A medieval city of drama, myth and mystery, Marrakech will captivate all who venture behind its ochre-coloured walls. Step inside and you will be transported back to a place and time that has been consigned to the annals of history. The winding alleys of the medina and the sights, sounds and smells of the souks, the human drama that is Djemaa el-Fna square and the Atlas Mountains rearing up in the background, make Marakech Morocco’s crown jewel.
Moroccan dirham (MAD) 1 dirham = 100 centimes
Police: 19
Ambulance/Fire: 15
The Moroccan Times (daily news in English)
Banks: Mon-Fri 8.30am-11.30am and 2.30pm-4.30pm. Businesses: Mon-Sat 9am-1pm and 3pm-7pm
1,060,000
Office National Marocain du Tourisme
Place Abdel Moumen ben Ali,
Avenue Mohammed V, Gueliz
+044 436 239/131
Mon-Fri 9am-12pm and 3pm-4.30pm
The City
The city is divided into two highly contrasting districts: the medina, founded by the Almoravids nearly 1,000 years ago, and the Ville Nouvelle, a French colonial modernist project from the early 20th century. It is the medina, and its central square Djemaa el-Fna, that will undoubtedly spark the imagination.
Djemaa el-Fna is the heart and soul of Marrakchi life, and really comes alive with the setting of the sun, when a caravanasi of food vendors, selling all manner of Moroccan delicacies, descend onto the square. These are accompanied by snake charmers, wide-eyed story tellers, musicians and performers that lend a medieval scent to the night air. To the north of the square are the important religious buildings and the souks, while to the south are the Imperial quarters where the palaces and monuments of past rulers proudly stand.
The Ville Nouvelle, which in comparison to the medina is a decidedly more ordered and sedate affair, divides into the areas of Gueliz and Hivernage. Here you will find an array of civic buildings, international hotels, bars and restaurants typical of any modern European city.
Do & See
The city divides into two highly contrasting districts. The medina, founded by the Almoravids nearly 1000 years ago, and the Ville Nouvelle, a French colonial modernist project from the early 20th century. It is the medina, and its central square Djemaa el-Fna, that will undoubtedly fire the imagination.
El Badi Palace
Saadian Tombs
Menara Gardens
The Souks
City Walls
Hammam
Djemaa El-fna
Koutoubia Mosque and Minaret
Tanneries
Maison de la Photographie
Ali Ben Youssef Madrasa
Oasiria Water Park
Majorelle Garden
Golf
Atlas Mountains
Ryads Al Maaden Medina & Golf Resorts
Dining
Moroccan cuisine, in general, consists of the staples of meat―mainly chicken and lamb―a wide variety of fruits and vegetables and couscous. The most renowned Moroccan dish is the tajine, a slowly cooked stew of meat, vegetables, fruit and nuts. Another famous dish is pastilla, which is composed of either chicken or pigeon between layers of pastry.
Dar Marjana
Ksar El Hamra
Casa Lalla
Dar Moha
Le Foundouk
AlFassia
Djemaa El-fna
Pepe Nero
Les Jardins de la Medina
Azar
I Limoni
Bagatelle
The Restaurant of La Sultana
Cafes
Enjoy the different sounds and views in Marrakech at a nice café with strong Moroccan coffee in your hand. Moroccans also have a liking for sweet things, so be sure to try out their desserts and pastries, washed down with an aromatic glass of the a la menthe or mint tea.
Patisserie des Princes
Dar Cherifa
Café De Livre
Café De France
Patisserie Amandine Marrakech
Bars & Nightlife
Drinking in Marrakech is a discreet affair that takes place strictly behind closed doors. However, once you’re safely inside, the party starts to swing to rhythms of the gnaoua! Hidden away from view on the outskirts of the town, the clubs are a place for locals and tourists to let off steam and get down to some seriously funky beats. Be prepared for a unique brand of Marrakshi mayhem!
Jad Mahal
Comptoir Darna
Theatro
Nikki Beach
Pacha
Royal Mansour Bar
555 Famous Club
Canto'Bar
Le Bar Churchill
Shopping
Marrakech is a shopper’s paradise. It is a place where some of the finest hand crafted goods won’t cost you an arm and a leg and you’re actively expected to bargain. If this sounds like your idea of consumer heaven then head directly to the souks in the North of the Medina, where you will find different artisans fashioning all manner of products.
There’s also the slipper market, for that most essential of Moroccan footwear: the babouche, which you can slip into after the night’s revelries. Other markets to look out for include the leather market and the carpet market where you can pick-up high quality hand-woven rugs. For sheer interest alone, and to watch real craftsmen at work, be sure to wander through the blacksmiths’, dyers’ and carpenters’ markets. If the bustle of the souk gets to be too much, and you’re all bartered out, then head over to the Ville Nouvelle where the shopping experience comes air conditioned-boutique style. Here you will find exclusive designer wear and one-off original items, artisan and antique shops and warehouse outlets. Happy shopping!
The Souks
Djemaa El-fna
Djemaa El-fna
Rue Souq-el-Kebir
Food Markets
Ensemble Artisanal
33 Rue Majorelle
Mustapha Blaoui
KiFKiF
Carre Eden Shopping Center
Herboriste Des Amis
Accommodation
There are many beautiful resorts in Marrakech where you can enjoy your stay. Inside the medina, close to the souks you also have the choice to stay in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard.
Hotel Mansour Eddhabi
Riad Al Moussika
Villa El-arsa
Jnane Mogador Marrakech
Es Saadi Gardens & Resort - Palace
Jnane Leila
Riad De Charme Moullaoud
Hotel Lawrence d'Arabie
Riad Malika
Mosaic Palais Aziza & SPA
Ryads Al Maaden Medina & Golf Resorts
Golden Tulip Farah Marrakech
Albakech House
Riad Assouel
Essential Information
Airport
Menara Airport is located 6 km from Marrakech. Bus number 19 runs to Djemaa el-Fna every 20 minutes during the week and less frequently during weekends and public holidays. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. A taxi for maximum 5 people plus baggage from the airport to the city centre takes about 20 minutes. Agree on the price before taking off.
Address: Marrakech Menara Airport, Marrakech
Phone: +212 5 2444 7910
Website: www.onda.ma
More Information: www.marrakechairport.net
Public Transport
The main bus station is located at Bab Doukkala. From here buses to different cities around Morocco leave, but you also find local buses here. Almost all buses stop at Djemaa El-Fna and Place Youssef Ben Tachfine.
Address: Bab Doukkala, Marrakech
Website: www.alsa.ma
Taxis
Taxi is the favoured method of transport around Marrakech. There are small taxis (petits taxis) which can take up to three passengers. For destinations further afield there are large taxis (grands taxis). Prices are reasonable but should be agreed in advance.
Website: www.taxi-amarrakech.com
Post
You can buy stamps in several shops around the medina and also in some of the most luxurious hotels. The main Post Office in the city is located at:
Address: Place du 16 Novembre, Gueliz, Marrakech
More Information: Located opposite McDonalds
Pharmacy
You don't have to go far to find a pharmacy since there are a lot of them in the city, particularly in the area of avenue Mohammed V between place Abdelmoumen Ben Ali and place de la Liberté. A sign in the window indicates which pharmacies are open after-hours but you also find a night pharmacy at:
Address: Rue Khalid ben el-Oualid, Marrakech
Phone: +212 524 430415
Telephone
Country code: +212
Area code: 24
Electricity
Increasingly 220 volts round two-pin plugs are becoming standard.