One Week in Marrakech

What You Should Know Before Going On A Marrakech Tour

Is Marrakech safe?

Many tourists have heard that there are Marrakech travel warnings, however, the U.S. government currently only has a Level 1 Travel Advisory for Morocco (exercising normal precaution). The short answer to this question is yes, it can be, although you do need to be aware of a few things.

While Marrakech does not have a high crime rate, your biggest safety concern while visiting this city will be petty theft. Pickpocketing and bag snatching can and do happen when the victim is not paying attention, especially in crowded places, like the open air markets or popular tourist sites.

Another thing to keep in mind are potential scams. These are relatively common, but can be easily avoided. When someone appears to be doing something out of the kindness of their heart, like helping you find your way, they oftentimes expect a tip. Not only this, but they may ask for quite a bit of money, and become upset if you don't pay up.

The best way to avoid this by any circumstance is to settle your fees for anything ahead of time; for example, negotiate the price of your rickshaw ride before you get in, not after, and be try not to accept “help” from men who seem too eager to give it.

Finally, all of Morocco (not just Marrakech) does have a problem with female harassment. While this is not usually dangerous, it can be upsetting and is best avoided. Some of the ways to reduce unwanted attention is to dress like the locals do: this means covering up your arms, and wearing a lengthy skirt that reaches at least your knees (a maxi skirt would be even better). Sunglasses can prevent accidental eye contact, which can be interpreted as flirting in Morocco.

Of course, the best way to avoid all of these problems is by going on a guided tour of Marrakech. Your guide will know the city inside and out, and thieves, hawkers, and catcallers are less likely to make a move if they see you are with a local.

What to Eat in Marrakech

1. Mint Tea. A delicious glass of Moroccan mint tea is the go-to drink in Marrakech. This is sold at most cafés, and served with plenty of sugar, though depending on where you have a cup, they may have put their own unique spin on it.
2. Couscous. Although this starch is now commonplace worldwide, it is native to Morocco and should be easy to add as a side to any meal.
3. Tagine. This Moroccan staple is a stew made in a clay pot. It can meat based or vegetarian, and is served in the pot it was cooked in with a conical clay cover over it.
4. Pastille. I will always have the memory of when I first tried this dish, made essentially chicken in flaky pastry dough, with powdered sugar on top. It’s incredibly delicious, the sweet and salty flavors go perfectly together.
5. Brochettes. This the Moroccan version of kebab. It’s a typical street food, with the skewered meat being cooked on a smoky grill in open market.

Marrakech Weather

July and August are the hottest months in Marrakech, with temperatures soaring up to the mid 80’s (Fahrenheit) on average. The coldest months are January and December, where temperatures average in the high 50’s.

As a result, the best times to visit Marrakech are during the spring and autumn, where the temperature is most pleasant and you can avoid the tourist crowds. You also avoid the main holiday season that takes place in the winter, when both Christmas and Ramadan is celebrated.