Last year for my 30th birthday I was able to convince two girlfriends to fly to Marrakech for 3 days with me from New York. It was a whirlwind trip, but we saw so much in those few days.
It is not easy to get there directly, the least expensive and quickest way is going through Madrid on American/Iberia airlines. You will have a long layover in the Madrid airport on the way there and most likely need to spend a night in Madrid on the way home like we did.
Hotel:
We stayed at Palais Dar Donab and loved it. It was clean, great proximity to everything and serene. Staying in a Riad in the Medina is a must, to get a feel for this old city.
Where to eat:
Breakfast was complimentary at the hotel, so we ate there each morning.They offered a huge spread that held us over until lunch each day.
Lunch: In the Medina we ate at these two places, Nomad Marrakech and Terrace des épices . For our third lunch we ate at La pause Marrakech (cash only).
Dinner: The first night we were so tired from traveling for 20 hours that we ate at the hotel. The second night we had an incredible dinner at El Fenn, I can not recommend it enough. Get there early for a drink and soak up the view. On our last night we had another incredible meal at La Maison Arabe, they also offer cooking classes if you have the time.
Buy plenty of bottled water, it is dry and hot, and you will get dehydrated. We didn't drink enough of it.
Sights/Activities:
Ben-Youssef Madrasa Beautiful building. You might get a little lost on your way there, but for a dollar someone will gladly show you the way.
La Pause- If you have the time, spend a night or a full day here. We did an afternoon with lunch; time at the pool and camel rides. It is cash only.
Jardin Majorelle- So this is on everyone's must see, but to be honest, we were all disappointed. The shop across the street on the other hand was very cool.
Palais El Badi- Cool old palace, in ruins. Can easily be walked through in 30 minutes.
Lalla - Great purses, clutches and travel bags, very close to the Nomad restaurant.
The best shopping where bargaining was not permitted, was here.
Check out the Spice souk, I ended up with a canister of saffron for under $10 that will last me a few years, and of course go rug shopping.
Remember to never take the first price that you are offered when shopping. I personally do not like to haggle, but you have to do it. I would start at 50% of what the initial offer was, and we would work our way up from there. Be prepared to walk away in order to get the price you want, chances are they will come after you and give you the best price.
I also reccomend for women to dress in long dresses with a wrap or pants/skirt, with a top where shoulders are covered.
It is not easy to get there directly, the least expensive and quickest way is going through Madrid on American/Iberia airlines. You will have a long layover in the Madrid airport on the way there and most likely need to spend a night in Madrid on the way home like we did.
Hotel:
We stayed at Palais Dar Donab and loved it. It was clean, great proximity to everything and serene. Staying in a Riad in the Medina is a must, to get a feel for this old city.
Where to eat:
Breakfast was complimentary at the hotel, so we ate there each morning.They offered a huge spread that held us over until lunch each day.
Lunch: In the Medina we ate at these two places, Nomad Marrakech and Terrace des épices . For our third lunch we ate at La pause Marrakech (cash only).
Dinner: The first night we were so tired from traveling for 20 hours that we ate at the hotel. The second night we had an incredible dinner at El Fenn, I can not recommend it enough. Get there early for a drink and soak up the view. On our last night we had another incredible meal at La Maison Arabe, they also offer cooking classes if you have the time.
Buy plenty of bottled water, it is dry and hot, and you will get dehydrated. We didn't drink enough of it.
Sights/Activities:
Ben-Youssef Madrasa Beautiful building. You might get a little lost on your way there, but for a dollar someone will gladly show you the way.
La Pause- If you have the time, spend a night or a full day here. We did an afternoon with lunch; time at the pool and camel rides. It is cash only.
Jardin Majorelle- So this is on everyone's must see, but to be honest, we were all disappointed. The shop across the street on the other hand was very cool.
Palais El Badi- Cool old palace, in ruins. Can easily be walked through in 30 minutes.
Lalla - Great purses, clutches and travel bags, very close to the Nomad restaurant.
The best shopping where bargaining was not permitted, was here.
Check out the Spice souk, I ended up with a canister of saffron for under $10 that will last me a few years, and of course go rug shopping.
Remember to never take the first price that you are offered when shopping. I personally do not like to haggle, but you have to do it. I would start at 50% of what the initial offer was, and we would work our way up from there. Be prepared to walk away in order to get the price you want, chances are they will come after you and give you the best price.
I also reccomend for women to dress in long dresses with a wrap or pants/skirt, with a top where shoulders are covered.
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| Our hotel |
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| Camel riding at La Pause |
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| Rug shopping heaven |
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| Ben-Youssef |
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