Top 10 Things to not Do in Marrakech
With a variety of attractions and activities to suit all types of tourists, Marrakech is a captivating destination. While this exotic and vibrant city attracts a wide variety of visitors with different budgets and areas of interest, there are some things that tourists should avoid to ensure a great holiday.
A trip to Marrakech is a sensory overload of exotic sights, sounds, smells, and tastes. If you’re heading to this Moroccan hotspot, keep a few do’s and don’ts in mind to help minimize the inevitable overwhelm.
Here are the top things to avoid while in Marrakech:
1. Don’t Get Taken by a Street Guide
You will be confronted by an assortment of friendly, helpful locals eager to escort you somewhere. However, the majority are opportunistic hustlers. It’s better to avoid engaging these street guides, as they can be persistent and intimidating.
2. Don’t Get Fleeced by a Taxi Driver
There are many drivers overcharging tourists with off-the-meter fees. You need to appear confident and savvy when you get in a taxi. You don’t want to seem rude or imply that you assume they’re distrustful, but if you’re too soft, this “taxi mafia” will fleece you.
3. Don’t Pay the First Price Offered
The number 3 tip on our 10 things to not do in Marrakech is not to pay the first price offered. Morocco is famous for its colourful souks (local markets) that sell an assortment of items. From traditional clothing and footwear to spices, lamps, tea sets and leather goods, a treasure trove of delights can be found in the souks of Morocco. It is difficult to resist loading up on gifts and souvenirs to take home. Prices are actually reasonable, but only for those who remember to haggle. Haggling is a huge part of the trade in Morocco and vendors provide an inflated starting price, knowing that the end figure will be lower. There is no hard and fast rule about how much to pay, but negotiating any price is a must.
4. Don’t Wear Babouche on a Busy Walking Day
One of the must-buys in the Marrakesh souks are the colourful traditional Moroccan slippers, called babouche. They take a few wears to stretch to your foot and become comfortable. So it’s not a good idea to wear a brand new pair on a heavy day.
5. Don’t Feed the Snake Charmers
You’ll find a snake wrapped around your neck and they’ll demand payment to remove it or encourage you to take a picture. Once you take it, the fee demanded can be unreasonable. Try not to engage these snake charmers or be prepared for some aggressive sales tactics.
6. Don’t Shop Without Change
While there are ATMs around Marrakesh and credit cards are used at the finer hotels and restaurants, this is mostly a cash culture. Keep change on you, as one of the typical sales ploys with souk merchants and taxi drivers is the “sorry, I don’t have change” trick.
7. Don’t Forget You’re in a Muslim Country
It is essential to conduct yourself with respect to the host culture. No one is asking you to wear a headscarf or partake in Islamic rituals. Morocco is pretty moderate. However, it is wise to dress conservatively. Women, especially, should keep this in mind so as not to invite unwanted sexual harassment.
8. Don’t Leave the Immigration Paperwork to the Last Minute
Just be aware that you’ll have to fill out immigration forms both on arrival and departure. The paperwork is nothing complicated, but immigration queues can be long at this relatively small airport, so complete your paperwork in advance.
9. Don’t Forget to Learn a Little French or Arabic
Take the time to learn some key phrases in French or Arabic before arriving. Pleasantries go a long way in putting people at ease. Most will be impressed with any attempt you make in their language. So google some basics before you go.
10. Don’t Let Your Guard Down
The last tip on our 10 things to not Do in Marrakech list is don’t let your guard down. Wandering around the streets, squares, and dizzying lanes of the medina of Marrakech take some guts, and you’ll want to have your wits about you at all times. The hustle and bustle of street life can be overwhelming to the uninitiated. It’s important to schedule some downtime each day to relax such as treating yourself to a hammam cleanse.
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