Marrakesh as an independent traveller?

[Pjnow]

After years of sticking to package tours with DH and DC, I've recently been a bit more adventurous (and thrify) and travelling independently. It's been great, although I admit mostly successful because everyone in big European cities/resorts speaks good English, and they "feel" mostly safe.

There's something I'd like to do in Marrakesh in January. What do I need to know?

You won't have a relaxing time. The Medina and jemaa el fnaa are interesting (although for me don't warrant more than a day), but there isn't much else to do in the city, and you can't just relax in a cafe and watch the world go by as you will be constantly hassled. I didn't feel unsafe though (however, I was in my forties and I suspect it would be very different if I was younger). I also didn't go out by myself after dark, so no idea if that would have felt safe.

If you have time to get out of the city though, the Atlas mountains are stunning and you can actually relax!

We've visited Marrakesh a few times now and always found loads to do. We've also found plenty of places to relax with a coffee or lunch. There's gardens, galleries, shops and just walking around taking it all in - a wonderful city to visit.

Honestly the worst bit for me was crossing the roads at night because the scooters are crazy and don't respect the crossings!

Very easy - just book a hotel and a flight; ask your hotel to send a car to the airport.
Pick a hotel with a pool, but bear in mind that evenings could be chilly.
There's plenty to do, and "hassle" is minimal , although be prepared to barter.
The medina/souk need more than one day - also spend plenty of time in cafes just taking in the atmosphere.
Your hotel could probably arrange for you to go on a Guided trip to the Atlas you trains.
Dress modestly outside the hotel, and you'll be fine.
I loved Marrakesh - we had a great "no Christmas" Christmas there a few years ago.

I found the food pretty poor tbh. I like all types of food but found the food there really plain. I do drink but didn't on that holiday, as I'd heard that if you want alcohol you have to plan your eating around the few places which serve alcohol and it just didn't seem worth it for me.

In terms of things to know, I don't think it's too different from European cities. ATMs have a small fee, nothing major, phones work, use a European adapter for electricals.

I loved Marrakesh as a solo traveller. One day in the souk, one day on a walking tour which included the Sadiaan tombs. Visited the gardens, took day trips to Atlas Mountains and Essouria. And did a great one day cookery course.

I booked a great desert safari and meal out and camel riding trip via trip advisor. Also go to Les bains de Marrakech for a hammam

I went to Morocco and went through Marrakesh for a couple of days. In broad daylight, a man came off his stall in jemaa el fnaa, grabbed me by the shoulder turned me round and promptly, grabbed my hand to shake it and said, come into my shop.

I snatched my hand away and said, no.Thank you. He followed me and restated his demands, and I said, leave me alone and he continued following the screaming I fucking hate you at me.

I wasn't alone either.I had a friend with me.Also female.

The problem was countries like this, in which they ve never lived in a western society, is that they see women who are more scantily clad than their islamic standard.And they immediately think youre fair game.

I wouldn't go there alone and quite frankly, Morocco is a shit hole - while the urban areas are anyway. There's very little to do in Marrakesh, and I have no desire to ever go back.

I'm not sure why it appeals, apart from the "adventure" TBH. I hate crowds, love mountains.

I went and spent 2 days there alone then joined an intrepid travel group for hiking in the mountains and Essouira. Enjoyed it but did get some hassle in the souk on my own.

There's better mountain ranges than that though

I found it very easy to navigate and had zero issues in the week while I was there. I wasn’t hassled by men either, just occasionally merchants trying to get me to buy their wares in the market.

How interesting - completely the opposite to my experience. Moroccan omelette was the best I ever have and the lamb was to die for.

i don’t really drink but alcohol was available in most places so it won’t be a problem.

Really enjoyed it.

Marrakech is a lovely city and it’s really easy to plan a do it yourself holiday. We didn’t find the hassle intrusive or irritating - it is so so much less than in some other North African cities such as Luxor. We wandered around late at night, and I was also out alone at night a couple of times, and didn’t feel in the least bit threatened. Morocco has always felt a very safe country when we’ve been, and Moroccan people are really friendly and helpful, but I think it’s important to dress respectfully and not wander round in shorts and camisole tops. We hired a car the last time we were in Marrakech and went on a couple of day trips to Essaouira and the waterfalls, and the roads were surprisingly good. I think morocccan food is incredibly under rated, and we’ve had some wonderful meals in Morocco.

I absolutely loved it. I found the food very flavoursome, I guess like anywhere it depends where you go. A lady came to my palace (air b and b but absolutely amazing with a pool and reasonable price) and made me incredible breakfasts every morning.
I found so much to do. Plenty of cafes, I particularly liked one by the park at Yves St Laurent museum. Bought lots of fabric, clothes and towels.
I think dressing scantily as one poster said she did would be a little unusual. I did not see anyone being harassed other than by some children asking for money but they were funny rather than threatening.

I’m disabled and use a wheelchair.

been three times.

if you have not been to Africa/the middle east before then yes the markets and so on have shop owners who will try to talk to you. It takes a bit of getting used to.

in my experience if you ignore or just say no it’s fine.

many locals were very helpful with my wheelchair.

there are many museums and places to see.

maybe not the best if you don’t like crowds though,

(I) found the food there really plain

What?!!! Seriously? I found it wonderful. The warm spices, the flaky pastries, the fruits... I can't think of anything more flavourful then a tagine, for instance.

Anyway, I travelled independently and stayed in a riad in the Medina, and it was great. I was treated with such kindness and consideration by my host, and by people wherever I went, save for the heart of the souk. That's the only downside. It's pretty impossible to just browse or ask for a price. It's all very intense. But eventually I found some shops with fixed prices, so just wandered the souks for the atmosphere.

I'd love to go back

Went for 4 days last December.

Yes you will get hassled especially in the main square and will be rippled off at every turn and should haggle for everything. It is expected.

You will get lost in the souk and people will offer to help you escape and then ask for payment.

the food can be a bit bland (tajines especially) but we enjoyed one of the best meals I have ever eaten at Le Slimana

go on a cycle tour with Pikala bikes - this was brilliant! Their sister cafe also does lovely (vegan) food

visit the Amina gardens which is about 40 mins outside city. You can get a free bus from the clocktower (wise to book this online)

have a massage in a hamman

We went on a day trip to the desert which included a visit to hair oil place (tourist rip off)
, trip round a local market, walk to a waterfall (underwhelming), scenic walk to the home of our guide for lunch and then back via a short camel ride. A good day all told (lots of insta opportunities) which packed a lot in albeit formulaic

plenty to keep you busy and we felt very safe even at night

Stay in a traditional riad with a hamman.
When you go out, wear long trousers, shoulders covered, long sleeves and carry a scarf to pull over your head.
Don’t get sucked into locals persuading you/ showing you/ draping snakes/ trying to get payment for photos.
A big smile and a Non Merci very firmly and be assertive and confident.