Marrakech Suggested Trips

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.

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

When in Morocco, definitely go sleep in a riad- it's much more charming than a regular hotel

Eating in Morocco is a joy. BUT be sure and ask around before you go to an "upscale" eating establishment. There are several tourist traps. One of the tastiest and cheapest things to do, is to eat on the big square. The square features prominently in the movie Rendition. Much of the movie was shot there. Morroco became the Middle Eastern Hollywood after David Lean shot much of Lawrence of Arabia there. Well, back to eating on the square: During the day it is deserted, but at night it comes to life with dozens upon dozens of food stalls and grills and the cooking gets underway. For $5 you can eat your fill. Don't be afraid. Many tourists are concerned about sanitation. We ate there four times and every time we had cautious European tourists ask us whether it was "safe" and then they joined us to dine al fresco. Also, if you are staying overnight (Marrakech deserves at least three full days) and if your budget allows, DO NOT stay in the hotels. Find a Riad (an old family home that has been converted to a bed-and-breakfast). You will meet fellow travelers over breakfast and you can share tips. There are tons of ATMs all around the square to get cash. Remember, it is better to pull from your Cash card rather than a getting a cash advance from your credit card.

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.