Steeped in history, culture, and architecture—Marrakesh, also known as Marrakech, is a city of the Kingdom of Morocco. It is the fourth-largest city in the country and is the capital city of the mid-southwestern region of Marrakesh-Safi. The city is located at the foothills of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Marrakech was founded in 1062 by Yusuf ibn Tashfin, leader of the Moroccan Almoravid Empire. Today the modern and the ancient worlds coexist comfortably with each other. The city has labyrinthine streets, huge courtyards, well-maintained gardens, and exquisite mosaics. The city is best navigated with a guide, particularly someone who knows the city well. Marrakech plays an important part in the economy of Morocco. Improvements in infrastructure have led to a dramatic rise in the number of visitors to the ancient city—over two million tourists annually. The French especially have taken a liking to Marrakech and many French celebrities have bought property in the city.
Despite the global recession of 2007, people invested heavily in Marrakech's real estate. The city saw substantial developments in tourism, including hotels and leisure centers, golf courses, and health spas. In 2012, 19 new hotels were scheduled to open and have since made a significant contribution to the local and national economy. Avenue Mohammed VI boasts of Africa's largest nightclub, Pacha Marrakech, and also has two large cinema complexes, Le Colisée à Gueliz and Cinéma Rif, and a new shopping precinct, Al Mazar.
Local buses:The local buses in the city are usually packed to the rafters by locals and other people. If you don't enjoy being stuck in this, it is best to check out the taxis or even travel on foot.Taxi:Marrakech has two types of taxis. The smaller 'petit taxi' and the bigger 'grand taxi'. The small ones are best used for inter-city travel while the bigger taxis can be hired for excursions outside the city.All taxis have a taximeter, but most taxi drivers don't use it. A good tip is to ensure that the drivers don't forget to turn it on and it is always best to negotiate the price before starting the journey.Horse-drawn carriages:This is one of the traditional ways to get around the ancient city of Marrakech. This is a must-do at least once.
Cleanliness: Moderate, Efficiency: Moderate
The distance from the airport to the city is about 3 miles or 5 km. The air-conditioned airport bus that leaves every 20 minutes costs MAD 30, one-way or round-trip (within two weeks). A taxi from the airport to the city costs MAD 60. Another cheap option is to try the grand-taxi at the roundabout already traveling in the direction of the city which will cost 5 MAD per seat.
Trains run between Marrakech and Casablanca, including the International Airport, cost Dh 84 for 2nd class and Dh150 for 1st class.
Marrakech also has horse-drawn carriages that usually congregate at Pl de Foucauld. It is not only a convenient but also a fun-filled way of exploring the city and is quite inexpensive. The rates are fixed at Dh120 per hour.
Suggest an Edit - Share your experience| Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Water Bottle | USD 0.51 |
| Cup of Coffee | USD 1.23 |
| Milk Carton Pack | USD 0.72 |
| Rice/Kg | USD 1.13 |
| White Bread | USD 0.61 |
| Eggs (12) | USD 1.23 |
| Combo Meal | USD 5.32 |
| Fine Dining | USD 35.81 |
| Bottle of Coke or Pepsi | USD 0.51 |
| Domestic Beer | USD 3.07 |
| Imported Beer | USD 3.07 |
| Bottle of Wine | USD 5.01 |
| Cigarettes (20 Pack) | USD 3.07 |
| Taxi ( 1 km ) | USD 0.72 |
| Ticket in local transport (Single way). | USD 0.41 |
| Rent ( One Bed Room) | USD 355.19 |
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The nightlife in Marrakesh is at best throbbing, vibrant, and has a youthful vibe to it. Some of the most hip-and-happening hotspots of town are:
L’EPICURIEN
L’Epicurien is a glamorous bar with resident DJs. A night here is always fun whether you dance or enjoy a drink with friends.
NIKKI BEACH
Enjoy a relaxing night by the beach at Nikki Beach, a complex of bars, restaurants, and swimming pools situated at the Palmeraies area of Marrakech.
SO LOUNGE
The Sofitel Hotel hosts this hotspot with its live music and dance floors. Enjoy the separate shisha area and gorge on a delicious spread of traditional Moroccan cuisine.
MAMA AFRIKA
This African-themed bar is just the hip place to hang out with friends. Serving a wide array of food, it is a popular place for socializing. For your entertainment, several live bands keep the party going.
MARIINSKI
Head to Mariinski for a Russian flavor in the heart of Marrakech. The happening spot has cabaret dancers with pulsating music. Open to late hours in the night, the unique spot promises glimpses of the erotica.
Jemaa el-Fnaa
The Jemaa el-Fnaa market is the most happening place in Marrakech. During the daytime, the market is abuzz with henna-tattoo artists, snake charmers, and other entertainers. At night, the many stalls sell traditional dishes that attract tourists to this heart of the city.
Jardin Majorelle
Jardin Majorelle, a garden created by French painter Jacques Majorelle, is one of the best places to have a relaxing evening in its quaint little trails and peaceful streams with over 300 species of plants.
Koutoubia Mosque
The Koutoubia Mosque is one of the many architectural marvels of the city with its 12th-century architecture replete with ornate interiors and arches.
Traditional Riad
No trip to Marrakech is complete without a stay at a traditional Riad, a house of tranquility and relaxation. These offer bedrooms and roof terraces that give a birds-eye view of the city.
Tombs
The city is home to tombs of the rulers of the Saadi Dynasty. They were discovered in 1917 and are decorated with bright tiles and intricate carvings.
Tanneries
The northeast of the city is home to the city's famed tanneries. It boasts of several items from bags to dresses and it is fascinating to see how they are made.
Museums
Marrakech has several museums, including the Dar si Said, which displays Moroccan architecture and objects. The Marrakech Museum exhibits embroidery and contemporary art. In the new part of town, contemporary art galleries display works of local talent.
Souks
A trip to Marrakech is enhanced by visiting its many enchanting markets. The city boasts of several traditional souks where you can find rare literature and handicrafts.
Argan Oil: Produced nowhere else in the world, this is always a great buy.
Ceramics: Marrakesh is known for its exquisite ceramic pottery.
Clothes: From dresses to djellabas, many items are handmade and yet affordable.
Leather Goods: Moroccan leather is still produced in an old-fashioned way.
Lanterns: A handmade lantern is a great souvenir to take home.
Spices: High-quality spices are inexpensive and also easy to transport.
Carpets: Moroccan rugs are exquisite with plenty of options and price ranges.
Weather
TimeZone
Ambulance
Police
Electric socket
Marrakesh Menara Airport - RAK
Start Tariff: MAD 7.00
1 Km. Tariff: MAD 7.00
1 Hour Waiting Tariff: MAD 55.00
Monthly Average Temperature & Rainfall
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