Ah, Marrakesh! The city where chaos meets charm, and every corner promises a new adventure. My friend and I decided to spend our bank holiday weekend in this Moroccan gem. Here’s a sum up of our three nights and four days of Marrakesh madness.
Day 1: Arrival and Nightlife
We landed in Marrakesh on Friday evening, took a taxi to our riad for around 10/15 euros (cash only). Since Marrakesh vehicles can't access every street, our driver dropped us off nearby. After a ten-minute walk, we checked into Riad Fammesw D'Orient & SPA—an absolute beauty.
Eager to explore, we headed out. Staying in the heart of town near the medina meant everything was a short stroll away. Within minutes, we were sipping on some not-so-great wine, but the vibe made up for it. Pro tip: if you stay near the medina, you’re never far from the action!
Day 2: Palace Hopping and Lazy Afternoons
Saturday greeted us with 30 degrees at noon. Our first stop was Bahia Palace, but the long line stopped us. So, we wandered over to El Badi Palace instead. No crowds, just stunning views. In my opinion, El Badi trumps Bahia any day. Entry was around 12 euros, but don’t quote me on that.
After soaking in the history, we lunched at Kosybar Marrakech. The terrace was perfect for basking in the sun while enjoying vegetable couscous and Casablanca beer (surprisingly good!). Their coffee spot was so relaxing we almost didn’t leave. Later, we dined at the same place we drank at the previous night. Dinner came with a show—belly dancers and loud music, but fun!
Day 3: Photo Shoots and Desert Dashes
Sunday started with a mini-photoshoot at the riad, flaunting the new bikini collection for Calla Bianca. The riad’s vibrant colours were a perfect backdrop! Lunch was at a traditional restaurant (not all serve alcohol, heads up).
Next, we embarked on a desert adventure booked through GetYourGuide. This included a van ride with fellow explorers, fresh water, and a stop at an artisans oil and essence shop where we tasted fresh Moroccan oil with bread and tea—delicious! The desert trip featured a quad ride (drive yourself or let someone else, like I did), a camel ride (technically dromedaries), and a fire show with dinner (the food was meh, but the show was spectacular). The bus ride back was a party on wheels, complete with music and flashing lights.
The only downside was witnessing the poor treatment of the dromedaries. It was heartbreaking to contribute to their suffering.
Day 4: A Relaxed Farewell
Our final day began with an early visit to Bahia Palace—finally! It was relatively empty and quite charming, though we still preferred El Badi. We spent the rest of the day wandering the market, indulging in tasty pastilla chicken, and revisiting our favorite coffee spot. Cozy and cute, just the way we like it.
The riad arranged a taxi to the airport, around 30 minute drive for about 15 euros. Reflecting on our trip, we realized we’d done almost everything we wanted. Sure, we missed out on another desert trip that was supposedly better, but we left Marrakesh satisfied.
Tips and Tidbits
Small Tip: Do not drink tap water. We were warned to avoid tap water and any fresh vegetables or fruits washed with it. You can have stomach problems, so better to avoid it if you can. We didn't even brush our teeth with tap water—you can never be too cautious.
Money: Moroccan dirhams are your go-to. Withdraw from ATMs directly in the local currency. Cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for medina purchases. It was relatively cheap everywhere.
Accommodation: Staying in a traditional riad is a must. Prices vary, but the experience is priceless. Our riad was lovely, though the room was a bit tight. Breakfast was included and served to the table—lots of choices!
Fun Factor: While we didn’t hit the clubs, the bars were lively and open late. Watch out for the snake charmers in the medina. They will literally throw a snake around your neck for a photo op and then demand payment. I stayed back and zoomed in with my camera while my friend got up close and personal with the snake. Yikes!
Marrakesh was a blast, full of surprises and unforgettable moments. If you're up for an adventure, pack your bags and dive into the madness. Just watch out for those sneaky snakes!