| Stroll through the old Medina of Marrakech in | | | | During the day all sorts of performers occupy the |
| Morocco, haggle with the shop keepers and enjoy | | | | square such as dancers, jugglers and musicians. |
| the sights and sounds of the world's largest | | | | This is the lively heart of Marrakech and an |
| square Djeema El Fna. | | | | unmissable experience. |
| The Red City of Marrakech (meaning Land of | | | | More than one million people live in Marrakech |
| God) is the third largest in Morocco and it is | | | | which lies at the foot of the Atlas Mountains. |
| comprised of an old Medina along with the modern | | | | To orientate yourself in the city you should head |
| area. | | | | to Koutoubia Mosque which has a towering |
| Whether you go to the old stalls of the Medina or | | | | minaret and is delightfully lit up at night. In terms |
| look for the fancier modern shops in the Gueliz, | | | | of other sight seeing opportunities there are the |
| which is full of swanky restaurants, in Marrakech | | | | Saadian Tombs, the Dar Si Saïd Museum |
| there is something to suit every consumer's | | | | which has local artifacts and the Majorelle Gardens |
| taste. | | | | which showcases Marrakech plant life. Majorelle |
| The souk of Marrakech is the largest in Morocco | | | | Gardens is full of fascinating cacti and an oasis of |
| and its square, Djeema El Fna, is the biggest in | | | | calm amidst the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. |
| Africa and perhaps the world. Obviously these are | | | | Another place to cool out are the local hammams. |
| prime destinations for the tourist who wants to | | | | Couples should go to the Les Bains de Marrakech |
| find what makes this beautiful city tick. The | | | | which does the treatments in a private room. |
| Djeema El Fna is full of snake charmers, pet | | | | Marrakech is a very crowded city, and there lots |
| monkeys and women trying to sell henna tattoos. | | | | of markets where you can get bargains. |
| These are usually the only things to watch out | | | | The traffic in Marrakech is crazy and you may |
| for, though there are occasional muggings to keep | | | | wish to rent a chauffeur driven car. Having a |
| an eye out for. Also be wary of anyone who | | | | guide is a good way to get around and see all |
| wants to give you directions, they may well have | | | | that Marrakech has to offer. |
| an agenda and somewhere where they want you | | | | Arriving into Marrakech you will most likely fly into |
| to spend money. | | | | the Marrakech-Menara Airport which has lots of |
| In the souk you are expected to bargain for | | | | low cost flights from destinations across Europe |
| goods such as tagines, kaftans and tea pots. | | | | with airlines such as Ryanair and Thomsonfly. |
| Doing so could get you the desired item at half | | | | If you are hoping to make an inter Atlantic flight |
| price even. As well as the main souk there are | | | | from Marrakech then you will need to change |
| many smaller souks and bazaars where all sorts | | | | planes in Casablanca. Once you come out of the |
| of clothes and dyes are purchased. Bargaining is | | | | arrivals hall you will find ATM facilities as well as |
| quite at art form in Marrakech, if you don't have | | | | car hire offices. Car hire Marrakech is just about |
| any luck with the stall / object you are targeting | | | | as cheap as everything else in Morocco. |
| move on - this will often have the effect of | | | | For those who want to do tours of the |
| making the vendor renegotiate. | | | | surrounding area one recommended company is |
| Going to the souk at night is quite an experience | | | | the Hostel Marrakech Adventures in Morocco. |
| as the outdoor dining is both romantic and | | | | There are also firms which do hot air balloon tours |
| entertaining. If you want cheap, high quality food | | | | of Marrakech, a wonderful way to see the snow |
| try Chez Chegrouni, Cafe Agrana or Chez El | | | | capped Atlas Mountains. |
| Bahia. Unlike the food in many neighbouring | | | | If you are looking for discount accommodation in |
| countries it is perfectly possible to eat hygienic | | | | Marrakech it is plentiful. Riad Rahba, Hotel Smara, |
| and delicious food from the local stalls which | | | | Hotel Essaouira, Hotel Central Palace, Hotel |
| surround the square. There is plenty of fresh | | | | el-Ward, Hotel Atlas Hotel Central Palace are all |
| orange juice available to wash it down with. | | | | good value. |