Marrakech Travel Guide
Marrakesh (Murrākuš, مراكش), also called the Red City for its typically red roofs, is the fourth largest city in Morocco and is one of the most important tourist destinations in Morocco. It covers more than 700 square kilometers and has more than 1 million inhabitants.
Accommodation in Marrakech
Marrakech offers many accommodation options - from tent camps around the city to luxury 5 * hotels. In the historic Medina, we find the largest concentration of hostels and classic "Riad" - which are smaller, traditional guest houses with a garden and a yard in the middle. They often offer very decent prices and a more personal approach than larger hotels. Gueliz offers rather quieter, higher price category of accommodation. In Marrakech, we also find resorts with pools, restaurants - mostly outside the city center. Classical hotel chains such as the Four Seasons or Accor Hotels (Novotel, Ibis, Sofitel etc.) are represented in Marrakech. Among the most popular hotels in Marrakech are Les Jardins De La Koutoubia or Tigmiza Boutique Hotel & Spa.
Location and weather in Marrakech
Marrakech is located in the southwest of Morocco, inland, between the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara Desert. Morocco is located in the northwest of Africa, near Spain, and therefore the country is dominated by the Mediterranean climate. The best time to visit Morocco is spring and autumn, in summer temperatures here can climb to more than 40 degrees. If you visit the country out of summer, you can observe the snow-capped peaks of the Atlas Mountains directly from Marrakech in contrast to the surrounding desert.
History of Marrakesh
Marrakesh was founded between 1062 and 1070 by warrior Yusuf ben Tashfin, originally as a camp. Over the centuries it gradually gained and lost and regained its privileged position, known for its trade in oriental fabrics. In the 20th century Morocco was a French colony, it became independent in 1956 and since has become an important tourist center. The city used to be and is still very popular among the world's celebrities - the Beatles or the Rolling Stones spent their time here, many celebrities bought real estate here.
Transport
Menara International Airport is located about 5 km from Marrakech. Several low cost airlines fly from Europe to Marrakech. With Rabat (the capital of Morocco) and Casablanca (the largest city of Morocco), Marrakesh is connected by rail with modern air-conditioned trains, and there also operates modern buses between them. Taxis are divided into "Petit taxi - small taxi" (max 3 persons + driver) and "Grand taxi - big taxi”). It is generally recommended to insist on turning on the taximeter or agree on the price before boarding the taxi.
Currency in Marrakesh
The local currency is called Moroccan Dirham and can only be purchased in Morocco in exchange for USD and EUR. Only clean, unwritten and undamaged banknotes are accepted. The currency must not be exported from the country, so it is necessary to either spend all the money or turn it back at the airport.
Sights, attractions and activities in Marrakesh
Marrakech is divided into two parts - the historic Medina and the modern part of Gueliz with many restaurants and shops. The city center is protected as a UNESCO cultural heritage. The best known in Medina is Djemaa El Fna Square. Do not forget to visit traditional Moroccan markets - souks - where you can buy spices, leather products, carpets, food, jewelry and much more, virtually anything. Other interesting sights are Koutoubia, Bahia Palace, Almoravid Koubba, Dar Si Saida Museum Jardin Agdal Gardens and Jardin Majorelle.
Sports in Marrakesh
There are 3 golf courses in Marrakech, a touring circuit for the World Touring Car Championship, Auto GP World Series races. The city has 4 football clubs.