I remember waking up at 4 a.m., that familiar mix of exhaustion and excitement that comes with travel days. The sky was still dark as we prepared for our journey, but my heart was already brightening at the thought of what awaited us - my first trip to North Africa, a week in Marrakesh with my mother. As someone who has traveled across Morocco, I still remember that first visit with crystal clarity, and I want to share it with you.
Traveling to Marrakesh isn't just about the destination - it's about embracing the journey that transforms you along the way.
The Journey Begins: Getting to Marrakesh
Our adventure started with a 12-hour journey - a 3.5-hour flight to Istanbul, followed by a 5.5-hour trip to Marrakesh. If you're planning on traveling to Marrakesh, be prepared for a potentially long journey depending on your starting point. But don't worry, the reward at the end is worth every minute.
During my flight to Marrakesh, I lost myself in a book called "As Long As The Lemon Trees Grow" that I had picked up at the Istanbul airport. The story captivated me so completely that the flight seemed to pass in moments, though I couldn't shake the emotional impact even as we landed. That's something I've learned about journeys - they often include unexpected companions, whether people or stories, that stay with us long after.
Travel Tip: Bring a good book for your flight. The Istanbul airport has excellent options if you need something to read!
First Impressions: Colors and Kindness
Nothing prepares you for the burst of colors that greet you when arriving in Marrakesh. After the emotional journey through my book, the vibrant palette of the city immediately lifted my spirits. If you're traveling to Marrakesh for the first time, prepare for your senses to be delightfully overwhelmed.
We arrived at our riad, which I can't recommend enough as accommodation when visiting Morocco. These traditional Moroccan houses offer an authentic experience that chain hotels simply can't match. The owners of our riad welcomed us with incredible warmth, immediately making us feel at home in this unfamiliar land.
What is a Riad? Riads are traditional Moroccan houses, typically built around a central courtyard. They're intimate, beautiful, and often family-run - making them much more personal than standard hotels.
Moroccan Tea: A Warm Welcome
Sitting in the sun-drenched courtyard of our riad, we were served traditional Moroccan mint tea - my first taste of this local staple. The tea was unlike anything I'd tried before, sweet and minty, served in small decorative glasses. This simple moment of sipping tea in our beautiful surroundings helped me begin to absorb the reality that we were actually here, in Morocco.
Cultural Note: Moroccan mint tea isn't just a beverage - it's a symbol of hospitality and friendship. The tea ceremony is an important tradition throughout Morocco.
First Explorations: The Magic of the Medina
Our first walks around the neighborhood were truly breathtaking. For someone who had never been to this continent before, the experience was both familiar and strikingly different. The narrow streets reminded me of Turkish small towns and villages, yet with their own distinct character.
What stood out most during these first hours wasn't just the beautiful surroundings but the kindness of the people we encountered. Everyone we met was incredibly welcoming, patient with our questions, and genuinely pleased to share their city with visitors.
The initial experience can be overwhelming - there's so much to take in, so many unfamiliar sights, sounds, and scents. But that's the beauty of traveling to Marrakesh - it awakens your senses and reminds you what it feels like to truly experience a place for the first time.
Our First Full Day: Exploring the Heart of Marrakesh
Waking up for our first full day in Marrakesh felt surreal. Stepping out from our riad onto the narrow street, I still couldn't quite believe we were in Morocco. The morning air was perfect - not too hot, not too cold - ideal for exploring.
We decided to walk to the Koutoubia Mosque, about a kilometer from our riad - an easy 18-minute stroll through the medina. The Koutoubia stands at the center of the medina and serves as an excellent landmark when navigating the winding streets.
Navigation Tip: The Koutoubia Mosque's minaret can be seen from many points in the medina, making it a helpful reference point if you get turned around in the maze-like streets.
Breakfast Among the Souks
We found a beautiful spot for breakfast tucked away among the souks (traditional markets) in the city center. The medina comes alive in the morning, with vendors setting up their stalls and the streets beginning to fill with locals and visitors alike.
These first impressions of the medina were enchanting - everything around us felt unique, beautiful, and rich with history and culture. You can feel the weight of centuries in the ancient walls, yet there's a vibrant, living energy to the place.
After breakfast, we went shopping for some argan oil, which Morocco is famous for. The shop owner was incredibly kind, explaining the different types of oils and their uses. These small interactions are often what make traveling to Marrakesh so special - the genuine connections you make with local people.
The Koutoubia Mosque: Architectural Wonder
The Koutoubia Mosque was different from any mosque I'd grown up seeing. Its minaret takes the form of a tall tower that might not immediately register as a mosque to the unfamiliar eye. Built in the 12th century, the architecture is stunning, with intricate details that speak to Morocco's rich artistic heritage.
Historical Note: The Koutoubia Mosque was built in the 12th century and its minaret stands 77 meters tall. The name comes from the Arabic word for booksellers, as the area once housed many book merchants.
I was particularly struck by the beautiful doors and the detailed "nakush" (decorative patterns) found throughout the structure. Every element seems thoughtfully designed, creating a harmonious whole that has stood the test of centuries.
The Kasbah: Walking Through History
Later, we explored the Kasbah, one of the oldest and most atmospheric parts of Marrakesh, located in the northern part of the medina. This historic fortified area still houses part of the royal complex where the King of Morocco stays when he visits the city - a living connection to the country's royal heritage.
The neighborhood is characterized by narrow streets, vibrant colors, and a palpable sense of history. Walking through the Kasbah feels like stepping onto a movie set, but it's all wonderfully real.
Did You Know? The word "kasbah" refers to a fortress or citadel. Many Moroccan cities have a kasbah area that historically served as both protection for the city and a residence for rulers.
The colors of Marrakesh are incredibly vibrant - from the terracotta walls to the bright blues, yellows, and greens of doors, windows, and decorative elements. These colors, combined with the energy of the people, create a visual feast that's uniquely Moroccan.
Ancient Walls That Whisper
Walking through streets that have existed for centuries, I couldn't help thinking about all the history these walls have witnessed. There's a saying that sometimes walls don't shout, they whisper - and in Marrakesh, if you pause long enough to listen, you can almost hear the whispers of countless generations who have walked these same paths.
Some parts of the Kasbah were under construction during our visit - something common in major tourist destinations around the world. Despite this, the beauty of the place remained undimmed.
Midday Heat and Moroccan Cuisine
The Moroccan sun can be intense, especially for first-time visitors. By midday, the heat became quite overwhelming, and we wisely decided to take refuge in a cozy café. If you're traveling to Marrakesh, remember that proper hydration is essential, particularly during the warmer months.
We ordered a variety of Moroccan salads, each with distinct flavors that were quite different from what I was used to. I paired the meal with a refreshing strawberry lemonade. Exploring the local cuisine is an essential part of experiencing Morocco, and even simple café meals offer an introduction to the country's rich culinary traditions.
Health Tip: The Moroccan sun can be surprisingly strong, even outside of summer months. Always carry water, wear sun protection, and plan for rest periods during the hottest part of the day.
Refreshing and Heading Out Again
After lunch, we returned to our riad to refresh and rest. I took a shower and some paracetamol for a headache that had developed - likely a mild heat stroke from our morning explorations. Taking time to rest during the hottest hours is a wise strategy when traveling to Marrakesh.
Feeling rejuvenated by evening, we ventured out again for dinner. The city takes on a different character as the sun sets, with golden light painting the terracotta walls and a gentle energy replacing the bustle of daytime.
Marrakesh: A Wes Anderson Film Come to Life
One of the most striking things about Marrakesh is its symmetry - reminiscent of a Wes Anderson film. The Grand Budapest Hotel comes to mind, with its precise aesthetic and carefully composed scenes. But in Marrakesh, this symmetry isn't contrived for a camera; it's an authentic expression of traditional Moroccan design principles.
The doors of Marrakesh deserve special mention. Intricately carved, painted in bold colors, or studded with geometric patterns, these entrances are works of art in themselves. We passed by Bab Agnaou, the famous gate built in the 12th century that once served as an entrance to the city - another testament to the incredible craftsmanship and enduring beauty of Moroccan architecture.
Embracing the Unexpected
What makes traveling to Marrakesh so special isn't just the sights you plan to see, but the unexpected moments that happen along the way. The friendly shopkeeper who tells you the story behind his craftwork. The sudden glimpse down an alleyway to a hidden garden. The sound of the call to prayer echoing across the medina as the sun sets.
These unplanned moments often become the memories that stay with you longest. They're the true gift of travel - the experiences you couldn't have anticipated but that touch you most deeply.
Tips for Your First Time Traveling to Marrakesh
Based on my experience, here are some practical tips for your first visit:
- Stay in a riad rather than a hotel for an authentic experience
- Prepare for the heat - bring sun protection and stay hydrated
- Learn a few basic Arabic phrases - a simple "Salam" (hello) goes a long way
- Embrace getting lost in the medina - some of the best discoveries happen when you wander
- Rest during midday heat - use this time to relax at your riad
- Visit the Koutoubia Mosque as a landmark to orient yourself
- Explore the Kasbah for its historical atmosphere
- Try Moroccan mint tea - it's a delicious introduction to local culture
- Bring comfortable walking shoes - you'll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces
- Keep an open mind and heart - the warmth of Moroccan hospitality is unmatched
The Magic Continues
This account only captures our first day and a half in Marrakesh - the beginning of what would become a transformative week. The magic of this city doesn't reveal itself all at once, but rather unfolds gradually as you immerse yourself in its rhythms and open yourself to its wonders.
Traveling to Marrakesh changed me in ways I'm still discovering. The colors, the kindness, the ancient beauty alongside everyday life - all of it works its way into your heart and stays there long after you've returned home.
Have you been to Marrakesh? Planning your first trip? I'd love to hear your experiences or answer any questions in the comments below!
For more Moroccan adventures, check out my guides to the Atlas Mountains, Chefchaouen's blue streets, and the hidden waterfall paradise of Akchour.