When people ask me where they should travel Morocco is always in my top 5 favorite. I did not know what exactly to expect while there, but it far exceeded any expectations I could have had.
Venturing out of my comfort zone of the US and Europe my latest trip took me all the way to Africa! From start to finish the trip took 6 days and we traveled through 3 different cities to arrive.
Route.
You can reach Marrakesh by flying into Marrakesh Manera Airport (RAK). From the airport you can reach your hotel via cab or shuttle service if your hotel offers it.
For those of you looking for information on ZED travel keep on reading:
I started in Chicago and my sister in D.C.; we connected though Philadelphia. My sister and I flew to Madrid (MAD) via American. From MAD we bought a ZED on Iberia to Marrakech (RAK).
Here was my route:
ORD-PHL-MAD-RAK
We met up with my boyfriend in Marrakech.
He flew from Chicago to Frankfurt on United. From there he bought a ZED on Lufthansa to RAK. Here is his route:
ORD-FRA-RAK
My friend and I started in Chicago together, but we split ways until Madrid.
Here is his route:
ORD-JFK-MAD-RAK
Here was the route for my sister, boyfriend and I going back (using Iberia and American)
RAK-MAD (overnight in MAD)-JFK-ORD
Souks.
Located in the Medina (old town Marrakech) you will encounter the souks. In these shops you will find all kinds of clothing, shoes, accessories and nicknacks to bring home as souvenirs. Whatever you do, don’t buy anything for full price!
Here items have no price tag. If you see something you want, ask the shop owner and from there you will barter with them to try and lower the price.
TIP: Don’t be afraid to walk away! They will most likely call you back in and accept your price. Otherwise you might find a similar item on the next street.
Bahia Palace.
Scenes of the city.
Dining.
We loved the cuisine here. I honestly think I lost weight on the trip because the food was so fresh and light. Here are some of the food we enjoyed on our trip:
Most places you will also find Tajine on the menu, especially chicken.It is named after the dish in which it’s cooked, a bottom bowl and cone shaped top.
Mint tea is super common, we were welcomed into our Riad with a glass. I was never a fan of mint tea before going to Morocco, but fell in love with it there. A perfect mix of minty and sweet.
Khobz is a fluffy loaf topped with sesame seeds that was served at most restaurants we ate at. The breakfast at our riad had it warmed each morning and I absolutely loved it.
Vegetarian Pastilla was my favorite dish, the flakey outer layer was perfectly complimented by the tasty veggies inside.
Moroccan salad was so light and refreshing, I highly recommend ordering one of these cucumber, tomato and onion salads.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
Cafe Kif Kif: best chicken tajine and pastilla
Nomad: best cous cous
Riad.
I would highly recommend staying in a raid. We stayed near Dar el Bacha and paid $84 USD for a three person suite.
Sites to see in Marrakech:
- Saadien’s Tombs
- Jemaa el-Fna
- Bahia Palace
- Koutoubia Mosque
- Badii Palace
- Jardin Majorelle
- Atlas Mountains






