Marrakech
Marrakech hits you with all five senses at once — the smell of spices in the souks, the call to prayer echoing over the medina, snake charmers and food stalls filling Jemaa el-Fnaa square at sunset. The medina (old city) is a maze of narrow alleys where GPS stops working and you will get lost, which is actually part of the fun. Stay in a riad (traditional courtyard house) — you can find gorgeous ones for $50–100/night that would cost 5x in Europe. A tagine in a local restaurant costs 40–60 MAD ($4–6). Haggling is expected everywhere in the souks — start at 30% of the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle. It's intense but incredibly rewarding.
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Marrakech travel FAQ
How many days do I need in Marrakech?
3–4 days for the city, more if you want day trips. Day 1: Get lost in the medina (seriously, just wander), hit the souks, end up at Jemaa el-Fnaa at sunset when it transforms into an incredible open-air food market. Day 2: Bahia Palace (20 MAD), Ben Youssef Madrasa, Majorelle Garden (150 MAD — pricey but beautiful, owned by Yves Saint Laurent). Afternoon: hammam experience (traditional bathhouse, 150–300 MAD for a proper scrub). Day 3: Atlas Mountains day trip — Imlil valley is 90 minutes away and a completely different world (arrange through your riad, ~300–500 MAD). Day 4: Saadian Tombs, leather tanneries (hold mint to your nose — the smell is intense), final souk shopping.
How do I handle haggling in the souks?
Rule 1: Never show too much interest — the moment you look excited, the price goes up. Rule 2: Start at about 30% of the first asking price and expect to settle around 50–60%. Rule 3: Be friendly and smile — this is a social ritual, not a fight. Rule 4: The walk-away technique works — if you start to leave, they'll often call you back with a lower price. Rule 5: Know rough prices before you go (leather bag 200–400 MAD, small rug 300–800 MAD, spices per bag 20–50 MAD). Rule 6: Don't haggle unless you intend to buy — it's considered rude. Rule 7: Pay cash only, never by card (you lose leverage). It gets easier after day one — by day three you'll be a pro.
Is Marrakech safe for tourists?
Generally yes, but with caveats. Violent crime against tourists is rare — Morocco takes tourism seriously and tourist police are common. The main annoyances are: persistent touts and unofficial guides who won't take no for an answer (a firm 'la shukran' — no thank you — and keep walking), scams involving 'helpers' leading you somewhere then demanding payment, and pickpockets in crowded areas like Jemaa el-Fnaa. Women traveling solo or in pairs will get more attention — it's not dangerous but can be tiring. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees) which helps a lot. At night, the medina alleys get very dark and empty — use a phone flashlight and stick to main routes. Overall, millions visit safely every year; just stay aware and don't be naïve.