marrakech

Marrakech is known as the Red City, and it totally lives up to the name—with its flat landscape and buildings made from warm red clay. It’s chaotic in a way that reminded me of cities in Asia: constant honking, motorbikes weaving through crowds, and a general buzz of energy that never really stops. It’s also super touristy. The main square, Jemaa el-Fna, is packed with juice stalls, snake charmers, and people trying to sell you everything from sunglasses to wooden toys.

From the square, you can dive into the souks—basically a maze of markets within the old Medina. These are packed with vendors selling everything you can imagine: leather bags, sandals, rugs, lamps, jewelry, ceramics, basket bags, chess boards, and a ton of trinkets. It’s kind of organized chaos—some parts are grouped by craft, so you’ll walk through sections dedicated to shoes, then lamps, then metalwork. Sometimes you’ll catch artisans in action, carving wood, hammering metal, or hand-sewing leather goods.

Honestly, though, one of the more frustrating parts was the motorbikes. The Medina is already so packed and narrow, and yet motorbikes just fly through it. It felt dangerous, loud, and exhausting to constantly be on alert—especially when you’re trying to take it all in. The fumes and the near-misses kind of wore me down. That part, I will not miss.

But there were things I loved too—especially the cats. Cats are everywhere in Marrakech. They lounge on motorbikes, nap inside restaurants, beg for scraps at your feet, and wander confidently through the alleys. I’d constantly hear people around us going, “Awwww” or calling them over with little zzzzh zzzh sounds. It gave the place this odd little softness amid the chaos.

Shopping was another highlight. There’s so much to look at, and yes, bargaining is part of the experience. My advice? Don’t dive in too fast. Just observe, take your time, and see what actually catches your interest. John, who visited years ago, said the hassling was way more aggressive back then, but this time it felt more relaxed. That might be a shift in how vendors approach tourists now.

It also helps to ask locals—like someone at your riad or a trusted guide—for ballpark prices so you don’t feel totally lost. Visiting fixed-price ateliers is another good move. You can see artisans at work and get a better sense of what things are actually worth. Then you can go back to the souks with a clearer idea of what a fair deal looks like. Bartering isn’t just about scoring a deal—it’s kind of a ritual. A back-and-forth dance. That said, don’t be afraid to walk away if the price feels off. We had a spice seller try to charge us $25 for some tea. Yeah… But no thanks.

I tend to shop with deliberation. I usually look quietly, take mental notes, and only engage if I’m serious about buying. Most shopkeepers aren’t pushy—they’re just doing their thing and hoping for a sale. With cash being king in Morocco, it helped to plan ahead. I brought euros as a backup, which came in handy toward the end of the trip. You can use euros in some places, but getting dirhams is your best bet. There are exchange counters at the airport when you arrive.

When I found something I really liked, I always tried to have a price in mind. For me, it’s not about getting the cheapest deal, but something that feels fair—especially knowing many of these items are handmade. We bought a spice container from a ceramic place outside the city for €6. No bartering, no fuss—just a beautiful piece made right there. John also picked up a belt at an atelier that was a little too long, and one of the workers altered it for €1.50 on the spot. Quick, easy, and made to fit.

One of my favorite spots in Marrakech was Le Jardin Secret. It was quiet, calm, and beautifully restored. The story of how it went from neglected ruins to a serene garden really made it special. You could feel the care and craftsmanship in every tile and plant. We also took a cooking class with Yassine, which was honestly a highlight. He walked us through the spices, explained his tagine method, and helped us cook a full meal—slow, flavorful, and totally delicious. We left feeling like we could actually recreate it at home (fingers crossed). Compared to some of the restaurant meals, the food we made with Yassine was on a whole other level.

Morocco really left its mark on me. It’s quirky, vibrant, frustrating, beautiful—and totally unforgettable. Marrakech was crowded and touristy, while Tangier was softer, slower, and easier to settle into. I’m glad I experienced both, but if I go back, I think I’d explore somewhere new—Fes, Essaouira, maybe Agadir and then head back to Tangier.

These trips reminded me that the best moments aren’t always the ones you plan. Sometimes the highlight is a stray cat curling up at your feet, a man appearing to sell you dates on the side of the road, and walking through the desert behind camels. Morocco has a rhythm all its own. You just have to let go of control a little, take a deep breath, and go with it.