How to Travel Right – Tips for Marrakech 2026.

If you ask me about my favorite cities, I will usually name three: Bangkok, Cape Town, and Marrakech. Especially the latter usually gets a few curious looks. Marrakech is known to be loud, a bit crazy, and quite overwhelming. But yes, I love it, have been more than 10 times now, and have even taken a bunch of fabulous women on my Morocco group tour. 

And while I am not planning another tour to Morocco any time soon (do let me know if you are keen, though, and I might reconsider), I feel I can share a few valuable tips for Marrakech and your trip by now. 

Tried & tested useful tips for Marrakech

Is Marrakech worth visiting?

First things first: With all these Marrakech tips and precautions you may wonder – is visiting Marrakech worth the hassle? I say it is! While it definitely took me a trip or two to warm up to the city I think she is worth the effort and must be part of your Morocco itinerary!

Want to know why and what to do in Marrakech? Find my complete Marrakech guide here.

How many days in Marrakech?

How many days you should spend on your Marrakech visit depends on the time of the year and your mood. There is plenty to do and see in Marrakech to spend 4 – 5 nights in the city especially if you are planning day trips to the Agafay Desert or the Palmerie.

However, I completely understand that you might be a bit overwhelmed if it is your first time in Marrakech so maybe start with 3 days. Especially if you come in the height of summer the city’s temperatures can be a challenge: it gets incredibly hot and dusty and you may want to take refuge in a cooler place in the Atlas Mountains or on the coast.

Is Marrakech safe?

Overall Marrakech is a very safe city, especially for tourists. I think it gets a bad rep because it can be quite exhausting and a bit intimidating especially if you visit Marrakech as a woman. So many people, so many crowds, so many (usually men) calling you… it’s definitely overwhelming at times.

But while there is petty crime just like in any other big city and some elaborate tourist scams, Marrakech is not known for terrorism or violent muggings. I’d simply avoid walking through the medina alone at night, not flash any valuables, and keep my bag closed and close.

How to dress in Marrakech

Especially women need to remember that Morocco is still a partly conservative country. You don’t need to wear a headscarf in Marrakech but you should keep your knees and shoulders covered and not show too much cleavage.

I know it’s unfair but women that are scarcely dressed get more unwanted attention and it is simply a sign of respect to cover up a bit more.

TIPS FOR WOMEN TRAVELING IN MOROCCO.

What languages are spoken in Marrakech?

In Morocco, people speak Moroccan Arabic (Darija), French, and/or Berber (Amazigh or Tamazight).
Especially in touristy areas of Marrakech, you will be able to converse in English and probably get offers to buy something while shopping in Marrakech in your native language too. My friend Denise who is Dutch and I realized that vendors seem to have a real knack for recognizing where we were from and greeted us regularly in Dutch and German.

While you might be able to get by in English, I think it is a good idea as a Marrakech tourist to learn a few phrases in Arabic.

All things money

Morocco’s currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). US$1 is a little less than 10 MAD so it is a really easy conversion. You will see many prices shown in € – here the 1 to 10 conversion is even more accurate.

You can exchange money at banks or the airport but I usually prefer to draw cash from an ATM. In the new town, you will find plenty of those but in the medina, it is a bit trickier. There are a few ATMs at Jemaa El Fna but they often have long lines because they aren’t many others once you go into the souks.

THE HINDSIGHT GUIDE TO TRAVEL SAFETY.

Credit cards are only accepted in bigger hotels or restaurants though I have realized that more and more shops will tell you upon entering that they also accept ‘plastic money’.

How to stay connected

Most riads and hotels have wifi but that can be spotty at times or you may have to move to reception to find a connection. If you need good internet access, I highly recommend getting a SIM card with data at the airport.

There are counters after the baggage claim where you can buy a SIM card and load it with data. You can even pay in Euro and it is super quick and cheap.

Unfortunately if you arrive late, they might be closed as it recently happened to me. I asked my hotel for help the next day and their driver took me to a somewhat obscure kiosk. Things got a bit lost in translation but in the end I got a SIM-card with 40 GB valid for 60 days for 250 dirham (about $25). It worked really well but I will say, finding such a shop can be tricky.

If you don’t want to have the hassle I recommend you get yourself an eSIM from Sim Local for Morocco before you arrive.

• Buy a Sim Local eSIM and use code MIDNIGHTBLUE to get 5% off your eSIM

How to get around in Marrakech

Marrakech is divided into the new town, Gueliz, and the old town, the Medina. The Medina of Marrakech is a beautiful maze and especially when you enter the souks regular maps will only get you so far.

I have been quite successful with Google maps and if you don’t have data, download an app like maps.me which you can use offline. 

If you get lost don’t panic, getting a little lost is part of it, and remember that all roads will eventually lead you to Jemaa El Fna, the famous main square in Marrakech.

But yes, chances are people will approach you if you look lost. This can be a hit or miss, to be honest. I have met many people who showed me the way or pointed me in the right direction just because they were nice. I have also heard stories of visitors being scammed for a tip or shown to the next carpet shop.

When in doubt I recommend you go into a reputable looking shop or restaurant and ask for directions if you are truly lost.

Within the medina, you can also travel by tuk-tuk, an initiative to create jobs for men with walking disabilities and a great way to get around the narrow streets that cars can’t go to.

They are somewhat expensive compared to a metered taxi but still worth it because a) tuk-tuks are fun! and b) they are the best way to get home if you don’t want to walk through the medina at night.

One of the riads I stayed at last time had organized a private driver, Ismail, and he is wonderful. He is a bit pricer than taxis or the apps, but very reliable, and easy to communicate with thanks to WhatsApp and his excellent English. He also has a very big, comfortable car. If you want his number for your next Marrakech, follow me on Instagram and send me a DM!

Marrakech Airport

The Marrakesh Menara Airport (RAK) is about 6.5 km from the Jemaa El Fna. Many nationalities can travel to Morocco visa-free for 90 days. Please research any regulations for your country before you leave and don’t rely on Chat GPT!

Once you have arrived, you don’t need to fill out an entry card anymore, however, the immigration officers may ask for your hotel address, reason for visiting, and/or profession.

From the airport to the Medina you can either take bus 19 to Jemaa El Fna for 30 dirhams or take a taxi.

Taxi prices are set at 70 dirhams for a small taxi for 3 people to Guilez or the medina. There is even a big sign at the airport with that price, but unfortunately, drivers will still try to get more.

If you are not in the mood to haggle and argue I recommend you ask your hotel and riad to organize a transfer for you. This will probably cost you double, but I think it is worth it and hassle-free. When staying at a riad in the medina, your transfer will also organize a porter who will take you and your luggage from the ‘border’ of Jemaa El Fna to your riad.

Alternatively, I love the company Welcome Pickups that organizes airport transfers in Marrakech and around the world. You are connected with your driver via WhatsApp beforehand and they also monitor your flight. I have found them very reliable and easy to use while offering competitive prices.

• Book a transfer from the Airport to Marrakech with Welcome Pickups

Where to stay in Marrakech

If you come to Marrakech you have to stay in a riad in the medina to get the full experience. Riads are Moroccan houses that have an open courtyard in the center and often a roof terrace. Many of these traditional homes have been converted into boutique hotels or guesthouses over the years.

Do keep in mind that many of the places are quite old and may not offer the most modern amenities. Most riads stay cool enough during summer but check that there is a heater available if you come during February and the winter months. In the summer you will want a riad with a pool so you can cool off.

You can find my favorite Marrakech riads here!

Taking pictures in Marrakech

While I firmly believe that travelers should always be mindful and respectful when taking pictures anywhere this is especially important when you visit Marrakech. DO NOT take photos, especially of women or children, without asking permission first!

Note that all the vendors and exhibitors on Jemaa el Fna are there to make money with pictures. The monkey handlers, the snake charmers, the “dentist”, the acrobats, and the water sellers will ask you for money in return for a photo.

If you are keen make sure to negotiate a price beforehand because if they catch you sneaking a picture the price will rapidly increase after.

Things to avoid in Marrakech

• To be honest, Morocco doesn’t have the best rep when it comes to animal welfare. With that said, I would avoid taking a horse carriage in Marrakech and I also don’t support the snake charmers and monkey wranglers on the main square by paying for a picture.
• If you are new to Morocco you should avoid drinking tap water. Get yourself a filter bottle to filter water so you can avoid wasting plastic bottles.
• Staying at a riad is a must when visiting Marrakech but keep in mind that many of these are quite old and so is the plumbing. If you see a wastebasket next to the toilet this usually means – please don’t flush any paper or sanitary products.

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