Marrakesh

I'm currently in Marrakesh and been here for a month. I would definitely recommend visiting but not during summer as it can get really hot. My first day here it was 42 degrees and really dry. It has gotten better so I would say visit around August or later. Marrakesh is lovely but very touristy and I can only imagine how things were pre-pandemic. Since it is very touristy, locals are more lenient when it comes to what you choose to wear which helps a lot when it's really hot. Obviously, you still have to be very respectful of the culture and their customs and you should dress modestly when going to souks. I've heard a lot of stories from people about getting scammed or the place being dangerous to women especially but I feel and have found that it is as dangerous as any other place or country if you're not careful. I don't really tend to go out late at night anyway but if I do go out, I'm always with other people just in case. French is the main language but most people can understand a bit of English so you won't really have any problems communicating. Google translate helps as well. I would recommend going to Medina and walk around the old town. Go to Jemaa el-Fna at least once just to experience it. The YSL musee is cool as well as the Jardin Majorelle. Tons of cheap riads around Medina as well so definitely stay in one for a couple of nights. I would recommend staying in and around Gueliz if you're staying for longer than a week. It's a great area and you'll find everything you need in the center. I'm off to Tanger in a few days but I will definitely be back in Kesh in a few months when it's a bit colder and maybe camp in the desert! Oh and lastly, the internet was pretty bad in the airbnb that I stayed in so I found myself having to use my data most of the time.

Marrakesh December 2018. An amazing city with contrasts, modern and age-old wonders everywhere you look. Stayed near the main medina (pictured above) and that was a good location to see everything. Internet was good, and my tunnel service functioned fine. Weather is variable at this time of year... as a Canadian I had breakfast on a rooftop terrace at +1C and thought it was absolutely fine, but it also hit +27C later that day... dress in layers. Walk like you know where you are going and you'll be fine... the place is full of tourists (this was pre-covid). People are trying to make a living and will try to hustle you- don't be intimidated, just keep on moving. Prices for eating out were reasonable, and I was pretty careful about water consumption. My traveling companion got one bad meal from a streetside vendor (and a night in the toilet), but it didn't happen to me, so just be aware. Bank machines from major banks gave good exchange rates, just be aware of your surroundings as you use them. Got my laundry done for the equivalent of $2USD, which was a good deal (and they literally pressed the socks and underwear, too). If you know French you have it made here, some know English, too. See the Yves St. Lauren Museum, just check the times and days before you go. the food is amazing and varies (don't gert stuck eating Tagine every day). Alcohol is strictly controlled- package stores are few and you will need your passport to buy it. I will be back to Marrakesh, for sure... but I was here in December and I hear its REALLY HOT in the summer, so be aware.