Travel guide to visiting Marrakech

Visiting Marrakech is a trip for the senses – a place to escape, rejuvenate and recharge. There are so many wonderful things to see and do in the city, plus it’s a fantastic all-year-round destination. I visited at the start of March and whilst that’s very much mid-Winter in the UK, over in North Africa, the seasons look very different. 

Travelling to Marrakech

You can travel to Marrakech from many airports around the UK. We flew from Manchester, a short 3-hour 50-minute flight. Landing at the main airport in the city, it’s perfectly situated for stays in the medina, which is Marrakech’ old town, the new town or at a hotel around the city. 

There are taxis a-plenty outside the airport. It’s reasonably priced to travel via taxi, however, it’s worth noting that Morocco has a closed currency, which means you can only buy Moroccan dirham in the country. Most places do accept euros. 

Many taxi drivers in the city speak English and can help you navigate where you’re going. A 10-minute taxi ride costs around 150 dirhams, which equates to £12. 

Where to stay

When it comes to accommodation, in Marrakech you’re spoilt for choice. It totally depends on where you want to stay and the type of holiday you’d like to have. I’ve visited twice and stayed in both an all-inclusive hotel outside the city and during my recent visit, a riad in the medina. 

Both have plus points. If you’re looking to immerse yourself into Moroccan culture, I’d highly recommend looking on air b&b at riads. A riad is self-contained apartment building, usually over 2 or three floors. You can hire the entire riad to yourself or by room. 

We hired a riad for private use, so we all had our own room and bathroom. Something I would say is a gamechanger if you’re travelling with friends in your 30s!  

The riad we stayed at was situated within the media, and just a 10-minute walk from the main square, Jemaa el-Fnaa. Breakfast was included and we made two additional payments for airport pick-up and drop-offs. 

On the ground floor there was a small plunge pool, however slightly too cold to use in early March. However, during the summer months Marrakech gets very hot, upwards of 40 degrees, and I imagine it would be a very welcome addition after a day exploring! 

We each had our own room, plus a communal living space on the ground floor. The selling point though was the roof terrace. With 360-degree views across the medina, you could see the mosque in Jemaa el-Fnaa and hear the multiple daily calls to prayer echo across the city. 

Weather 

Visiting in early March meant the weather was slightly cooler in the mornings, around 16-17 degrees before hotting up into the afternoon. Reaching highs of 23 degrees before sunset at 7.30pm, meant we could explore in the mornings before returning to the riad in the afternoon to take advantage of the roof terrace!

During the summer months, Marrakech does get very hot, and temperatures begin to rise as early as the end of March. It truly is a brilliant holiday destination all year round. 

Eating in Marrakech

Eating in Marrakech is a wonderful experience. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and try new foods. 

Breakfast is usually quite traditional – bread, fruit, yogurt, however, olives and savoury breads do make it onto the menu. You will see street sellers selling bread across the city. 

Marrakech is renowned for its tagines. It’s a Moroccan stew, either made with meat or vegetables, cooked inside a clay terracotta pot. Served with bread and couscous, food in the city is plentiful. Most restaurants and smaller cafes serve tagine dishes. 

You will find Western dishes across the city too. Within the medina, rooftop restaurants are the order of the day. Located within the souks, it’s hard to look up when you’re walking through, as your eyes and ears are overcome with the many different sights and sounds, but they’re easy to find.

A couple of my favourites from my recent trip are:

Nomad

Popular on Instagram, Nomad is based just off the main square. High above the souks, it’s an oasis away from the hustle and bustle. Bohemian is the best way to describe the décor and there is indoor and outdoor seating. It’s the perfect place to visit at sunset. 

The restaurant is alcohol-free – some places will serve alcohol whilst others are dry. However, the food was next level. With a mix of vegetarian and meat dishes and delicious desserts don’t skip a visit to Nomad. 

Dardar

Similar to Nomad, but located on the opposite side of the medina, within the souks, this is another must-visit. A roof top with difference, there there is a DJ and I believe it comes alive at night. A varied menu, complete with tapas, tagines and classic dishes, such as burgers, fish and chips and salads. 

Things to do in marrakech

There are lots of brilliant things to do during the day and night in Marrakech. If you choose to stay within the medina, there’s a high chance you’ll awake to the call to prayer, from the many mosques around the city. Signaling the start of the day, head out into the city and make the most of your trip. 

Souks  

You can’t visit Marrakech without a visit to the souks. Situated within the medina, the narrow-cobbled streets are packed with local sellers and food vendors. Here you’ll find lots to see and do. From traditional Moroccan ceramics to woven baskets, clothing, leather goods, huge Persian-style rugs and spices. If you’re looking for souvenirs from your trip, this is the place to visit.

Jardin Majorelle-Yves Saint Laurent Mansion

Located in New Marrakesh, just a short 10-minute taxi ride from the medina is Jardin Majorelle-Yves Saint Laurent Mansion. The infamous YSL museum and gardens. It costs 400 Moroccan dirhams to enter the gardens (there’s a slightly higher cost to enter both), which equates roughly to £30. The gardens are beautiful, with exotic plants and fountains. There’s even a small restaurant hidden within the walls – the perfect place to stop for Moroccan mint tea!

Jemaa el-Fnaa

The famous square comes alive at night. Packed with street food stalls, shopping at the nearby souks and snake charmers! It represents Moroccan culture quite beautifully through food, performance and art. Music, dance, poetry, the square has it all. 

Dressing in Marrakech

If you identify as female and you’re looking to visit Marrakech for the first time and you’re not sure what to wear, here’s a couple of handy tips. 

• It’s best practice to cover your shoulders and décolletage. Many Muslims reside in Marrakesh, and it’s deemed appropriate to be respectful when out in the medina or the new city. 
• When in your riad or hotel, it’s fine to dress as you please. 
• Cross-body bags work best to keep your belongings close to you. I didn’t experience any negativity during my visits but there are individuals who may try to pickpocket or take pictures in exchange for payment. 
• There are lots of winding cobble streets in the medina and a trip to the city can involve lots of walking – appropriate footwear is advisable.