learned a lot about the culture and cuisine of Morocco. There are tons of great things to do in Marrakech for tourists.
Start planning your travel to Marrakech at Visit Marrakech
Hate #4: Marrakech Weather
Marrakech in summer will be oppressively hot, with temperatures over 50 degrees Celsius. In the summer, you’ll need lightweight loose-fitting clothing that will protect you from heat and sun. On the other hand, Marrakech in winter can be pretty chilly. We visited in November and we needed an extra layer in the morning and evening while exploring. Daytime temperatures were pleasant, but you do have to pack a few extra layers.
Love #5: People of Marrakech
Overall, the people of Marrakech were so nice and welcoming. The people at our riads, our drivers and tour guides, and even the shopkeepers at the souks were all very friendly. Our kids wore some Morocco jerseys during our trip and they got so many cheers and greetings.
Hate #5: Gender Differences
If you are a woman traveling to Marrakech, you may notice a difference in the way you are treated vs the men you are traveling with. Jocelyn definitely felt left out several times, especially when we were in the souks; she is usually the haggler in the family, but the shopkeepers mostly dealt directly with Mark. There are even some cafes that are for men only, so be aware if you only see men in a cafe that you may want to go elsewhere.
We never felt unsafe or uncomfortable, but we were traveling as a family. Solo female travelers may want to consult other women who have traveled solo to Marrakech.
Grab Some Wolters World Travel Gear!
As a major travel hub of Morocco, there are so many great things to do in Marrakech. When you travel to Marrakech, you will experience an overload of sensory experiences, from sights and smells to sounds and tastes! We found Marrakech to be a fascinating family travel destination!
Interested in more Morocco travel tips? Check out these blog posts!