Marrakesh travel information

Marrakesh is a vibrant, compelling city where snake charmers mingle with acrobats, and crooked alleyways lead you through a bustling bazaar filled with exotic Moroccan wares. Marrakesh is not only romantic, but relatively safe, and most travellers enjoy problem-free visits to the city. The locals are welcoming and warm, but visitors should be aware that Morocco is a Muslim country, with traditional codes of conduct.

• Don’t miss the Djemma el-Fna, a colourful square where crowds gather to absorb the carnival-like atmosphere among jugglers, acrobats, stand-up comics and more.

• Driving in the city can be confusing unless you know your way around, so you’d be better to stick to public transport. One of the best ways to see Marrakesh is in one of the many horse-drawn carriages, or caleches.

• To show respect to Morocco’s religious beliefs, dress conservatively and reserve swimsuits for the beach or poolside.

• If you are not Muslim, do not enter a mosque without first asking permission. Most orthodox places of worship do not permit non-followers of the religion to see the interior, but some of the smaller mosques may allow you to do so outside of prayer time.

• Visitors are sometimes pestered by self-proclaimed ‘faux-guides’, who target tourists, offering to show them around the city. It’s a good idea to hire an official guide (from your hotel or a tour office) when visiting the Medina, in order to deflect harassment and get an accurate picture of the area.

• Bargaining is part of the culture in Marrakesh, especially in the souks, and asking prices are always well over what items are worth. When haggling, be polite but firm, and remember that you are not obligated to buy anything.

• Drugs are considered a serious offence in Morocco, and penalties are harsh for tourists found guilty of possession.

• To prevent becoming sick, stay away from salads and street food, and always drink bottled water.

Useful travel tips resources

Lonely Planet guide to Morocco
Incomparable resource on Marrakesh travel from this well-known travel guide publisher.
http://www.LonelyPlanet.com

Africa.com guide to Morocco
Site offering information on ‘do’s and don’ts’ in cultures around the world.
http://www.africa.com/dmap/Morocco/Do’s+and+Don’ts

Footprint guides - Marrakesh
handy guide to Marrakesh from this leading guide book publisher.
http://www.footprintguides.com

More topics on this site…
Marrakesh maps and geography
Morocco travel information
Morocco travel tips
Morocco health and safety
Morocco maps and geography

Marrakech Trip Planner
Marrakech Accommodation
Marrakech Arts and Entertainment
Marrakech Bars and Clubs
Marrakech Eating And Drinking
Marrakech Festivals And Events
Marrakech Gay and Lesbian
Marrakech Getting There
Marrakech History and Background
Marrakech Shopping
Marrakech Sports
Marrakech Tours and Attractions
Subregions of Marrakech

Essentials

Visas: Citizens of the UK, EU, US, Australia and New Zealand do not need visas
Season: June - September
Money: Moroccan Dirham (Dh) - ATMs are available in the larger towns, but are not always unreliable; currency can be exchanged at banks or official bureaux de change
Language: Arabic, but English and French are understood in some tourist areas
Emergency #: Police – 19; Fire and Ambulance - 150

Morocco