Billede 17.10.2019 18.14.04 (2).jpg — Where to go and what to do in Marrakech

A colourful destination

Marrakech has become easy to travel to, arrive at and be in.

This tourist destination offers more colours, adventures, aromas and chaos than a European metropolis.

One can feel the North African influence on the mood and culture and yet still find European-style smart cafés, restaurants and design shops.

When a hotel explorer arrives in heaven

For a hotel explorer like myself, Marrakech is absolutely amazing. There are so many opportunities to explore the Riads.

A Riad is a guesthouse or a prosperous family home converted into an intimate boutique hotel. Riad means garden in Arabic and is a structure that surrounds a small garden or courtyard. As there are few rooms (the largest Riad in Marrakesh has only 24 rooms), one is close to the owner and the other guests.

There are over 700 riads to choose from in Marrakesh’s Medina and even the state has no clear idea of how many there actually are. Use me, other blogs, Instagram, hotel booking sites or Google to find the perfect Riad. They come in all price ranges and the chic ones can be very expensive.

Shopping

For creatives and shopping enthusiasts, Marrakesh is extremely inspiring as it is full of colours, shapes and patterns. It makes you want to fly back and redecorate your entire home! Stunning decor inspiration!

And, of course, remember that you have to bargain the price- and that it can take a long time over a few cups of tea.

A woman travelling alone

I have been to Marrakech 3 times: once as a child, once at 29 and once at 44. Each time has been completely different. The last time was the best in the way that it has become easier to walk about alone and undisturbed. I felt way more comfortable.

BUT you do get a lot of attention as a woman alone, so you have to stay awake and constantly on your toes. Yet, if you walk purposefully, confidently and either ignore or politely reject people, then all works out fine.

Travelling with a teenage daughter

I travelled with my 13 year-old daughter and it was a mixed experience for her. She wasn’t crazy about the chaos of the souk, men shouting after her or the hustle and bustle of the streets. She was not comfortable with us walking alone in the small alleyways in the evening.

But she also thought the adventure of this city, so different from Europe, was undeniably exciting. And she did think the Riads were fantastic!

Overall

I would definitely recommend spending a few days in the souk and Medina of Marrakesh, but also getting a bit out of town.
It was more expensive than I had expected.
Give yourself time to truly explore the city, losing yourself in the sights and sounds, walking with no specific aim.
If you are travelling with a teenage daughter and you have the opportunity to travel with a man, it is clearly preferable.
Stay at different Riads as they are absolutely amazing to explore!!

Need to know

Medina

The Medina is the old city of Marrakesh, with many winding lanes filled with stalls, shops and restaurants. It is an eclectic mix of local traders, tourists, beggars, noisy mopeds, children playing, cats basking in the sun, donkeys carrying loads and everything else in the world. It is a tight space packed with people. I find it fun and exotic, leaving me with exciting impressions. It’s a huge part of the Marrakesh experience for me. Go in with an open mind but use your common sense and your intuition.

Jamaa El Fna Square

Jamaa El Fna is the heart of the Medina and also where the famous night market takes place. In the evening, the square fills up with snake charmers, storytellers and musicians. There are also many small stalls set up whose purpose is not quite clear. And of course, food stalls one after the other.

I have to admit I wasn’t completely at ease walking here at night alone with my teenage daughter. I’m sure it’s harmless, but you are always more exposed as a single woman than if you are with a man. Especially at the food stalls, where the men made us feel uncomfortable and became rude and coarse when we refused to eat at their stalls.

If you are alone, do not respond or give any attention to those trying to get you into their stalls. I don’t really like travelling like this as I prefer to talk to the people I meet, but here it can have an opposite effect.

The New Quarter

When you have had your fill of the crowds, noise and dust, head over to the new quarter. It costs approx. 10 €, by taxi from Jamaa El Fna to Place du 16 Novembre. Here you will find H&M, Zara and lots of the usual big city shops.

Getting around

Be sure to download the maps.me app before leaving home. It’s a brilliant app that shows you the way through the labyrinth of the Medina- useful when you go from one Riad to the next.

Marrakech guide — **Magazines**

Grab one of the magazines found in the hotels and local cafés to get the latest updates on what is happening.

Need to go

El Fenn

Riad El Fenn is the largest Riad in Marrakesh: very western, trendy and chic. It is owned by Richard Branson’s sister and it is loved and frequented by the rich and famous.

Stay here or stay at least for lunch or dinner. It is a bit pricey but the tranquility and amazing style make it worth it.

For those interested in interiors, this Riad is a must-see. The also have a superb boutique with very expensive but fabulous designer goods.

Max And Jan

This restaurant/shop is perfectly positioned in the middle of the Medina. Just when you are feeling overwhelmed by the vendors and stalls and crowds, this welcome oasis calls you in. Take a look inside and be inspired by the exquisite products or the delicious food served on the roof terrace.

This was my daughter’s favourite restaurant and she was totally crazy about their chicken tagine.

NOMAD

This “spice market restaurant” is a must. Very trendy with its gorgeous decor, gorgeous food and gorgeous people, all set in a relaxed setting. A bit expensive.

Book a table if you want to sit on the roof terrace.

Café des Épices

Café des Épices is located in the middle of the spice market, in the centre of the Medina, a stone’s throw from NOMAD. It is less costly than NOMAD, and though not quite as smart, it is still marvellous. A roof terrace overlooks the square, their juices are delicious and it is possible to get a table with out booking.