Marrakech People & Culture

Marrakech, especially the Medina, the old city is very exotic. Narrow streets and very easy to get lost but also very easy to get help from the locals, even if you might not speak arabic or french. Important to have pre-hand given tips or to hire a guide in order to find what is hidden behind the beautiful big, wooden doors. Friendly people, good food and shopping and many ways to relax in a hammam or a country club a bit outside the city.

Avoid the touts and ripoff merchants of the Djma el Fna by going into shops that only locals would use. The people are friendly and interesting, and on one occassion I met the most excellent local man (who happened to work in the shop next door) by wandering into a herb and spice shop and saying hello to the guys chilling down the back drinking tea. I ended up staying for ages and chatting, met all his friends later on, then was treated to a beautiful meal with his family the following night at his house. Just at a time when I was beginning to think Morocco was full of thieves and liars, this man and his family and friends proved how wrong I was. Not your typical tourist experience.

I went to Marakech quite recently and I stayed quite near a main square and a mosque. Now the only problem with this is at certain hours every day the mosque rings a bell and calls people to prayers. This wouldn't be a problem except the bell was REALLY loud. But apart from that there are orange trees growing everywhere and many people trying to sell you things out in the streets and if you don't want to buy anything they take you to their 100 different friends who will all try to sell you something as well!!!

Someone will definately try and rob you. Someone will definately ask you for money. Do not take photos of things if you don't want to pay for the priveledge. Just take note of the chickens running around the Souqs, they actually belong to the butchers and if you ask for a chicken you KNOW it will be fresh. You WILL get a bad tummy. Take some toilet roll, they don't have it and if you buy it there you'll have to re-mortgage your home. Don't buy alcohol - see above point. All above points are based on the fact I had a 50 pound budget for 2 weeks and had hitched there - it may be different in a nice hotel with a running shower that doesn't involve cockroaches or a window to the world whilst you wash. Barter! Try mint tea but don't expect to like it. Listen to an arabic storyteller, its amazing how involved you get even if you don't speak arabic. Visit the Ben Yousef Museum, the art is stunning. Embrace the call to prayer coz there is nothing you can do to block out the noise. Walk round the square at night, the entertainment is incredible (occassionally inappropriate mind.) Walk round the square in the day and drink orange juice. Have you ever played a game where you squeeze as many people as possible into your mates tiny car? Well in Marrakech they're called taxis - take one. Last one, get a good spot in a cafe and just watch the city.

If you go to Marrakesh, stay at a small Riad in the old Medina rather than in a normal hotel. I suggest the Riad Badra, nice people and a very nice terrace on the roof. By the way, if you fly in to Casa, take the train to Marrakesh, it's air con (!!) and a nice way to see the country side.

the hotels are really swish and have spa facilities etc ... but if you were planning on sitting in the street cafes and watching the world go by then think again... its prodominantly a male culture.

What do you say about Morocco? its the land of Ali Baba.. and Marrakech is his hometown.. You expect to see that dude come out of every stall you pass. There is almost something mythical about that place. I was there many many years ago. The berber culture is a proud culture, strange people. You keep your stuff CLOSE to you! forget a wallet in your back pocket.. thats FOOLISH! you put you money in your shoe.. anywhere thats not easy to get to. Especially the kids, they start crowding around you..thats how they do it first.. the others are the one that bump you hard.. You just got to keep away from people and hold your SHIT! Other than the thieves you can find all kinds of stuff here. but you have to know how to haggle..and haggle you will. All the stalls within the town walls of Marrakech are a bazzar of everything you can think of.. clothing, pots, pans, jewlry...anything. And Hot.. did I mention its HOT... I mean beat satan out of Hell HOT. take your breath away hot. But, thats the desert for you ... careful with the water.. only drink bottled water or soda.. There was no bottled water when I was there so I drank beer and soda. Also careful with the spices on the food.. itll eat you up too. But if you want to feel like you are in a Mythical Land - you are in Marrakech. Women - be careful.. men are very dominant.

Beautiful and fascinating! So much to see! Take alot of photos but be careful about getting your camera out. Pick pockets are everywhere!!! Even though its very hot try to cover up, its a culture that doesnt appreciate half dressed people! Careful with the food and drink only bottled water!

FULL of old world culture. Not for the faint_hearted though, it can become overwhelming if you allow it.

Djama el Fna is just magic at night when people are playing music, charming snakes, drinking tea and eating tajine all over the place! A unique experience.

Beware of the men with monkeys or snakes, once they get them on you for a photo, they dont come off till you pay!

Marrakech, especially the Medina, the old city is very exotic. Narrow streets and very easy to get lost but also very easy to get help from the locals, even if you might not speak arabic or french. Important to have pre-hand given tips or to hire a guide in order to find what is hidden behind the beautiful big, wooden doors. Friendly people, good food and shopping and many ways to relax in a hammam or a country club a bit outside the city.

"Must see" : Jardin Majorelle, Musee de Marrakech, Jemma el fna

Ville sympa avec ses souks et sa grande place (Jeema el Fna). Il y a une très belle architecture. Il y a de nombreux musées à visiter qui sont vraiment beau (la Médersa, les Tombeaux Saadiens, les Jardins de Majorelle, le Palais Bahia....).

viagem a não repetir! muita fome ( comida demasiado estranha ) cheiros nauseabundos, miséria absoluta