Planning a solo trip to Marrakech, Morocco? Here’s everything you need to know for your visit:
QUICK FACTS
- The fourth largest city in Morocco, with a population of around 1.1 million.
- It is one of the busiest economic centres of Africa and a popular tourist destination.
- The Berber civilization that founded the city named it Land of God.
- Has the largest Berber souk (market) in Morocco.
- Nickname: Red City or Ochre City (for the red sandstone used throughout the city walls).
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Currency: Dirham (MAD).
- Spoken languages: Arabic, Berber, and French.
- Best time to visit: March through May tends to be ideal with temperatures between 20-25°C. July and August can be extremely hot (40°C+).
- Great festivals to catch:
– Marrakech Popular Arts Festival (usually in July)
– Marrakech International Film Festival (usually in December). - Recommended vaccinations: hepatitis A and typhoid.
- Arriving from the airport: Menara Airport (RAK) is a short, 5 km ride from the Medina.
– Public bus #11 runs to Djemaa el-Fna.
– Taxis cost around €14 (140 MAD) during daytime and €19 (190 MAD) at night – always agree on a price before getting in.
– InDrive and Careem ride-sharing apps are available. - Emergency phone numbers: police (19), ambulance (15), fire (15)
WHERE TO STAY
- Best Marrakech hostel for solo travelers: Riad Jennah Rouge. Just 6 minutes by foot from the central Square, this is a very welcoming hostel with great owners.
– Very clean (rooms cleaned daily), with traditional Moroccan decor.
– Delicious daily breakfast and great rooftop views.
– Book ahead! - The best way to experience Marrakech is to stay at the core of its activity – the Medina. This distinct subsection of the city is a maze of urban energy and contains markets, squares, mosques, and serene, exotic riads for accommodation.
- For a modern European feel, Gueliz offers haggle-free shopping, quirky stalls and open-air restaurants, while Hivernage is marked by upscale hotels and elegant palaces.
GETTING AROUND
- Petit taxis are the first introduction to the art of haggling in Marrakech. The driver should always agree to use the meter.
– Base fare: 7 MAD (day) / 10 MAD (night)
– Price per km: 2-3.10 MAD (day) / 4.20-11 MAD (night)
– Nighttime rates apply 20:00-06:00 (21:00-06:00 in summer)
– Petit taxis can only operate within city limits and carry maximum 3 passengers. - Grand taxis: these shared taxis can carry up to 6 passengers and operate on fixed routes for as little as 5 MAD per seat within Marrakech.
- Typical taxi costs within city: For short trips around 3 km, expect to pay about 16-20 MAD during daytime.
- Ride-sharing: travelers can now use InDrive and Careem apps in Marrakech for more reliable pricing.
- Tip: many accommodations will arrange transportation at fair rates – often worth the extra cost for convenience and safety.
MARRAKECH NIGHTLIFE
- Drinking age is 18 and last call is 5 AM.
- Jemaa el Fna is renowned throughout the country for its excellent nightly music performances. Enjoy the spectacle from a rooftop terrace at any of the upmarket bars that also sell cocktails.
- Theatro and Pacha Marrakech are proof that disco has landed in the African continent, attracting crowds all the way from Rabat and Casablanca.
- Place des Ferblantiers has plenty of open-air cafés and restaurants that convert into jazz bars come nightfall for casual, quiet evenings.
- Best shisha (hookah) bars in Marrakech: MAGNUM Restaurant & Cafe and Armani Lounge – Sheesha/Bar.
- Most places can only serve alcohol together with food. If you’re open to combining dinner and drinks, check out Cafe Clock and Nomad.
- Want to go clubbing? Head to Theatro Marrakech. Warning: cubs here are pretty expensive.
THINGS TO DO
- Free walking tours: Begin your stay with a free walking tour of the Medina to gain confidence navigating the area while learning about the city’s history (tip-based payment).
- Solo-friendly tours: popular options include day trips to Ouzoud Waterfalls, quad biking in the palm oasis, and Agafay Desert excursions with camel rides.
- Cooking classes: The Amal Centre offers cooking lessons where guests eat together – perfect for solo travelers seeking connection.
- Hammams for solo travelers: Les Bains de Marrakech and Farnatchi Spa offer luxurious hammam experiences.
- Other day trip ideas: visit the Atlas Mountains, Essaouira, or the Ourika Valley.
UNIQUE LANDMARKS TO VISIT
- Maison de la Photographie has only been open since 2009, but has steadily become a favourite museum to visit in the city. The private photography collection is a peek into Morocco circa 1870-1950.
- Maison Tiskiwin is a museum dedicated to the history of Marrakech as told by artefacts recovered from Berber and Moroccan antiquities.
- Koutoubia is a must-see mosque bearing classic Moroccan architecture and motifs near the iconic Jemaa el Fna square. The minaret can be seen from all parts of the Medina.
- Ben Youssef Medersa is a former Islamic boarding school attached to its eponymous mosque. The monument features a stunning courtyard lined with colonnades that lead to the old dormitories.
INTERESTING WALKS
- Rahba Kedima is a picturesque bazaar through the souks of the main square, laden with artisan wares, textiles and pottery.
- Sip local mint tea and walk the small pathways around Jardin Majorelle, a peaceful retreat from the dusty squares.
- Combine the manicured lawns and greenery of Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park with the free Wifi available and spot the tech-savvy relaxing beneath palm fronds.
- The Jewish quarter Mellah is a maze of alleyways that used to house the city’s wealthiest bankers and jewellers (and its only synagogue).
WHERE TO EAT
- Looking for great restaurants? Here’s the list: Al Fassia, Comptoir Darna ($$$), Le Studio, Dar Moha ($$$), Le Jardin Restaurant (inside the Royal Mansour Hotel).
- DaDa (an art space café) and Amal Centre are particularly welcoming to solo diners.
- Must-try dishes: tagine, couscous, and pastilla.
- Where to find good cheap eats: everywhere! Food stalls abound in the main square from early afternoon to early morning while the qissarias in Ben Youssef are a must-try for authentic Moroccan cuisine. Breakfast croissants don’t get better than those lining the counters at bakeries in Ville Nouvelle.
- Tipping is the norm, but be prepared to be told you haven’t tipped enough. 10-15% is more than acceptable but if met by more insistent demands, smile and walk away.
SAFETY TIPS
- Avoid wearing jewellery and carrying flashy cameras and mobile phones. Carry small change or have large notes exchanged at the hotel or riad.
- Dangerous areas: Pickpockets and conmen roam the alleyways and streets, so always be on guard. Don’t accept unsolicited directions and study your routes before heading out for the day.
- Be firm when saying no and don’t be afraid to call the attention of the Brigade Touristique, the local police.
- Avoid wandering alone at night in the maze-like alleyways of the Medina. Consider taking dinner at your accommodation or returning before dark.
LOCAL WISDOM
- Make like a local and relax in a Hammam, the traditional cleansing treatment that combines a steam bath with a body scrub and massage.
- Nothing is free, not even the samples. Be prepared to pay for whatever you accept, including food tastings. Pre-negotiate prices to avoid later confusion.
- Any price can be brought down as the locals tend to inflate their rates. Don’t take it personally, because they do it to their own too. A regular transaction can take up to 30 minutes so budget time accordingly, or avoid the souks altogether.
- Etiquette: wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, particularly when visiting religious sites.
Recommended trip duration: 3-4 days