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Market stands in Djemaa el-Fna
Marrakech shops
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Marrakech holidays

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Nestled between mountain and desert, it's unsurprising to find that Marrakech is a city of contrasts. The bustling atmosphere of the Djema el Fna is far removed from the tranquillity of the many beautiful gardens, and the medina's intricate medieval streets wonderfully contradict the wide, tree-lined boulevards of the New Town. Everywhere, though, the city's infectious charm shines through.

Marrakech holiday highlights
• The fascinating history of a city considered the 'heartbeat' of Morocco, particularly the spectacular, 12th Century Koutoubia Mosque, towering benevolently over the Old Town, dates back as far as the 12th Century, the bizarre El Badi Palace and the Saadian Tombs.

• Private riads, where more recent, French colonial history comes to life - these elegant, whitewashed villas, remain peaceful and cool even in the bustle and heat of the day...the ideal base from which to discover the ancient gems and modern-day excitement of Marrakech.

• Excursions to the intriguing Berber villages of the High Atlas and the breathtaking kasbah of Ait Benhaddou, star of numerous Hollywood epics.

Time difference / local time

GMT +0 hours
Language

Arabic and French. English is widely understood.

Currency

Moroccan Dirham
Safety

As with most tourist destinations, beware of pickpockets in the markets and take reasonable care when travelling alone or at night.

Events and festivals

January

International Marathon
On one of the world’s fastest marathon circuits, over 5,000 runners will compete in the breathtaking setting of Marrakech.

March

Maroc Classic
Vintage and prestige cars take part in this thrilling rally through varied terrain.

July

Festival of Popular Arts
Watch traditional Moroccan folk performances in open-air venues including the magnificent El Badi Palace, with Berber music, belly-dancing and more.

December

International Film Festival
This fantastic celebration of film attracts many respected artists – 2010’s jury is headed by actor, director and producer John Malkovich and also includes actress Eva Mendes.

Shopping

• At the Semmarine souk, browse stalls selling everything from traditional leather slippers and flowing djellabas to fragrant spices and jewellery.

• Shop for spices in the old Jewish neighbourhood with help from the friendly shopkeepers. Barter for beautiful carpets and leather at Place Rahba Kédima.

• For more luxurious goods, head to the Sidi Ghanem or Guéliz neighbourhoods.

Flying time to destination

3¾ hours

Activities

Eat & Drink, Shopping, Night life, Golf
Eating/Drinking

Food
• Harina is a delicious a chickpea soup, often with meat, pumpkin, onions and tomatoes.
• A tajine is mutton, veal, chicken or beef stew cooked with potato and lemon and seasoned with herbs and spices.
• Morocco’s most famous dish is couscous perfectly steamed with lamb, chicken or fish, a spicy sauce and potatoes.
• The traditional pastilla is flaky pastry coated with sugar, cinnamon and egg yolk, layered with pigeon or chicken meat. It’s also served as a desert without the meat.
• Moroccan deserts are very sweet, dripping with sugar and/or honey.

Drink
• Stick to bottled water for drinking and cleaning your teeth.

Good to know

Religion
Islam

Dialling code
+212 44

Tipping

A 15-18% service charge is usually added to the bill.

Climate data for this region

Best time to visit

From March to May and September to November.

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  • Marrakech Palaces & Monuments:

    A half day sightseeing of the essential city sites, the beautiful palaces and monuments including the Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakech's most recognisable land mark. The morning lightt provides great photo opportunities highlighting the city's wonderful architechtural details or capturing rays of sunlight that penetrate th...


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  • Marrakech Soukhs & Squares:

    An essential orientation of the medina, it's soukhs and squares, finishing with a walk through the Djemma El Fina or 'Place of the Dead'. As the sun sets behind the Koutoubia Mosque the sqaure is illuminated by lights from food stalls hosting diners throughout the night, with trailers selling figs and freshly squeezed...


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  • Splendours Of Marrakech:

    Combine the two half days with a sumptuous lunch and you have a memorable day in the 'pink city'. This experience can also be done as a private tour (any day of the week)


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  • Toubkal National Park:

    A full day in the scenic Asni Valley climbing to the high Atlas mountains to the Berber town of Imil at the base of Jebel Toubkal which rises to almost 14,000 feet. Lunch is included and will be taken in the Atlas allowing time to enjoy the majesty of your surrounds and Berber culture that has remained unchanged for c...


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