Introduction to Marrakesh’s Medina
Marrakesh was one of the final cities my wife and I visited on our trip through Morocco. The Marrakesh medina was the last on our journey. Each medina we explored had its own unique charm and atmosphere. Near Erfoud, it felt like a rural farmer’s market. In Fez, the winding streets and alleys were a labyrinth. In Marrakesh, we were met with a circus-like atmosphere that was truly captivating. As an interesting side note, the Marrakesh Medina is also listed as a World Heritage Site.
Nighttime in Marrakech: A Festival of Sights, Smells, and Sounds
Our first visit to the medina was at night, heading in for dinner. The medina has a large square that seems deserted during the day but transforms into a festival of sights, smells, and sounds at night. One section of the square is set aside for dining. In the evening, this vacant area springs to life with wall-to-wall tents featuring a variety of food. We were amazed at the vast selection ranging from fresh seafood to traditional Moroccan favorites like tajine. The rest of the medina quickly filled up with snake charmers, merchants, and entertainers.
Dining in the Medina: A Culinary Adventure
On our first night, we didn’t venture into the alleyways as it was already late and we hadn’t eaten yet. We navigated the fair-like food tents before checking a few brick-and-mortar restaurants surrounding the square. Ultimately, we decided to immerse ourselves in the square’s bustling atmosphere and headed back to the food tents. Following my travel rule-of-thumb to choose the busiest place with the most locals, we found a tent and ordered dinner.
Even though we were in a tent, we were given the standard appetizers of olives and bread after being seated. I ordered tajine, but it was already sold out for the night. Instead, I opted for mixed skewers, which included beef, chicken, goat, vegetables, and possibly camel. The skewers were seasoned well and delivered quickly. The place was bustling with a mixture of tourists and locals. We were seated at the end of the table, offering an unobstructed view of the square, but our meal was constantly interrupted by beggars, merchants, and musicians. This is something to consider when choosing where you will to sit.
Exploring the Medina by Day: Shopping and Sightseeing
The following morning, we returned to the medina. The merchants in Marrakesh were a bit more aggressive than in other places we visited. Prices were reasonable, but a few merchants pushed us too far. When we were with our guide, we were treated more politely. He was able to diffuse the aggressiveness of the merchants who followed us.
The majority of people we met in Marrakesh, whether at the medina or elsewhere, were incredibly friendly. The aggressive merchants we encountered were a small minority, but they stood out. It was generally the merchants without shops who were the rudest or most aggressive. However, my wife and I did have one particularly shocking run-in with a shopkeeper as well. In the US, I would not have been as polite in the face of his incredibly rude approach. This is not indicative of the majority, but you are bound to encounter aggressive merchants if you visit.
Navigating the Medina: Tips and Tricks
The shops off the main square are along alleyways forming a rough grid. The alleys were not as confusing as Fez, but not entirely intuitive like Rabat. I wouldn’t expect anyone to get lost if they have a reasonable sense of direction. The sounds of the square provide an audible cue, and the market layout along the edge of the square helped us with orientation.
What to Buy: Souvenirs and Local Goods
There was plenty to be found in the medina. Near the end of our vacation, we could have easily found everything we purchased had we forgotten something. The shops carried leather goods, spices, argan oil, tajines, artwork, clothing, and even fresh olives. The olives in Morocco were delicious. I wish I had brought some back with me.
The Medina by Day vs. Night: A Stark Contrast
The photos of our evening dinner give a bit of insight into what the tents looked like at night. Imagine those tents covering half of a large square. During the daytime, the plaza is nearly a ghost town. It’s amazing how quickly they set up for dinner. The photo below shows what the plaza looks like during the day. The red area to the right is where the food tents will be set up later in the day.
I enjoyed the Marrakesh medina. Despite several aggressive merchants and aggressive panhandling, it was the most interesting of any we visited. Each medina is unique, but you really have to visit the one in Marrakesh to fully appreciate the chaos. Your senses will be bombarded from every direction. As you walk from the minaret towards the plaza, horse-drawn carriages line the route, waiting to take passengers on a city tour. Merchants selling toys and small items crowd this area, waiting to make eye contact with unsuspecting tourists.
Conclusion: The Unique Charm of Marrakesh’s Medina
As you enter the plaza, musicians fill the air with joyful sounds, creating a carnival-like environment. Snake charmers add to the din with their pipes, while the food tents fill the air with the smell of barbecued meat and fried fish. Ice cream, coffee, and fresh-squeezed juice are also popular stands forming an outer ring around the food tents. If you are looking for a meal or an evening snack, there is plenty to choose from. It is an experience you don’t want to miss.
More on Morocco Travel!
- Hassan II Mosque, Casablanca
- Novotel Hotel, Casablanca
- Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Casablanca
- Essaouira Day Trip, Essaouira
- Goat Trees of Morocco, near Essaouira
- Marjana Cooperative, Essaouira
- Horse Carriage Ride, Marrakesh