WHY MARRAKECH IS WORTH VISITING?
Marrakech is a city in western Morocco with less than one million inhabitants (over 900,000). The first remains of the city walls are dated to the beginning of the 11th century, however, for the next four centuries the city was plagued by civil wars and famine, and the general reconstruction began in the 16th century. Marrakech is the largest Berber center in Morocco, often called the "red city" because of the red, pink and brown-yellow buildings. This is one of the most interesting places in this country and it must be included on the to-see-list of every traveler visiting Morocco. Although Marrakech is only the third largest city in Morocco, it leads the list of the fastest growing ones. Marrakech is a safe place, although you have to watch out for the hacks of traders trying to sell their dubious quality products to tourists. Sellers will feel insulted if the customer doesn’t want to bargain with them, or behaves rudely. Therefore, it is best to ignore or apologize and simply leave if we don’t intend to buy anything.
Taxi drivers also try to exploit the unawareness and wallets of tourists, giving higher prices, or having them to pay more than the taximeter shows. It is worth to agree on specific amount before entering the taxi, or pay half, and offer the second only when the driver takes us to the agreed destination. For example, the price for a trip from the airport to the center of Marrakech starts from 50 Dh.
WHERE TO SLEEP IN MARRAKECH?
JNANE MOGADOR - a small, clean hotel decorated in a Moroccan style, located in the center of the old quarter at Jemaa el-Fna square.
RIAD NOGA - boutique hotel with seven rooms and a beautiful pool, ideal for couples.
JANAT SALAM - B&B serving good breakfast included in the price of the room, close to the airport and various marketplaces.
WHERE TO EAT IN MARRAKECH?
Jemaa el-Fna Square - after 5:00 pm on the square, the stalls start to open with fresh street food, which is cheap and tasty, but not for people with sensitive stomachs. An ideal place for those who like culinary experiments.
NARANJ - Moroccan-Lebanese cuisine, the menu includes vegan options.
WHAT TO SEE IN MARRAKECH?
JEMAA EL-FNA - the so-called "square of losers" was inscribed on the UNESCO list of World Cultural and Natural Heritage. This pearl of Morocco is visited every day by thousands of Moroccans who come to shop at the market, go to the dentist or...a fortune teller. This rather chaotic place is not unfriendly to tourists, but you have to watch out for pickpockets and do not take valuable objects with you.
MARRAKECH MUSEUM - exhibitions of contemporary works are organized here. The museum is open every day from 9:00 to 18:00, and admission costs 30 Dh.
MEDRESA ALEGO BEN JUSUFA - the most beautiful Koranic school in Morocco founded in the 14th century, with an impressive courtyard and a floor paved with one of the most expensive marbles of Carrara. Open daily from from 9:00 to 18:00, and admission costs 20 Dh.
JARDIN MAJORELLE - in this small botanical garden you can admire plants from around the world, and in the deep aquamarine building built by the painter Jacques Majorelle there is an ethnographic museum, open every day from 8: 00-12: 00 and 15: 00-18: 00. The neighbour villa adjoining the garden belongs to Ives Saint-Laurent. Admission costs 30 Dh, and additional 30 Dh in the museum.
Marrakech is definitely one of the most interesting cities in Morocco, which you must visit. Even if you don’t decide to go on an independent journey, travel agencies always have a trip to the "red city" on their offer. Sign yourself up without hesitation, and you will certainly come back satisfied. As for traveling on your own, Marrakech is easily accessible by many means of transport as mentioned above. It is advised to book 2-3 days for sightseeing around the city. If you have any questions, feel free to write in the comments, or send a private message HERE. If you have already visited Marrakech, be sure to share your experiences!