Marrakech, Morocco
81%
81%
What's Hot
Culture, Weather, Value For Money, Shopping
Culture, Weather, Value For Money, Shopping
What's Not
Partying, Things To Do, Chilling Out, Getting Around
Partying, Things To Do, Chilling Out, Getting Around
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Marrakech Reviews ( 50 reviews )
| Marrakech Reviews |
by sarah9323
| 21 Dec 2006 | 80% |
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Marrekesh is a great place to visit, so many different things going on, it is a bit of a culture shock and takes a little getting used to. Don\'t be put off by all the people trying to sell you stuff, there are lots of genuinely friendly people out there. |
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by Stephane
| 1 May 2007 | 80% |
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Marrakech is a fantastic city, it is also a symbol of Morocco. The streets of the old city of Marrakech aretoo narrow to allow cars, and tourists searching for the "real" Morocco have turned the medieval structures of Marrakech into a good business. The culture is one of the high points of the city, the maroccan people are very friendly and helpful if you need them. They are not affraid to show to the tourists the beauties of their country. |
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by chris1610
| 20 Mar 2007 | 60% |
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Great scenery and landscape. Can see why it has been popular over the years. Major downfall is the constant hastling you get as a tourist. On the first few days you can deal with it ok, but by the end we coulndt wait to leave the country. We had a few people get quite violent because we wouldnt buy from them! And heard bad stories from other tourists. My advice, be prepared for this. It doesnt make for a relaxing time. We didnt find locals to be particularly friendly or helpful. Many other travellers we spoke to shared a similar view. Also, there were too many tourists! unless you like feeling like your in a tourist trap, I wouldnt recommend it. Sorry, just being honest! |
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by Carola6258
| 20 Jan 2007 | 80% |
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Marrakech is a weird and wonderful place ... a labrinth of winding streets filled with shops, markets, workshops, food stalls and traditional souks. You cannot visit Marrakech without leaving with an emotional connection to the experience you have just had. You could love it or hate it, one moment it will drive you mad with the endless walking trying to find your hotel and the very next moment you will fall in love with the beautiful tile filled courtyards and the genuine Morroccan hospitality. Visit Marrakech with open eyes and an open mind and you will love everything it has to offer, a wonderful place that will leave you full of exciting stories and great momories. |
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by Rathergood
| 9 Jan 2007 | 60% |
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Chaotic city where nothing really works, very exciting for 3 or 4 days, but not enough to sustain your interest for a whole week. Jemaa al-Fna is where you'll spend most of your time, but be prepared for some seriously funky smells - poo and petrol is how I'd describe Marrakech! Reasonably interesting sights (Saadien Tombs are a bit of a let down), and you'll get them out of the way in two days. Souk shopping is an experience, but very wearing after a few days. Well worth a visit, but make sure you included other destinations in your Moroccan holiday, or organise a couple of day trips through the excellent Sahara Expeditions out there. |
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by Rathergood
| 9 Jan 2007 | 60% |
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Chaotic city where nothing really works, very exciting for 3 or 4 days, but not enough to sustain your interest for a whole week. Jemaa al-Fna is where you'll spend most of your time, but be prepared for some seriously funky smells - poo and petrol is how I'd describe Marrakech! Reasonably interesting sights (Saadien Tombs are a bit of a let down), and you'll get them out of the way in two days. Souk shopping is an experience, but very wearing after a few days. Well worth a visit, but make sure you included other destinations in your Moroccan holiday, or organise a couple of day trips through the excellent Sahara Expeditions out there. |
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by JoanneMarie
| 19 Feb 2007 | 80% |
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Very touristy and geared towards the tourist. Eating in the jamaa el fnaa square is not that cheap to be honest! Shopping is not too bad and you can barter most of the time. Some of the cafe's off the square are nice and reasonable. |
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by laracoop
| 12 Feb 2007 | 60% |
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this is a lively city with lots to see and do. the food stalls are a must and worth the little money spent on delicious foods. the men were too confrontational for me and can be quite intimidating. if your any good at bartering the shopping is great!! |
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by Jwsla7463
| 21 Jan 2007 | 60% |
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Fairly hectic place which is very interesting but you really do feel like another tourist with money but that accepted shouldnt spoil the place. |
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by chelseao419
| 2 Feb 2007 | 80% |
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If you are looking for a party city then Marrakech is not for you. But if you want to experience a new culture and are open to doing and seeing things you will probably never see at home then Marrakech should be high on your list!! |
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by juanesfer
| 1 Apr 2007 | 80% |
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This is a great city where the experience to be there is impossible to describe. From others you can see photos, from Marrakech you have to see, smell, listen, disccus. To know what really is Marrakech (specially it's Medina), you HAVE to be there. By moments, it's a journey in the time. You should like it or not, but it is sure that it is an unforgotable experience. |
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by nastyju
| 4 Apr 2007 | 80% |
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Marrakech is a pretty amazing city but very intense. From discussions with other people in Morocco at the time it seems Marrakech is a good place to go to once you get a better feel for Morocco. We went at the end of our trip and by then had got over the culture shock and mastered the are of ignoring the constant touts. This meant that we did not have the same experience of shell shock many other travellers had told us about. I have to say that Marrakech is not representative of Morocco, it is important to visit other places and not just the cities as some of the best places we found were the small towns, out of the tourist circuit. |
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by leeanna
| 19 Apr 2007 | 80% |
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excellent place to visit, really crazy and fun place, a total culture shock ! very highly recommended, great food, good value for money loads to see |
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by aeronleslie
| 7 Jan 2007 | 80% |
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a great learning experience. Lots to gain, a little stressful and anxious at times yet well worth it. If female better to travel with man. a few hassles... people hassling you quite frequently but all part of experience.,.. u get used to it and it really isnt that bad.. learn arabic when u go there. |
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by chrisjba
| 31 Jan 2007 | 80% |
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food was surprisingly bland, shopkeepers varied from really geniune friendly people to opportunistic, aggressive chauvinists! generally very stimulting, sensory overload. assertiveness is essential, along with confidence and optimism. remembering bartering is a fun way to make sure everyone wins, not a battle of nerves/victory/conquest. |
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by Aacarba
| 13 Apr 2007 | 100% |
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safe place..i recommend niki beach to go to the swimming pool and pacha marrakech and teatro as clubs...and to have a good dinner with belly dancers go to contoir restaurant.. |
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by SJGolasz
| 24 Apr 2007 | 100% |
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Beautiful city with great atmosphere and best of all cheap food. Fantastic time. Alcohol is a bit expensive though, and there are only a few nightclubs. |
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| 5 Jan 2007 | 80% |
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Marrakech is teeming with life, it is a fantastic, vibrant and colourful place, it may seems like non-stop chaos but there are possiblities to escape to some quiet corners, such as the Menara gardens. The architecture of the mosques, medarsa and palaces will blow you away. The people are extremely hospitable and friendly, you will not be hassled if you keep an open mind, get into the haggling game and choose to have a laugh with them... If you've got a decent of direction don't hesitate to go to the Mellah and Kasbah (old Jewish and Berber quarters) and refuse firmly (but always with a smile!) to be guided by the locals who will offer their help. If you've got no sense of directions, then by all means let be your guide... it's absolutely safe, they will bring you to your destination (eventually!) and tell you a few anecdote along the way... Of course you'll be asked for a few dirhams in return ;-) |
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by nlmcna
| 6 Dec 2006 | 60% |
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Overrated city. Compared to South East Asia it has little to offer. Everything is more expensive than commonly thought, too touristy and not much to see and do. The only highlight is the wonderful food, try the Tangine's!!! |
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by patricks6786
| 6 Dec 2006 | 100% |
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Need to know what prices to pay for photos etc but once you get the hang of things as good as it gets. For 1 male travelling with 3 hot girls things were much, much better than most people led us to believe. |
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by henson447
| 16 Feb 2007 | 60% |
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Marrakech was ok - I'm not great at haggling for the best price on things, so I always felt like I was being ripped off. The Morrocan people are nice enough but be wary, they are opportunists. If they're being friendly to you, at some point they'll ask for money for their services. They see money in every opportunity with tourists. Also a good idea to brush up on your French. Also, I would highly recommend taking a day trip or longer to Essaouira. Such a lovely coastal town and so much more laid back. You can even hire wind surfing or surfing gear. It was just really nice to get away form the whole hussle and bussel of Marrakech. Especially when I was getting disheartened with my poor shopping experiences. I would also highly, highly recommend Narwama restaurant. We walked in expecting your stock standard restaurant like you get around the main square, but WOW! is all I can say. Such a stunning venue and the food was amazing. A little bit more expensive than the run of the mill places about but so worth spending that little bit extra to get a touch of class and glam. A meal for two + alcohol only cost us 600 something dirhams. |
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by juliawei9999
| 6 Dec 2006 | 60% |
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We stayed in Dar Tamlil, one of the best riads in Marrakech for the price. There are others though, it just depends what you're willing to sacrifice. Taxi from the airport should be no more than 50 dirham, but you have to barter and stay firm! Everyone will want to become your "friend/guide" and sell you something as soon as it becomes even slightly obvious you're a tourist and aren't sure what to do. Ususally people arrange guides, rental cars and such through their Riad but the price will be higher. Dinner in the plaza Djemaa el Fna is relatively expensive for Marrakech and it's ok food, the place recommended by the Rutard guide near the arch to get to our Riad has good food and better price than the plaza. |
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by rachelweso
| 23 Jan 2007 | 100% |
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Definitely go to Morocco, particularly Marrakech! The souks are incredible, the food is delicious, getting around is easy, and it's cheap! I can't wait to return to Morocco! |
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| 10 Feb 2007 | 80% |
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Marrakech is a really interesting city, with enough to do, and places to chill to keep people happy for a good few days. Getting around isn't made easy - in the medina anyway - by the lack of streetsigns and the maze-like cityscape but overall a lovely place to visit that is good value. |
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by aimeej3072
| 31 Jan 2007 | 40% |
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this city is full of people that want your money so be prepared to fight for every thing you want to by. if someone helps you or you get lost and they show you were to go they will expect money from you. nothing is done out of good will |
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by shennyjane
| 26 Jan 2007 | 80% |
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There is plenty to see and plenty to eat; lots of fun! Eat in the main square at least once (for dinner); and try some mint tea. Keep your wits about you and don't be afraid to bargain. Enjoy :o) |
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by Louwei
| 19 Jan 2007 | 100% |
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Marrakech awakens the senses. If you have ever been, and loved, India then go!. Its only 3hr 45min away from UK and your in Africa! Watch the Kate Winslet film Hideous Kinky to be inspired! |
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by sonia8929
| 2 Mar 2007 | 100% |
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The weekend in the city is just the perfect way to escape grey and rainy London. It transports you to a different world. Its people are kind and generous, friendly and alwayys smiling!. The shopping is a great chance to improve your haggling skills and food is so fresh and tasty...You can also visit the Atlas mountains, or go to the beach, the options are limitless...I'd definitely want to come back to Marrakesh soon! |
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by JHart4537
| 30 Jan 2007 | 100% |
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Have visited Marrakech several times, it is a city of contrasts, the people are all very friendly,even for female travellers you always feel safe and people go out of their way to offer help, especially when you get lost in the Souks! The roads are busy with cars, motor bikes and donkey and carts,and horse drawn carriages,with all this mayhem going on there is no road rage, everyone is tolerant,but be careful how you croos the road as traffic comes from every direction. If you get a chance eat and drink at African'Chic a relaxed atmosphere with a happy hour till 9pm, live music,good tapas,and dancing with excellent customer service.So much to do and see not enough time. |
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by siobh9296
| 23 Mar 2007 | 80% |
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This city is intoxicating in every way - definitely an assault on the senses. There are no bars in the medina, so either bring your own and sit out on your rooftop with your friends, or go to a nice restaurant and have fun there. But that's not really what the city is about - it's about the colours, the people, the music and the interaction. Oh, and the shopping.... |
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by raediant
| 3 Apr 2007 | 20% |
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although marrakech is typicallt over priced being a popular destination spot for europeans, its is a convenient location to jump off anywhere else to morocco and affords so great shopping opportunities as well as for eating! better to fly into here than casablanca. |
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by fortelli
| 6 Apr 2007 | 80% |
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The Medina feels like walking back in time many centuries. Looking for something authentic? Avoid hotels in the new city and stay at a Riad in the medina, as close to the Jema el-Fnaa square as possible. If you enjoy shopping in crowded markets and bargaining the price, you'll be at home in the Souks! Don't miss the Villa Majorelle gardens! |
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| 28 Mar 2007 | 40% |
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Lots of weird and wondering sights and smells, plenty of culture to soak up, but it's the kinda place you'd visit exactly once. |
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by Gsmcfa
| 12 Nov 2007 | 80% |
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Marrakech is not for the faint hearted. It isn\'t for those that want a peaceful, relaxing holiday, it is not for those that are not prepared to get involved in \'local\' activities. It is very definitely for those that like to mix with the locals, experience things outside the cultural norm, and go shopping! The main square in the Medina is just full of culture - snake charmers, acrobats, story tellers, etc. and these are here largely for the locals, not the tourists. The market is hassley, but again, full of charm and culture and interesting back alleys. The food is wonderful, if you like to eat locally and cheaply. Alcohol is, understandably, hard to find except at a couple of posh bars. We enjoyed ourselves and came away feeling like we had \'experienced\' and not just \'seen\' a part of Morocco that is encompassing tourism and traditionalism very effectively. A visit of about 2-3 days is enough, but they will be a very memorable 2-3 days - with the proviso that you are prepared to mix with local culture and eat local food. |
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by sard1
| 16 Nov 2007 | 100% |
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very good!! authentic!! LA GENT potser no viu molt bè, hi ha buticia i moltes olors al carrer, pero els turistes estem com reis als nostres riads!! es un fantastic retorn a l\'edat medieval |
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by mindyp7761
| 15 Nov 2007 | 80% |
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One of the cooler places that I have traveled to. If you can, go to the Atlas mountains (Ourika Valley) through www.moroccanviews.com. The owner, Hassan, is the most helpful and generous person that will bend over backwards in order to make sure you are getting everything you deserve not only from his services, but from Marrakech as a city. We stayed an extra day thanks to Hassan. |
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by richme9756
| 16 Nov 2007 | 40% |
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We loved Marrakech.You need patience and humour to cope with the insistent attempts to sell you all manner of goods...but handled properly, this can be great fun and people are always happy and smiling... be courteous and keep smiling....Try the centre artisanal for purchases if you want fixed prices and not too much hard selling! We would recommend the textile stall organised by a co-operative for women with disabilities...friendly people with excellent products. A trip out to the Ourika valley was something special... but... again...expect a good many retail opportunities even half way up a mountain! |
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by kbottr695
| 17 Nov 2007 | 80% |
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A real cultural experience, amazing food and markets, great weather. It\'s the type of place that you could easily do in a few days or you could take more time and do some trips outside the city. Enjoy! |
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by poch5287129
| 21 Nov 2007 | 20% |
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this is the best place we have stayed in all trip. the value is incredible and tiana, the manager, is simply awesome. he took us to the local hammam which was also a terrific cultural experience. everything about this place is genuine! |
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by alu4840
| 22 Nov 2007 | 100% |
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Great hostal would stay here again. Only problem was trying to get there. I arrived at night and some of the streets dont have lights especially after the stores close so it was scary. The hostal is beautiful and very clean. Everyone there was nice and helpful and the breakfast is really good. |
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by pitico696064
| 20 Nov 2007 | 60% |
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very expensive.. if you compare with other places. for shopping is very nice if you can deal with the salesman asking for rebate .. very different city just to go once,, best , was the tour for the desert but never take sahara expedition , take another one.. |
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| 6 May 2008 | 40% |
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Great cheap place to go, to see and experience a culture like no other, great for student trips and budget trip. See the moroccan culture, experience a little bit of the small towns around or even the sahara desert. Great place to go, to relax, to adventure and to bargain for anything. |
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