Discover the Wonders of Marrakech
Marrakech is truly the city of entertainment in Morocco. In the center of Marrakech is a square, Djemaa el fna, which is the operating point for entertainers such as acrobats, drummers, dancers, pipe musicians, comedians and storytellers. There's plenty of choice for meals, including the Djemaa el Fna food stalls, many inexpensive cafe-restaurants and a number of up-market palace-restaurants that offer Morocco's traditional cuisine at its very best.
Marrakech is Morocco's second largest city and its population continues to rise. It has a prosperous industrial area and is the most significant market and organizational centre of Southern Morocco. Marrakech does not have many historical monuments and buildings; its beauty lies in the atmosphere and the spectacular location. Marrakech, with the outstanding peaks of the Atlas expanding behind the city, has very warm humid summers and shimmering white snowy winters. Marrakechis are well-known for their warmth and sociability, their humor and honesty.
Accommodation
The accommodation in Marrakech ranges from cheap hotels to quiet pleasant mid-range hotels to up market, comfortable, modern hotels with wonderful pools and interior design. The Medina has the main concentration of cheap hotels, while the hotels in Hivernage and Semlalia are mostly luxury hotels. Booking hotels well in advance will be a wise idea, especially over Christmas, Easter and New Year's where you'll find that all the hotels is full to capacity. There are also many choices for villas, self-catering and studio apartments that will suit your budget!
Things to See & Do
It is not essential to have a guide in Marrakech as the maps will guide you perfectly. The souks are interesting places in alleys and small squares that are dedicated to specific crafts and it is here that you can often watch part of the making process. There are a number of souks worth visiting and you can easily find the way to the souks on your own. Even if you get a little lost, you will find that this is part of the fun. The most appealing times to visit the souks are early morning and late afternoon when they auction off merchandise to the public. The Marrakech Museum is also a place worth visiting; it houses exhibitions of Moroccan art and sculpture, both traditional and contemporary. There's also a small bookshop and cafe in the entrance courtyard. With the summers in Marrakech being so hot nobody seems to want to do much. A perfect place to do nothing is in the gardens, with many picnic spots, lake-sized pools and cool and quiet surroundings.
Cuisine
Marrakech eating and drinking options break down less rigidly than usual between the Ville Nouvelle, in this case the Medina. The Medina is where you'll find most of the city's French-style cafés, bistros and restaurants and virtually all the bars. There's plenty of choice for meals, including the spectacle of the Djemaa el Fna food stalls, many inexpensive cafe-restaurants and a number of up-market palace-restaurants that offer Morocco's traditional cuisine at its very best.
Getting Around
By Air Marrakech's airport is 4 km southwest of town; the airport has flights to London, Amsterdam, Paris Lyons, Madrid and Geneva and internal flights to Casablanca and Agadir.
By Train Trains are the most relaxed way to move around. The trains in Marrakech operate to and from Casablanca and Rabat twice a day.
By Bus
Buses to most long-distance destinations leave from the main terminal at Bab Doukkala. CTM has their own ticket windows and ranks. Buy tickets a day in advance or be there early especially for the popular destinations like Fez, El Jadida, Zagora and Taroudannt.
By Grand Taxi Grands taxis are relatively safe to take and they are good value for money.
For further information on transport in Morocco, click here.
User Comments & Reviews
2009-12-14 11:21:38
To J.Bland, Thank you for visiting Morocco.com. Please visit our Business Listing Directory for tour operators who will be able to assist you with your enquiry. Enjoy your Moroccan adventure!
2009-12-14 00:03:35
Hi. We are looking for a hike and/or camel trek overnight on 26/27 Jan 2010 for 2 people. Any suggestions?
2009-12-13 13:56:49
i am coming with my friend to morrocco...we will need a place to stay....in january....on the 7th...can anyone help?
2009-12-10 16:40:23
if u need a car, 4x4, or appartemet to rent plz let me know i have some great offers
2009-12-04 10:54:24
I'm in Marrakesh in Janaury whats the weather like and fancy a trip out one day any suggestions ???
2009-10-22 06:33:20
To Anna Lupton, We invite you to join the Morocco.com Forums and post your question there. Other forum members may be able to assist you. You can also consult the Business Listings for a tour operator who would be able to give you advice.
2009-10-22 01:56:28
Hi Anna, could you please kindly contact me on the email address provided.. I will pass on all the info for the tours we run etc... Cheers!
2009-10-15 22:03:14
Looking for a few hours to get to a berber village in mountains to give local children gifts. Please advise on cost and travelling time for 11 NOv
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