Off-Voyage!

My Marrakech trip was a suggestion from one of my lovely friends, Beril, for my birthday. While I was getting super excited about going somewhere 30 C from cold gloomy London weather, I also carried my concerns about the city which is still valid on some points, however my own experience was very positive and delightful.

While travelling around the city, we always stayed cautious, traveled with a taxi driver which we trusted while also used the local taxi app, it was a very smooth trip overall so here I am to tell you more about colourful, delightful Marrakech!

Where to stay ?

I would put Marrakech hotels in 3 groups. There are traditional Riads, city hotels and decent 5 starts. We stayed in 2 different Riads for this trip, one of them has lovely and careful stuff and an owner with a super convenient location in the old town, Riad Dar More (I’m giving the name because I absolutely loved it however keep in mind that rooms are small and you wouldn’t probably enjoy spending the whole trip here, maybe 1-2 nights to explore old town.)

If I plan an another trip to Marrakech today, I would go 1-2 night with a nice Riad and then I would pick a hotel in Gueliz area (Modern side of Marakech). 

We were unfortunately a little late to book a local spa but as I mentioned earlier weather was warm and sunny during my visit so to make the most of it, we announced a pool day and purchased a spa pass from Mandarin Oriental with meal, massage and pool access, overall experience was very pleasant and I definitely recommend having a spa/pool day of your choice during your visit!

It’s very unlikely to starve in Marrakech!

Local cuisine was one of my highlights for this trip, although if you are a coriander hater like me, don’t forget to mention this while you are ordering food! We tried  the Dardar Rooftop first. It is a rooftop bar with nice view, good food and a belly dancer show if you fancy. My highlights from the menu are Pastilla Poulet and Couscous de Cactus!

Second place I will mention you is Comptoir Darna,  again a touristy spot with shows and I must admit a nice ambiance and again delicious food. Chicken Tagine and couscous was a go to for pretty much every where, in the moments of doubt go with it!

Me talking about food and not mentioning dessert until this point sounds absurd I know… and of course I have a nice place in mind for you to try local desserts my dear reader! Let me introduce you ‘Pâtisserie Corne de Gazelle’! 

I discovered this place while literally walking around, que got my attention as a true Londoner and didn’t disappoint me at all! (After I left the place I realised the super high google rate) There are so many options you can pick and get a box of mixed sweets, try literally everything! 

Turning back to Touristy bits!

Marrakech has a colourful architectural sites and palaces. Our first stop is El Badi Palace, it is a nice place but fairly quick to see around and maybe worth to come earlier hours of the day to avoid the heat. Second Palace I want to mention is Bahia Palace which was more interesting for me. If you don’t have time for both, pick the Bahia!

After visiting palaces, I suggest to spend the day walking around and checking the souks all over the old town. Prepare yourself for one thing if you fancy some shopping, there is no fix price or a price tag for the goods in these bazaars, negotiate the price heavily and kindly (of course). If they don’t want to drop the price, you will find exactly same thing at the next shop I promise you! Shopping at these souks were an experience!

There is one place that I want to mention with a caution, Jemaa el-Fnaa, it is the main square which I think worth to see especially during the night time however it’s worth to be very very very careful while walking around! I dropped thew photo on the top right here to give an idea about what to expect!

Spend a night in Desert!

If you have one more night spare, go to a desert camp in Agafay, there are so many options so I will let you search for the one matching with your taste and budget. The one we picked had a hotel pick up and drop off, we had a walk during the sunset, had a dinner in a tent and there were night shows during and after the dinner.

If you decide to go for one, I have a tiny request for you, please do not go for a camel ride, ATV’s are faster and you don’t hurt any animal! 🙂 

And this concludes my tips for Marrakech! I’ll say good bye to you for now, see you on the other pages and other trips! 

-Basak  x

Ps. All these photos belong to me! Don’t even try to steal because I can find you!