Morocco Travel & Tourism Guide: Marrakech

Showing posts with label Marrakech. Show all posts

Marrakech is the capital of the southern , a penetrating immortal landmarks in history, fought in that great kings and by successive dynasties, and was constructed by traditional craftsmen and scientists, architects and painters sculptors through the ages plush palaces, mosques, parks and schools.

It is a city that lent its name to Morocco for a period of periods of history, and met her nomadic population of the mountains, where all goods are available, and flourished by traditional industry, and constructed by luxury hotels, restaurants, golf courses and casinos.

Marrakech usual wake up every morning 800 years ago to prayer from the altitude of 70 meters silo Koutoubia, Marrakech Menara spiritual.
The sun shines on Marrakech in different segments of people sweeping the twisted alleys of the city antique, and men rushing in the direction of the mosque of Ibn Yusuf stuck in school, one of the most prominent historical monuments in Marrakech, a Koranic school spacious and wonderful Almareni founded by Sultan Abu Al-Hassan (1331-1349).

The city of Marrakech in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, 30 km of which where a height of 450 meters above sea level, and 4 km south of the left bank of the River Tensift, and by virtue of its geographical location varied temperatures contributed to the existence of environments plant are scanty and diversity.

And preferred to come back to the founding of the city's famous King Ibn Yasin leader stationed in 1062. was called on the name of this region of Marrakech, a Berber word meaning "passed quickly", as the station was then stops thieves and bandits to raid the caravans.

In the year 1147 combined armies stormed the gates of Marrakech, and then entered the city a new era of greatness and prestige, and became the capital of the Islamic Maghreb unchallenged.

MARRAKECH

Nicknamed the Marrakech Red City or Palm City and is characterized by being of the most beautiful cities in Morocco has been blessed with numerous natural attractions, most notably the Majorelle Garden, established by the French and the longer interface tourist destination for the majority of tourists, as well as the Jemaa El Fna Square and Koutoubia Mosque , Ourika Mountains and Ourika Falls.

the gardens of Menara

Indeed, the Majorelle Garden is a beautiful place to do absolutely (entrance about 6 €), very colorful, trees and flowers of all kinds ... Sublime.
Then for tours I would advise you, and that's my personal taste, a walk in the gardens of Menara, very nice to do (admission is free, but pay a visit to the house), as many tourists as Moroccan who come to picnic in the shade of trees.
Maderasa Ben Youssef, a former Koranic school, architecture and beautiful interior courtyard.
While on the Jemaa el Fna, a special atmosphere with its snake charmers. Drink a mint tea on the terrace of a cafe in height to see the place as a whole.
The souks, have real mazes, impossible to follow a plan, but that is the charm.
We did a carriage ride around 20:30 at night, great atmosphere in the streets of Marrakech and the square.
Obviously there are other things to visit and see, such as the Koutoubia (but toue so you can not miss it), the Bahia Palace, the Museum of Marrakech, Dar Si Said, instead Ferblantiers. .. There will chois to do ...

In terms of transportation, the taxi is probably the easiest option for many but perhaps not the most economical, indeed we must fix the price up front to get from point A to B. If it is to remain in the city, take the little yellow taxis, out of the city should be taken large taxis. Into town we opted for walking on foot and by bus (about € 0.35) fast and cheap.

Bon voyage to you, and enjoy this beautiful city.

Koutoubia Masjid in Marrakech

hello,

For visits, there is the souks to visit at least once! Be careful not to lose it!

Jemaa El Fna at night is sublime with a festive atmosphere and gargottes!
Several gargottes are renowned for their quality price, you can eat good things.

The Majorelle Garden is worth visiting too, sublime green space.

Taxi is the best way to my taste! View we can haggle the prices. Bargain before boarding the taxi.

Marrakesh Transportation by CAR

Some Reviews are in the comments bellow

Getting around Marrakech by taxi is quick and easy and cheap - in Morocco called petit taxi - in Marrakesh theyre small beigey coloured (beaten up a bit usually!) car - they really are cheap - 15 dirham or 20 at the most to get out to Marjane for example which is quite a long trip - usually 15 for anywhere around the city and cheaper if you are sharing as often if theres room and someone going your way the driver might let someone else jump in - usually asking you quickly first if its not okay.
Charges are a little more at night ie more so 20 and even 30 to come back from Marjane than 15 for general trips to places.

The story changes though if its getting from the airport though - then the rip off the tourist stuff sets in - 150 dirham they usually ask without blinking knowing that first time visitors will not question this - Ive seen the signs that said taxis should be 55 dirham into the city centre but that was while the new airport while still getting its finishing touches and no new sign has appeared - and now its even more difficult unless youre a local or speaking arabic to do much about it - as they will just tell you to take the bus if youre not happy about it!

Grande taxis are big 6 seater diesel mercede cars which are usually used for long distance travel between towns and cities - and are usually based at their 'Grand taxi station' near the main bus station in the city - but are used from the airport for groups - taking up to 6 passengers - and of course travellers with luggage that mightnt fit in a tiny petit taxi. Their asking price is not much different getting from the airport as the rip off little ones. but try and haggle anyway. Really the price shouldnt be more than 70-100 dirham.

if you need a taxi in marrakesh : Call 06 69 49 00 09

''Review'' : Well I guess with the Government iniative to push tourism and the drive to increase the number of tourists up into the multi millions mark comes with the increase in commercialism (not just the freeing up of airspace and thus the end of the Government monopoly on airlines and prices) - so the Hop on Hop off bus around the sights of Marrakech had to happen eventually!

As with most cities I would usually recommend a Hop on Hop off bus as part of getting orientated to a place and its sights especially if you need to take it a little easy after all the effort and energy involved in arriving at the destination. A good way to see the lay out of a city and hear useful facts and historical information while the looking at the relevant sight and get a feel for the city.

The bus route wont enable you to see into the medina but you can get at a stop very close by - that has a few banks, ATMs and Western Union offices just there, also where you can pick up a horse and carriage ride from if you want to have a more romantic ride around the city walls or out to Majorelle gardens.

APRIL 2013 - saw the hop on hop off buses still in action when driving out from Marrakech airport...

It is a reasonable price for a choice of 24 hours (150 dhm) and 48 hours (195 dirham) as it includes the Majorelle gardens and the Palmoraie - but you might like to take the opportunity of a trip out to these places by romantic caleche - ie horse and buggy instead

- and here is the very helpful website:
http://www.alsa.ma/horaires/ln-en

Staying at the Les Borjs De La Kasbah was a wonderful experience. This boutique hotel is housed in converted traditional Moroccan homes arranged around four patios.
The rooms are large and beautifully decorated with patterned fabrics and tiled floors with handmade carpets. Rooms have satellite TVs, air conditioning, complimentary wireless internet access, big beds with luxurious sheets, and great bathrooms.

The staff were pleasant and helpful. Good breakfast (buffet and eggs cooked to order) served in the restaurant or outside in the courtyard. Spa, pool, bar, and restaurant on premises.

I really liked the location - about 1 km to JEF. It was great to walk home every night strolling through the neighborhood with locals and stopping for some street food.

Highly recommend the Les Borjs De La Kasbah.

Directions: The Hotel Les Borjs de la Kasbah is located in the Kasbah quarter of the Medina old town. It is set beside the old city walls and two 'borjs' defensive towers, just 250 metres from the Royal Palace.

The riad is in a quiet location only a 10 minute walk from Djemaa el Fna. However, the riad is impossible to find on your own so take advantage of the manager Hassan's offer to have somebody meet you and show you the way. The rooms are big and clean and they have air con which is a must in winter when is gets rather cold at night. The shower is nice and hot. The wifi works fine - sometimes also on the roof terrasse. The breakfast is excellent and when we had to really leave early for the airport, Hassan got up and served us a full breakfast. He also arranged a taxi for us. (Review of Riad Dar Othmane)

This riad is a beautiful property with wonderful decor. On arrival we had lunch on the rooftop terrace and saw our first storks! Our room was on the first floor and was spacious and comfortable for a couple of nights. Be aware that the walls are a bit thin...we could hear ablutions from the adjoining bathroom so I'm sure they could hear us! Outside our room there was a patio area with chairs and tables and a comfy sofa, lovely for curling up with a book on a hot afternoon when you've had enough of sightseeing. Breakfast varied in content and quality - adequate but not amazing - and it seemed to take an age to appear even though we were asked the previous evening what time we wanted it. It's an easy, interesting, but quite long walk into the centre of the city. Mopeds tearing along the narrow streets are the worst hazard, also crossing the main roads - just follow the locals!

6 rue Sidi Mimoun, Marrakech, 40000, Morocco

Unique Quality: Villa des Orangers is an authentic riad in la Médina in Marrakech. It is located on Rue Sidi Mimoun, opposite the current Royal Palace and within walking distance from Djemaa el Fna, but in an area that feels more exclusive than the heart of the souk. The riad was nicely converted into a luxury hotel offering top amenities. A rather small number of rooms and suites overlook three courtyards (riads). The hotel contains two swimming pools, one in a courtyard, and the second on the roof. Service is top quality and the location is fantastic. All this, of course, comes at a high price.

Directions: Opposite the new Royal Palace, just south of Koutoubia Gardens.

Moroccan city of Marrakech, the historic capital of the State of marabouts and monotheists and Saadian and Almarenan and Aloutasin and other countries