With its beautiful architecture, rich in culture, delicious Moroccan cuisine which is typically a mix of Arabic, Andalusian, Berber and Mediterranean cuisines, its colorful rugs and traditional souvenirs – Marrakech is a must-visit.
Visa requirements: Norwegian travelers to Morocco don’t need a visa to enter the country for the purpose of tourism for up to three (3) months. Make sure that your passport is stamped when entering the country. Some tourists have experienced difficulties leaving Morocco because their passport bears no entry stamp.
Currency: Bring some Moroccan Dirham (MAD). Most credit cards are accepted, but there have been some cases that restaurants only take cash. ATMs are widely available in the cities.
1. Moroccan rugs
Every interior lover must one way or another own a traditionally hand-woven rug from Morocco. They tend to be one of a kind. A statement piece that give any room a special feel. Make sure to bargain.
2. Visit the YSL museum
If you are a fashion addict, you must visit the Yves Saint Laurent Museum. It’s entirely devoted to the work of the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech, Morocco.
3. Café Kif Kif
Need a break from the hustle and bustle of the main square? Cafe Kif Kif is easily reachable from any part of the city and is located only 100 meters from Les Jardins.
Why not order a tasteful chicken tagine with olives and add some couscous to the side? The cafe is open from 10:00 am to 11:30 pm and serves traditional local Moroccan dishes with a French twist. The cafe extends onto three floors so if it happens to be an available table, grab it and enjoy your meal with a panoramic view overlooking Koutoubia square.
4. Dinner and Dessert at Zeitoun Cafe
Zeitoun Cafe is one of the busiest restaurants in the main square. This place is well worth a visit especially if you’re out of cash and only walk around with a credit card. Zeitoun is one of few resturants in this particular area that accepts credit card.
If you’re on a budget and are looking for a fancy restaurant to a reasonable price this is a place you don’t want to miss. Moroccan menu with traditional dishes and delicious dessert. Try it and let the food speak for itself.
5. Marrakech night market
If you’re a street food person, the night market is a must visit. Care must be taken when choosing your meals though to avoid food poisoning. I personally didn’t buy anything except for some fresh pomegrenate from one of the vendors.
Even if you are not interested in eating what the vendors have on offer, the night market is a good opportunity to experience some traditional forms of Moroccan music and entertainment – from dancers to snake charmers.
6. Sleep in Morrocan luxury
Morocco has a huge range of accommodations including Ksars, Riads and Dars. You are probably wondering about the difference between the three? There is one significant difference between the two last properties. Riads have a garden often with orange and lemon trees and some have fountain, whilst Dars have a courtyard, rather than a garden with a fountain in the center. However a Ksar is a Berber palace, fort or castle/chateux.
I was fortunate to get a few nights sponsored at these two hotels and here are my personal thoughts and opinions about them:
Ksar Char-Bagh: A luxurious Chateaux nestled in the heart of the famous Palmeraie with 12 rooms. The service was good and the staff was attentive. They have a swimming pool, a library and a restaurant, The Grand Salon which offers its guests mediterranean and local cuisine, breakfast, afternoon tea and light meals. They take credit card. Perfect for solo travelers, friends traveling in groups, honeymooners and couples.
Dar Ayniwen: A five star family run private villa with the most friendly atmosphere. I didn’t have a feeling of coming home to a hotel but rather home to a family. The staff was superb and heartwarming, always made sure we were comfortable. Dar Ayniwen features 10 suites furnished in traditional Moroccan style. They have a restaurant with dining menu, a swimming pool, a spa and a hammam. They take credit card. Perfect for solo travelers, friends traveling in groups, couples and families.
7. Visit La Mamounia
Surrounded by cultivated gardens, this elegant palace is probably one of the most famous ones in Marrakech, maybe due to the fact that many celebrities and influencers have stayed here, like Winston Churchill – and there is no wonder why.
