The main attraction that lures thousands of tourists each year is the Medina, the Old City. At its heart lies Jemaa-El-Fna Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Additionally, you can explore the palaces constructed over different eras for rulers and their families, such as Bahia (once the vizier's residence) and El Badi. Marrakech boasts notable mosques, including Koutoubia, known for its towering minaret, Ali Ben Youssef, and Muassin. Don't miss the Bert Flint Museum, showcasing the cultures of North Africa, the Dar Si Said craft museum, and the museum dedicated to painter Majorelle. Visiting the markets, even if you don't intend to make purchases, is a must. They offer a wide array of items, from spices and sweets to fabrics, carpets, souvenirs, and jewelry—truly reminiscent of oriental fairy tales! When dining in a Moroccan restaurant, be prepared for spicy and flavorful cuisine. Traditional dishes include roasted lamb, couscous (usually eaten with three fingers of the right hand), and tagine, a stew of meat and vegetables cooked in a special clay pot. For dessert, indulge in marshmallow with almonds.
Guide to Marrakech
Photos of Marrakech
Tours to Marrakech
Many tourists planning a trip to Marrakech prefer a budget-friendly vacation. This way, you not only offset the cost of the flight but also get a taste of the true spirit of Morocco. The best place to experience the country's life and traditions is the market square. Marrakech is not only known for its spices but also for its beautiful textiles, carpets, wrought ironwork, and much more. For the most affordable tours, you can't go wrong with a visit to the Koutoubia Mosque. Its minaret rises 70 meters high and is visible from almost anywhere in the city, making it an iconic symbol. Marrakech is well-developed in terms of tourism, attracting vacationers from Russia, Ukraine, and other distant countries every year. Don't be discouraged that the cost of most package tours includes only flights and accommodation. Moroccan cuisine is very affordable and delicious, making it possible for even budget-conscious tourists to enjoy meals at decent cafes. The price of excursions is also quite reasonable. Among the city's mosques, it's worth visiting the oldest one, Ali bin Yusuf Mosque. And don't forget about the city's most beautiful palace, the Palace el-Badi. When you embark on a shopping tour in Morocco, you won't leave without some fragrant oil, jewelry, and pottery.
Interesting places in Marrakech
Travel budget
Flight ticket prices
Wizz Air, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, and other companies have flights from Paris to Marrakech with one connection. Round-trip tickets cost on average 350 USD, and the journey will take from 6 hours. From Madrid to Marrakech can also be reached only by connecting flights offered by KLM, Vueling, Lufthansa, and Iberia. Tickets for a flight with one connection cost from 400 USD in both directions, travel time - from 8 hours. The cheapest tickets are available from Ryanair (from 270 USD), with two connections.
The best hotels in Marrakech
Hotel ratings can be subjective, so it's wise to consider guest reviews and the type of accommodation that suits your needs and budget. Marrakech offers a wide range of lodging options, from budget-friendly hostels with shared rooms starting at $5 per night to luxurious hotels that evoke the charm of oriental fairy tales, where rooms can cost around $250 per night. For those seeking the utmost luxury, Marrakech boasts exceptional options like Riad Kniza and Royal Mansour Marrakech. These hotels offer spa centers, fine dining, and even golf courses for a truly indulgent stay.
The cost of vacation
When planning a trip to Marrakech, it's important to budget not just for tickets and accommodation, but also for souvenirs, excursions, meals, and a visit to a hammam. Additionally, set aside a sum for tipping, as it's customary to leave gratuities in various places, albeit in small amounts. To save on tickets, consider purchasing them well in advance, ideally 3-6 months before your departure date. Airlines frequently offer discounts during holidays or at the end of the season, so keep an eye out for such promotions by subscribing to their newsletters.
| The budget for a trip to Marrakech | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa | 335 MAD (about 35 USD) | Flight | from 350 USD |
| Accommodation | from 5 USD per day | Average check in a restaurant | from 180 MAD (about 20USD) |
| Transportation fare | from 3 MAD (about 0.3 USD) | Excursion | from 12 MAD (about 1.2 USD) |
| Total: from 12 MAD (about 1.2 USD) | |||
Marrakech Airport
Marrakesh Menara Airport is located 3 km from the city center. It handles international and domestic flights and serves about three million passengers annually. It is considered one of the most beautiful airports in the world, with a national style building.
Transfer to Marrakech from the airport
The fastest and most expensive way to get downtown is to take a cab. Fares are posted in the parking lot, so be sure to check with the driver before you get in the car. There is also a shuttle bus to the center every 20 minutes from the airport building.
Transportation in Marrakech
The main mode of transportation is buses. The only disadvantage is that buses are often overcrowded and have long intervals. Tourists are better off traveling around the city by cab.
Car rental in Marrakech
It's worth renting a car if you want to visit the outskirts of Marrakech. The historic center has narrow streets, and local drivers and pedestrians don't always follow the rules, so having a car will make life difficult. Rental prices start from 240 MAD per day.
Security in Marrakech
Women should not walk alone (especially in the evenings), nor should they wear revealing clothing (short skirts, deep necklines). When walking in the market or on transportation, watch your pockets and don't leave your bags unattended.
