Avoid shelling out a load of cash for some fancy hotel, and opt to stay in a riad, which is the equivalent of a bed and breakfast and the most traditional way to sleep. Riads are usually family owned and operated and are decorated in the traditional Moroccan style with courtyards, roof terraces and sun decks. Breakfast and midafternoon mint tea is usually enjoyed on a beautifully decorated Moroccan-tile roof deck, and the staff are friendly, helpful and full of touring advice.
Start your trip with a visit to the El Bahia Palace. Once a harem, its remarkable architecture and artful display of Moroccan painted ceilings are some of the best on display in all of Morocco.
Head to the tanneries--one of the oldest industries in Northern Africa. There’s a site on display in every corner of Morocco. Tannery workers practically bathe in the dye themselves as they dip large animal skins. Don’t forget to bring your camera for the postcard shot.
Get lost in the “heartbeat of Marrakech,” the Djemâa el Fna, an ancient square with the erratic energy of busy bazaars. Here you’ll find everything from snake charmers and acrobats to delicious fresh orange juice (Africa has the best oranges) and mint tea.
Make your one night of partying a big one. Lucky for you, the nightlife in Marrakech has exploded in recent years. Save yourself some time and hassle and take a taxi to the Ourika Valley and the trendy Pacha (Avenue Mohammed VI), where you’ll be entertained with live local music, a lounge, a restaurant and even a pool.
Get energized with a morning spent at a hammam, Morocco's version of a Turkish bath. It’s not for everyone, but it can rev you up for the busy day ahead. Hamman with the locals at a public bath, or if you prefer a more private experience, book an appointment at one of the many private hammans at a hotel. Expect to spend a little money on this luxury. A local public hamman is between $5 and $10, while a private hamman could put you under $65 to $80.
Spend some time in the Ali ben Youssef Medersa. This is Northern Africa’s largest Koranic school, dating back to the sixteenth century. The peaceful gardens, maze of dormitories and gorgeous mosaics will transport you back in time.
Drive a hard bargain in Marrakech's outdoor bazaars, called ‘“souks,” which might arguably be the city's main tourist attraction. This maze of narrow streets paired with traditional burka-dressed women and the wonderful mishmash of handmade crafts, art, rugs, lanterns, raffia babouches (pointy shoes), spices and family-run workshops will afford you the best cultural exchange and the most extraordinary backdrop of colors you’ve ever seen.
Head over to Menara Garden in the Ville Nouvelle for a much-needed break after you’ve exhausted your bargaining skills, your feet and your patience for crowds. The Menara Garden is filled with olive groves and a peaceful lagoon that creates a much-needed siesta from the wear and tear of the medina.
