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EUR 50 - 90

Riad Essaoussan

25, Derb El Ganayez, El Mouassine, 40030 MarrakechGBP 40 - 72

guest review score: N/A
Riad Essaoussan is a typically Moroccan guest house located in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, a few steps from Place Djemaa-el-Fna. It has a rooft… More
Derb Kbala N° 138- Kasbah, 40000 MarrakechGBP 40 - 72

guest review score: N/A
This Riad is located in la Kasbah in central Marrakesh, a short walk from the two Royal Palaces. It offers 5 en suite guest rooms, set around a tradit… More
EUR 40 - 55

Riad Elsa

120 Derb Ahel Sousse - Quartier Berrima, 40000 MarrakechGBP 32 - 44

guest review score: N/A
Riad Elsa is located in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina, close to the Royal Palace and Jemaa El Fna Square. It offers comfortable rooms and suites … More
37 - 41 Derb Jamaa, Riad Zitoun Qdim, 40000 MarrakechGBP 48 - 104

guest review score: N/A
Palais Des Princesses is located in the heart of Marrakech’s medina, a 2 minute walk from the famous Djemma el Fna Square. It offers contemporary a… More
EUR 120 - 235

Riad Flam

Riad Zitoune Jdid, 114 Derb Sidi Moussa, 40000 MarrakechGBP 96 - 188

guest review score: N/A
Situated in the heart of the historical Medina, near to the Bahia Palace and the famous Jemma El Fna square, Riad Flam offers peaceful, luxurious acco… More
EUR 25 - 125

Riad Hadika Maria

37 Derb Zemrane Hart Soura, 40000 MarrakechGBP 20 - 100

guest review score: N/A
This traditional Moroccan guesthouse offers rooms overlooking its flower-filled garden and swimming pool. It is located in Marrakesh’s Medina distri… More
EUR 35 - 100

Riad Ghemza

Derb Laatabi N°2, 40 000 MarrakechGBP 28 - 80

guest review score: N/A
Riad Ghemza is a traditional Moroccan guesthouse in the heart of Marrakesh’s Medina district. It features a terrace with jacuzzi and individually de… More
EUR 55 - 105

Riad El Wiam

24-25, Derb Gnaoua Ben Saleh, 40000 MarrakechGBP 44 - 84

guest review score: N/A
Located 10 minutes by foot from the Jamaa El Fna Square, Riad Wiam offers a cool setting in the summer and a warm atmosphere in the winter, thanks to … More
EUR 55 - 130

Riad El Nour

7 Derb El Ferranne- Azbezt- Medina, MARRAKECH MarrakechGBP 44 - 104

guest review score: N/A
Riad El Nour offers air-conditioned guest rooms and free Wi-Fi. It is located in the heart of the Medina, near the souks and Djemaa el Fna Square. Ri… More
33, Derb Nakhla. Bab Doukala, 44000 MarrakechGBP 46 - 582

guest review score: N/A
Riad Du Petit Prince offers traditional Moroccan-style accommodation in Marrakech’s medina, between Jemaa El Fna Square and Gueliz. It has a roof-t… More
18, Derb Jdid , Ksour, 44000 MarrakechGBP 44 - 84

guest review score: N/A
Riad Du Lion residence is located just a few steps from the famous Jemaa El Fna Square, in the old town of Marrakesh. It offers comfortable en suite … More
Riad Zitoune Jdid Derb Blal N°10, 40000 MarrakechGBP 47 - 104

guest review score: N/A
Riad Douceur Mandarine offers beautiful accommodation and a personalised service in a quiet district of the Marrakech Medina, near the Bahia Palace, t… More
EUR 140 - 285

Riad Due

2, Derb Chentouf Riad Laarouss, 40000 MarrakechGBP 112 - 228

guest review score: N/A
This 5-star Moroccan guesthouse features an outdoor pool, and a spa centre with hammam. It has a terrace with panoramic views of the Medina and the A… More
EUR 130 - 270

Riad El Arsat

10 Derb Chemaa, Arsat Loughzail, 40000 MarrakechGBP 104 - 216

guest review score: N/A
Riad El Arsat is located in the heart of Marrakesh’s Median, just 7 minutes from the Djemma el Fna. It has an outdoor swimming pool, sunbathing terr… More
EUR 90 - 225

Riad El Noujoum

50 Derb Ben Zina ,Marrakech.Maroc, 40000 MarrakechGBP 72 - 180

guest review score: N/A
Riad El Noujoum is a luxurious riad located in the heart of Marrakesh Medina. It’s a 10-minute walk to Jemaa El Fna Square and offers charming accom… More
EUR 65 - 120

Riad El Grably

8 Derb El Arsa Riad Zitoun Jdid, 40000 MarrakechGBP 52 - 96

guest review score: N/A
Situated in the centre of the Medina, this small charming Riad is close to the Bahia palace, only 6 minutes from the Jemaa El Fna square. The Riad El… More
EUR 69 - 109

Riad Harmonia

87 derb Jamaa,derb dabachi, 40000 MarrakechGBP 55 - 87

guest review score: N/A
Ideally located near to the Jemaa El Fna square and the Bahia Palace, Riad Harmonia offers comfortable accommodation with free Wi-Fi access in the hea… More
N°13 Derb Kennaria Jdida Médina Marrakech, 40000 MarrakechGBP 48 - 112

guest review score: N/A
Riad Harmonie Kennaria is set in a tranquil setting, yet close to the lively centre of the Marrakech medina. It features a swimming pool, massage room… More
17-18 Derb Draoua Sidi Soussan (Bab Lalla Aouda Saadia), 40000 MarrakechGBP 55 - 156

guest review score: N/A
This Riad Hotel is located in the Medina of Marrakech, just a 10-minute walk from the Jema El Fna Square. It features a hamman and an outdoor swimming… More
48 Rue Derb Jamaa Bab Hmar, 40000 MarrakechGBP 47 - 87

guest review score: N/A
Riad La Porte Rouge is set in the heart of the Medina, next to the Royal Palace gardens. It features a jacuzzi and boasts views over the Atlas Mountai… More
EUR 49 - 89

Riad L´Orchidee

42-43- Sidi Bouamar Riad El Arousse, 400000 MarrakechGBP 39 - 71

guest review score: N/A
The Riad is located in Marrakech, 10 minutes from the Place Djamaa el Fna. It features an outdoor swimming pool and a gourmet restaurant in the heart … More
EUR 54 - 170

Riad Laora

Derb Mqaddem Arset Loughzail, 40000 MarrakechGBP 43 - 136

guest review score: N/A
Riad Laora is a traditional guesthouse offering spacious and elegantly furnished rooms and suites. It features a plunge-pool and a large sun terrace f… More
Bab Ghemat, Arset Mesfioui Derb Tbib N°82, MarrakechGBP 104 - 208

guest review score: N/A
The Laurence Olivier offers 5-star accommodation in central Marrakesh. It has a hammam, a luxury spa and health centre and a rooftop garden and terrac… More
Arset Bel Baraka 2 & 3 Derb Makina, 40000 MarrakechGBP 79 - 158

guest review score: N/A
This typical riad is located in one of the oldest districts of Marrakech’s medina, a 15-minute walk from the Djema el Fna square. It offers a swimmi… More
EUR 48 - 135

Riad le Coq Fou

Derb Assabanne,44 Medina, 40000 MarrakechGBP 38 - 108

guest review score: N/A
Situated in the heart of Marrakech, Riad le Coq Fou is only 10 minutes away from the main square. It offers air-conditioned accomodation with views ov… More
 

Marrakech: Guide


Marrakech (مراكش) (also known as Marrakesh) is a city in Morocco.

Get in

By air

Marrakech is served by an international airport which is located around 10 minutes away from the city by taxi. Plenty of low cost companies now fly to Marrakech. Some companies fly to Casablanca additionally where a plane change for the 45 minute flight to Marrakech can be made.

If going from airport by petit taxi, make sure to have the driver use his meter or agree on the price beforehand. As you exit the airport terminal, there is a sign which actually gives you an idea of how much the taxi ride should cost. As to whether you can convince or bargain with the driver to use these prices is another matter however. It depends on the number of taxis and potential passengers around. Essentially, you should pay no more than 60 dirham from the airport to the centre of the city during the day and 90 dirham at night for a petite taxi. If you press the drivers, these prices are easily obtainable. However, be aware that you might have to accept a higher price. In this event, dont pay more than 100 dirham in the daytime and 150 at night.

If you are traveling from the airport to somewhere further afield (e.g. Essaouria), your hotel or guest house may be able to arrange a grand taxi to pick you up at the airport, and charge a fixed price for the journey (see #Getting around). Grand taxis are generally more expensive than petit taxis, but more comfortable especially when you have luggage. It also avoids hassle, as it's not always easy to haggle with a taxi driver after staggering off a long plane journey half-asleep.

As a guide for using taxi services in Morocco, you should approach the taxi, tell the driver where you want to go and how much you will pay. If the driver doesn't accept, just move onto the next driver.

You can fly from several European cities direct to
Marrakech on Atlas Blue which is an offshoot of Royal Air Maroc

Easyjet began flying to Marrakech from Gatwick airport in the UK in July 2006.

Ryanair announced in August 2006 that they will begin direct flights from London Luton to Marrakech. (sometimes for under £40 return).

Thomsonfly travel from Manchester for under £60.


Money exchange in the airport


The Arrivals hall at Terminal 2 has a money changing outlet and an ATM. Terminal 1 has two money changing outlets in the Arrivals hall and one in Departures. So if you find the money changing outlets are closed when you arrive, it's worth taking the short walk across the car park to the other terminal.

By train

Trains arrive from Casablanca hourly, and regularly from other destinations such as Rabat. The train station is located in the recently developed ville nouvelle. Frequent local buses leave from just across the street into the medina and modern tourist area. Petit taxi drivers will also be quick to offer their service, but pay no more than Dh 10 - 15 for this short ride.

For those wishing to travel by train from Tanger, the cost from Tanger to Marrakech is currently around 180 Dirham. The journey is an excellent one for sightseeing, so , if you can, try and do this journey by day.

There is currently no train line further south than Marrakech in Morocco.

For train timetables visit Don't expect much else from the site apart from timetables though.

By bus

Most CTM and private bus lines arrive at the long distance bus station near Bab Doukkala, a 20 minute walk (Dh 15 - 20 by petit taxi) from Jema el-Fna. It's the place to take the buses from the small companies, that go directly to small destinations.

CTM has another small station at the Gueliz, at Zerktouni street. It's better to take them there, because you can buy the tickets for advance (you'll find place) and the buses that leave from Bab Doukala go directly there and stop fo half an hour and even change the bus. Besides, the CTM's offices there are better, and there's no people trying to oush you to their line.

Supratours and Eurolines buses, however, will arrive at the main train station.


Get around

Once in the medina, everything can be seen on foot, though you'll be doing a lot of walking. For exploring more of the city, buses and petit taxis are plentiful. Almost all buses stop at Jema El Fna and Place Youssef Ben Tachfine and fares range from Dh 2 to Dh 5 depending on the distance. Important municipal bus lines are:
No 1 - Towards Gueliz
No 8 - Stops at the central train station
No 10 - Stops at the long distance bus station
No 11 - Will drop you off at the gardens of Menara

An alternative and romantic way to travel is by caleche - pronounced kalesh - a small horse-drawn carriage. They can be hired at Square de Foucauld (the small park at the bottom of Djemma El Fna). It's wise to agree a price before setting off.

There is an open-topped City Sightseeing bus that will take you around the outskirts of the city, with commentary provided via headphones (supplied with your ticket) in any of 8 different languages. The best place to catch it is from the coach stops by Square de Foucauld. Tickets cost 130 Dh each and are valid for 24 hours from the time of issue, no matter how many times you get on or off. However, check the timetable carefully, as the buses can stop running earlier than you might think.


See

While not considered as well preserved as other Moroccan cities such as Fez, Marrakech offers several historical and architectural sites as well as some interesting museums.

Djemma El Fna is the highlight of any Marrakech night. Musicians, dancers and story tellers pack this square at the heart of the medina, filling it with a cacophony of drum beats and excited shouts. Scores of stalls sell a wide array of Moroccan fare (see the Eat section) and you will almost certainly be accosted by women wanting to give you a henna tattoo.

The souks (suuqs) or markets of Marrakech, just adjacent to Place Jema El Fna, is where you can buy most anything. From spices to shoes, jalabas to kaftans, tea pots to tagines and much, much more. Undoubtedly, being a foreigner will still mean you will end up paying a higher price for whatever you are buying than a native would, but be sure to bargain nonetheless.

- Just adjacent to Djemma El Fna. It is said that the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque is to Marrakech as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris. The minaret is visible from Gueliz which is connected to the Medina by Ave. Mohammed V.

Majorelle gardens - in Gueliz. With entrance fee of 30 dirhams, it is more expensive than other attractions but provides an excellent respite from the hustle and bustle of the city streets. The park boasts a collection of plants from across the globe, including what seems like every cactus species on the planet. Inside the gardens is also the Museum of Islamic Art, for which an additional entrance fee is charged.

Musee Dar si Said - a museum 5 minutes walk from Djemma El Fna, and a little tricky to find, on Rue Riad Zitoun Jdid. Set in an old palace, and houses many different artefacts from Morocco through the ages, such as wood carvings, musical instruments and weapons.

Ben Youssef madrasa

El Bahia palace

El Badi palace - the view from the terrace is majestic

Do


Hammams


Medina


Les Bains de Marrakech, ; 2, Derb Sedra, Bab Agnaou (same building as Riad Mehdi); tel +212(24)38-14-28. Tourists-oriented in good sense: couples can have hammam together in a private room. Extensive list of massages and spa treatments, from 30min to a full day. Reception and attendants proficient in English; scrubbing and massage personnel speak only very basic vocabulary; understand even less.

Yogahas become increasingly popular in recent years as visitors come to the city either as individuals or with organised trips. Although it's been slower to take off than in other parts of the world, Marrakech is Morocco's yoga centre.

iDedicated to the Moroccan craft industry of wood, gathering a very beautiful collection of popular art: carpets, clothing, pottery and ceramics... All These objects are regional, coming from Marrakech and all the south, specially from Tensift, High Atlas, Soussthe, Anti Atlas, Bani and Tafilal.

Buy

Marrakech is home to a large tanning industry, and leather goods of high quality can be bought here cheaply. Check out camel leather items especially - jackets, round poufs, and handbags.

Also of interest would be items made of the local cactus silk, which is apparently made from weaving cactus fibres mixed with a small amount of silk, and dyed with vegetable dyes. On offer are scarves, handbags, tablecloths, bedspreads and throws in stunning colors.

Be sure to wander round the potters' souk, and look for brightly coloured platters and bowls, as well as tagines in all sizes


Bargaining

Remember that bargaining in the souks is expected. It is not really possible to give an accurate indication of how much to start the bargaining at in relation to the initial asking price. Prices are set on a daily, even, hourly basis, depending on how much has been sold on a given day (or period of hours), while also reflecting the vendors personal estimation of the potential client. The souks are often a good reflection of the basic economic principles of supply and demand, particularly with regard to the demand side. If a lot of products have been sold by a particular merchant he/she will raise the price, and may refuse to sell any more products for the rest of that day (or for days) unless the price is much higher than usual. If there are many tourists around prices go higher, and bargaining even small amounts off the asking price becomes quite difficult. In addition, the seller will generally inspect the client, whose dress and possessions (particularly if the potential client sports an expensive Swiss watch, camera, tourist trinkets of obvious poor quality etc) are usually the main indication of how high the price may be set above the usual. However, the potential client's attitude is also taken into consideration.

Taking all this and other factors into account (such as the time of day, day of the week, season etc), initial prices may be up to 50 times or more in excess of what would normally be paid, either by a local, or a patient and well-instructed tourist, especially for more expensive items, such as carpets. Carpets, however, are a very specialized item, and it is necessary to have at least a cursory understanding of production techniques and qualities, and if possible an ability to distinguish between hand-made and machine-made carpets, hand-dyes and the like, if one is not to be utterly duped. Western visitors would be surprised, for instance, how beautiful a carpet can be appropriated by a skillful negotiator inside of 50 euros.

Bargaining is an enjoyable experience for most vendors, and they prefer clients that don't appear hurried and are willing to take the time to negotiate. It is most often actually necessary to give reasons for why you believe the price should be lower. The reasons you might give are limited only by your imagination and often lead to some very entertaining discussions. Common reasons may include: the price of the item elsewhere, the item not being exactly what you are after, the fact that you have purchased other items from the stall/store, that you have built a rapport with the vendor after discussing football or whatever etc etc... On the other hand, if there is little movement in the price after some time, the best advice is to begin leaving, this often has the result of kick-starting the bidding anew, and if not, it is likely that the merchant is actually unwilling to go further below a given price, however absurd. In fact, the best general advice is simply to go to several merchants selling similar products and weigh their collective prices and attitudes. Revisiting a merchant at a later time may or may not allow you to bargain a given product more effectively. In one respect, to return puts the ball back in the vendor's court, as it is obvious that he/she has the product you want at the closest price, but in another respect, if some time has passed between visits, and business has been slow in the interim, and your return to the store is interpreted as a gest of fidelity, the price may miraculously plummet. Many of the vendors can be very charming themselves, and a little charm may also go a long way. Nevertheless, this should not entail conceding to a vendor at an unacceptable price. That, of course would defeat the point. Rather, charm is just another tactic that may or may not be effective in reducing the price of a given item.

It is also important to show a genuine interest for the workmanship of the product for sale, however disinterested you may actually be in what you are buying. This does not, however, mean that you should appear over-enthusiastic, as this will encourage the vendor to hold his/her price. Rather, it is important to project a critical appreciation for each article/object. Any defects are either unacceptable, or a further opportunity to bargain the price down.

Caution should be taken never to begin bidding for unwanted items, or to give the vendor a price you are unwilling or unable (with cash on hand) to pay. Try to avoid paying by credit card at all costs, and in the event, never let the credit card out of your sight, and demand as many receipts as you can possibly get your hands on. There is typically a credit card carbon copy and an official shop receipt. Never tell a vendor where you are staying (unless it is a backpackers), and never tell a vendor how much you have paid for any other items that you may have. Just say that you got a good price, and you want a good price from him/her too. And, above all, never be afraid to say 'No'.

It must also be said that, as for us buyers, not all sellers are actually very good at what they do. A vendor that is completely disinterested or even aggressive is unlikely to give a good price. Move on.

All in all, a good negotiation can be a fun experience. Also remember that Marrakech is the only place visited by such a large quantity of tourists, so prices can be higher than elsewhere, although not necessarily so. If at all possible, look first at the prices and qualities of items in other cities by way of comparison.

Eat

The main night market at Djemma El Fna is definitely worth a visit, and the food is priced on menus. In little back streets the ambience is more quiet, although the price is higher and the quality may vary a lot.
In the square itself there are some locals such as:

Chez Chegrouni: Near the main entrance to the market. Tagine 35 DH, Harira 15 DH. Maybe the best cheap restaurant in the square.

Cafe Alhamra: On the edge of the square, serves up salads, pizza and pasta as well as a tagine of the day. Their rooftop is a good place to have a late night coffee and pastry while watching the events in the square below.

Cafe Agrana: On the edge of Djemma El Fna. Try the pastilla - a sweet/savory pie (either chicken or, for the adventerous, pigeon) that melts in the mouth.

La Makarechi: opposite the market and adjacent to the newspaper stand. With two main courses and wine running at around 300 Dh, this is one of the poshest restaurants in the square. The food is not necessarily better than elsewhere, but it is one of the few restaurants that serve alcohol. It also has a completely enclosed upstairs terrace, which is ideal for views of the square when the weather is bad.

Take care eating the offered food on the main market place Djemma El Fna and the other cheap restaurants. Many of the dishes, including goat heads and bowls of local snails (hot and tasty) may seem too adventurous for the Western palate, but the main problems are salads, which can cause diarrhea.

Vegetarians will find that there are few options outside the ubiquitous Tagine avec Legumes.

For more upscale eateries, and especially for non-Morroccan cuisine, you will have to go outside the Medina to Ville Nouvelle.

Drink


Hot sweet mint tea is served in all restaurants and cafes.

Street vendors offer fresh orange juice (jus d'Orange) by the glass for 3 Dh. Try it with a dash of salt like the locals, but be wary of vendors who try and water the juice down with potentially dodgy tap water. Also watch out for those vendors who inflate the price to 20 Dh as soon as they spot a tourist. All stalls at Djemma El Fna (and some stalls elsewhere?) display the price on a sign, making it less likely you'll be overcharged.

Wine and beer will rarely be found outside of restaurants catering to tourists.

However, the Tazi Hotel in the Medina of Marrakech does have a public bar, serving beer and wine at not too expensive prices.

Sleep

There are three main zones to sleep: Medina, Guéliz (also known as Ville Nouvelle) and the surroundings of the city. The Medina has the highest concentration of very cheap hotels and ryads or small palaces.

Guéliz is much more quiet, and most of the hotels are mid price (including showers in the room, breakfast service...). Going to the medina from the Guéliz by taxi costs about 10-15 DH.

The surroundings have all the huge touristic hotels, the ones that usually come with the travel agencies offers. They can be far, but have big swimming pools, restaurants, and many services.

Medina

Riads


The Medina is packed with Riads (old grand houses converted into hotels and inns). While more expensive, these are a wonderful place to stay to get a feel for life in Marrakech.

Riad Zara (http://www.riadzara.com/; email: riad.zara@menara.ma; 294 Derb Ben Salek); phone: +212-24-44-29-40; mobile: +212-62-81-70-00.
Friendly and helpful owner Monique and her assistant Hassan. Rooftop terrace with authentic views of real Medina and cozy cane chairs--for lunch, mint tea or just reading a book. Traditional meals like tajine can be served any time of the day. Breakfast is full with jams, amlou, pancakes and mint tea; time can be as flexible as 7am if you need. In the evening, candles are light and guests gather around a small pool in salon in the center of the riad--listening live music by Hassan and enjoying wine. It's still unintrusive if you don't feel like it.
If you arrive by car, ask the hosts to help you find your way from parking lot.

Discount hotels


The budget conscious will have more luck in the streets and alleyways south of Jema El Fna, which are packed with discount hotels offering singles from Dh 50.

Popular options with backpackers include:

Hotel Smara is very clean, friendly people, nice rooms. (77 sidi Bouloukat ,Tel:+212 24 44 55 68). Near Jema El Efna. Dh 50 and doubles Dh 80.

Hotel Essaouira (Tel:443805, 3 Derb Sidi Bouloukat) has singles with shared bath from Dh 50 and doubles from Dh 80. It's more or less like the others, but it's all painted in the traditional way which gives some charm to it.

Hotel Imouzzer (Tel:44.53.66, 74 Derb Sidi Bouloukate) Near Hotel Essaouira; very friendly and clean and has a pleasant rooftop terrace cafe. Singles / doubles with shared bath are Dh 50 / 100, hot showers Dh 5 and cash-strapped travellers can sleep on the terrace for just Dh 25.

Hotel Ali http://www.hotel-ali.hostel-marrakech.co.uk, Rue Moulay Ismail. Offer beds in ensuite, air conditioned Dorms and rooftop terrace mattresses for 60 Dirham per person, per night (about 5 euro) including cooked breakfasts served with OJ and fresh coffee. They have seen a price rise (about 10 dirham) due to their somewhat justified popularity. Dorm guests can use the internet cafe for 5 Dirhams per hour. They have all the amenities a traveller could ask for, including a laundry service and free internet access for private room guests, money exchange, a terrace restaurant with views of Jema El Efna and even a downstairs hammam. Private rooms are available with a maximum per person price of 250 Dirham per night inc b/fast, free internet and a daily traditional Hammam. The secure credit card reservation on web site is experiencing problems, so there is a link which can be used to email an enquiry to them.

Riad Dar Mimouna , Sidi M'Barek n°151, Sidi Mimoun, tel +212 44 38 40 78, fax +212 44 38 40 79. A few minutes walk from Place Jemâa El Fna and the Koutoubia Mosque. Breakfast is included and is served at the terrace. There is also a hammam at the terrace, free for use by guests and you would just need to tell them in advance when you would like to use it.

Riad Kalila (Tel: +212 24 39 16 82, Derb Snane n° 65-66) Beautifully renovated Riad in the heart of the Medina. Chill in the coolness of the inner patio or soak in the morrocan sun on the upper terrace's lounge chairs. Enjoy views of the snow covered Atlas peaks from the tastefully furnished rooftop terrace. Riad Kalila is located just a short walk from Place Jemâa El Fna, La Koutoubia, and many other must-see sites.

Riad Rahba (http://www.riad-rahba.hostel-marrakech.co.uk). Offers private, ensuite rooms & a main dorm for backpackers in the heart of the Medina. The Riad combines the traditional Moroccan atmosphere with the comforts of a modern hostel and hotel. The rates include breakfast and it is fast becoming a favorite with backpackers and independant travellers alike. Beds in the main dorm cost around 6 euro in the low season and 10 euro in the high seasons - all including breakfasts

Riad Selection (http://www.riadselection.com/uk). Offers a selection of a very nice Riad in Morocco.

Guéliz (also known as Ville Nouvelle)

Résidance Goumassine (Tel: (0)44 433086, Fax: (0)44 4333012, 71 Blvd Mohammed Zerktouni). Residence with different kinds of rooms for about 300DH the double room with either kitchen or Moroccan saloon. Don't expect to reduce the price if you stay there many days. It has a small swimming pool and a bar that can serve (quite expensive) breakfasts.

There is a clean youth hostel (Tel: (0)44 7713, Rue Mohammed el-Hansali) near the train station with dorm beds from Dh 45, it has an 11.30 pm curfew and is fair distance from the action in the heart of the medina. A taxi can cost about 15-20 DH.

Get out

Marrakech can make a good base for exploring the Atlas Mountains or for organising one to four day Sahara treks. While there are countless agencies on Ave Mohammed V that will organise such tours for those seeking the comfort of an air-conditioned 4x4 and have money to spare, budget travellers may want to check out the Marrakech stalwart Sahara Tours (Rue Bam Marme et Mouahidine, Tel (044) 42-79-77 / 42-97-47. fax (044) 42-79-72) who offer three day tours from Dh 950.

Hostel Marrakech Sahara expeditions offer information and secure reservations for many tours and excursions departing from Marrakech at http://www.hotel-ali.hostel-marrakech.co.uk

Included in the range of tours available are day trips to Essaouaira, Imlil, the Ouzoud cascades and 2, 3 and 4 day tours to the desert (including Zagora and merzouga).

Hostel Marrakech offers secure, online reservations powered by a thawte secure credit and debit card server powered by hostelsclub.com

The impressive 110 meter waterfall, the Cascades d'Ouzoud are about 160km away and are well worth a day trip visiting.


By air

Marrakech is connected by air to other domestic destinations such as Agadir, Casablanca (daily), Fez (daily), Ouarzazate, Al Hoceima and Tangier. Contact Royal Air Morocco http://www.royalairmaroc.com (Tel: 43 62 05; 197 boulevard Mohamed V) for more details.

By train

Train connections are available from the train station (Tel: 44 77 68; Avenue Hassan II) to Casablanca and Rabatand Tanger, which connect on with most domestic rail destinations in the country. There is a train hourly during all the day. As always, first and second class differ only in the amount of people and that seats are not reserved in second class, but since Marrakech is the first station, you'll find place if you arrive with time to the station.

Tickets between Tanger and Marrakech and vice versa cost around 18 euro one way for 2nd class and 28 euro one way for first class.
The journey between Tanger and Marrakech is a very scenic and eye opening one, especially for those visiting the country for the first time. The whole journey takes around 12 hours.

Some advice for the train journey would be to stock up on some bread, eggs and cheese in advance and remeber to bring plenty to offer to share with locals in your carriage - this is recieve well and will result in a return offer and lots of conversation.
Additionally, there is a snack trolley which does the rounds on the train about once per hour serving coffee, Cappucino, tea, sandwiches and chocolate snacks. Be aware though that you will pay tourist prices, though in the end the difference is not much.

The Tanger to Marrakech route is definately reccomended as a way to see Morocco and best taken during the daytime, for this purpose.

By bus

From the long distance bus station, CTM and private bus companies service destinations such as to Agadir, Safi, Casablanca, El Jadida, Essaouira, Fez, Meknes, Ouarzazate, Rabat and Taroudant.

Stay safe

Scams

Aside from the usual scams listed on the Morocco page, watch out for tourist touts that offer to take you to the medieval dye pits which, unlike the popular dye pits in Fez, are not worth the visit. Note that the touts work in pairs. The first takes you to the dye pit (which you could probably manage with a map) and then introduces you to his "friend" to guide you round the pits. They both expect to be paid, and are prepared to follow you incessantly for a very long time if you do not give them enough money.

There are often people in Djemma El Fna offering henna tattoos, which are popular with locals and tourists alike. But among the many genuine traders are one or two scam artists. They appear very charming and trustworthy while you choose a design, but will then cleverly divert your attention. Before you know it, you've got the beginnings of a rather poor henna tattoo, and a sudden thought that you haven't agreed on a price yet. The scam artist later demands massive payments, in whatever currency you have (Dirhams or not). After emptying your pockets, if they consider you can afford more, they will demand that you visit a nearby ATM. Always agree a firm price before work starts. If you can't do this, insist that the operator stops immediately - then go to another (hopefully more reliable) operator to get your design completed.

Most Moroccans are tourist-friendly, so sometimes making a fuss in public can generate unwanted attention for a scam artist, and shame them into backing off.

Day Trips

In addition to all that the city itself offers, Marrakech can also be used as a base station for various day trips into the High Atlas mountains. The following are a few of possible day-trip destinations.

Amizmiz

With one of the largest Berber souks in the High Atlas Mountains every Tuesday, Amizmiz is well-worth a morning trip, especially for those travellers wishing to experience the less urban, less touristy mountain towns of the High Atlas.

Asni

A lovely rural village in the Atlas mountains.
Hostel Marrakech provides day trips to this beautiful location

Oukaimeden

This "Travel Guide" section is drawn from the Wikitravel article "Marrakech". We hope you will edit and improve it. It is available under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 license.