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TRAVEL TIPS |
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| Marrakesh |
| Morocco |
| Marrakesh is where traditional and cosmopolitan meet and it is easy to feel ourselves entering a new dimension. It is worth exploring the nooks and crannies, tales, colours and aromas of this imperial city. |
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Places to visit |
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Although it is located in North Africa, Marrakesh overflows with Arab cultural customs and the predominance of this architecture is irrevocable. Starting point for numerous Moroccan cities, Marrakech is by itself a complete destination: horseback riding, camel riding, buggy rides through the Sahara dunes or even balloon rides. It is also a shopping destination, and given the quantity and variety of souks, it is mandatory to take the adventure in the main medina - which stretches for 15 kilometers and has 22 entrances - and haggle for each item.
Jemaa el-Fnaa is the square where the journey begins. Founded in the 19th century it continues to be one of the most important. And if in the morning you marvel at the merchants, acrobats, snake charmers or monkey-thugs crowding around the cafes and terraces, at night it reaches the high point, first with an unrivalled sunset, and then with the Bustle of local people and tourists, where you can buy yourself everything. In the background, the Koutoubia Mosque (12th century) where the minaret tower with three balls symbolizing Earth, Water and Fire, is visible for almost the whole city. Besides this Mosque there are more like El Mouassine and the Mosque of the Golden Apples (Pommes d’Or).
Not far from Koutoubia, 10-minutes away on foot, is the Bahia Palace whose construction began in the 19th century. The brilliance of the Arab-Andalusian architectural details is worthy of appreciation, so its preservation is a point of honour on the part of the Government that uses it to receive high-dignitary foreigners.
In Marrakesh you can also visit the Badi Palace (16th century); The Menara Gardens (12th century and which has undergone several remodelling), the inhabitants’ favourite place to walk at the weekend and visit the monument in honour of the soldiers; the Majorelle Garden, which is compared to a botanical garden and it’s the former residence of the painter Jacques Majorelle; or the Saadian Tombs of Sultan Ahmad al-Mansur Saad (1578-1603) that were only discovered in 1917. Other suggestions include the Ben Youssef Madrasa (16th century), an Islamic college converted into a museum and revisits the former students' dormitories, study zone and the impressive central courtyard; the Almoravid Qoubba, a place used for ablutions before prayer for the Almoravids, a Moroccan dynasty that was a kind of monk-soldiers that came from the nomads of the Sahara Desert; and, quite near, the Shrob ou Shouf Fountain. |
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Eating: what and where? |
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The gastronomic culture ranges from the Moroccan couscous to the 'Tajine', always with spices and herbs for refined seasonings.
These are identical dishes that can be based on meats, fish, vegetables or even sweets, in the case of couscous. Pastilla is also well known, presenting itself as phyllo dough with various types of filling. Dates, nuts, traditional bread, orange juice, which is one of the symbols of this culture and, of course, tea with mint are some of the main delicacies.
- La Cantine Des Gazelles – moroccan, mediterranean, french, vegetarian and vegan | 6 Dabachi Kennaria | € 3 - € 14
- Dar Yacout – african, moroccan, middle eastern, halal and vegetarian | 79 Rue Sidi Ahmed Soussi, Bab Doukala Medine | € 24 - € 95
- La Maison Arabe – african, moroccan, mediterranean, european, middle eastern, international, halal, vegetarian and vegan | 1 Derb Assehble Dab Doukkala | € 28 - € 57
- La Sultana (Excellence) – french, international, moroccan, mediterranean, vegetarian, vegan and halal | 403 Kasbah | € 50 - € 125 |
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Curiosities |
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The Pearl of Africa was considered by the World Economic Forum as the third destination for the most welcoming countries for foreign tourists and the centre of the city is protected by UNESCO and included in the World Heritage of Humanity.
Widely known as "the red city", due to the ocher colour of its architecture, Marrakech is the starting point for Agadir, Oualidia, Safi, Ouarzazate, Zagora, Essaouira and Casablanca.
When you go shopping do not hesitate to haggle everything you want to buy. For Moroccans this is a nice way to get in touch with new cultures and learn new languages while at the same time you will most likely be able to buy at least half the price.
Surprise yourself with the quality of the mosques, where Moroccans are called to pray at least 5 times a day. |
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Advices |
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In summer, especially in August, temperatures in Marrakech go up quite a bit because of the desert climate, so spring and autumn visits are advised. In these seasons, at night a light coat is necessary.
No vaccines are required.
The Euro is the best currency to exchange and it is advisable to do so in specialized stores for this purpose. They accept Visa cards. In terms of tips the 10% rule works but you can choose to give what you can or want.
Traveling by taxi in the city is safe but remember to haggle the price early in the trip. It is also advisable to travel with small change or small notes.
The electrical outlets are identical to the European ones and the electrical current is 220v - 50Hz.
There is automatic roaming but it is also possible to purchase a local prepaid card to use in our own handset, giving access to mobile data and the internet. It is easy to find WI-FI everywhere. |
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