Marrakech: Our Take on Morocco’s Most Popular Destination

Marrakech is undoubtedly one of Morocco’s top destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year with its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, rich history, and delectable food. However, despite its fame, it has also gained a reputation for being a hub of scams, with many travelers reporting being constantly hassled and feeling uncomfortable walking around the city.

Admittedly, after reading about these experiences, we were a bit apprehensive about what to expect. But having always dreamed of visiting Marrakech, we decided to go ahead and experience it for ourselves. Here’s how our time in Marrakech went, the things we loved, the things we didn’t, and how our trip stacked up against what we’d read online.

Marrakech: A City of Chaos

The first thing that struck us as we ventured into Marrakech’s medina was its complete sensory overload. The air was thick with the smell of spices and food, but also the fumes of exhaust and the dirt of the streets. The sounds of prayers echoing from mosques mixed with the shouts of vendors trying to sell their goods, the constant honking of horns, and the rattle of scooters and donkey carts racing through the narrow alleys. It was chaotic, but it felt exciting and full of life.

As we navigated through the crowd, we realized that crossing the streets was an entirely different experience. Scooters, bicycles, and carts didn’t seem to care much for pedestrians, and we nearly got run over a few times on our first day. This is especially something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with children, as the traffic can be a bit intense, and vehicles tend to weave through pedestrians in every direction.

The area around Jemaa el-Fnaa Square is the busiest and most touristy part of the city, with narrow souks and countless shops selling everything from spices to scarves. While it’s an incredible place to experience the local culture, it can be overwhelming for some. For a more relaxed atmosphere, we’d recommend staying around Rue Fatima Zahra, near the Khoutoubia Mosque. This area offers great street food, local shopping, and an authentic experience, all just a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Jemaa el-Fnaa.

The Medina: A Maze of Streets

Marrakech’s medina is a labyrinth that even the most seasoned travelers might struggle to navigate. We pride ourselves on our sense of direction, but we were constantly getting lost in the maze of twisting streets. What seemed like a short walk on the map often turned into a much longer journey. The narrow streets look incredibly similar, and the GPS often doesn’t work well, especially in the souks. Checking the map on your phone will certainly attract attention, so we made sure to be discreet.

After a while, we figured out the main routes between our riad and popular spots like Bahia Palace and Madrasa Ben Youssef, but we still found ourselves needing to stop and regroup often. Getting lost became part of the fun, though—it’s all part of Marrakech’s charm.

Marrakech Beyond the Medina

Once you’ve explored the narrow alleyways of the medina, there’s plenty more to see in Marrakech. Outside the medina, you’ll find wide streets lined with shops, cafés, and local restaurants. While there may not be as many famous tourist sights in this area, places like the trendy Gueliz neighborhood are worth checking out for a more relaxed vibe. It’s perfect for wandering, eating, and enjoying the local atmosphere.

The city’s public transportation system is affordable and easy to use, but if you opt for a taxi, be prepared to haggle. Crossing the street in Marrakech is an experience in itself, as pedestrians don’t have the right of way. If you’ve traveled in other parts of Africa or Asia, you’ll know the drill—just walk confidently, keep an eye on the traffic, and cross when you can.

Marrakech is also a great base for exploring nearby attractions. We particularly enjoyed a hot-air balloon ride at sunrise over the desert, which was just 30 minutes from the city center. It’s an unforgettable experience and one of the highlights of our trip.

Vendor Interactions: A Mixed Bag

Marrakech has a notorious reputation for aggressive vendors, and after reading numerous stories, we were a bit concerned about what we would encounter. However, our experience was surprisingly different. While there were certainly some vendors who tried to engage with us, we found that a polite “merci” or “shoukran” (thank you in Arabic) was enough to end the conversation. Many vendors left us alone after a simple gesture, and we never felt overly hassled.

That said, we did meet other tourists who had very different experiences. A Scottish couple we met was constantly approached, grabbed, and pressured into buying things, which certainly put a damper on their visit. So, while our experience was relatively peaceful, it’s worth noting that vendor interactions can vary depending on the day and the area of the city.

The Dark Side of Jemaa el-Fnaa

One thing we would advise avoiding during your time in Marrakech is the animal performances at Jemaa el-Fnaa. While the square is a fascinating cultural hub, it’s also home to practices that we found deeply disturbing. Street performers often bring out chained Barbary macaques, dressed in costumes, and force them to perform for the entertainment of tourists. This is not only cruel but also contributes to the endangerment of the species, as there are only a small number of these monkeys left in Morocco and Algeria.

There are also snake charmers who show off cobras, often under horrific conditions. The snakes are usually drugged or starved, and some may even have their fangs removed or mouths sewn shut. While these performances may seem like a cultural experience, they are, in fact, a form of animal abuse that should not be supported.

Final Thoughts on Marrakech

Marrakech is an intense, vibrant, and chaotic city that will captivate you if you’re up for it. While we did encounter some challenges—especially when it came to the crowds, the vendors, and the overwhelming hustle and bustle—it remains a must-see destination in Morocco.

By dressing modestly, learning a few basic words in Arabic or French, and staying alert, we found it possible to enjoy the city without being overwhelmed. Marrakech has its flaws, but it also offers some of the most unique and unforgettable experiences in the world. If you’re ready for the adventure, Marrakech is waiting!