Ultimate Marrakesh Morocco Travel Guide 2023

Marrakesh Morocco Travel Guide: When to Visit MARRAKESH

The months in between March and May is identified as the best time of the year available for all guests to visit Marrakesh. In addition, the months in between September to November can also be recommended for the tourists to enjoy a hassle free stay. That’s because these months fall into the shoulder seasons.We went in late September/early October and the weather was absolutely perfect.

Marrakesh Morocco Travel Guide: How to Reach Marrakesh

If you are an international traveler, you will need to come to the Marrakech Menara Airport to arrive in Marrakesh. You can easily find airport transfer services online before arriving to avoid any hassle and possibly scams at the airport and they can take you to Marrakesh from the airport. You will be able to get a taxi for around 30USD if you opt for this route make sure you arrange, agree and confirm the price with the driver before. In addition, it is possible to use the public transportation options, the bus. However, they will take relatively more time, when compared to the airport taxis or transfers.

Marrakesh Morocco Travel Guide: Getting Around Marrakesh

It’s pretty easy for all the tourists to get around in Marrakesh by a taxi or by foot. Walking in Marrakesh can get a little maze like so we recommend using a local map or download Google Maps to phone and use it offline since cell service can be spotty but your GPS should always work. Travelers are encouraged not to ask for directions from the locals in Marrakesh. That’s because they will show the directions and ask for money in return. Therefore, all guests should politely decline all the locals who approach to offer assistance. Also, beware of people saying the place you are going is closed and trying to lure you elsewhere. We got this a few times and we weren’t sure what their motive was but it probably wasn’t good.

Marrakesh Morocco Travel Guide: Marrakesh Travel Tips

It has been identified that a lot of tourists who visit Marrakesh tend to become victims of tourist traps. Therefore, you will need to take appropriate steps to make sure that you don’t become a victim of tourist traps like that. In order to ensure that, you need to be aware of individuals who will try to put different items, such as jewelry and snakes on you. Also, when in crowded areas beware of pickpockets.

Marrakesh is an ideal destination for bargaining. All the prices that you are quoted with can be neogtiated. Therefore, the tourists are strongly encouraged to bargain as much as possible. Then it is possible to make sure that you are not overspending your money during the stay in Marrakesh. Also, bargaining and haggling is part of the culture so it seemed like it was expected.

Tap water that can be found in Marrakesh is not drinkable. You are always encouraged to take bottled water along with you. You can easily purchase bottled water from the local shops. They are readily available as well. Be careful purchasing water on the streets though as there have been cases of them rebottling used bottles with tap water and then heating the cap to reseal it.

When you are in Marrakesh, you are not encouraged to ask for directions from the locals. That’s because the locals would ask for money after they provide help to you. Some of them will voluntarily approach you to provide assistance. You must politely reject them.

Try staying in a riad instead of a hotel or resort. To get a unique and a more authentic experience stay at a riad. Riads are traditional Moroccan houses and most have an open garden in the center. Most of these riads will have a full kitchen and menu as well so you can order a home cooked meal at anytime.  

Don’t rent a car. It’s an absolute mad house driving in the city and there is nowhere to park. The roads are also very narrow. 

Wear a good pair of shoes. You will spend a lot of time walking through the cobbled stone streets so good footwear is key to not twist an ankle and reduce you feet from aching after a long day of walking on the uneven stoned streets.

Try the local cuisine. There are so many unique flavors and spices in Marrakesh and Morocco that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. If you want something safe just start out with a Tajine and go from there!

Marrakesh Morocco Travel Guide: Typical Costs in Marrakesh

Price Range for Hotels

Marrakesh is not an expensive city. It is possible for the guests to enjoy their stay in Marrakesh without spending a fortune. For a decent riad it will cost around $100USD to $170 a night. For a hostel you are looking at $5-10USD. 

Cost of Meals

For example, you will only have to spend around 50 Moroccan Dirhams to enjoy a meal at one of the inexpensive Eat and Drinks. If you go for a three course meal, you will have to spend around 200 Moroccan Dirhams. If you are trying to save money try some of the delicious street foods as they are cheap and good.