5 Things You Have To Do in Marrakech

Medina walls of Marrakesh (Photo by Doyler79/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 3.0)

It’s not often that a city exceeds my expectations. I’ve seen a lot of the world, after all, and with globalization, parts of it look very similar. Usually, a city has its own flavor, which makes for a nice change but is far from life-changing.

When you go on a Marrakech Morocco vacation, however, it feels like you’ve entered a different world or at least a different time. Step into the “medina” and you will see snake charmers and acrobats within an organized chaos. Access the haggler inside you and bargain for goods in one of the many souks.

Marrakech must be explored with open eyes and a sense of wonder. But however your itinerary turns out, don’t forget to include the following.

Get Lost in the Medina

In most modern cities, going out involves a level of certitude. You choose a place based on Google reviews or Zomato or the like, find it on Google Maps and plot a way to get there. The medina of Marrakech doesn’t work like that. Technically, you can try to see it that way. You can research all the best spots to find amazing street food and novelties. But it is far better experienced without a goal in mind. Go in there with no expectations of what you want to get out, and you’ll have a far more vivid experience.

Which is why you need to get lost. I understand how anxiety-provoking that idea is to some people. However, getting lost in the medina is not like getting lost elsewhere. Anyone can point to a way out and, after all, when push comes to shove, you can take out your phone and use Google to point you in the right direction.

Haggle!

When you’re lost in the medina, you will inevitably find yourself in one souk or another. These are actual markets, not the type you find back home which works according to modern retail norms. In these markets, a price is never final. If it’s written on a tag, that does not mean there’s no room to bargain. In fact, vendors expect you to haggle, and typically give you a hugely inflated price. Go ridiculously low, and you might end up getting the goods at the “right” price.

I have felt reluctant to bargain in the past, with the thought that I’m splashing out on vacation while the vendors are just trying to make money to live on. But trust in the fact that they are never going to sell you something at a price that isn’t a profit. Unless you’re a truly excellent haggler, you’re going to pay exorbitant prices even after they slash most of their original price. Enjoy the process without feeling guilt. It’s an integral part of the chaos of a Marrakech market.

Stay in a Traditional Riad

I’m not saying you should spend your entire stay in Marrakech in a riad. But you should try to get at least one night in at one of these incredible guesthouses. Situated in various parts of the bustling medina, a riad will take you out of the chaos and into a world of tranquillity. There’s nothing quite like transporting yourself from what can be an exhausting center to relaxation galore. Going from relaxation back to the chaos is also quite an experience.

There are some luxury riads that offer everything you need in addition to incredible views and home-cooked meals.

Avoid the Tanneries

The word “tannery” does not inspire delight in most people I know. It does just the opposite, bringing up the thought of overwhelming smells. But while the strong smells will get to you eventually, there are much better reasons to avoid spending of time at the tanneries in the medina.

They sell it as a popular tourist attraction. You can watch as dresses, bags, and other clothing and accessories are made in front of you. It’s a process we are very divorced from in a world of factories and should be all the more interesting for that. And it is interesting. But it comes at the price of harassment from scammers and a disorienting and upsetting time overall.

When visiting Marrakech, it’s important to be open-minded and let go a little more than usual. Allow your senses to feel uncomfortable for a little while. Don’t run from the unfamiliar. However, when it comes to the tanneries, sticking to your gut is best.

Check Out the Museums

I’ve stressed the importance of seeing the medina in all its chaotic glory, and much of Marrakech is best seen that way. However, seeing a few of the museums is important too. There, you’ll get a chance to understand Marrakech a bit better from a historical perspective. It is a fascinating city with relics that will ignite your inner history buff.

These include old architecture, objects, and art. But there are also museums with contemporary art from local and international talents. Art can give you insight into a place that you can’t get easily from the outside.

It’s also perfect for rainy days which you’ll experience plenty of if you visit in winter. And if you’re going in winter, do some extra research, so that you’re not stranded with nothing to do on a bad weather day.

When visiting Marrakech, it’s best to make what you can of the glorious chaos. As long as you include the above attractions in your trip, you’ll leave feeling fulfilled. Put Marrakech Morocco on your travel list now, if it’s not there already. And start planning your trip. There are few more enervating places.