No trip to Morocco is complete without exploring the wondrous, 1000-year-old city of Marrakesh. Marrakesh is an ancient city that has embraced modernity in the most spectacular way, providing globetrotters with quite the captivating
With our top do’s and don’ts, you’ll learn how to best navigate and embrace the chaos of the Red City, including what to avoid in Marrakesh, for an adventure that will delight your senses in ways you didn’t know were possible.
What to avoid in Marrakesh
Don’t charm the snakes
Don’t buy into the charm of the snake charmers, unless you’re willing to shell out a pretty penny! Be wary of letting your guard down perusing the Jemaa el Fna (main square) or while wandering the streets scrolling through your phone at the awesome photos you just snapped. You may unexpectedly end up with a snake wrapped around your arm! Take a selfie with your snake buddy and expect to pay a hefty fee. You may even be hassled to pay up simply to remove the snake from your limb.
Don’t dress in skimpy gear
In terms of dress codes, Morocco is considered fairly relaxed. However, it’s still advisable to dress on the more conservative side to avoid offending the culture, locals or drawing unwanted attention – especially as a woman. Save the short shorts and revealing tops for your next beach vacay; keeping shoulders and knees covered is your best option here.
Don’t get ripped off by taxi scammers
Avoid getting jipped and paying outrageous prices for a ride from the souk back to your hotel. Read up on taxi rates and know your dirham conversions before you travel, and don’t be afraid to negotiate if you’re being overcharged. Insist that your driver uses the meter so the price you’re quoted doesn’t all of a sudden skyrocket. If they refuse, find another taxi. You’re more likely to encounter a taxi scammer at the airport, main square and other main tourist attractions. If this happens to you, try your luck a few blocks away!
Don’t drink tap water
You do not want to be hit with a stomach bug while you’re lost in the center of Jemaa el Fna. You may think you have a resilient stomach of steel, but as a foreigner, our bodies are not accustomed to the bacteria present in the Moroccan water, and it’s likely that you could become unpleasantly ill. Best not to risk it and stick to the bottled water.
Don’t get lost
Easier said than done! While you can take all the precautions to stay on track by packing your maps, googling it and dropping breadcrumbs, you’ll inevitably get turned around or lost at some point. But that’s ok, it’s all part of the adventure – try to embrace it! That being said, taking note of a few landmarks on your journey can be helpful. Or better yet, join a tour with a Marrakesh expert if you want to guarantee not getting lost.
Do convert currency at the airport
While you can get by at nice hotels and restaurants with credit cards, and sometimes with your local euro, dollar or GBP, it’s best to also have some local dirham on hand. While you can withdraw at ATMs, they’re not always easy to find or reliable, and your best bet is to convert at the airport. The dirham will come in especially handy when bargaining at a souk, hailing down a taxi or grabbing a snack on the go.
Do learn a few French or Arabic pleasantries
You will surely get by without any French or Arabic, but putting in the effort to learn how to greet and say please and thank you goes a long way in showing your willingness to adapt to the culture your visiting. Here are a few basic Arabic pleasantries to add to your dictionary:
- Thank you:
shukraan - No thank you: la
shukraan (may come in handy more often than thank you!) - Hello/hi:
marhaba - Peace be with you: salam
alkiome (a traditional Arabic greeting)
Do pack your most comfortable walking shoes
While you may be tempted to don your shiny new sequin-covered “babouche” Moroccan slippers while you hit the pavement, souks, and ancient ruins, think again. Marrakesh is a walking city, and the windy cobblestone streets can take a toll on your feet, so better to wear your broken-in well-supported kicks.
Do brush up on your bargaining skills
When perusing Marrakesh’s open market souks, bring along your confidence and negotiation skills, or expect to be way over-charged. Don’t be afraid to bargain with the merchants – they are expecting this and will likely come in with a grossly overpriced bid. But on that note, be respectful and reasonable and don’t attempt to haggle the price down to mere pennies. Before you bargain, decide in your head what final price you’re willing to pay, offer a bit lower, and don’t get haggled beyond your limit!
Do embrace the chaos
The Red City can be overwhelming at times – navigating around donkeys, stalls, bikes, scooters and snake charmers, while at the same time taking in a dizzying array of new sights, sounds and smells. Try to embrace and welcome the chaos. Soak it up, revel in it. Planning your daily must-sees is important, but also take the time to let the chaos of Marrakesh simply unfold around you. You’ll be amazed at what you discover. If the hustle and bustle gets the best of you, treat yourself to some down time, perhaps sipping on refreshing mint tea or indulging in a relaxing hammam.
Do join a group tour
If you’re worried about safety on your trip to Marrakesh, one of the best options is to join a group tour. Not only will you enjoy the safety and security of
No matter what you choose to see and do in Marrakesh, you’re sure to have an amazing time exploring all the city has to offer. Whether you want to get lost in a souk or soak in the city’s amazing architecture, there’s something for everyone in the Red City!
Have you visited Marrakesh recently? What were your highlights?
