To ask how to fill 3 days in marrakech?

[Singingwiththepain]

Once travel restrictions allow and Morocco opens up again, I'm tempted to pay for my parents to visit Marrakech. They've talked about it for a while and I've found a deal with a fabulous riad for 3 nights.

I visited Marrakech a few years ago and really wasn't keen but they want to go. I spent most afternoons at the hotel pool due to the heat, but this riad doesn't have one.

So is there enough to do/see for 3 days? My dad is mid 70s so can't do loads of walking or visit a really hilly place.

Thanks!

@Annon12345

I hated marrackech. I actually googled flights home the moment I got to hotel. The smell, noise, constant hassling, unable to get a taxi anywhere without being dropped off at the drivers brothers rug shop, I wore sunglasses everywhere to avoid eye contact with everyone. The rude restaurant owners shouting when we hadn't tipped correctly and the food positioning only thing that made it slightly bearable was the pool at the hotel so booking one without would be an absolute no for me.

You are probably more suited to Dubai. Maybe you are not intrepid?

I love Marrakesh, have been three times and had a lovely trip with my mum. My parents have also been on their own and enjoyed it. Would advise somewhere with a pool though and somewhere to relax. We went in March and it was hot and we were glad for one. We like the dust and the noise and were not hassled too much but it is nice to get back to the calm of a hotel. Can spend hours just watching over the main square with mint tea. The Bains de Marrakesh spa was beautiful and might be nice for mum and definitely a 4x4 trip to the Atlas mountains. Majorelle gardens are nice and also the Saadien tombs. Taxis are cheap and even just driving around is an experience. Can't wait to go back.

@BuggerBognor

You are probably more suited to Dubai. Maybe you are not intrepid?

That’s rude to the PP. I hated it too. I’ve traveled extensively - for work and pleasure. Every continent, at least once, probably 40 or 50 different countries. (I’ve never counted). I still hate Marrakech, because it’s a shit hole and I prefer not to be sexually assaulted everywhere I go (by multiple men concurrently in Djemma al Fnaa, while exactly the same thing was happening to my sister). Fussy I know.

I also dislike Dubai, just for different reasons - but at least it’s (generally) safe for women.

Sorry to jump on the bandwagon but I hated it too.

The only thing I took away from that holiday was that I now donate to charities who look after working donkeys, after seeing the appalling conditions of some of the donkeys there.

I don't think it's 'not intrepid' to not want to go on holiday where you'll be endlessly sexually harrassed and pestered to buy things you don't want while witnessing poverty and animal cruelty.

Of course there's horrific inequality in the world, but it's not going to be solved by guilting and conning relatively affluent tourists out of a few quid.

I love marrakech and have been 4 times.
A cooking day is fab - the faime de espice (badly spelt) is really good and I went on a hen do as well as with parents.

A tour of the markets

If they like gardens the Jardine majorelle

A hammam

Stay at a proper riad not a hotel outside the walls unless you want a normal hotel experience

I’m actually kind of relieved to see so many posts saying they hated Marrakech. So did I and I’ve always felt a bit uncool.

They’ll need a place with a pool.

Jardine Majorette
The blue garden is definitely worth a visit

Secondly, eat coffee & cake high up in a roof top cafe, with a view of the main market at night

Jardine Majorelle

Hire a guide. It needs unlocking and explaining.

I absolutely loved it and other than being hassled to buy in the souks, I was treated really courteously and generously.

When I was in Marrakesh (only meant to be a week) I made friends with a local and ended up staying with his family for 3 months. One of the best experiences I've ever had.

When we were there about seven years ago we went to a really fantastic show which included a meal. Off hand I can’t remember what it was called but something along the lines of Fantasia.

Just to add we booked in through the riad that we stayed at.

It is called Fantasia I googled. It hasn’t got the best reviews now but it was honestly the best evening and meal of our trip lol.

I would really recommend anywhere else in Morocco but if they must go the Jardine majorelle (buy the tickets at the attached YSL museum to skip the queue) and a day trip to Essaouira

I had a great time, the old town is amazing as is Jardine Majorelle and the suk, food is amazing. It has a stinky vibe and the hastle I got when I walked down the street alone was vile.
Had constipation for two weeks after I came home.

Dobt go to Marrakesh visit a different part of Morocco. Tangier, Asia, Rabat

Auto correct Asila

Another vote for Limoni restaurant! It’s at street level, so no stairs to climb. It’s a large, airy space with lemon trees inside, calm atmosphere and good service. The food wasn’t memorable but it’s just a nice space to be in.

I love Marrakech, but that dirty dusty North African feel is not for everyone. It's a lot of hassle, camels and smells if you move out of a nice hotel resort. A riad wouldn't be suitable for someone with mobility issues, they are a maze of stairs and roof terraces. Getting to the riad will likely be a long walk around narrow winding uneven alleyways. If they're looking for history Jordan is an amazing place. Amman is a good base and within striking distance of Petra for a day trip. Also Istanbul, absolutely loads to do and see and cheap (well they were) flights and accommodation.

We went at Christmas time. It was quite cool. Jeans and t shirt weather and chilly in the evenings. But it was lovely. If your dad has limited mobility it might be worth getting a guide. It’s quite chaotic and he may find it hard with all the hustle and bustle.

I don’t get this. What are your original reasons for going?

I have travelled a lot and for me there wasn’t enough good in Marrakesh to offset the bad things, including animal cruelty. The animals in cages in the markets and monkeys chained to trees to tempt visitors into shops and restaurants in the Atlas Mountains, plus when you read about what they do to the snakes, donkeys, horses etc it is quite upsetting.

I went 12 years ago, so possibly it’s improved, but it’s the one place I have been that I wouldn’t go back to.