The medina of Marrakesh is noisy, colourful and a little chaotic. A few simple habits make it far more enjoyable.
Stay in a riad
Riads are traditional houses built around a courtyard, and many are now small guesthouses. They are quiet inside even when the streets are busy. Ask your riad to arrange an airport pick-up, because taxis cannot enter many medina lanes.
The sights
- Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, is best at dusk when the food stalls set up.
- Bahia Palace for carved ceilings and tiled courtyards.
- Jardin Majorelle, the cobalt-blue garden just outside the medina. Book a time slot online.
Shopping in the souks
Haggling is expected. Decide what you are happy to pay before you ask the price, stay friendly, and walk away if it doesn’t feel right. Offline maps help, as the lanes are easy to get lost in.
Day trips
The Atlas Mountains, the Ourika Valley and the Agafay desert are all within easy reach for a day. Overnight trips to the Sahara at Merzouga take at least three days.
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