Day 4 in Marrakech: New Towns, Old Cultures and Big City Shopping

This morning we decided we wanted to discover the new town of Marrakech, so we took a taxi to the city centre. 

NOTE: If you ever take a taxi in Marrakech, give a written address to the driver to avoid any confusion if a language barrier occurs. 

The city centre was a  combination of old traditional Morocco and the new upcoming Marrakech. We first stopped off at a modern coffee shop/restaurant called Le Table du Marche where we enjoyed some very English afternoon tea. 

We later discovered the high street shops of Marrakech, as well as the city's market. 

It contained stalls of handmade jewellery, demonstrations of woodwork made with a chisel and a man's feet and a painter painting his art for his stall. This market was located right in the middle of the modern city centre. 

We then carried on to discover the more traditional elements of the new town. The inside market, Marrakech Cuir,  was a two story shop stocked with both intricate and eccentric goods. The market sold everything from delicate silverware to cast iron lion statues. I made sure to purchase some handmade pieces from the market as souvenirs.

That night we spent enjoying a mixture of moroccan and western world foods and acoustic music in the hotel. 

                                                               

    

Day 2 in Marrakech: Raw Culture, Poolside Paradise and All Inclusive Experiences

The hotel deserves every one of it's four (plus) stars. The staff really make the hotel a relax, happy environment with their attentive and polite nature. 

Waking up in Morocco was something I'd been waiting to do for what seemed a lifetime. Walking onto my balcony in the morning heat of this African country was every bit as blissful as I'd imagined. 

In the morning we had a talk from the hotel reps who gave us the valuable knowledge we need to take on the beautiful city. They explained the two sides to Marrakech that we were able to explore. 

The old town of Marrakech was where the history, attraction and raw culture could be found, as well as the beautiful architecture and some of the most poverty stricken residential areas in the city. 

The new town was a thriving, upcoming modern commercialised district. European style shopping malls were at the centre of this area. 

We spent the afternoon around the gorgeous pool taking full advantage of the all inclusive food and drink!

In the evening we walked ten minutes out of the hotel to the local cash and carry, (similarly to a Costco store in England but much more diverse.) The store was a hub for families to shop for their weekly supplies. Fresh fish, fruit and spices on display brought colour and a fusion of Moroccan smells to the store. As expected the prices of products were cheap and so different to those in the UK. 

NOTE: We learnt alcohol is not sold in supermarkets after 8pm.

Our second night in Morocco had been just as serene as the first with wine and acoustic musicians carrying us into the early hours of the morning. 

Travelling to Morocco: Places to Visit, Things to Do & What to Pack for Him & Her!

I am delighted to say this friday i will be going to one of the most beautiful places in the world, Morocco. From the moment i realised travelling was something i wanted to spend all my time doing i knew the place i had to visit was Morocco particularly Marrakech. This year i have been lucky enough to make that happen so before i take flight i thought i would do my research to find out where to go what to do and how to keep safe whilst abroad! 

  Jemaa el-Fna

Places to visit

Jemaa el-Fna
The main marketplace in Marrakech that have all the culture the city has to offer and a hotspot for all types of tourists. Food stalls display the delicacies of Marrakech in all their colour and beauty. Musicians, street artists and storytellers decorate the streets, offering a carnival of entertainment. If the marketplace isn't your style, retreat to a classy rooftop terrace for cocktails and traditional Moroccan dishes. If you venture further away from the square you can discover alleyways one after another encompassed by souks selling beautiful handmade pieces.  

Majorelle Garden
If the beauty of nature is what interests you then this is a must-do. A beautiful botanical garden located over 12 acres of Marrakech's greenery was created by a French painter who collaborated man-made sculpted beauty with the exotic beauty of nature. 

Menara gardens
Another hotspot for nature lovers. The views are the most spectacular part of these gardens. Known as the gate to the Atlas mountains, they make a beautiful backdrop and display a serene part of Marrakech. In for forefront sits a pavillion (man-made lake) that does not disappoint. Orchard and other gardens surround the Menara gardens also. 

Things to do

Camel Riding 
If you're up for trying something new then camel riding may be for you! Personally it's something i've always wanted to try and hopefully i can give it a go. Check it out here! 

Make a Splash
If you're going along with a group or family why not make a splash at Marrakech's very own water park. Oasiria Water Park is the perfect destination for those wanting to have fun in the waters of Morocco. 

Relax at the Spa
Sometimes when the vacation becomes more of an adventure and less of a holiday you can find the perfect place to relax at Marrakech's local spa.

Nightime Cocktails
After an eventful day why not finish the night off with a sunset view of the city surrounded by the best Moroccan culture and drinks on offer on a rooftop cocktail bar. 

Gambling 
Want something to do anytime of the day that is a little risky? Why not try your hand and test your luck at a some gambling in a Moroccan casino and spend some of your holiday money on spinning the wheel.

Before travelling

Remember its a strict Muslim country that do not accept low cut or revealing clothing for women, so be respectful and dress modestly.

Women travelling be cautious and aware of your surrounding because some male locals think it is acceptable to touch female tourists inappropriately when they are off-guard.

The Moroccan Dirham is a closed currency meaning you must exchange it when you are in Morocco. You can do this in airport banks or in the city centre, however be sensible when deciding how much to take out because the Dirham is considered a 'dead currency' so some foreign exchange bureaus may not accept the currency back. 

Be cautious of any wild cats or other animals although they may seem cute and cuddly touching them isn't worth the risk. In Morocco cats are wild and can been unpredictable and could carry diseases.

What to pack

Secure cross body bag: there are plenty of beggars and some pickpockets on the streets of Marrakech so be safe and aware when travelling in busy areas. 
Electrical plug adaptor: plug sockets differentiate wherever you go in the world so remember if you want to use your electricals you need the right adapters to do so!
Bug repellant: Getting bitten by mosquitoes and bugs is a given in humid places, so protect yourself with the right repellants.
Hat: when it's hot getting heat stroke or sunburn is risk so covering your head can prevent this as well as giving shade your face. 
Travel journal: this trip is one of a lifetime so it is important to document every memory you can.
Map: don't be afraid to use the most reliable source for getting a sense of direction, asking for directions from locals can be helpful but tricky due to the language barrier. Be safe get a map! 
Travel guide: for anything I might have missed, get yourself a travel guide (they often include maps) and are perfect for your pocket whilst on the road.