Marrakech (sometimes also written as Marrakesh) is one of the most famous cities in North Africa and an excellent vacation destination. It is not necessary filled with as many historic and cultural sites as other cities, but there are enough of them to keep you plenty busy if culture and architecture are strong interests. There are also many other terrific things to experience in Marrakech, including museums, marketplaces, mosques, and outdoor adventures. |
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In Marrakech you will find a huge array of markets, called souks. There you can find and buy just about anything you can imagine, from food to clothing to spices to perfumes and much, much more. The markets begin adjacent to Djemaa El-Fna and extend out literally as far as the eye can see. As in many other parts of the world, negotiating and haggling for price are integral to the shopping process in the souks of Marrakech. Chances are you will end up paying more than a local resident just because you are a foreigner, but you will probably find the vendors are much easier to haggle with than those in other countries.
When you're done shopping for the day, stick around Djemaa El-Fna to soak in the amazing array of experiences it offers. During the day time you will find vendors of all kinds as well as street entertainers, snake charmers, and the like. Most of these street shows and entertainers are right out in the open for you to enjoy, but it is customary to offer up a few dirhams (the local currency) for the privilege of watching. At night is when Djemaa El-Fna really comes to life, with dancers, musicians, story tellers, and a whole host of other types of entertainment and nightlife. It is a place where the music is loud, the people are friendly, and the action is practically non-stop.
There are many wonderful historic and cultural sites in Marrakech as well. El Bahia Palace is a spectacular palace that will amaze you with its splendour and ornate finery. It was built in the 19th century and is typical of how the noble class lived in that time. In addition to the palace itself, visitors will enjoy the peaceful courtyards and gardens filled with a wide array of flowers and other plants. For a moving cultural experience, visit the Koutoubia Mosque; it is world famous for its tall minaret and is particularly beautiful at night when it is brightly lit and visible from a very far distance. Another great place to experience Moroccan culture is the Dar Si Said Museum, home to a wonderful collection of artefacts and historic objects going back thousands of years. The museum itself is housed in what was once a palace, making it even more interesting go explore.
Many people are intrigued by the desert heritage of North Africa, and Marrakech is a terrific place to learn more about it and even experience a bit of desert life for yourself. It is home to a number of excellent outfitters who offer a range of desert treks and adventures up into the High Atlas Mountains. You can choose from single or multi-day excursions, and travel by a range of modes including camels, land rovers, hot air balloons, and more.
The most convenient way to get to Marrakech is by flying in to Marrakech-Menara Airport, but there are also flights available into Casablanca where you can get a connecting flight to Marrakech. Getting from the airport into the city proper can be accomplished by bus, by taxi, or by shuttle. If you choose to take a taxi, be sure that you and the driver agree on a price in advance; otherwise, you are liable to find the price increases dramatically along the way. Check with your hotel in advance, as many of them offer discount or courtesy shuttles from the airport into town.
Wiki:- Marrakech
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