Despite being the 3rd biggest city in Morocco after Casablanca (the economical Capital) and Rabat (the Kingdom's Capital), Marrakech is probably the most famous one for …More
Despite being the 3rd biggest city in Morocco after Casablanca (the economical Capital) and Rabat (the Kingdom's Capital), Marrakech is probably the most famous one for tourism.
First of all its location near the Atlas mountains and a few hours from the desert makes the visit interesting beyond the city itself, and I would strongly recommend a two of four days excursion in the desert and the mountains.
The city is divided into two distinct parts: the Medina, the historical city, and the new European modern district called Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. The Medina is definitely the most interesting part, where you can feel the spirit of the city and of Morocco; Nevertheless, you should not go there without a guide or a local because you can very easily get lost, or have bad company. The Medina is full of intertwining narrow passageways and local shops full of character. In contrast, Gueliz plays host to modern restaurants, fast food chains and big brand stores.
The city holds many authentic attractions, to begin with Djemaa El Fna, the central square with all its kiosks and animations, the traditional souks, the tanneries, the Koutoubia Mosque, Marjorelle Gardens,…
Also, in the outskirts you can visit La Palemeraie region, a Palm forest where you have many hotels villas and restaurants.
As previously said, a tour in the desert and in the Atlas mountains is a must. Sleeping in tents and visiting the Cameleon viliges is a beautiful experience and will let you discover a totally different aspect of the country.
In the city, you should be aware that the first prices given to tourists are sometimes 10 times the normal price. I find it pretty annoying to have to negotiate systematically 15 to 30 minutes every time you want to buy something. I also find it pretty annoying to be systematically followed by a lot of kids asking for something. At some point, the former king had put very strict rules in order to keep tourists out of harassment from locals, because it sort of ruined the whole experience. Things went much better then, but now the old habits tend to come back.
In any case, Marrakech and its country side remains a fantastic oriental destination, especially if you stay in one of these typical and luxurious Riyads. Less
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First of all its location near the Atlas mountains and a few hours from the desert makes the visit interesting beyond the city itself, and I would strongly recommend a two of four days excursion in the desert and the mountains.
The city is divided into two distinct parts: the Medina, the historical city, and the new European modern district called Gueliz or Ville Nouvelle. The Medina is definitely the most interesting part, where you can feel the spirit of the city and of Morocco; Nevertheless, you should not go there without a guide or a local because you can very easily get lost, or have bad company. The Medina is full of intertwining narrow passageways and local shops full of character. In contrast, Gueliz plays host to modern restaurants, fast food chains and big brand stores.
The city holds many authentic attractions, to begin with Djemaa El Fna, the central square with all its kiosks and animations, the traditional souks, the tanneries, the Koutoubia Mosque, Marjorelle Gardens,…
Also, in the outskirts you can visit La Palemeraie region, a Palm forest where you have many hotels villas and restaurants.
As previously said, a tour in the desert and in the Atlas mountains is a must. Sleeping in tents and visiting the Cameleon viliges is a beautiful experience and will let you discover a totally different aspect of the country.
In the city, you should be aware that the first prices given to tourists are sometimes 10 times the normal price. I find it pretty annoying to have to negotiate systematically 15 to 30 minutes every time you want to buy something. I also find it pretty annoying to be systematically followed by a lot of kids asking for something. At some point, the former king had put very strict rules in order to keep tourists out of harassment from locals, because it sort of ruined the whole experience. Things went much better then, but now the old habits tend to come back.
In any case, Marrakech and its country side remains a fantastic oriental destination, especially if you stay in one of these typical and luxurious Riyads.
Less