Welcome to TripAdvisor’s World’s Best Cities 2015 winner!!
After visiting more than 30 cities around the world, Marrakech officially tops the list of my favorite places to visit. And I’m not the only one who thinks so, considering that the Moroccan city was recently named the world’s best travel destination for 2015 by TripAdvisor.
By day, Marrakech is an ancient maze of narrow, twisting alleyways speckled with cats and dogs, rooftop terraces, donkeys and bustling souks.
By night, the city is equally as charming. The main square, Jemaa el Fna, transforms into a lively, brightly lit celebration packed with sizzling food stands, pastry carts, live music and dancing. One must watch out for the men who suddenly drape slithering snakes around your shoulders expecting a quick buck for a photo though!
GET IN
It may seem exotic, but Morocco is actually a fairly convenient travel destination for students studying abroad, especially those in Europe. You can actually reach the country by ferry from Spain! While it’s possible to take a direct flight into Marrakech, the country also has an easy train system with daily arrivals to Marrakech from all over the country.
My friends and I took a three-hour train from Casablanca, where we met a few locals along the way. The Moroccans we met were extremely friendly, generous and helpful; so don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it!
GET AROUND
One of the best parts of Marrakech is exploring the winding, stone alleyways that weave throughout the city. Because of their intricate nature, the easiest way to move about the city is to wander by foot. Try not to get too lost, however. This happened to my friend and I as it was quickly getting dark and we were trying our best to stay calm. Never wanting to open up the map for fear of looking lost, we zig-zagged our way through ever-thinning alleyways, avoiding the constant calls of “Que’st-ce que vous cherchez?” from the many barefoot teenage boys wandering the alley (I was convinced I was simply being targeted for pick pocketing). In the end, though, we got to where we needed to go and this is now all just a funny memory.
Another option (and one of my favorite activities) is to take a horse and carriage ride. It’s a relaxing way to both see the city in its entirety while also being an integral part of its hustle and bustle.
EAT
I only spent a few days in Marrakech, but the city offers endless tastes without draining your wallet.
Anywhere from $3-5 will get you authentic Moroccan couscous, spiced chicken skewers, and sweet cinnamon oranges for dessert. Prices are more expensive around the main square, so if you’re on a budget I recommend venturing down an alleyway to find a smaller café.
STAY
Riads are another part of Marrakech that makes the Moroccan experience matchless. Being able to stay in an authentic guesthouse deep within Marrakech’s original alleyways makes you feel like you’re a part of the city. There are hundreds of riads scattered throughout the city, and most include an outdoor courtyard, a rooftop terrace, free breakfast, and WiFi.
My friends and I stayed in the charming Riad Minorisa, which was a short walk to the main square and cost a whopping $13 per night. The décor was an adorable, unexpected mix of ancient Berber art and posh furniture.
BUY
It’s impossible to talk about Marrakech without mentioning the souks. I’ve been to some pretty interesting markets, but I’ve never experienced anything like the ones that Marrakech is known for.
My friends and I spent an entire day exploring the shops, easily getting lost in the endless leather, shoes, silver, jewelry, lanterns, spices and scarves. The shopkeepers are friendly, but they can be deceiving. Expect to bargain, and don’t be afraid to counter their initial offers with a price that’s less than half of what they asked.
DO
When you’ve had enough of the hustle and bustle of the souks, Marrakech offers an easy escape: the Sahara Desert. For an unbeatable experience, I recommend booking a camel trek excursion. My friends and I took a two-day trip to the border of the Sahara, where we rode camels to a nomad camp and spent the night.
Beware that Marrakech is a seven-hour bus ride away from the Sahara borders. Although the drive was long, it offered some of the most spectacular views I had seen in my life. It gives you a chance to see Morocco’s lush countryside and mountainous landscape before arriving to the dry, barren desert.
LEARN
Morocco is the only country I’ve visited where the population is predominantly Muslim. The Islam religion and culture is intertwined throughout the city. Calls to prayer reverberate throughout the square five times a day, and the handsome Koutoubia mosque stands tall in the distance. Before you visit, it’s worth it to do a bit of research if you’re not familiar with Muslim customs.
Marrakech made me feel like I had truly been transported back in time. Even if you only have a long weekend, I highly recommend looking into taking a trip to this picturesque city–one that I believe is among the most interesting in the world.