Jan

10

Marrakesh Travel & Sightseeing Guide

January 10, 2008 |

A trip to Marrakesh

‘Tent City’ is one of the main stops on the Moroccan tourist trail, and walking through the city it’s easy to see why. Incredible architecture looms all around, the most notable being the last remaining of the three legendary towers, the Koutoubia minaret. Rising 70 metres above the skyline, it is as impressive a structure today as it was when it was built in the 12th century. The city is surrounded by some of Morocco’s most picturesque desert and is within easy reach of the beaches on Morocco’s northern coast.

Flights to Marrakesh
Getting to Marrakesh has never been easier, with more and more low-cost airlines from Europe including it on their routes. Getting a 45-minute connection from Casablanca is also possible. The Marrakesh Menara Airport is just four miles from the city, making the centre accessible in about 15 minutes. This feat is made all the more hassle-free with the new bus that runs from the airport and stops at main points in town. If you are looking for a cheap flight to Marrakesh try Thomas Cook.

Taxis are available, but be sure to agree on a price before the driver whisks you away. Taxi scams are a common occurrence in Marrakesh, so it is best to only use vehicles that have a metre. If you’re staying in a mid range to upscale hotel, they may be able to arrange a shuttle for you.

Marrakesh


Sightseeing in Marrakesh
Whether you’re looking for it or not, chances are the first sight you’ll see in Marrakesh is the Koutoubia tower. The only thing more impressive than the 70-metre tower is the structure that surrounds it, with an area five times that of the tower itself. Remarkably well preserved from the 12th century, intricate lattice designs that are characteristic of the Arabic world are on full show here.

The main square of Marrakesh, Djemaa El Fna is a great place to wander and soak up the local atmosphere with its colourful markets and hustle and bustle. The Agdai and Menara gardens are beautiful and peaceful places to spend a couple of hours, while for a history lesson visit the Saadin Tombs.

Book Sightseeing Tours

Fun by night – eating, drinking and partying
Morocco is not a country to visit if your number one way to spend an evening is drinking. Though beer and wine is available in establishments catering specifically to tourists, the Muslim populous are for the most part non-drinkers, opting instead for the ever-popular hot mint tea.

For a taste of how the locals eat, get stuck into the Djemma El Fna’s many street stalls, where a cornucopia of local delicacies are served up hot and fresh to locals and tourists alike. Vegetarians take note: this is carnivore country.

Fun by day – shopping and activities
Shopping in Marrakesh will inevitable involve bargaining, the ancient art that can be awkward and unsettling for those unfamiliar with haggling. No matter what you plan to buy, remember that haggling over the price is normal for locals, and as a visitor you’re expected to play along. You may even find you get good at it.

One activity ensuring immersion in local culture is a trip to a hammam, a public bath. There are hammams for tourists where you’ll be pampered every step of the way, but in the public versions you do it yourself. Buying a scrubbing mitten and an extra pair of skivvies from the market will assure you fit right in; well, as much as possible anyway.


Comments

Name (required)

Email (required)

Website

Speak your mind