10 Marrakesh Travel Tips I Wish I Knew Before My First Visit

10 things to know before going to Marrakesh

1. How to Haggle in Marrakesh Without Getting Ripped Off

If you’re heading into the souks of Marrakesh, get ready to haggle, because nothing has a fixed price. It can feel overwhelming at first, but trust me, it’s part of the culture and actually expected. 

One of the best Marrakesh souk tips I can give is: never accept the first price. I usually start at about a third of what they ask and work from there. And if the price doesn’t feel right? Walk away. 

Nine times out of ten, they’ll call you back. Locals are super friendly, so keep it lighthearted. Smile, joke a little, and don’t show too much excitement about what you want to buy. 

Also, carry small bills. It makes negotiating easier and avoids awkward “no change” moments. But as of 2025, most sellers accept card payments without any extra charge.

If you’re wondering how to haggle in Marrakesh without getting ripped off, just remember: confidence, patience, and knowing when to walk away. Also, ask around to get an approximate value of your desired item.

💡 Local tip: Some vendors may offer you tea during negotiations, especially for larger purchases, such as rugs or leather goods. It’s a sign they’re taking you seriously, not a trap. The longer you stay, the more flexible the price usually becomes.

2. Here’s How to Navigate Marrakesh’s Old Town

Getting lost in the Marrakesh medina is almost a rite of passage. Even with Google Maps, you’ll quickly realize it’s not much help once you’re inside the narrow alleyways and winding souks. 

The streets are chaotic, full of turns that lead to more turns, and you’ll often find yourself walking in circles. But honestly? That’s part of the charm. 

One of my top Marrakesh medina tips is to drop a pin on your riad as soon as you arrive and download the map offline. You’ll thank yourself later. 

And if someone insists on helping you find your way, know that they’ll likely expect a tip or try to lead you to their friend’s shop. It’s not dangerous, just part of the hustle.

3. Don’t Trust Everyone: Common Tourist Scams in Marrakesh

Scams in Marrakesh are unfortunately part of the experience, especially in tourist spots like the Medina and Jemaa el-Fnaa square. From my multiple visits, I’ve learned that knowing how to avoid scams in Marrakesh is key to enjoying your trip. 

The most common scams include “helpful” strangers offering unsolicited guidance, overpriced taxi rides, and vendors pressuring you to buy goods or take photos for a fee. 

One classic example is someone insisting a famous attraction or souk entrance is closed, then offering to lead you somewhere “better,” which usually means their friend’s shop. 

Always agree on taxi prices before getting in, and use official taxi stands when possible. Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying expensive gadgets openly, as this can make you a target. 

🚫 Other scams in Marrakesh to be aware of:

• street performers like snake charmers or dancers asking for money after photos
• “free” henna tattoos that end up costing a lot
• fake police officers asking to check your wallet or passport
• misleading currency exchange.

4. What to Wear in Marrakesh as a Tourist (Especially for Women)

One of the first questions I had before visiting Morocco was what to wear in Marrakesh, and after a few trips, I can confidently say: dress modestly, but comfortably. 

While Marrakesh is more tourist-friendly than other parts of the country, it’s still a conservative city, and it’s important to respect the local culture. 

As a woman, I always stick to breathable fabrics that cover my shoulders and knees, especially when walking through the Medina or visiting religious sites.

Compared to other Moroccan cities, the dress code in Marrakesh is super relaxed, so there are no strict rules. But dressing modestly really does make you feel more comfortable and blend in better. Plus, it helps you avoid unwanted attention.

5. Why You Should Always Carry Small Change in Marrakesh

One of the simplest but most useful Marrakesh travel tips I can give you: always carry small change. It’s something I didn’t think about on my first trip, and I ended up awkwardly over-tipping or fumbling through large bills when I didn’t need to. 

Tipping etiquette in Marrakesh is more casual than strict, but tips are expected in a lot of everyday situations. Whether it’s someone helping with your luggage at the riad, or even letting you take a photo of their stall or street performance.

Having 5, 10, or 20 dirham coins or notes on hand makes it easy to tip appropriately without overpaying or offending anyone. I also recommend keeping it separately from larger bills, which will come in handy for haggling as well.

6. Best Place to Stay in Marrakesh for First-Time Visitors

If it’s your first time in the city and you’re wondering where to stay in Marrakesh, my honest answer is: book a riad in the Medina, but choose it carefully. 

Riads are traditional Moroccan homes turned into boutique guesthouses, and staying in one is one of the best parts of the Marrakesh experience. You’ll get beautiful tiled courtyards, rooftop terraces, and a more local feel than you would in a generic hotel. 

But not all riads are equal. One of my top Marrakesh riad tips is to pick one close to a main street or landmark. Also, check if they offer airport pickup or at least walking assistance from the closest taxi drop-off point, because you often can’t drive directly to the door. 

A quiet street is a bonus because the Medina can get loud. Personally, I love staying somewhere with a rooftop view where you can unwind after a hectic day in the souks. It makes all the difference after hours of exploring.

Top riads in the Medina of Marrakech:

• Luxury: La Sultana
• Mid-Range: Riad Botanica, Riad Ekla Boutique Hotel, Riad L’ Atelier, Riad BE Marrakech, Riad Nelia Signature
• Budget-Friendly: Riad El Youssoufi

During our time in Marrakesh, we stayed in 3 different riads (it was too hard to pick just one!). I personally loved the area around Bacha Coffee and absolutely hated the southern part of Medina around the Bahia Palace.

7. Can You Drink Tap Water in Marrakesh?

Drinking tap water in Marrakesh isn’t recommended for visitors. While it’s generally safe for locals, tourists often experience stomach issues due to different bacteria their bodies aren’t used to. 

It’s best to stick to bottled water, not just for drinking, but also for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is easy to find and inexpensive, available at corner shops, cafes, and most riads. Some accommodations provide it for free. 

If you want to cut down on plastic, bring a water bottle with a built-in filter. It’s a simple precaution that can help you avoid getting sick and having your trip ruined.

8. Why You Should Pre-Book Your Marrakesh Airport Transfer

If you’re wondering how to get from Marrakesh airport to your riad or hotel, here’s my honest advice: pre-book your transfer. The arrival area at Marrakesh Menara Airport can be chaotic, especially if it’s your first time. 

Taxis are available outside, but prices are inconsistent and often inflated; many drivers refuse to use the meter and will quote whatever they think they can get away with. 

One of the best Marrakesh airport tips I’ve learned is to arrange a pickup through your riad or a reputable company in advance. It’s usually affordable, often cheaper than haggling at the airport, and saves you the hassle of navigating unfamiliar streets with luggage. 

Some riads will even send someone to meet you and walk you through the Medina to your accommodation. Trust me, this is a lifesaver if your riad is tucked deep inside. Pre-booking also gives you peace of mind after a long flight.

9. Overwhelmed in Marrakesh? Here’s How to Handle the Culture Shock

It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed on your first time in Marrakesh. Narrow alleys packed with people, the constant hum of scooters, and the nonstop energy of the souks. Add the heat, bargaining, and unfamiliar customs, and it can feel like a lot. 

One of the most helpful Marrakesh culture tips is to slow down your pace and not try to “conquer” the city in a day. Plan time to wander, but also time to rest. Expect a different rhythm and let it guide you. 

You’ll notice things don’t always go as planned in Marrakesh, and that’s okay. Embrace it. Give yourself a few hours to adjust, and you’ll start to appreciate the chaos as part of the charm. 

And if it gets too much? Step into a quiet hammam, order mint tea, and take a break. Highly recommend booking a riad with a pool for an afternoon break. You don’t have to do everything at once.

Even as someone who travels full time, a couple of hours in souks feels like a full day of exploring. So if you are trying to put together your Marrakesh itinerary, keep it simple. Also, start exploring early and relax in the afternoon.

10. Visiting Marrakesh on a Friday? What Tourists Should Know

If your trip overlaps with a Friday, there are a few things to keep in mind. It’s a holy day in Morocco, similar to Sunday in many Western countries. 

One of the most important things to know before going to Marrakesh is that Friday is when many locals attend the main prayer at the mosque around midday. 

That means some shops, food stalls, and even museums might close for a few hours, especially in more traditional neighborhoods. The Medina is still open, but it might feel quieter until the afternoon. 

On the flip side, Friday is also the day for couscous, a traditional dish served in many Moroccan homes and local restaurants, so it’s the perfect day to try an authentic couscous lunch. 

As far as Marrakesh travel tips go, Fridays are a great time to explore less crowded areas or enjoy a slower-paced day. Just be respectful around mosques and avoid photographing worshippers or prayer gatherings.

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