The moment I stepped into Marrakesh's famous square for the first time, I felt the heartbeat of Morocco. The colors, sounds, and smells pulled me into a world so different from what many travelers know. Today, I want to share my adventure through this incredible city that continues to capture my heart time after time.
Waking Up in Marrakesh: A Different World at Dawn
Morocco
There's something magical about Marrakesh in the early morning that few tourists ever see. One morning during my stay, I woke up before sunrise and ventured out to the famous main square. What a difference from the evening before!
Where the night before had been "jam-packed with market stalls everywhere, people everywhere," the morning square was almost empty, peaceful and quiet. As I walked through at 7:30 AM, it felt like a completely different place. This is one of my favorite secrets about Marrakesh - if you want to experience the famous square without the crowds, wake up early!
The morning light illuminates the city in a gentle glow, turning ordinary streets into golden pathways. I remember standing there, coffee in hand, watching as the city slowly came to life - a peaceful moment before the wonderful chaos begins.
The Heart of Marrakesh: The Main Square
Anyone who has visited Marrakesh knows about "the square." As I like to tell visitors, this isn't just any square - it's the beating heart of the city. During the day and especially at night, it transforms into what I affectionately call the "Hectic Square" - a nickname I gave it after my first overwhelming visit years ago.
By afternoon and evening, the square buzzes with energy - food vendors, storytellers, musicians, snake charmers, and endless market stalls create a sensory experience like no other. I remember my first night there, feeling both overwhelmed and completely alive as I wandered through the crowds, the air filled with spice scents and the sounds of drums and voices calling out to passersby.
For first-time visitors, my advice is simple: embrace the beautiful chaos! Yes, it's hectic, loud, and sometimes overwhelming, but it's also one of the most authentic experiences you'll have in Morocco. Just keep your belongings close and your sense of adventure closer.
Finding Peace in Marrakesh Gardens
When the energy of the square becomes too much, I always head to my favorite escape: the beautiful gardens of Marrakesh. During my last visit, I walked to what locals call the "Majorelle Garden" (though my French pronunciation needs work!).
"It is so gorgeous here," I remember thinking as I wandered along the pathways lined with exotic plants and vibrant blue structures. The contrast between the busy medina and these peaceful gardens always amazes me. The bright blues against the green plants and terracotta buildings create a photographer's dream.
For visitors who need a break from shopping and negotiating, these gardens offer the perfect retreat. The entrance fee is worth every dirham for a few hours of tranquility. Bring a book, find a bench in the shade, and listen to the fountains and birds - it's my favorite way to recharge before diving back into the medina.
Staying in a Traditional Riad: The True Moroccan Experience
One of my strongest recommendations for visitors is to skip the big hotels and stay in a traditional riad. These old houses built around central courtyards offer an authentic Moroccan experience that no hotel chain can match.
During my stay, I was lucky to find a beautiful riad that felt like stepping into another world. With traditional tiles (what we call "zellige"), an open roof that let the morning light stream in, and the most helpful staff, it was the highlight of my accommodation experiences.
"This may be the cutest place I've ever been," I remember thinking as I explored every corner of our riad. Many have rooftop terraces where you can enjoy breakfast with views over the city, watching the sun rise over the minarets while enjoying fresh orange juice and Moroccan crepes.
What makes riads special isn't just their beauty, but the hospitality. In our riad, even when I wasn't feeling well one morning, the kind staff brought breakfast to my room without me asking. These small touches of kindness are what make staying in a riad so special.
Breakfast in Morocco: A Perfect Start to the Day
Moroccan hospitality
Speaking of breakfast - Moroccan morning meals deserve their own special mention! Each morning in our riad, we were treated to what I can only describe as "the breakfast of my dreams."
Fresh fruit salad, yogurt, Moroccan crepes (my favorite!), fresh bread, homemade jams, and of course, the famous mint tea and freshly squeezed orange juice. All this served in the beautiful courtyard or rooftop terrace of our riad.
"This is the breakfast setup of my dreams. This is the breakfast food of my dreams," I remember saying as I looked at the spread before me. There's something special about starting your day with these flavors while sitting in a traditional Moroccan setting.
My tip: Take your time with breakfast in Morocco. It's not just about eating - it's an experience to be savored, a slow start to what will likely be a busy day of exploration.
Navigating the Maze: Getting Around Marrakesh
The narrow, winding streets of Marrakesh's old medina can be confusing even for those of us who visit regularly! During my last visit, I was grateful to have a guide for part of our exploration.
"Thank god we have a tour guide because otherwise this would be..." challenging, to say the least! The medina is designed like a maze, with unmarked alleyways that seem to lead nowhere and then suddenly open into beautiful hidden squares or markets.
For first-time visitors, I recommend hiring a local guide for at least your first day. Not only will they prevent you from getting lost, but they'll also share stories and history you'd never discover on your own. After a day with a guide, you'll feel more confident exploring independently.
If you do get lost (and trust me, everyone does at some point), remember that's part of the adventure! The main square is the central reference point, and locals are generally happy to point you in the right direction - though they might expect a small tip for their help.
Shopping in the Souks: A Treasure Hunt
The markets of Marrakesh are famous worldwide, and for good reason! From leather goods to spices, lamps to textiles, you can find almost anything in these colorful, busy lanes.
During my trip, I couldn't resist bringing home some treasures: "I got this custom bracelet... the dude literally made it in front of us and it's so beautiful." Watching craftspeople create their wares adds another dimension to the shopping experience - you're not just buying a souvenir, but supporting an ancient tradition.
Other finds included decorative pouches with "Morocco" written on them, beautiful arm bangles, and of course, the famous henna art that Morocco is known for. Just be prepared to negotiate - it's expected and part of the experience!
My shopping tips for Marrakesh:
- Never accept the first price offered
- Be willing to walk away (often the vendor will call you back with a better price)
- Buy what truly speaks to you, not just what seems like a "good deal"
- Look for items being made by hand for the most authentic souvenirs
The Art of Henna: A Temporary Souvenir
One of my favorite experiences in Marrakesh was getting traditional henna done on my hands. Henna is a plant-based dye that creates beautiful temporary designs on the skin - a living souvenir that lasts about 1-2 weeks.
During my visit, I had an interesting experience with my first henna application not developing properly. When I returned the next day, the artist immediately noticed, saying "That's not normal" and redid it for free. This is the kind of pride Moroccan artists take in their work!
For visitors interested in henna, I recommend finding an artist in a shop rather than those approaching you in the square. The quality is usually better, and you can sit comfortably while they work their magic. Women have been creating these intricate designs for centuries in Morocco, and watching their quick, skilled hands is mesmerizing.
The Culinary Journey: Eating in Marrakesh
Vegetarian Tagine at Amal Restaurant
Food is one of the greatest joys of visiting Morocco, and Marrakesh offers endless opportunities to taste authentic cuisine. From street food in the main square to rooftop restaurants with views over the city, the options are overwhelming!
I still dream about the "chicken enchilada and meatball sandwich" we shared during one late lunch, along with a fresh cucumber salad. Though not traditionally Moroccan, it was delicious and exactly what we needed after a long day of exploring.
Don't miss trying these Moroccan specialties while in Marrakesh:
- Tagine (slow-cooked stews named after the cone-shaped pots they're cooked in)
- Fresh bread (which varies by region - each area has its own style)
- Mint tea (the sweet, refreshing national drink)
- Moroccan olives (my mother "could survive off three olives a day" - they're that good!)
- Moroccan crepes for breakfast
For the most authentic experience, look for restaurants where locals are eating. The food will be both better and cheaper than in tourist-centered establishments.
Beyond Marrakesh: Day Trips and Desert Adventures
While Marrakesh itself offers enough to fill many days, it's also a perfect base for exploring more of Morocco. During my trip, we joined a three-day tour that took us from Marrakesh through the Atlas Mountains and eventually to the famous Merzouga (Mazuga) desert.
The journey through the changing landscapes - from the busy city to mountain villages to the golden dunes - showed me the incredible diversity of Morocco. Riding camels into the desert and sleeping in a desert camp under the stars was truly one of the most magical experiences of my life.
If you have time, I highly recommend at least a one-day trip to the Atlas Mountains. The scenery is breathtaking, and you'll get to experience a completely different side of Moroccan life in the mountain villages.
Weather and What to Pack
Marrakesh has a desert climate, which means hot days and cooler nights. During my visit, I experienced mostly perfect weather - "The sun feels so beautiful on my skin. I just live for the sun."
However, I was surprised by how chilly the mornings and evenings could be: "It's blue skies, but it is... not even like a hot hot. What is the temp? Okay, 22°." For desert trips especially, be prepared for temperature swings - "Bit cold though, so we whipped the scarves out."
My packing recommendations:
- Light, breathable clothing for daytime
- A light jacket or scarf for evenings and early mornings
- Comfortable walking shoes (the medina streets are uneven)
- Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees (especially for women)
- Sunscreen and a hat - the Moroccan sun is intense!
Communication: Getting By With Languages
Morocco is a multilingual country, with Arabic and Berber as official languages, but French is widely spoken due to colonial history. In tourist areas of Marrakesh, you'll find many people speak some English as well.
During my trip, I was grateful for my mother's French skills: "Honestly, thank God for my mom's French because like don't get me wrong, the people here, they speak English, but if you can speak French, you're going to have a much much smoother, much cheaper, much better experience than if you only speak English."
Even if you don't speak French or Arabic, learning a few basic phrases goes a long way. A simple "Salam" (hello) or "Shukran" (thank you) will be appreciated by locals and might even get you a better price when shopping!
When to Visit Marrakesh
Marrakesh is a year-round destination, but the best times to visit are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when temperatures are most pleasant.
Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F), making sightseeing uncomfortable during midday. Winter (December to February) is mild during the day but can be quite cold at night, especially if you're planning a desert trip.
I've visited in different seasons, and each offers its own charm. Spring brings blooming gardens and perfect temperatures, while fall offers harvest season specialties in the markets.
Final Thoughts: Why Marrakesh Captures My Heart
As my trip came to an end, I remember feeling that familiar sadness that comes with leaving a place you've fallen in love with: "Neither of us want to leave. We have had like the most incredible time ever."
What makes Marrakesh special isn't just the beautiful architecture or the vibrant markets - it's the feeling of stepping into another world, one that moves to its own rhythm. It's waking up to the call to prayer echoing over ancient rooftops, sipping mint tea as the sun sets over the medina, and losing yourself in streets that have welcomed travelers for centuries.
Marrakesh isn't always easy - it can be overwhelming, confusing, and sometimes exhausting. But it's also magical, authentic, and unforgettable. As I told my mother while filming our last moments in the riad: "Just take a moment. Just take a moment," to absorb the beauty and energy of this special place.
I hope this guide helps you plan your own Marrakesh adventure. If you have questions or want more specific recommendations, please leave a comment below! I'm always happy to share more about my beloved Morocco.