LifeUnleashed

Several weeks ago my husband and I went to Marrakesh. Had a great time, but before you decide to visit there are several things that everyone should know before visiting this wonderful and beautiful country. First of all, it is important to understand that this is a Muslim country, therefore there are certain rules and regulations that the general public and tourist must know. We will discuss these throughout this blog. 

Culture:

Moroccan people are very welcoming and embrace their culture. Marrakech has deep roots with its Islamic heritage, which shape the countries culture and traditions. Through the Marrakech city you will be able to see the wonderful architecture, and their vibrant and bustling markets. Just by exploring the Medina you can enjoy and experience its culture.

Cuisine:

If you are a foodie like we are, you will love to indulge in the food this country has to offer. Moroccan cuisine is known for its rich flavors and aromas, and Marrakech is a food lover’s paradise. Some of the dishes we tried include tagine, couscous, roasted meats, pastries, juices, mint tea, and much more! 

There are many and many dining options throughout the city. We tend to find the local spots and avoid as much as we can the touristy areas. We asked our hotel hostess for recommendations and we were not dissatisfied. Food really is delicious! Please do not drink Tap water anywhere, make sure to purchase water bottles from one of the many little convenience stores in the city. Do hydrate, since it is really hot and dry depending on what time of the year you visit. 

Tours:

There are many excursions you can take from city center. We decided to do an afternoon excursion. This one included: driving quads (ATVs), riding camels, and then dinner with a show. It was a great experience at the Agafay dessert. A good way to spend an afternoon outside of the city and enjoy the beautiful dessert scenery. The tour company was Marrakech Excursions, which we booked through Viator.

We rode the camels for around an hour through hills and trails around the dessert. Next was the quads, which we also rode for an hour around bumpy trail which made it so much fun. Once we were done they took us to a waiting area where they have snacks and drinks available for purchase. After several minutes we were taken to the dinner section. This area is absolutely stunning. It offer a great view of the dessert, the camels, a fire pit, lounging chairs etc… Dinner was served, it consisted of a Moroccan 5 course meal. Throughout dinner a show was held. The show included musicians, fire show, and belly dancers. It was definitely a night to remember! 

Shopping:

    It is no lie that Morocco is known for a great place to shop. Walking around the streets of the Medina you will encounter countless of bazaars and restaurants. Please do not be afraid of bargaining since it is part of the Moroccan shopping experience. These people will always be willing negotiate in order to make a sale. I shopped so much, but I loved everything I got and the prices I was able to purchase all of this for. Make sure you carry cash, since most places do not have card readers. Plus, let me give you one of my favorite tips! I love having cash because when it comes to bargaining I can just offer the exact cash amount in hand. For example, I wanted to purchase some handmade leather sandals, the salesman wanted 45 euros. I immediately bargained back and told him I could give him 30, he said that was too low. Once I showed him that I only had “30” euros in cash he agreed! So, I got the sandals for 15 less than asking price. I do this all the time, they see that cash and they are willing to accept. It works almost all of the time. This is one of the best things I have ever learned from my grandfather, who was and is The best negotiator I’ve known. Hope this works for you all!

Things to keep in mind:

*Alcohol: It is not widely available in Marrakech, I would recommend to drink tea or coffee instead. Some high-end hotels and restaurants may offer a limited selection of wine and beer, but it is not common to find these drinks in local restaurants, bars, or cafes.

*Clothing: Morocco Is very conservative, it is an Islamic country; therefore everyone should dress modestly. Women should cover their shoulders and knees, and men should avoid revealing clothing. I also recommended to wear comfortable shoes, as the city’s streets can be uneven and crowded and you will be doing a lot of walking.

*Pickpocketing: This is a common problem in Marrakech, especially in crowded areas like the markets. Please keep your valuables secure. Do not carry too much cash with you at once, there are ATM in banks that I recommend using if need more access to cash.

*Tipping:

It is a common practice to Tip in Marrakech, especially in the service industry. You can tip around 10-15% of the total bill at restaurants and cafes, and 5-10% for taxi drivers and tour guides. Everyone would be grateful and ensure your experience is wonderful.

Overall, we loved our visit and cannot way to go back to see the other beautiful cities Marrakesh has to offer. With some of this basic knowledge of the local culture and customs, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip to Marrakech. Safe travels!