5 Helpful Tips When Exploring Marrakech
If you’re seeking a unique and intriguing holiday destination that’s free of all subtlety and possesses an atmosphere unlike any other, the beautifully ancient Moroccan city of Marrakech could the perfect choice for you. There’s so much to witness and plenty to explore, with stunning views, glorious food and the friendliest of locals all contributing to a wonderful North African holiday experience.
Despite the fact that so many people regularly visit the majestic city of Marrakech every year, it’s important to remember that the utmost respect comes from adhering to the various traditional and cultural aspects of the city. There’s also a plethora of useful tips for you to take on board prior to travelling that will help make your experience all the more splendid.
Spend All the Dirham You Have Before Leaving- You won’t be able to exchange any of the Dirham (Moroccan currency) that you have before you head home as it is a closed currency, so you should try and organize your spending so that you use up all the money you’ve taken out at the start of the trip. If you find that you’ve got some Dirham left over, use it to purchase some of the many wonderful stall goods on show in the streets of Marrakech. There are plenty of stunningly exotic items to purchase that you can take home for decorative purposes, such as rugs and leather goods.
Catch a Cab - The medina area is quite small but almost always busy, so it helps to catch a cab to and from your chosen destinations. The streets can get quite hectic at times, so it helps to escape the blistering heat and potentially claustrophobic environment with the help of a highly efficient cab service. Cabs are much more affordable than you might think, so you don’t have to restrict yourself to walking or other types of public transport. Cabs also give you the chance to sit back and take in the unique atmosphere associated with the medina.
Appropriate Dress – There’s a beautifully traditional feel about Marrakech that is further contributed to by popular Moroccan culture. Morocco is a devoutly Muslim country, with the religion strictly observed in many parts of the city. In order to respect the cultural and religious values of Marrakech, we advise anyone visiting to adhere to certain clothing requirements. This means most men should wear t-shirts and light trousers rather than shorts and vests, while women should look to cover their shoulders and wear skirts or shorts that cover the knees. While there’s not likely to be any consequences, it’s certainly more respectful to appreciate and be sensitive to cultures other than our own.
Ignore Street Signs – It’s a funny tip to start with but in truth, there’s absolutely no point following the various street signs you’ll come across throughout the city. Even someone with the keenest sense of direction will struggle to recall where their street and stall-venturing began, so you’ll enjoy yourself a whole lot more if you simply let the hustle and bustle of the busy streets take you on a unique journey. So rather than rely on signs to get you from one place to another, get help from a tour guide or perhaps even use the knowledge of the friendly locals.
Choose Peaceful Accommodation - Marrakech is a city that always seems to be on the move, much like London or New York for instance. However, those of us from colder climates may struggle to find any relaxation in the sweltering heat commonly associated with Morocco, particularly in the summer. It’s advisable that you seek a peaceful accommodation that takes you away from the hectic streets of Marrakech so that you have the perfect place to reflect on your day and recover your strength for the following day. Try and choose accommodation that presents itself as being calm, relaxed and well away from the busy streets.
Moroccan Arts and Culture
Moroccan Arts and Culture
The almost medieval-like hustle and bustle of Morocco is for most travelers a world away from their own cities and towns. The culture and people are usually so completely different from what they know that they often find themselves in situations to which they have no idea how to react. The following brief explanation of Moroccan art and culture is designed to help you get the most out of your stay in this amazing country.
Art
The art of this country is truly special. Many historical examples are on display at the local museums. More modern examples are on display at art galleries and in souks. Beware of cheap imitations though!
There are so many different ways that the people express themselves – in carpets, clothing, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, painting, carving, and calligraphy. They even hold an international art festival once a year to showcase all their talent. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this country, you should consider buying some of the local artwork. Not only will it provide you with a little memento of your trip, but it will help out the local people who are usually quite poor.
Culture
Souks are a way of life in Morocco and you usually wont have to go far to find one. You can often get good bargains here, but remember that most Moroccans will have a lot more experience than you will when it comes to haggling the price so you will seldom find yourself able to get better than that which is offered.
You may find, if you are friendly and courteous enough, that you will soon start to make friends with the locals. If this happens and you are invited to a meal, it is good to keep in mind some of the local customs. For example, you will usually take off your shoes when entering a house. You can follow your host’s example in this regard. Also it is a good idea to take a gift of some sort with. If you are in a home in the city you might take some pastries or some sugar with you. If you are in the county it would be better to buy a live chicken for the household which is likely to not be quite so well off. A home invitation is perhaps the most authentic way to sample Moroccan dishes. Most Moroccan food is eaten with the hands. If you are invited to join someone for a meal, you should always eat with the right hand as the left is supposed to be used for the toilet.
Any plans to visit mosques will usually meet with failure as these are considered to be very holy places that only Muslims are allowed access to. Though this is allowed in other parts of the world, the closest you will likely get to the inside of a mosque in Morocco is if you visit some ruins or disused mosques such as Tin Mal and Smara. Most other monuments are on view to the public for a price and you can also observe certain celebrations such as the Imichal wedding Fair.
When taking photographs of the local people, it would be wisest to ask their permission. Taking a photograph of someone with out their permission – especially in rural areas – can cause offense. This may result in them demanding money from you – even if you only intended to take a scenic shot of something. In contrast, taking photographs of someone you have become friendly with is usually very welcome. Often people with whom you’ve become acquainted will take you to a place where they can get a photograph taken with you for themselves. You should not be unfriendly about this as it usually does not result in you paying for the picture or any further harassment.
Traditionally the men take to the streets and the women are in control of their homes. This means that you will not often find woman in cafés or restaurants. If you are a woman and you strike up a friendship, you will likely be invited to the person’s home or to a hamman (bath) for further association. On the other hand, if you are a man or a man and woman traveling together, you will likely be invited into a café for some tea or a meal.
In general, Moroccan culture can be an exiting and worldly experience. The people are friendly and the place is colorful. Hospitality is really a part of their culture so you can strike up friendships virtually anywhere if you have the right attitude. Usually this results in further association with these dynamic and interesting people and a real taste of Moroccan life.
The almost medieval-like hustle and bustle of Morocco is for most travelers a world away from their own cities and towns. The culture and people are usually so completely different from what they know that they often find themselves in situations to which they have no idea how to react. The following brief explanation of Moroccan art and culture is designed to help you get the most out of your stay in this amazing country.
Art
The art of this country is truly special. Many historical examples are on display at the local museums. More modern examples are on display at art galleries and in souks. Beware of cheap imitations though!
There are so many different ways that the people express themselves – in carpets, clothing, jewelry, ceramics, sculpture, painting, carving, and calligraphy. They even hold an international art festival once a year to showcase all their talent. If you ever have the opportunity to visit this country, you should consider buying some of the local artwork. Not only will it provide you with a little memento of your trip, but it will help out the local people who are usually quite poor.
Culture
Souks are a way of life in Morocco and you usually wont have to go far to find one. You can often get good bargains here, but remember that most Moroccans will have a lot more experience than you will when it comes to haggling the price so you will seldom find yourself able to get better than that which is offered.
You may find, if you are friendly and courteous enough, that you will soon start to make friends with the locals. If this happens and you are invited to a meal, it is good to keep in mind some of the local customs. For example, you will usually take off your shoes when entering a house. You can follow your host’s example in this regard. Also it is a good idea to take a gift of some sort with. If you are in a home in the city you might take some pastries or some sugar with you. If you are in the county it would be better to buy a live chicken for the household which is likely to not be quite so well off. A home invitation is perhaps the most authentic way to sample Moroccan dishes. Most Moroccan food is eaten with the hands. If you are invited to join someone for a meal, you should always eat with the right hand as the left is supposed to be used for the toilet.
Any plans to visit mosques will usually meet with failure as these are considered to be very holy places that only Muslims are allowed access to. Though this is allowed in other parts of the world, the closest you will likely get to the inside of a mosque in Morocco is if you visit some ruins or disused mosques such as Tin Mal and Smara. Most other monuments are on view to the public for a price and you can also observe certain celebrations such as the Imichal wedding Fair.
When taking photographs of the local people, it would be wisest to ask their permission. Taking a photograph of someone with out their permission – especially in rural areas – can cause offense. This may result in them demanding money from you – even if you only intended to take a scenic shot of something. In contrast, taking photographs of someone you have become friendly with is usually very welcome. Often people with whom you’ve become acquainted will take you to a place where they can get a photograph taken with you for themselves. You should not be unfriendly about this as it usually does not result in you paying for the picture or any further harassment.
Traditionally the men take to the streets and the women are in control of their homes. This means that you will not often find woman in cafés or restaurants. If you are a woman and you strike up a friendship, you will likely be invited to the person’s home or to a hamman (bath) for further association. On the other hand, if you are a man or a man and woman traveling together, you will likely be invited into a café for some tea or a meal.
In general, Moroccan culture can be an exiting and worldly experience. The people are friendly and the place is colorful. Hospitality is really a part of their culture so you can strike up friendships virtually anywhere if you have the right attitude. Usually this results in further association with these dynamic and interesting people and a real taste of Moroccan life.
Morocco Mall
Morocco Mall a été conçu par Davide Padoa, qui est l'architecte en chef et le président-directeur général de Design International, une firme architecturale spécialisée dans la conception de designs pour des magasins et centres internationaux. Design International qui a élaboré cette œuvre en collaboration avec Oger International a gagné en 2009 le prix de la « Meilleure architecture commerciale » pour le Morocco Mall aux International Property Awards11.
Morocco Mall
Un panel de 350 boutiques abritant 600 grandes marques7 ainsi qu'un hypermarché d'une superficie d'un hectare sont référencés dans ce complexe d'une surface de 250 000 m²2.
D'ores et déjà, ce plus grand centre commercial d'Afrique comprend une panoplie de grandes enseignes internationales. Parmi elles, toutes les marques du Groupe Aksal ainsi que celles du LEADER du marché Nesk Investment sont présentes : Massimo Dutti, Zara, [[H&M]], Mango, Promod, Okaïdi, Aldo, OYSHO, Stradivarius, Sinéquanone et sans oublier les grandes marques de luxe : Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, [[Miu Miu]], Prada, [[Philipp Plein]], Ralph Lauren, Galeries Lafayette, Christian Dior, Uterqüe, Analog, Gravis…
À cela s'ajoute une offre en loisirs et restauration diversifiée : SPA, patinoire, une fontaine musicale de WET Design8 (4e plus grande au monde), un aquarium panoramique (3e plus grand au monde), un Adventureland, une aire de restauration avec 45 restaurants ainsi que des activités proposées pour la première fois au Maroc : le Dolphin Show9, un cinéma IMAX10 en 3D ainsi que Morocco Souk, qui réinterprète les souks traditionnels de Fès et de Marrakech.
Le Morocco Mall est le premier centre commercial du genre à regrouper autant d'offres dans un seul et même site sur le continent africain. Le concept projette déjà d'être étendu à d'autres villes phares du royaume chérifien.
D'ores et déjà, ce plus grand centre commercial d'Afrique comprend une panoplie de grandes enseignes internationales. Parmi elles, toutes les marques du Groupe Aksal ainsi que celles du LEADER du marché Nesk Investment sont présentes : Massimo Dutti, Zara, [[H&M]], Mango, Promod, Okaïdi, Aldo, OYSHO, Stradivarius, Sinéquanone et sans oublier les grandes marques de luxe : Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, [[Miu Miu]], Prada, [[Philipp Plein]], Ralph Lauren, Galeries Lafayette, Christian Dior, Uterqüe, Analog, Gravis…
À cela s'ajoute une offre en loisirs et restauration diversifiée : SPA, patinoire, une fontaine musicale de WET Design8 (4e plus grande au monde), un aquarium panoramique (3e plus grand au monde), un Adventureland, une aire de restauration avec 45 restaurants ainsi que des activités proposées pour la première fois au Maroc : le Dolphin Show9, un cinéma IMAX10 en 3D ainsi que Morocco Souk, qui réinterprète les souks traditionnels de Fès et de Marrakech.
Le Morocco Mall est le premier centre commercial du genre à regrouper autant d'offres dans un seul et même site sur le continent africain. Le concept projette déjà d'être étendu à d'autres villes phares du royaume chérifien.
Découvrez le premier Mall de « Retailtainment » d'Afrique
Le Morocco Mall est un centre commercial inauguré à Casablanca au Maroc le 5 décembre 2011. Il s'étale sur une surface dédiée totalisant 250 000 m² d'espaces de loisirs, restaurants et d'enseignes.
Le Morocco Mall est le 20e plus grand centre commercial du monde, le plus grand de toute la Méditerranée (incluant l'Europe) et le 2eme plus grand d'Afrique1. Il s'étale sur une surface2 dédiée totalisant 250 000 m2 à Casablanca, au Maroc. La construction de ce centre sur la Corniche casablancaise a duré quatre ans à compter de 2007 ; son ouverture officielle au public a eu lieu le 5 décembre 20113.
En 2012, il a reçu à Cannes un MIPIM Award dans la catégorie du meilleur centre commercia sur le plan architectural. Avant son ouverture, le premier centre commercial africain était le Century City du Cap (125 000 m2), classé dans le Top 20 mondial des centres commerciaux.
L'investissement des groupes Nesk INVESTMENT filiale de Al Jedaie de la multinationale saoudienne Akwa et Aksal le maitre d'ouvrage dans ce projet s'élève à deux milliards de dirhams (soit environ 236 millions de dollars).
Le classement dans le Top 5 mondial du Morocco Mall est conforté par la richesse de son offre en termes de commerces (Marjane, Fnac, Galeries Lafayette, etc.) et de loisirs (un parc Adventureland, 3e aquarium parmi les plus grands au monde, 4e plus grande fontaine musicale au monde, une patinoire, etc.).
L'architecture des Galeries Lafayette du Morocco Mall a inscrit cet édifice au Guinness World Record ™ pour la plus grande façade de magasin au monde érigée dans un mall.
Le Morocco Mall est le 20e plus grand centre commercial du monde, le plus grand de toute la Méditerranée (incluant l'Europe) et le 2eme plus grand d'Afrique1. Il s'étale sur une surface2 dédiée totalisant 250 000 m2 à Casablanca, au Maroc. La construction de ce centre sur la Corniche casablancaise a duré quatre ans à compter de 2007 ; son ouverture officielle au public a eu lieu le 5 décembre 20113.
En 2012, il a reçu à Cannes un MIPIM Award dans la catégorie du meilleur centre commercia sur le plan architectural. Avant son ouverture, le premier centre commercial africain était le Century City du Cap (125 000 m2), classé dans le Top 20 mondial des centres commerciaux.
L'investissement des groupes Nesk INVESTMENT filiale de Al Jedaie de la multinationale saoudienne Akwa et Aksal le maitre d'ouvrage dans ce projet s'élève à deux milliards de dirhams (soit environ 236 millions de dollars).
Le classement dans le Top 5 mondial du Morocco Mall est conforté par la richesse de son offre en termes de commerces (Marjane, Fnac, Galeries Lafayette, etc.) et de loisirs (un parc Adventureland, 3e aquarium parmi les plus grands au monde, 4e plus grande fontaine musicale au monde, une patinoire, etc.).
L'architecture des Galeries Lafayette du Morocco Mall a inscrit cet édifice au Guinness World Record ™ pour la plus grande façade de magasin au monde érigée dans un mall.
The country that Travels within you
The country that Travels within you
One can not mention Morocco without bringing up the wonderful memories of those who have visited the country. The new strap line "The country that Travels within you" of Morocco’s advertising campaign conjures up deeply the experience lived and which last in all memories.
Click here to watch this film which promises to take you to a country that will mark you forever.
One can not mention Morocco without bringing up the wonderful memories of those who have visited the country. The new strap line "The country that Travels within you" of Morocco’s advertising campaign conjures up deeply the experience lived and which last in all memories.
Click here to watch this film which promises to take you to a country that will mark you forever.
Morocco - a country rich in nature!
Morocco - a country rich in nature!
Nature is never far away in Morocco. Desert, mountains, valleys and sea - the country has plenty to offer fans of the outdoors!
Hikers of all levels will love walking the Moroccan mountains. Among the temperate peaks of the Rif mountain range, its cliffs jutting out into the Mediterranean make this under-explored region magical.
Morocco mountain
The lakes are packed with trout waiting for amateur fishermen. The more sporty will want to tackle the challenges of the Middle and Upper Atlas mountains on foot, by mountain bike or in a paraglider, or to practice mountain climbing, canyoning or pot-holing. Its summits can reach 4000m high. Ifrane, the little Moroccan Switzerland, may come as a pleasant surprise with its summer coolness, winter snow and traditional "mule-ski" trails.
Nothing is as indescribable as a stay on the edge of the desert... Head to Ouarzazate to discover its immensity and colours. At night, opt for an encampment in the desert, a chalet in the mountains and, wherever you are, BED AND BREAKFAST with the locals for an unforgettable and authentic experience. These are at the heart of the Moroccan identity, like palmtrees, argan oil and the honey from its lavender.
Looking out over the Atlantic, you will be enchanted by the turquoise waters of Dakhla bay! There you will meet migratory birds and pink flamingos.
In Morocco, every taste is naturally catered for!
Nature is never far away in Morocco. Desert, mountains, valleys and sea - the country has plenty to offer fans of the outdoors!
Hikers of all levels will love walking the Moroccan mountains. Among the temperate peaks of the Rif mountain range, its cliffs jutting out into the Mediterranean make this under-explored region magical.
Morocco mountain
The lakes are packed with trout waiting for amateur fishermen. The more sporty will want to tackle the challenges of the Middle and Upper Atlas mountains on foot, by mountain bike or in a paraglider, or to practice mountain climbing, canyoning or pot-holing. Its summits can reach 4000m high. Ifrane, the little Moroccan Switzerland, may come as a pleasant surprise with its summer coolness, winter snow and traditional "mule-ski" trails.
Nothing is as indescribable as a stay on the edge of the desert... Head to Ouarzazate to discover its immensity and colours. At night, opt for an encampment in the desert, a chalet in the mountains and, wherever you are, BED AND BREAKFAST with the locals for an unforgettable and authentic experience. These are at the heart of the Moroccan identity, like palmtrees, argan oil and the honey from its lavender.
Looking out over the Atlantic, you will be enchanted by the turquoise waters of Dakhla bay! There you will meet migratory birds and pink flamingos.
In Morocco, every taste is naturally catered for!
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