Marrakech dates back to the 11th century; however, it wasn’t until the 1950s and 60s that Western travellers discovered the wonders of Morocco during the hippy trail era. Writers like Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs along with musicians like Hendrix and Cat Stevens spread the word of the cultural experiences to be found in this fascinating North African kingdom.
Their early influence has endured and places like Marrakech have retained a bohemian vibe ever since. Appealing to tourists the world over, visitors are drawn to the chaotic, stylish, time capsule mystique of the Marrakech medina and surrounding Atlas mountains.
I’ve been to Marrakech a couple of times, most recently in April 2024. So what are my tips for planning a trip to Marrakech?
1. Be Aware
Be Aware: Safety may be one question on the mind of those looking to travel to Morocco and the Marrakesh medina. The region did have a horrific earthquake in September of 2023 with significant loss of life. Although the historic medina was repaired quickly, many of the buildings in the outlying villages around the epicentre remain in ruins and many locals are sadly still dispersed and living in makeshift tents and porta-cabins. Yet life does continue as normal in the main tourist hubs.
Marrakech and the medina feel safe for tourists, who are just another part of the melting pot of daily life here. Chances are you’ll be approached by sellers in the main square of Jemaa El-Fnaa where the snake charmers are fairly in your face and want cash for photographs. Do remember that Morocco is an Islamic nation, so some simple respect for etiquette and dress in public areas does go a long way.
Be mindful of who and what you photograph as some locals don’t appreciate photos being taken. Do take some high factor sunblock as the sun can be fierce, especially in high season. Finally do watch out for moped riders in the Medina!
2. Visit the Marrakech medina
When planning a trip to Marrakech the world famous medina is a major draw for visitors and rightly so. This UNESCO world heritage centre is a must visit. Enclosed by 16km of walls, this epicentre of trade, artisan crafts, worship and Moroccan culture is an eclectic mix of humanity blending into a blur of activity. It’s a place of contrasts, from the all out assault on the senses of Jemaa El-Fnaa square to the tranquil spas and riads in the centre. You’re as likely to see a man selling chickens from a bike or a woman selling homemade bread as you are entering opulent boutique shops and luxury hotels.
The medina is also famous for being a maze of narrow streets and alleyways, so do explore but the chances are you will get lost! A top tip is to download an offline map and follow GPS to navigate. The medina remains a market place for locals, who live, work and worship in the multiple mosques deep within the city walls, so you will get to experience an authentic, unforgettable slice of Moroccan life.
3. Book an excursion
The medina is a only a part of what Marrakech and the surrounding region has to offer and there are plenty of excursions to help experience the beauty outside the hectic city. Top tips here would be to head into the Atlas Mountains which provide an awe inspiring backdrop to Marrakesh. Around 30 min drive away there are various options from 4×4 adventures heading deep into the 4000m high peaks, visiting traditional Berber villages, or hikes to waterfalls in the Ourika valley. Other popular options are quad biking and camel riding; however, a word to note on the latter. If you take a camel riding trip choose carefully as some are poorly managed and take place in areas of scrubland just outside the city.
The one trip I feel is a must is to take a hot air ballon. It’s a magical experience. There are numerous operators in the area and we went with a company called Ciel D’Afrique. They’re a super professional operation which inspired confidence in the whole trip. It’s an early 5am rise to reach the launch site for sunrise, with traditional mint tea before take off into the chilly morning skies. As you ascend to around 800m, the intermittent roar of the gas burners is followed by glorious, absolute silence as you travel with the winds across the expanse of countryside. Drifting over dry river beds, goat herders and tiny villages all perfectly framed by the imposing Atlas mountains, it’s an unforgettable morning’s adventure.
4. Learn a little Arabic
Morocco has two main languages, Arabic and French, with Arabic most widely used amongst the locals. So a top tip is to learn some Arabic words and phrases which, when used, are are universally well received. I always think it’s a respectful gesture when travelling to learn and use some of a local language. The BBC website has a guide to some basic Arabic greetings and phrases, but my favourite Arabic greeting is “Salam” translating to “Peace”.
5. Take part in a mint tea ceremony
A central part of Moroccan hospitality is to invite guests to take mint tea with them. Most hotels, restaurants etc will serve mint tea but to really enjoy the full experience a top tip would be to visit a traditional Berber home, as we did, and enjoy watching a local host freshly prepare the spearmint tea.
The host will have 2 teapots, boiling water, a bundle of mint leaves and solid blocks of cane sugar. The pots and leaves are rinsed and the leaves are left to steep for a few minutes. The guests’ glasses are then filled by the host skillfully pouring the tea from a height of around 30cm. It’s a great opportunity to relax, make new friends and the tea is delicious.
I hope these 5 tips for planning a trip to Marrakech have been useful. The city and surrounding regions are a fascinating place to visit, offering opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich heritage, culture and diversity and maybe do a little shopping along the way! You can visit just to chill in the sunshine or spas, or to go on some wild adventures but either way it’ll be a memorable experience.
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