Marrakech, Morocco
Marrakech genuinely surprised me with how beautiful it is. There’s a real range of colour to the city — the reddish earth tones of the medina against the green of places like Jardin Majorelle, and even small details like the doors throughout the city are striking enough to stop and look at. And then there’s the call to prayer, rising across the rooftops several times a day — it gives the whole city a rhythm you can actually feel.
Time of Year I Visited
I went in June. It was already very hot.
Did I Feel Safe?
I felt safe the whole time. I never had a moment of fear. That said, common sense applies — I didn’t dress too revealing, and I avoided wandering into unfamiliar or empty areas. With that, I had no issues at all.
One thing to be careful of: the motorbikes. Crossing a street is a genuine challenge, and even walking through the souks — where everything is sold and bargaining is expected — you need to stay alert, since motorbikes weave through there too.
In Jemaa el-Fnaa, the main square, be careful with photos and videos. There are street performers everywhere — groups of men doing dance shows, snake charmers with their dancing snakes — and if you photograph or film them, they will come ask you for money, and they can be persistent about it. Nothing is free in Marrakech. Don’t film unless you’re prepared to pay for it, because you will be asked.
Where I Stayed
Lyla Riad: Beautiful. Super comfortable, breakfast was fantastic, and it was really well located. The staff were super friendly too — everything about the place was fantastic.
What’s Worth Doing
Jardin Majorelle: Buy your tickets in advance — they’re worth booking ahead. I thought it was absolutely beautiful. Honestly, Marrakech as a whole struck me as a gorgeous city.
La Mamounia: The famously luxurious hotel — the one celebrities like the Kardashians, Elton John, and Sarah Jessica Parker have stayed at over the years. I went for a glass of wine, half-hoping I might spot a millionaire wandering around (no luck), but it’s a genuinely beautiful place just to have a drink and walk through the gardens.
Agafay Desert with Ali: I wanted to see the desert, but the Sahara needs more days than I had, so I went to Agafay instead — closer to the city, and a great alternative. I booked the tour through Ali, who organises trips out there. We rode camels, then stayed for dinner — there’s a pool if you want to bring a swimsuit and have a drink. At night there’s a dinner show with dancing and a fire performer. I ended up spending the whole afternoon and evening with a Colombian family I met there — we danced a conga line, ate, had a great time. I’m still in touch with Ali, the guide, and I’m happy to pass along his contact if anyone wants it.
What I Ate
Dar Cherifa: Beautiful place to eat. I had camel meatballs here.
Nomad Marrakech: I went for dinner timed around sunset, and it was incredible — right as the light starts changing, you hear the call to prayer rising across the medina from all the minarets at once. The food was good, but that moment is the real reason to go at that hour.
Fontaine des Épices: Liked this one too — has a nice terrace, and the avocado smoothie was great. It’s so hot there that some places have a fine misting system on the terrace to cool you down, which this spot had.
Don’t leave without trying the mint tea — it’s served everywhere. They’d bring it to me regularly at the riad I stayed at, and it’s genuinely one of those small things that stays with you.
Things to Know
Alcohol isn’t available everywhere in Marrakech — it’s a Muslim-majority country, so it’s restricted to certain licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels rather than sold openly.
How Long Did I Stay?
3 days. That’s a good amount of time for Marrakech itself, including a trip out to the Agafay Desert. If you want to go further out to the Sahara, you’ll need to add more days.
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