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Marrakech, Morocco.

marrakesh morocco bahia palace

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.

Such a unique trip for me because I got to travel with my sister, boyfriend, and 2 other Flight Attendants. The trip was honestly so impromptu! It all began when my firend Nelson posted on Instagram about doing a trip. I messaged him that I was interested, we had a phone call discussing destinations, and a few days later we were on a plane to Morocco!
 
We spent time in the markets and enjoyed the perfect weather as we explored this vibrant city. You really need to add this to your list of places you want to travel if it’s not on there already. 
marrakesh rug shop morocco
Morocco Marrakesh market

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

marrakesh airport in morocco

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. 

spice market in Marrakesh Morocco
market souks in marrakesh morocco
spice market in Marrakesh Morocco
souk markets in Marrakesh Morocco

Bahia Palace.

This is one of the must see locations while in Marrakech. Bahia Palace is filled with many courtyards, beautiful colored tiles and a 2 acre garden. Tickets to get inside were 700 Moroccan Dirham (about $7 USD)
 
The tile you see throughout is called zellij, colorful hand carved tiles designed in geometric patters. This is a common style in Moroccan architecture. 
 
Certain times can be a bit crowded so I would suggest going earlier in the day. Especially if you want to get some pictures in the palace. 
Bahia Palace Marrakesh Morocco
Bahia Palace Marrakesh Morocco
Bahia Palace Marrakesh Morocco
Bahia Palace Marrakesh Morcoo
Bahia Palace Marrakesh Morocco
Bahia Palace Marrakesh Morocco
Bahia Palace Marrakesh Morocco

Scenes of the city.

Here are a few of my favorite shots from all around the city that really capture Marrakech.
 
I loved all of the shops and wanted to snap shots of all of them. The colors of the city were stunning. Throughout the day the sun would highlight different aspects of the city, it really glowed. 
lamp market souk in Marrakesh Morocco
lamp market souk in Marrakesh Morocco
view of souks in Marrakesh Morocco
morocco Marrakech temple

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: 

In Morocco I was on the hunt for some good couscous, I pretty much ate couscous and veggies the whole 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 

marrakesh riad breakfast morocco
Nomad Cous Cous morocco
Moroccan salad marrakesh morocco
cafe kif kif pastilla marrakesh morocco
morrocan mint tea in Marrakesh riad morocco
Tajine in Morocco

Riad.

When looking for lodging in Marrakech you will find many places called riads. These are a typical moroccan homes with a courtyard in the center.
 
Ours was located in the Medina, which is the old city where many souks can be found.

I would highly recommend staying in a raid. We stayed near Dar el Bacha and paid $84 USD for a three person suite. 
 
Check out ID90 Travel & sign up for an account to get $10 your first booking! 
Riad in Morocco Marrakesh
Riad in Morocco Marrakesh

Sites to see in Marrakech:

  • Saadien’s Tombs
  • Jemaa el-Fna
  • Bahia Palace
  • Koutoubia Mosque
  • Badii Palace
  • Jardin Majorelle
  • Atlas Mountains
Marrakesh Morocco
Marrakesh Morocco
Bahia Palace Marrakesh Morocco
random staircase in marrakesh morocco
Bahia Palace Marrakesh Morocco
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