My Photography & Travel Guide to Marrakech, Morocco
Welcome to the bustling, vibrant city of Marrakech, Morocco! Marrakech is steeped in history and culture. The mix of ancient traditions and modern influences creates a unique city that is a must-visit destination and a fun city to visit!
We stayed in Marrakech for 4 nights before driving out to the Atlas Mountains for an additional 4 nights.
We absolutely loved Marrakech! We had a fantastic trip. There is so much to see and experience between the Medina (Old City) markets, the beautiful gardens, the souks, the old mosques, the delicious food, and the warm hospitality. I found Marrakech so interesting because it is so different from where I lived in the Middle East (Beirut, Lebanon) for a large part of my life. Even the language is different. We are fluent in Arabic, but while Moroccans could understand us when we spoke in Arabic, we could not understand anything they said.
““Marrakech, the city of a thousand and one nights, a sensory overload that leaves you breathless.” ”
Sunset in the Medina
Founded in 1070, the city has been the capital of various kingdoms and dynasties throughout the ages. However, the region's history stretches back even further, with indigenous Berbers inhabiting the area since the Neolithic era (10,000-4,500 BCE).
The Koutoubia Mosque
The medina feels like a city on its own with bustling souks, alleys that resemble mazes, and boisterous Moroccans eager to sell their products.
In the Souks
In this Photography & Travel guide, I will provide my recommendations for hotels, restaurants, and photography.
Language Barriers
In Marrakech, the most commonly spoken languages are:
Moroccan Arabic (Darija): This is the local dialect of Arabic spoken by most of the population.
Berber (Tamazight): Many people, especially those from Berber ethnic groups, speak various Berber languages.
French: Widely spoken and understood due to Morocco's history as a French protectorate. It is commonly used in business, government, and education.
English: Increasingly spoken, especially in tourist areas and among younger generations.
When traveling to Marrakech, you’ll find that most people in the hospitality and tourism industry are able to communicate in English, making it relatively easy for English-speaking travelers to navigate the city.
Common Phrases to Use
- Salaam alaykum (Hello)
- Bikham (How much?)
- Hadi bezaf (This is too expensive)
- Shukran (Thank you)
Where to Stay
The best area to stay is in the Medina. Staying in the Medina puts you in the heart of the action, allowing you to explore the city’s main attractions easily.
Marrakech has no shortage of truly incredible hotels. Many people love staying in Riads or guest houses, traditional properties set around a central courtyard.
Here are some great options in Marrakech!
Luxury Options
1. La Mamounia: This legendary palace hotel has exquisite gardens and is a beautiful property in the best location. Even if you do not stay here, it is definitely worth visiting.
Having stayed at La Mamounia, we can vouch for its excellence. The location, just a 5-minute walk from the Medina, is truly fantastic.
La Mamounia
The grounds of the hotel are just stunning.
2. Royal Mansour- Experience ultimate luxury with private riads and impeccable service. Founded by King Mohammed VI, this private, palatial resort took 1,200 master craftsmen over three years to construct.
3. El Fenn - This is Marrakech’s most Instagrammable riad-hotel. It has 42 rooms spread across 13 interconnected riads.
Mid-Level Options
1. Riad Kniza: A charming riad offering authentic Moroccan hospitality and comfort.
2. Riad Dar Anika: A beautifully restored riad with a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
3. Riad Kheirredine: Enjoy stunning views and personalized service in this lovely riad.
How Long Should I Stay?
A stay of 3-5 days is ideal to immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Marrakech fully. This timeframe allows you to explore the city's main attractions, enjoy some day trips, and capture stunning photographs without feeling rushed.
Best Time of Year to Visit
The best time to visit Marrakech is spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) when the weather is mild and pleasant. These seasons offer comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, making it perfect for exploring and photography.
Best Way to Get Around
The best way to get around Marrakech is by walking, especially within the Medina. Taxis are readily available for long distances. Uber and Bolt are not operational in Marrakech, but you can use local ride-hailing apps like Careem. Renting a bike or scooter is also a fun and efficient way to navigate the city.
Where to Eat
The food in Morocco was excellent. We enjoyed trying all the local dishes and spices used in Moroccan cuisine, which is typically a mix of Berber, Arabic, Andalusian, and Mediterranean cuisines with French influences.
Here are a few types of dishes to try:
Tagine: A slow-cooked stew made with meat (usually chicken or lamb), vegetables, and a variety of spices, often including saffron, cumin, and cinnamon. It is named after the earthenware pot in which it is cooked.
Couscous: Traditionally served on Fridays, this dish consists of steamed semolina grains topped with meat (often lamb or chicken) and vegetables, and flavored with a rich broth and spices.
Pastilla (Bastilla): A savory-sweet pie made with layers of thin, flaky pastry filled with spiced meat (typically pigeon or chicken), almonds, and eggs, and dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon.
Harira: A traditional Moroccan soup made with tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and meat (usually lamb), flavored with a mix of herbs and spices. It is often eaten to break the fast during Ramadan.
Mechoui: A whole lamb or mutton roasted on a spit, seasoned with spices like cumin and paprika, and typically served at special occasions.
Kefta Tagine: Meatballs made from minced beef or lamb, cooked in a rich tomato sauce and often topped with eggs.
Briouats: Savory pastries filled with spiced meat (usually lamb or chicken), cheese, or vegetables, and fried until crispy.
Zaalouk: A flavorful salad made with cooked eggplant and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and cumin, and served as a side dish or dip.
Chebakia: A sweet treat made from dough shaped into flowers, fried, and then soaked in honey and sprinkled with sesame seeds. It is especially popular during Ramadan.
Mint Tea: While not a food, Moroccan mint tea is a staple of the local diet. It is made with green tea, fresh mint leaves, and a generous amount of sugar, and is a symbol of Moroccan hospitality.
A few restaurants we can recommend include:
1. Nomad: Enjoy modern Moroccan cuisine with stunning rooftop views. Nomad is the place to be for a fresh take on classic Moroccan cuisine.
2. Le Jardin: A serene oasis offering delicious food in a beautiful garden setting, Le Jardin is the perfect spot for a light lunch. We really enjoyed our lunches at Le Garden.
3. Al Fassia: Famous for its traditional Moroccan dishes and all-female team.
4. Dar Yacout: Experience a magical dining atmosphere with exquisite Moroccan cuisine.
Coffee Shops
1.Café des Épices - Perfect for a coffee break with views of the bustling souk.
2. Atay Café - A cozy spot with great coffee and a fantastic rooftop terrace.
3. Café Clock - Enjoy a blend of Moroccan and Western fare in a relaxed setting.
In the Medina
Photography Gear to Bring
Camera Models: Canon EOS R5, Sony A7R IV, Nikon Z7 II
Lenses: 24-70mm for versatility, 50mm prime for portraits, 16-35mm for wide-angle shots, and 70-200mm for capturing distant subjects.
Accessories: Tripod, extra batteries, memory cards, polarizing filter, and a good camera bag.
*Moroccan people do not like to be photographed, and it is not uncommon for a shop owner or local to firmly tell you not to take pictures even from a distance.
In the Medina
Best Photography Locations
Jemaa el-Fnaa
The bustling main square has endless photo opportunities, and it is so interesting to walk through.
Jemaa el-Fna Square is often called the “heart of Marrakech,” and it’s easy to see why. It’s like the meeting point for everyone who is in the city at any point in time. When you are there, it feels like everyone in Marrakech decided to assemble at the square at the same time. There are food and drink stalls, snake charmers, restaurants, dancers, and all sorts of vendors. It is a lot of fun to walk through and experience.
It’s huge, chaotic, crowded, and a sensory overload. At night, the market is filled with food vendors and crowds of locals and tourists.
In the market, you will see men in red outfits (see below). These are “water sellers” in Marrakech. In the local dialect, these men are called Gharrib. They carry a goat skin tar-lined bag that holds water. Historically, these were important traders in the Desert environment, but now they cater mainly to entertain tourists. Moroccans consider it lucky to drink the water they sell, so you will see them make sales to local people.
A Water Seller
Majorelle Garden
It is a beautiful garden with striking colors and exotic plants. These gardens are also known as the Majorelle Garden or the Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) Garden. The Jardin Majorelle was created by French painter Jacques Majorelle between 1886-1962. The garden is a collection of 300 species of plants from five different continents.
““Marrakech taught me color. Before Marrakech, everything was black.” ”
Opened in 2017, the Yves Saint Laurent Museum is dedicated to the life and work of the legendary French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.
The museum is located near the beautiful Majorelle Garden, another must-see attraction in Marrakech, which was also owned by Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé. The museum showcases a vast collection of Yves Saint Laurent’s haute couture creations, as well as temporary exhibitions, a research library, and an auditorium.
Koutoubia Mosque
The largest mosque in Marrakech offers stunning architecture.
The Koutoubia Mosque, completed in the 12th century, is the largest mosque in Marrakech and one of the city's most important historical sites. Its name is derived from the Arabic word "kutubiyyin," meaning booksellers, as the area around the mosque was once filled with book markets.
For photographers, the best time to visit the Koutoubia Mosque is during the golden hours—just after sunrise and before sunset.
Ben Youssef Madrasa
An ancient Islamic college with intricate designs. Ben Youssef Madrasa is an Islamic college that is also a historical site. It was completed in 1564 and is the most beautiful example of Islamic and Moroccan architecture. It is one of the most beautiful buildings in Marrakech.
Bahia Palace
Stepping into Bahia Palace in Marrakech feels like walking into a storybook.
Bahia Palace, built in the late 19th century, was intended to be the greatest palace of its time. "Bahia" means "brilliance," and the palace certainly lives up to its name. Originally commissioned by Si Moussa, the Grand Vizier of the Sultan, it was later expanded by his son, Bou Ahmed. The palace spans eight hectares and boasts 150 rooms, including a harem, courtyards, and lush gardens.
The Marrakech Museum
The Marrakech Museum, housed in the stunning Dar Menebhi Palace, is a true gem for photographers.
The Marrakech Museum is situated in the Dar Menebhi Palace, built at the end of the 19th century by Mehdi Menebhi. This magnificent palace was later restored and converted into a museum in 1997. The museum showcases a wide range of artifacts, including traditional Moroccan art, historical manuscripts, pottery, and jewelry.
Medina Souks
The souks were my favorite place in Marrakech. The Medina is a UNESCO heritage site. Walking through the medina is like walking through an unending maze. We decided to hire a guide through our hotel for a half-day tour. The guide decided to take us to each of his friends' shops.
You will walk past handmade rugs, vibrant tajines, colorful spices, glowing lanterns, and full-on snake charmers in Jemaa El Fna square. Ok, that last part freaked me out a bit :)
Marrakesh’s medina, which means “city” or “town” in Arabic, is a historic walled city with a labyrinth of alleys and stalls upon stalls to stroll through. Don’t be afraid to get lost in the alleys and tiny streets.
Negotiating in Marrakech's markets, or souks, is an art. Here are some tips to help you navigate and negotiate effectively: Refrain from too much enthusiasm for whatever you buy. Start low and ask for half of what the vendor quoted you. Engage in small talk with the vendor. Finally, if you are not getting a fair price from the vendor—thank them and walk away.
Special Festivals or Holidays
Marrakech Popular Arts Festival (July): A vibrant festival celebrating traditional music and dance.
Wrapping Up
If you have the opportunity to visit Marrakech, I strongly encourage you to do so. It is truly a fascinating place.
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