Travel Guide Marrakech

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1 Travel Guide Quick view Travel etiquette Health Phone calls & Internet Top 10 Sights Shopping in Restaurants Nightlife Calendar of events Hotels Westend61/Martin Moxter/mauritius images LH.com/travelguide 01/13

2 02 Quick view a brief overview is a city with a population of just under a million in southwestern, within sight of the usually snow-capped Atlas Mountains. It is one of s four imperial cities, along with Fez, Meknes und Rabat. As such, is also one of the country s tourist attractions. As an ensemble, the medina (old town) with its ocher-colored buildings the Kouboubia Mosque and the Medersa Ben Youssef, among others and central Djemaa El Fna marketplace, is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. Oriental fantasies become reality here: Amid an ocean of vibrant colors and craft stalls, water sellers and snake charmers ply their trade and in the evening hours especially the air is filled with the tantalizing aromas of spicy snacks and merguez sausages. Just a five-minute drive and yet seemingly a journey in time away from here are Gueliz and Hivernage, the new town districts with their shopping malls and broad avenues. possesses a fascinating variety of architecture, culture and culinary styles, so it s hardly surprising that this trendy city is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Maghreb. General Information Country overview The Kingdom of is located in the northern part of Africa, between the Mediterranean, the Atlantic and the Sahara. The cities of Tangier and Casablanca are located in the densely populated coastal region, as is the country s capital city, Rabat. Fes, Meknes and are situated further inland. Desert or mountain landscapes account for large areas of the country. Most of s population are Muslim Arabs but the country is also home to the Berbers and to Christian and Jewish minorities. has kept its traditions alive and tourists particularly enjoy the flair of the souks (markets) and medinas such as the Medina quarter in. Visitors also enjoy the unique atmosphere of the kasbahs in the Draa Valley. They can go hiking in the Atlas Mountains, and if they are really brave, they can ride a camel in the Sahara. Geography is located on the westernmost tip of north Africa, bordering Algeria to the east, Mauritania and the disputed territory of Western Sahara to the southwest and southeast, the Atlantic ocean to the west and the Mediterranean to the north. Running through the middle of the country is the Atlas mountain range. The Middle Atlas range sweeps up from the south, rising to over 3,000m (9,850ft), covered with woodlands of pine, oak and cedar, open pastureland and small lakes. The Rif Mountains run along the north coast. Often snow-covered in winter, 's mountains are home to the country's significant indigenous Berber population. The long stretch of Atlantic coast down 's western side features cool breezes and long sandy beaches. It is separated from the mountainous region by wide swathes of fertile plains. To the north, is the Mediterranean coast, just a stone's throw from the European continent Gibraltar is an hour s ferry ride away. LH.com/travelguide 02/13

3 03 In the south of the country, the Sahara is the largest desert in the world. Far from being featureless, it is dotted with fascinating traditional villages and cool oases. General knowledge Key facts Population: 35,7 millions (estimate 2017) Capital: Rabat. Language The official language is Arabic. Berber languages are not officially recognised even though it is the language of the country s first inhabitants, who form a majority. French is widely spoken throughout the country, except in the northern regions where Spanish is more predominant. English is also understood, particularly in the north and major tourist destinations like. Currency Moroccan Dirham (MAD; symbol Dh) = 100 centimes. Notes are in denominations of Dh200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Dh10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 centimes. Electricity 127/220 volts AC, 50Hz, depending on age and location of building. Plugs usually have two round pins. Public holidays Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2018 December 2019 period. Note: Muslim festivals are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given below are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-fitr (End of Ramadan), Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-fitr itself. Eid al-fitr and Eid al-adha (Feast of Sacrifice) may last up to several days, depending on the region New Year s Day: 1 January 2018 Independence Manifesto Day: 11 January 2018 Labour Day: 1 May 2018 Eid al-fitr (End of Ramadan): 15 and 16 June 2018 Throne Day: 30 July 2018 Oued Ed-Dahab Day: 14 August 2018 Revolution Day: 20 August 2018 King Mohammed IV s Birthday: 21 August 2018 Eid al-adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 22 to 25 August 2018 Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year): 11 September 2018 Anniversaire de la Marche Verte (Green March Day): 6 November 2018 Independence Day: 18 November 2018 Aid al Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 21 November New Year s Day: 1 January 2019 Independence Manifesto Day: 11 January 2019 Labour Day: 1 May 2019 LH.com/travelguide 03/13

4 04 Eid al-fitr (End of Ramadan): 5 and 6 June 2019 Throne Day: 30 July 2019 Eid al-adha (Feast of Sacrifice): 12 August 2019 Oued Ed-Dahab Day: 14 August 2019 Revolution Day: 20 August 2019 King Mohammed IV s Birthday: 21 August 2019 Fatih Muharram (Islamic New Year): 1 September 2019 Anniversaire de la Marche Verte (Green March Day): 6 November 2019 Aid al Mawlid (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad): 10 November 2019 Independence Day: 18 November 2019 All information subject to change. Travel etiquette How to fit in Social Conventions s population and culture is a blend of religious and cultural traditions, encompassing Berber, Arab, African, Mediterranean and Jewish influences. Greetings involve a handshake and friendly inquiries after health, happiness and family, and no business is discussed until after these pleasantries. Friends may tack on a cheek air-kiss or two. Moroccan chattiness makes everyday interactions more pleasant, if longer; patience and extroversion are assets. In the souks, vendors to call out to customers, joking and striking up conversations before bargaining begins. When offered tea, it s polite to at least take a sip. Although casual gear is widely acceptable, wearing any clothing that reveals arms or legs is disrespectful. Swimsuits, shorts, sleeveless tops and clingy clothing should be confined to the beach or poolside for both men and women. Women travelling alone can expect help and friendship, but will avoid undue attention if they cover up, ideally in local garb. Smoking is widespread, though sometimes limited to smoking sections in restaurants. Drinking alcohol in view of a mosque is highly disrespectful and alcohol licences are expensive. Health Health Water sources outside main cities and towns may be contaminated and sterilisation is advisable. Bottled water is the best bet and is available everywhere. Milk is unpasteurised, so boil before drinking. Meat and fish should be freshly cooked and served hot. Vegetables are typically served cooked. If eating fruit, try to stick to fruit that can be peeled before eating. Most produce is grown organically, without chemical pesticides or fertilisers but it s highly likely to have been washed in unsterilized water. Other Risks Vaccinations against tuberculosis and hepatitis B are sometimes recommended. Malaria is not present in but travellers may want to take some form of mosquito repellent to avoid bites, especially if sleeping outside. If venturing into higher altitude areas such as the mountains, take care to acclimatise first, as altitude sickness can bring on nausea and dizziness. Visitors should wear sunscreen and drink plenty of water to avoid heatstroke and sunburn. LH.com/travelguide 04/13

5 05 Phone calls & Internet Phone calls & Internet Telephone Dialing code: +212 Telephone In, phone calls are made in Téléboutiques (private telephone offices). To make a call, you can purchase a pre-paid card. This is a much more convenient option than coin-operated telephones, which do not give change and will not usually return dirham coins once they have been inserted. Mobile Telephone Mobile phones & Internet access in built-up areas at least, has comprehensive mobile network coverage. When travelling outside of large settlements for example when in the mountain regions, in Tafilalt or on the desert dunes travelers should expect patchy coverage. Phone calls using foreign SIM cards are expensive because roaming charges apply. It is cheaper to buy a SIM card from a Moroccan network provider. Network service providers for mobile phones and mobile internet include Maroc Télécom (Carte Jawal; iam.ma) and Orange (orange.ma). These SIM cards can also be purchased from news kiosks and cell phone shops at the airport. Internet Access There are a great many Internet cafes in. It is worth noting, however, that the computers there have French/Arabic keyboards, which takes some getting used to. If you carry your own mobile device, you can access the Internet using the free Wi-Fi available in most tourist hotspots and in most hotels and restaurants. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking credentials entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended. Top 10 Sights Top 10 sights in Djemaa El Fna This fascinating square is the undisputed center of it is the heart of the Medina quarter and the meeting point for tours of the historic old town. It is a place for shopping, eating and entertainment. Street food vendors begin setting up their stalls in the late afternoon and the area is full of the hustle and bustle of street artists and traders at (almost) all hours. Djemaa El Fna Koutoubia Mosque The minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, which is 77 meters high, is an iconic landmark. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the mosque, but it is still worth a trip to marvel at the traditional twelfth century Islamic-Moroccan architecture. Right next to it is the Arsat Moulay Abdeslam Cyber Park, where visitors may be surprised to discover the public touch-screen kiosks that are dotted around the well-maintained green space. LH.com/travelguide 05/13

6 06 Medina Djemaa El Fna Bahia Palace This large complex, which dates back to the late nineteenth century, is a classic example of Moorish palatial architecture. There are more than 160 rooms, and although they are unfurnished, they convey a sense of the palace s original splendor. It features mosaics, carvings, paintings on beech and cedar wood, artistically designed marble tiles and stucco. Avenue Imam El Ghazali Daily and Ben Youssef Madrasa This was once the largest Koranic school in the Arab Maghreb, able to hold up to 900 students at a time. Here, ornaments typically found in Muslim religious buildings, such as arabesques and calligraphic elements, can be seen in all their glory. A tip: It is best to visit early in the day, as later it can often get very crowded. Rue Assouel Daily Uhr (Apr Sept) Daily Uhr (Oct Mar) Jardin Majorelle This wonderful complex was created by the French painter Jacques Majorelle ( ). He mixed the specific shade of deep blue, Majorelle Blue, that still permeates the gardens to this day. In 1980, fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and his partner Pierre Bergé purchased and restored the gardens, which had become overgrown. The site is also home to the Musée Berbère, a museum about the cultural history of the Berbers, which is well worth a visit. Rue Yves Saint Laurent Daily Uhr (Mai Sept) Daily Uhr (Oct April) Musée Yves Saint Laurent This museum was opened in 2017 and is right next to the Jardin Majorelle. It belongs to the Fondation Pierre Bergé Yves Saint Laurent. The permanent exhibition features items belonging to the designer, such as atelier worksheets, patterns and canvas models. The temporary exhibitions cover topics ranging from anthropology to current fashion, and the majority of the fashion exhibits are by Moroccan artists. Rue Yves Saint Laurent Thu Tue LH.com/travelguide 06/13

7 07 Musée de l Eau Aman This museum showcases what modern museums have to offer. It uses touch screens, models and video installations to convey interesting facts about water and how it is used. It covers technical subject matter as well as the social and cultural aspects of water and water scarcity. Route de Casablanca Daily museeaman.ma/ Souks The approximately 20-hectare bazaar of lies at the edge of the Djemaa el Fna. Its narrow alleys offer a diverse array of traditional Moroccan goods and many traders have adapted what they offer to satisfy demand from foreign visitors. This is not the place for a quick pit-stop shopping trip lengthy inspections of the items on offer and haggling are part and parcel of the experience. Medina Maison de la Photographie What did look like one hundred years ago? How did people live during the time of the French protectorate? The museum owns more than 8,000 historical photographs from the period between 1869 and 1960, although only a selection of these are on display at any given time. The goal of the exhibitions is to show s diversity through the eyes of contemporary photographers. 46, Rue Souk Ahal Fassi Daily Saadian Tombs This necropolis was the most important Saadian burial place between approximately 1590 and When the Alaouites made Meknes the capital city in the early eighteenth century, the mausoleums and tombs were walled in and forgotten. It was not until 1917 that archaeologists rediscovered these impeccably preserved tomb structures. Today, the impressively decorative marblework and stucco of the tombs look like something from a fairy tale. Rue de la Kasbah Marrakesch Marokko Daily LH.com/travelguide 07/13

8 08 Shopping in Shopping in All of the streets lead to the Medina quarter after all, the exhilaration of shopping at a souk (market) is an unmissable experience for anyone visiting. You can either allow yourself to be steered by the flow of people or you can aim for one particular souk. The stalls are grouped according to the type of craft or goods. For example, the Rue Souk Smarine is where goods such as kaftans and djellabas are sold, and artistic wool dyeing stalls are found in the Souk Attarine. If you are interested in arts and crafts but not an extended tour of the souks with all the associated haggling, you should visit the Ensemble Artisanal, a governmentsponsored artisan cooperative on Avenue Mohammed V (near the Hotel de Ville). In the Ville Nouvelle (new town) area, there are modern stores and branches of international fashion brands. In Guéliz there is a shopping center called the Carrée Eden (carreedenshoppingcenter.com), which is just north of Place du 16 Novembre. For independent boutiques and designer stores, the best place to go is the Quartier Industriel Sidi Ghanem. Restaurants Restaurants in The culinary traditions of France, the nomadic Arab peoples, Middle Eastern Jews and of Andalusians have all left their mark on the menus of Moroccan restaurants. The national dish is tagine a casserole containing meat, vegetables, a spiced sauce and saffron. It is cooked in an earthenware dish, which is also called a tagine.good restaurants offering reasonably priced meals can be found all over the city, although the locals prefer the simpler establishments in the Medina quarter. Restaurants in the Ville Nouvelle (new town) area generally have à la carte menus and the prices are somewhat higher. In the evening, it is well worth visiting the Djemaa el Fna, where street food vendors offer a great way to explore s culinary delights. They start serving from 5 pm. Dar Zellij This restaurant is in a beautifully restored Riad building, and it offers traditional Moroccan cuisine. The warm colors of the sophisticated decor add to the luxurious atmosphere. It is worth allowing plenty of time to enjoy the menu ideally a whole evening! 1 Kaa Essour Sidi ben Slimane Price: Luxurious Pepe Nero In this palace building in the historic old town, chef Khalid Robazza Essafa and his team serve up Italian-Moroccan fusion cuisine. The restaurant is very popular with the city s young hipsters, so booking a table is recommended. 17 Derb Cherkaoui Douar Graoua Price: Luxurious LH.com/travelguide 08/13

9 09 I Limoni This Mediterranean-Italian restaurant is named after the little lemon trees in its interior courtyard. Guests sit in wicker chairs in the peaceful, cool space next to a bubbling fountain, while enjoying delicacies such as tagine and couscous, pasta, sandwiches or salad. 40 Diour Saboun Price: Moderate Earth Café This vegetarian cafe in the Medina quarter starts serving food at 11 am. The ingredients all come from the cafe s own farm in the Haouz valley. The restaurant also has a small shop selling products such as argan oil and hand-made soaps. Derb Zawak Riad Zitoun Kedim Price: Moderate Pâtisserie Al Jawda This little patisserie in Guéliz has an excellent reputation and rightly so. Madame Alami s shop sells an overwhelming range of sweet pastries, confectionery and jams. 11 Rue de la Liberté Price: Budget Nightlife Nightlife in The majority of s nightlife is found in the city s Ville Nouvelle (new town) area. The Guéliz district around Avenue Mohammed V and the southern end of Avenue Mohammed VI is home to a whole host of clubs and bars, which are open into the small hours at weekends.the Hivernage district boasts some particularly classy establishments. If you don t want to spend a long time finding evening entertainment, why not go to one of the stylish bars that are part of almost all the luxury hotels? Grand Café de la Poste This fantastic art deco cafe is reminiscent of a traditional Parisian brasserie. Guests look out over the post office, which gave the cafe its name. Here you can drink tea or alcoholic drinks while having a relaxed chat with friends. Boulevard el Mansour Eddahbi Kechmara LH.com/travelguide 09/13

10 10 The glass facade ensures that people who drink at this bar can see and be seen. A hub for the hip from around the world, it has the look and feel of a 1970s club. The burger menu, on the other hand, caters to a diverse range of modern tastes. A DJ plays on Wednesday nights. Rue de la Liberté 3 Pacha You can now visit Pacha clubs in places as far-flung as Ischgl in the Austrian Alps and! Although this Pacha club is as stylish as you would expect, it isn t so exclusive that you won t have a chance of getting in. You can expect to see some sensational outfits. Zone hôtelière de l'aguedal Boulevard Mohamed VI Théâtro This club is part of the Es Saadi luxury hotel, which also has its own casino. If you want to dance through the night in classy surroundings, this is the place for you. Rue Ibrahim El Mazini Le Palace This elegant restaurant in Hivernage also has its own cocktail bar and a club that mostly plays electronic dance music. Formal attire requested. Angle Avenue Echouhadda/ Rue Chaouki o Calendar of events Calender of events Marathon Each year, more than 8,000 participants sign up to run in this city marathon. The race passes through the Medina quarter and the Palmeraie (palm grove). The day s events also include a half marathon and a race for children. marathon-marrakech.com/january 2019 marathon-marrakech.com/ marathon-marrakech.com/websitemarathonmarrakech.com/ marathon-marrakech.com/marathon-marrakech.com/ Location: Starts and finishes on the Avenue de la Menara. LH.com/travelguide 10/13

11 Contemporary African Art Fair Until recently, 1-54 art fairs have only been held in New York and London but since 2018, one is held in, too. Works of art from all over Africa are exhibited and traded. The program of events also includes film screenings and concerts. Free entry on both days. February com/marrakech/ Location: La Mamounia Palace, Avenue Bab Jdid Festival National des Arts Populaires At these festivals, you can learn about the rich diversity of Moroccan folklore. Dance groups and musicians from all over the country show off their talents, including Berbers from the High Atlas mountain range and Gnawas black mystics from Essaouira. The famous Mahgreb exhibitions of horsemanship known as fantasias are also spectacular. June 2018 de-de.facebook.com/festival-national-des-art... Location: Palast El Badi, Théâtre Royal and other locations in Oasis Festival Although this electronic dance music festival has only been on s events calendar for a few years, it is already well-known around the world. Artists and guests come from all over the world to dance and chill while enjoying the view of the Atlas Mountains. theoasisfest.com/14 16 September 2018 theoasisfest.com/ theoasisfest.com/websitetheoasisfest.com/ theoasisfest.com/theoasisfest.com/ Location: Fellah Hotel, Route de L Ourika Festival International du Film de This festival took place for the first time in 2001 and is now an annual event. Documentaries and feature films are screened during the competition. The event also includes visits from famous actors and directors, as well as a diverse fringe program December Location: Palais de Congrès and cinemas in Hotels Hotels in offers a wide range of options for accommodation, including cheap dormitory rooms in hostels near to the Djemaa el Fna, hotels that belong to international chains and luxurious boutique hotels in lovingly restored Riad buildings. LH.com/travelguide 11/13

12 12 Villa des Orangers The furnishings in the rooms and lounges of this fantastic city center hotel are oldfashioned but they offer modern standards of comfort. Ornaments made of dark wood and well-placed marble elements create a dignified ambience. Guests have access to three patios and a garden pool. 6 Rue Sidi Mimoun Category: Luxurious Les Deux Tours This complex, which has Arab-Andalusian-style architecture, is nestled in a palm grove (the Palmeraie) slightly outside the city center. The rooms are light and spacious, offering modern luxury. The on-site spa and fitness facilities are a welcome extra. The hotel has two excellent restaurants. Douar Abiad Circuit de la Palmeraie Category: Luxurious Dar les Cigognes This hotel is part of the Sanssouci Collection chain and it is located near the Royal Palace in the Medina quarter. The building was formerly a merchant s house, and its colorful wooden ceilings have been lovingly and faithfully restored. It is an example of traditional Moroccan elegance from the colonial period. Guests have access to an incredible roof garden. 22 Rué de Berima Category: Moderate Riad 11 Zitoun Careful thought has been given to the decor and furnishings of this stylishly renovated Riad building, where guests are made to feel at home. The Djemaa el Fna and the Medina quarter are just a few minutes walk away. As well as being able to make lunch and dinner reservations, guests can also book yoga classes on the roof terrace. Riad Zizoun Laktim 11 Derb Lakdar Marrakesh Marocco Category: Moderate Riad Ta'achchaqa Despite the central location of this small guesthouse, once the heavy entrance doors close behind you, you can barely hear the hustle and bustle of the Medina quarter. Good, simple rooms at sensible prices. LH.com/travelguide 12/13

13 13 Sidi Abdelaziz 19 Derb Ouayhah Category: Budget LH.com/travelguide 13/13