How to Vacation in Marrakech, Morocco
Located at the bottom of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakech can be crowded and noisy. If there is one place in Morocco that you may need an official guide, this is the place. Consider planning a three-day stay in this captivating city to see as much as possible. When choosing accommodations, think about staying in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house to add an authentic element to your travel experience.
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Instructions
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Keep in mind that visiting Marrakech in the cooler months of September through May will make your trip more comfortable and also less crowded. However, the prime tourist months of summer feature special events you may want to attend even with the heat and hordes of visitors.
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Attending the Marrakech Popular Arts Festival is a must if you’ve decided to vacation during the summer. It takes place mid July every year, offering dancers, folk singers, acting troupes, fire-swallowers, fortune tellers and snake charmers. It is everything you imagine Morocco to be. In recent years the festival has attracted headliners from Europe and Asia. Most of the acts take place in the main town square and the Badi Palace.
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Enjoy Fantasia, where hundreds of men and women on horseback put on a beautiful show outside the city gates near Bab Jdid. If you miss this event during July, there are always smaller, similar shows at local restaurants.
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Attend the Imilchil Marriage Feast in August. Berber culture, food, art and marriage ceremonies are all part of the festivities.
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Know that skiing is one of the winter draws of the Atlas Mountains with the Oukaimden ski resort 50 miles from Marrakech. There are several ski lifts to choose from. If the winter hasn’t yielded enough snow, the sight of the snow covered mountains is still glorious and worth the trip.
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Grab a traditional snack of dates and fresh orange juice at the Djemma el fna, Marrakech’s central square. You have to experience the heart of the city where, in the evening, you will see musicians, snake charmers and jugglers. If you become exhausted with making your way through the crowds, grab a seat at one of the many cafes that overlook the square. Have your evening meal while still enjoying all that is going on.
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Shopping is a big part of vacationing but even more so in Marrakech where you will find authentic crafts in the souqs. Bargaining is expected, so don’t be shy and lose out on the best prices.
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Stroll through the El Bahia Palace to see one of the best examples of Marrakech architecture. Take as many photos as you like of the detailed engravings and arches of this previous home of a harem. Polais Dar Si Said is a museum of Moroccan art as well as a palace. You’ll see the ancient cultural displays of jewelry, ceramics, costumes and artifacts.
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Tips & Warnings
You can certainly explore Marrakech by foot. However, if walking becomes tiresome, consider taking a caleche. It’s a horse drawn cart or carriage. Make sure a price is agreed upon before you hop on. Mopeds or bicycles can be rented and are a great way to see the city.
Resources
- Photo Credit Andre Pipa at Flickr
