Labyrinthine lanes, snake charmer, oriental smells, hotels in palace mosaic design and hip restaurants, all this are impressions you experience in the colorful city of Marrakech. Get lost in the souks of Medina, the old part of the city with a variety of bazaars. From traditional Moroccan leather, ceramic vases, textiles, spices, perfume, carpets , even make up powder- whatever Moroccan gift your shoppingheart desires, you will find it here. Dive into the charme of 1001 night, get addicted like me to Moroccan peppermint tea and soak up all vibes from this city. And as soon as you blink with your eye, you will be wondering which Jeannie rubbed the wonderlamp this quickly, that you are already sitting on your flying carpet back home again.
Where to stay:
I have tested several accomodations in Marrakech to give you the best hotspot tips for every budget.
Palais Namaskar: located about 20 minute from the old city of Marrakech this place screams absolute bliss. A super stylish mirror designed masterpiece hotel by the Oetker group is the new diamond in the history of luxury hotels in Marrakech. This Feng-shui oriented design palace with oriental elements offers 41 luxury rooms on another level that can accommodate entire families. Our room was a pool villa that was nothing like a room but everything like a super stylish modern penthouse with two private outside pools, living room, bedroom and 2 bathrooms. Get spoiled with the signature body wrap at the private spa and relax at the hamam before taking a drink at the fashionable bar. Excellent service in the restaurant and rooftop bar from where you can watch the sunset. Palais Namaskar is a wonderful hotel with dreamy gardens mixed with just the right amount of sex appeal. Recommended for all Princesses and James Bonds planning to visit Marrakech. $$$
Riad Edward: Everyone who is looking for a family owned, traditional and charming place to stay will love Riad Edward. Locted right in the medina this Riad is beautifully designed with pool, patios and a breakfast roodtop terrace that will make the hours fly like seconds. I loved the breakfast with pancakes and peppermint tea. The white bohemian style with lots of pillows, oriental mosaics and decoration details create a super cozy atmosphere. It’s the most beautiful place for everyone traveling on a budget as double rooms start at 50 euro a night including breakfast. $
Royal Palm Marrakech: The best golf hotel around Morocco, set on 231 hectares of green land and a 18 hole golf course with Atlas mountain panoramics, is located just 20 minutes outside of Marrakech. This 6 star hotel provides everything to make your stay relaxing combined with some action. The Clarins Spa offers many signature wellness treatments and sports from squash over kinese and yoga in the fitness centre. Three restaurants provide fine dining and outstanding service. Room categories vary from regular double rooms to private villas for families. Private villas include their own hamam and pool area. Recommend for all golf lovers and families seeking a truly unique experience $$
What else to do:
Place Jemaa el-Fna: the main square of the old town medina is worth visiting daytime and nighttime. Besides the gateway to the souks, at this quite touristy place you find snake charmer, monkeys and storytellers. My favorite time of the day to visit was during sunset. Here you have a great view over the entire market place from Café de Paris. During night time make sure to visit the foodmarkets. My favorite food tent waas tent number 1 offering entire fresh morrocan variety for a good price.
Café des Epices: My favorite part about the souks were the colorful carpet and spice markets. Make a stop at Café des Epices and enjoy the view over these local markets from their rooftop terrace with a freshly squeezed orange juice for just 90 cents.
Le salmana: Try tajine and other Moroccan specialities at this fashionable restaurant in colonial style. After dinner make sure to check out their rooftop shisha bar with belly dancer show starting every evening from 9pm.
Jardin Majorelle: Take an afternoon walk through the botanical garden of Marrakech in the new part of the city. Yves Saint Laurents former home of inspiration is beautifully designed with hundreds of flowers around where his ashes were scattered.
Other travel tips:
Taxi: Make sure to always agree on a price before entering the taxi.
Haggle: When you ask for a price of a product be aware that the first price given is always ten times higher than what you should pay. Start with a very low price and tell the shop owner your maximum. When he doesn’t agree, simply say no thanks and walk away. Usually when they see you start to walk away, they give you the product for the price you suggested.
Clothing: Although Marrakech is not as conservative as other Arabian countries, its still a muslime city, therefore make sure to respect their religion and wear clothing that cover your shoulders and knees in public places.
Pictures: In Moroccan tradition pictures capture the soul of a place. Therefore the Moroccan like to be asked if its okay to take a picture from their shop or products.
Safety: I have received several questions about safety in Marrakesh. I felt safe during all times during my trip. Make sure to ask in your hotel if you are looking for directions to get somewhere, I experienced the Moroccan people very friendly and helpful.
The beautidul dresses on this trip are by one of my my favorite Australian beachwear label RubyYaya and are available here
Marrakech:
