Salam aleikum, friends! I'm back in Morocco and couldn't be more excited to share my unforgettable week in Marrakech with you. After being away for only five weeks, I felt the call of this magical city pulling me back. This time, I brought along two friends - Adam (who you might recognize from previous posts) and David, my bandmate from Thünder. The warm 24-degree January air welcomed us as we stepped off the plane, with the beautiful Atlas Mountains creating a stunning backdrop on the horizon.
I still remember the feeling of excitement bubbling inside me as our plane descended. That moment when you first breathe in the Moroccan air—pleasant, warm, and filled with promise—is something I look forward to every visit. My friends noticed it too, commenting on the different flora and fauna immediately visible from the airport.
Planning Our Marrakech Adventure
For this unforgettable week in Marrakech, we had quite the itinerary planned. Beyond exploring the Red City itself, we scheduled visits to:
- Casablanca's urban landscape
- The coastal charm of Essaouira
- A one-day hike in the majestic Atlas Mountains
- Three magical nights in Merzouga's Sahara Desert
- A refreshing day at the Ouzoud waterfall
- Several days discovering Marrakech's hidden corners
This might sound ambitious, but trust me when I say every moment in Morocco is worth savoring. I've learned from my previous trips that having a flexible plan allows you to experience the country's magic while still leaving room for unexpected discoveries.
Finding Your Perfect Stay in Marrakech
After navigating the familiar challenge of finding a good, affordable taxi (something that becomes easier with each visit!), we arrived at our home for the week. For €470, we rented a spacious Airbnb in the center of Marrakech that perfectly balanced traditional Moroccan elements with modern comforts.
Our accommodation featured:
- Clean, comfortable bedrooms with traditional decorative touches
- A large dining area perfect for sharing meals
- A cozy lounge with a huge television (though we spent more time drinking Moroccan tea than watching TV!)
- A kitchen window that opened to the delicious aromas of Moroccan babushkas cooking nearby
If you're planning your own unforgettable week in Marrakech, I highly recommend finding accommodation near the center. Being able to step outside and immediately immerse yourself in the city's energy makes the experience so much richer. Plus, the sound of life happening around you—from cooking to conversations—gives you a genuine glimpse into daily Moroccan life.
Essential Marrakech Travel Tips
Money Matters
One thing you absolutely must do when arriving in Marrakech is exchange money. Most places don't accept cards, and you'll need cash for markets, taxis, and small restaurants. Learn from my mistake—avoid exchanging at the airport where I paid a hefty 25 euro commission! Instead, seek out the exchange offices in the city (I found one with a friendly Scandinavian woman) that offer zero commission.
Navigating Marrakech's Traffic
The traffic in Marrakech is truly like a jungle! There are few traffic lights, and deciding when to cross feels like an adventure in itself. It might seem chaotic at first, but there's a rhythm to it that you'll begin to understand after a few days. Just be cautious and follow the locals' lead.
Exploring Different Neighborhoods
During our unforgettable week in Marrakech, we discovered the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character:
Gueliz - The European Quarter: This French-influenced area features Western shops and restaurants where you can find alcohol if that's important to you (though as I joked with my friends, "we're not British, so we don't look for that!"). It's a good starting point if you're feeling overwhelmed by the more traditional areas.
Jemma el-Fna and the Medina: The heart of old Marrakech, where I made a video with my friend Yusuf during my previous visit. This historic area is where you'll experience the true pulse of the city.
The Magnificent Medina of Marrakech
Returning to the Medina after three months away felt like coming home. This famous market is a labyrinth of narrow streets, vibrant stalls, and endless treasures. As I told my friends, "Welcome to the Medina—it's huge, and you will get lost for sure!" But getting lost is part of the adventure!
The Medina is surrounded by walls that are approximately 1,000 years old—an incredible piece of history that puts things into perspective. As we entered through these ancient gates, I couldn't help but compare with my Danish heritage, where we didn't have buildings this old a millennium ago. My Hungarian friend David mentioned the Mathias Church back home, which is also nearly 1,000 years old.
Life in the Souk
What makes an unforgettable week in Marrakech truly special is experiencing the daily life happening all around you. As we wandered deeper into the souk (market), we discovered:
- Street mechanics fixing bikes right on the sidewalk (what my friend called "the Bangkok of Morocco" because of all the motorbikes)
- Craftsmen creating beautiful objects using techniques passed down through generations
- Vendors selling everything from fresh food to handcrafted jewelry
One particularly memorable encounter was with a craftsman who had been working with wood for 40 years. He demonstrated how he makes intricate boxes from cedar wood harvested from the Atlas Mountains, complete with hidden compartments and rings in the Moroccan colors—a symbol of good luck.
Rooftop Magic: A Different Perspective
One of my favorite things about Marrakech is its thousand rooftops where you can relax, sip mint tea, and gain a new perspective on the city. These elevated sanctuaries offer a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets below. As David poetically put it, the rooftops give us "a new perspective on life."
From these heights, you can see the sprawling pattern of the Medina, hear the distant calls to prayer, and watch the setting sun paint the terracotta buildings in warm golden hues. If you're planning your own unforgettable week in Marrakech, make sure to include at least one sunset from a rooftop café.
Jemma El-Fnaa: The Heart of Marrakech
No visit to Marrakech would be complete without experiencing Jemma El-Fnaa, the main square and marketplace that transforms throughout the day. During my unforgettable week in Marrakech, I returned to this iconic location that I'd visited just months earlier.
What makes Jemma El-Fnaa special is how it evolves: in the morning, you'll find juice vendors and small food stalls; by afternoon, entertainers and snake charmers appear; and in the evening, it transforms into a massive open-air dining area with countless food stalls emitting tantalizing aromas.
I was excited to share this experience with my friends who were visiting for the first time. While the square hadn't changed much since my last visit, the slightly cooler January temperature made it more comfortable to explore the "huge market where thousands of things are happening at the same time."
Culinary Discoveries in Marrakech
Food is an essential part of any unforgettable week in Marrakech, and we certainly indulged in the local flavors:
Moroccan Mint Tea
As I told my friends, "Moroccan tea is the best—the best tea you can get is in Morocco, of course!" The sweet mint tea served in small glasses is more than just a beverage; it's a ritual and a symbol of hospitality. We spent hours in our lounge area drinking tea and absorbing the atmosphere.
Street Food Adventures
One of our most memorable meals was at what jokingly appeared to be "the most hygienic place" for a mixed sandwich that cost only one euro. Despite the humble appearance, the sandwich tasted "extremely good"—a reminder that some of the best food experiences come from the most unexpected places.
Shopping for Memories: Finding Authentic Souvenirs
During our unforgettable week in Marrakech, we were determined to find authentic souvenirs that would remind us of our travels. Our mission one day was to find a Moroccan football jersey featuring either Achraf Hakimi or Brahim Diaz—two of Morocco's football stars.
After exploring various shops and discussing with locals who thought I resembled Hakimi "a little bit," we finally found the perfect Brahim Diaz jersey. This became my uniform for the remainder of our trip—a simple souvenir that connected me to local culture and sparked conversations with football fans throughout our journey.
Connecting with Locals: The Heart of Morocco
What truly made this an unforgettable week in Marrakech was the people we met along the way. From our "best Habibi in Morocco" (another friend named Adam) to the craftsmen in the souk and the sandwich vendor who fed us for just one euro, these connections brought depth to our experience.
I've found that Moroccans are incredibly welcoming, even when language barriers exist. A simple "Salam aleikum" (hello) opens doors and hearts. Through these interactions, we learned about Moroccan perspectives, traditions, and daily life in a way no guidebook could provide.
Practical Tips for Your Own Unforgettable Week in Marrakech
Based on my experiences, here are some essential tips to make your own Marrakech adventure memorable:
- Currency: Exchange money in the city rather than at the airport to avoid high commission fees. You'll need cash for most transactions.
- Transportation: Be prepared for chaotic traffic. Taxis are affordable but negotiate the price before getting in.
- Accommodation: Stay in the city center if possible. The slightly higher cost is worth the immersive experience.
- Language: Learning a few Arabic phrases goes a long way. "Salam aleikum" (hello), "Shukran" (thank you), and "La shukran" (no thank you) are particularly useful.
- Hydration: The Moroccan sun can be intense even in January. Carry water, but also indulge in fresh orange juice from street vendors for a refreshing treat.
- Markets: Expect to get lost in the Medina—it's part of the charm! Keep your accommodation address handy, preferably on your phone map.
- Cultural Respect: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or more traditional areas.
- Food Safety: Street food can be amazing but choose stalls with high turnover of customers to ensure freshness.
Beyond Marrakech: Day Trips and Extended Adventures
While Marrakech itself offers endless exploration, the surrounding areas add another dimension to your Moroccan experience. During our trip, we planned several excursions:
The Atlas Mountains
Visible from Marrakech, these majestic mountains are just a short journey away. Our one-day hike provided breathtaking views and a welcome contrast to the city's energy. The cedar forests mentioned by the craftsman in the souk come from these very mountains—a connection that made our hiking experience even more meaningful.
Sahara Desert at Merzouga
Our planned three nights in Merzouga promised to be magical. The Sahara's golden sands and star-filled nights create memories that last a lifetime. If you're planning your own unforgettable week in Marrakech, I highly recommend extending your trip to include at least one night in the desert.
Ouzoud Waterfall
This natural wonder offers a refreshing escape from the city heat. The cascading waters create a lush oasis that seems almost impossible after seeing the more arid landscapes elsewhere.
Final Thoughts on My Unforgettable Week in Marrakech
Returning to Marrakech after just a few months away confirmed what I already knew—this city has a magnetic pull that's hard to resist. Each visit reveals new layers, new experiences, and new friends. The city's ancient walls have witnessed a thousand years of history, yet life within them continues to evolve while maintaining its essential character.
My unforgettable week in Marrakech was filled with contrasts: ancient and modern, chaotic and peaceful, familiar and foreign. These contrasts create a rich tapestry that captivates visitors and keeps them coming back for more.
As I sit here writing this, wearing my Brahim Diaz jersey and sipping mint tea that never tastes quite the same back home, I'm already planning my next visit. Because that's the thing about Morocco—it never really leaves you once you've experienced it.
Have you visited Marrakech? What was your most memorable experience? Or are you planning a trip and have questions I might help with? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let's continue this Moroccan conversation together!