Planning your first trip to Morocco? This Marrakech Arrival Guide is packed with essential travel tips from our personal experience exploring the vibrant medina in October 2023. It was also our first time in Africa — which made the journey even more exciting and eye-opening!
From landing in Casablanca to navigating the heart of Marrakech, we’ll walk you through what it’s really like to get around the city, where to stay, how to prepare for cultural differences, and what not to pack — yes, that includes drones. You’ll also find practical advice on safety, language, and surviving the dry October heat while exploring the maze-like streets of the old city.
Looking for authentic tips to kick off your Marrakech adventure stress-free?
You’re in the right place!
Don’t miss our full YouTube vlog, where Serge shares his top first-timer tips for discovering Marrakech — one of the most iconic and unforgettable cities in Morocco.
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✈️ Arriving in Marrakech: What to Expect at the Airport
Upon arrival at Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), you’ll enter a modern facility with smooth customs procedures. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your entry date.
Most travellers from countries like Canada can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. Still, we strongly recommend confirming your entry requirements on Accès Maroc before your trip.
Pro Tip: Immigration officers may ask where you’ll be staying and for how long — so have your accommodation address ready.
🚫 Don’t bring a drone — they’re restricted in Morocco, and confiscation is common. Click here to learn more about Morocco’s drone laws on UAV Systems International.
As your first step in Morocco, this part of the Marrakech Arrival Guide helps ensure a smooth landing and immigration process.
🏨 Choosing Where to Stay: Riads vs. Hotels
Choosing the right place to stay is one of the most important decisions in this Marrakech Arrival Guide.
When planning your visit, choosing the right accommodation is key. Based on our stay, here’s what we found:
- Riads offer a more authentic experience. Located inside the medina, these traditional homes-turned-guesthouses often include inner courtyards and homemade meals. According to our Riad Zarka manager, most riads were family homes before being converted.
- Hotels in districts like Gueliz offer modern comforts, with amenities like pools and room service.
We stayed at Riad Zarka, which was perfectly located for exploring the medina and joining tours to places like Jardin Majorelle, Essaouira, and Aït Ben Haddou. On our return from Rabat, we stayed outside the medina to be closer to the airport.
Need help finding the perfect riad or hotel in Marrakech?
We used Hotels.com throughout our Morocco trip to compare prices, read guest reviews, and find stays that matched our vibe — from traditional riads in the medina to modern hotels near the airport.
👉 Click here to explore Marrakech accommodations on Hotels.com and start planning your ideal stay!
🚖 How to Get to Your Hotel Without Taxi Scams
Before traveling to Marrakech, we read and watched several warnings about taxi scams. Based on our experience, here’s how to avoid them:
- Always negotiate the price before getting in.
- Ask your hotel or Riad if they offer airport transfers. This was a great solution for us.
- Book through GetYourGuide — we used it for several transfers and tours. You can read reviews, compare prices, and cancel most bookings for free.
Click here and learn more about Get Your Guide – Marrakech transfers
🧭 Marrakech Arrival Guide: Navigating the Medina for First-Time Visitors
One of the most helpful chapters in our Marrakech Arrival Guide focuses on how to navigate the medina like a local.
The Marrakech medina is a maze of bustling alleys filled with markets, artisans, and architecture. It’s beautiful — but disorienting!
Our top navigation tips:
- Download offline maps in advance (Google Maps or Maps.me).
- Use landmarks of Marrakech to orient yourself.
- Hire a guide for your first day — it made a big difference.
🚫 Cars are mostly not allowed in the medina. Our Riad Zarka manager met us outside and guided us in — even helping with our luggage. Don’t expect to be dropped at the door!
📶 Staying Connected in Marrakech: Airalo vs. Holafly
In our Marrakech Arrival Guide, we compare eSIMs like Airalo and Holafly to help you stay connected. We tested both eSIM providers in Morocco:
- Eli used Airalo — cheaper upfront, but the data runs out fast. Great if you don’t need unlimited usage.
- Serge used Holafly — a bit pricier, but it included unlimited data. It was a lifesaver for navigation and uploading content on the go.
Both options worked well across Morocco. We even made WhatsApp calls from the Sahara Desert!
Staying connected is a key part of this Marrakech Arrival Guide, especially when navigating new places or reaching out for help on the go.
🎒 Packing Essentials for Marrakech: What We Learned
When preparing for our trip to Marrakech in October 2023, we considered the hot, dry climate and local customs. Our three-week journey taught us valuable lessons about what to pack—and what to leave behind.
✅ Marrakech Arrival Guide: What to Pack
- Modest, breathable clothing: I (Eli) opted for long skirts and lightweight blouses with sleeves. While not mandatory, dressing modestly is respectful and helps you blend in.
- Comfortable footwear: Navigating the medina’s uneven streets requires sturdy, comfortable shoes.
- Sun protection: A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen are must-haves for the intense sun.
- Reusable water bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial. We refilled our reusable water bottles to keep it cooler throughout the day, as tap water isn’t potable.
- Small daypack or crossbody bag: Perfect for carrying essentials. Note: Some attractions, like Le Jardin Secret, restrict large backpacks.
- Pocket tissues and hand sanitizer: Public restrooms often lack toilet paper and soap. Carrying some Pocket tissues and hand sanitizer items were lifesavers.
- Universal travel adapter: Morocco uses Type C and E plugs. The best option is to bring a universal adapter — it worked seamlessly for us.
- Prescription and usual medication: We learned the hard way that it’s always better to bring your own meds. After several days walking under the sun, eating different foods, and occasionally drinking water from less reliable places, we returned from the Sahara Desert with a case of diarrhea. Having familiar medication on hand saved us time and stress.
🚫 What to Leave Behind
- Drones
Strictly prohibited in Morocco. Bringing one can lead to immediate confiscation at the airport. Click here to learn more. - Valuable jewelry and electronics
To avoid unwanted attention, we kept most of our valuables to a minimum. That said, Serge did bring his professional Nikon camera and key photography accessories — which you can see listed on our Photography Gear Page.
Just be aware: some attractions, like Le Jardin Secret, don’t allow entrance with large backpacks or certain types of lenses. In our case, Serge had to leave his bag outside in an open locker before entering. So plan ahead if you’re carrying professional gear.
Packing thoughtfully ensured we were comfortable and respectful during our Moroccan adventure.
👗 What Women Should Wear in Marrakech
Before our trip, I (Eli) wondered what was appropriate to wear. After researching and watching vlogs from other women, I packed:
- Long skirts & dresses
- Loose blouses with sleeves
I saw other tourists in shorts, but personally chose to be respectful. I had no negative experiences — even when out alone in Rabat.
🛡️ Staying Safe: Etiquette & Common Scams
We felt safe throughout our stay in Marrakech, especially while exploring the medina during the day. That said, it’s always smart to stay alert and be prepared — especially in busy markets and tourist areas where pickpocketing can happen.
🧳 Anti-Theft Travel Gear We Used (and Recommend!)
Over the years, we’ve learned that having the right travel accessories makes a big difference in how secure and confident we feel — and Marrakech was no exception.
Here’s what we brought and used daily:
- Crossbody bag with secure zippers
I (Eli) used a small, zippered crossbody bag that I kept in front of me at all times. It was lightweight but just big enough for daily essentials like my phone, cash, and tissues. Click here to check this option at Amazon. - RFID-blocking sleeves for credit/debit cards
These inexpensive but effective RFID-blocking sleeves helped protect our cards from unwanted scans. I started using them after having my credit card cloned once during a layover in the U.S., and now I never travel without them. - Money belt for passport and emergency cash
Serge and I always carry a slim, hidden money belt underneath our clothing when we travel — especially on long travel days or when moving between cities. We keep our passports, backup cards, and extra cash safely tucked inside.
Together, these items gave us peace of mind during our walks in crowded souks, rides on public transport, and while exploring unfamiliar streets — without the stress of constantly checking our pockets or bags.
💡 Extra Bonus Tip:
Be cautious with performers and “free” photo ops in public areas — like musicians, snake charmers, or dancers. They often expect a tip, even if you didn’t ask for the interaction. We had a few unexpected encounters in restaurants and public squares, so it’s good to be aware!
💵 Currency in Marrakech: Cash or Card?
In this Marrakech Arrival Guide, we want to help you feel confident about how money works in Morocco — because knowing what to expect can save you time, stress, and unnecessary fees.
Morocco uses the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While many restaurants, riads, and hotels accept credit cards, cash is still king in Marrakech — especially in souks, local cafés, taxis, and smaller shops.
💰 Money Tips from Our Experience:
- Bring some Moroccan Dirhams in advance if possible, or plan to withdraw from a bank ATM in the city center once you arrive.
- Avoid exchanging money at the airport, where exchange rates are usually much higher.
- Serge shares a great local tip in our vlog — exchange your currency at Hotel Ali, located near Jemaa el-Fna. It consistently offered one of the best rates we found in Marrakech.
Having a mix of cash and card access will give you flexibility throughout your journey, and it’s one of the most practical suggestions in this Marrakech Arrival Guide — especially if you’re planning to negotiate prices at the market or book local tours on the spot.
🗣️ Language in Morocco: What You Need to Know
Arabic is the official language of Morocco, but French and English are widely spoken in Marrakech, especially in tourist areas. That said, learning a few words in Arabic can really enrich your travel experience — locals truly appreciate the effort!
📝 Helpful Phrases:
- Hello: Salam Alaikum
- Thank you: Shukran
- Yes: Na’am
- No: La
Translation apps are helpful on the go, but taking the time to learn a few phrases before your trip makes a big difference.
👉 Want to learn the basics before you go? We recommend trying Babbel — it’s the language app we trust, and it’s perfect for learning practical vocabulary quickly. Click here to get started!
🕌 Religion and Friday Closures in Marrakech
Islam is Morocco’s main religion. You’ll hear the call to prayer (adhan) several times a day, especially in the morning. It’s a beautiful part of daily life.
Fridays are the holy day in Islam. Some shops, museums, or attractions may open late or close early, so double-check your plans for Fridays in advance.
🌤️ Weather in October: Hot Days & Cool Nights
If you’re planning a trip to Marrakech in October, you’re in for one of the best times of the year to visit. October marks the start of autumn in Morocco, offering warm, dry days and cooler evenings — a welcome break from the intense summer heat.
During our trip in October 2023, we experienced:
- Daytime temperatures averaging 28–33°C (82–91°F) — perfect for sightseeing, though the sun can feel strong if you’re walking around the medina or exploring outdoor sites.
- Evening temperatures dropping to around 18°C (64°F) — enough of a chill that we appreciated having an extra layer.
We packed light, breathable clothing for the daytime, but by sunset, especially when dining outdoors or walking to our riad, we were glad to have a scarf or light jacket with us.
🧳 Packing Tip: Even though October is considered off-peak, the UV index can still be high. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses, and stay hydrated with a refillable water bottle. And if you’re heading out early for day trips to the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara, prepare for cooler mornings as well.
🛰️ Want to double-check the forecast before you go?
We recommend using:
- The Weather Network – reliable for 14-day forecasts
- Ventusky – great for tracking temperature, wind, and dust levels across Morocco
These tools helped us plan our outfits and day trips in advance!
🚗 Best Day Trips from Marrakech: Our Top Picks + Vlogs
One of the best things about Marrakech is how easy it is to plan unforgettable day trips from the city. Whether you’re into nature, history, or coastal charm, there’s something nearby for everyone.
Here are our favorite day trips from Marrakech, based on our own experience during our 2023 Morocco road trip:
- Essaouira Day trip from Marrakech – Essaouira quickly became one of our favorite spots in Morocco — and honestly, we’d love to go back for at least three days. It’s a super chill coastal town with a charming medina, cool ocean breeze, and even a few Game of Thrones filming locations!
🎥 Watch our vlog: Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech – Discovering Destinations - Aït Benhaddou and Atlas Mountains Day Trip from Marrakech – This was one of the most epic days of our trip! We enjoyed cooler mountain air, had a blast walking through Atlas Studios, and had an unforgettable local experience in the ancient ksar of Aït Benhaddou — absolutely worth the long drive.
🎥 Watch our vlog: Aït Ben Haddou & Atlas Studios – Day Trip from Marrakech - Ouzoud Waterfalls – We didn’t get the chance to visit the Ouzoud Waterfalls ourselves — we were heading toward Fes and gearing up for our Sahara Desert adventure. But along the way, we met a few travelers who went and absolutely loved it! It’s supposed to be a super refreshing day surrounded by nature, with waterfalls, monkeys, and the option to hike or just relax by the water. Definitely one to keep on the list if you have the time!
🚌 We booked all of our tours through GetYourGuide and were super happy with the flexibility, pricing, and reviews. It gave us peace of mind knowing we could cancel if plans changed.
👉 Check our recommended tours here: Discovering Destinations’ GetYourGuide Picks
These day trips gave us a deeper understanding of Morocco beyond the medina walls — and we truly recommend adding at least one to your Marrakech itinerary!
Extra Quick Tips from Our Journey
Here are a few more small but important tips that made a big difference during our time in Marrakech:
- Bathrooms: Always take the opportunity to use restrooms when you’re at cafés or restaurants — public toilets aren’t always easy to find.
- Toilet paper: Many restrooms don’t provide it, even in train stations or some attractions. Bring pocket tissues just in case.
- Hand sanitizer: A must for day trips and markets — soap isn’t always available.
- Non-potable water: Tap water in Morocco is not safe to drink. Stick to bottled or filtered water, and avoid ice in drinks unless you’re sure it’s made with purified water.
- Bring medication for digestion issues: After long days walking under the sun, trying new foods, and occasionally drinking water outside our trusted sources, we both had mild stomach problems after our trip to the Sahara. Be sure to bring your usual or doctor-prescribed anti-diarrhea medication — it can save your day!
- Plan ahead for prayer times and closures: Friday is a holy day in Morocco. Some museums, shops, or restaurants may close or have shorter hours.
💡 Pro Tip: We always carry a few pocket tissue travel packs in our day bag — they saved us multiple times when restrooms didn’t have toilet paper!
Lia & Serge from Discovering Destinations
Discovering Destinations: Travel Tools & Planning Tips
Traveling is exciting—but a well-planned trip can make the experience smoother and more affordable. We’ve learned through years of travel that starting early helps you find the best deals, avoid stress, and make the most of your time.
Use trusted tools to compare prices, read real traveler reviews, and book with confidence. From flights and hotels to eSIMs and local tours, these platforms have helped us—and now they can help you too.
📌 Final Thoughts: Embrace the Magic of Marrakech
Marrakech was one of the most intense and unforgettable destinations we’ve explored so far. It challenged us in new ways — with its bustling medina, rich culture, and sensory overload — but it also rewarded us with moments of pure magic, deep connection, and personal growth.
From our first steps through the medina to watching the sunset over the rooftops, we felt like we were living in a movie. Yes, there were surprises, and yes, sometimes things didn’t go as planned — but that’s the beauty of travel, right?
We hope this Marrakech Arrival Guide helps you prepare for your own journey and gives you a clearer idea of what to expect. More importantly, we hope it inspires you to travel mindfully, respectfully, and with curiosity.
🎥 Want to see what Marrakech, Morocco was really like?
Watch our full series of Morocco vlogs on YouTube, where we share all the behind-the-scenes moments, travel tips, and stories from the road — including Marrakech, Essaouira, the Atlas Mountains, and more.
👉 Click here to watch our Morocco Playlist
Thanks for reading — and as always, if you have any questions, drop us a comment or message.
We’re here to help you discover your next destination. 🌍
Safe and Amazing trip to everyone!
Eli & Serge
Discovering Destinations!
