In search of some winter sun, we decided to book a flight to the vibrant streets of Marrakech, where my friend and I took our first girl’s trip in over 10 years! We planned four glorious days of exploration, indulgence, and, of course, plenty of sun, while our husbands stayed at home with the kids.
Length of stay: 4 days
Hotel: Riad Tahyia
Airline: Ryanair
Transportation: shuttle, petite taxi
Things we’ve done:
Day 1:
- Lunch at Café des Epices
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Medina / souks
- Food tour
Day 2:
- Jardin Majorelle
- YSL Museum
- Lunch at l’mida (our favorite, we went there twice during our trip)
- Sunset safari desert tour with camel ride and dinner
Day 3:
- Palais Bahia
- El Badi Palace
- Tombeaux Saadiens
- Lunch at Kosybar
- Dinner at Dar dar rooftop
Day 4:
- Musée de Marrakech d’Architecture
- Lunch at Les Jardins du Lotus (absolutely beautiful hidden gem)
- Shopping at the souks
Top Tips:
- The currency in Morocco is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). It’s recommended to exchange some money upon arrival or use ATMs to withdraw cash during your stay.
- The official languages in Morocco are Arabic and Berber, but many people in Marrakech also speak French. It can be helpful to learn a few basic phrases in Arabic or French for communication.
- Morocco is a conservative Muslim country, so it’s important to respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- Ask for permission before taking photos of people.
- Bargaining is a common practice in the markets (souks) of Marrakech. Be prepared to negotiate prices when shopping for goods like textiles, spices, and souvenirs.
- The most common modes of transportation are small or ‘petit’ taxis. Make sure to agree on a fare before getting into a taxi.
- While Marrakech is generally safe for tourists, it’s always wise to be cautious of pickpocketing and scams in crowded areas. Keep your belongings secure and be aware of your surroundings.
Day 1: As we boarded our RyanAir flight, we were layered up, fighting the icy British air. Just four hours later, we were greeted by the African warmth of Marrakech’s bustling streets. Our home for the next four days? The charming Riad Tahyia, a hidden gem tucked away amidst the alleys of the old city.
After dropping our bags at the hotel, we wasted no time diving into the sensory overload that is Marrakech. First up, we went for lunch at the Café des Epices, where we feasted on flavorful tagines and soaked in the vibrant atmosphere of the spice-scented souks.
Fuelled up and ready to explore, we wandered through the historic Ben Youssef Madrasa, marvelling at the intricate tilework and tranquil courtyards. We wandered around The Medina next, its winding lanes leading us on a tour of Moroccan craftsmanship and culinary delights.
And what better way to cap off our first day than with a food tour, sampling everything from savoury pastries to sweet Moroccan treats? After satisfying our taste buds, we retired to our riad, to catch some rest before waking up early for the next day of adventures that lay ahead.
Day 2: We woke up early to beat the crowds, and made our way to the famous Jardin Majorelle, designed by French artist Jean Majorelle in the 1920s. Now it’s owned by Yves Saint Laurent, and you can purchase a combined ticket for 180 dirhams to go to the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, Majorelle Gardens and Berber Museum. The famous cobalt blue building is surrounded by a hectare of botanical gardens and is a stunning backdrop for photos.
After exploring the Jardin Majorelle, we dived into the world of fashion and design at the Yves Saint Laurent Museum, paying homage to the iconic designer’s legacy amidst a treasure trove of couture creations.
For lunch, we headed over to L’Mida, which ended up being our favourite restaurant of the trip. The open-air rooftop bar and dining area has unbeatable views of the city, and the bohemian decor and murals create an enchanting atmosphere.
But the highlight of our day had to be the sunset safari desert tour, where we rode camels while watching the sun go down. We dined under the stars, savouring traditional Moroccan cuisine next to the campfire.
Day 3: For day 3, we set out to conquer Marrakech’s architectural wonders. We explored the ancient ruins of Palais Bahia, which are over 500 years old. Then we visited El Badi Palace, a 19th-century palace adorned with intricate colourful mosaics.
The Tombeaux Saadiens, built in the 16th century, are a testament to the power of the Saadian dynasty. They were constructed in the honour of the Sultan’s ancestors and are a must-see for anyone visiting Marrakech.
We then went for lunch at Kosy Bar, a stunning rooftop bar with a delicious menu. For dinner, we headed to Dar Dar Rooftop, where we were treated to a glorious sunset amidst the city’s skyline.
Day 4: For our final day, we made our way to the Musée de Marrakech d’Architecture, which offered a fascinating glimpse into the city’s architectural evolution.
We went for lunch at Les Jardins du Lotus, situated at the end of an alley in the heart of the medina. And what’s a trip to Marrakesh without a bit of shopping in the souks? We wandered through the bustling market stalls, picking up vibrant textiles, intricate ceramics, and fragrant spices to bring a piece of Marrakech back home with us.
To anyone considering a trip to Marrakech, go for it! Embrace the vibrant culture, savour the flavours, and immerse yourself in the magic of Morocco. Trust me; you won’t regret it. Until next time, Marrakech, thank you for the adventure!
