I have just returned (literally late last night!) from an unforgettable week in sunny Morocco with my Mum, and haven’t stopped scrolling through my photos since. Never have I been somewhere more beautiful; bursting with exquisite architecture, doorways to die for, smells of spices and herbs at every corner and food that will ensure I will be on a juice diet for at least the next two weeks. I myself had a lot of help with this itinerary from a well travelled friend so it seems only fair to pass on the details…
The Riads of Marrakech
The Riads of Marrakech are something I was simply not prepared for. You will be walking along very narrow, derelict streets and the stumble across an inconspicuous looking door….we later learnt this was because it’s considered crude to show your wealth to the outside, so fronts of Riads’ are not decorated elaborately – but oh boy, when you enter through the door it’s another story! Another world awaits you and each unique in their own magical way – a true oasis and you can scarcely believe the Souks are only a few minutes walk away!
We stayed at the exquisite L’Hotel – which I could not recommend enough. We ate lunch at Nomad rooftop and Dardar rooftop (order the vegetable tagine it won’t dissapoint!) and ate dinner at the unforgettable El Finn and Maison L’Arabe.
White there we also visited the Majorelle Gardens and Bahia Palace both which I’d suggest doing with a guide to get the most out of the experience.
Souks
Not so fresh from long flights – we dove head first into the Souks and I was like a kid in a candy shop my head flicking left and right as I tried to take in all the goodies on offer. We had a local guide showing us through the Souks which I would highly recommend. Not only did he act as a bit of a buffer from the local sellers grappling for our attention – but ensured we saw all the amazing sections often hidden deep inside the Souks – the metal section was a particular highlight! He was also invaluable at making sure we steered clear of less authentic stores, in favor of local ones. Within two hours of arriving I had already handed over my credit card in return for a rug – which will hopefully be making it’s way to me via DHL in the next week!
It’s overwhelming to say the least – but in all the best ways. You quickly realize that the 20,000+ stores offer a similar selection of items: baskets and woven goods, ceramics and pottery, textiles likes rugs and ottomans, lanterns and metal items and then there are a few larger stores offering furniture pieces. I kept it fair, and came away with pretty much everything the Souks had to offer which resulted in some quite elaborate ways of getting through airport check in on my return so they didn’t weigh my hang luggage!
Tips and Tricks
The art of haggling is actually something I have always enjoyed – but I appreciate it can be uncomfortable for many. However, you simply have to get on board with the process in the Souks.
I took to offering half of the sellers initial opener. This was met with a variety of responses. One man simply gasped and walked off when I offered half his opener (a clear sign I got that one wrong) – but others laughed, and came back with a counter (a clear sign they are here for the challenge). You’re often bartering over a couple of dollars by the end, but the jostle back and forth is part of the fun – embrace it!