WHEN IN MARRAKECH
Marrakech is an electric exciting labyrinth of a city, and can be daunting to the first time visitor. However When in Fashion is here to give you some insiders tips to the city.
Tip no.1
The taxi
There are two types of taxis- the first is called a petit taxi. These are usually little Renaults or Pergots from the early 90s which have not seen an MOT test since the day they were built and seem to run on air. They take only 3 passengers at a time. Sometimes you might even hop in with a local and end up making a new friend! However pricing with all things marroccan is a little touchy. during the day do not pay more than 10-20 Dirham for a ride. Haggle first and if they refuse don't panic - they will drive off and there you can grab the next one. At night you will need to pay a little more. Around 30-40 Dihram is enough. The second type of taxi is called a Grande taxi. This is usually a banged up Mercedes from the 80s that needs to be wound up before start up. Here you can ride for 30 Dirham. Don't forget to haggle for these prices! If you are a large group and the Grande taxi requests a higher price - dont give in and grab two petit taxis for half the amount. At night you will need to pay around 40-50 Dirham for a Grande taxi! Happy travels!
Tip no.2
The Souk
Shopping in the market is key when in Marrakech. It is something from Aladdin's world under canopies and colour and your in for a treat. For a first time visitor it is slightly daunting. The heavy duty call outs front he stand owners can put you off but never fear, be strong, stick to your guns and you will get some amazing deals! Pricing- Scarves should be no more than 250 dihram a piece, the throws should be no more than 400-500 dihram a piece, Baboush ( slippers) 250 dihram a pair, teapots no more than 70-100 dihram each, teacups 10- 20 DIrham a piece, Jewelry is dependent on the weight so haggle haggle haggle. You get the general idea ( let me know if you have any other questions in regards to pricing )
Happy shopping!
Tip no. 3
The Caleche
This is a wonderful way to cruise around the city. Take a caleche from the Jardin Marjorelles to the Jemna el fna so you can see a mix of the old and new town. These beautiful green gondolas have tough owners and will try and give you ridiculous prices for a 15 minute ride. Get you negotiating skills warmed up and don't pay more than 200 dirham for a ride into the main square. Haggle, walk away and watch them flock to you. This is fun way to watch the world go by.
Tip no. 4
The Jemna el fna
This is the main attraction of the city. By day a square housing hen marroccan na tattoo artists and snake charmers and by night a massive public restaurant! Again this a world wind of an experience. You will wonder through the stands hearing ' Fish and chips!' or 'Cheaper than Asda!' thinking to yourself- what did I just walk in to? DOn't be scared, walk around, have a look, don't stop until you find the stand that you want to eat at. There might be some occasions where stand owners are a little aggressive, just keep a straight path and eventually you will find your seat and have the most amazing meal. A big momma stands behind the table cooking up a home cooked meal and you are in paradise. Bon Appetite!
Shopping in the market is key when in Marrakech. It is something from Aladdin's world under canopies and colour and your in for a treat. For a first time visitor it is slightly daunting. The heavy duty call outs front he stand owners can put you off but never fear, be strong, stick to your guns and you will get some amazing deals! Pricing- Scarves should be no more than 250 dihram a piece, the throws should be no more than 400-500 dihram a piece, Baboush ( slippers) 250 dihram a pair, teapots no more than 70-100 dihram each, teacups 10- 20 DIrham a piece, Jewelry is dependent on the weight so haggle haggle haggle. You get the general idea ( let me know if you have any other questions in regards to pricing )
Happy shopping!
Tip no. 3
The Caleche
This is a wonderful way to cruise around the city. Take a caleche from the Jardin Marjorelles to the Jemna el fna so you can see a mix of the old and new town. These beautiful green gondolas have tough owners and will try and give you ridiculous prices for a 15 minute ride. Get you negotiating skills warmed up and don't pay more than 200 dirham for a ride into the main square. Haggle, walk away and watch them flock to you. This is fun way to watch the world go by.
Tip no. 4
The Jemna el fna
This is the main attraction of the city. By day a square housing hen marroccan na tattoo artists and snake charmers and by night a massive public restaurant! Again this a world wind of an experience. You will wonder through the stands hearing ' Fish and chips!' or 'Cheaper than Asda!' thinking to yourself- what did I just walk in to? DOn't be scared, walk around, have a look, don't stop until you find the stand that you want to eat at. There might be some occasions where stand owners are a little aggressive, just keep a straight path and eventually you will find your seat and have the most amazing meal. A big momma stands behind the table cooking up a home cooked meal and you are in paradise. Bon Appetite!
