Marrakech is one of those places that travelers either fall in love with or never want to return to and I can see why. It’s not a soft city. It hits you with color, sound, scent, and movement the second you arrive.
And yet, that’s also what makes it unforgettable.
This blog isn’t a highlight reel of beautiful rooftops and picture-perfect alleyways (though there’s plenty of that too). Instead, I want to share my honest thoughts about Marrakech the good, the bad, and the moments that caught me off guard.
If you’ve ever been curious about visiting Morocco’s famous Red City but weren’t sure if it’s right for you, I hope this helps you decide.
The first impression: sensory overload
Let me be honest: my first few hours in Marrakech were intense.
I stepped out of the taxi and walked into the chaos of the medina. It was hot, loud, and confusing. Motorbikes flew past in alleys barely wide enough for two people. Street vendors called out from every direction. The smell of leather, spices, and something unknown (maybe donkeys?) hung in the air.
It was thrilling and disorienting at the same time.
I felt like I’d landed in another world and I wasn’t sure if I liked it yet.
But then… the magic started to settle in
It didn’t happen right away. But after a day or two of walking through the souks, getting lost in the medina, sipping mint tea on rooftops, and hearing the call to prayer echo across the city, something shifted.
I started to appreciate the rhythm of Marrakech. It’s fast, but it’s not rushed. It’s chaotic, but not out of control. It has its own internal logic, and once you tune into it, things start to make sense.
That’s when the city becomes magical.
What I loved about Marrakech
✨ The visual drama
Everything is aesthetically rich from the detailed tilework to the vibrant textiles in the markets. Even everyday doorways feel like art.
The tea culture
Sitting down for a glass of fresh mint tea in a quiet riad or breezy rooftop café was the best way to slow down and absorb everything.
The food
Moroccan cuisine deserves more credit. Tagines, fresh bread, olives, grilled meats, and those sticky sweet pastries everything was flavorful and filling. I still crave it.
Rooftop life
There’s something about watching the sun set over the city with the Atlas Mountains in the background and the evening call to prayer rising through the rooftops. It’s hard to explain, but it stays with you.
What I didn’t love
❌ The pushy sales tactics
The souks can be tiring, especially if you’re not used to bargaining. It’s not aggressive in a scary way, but constant attention from shopkeepers and fake guides can wear you down.
Tip: A simple “No, thank you” or “La, shukran” in Arabic goes a long way. Walk with purpose and don’t look lost, even if you are.
❌ The scams
Marrakech is safe, but small scams are common like someone pretending to guide you, then asking for money. Just be aware, trust your gut, and don’t feel guilty saying no.
❌ The noise
If you’re looking for peace and quiet, Marrakech is not your city. Even at night, there’s a hum of life around you. Bring earplugs if you’re a light sleeper.
My favorite moments in Marrakech
- Wandering the backstreets alone early in the morning, before the crowds took over.
- Cooking tagine with a local family—shopping for ingredients in the market, learning spices by smell, then eating together.
- Watching Pok Ta Pok, the ancient Mayan-inspired ball game, outside the Koutoubia mosque (yes, they do it here too on special cultural nights).
- Spending the night in a quiet riad, listening to the birds in the courtyard and the distant call to prayer.
So… is Marrakech for everyone?
Honestly, no. If you hate crowds, don’t like hot weather, or get anxious in noisy environments, you might struggle with Marrakech.
But if you’re open-minded, curious, and willing to step a little outside your comfort zone, you’ll probably be surprised how much it leaves a mark on you.
Marrakech isn’t trying to impress you. It just is what it is alive, intense, unapologetic. And that’s why I respect it.
Final tips if you’re thinking about going
- Stay inside the medina for the experience, but choose a riad tucked away in a quiet alley.
- Bring small cash, especially for taxis, food, and tipping.
- Book a hammam treatment—you’ll need it after a day in the souks.
- Take a day trip to the mountains or Agafay Desert if the city gets too much.
- Don’t expect everything to be easy. Let go of control a little. You’ll enjoy it more.
Would I go back to Marrakech?
Absolutely.
But now, I know how to approach it—with patience, curiosity, and a pair of good walking shoes.
