Marrakesh is probably best known for its lively souk, a maze of small streets and shops selling all types of spices, clothing, and art. Walking around the narrow streets is a crazy but fun experience, with shop owners shouting from all directions to attract attention to their products, people racing through the crowds on bikes and scooters, and locals transporting items with donkeys hitched to carts—all in streets as narrow as a hallway.
Other places we visited included the Palais de la Bahia (which was a bit of a disappointment) and the beautiful Jardin Majorelle. We also visited the Yves Saint Laurent Museum and the House of Photography, which we definitely recommend. Another great experience is signing up for the bike tours with Pikala. You can choose a city tour or one through the outskirts of the city. Both are absolute highlights, and the great thing is that all the money they earn is invested in the local community. Also, don’t forget to tip your guide!
Marrakesh is definitely a food lover’s paradise where you can indulge in local and traditional Moroccan cuisine at many wonderful food stands and restaurants. An absolute highlight for us was the dinner show at Comptoir Darna and dining at Dar Zellij. For lunch, we recommend Café Pikala and Mandala Society, and don’t forget to grab a drink on the rooftop of El Fenn.
For accommodation, we stayed in two traditional riads, which added a special touch to our Marrakesh experience. Riad BE and Riad Kreme offered us warm Moroccan hospitality and beautifully designed interiors. Both riads were located on quiet streets, providing a perfect escape from the bustling city.
Escaping the winter to Marrakesh was a perfect idea, with daytime temperatures around 20 degrees Celsius and mild nights. Although New Year’s Eve isn’t a major celebration due to religious customs, most restaurants and cafés celebrate it with special (and sometimes very expensive) menus. We made a reservation at +61, a small, aesthetic restaurant where we experienced great food and danced into the new year.
