{"id":2847,"date":"2024-05-30T14:28:45","date_gmt":"2024-05-30T14:28:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/photonyaa.com\/?p=2847"},"modified":"2025-04-01T20:41:14","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T20:41:14","slug":"marrakesh-chaos-and-charm-restaurants-and-places-to-see","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/photonyaa.com\/?p=2847&lang=en","title":{"rendered":"Marrakesh: Chaos and Charm | Restaurants and places to see"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Oh, where do I start? How do I describe the city of charm and chaos, rich and poor, glam and poverty?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve been to Marrakesh twice, and my journey through Morocco was a rollercoaster of experiences. It’s a city of contrasts, where the serenity of a quiet courtyard can quickly give way to the clamorous energy of a bustling souk. Marrakesh offers an unforgettable adventure. It is a place that challenges and rewards in equal measure, where every moment is an opportunity to discover something new.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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My first visit to Morocco 7 years ago was so different to my recent one in 2024 and the reason could be anything from not preparing myself enough before the trip to a complete culture-shock, and now wiser and less of an overthinker me can finally say – I’ve experienced both; the negative but also most positive side of this country, let me tell you all about it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I’ve recently came across this post on a travel forum, and I couldn’t agree more: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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” Now, granted, they were there in the late 90’s and I know things have improved a lot since then.”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It improved a lot. I had a friend who was there in 1995 and was schocked at the filthiness and the hassle. After more than 20 years Morocco is much cleaner and more developed(Let just mention thay have more high-speed railways than the USA, since the USA has nothing and Morocco had recently inagurated its first high-speed railway between Tanger and Casablanca using French TGV technology).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some hassle still exists, but that has always been the feature of many Arab countries. It’s up to the individual to learn how to deal with it, but having a personal guide will make it much easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

” They cited unfriendly people who try to rip you off at every opportunity “<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re a fool you’ll be ripped off. Inform yourself of the prices and haggle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“dirtiness”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Much cleaner than it used to be, but it ain’t Japan. If you visited 90 countries chances are that you already visited countries which are dirtier than Morocco. Morocco is a kindergarten compared to India both in terms of hassle and filthiness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“getting sick from the food”<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Peel it, boil it, cook it or forget it.<\/p>\nhttps:\/\/www.fodors.com\/community\/africa-and-the-middle-east\/did-anyone-not-like-morocco-1673400\/<\/a><\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

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Do not overthink it, it really isn’t as bad as some people say<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ok, let’s put it this way; If you’ve ever been to any of the Muslim countries before, Morocco won’t surprise you. If you’ve only ever been to pretty, aesthetically pleasing, european cities then yes, Morocco could be shocking, scary and most likely overwhelming. Morocco IS OVERWHELMING by all means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Marrakesh is safe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Be aware of the pickpockets? Oh, come on. We all know that, right? Ever been to Paris, Milan, London or Barcelona? It’s pretty obvious you should keep your belongings close and safely hidden away where they cannot be reached, and you will be fine. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

We’ve stayed in a beautiful, luxurious Riad based in one of the poorest neighborhoods, where we passed by hungry kids and dying from hunger and dehydration cats and dogs every – single – fu*king – day. It was heartbreaking. But these people were always first to help, they kept their doors open and ready to invite you for a tea. Please, do not assume all moroccans are scammers. It’s not like that at all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Get your cash ready!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most places in Marrakesh will only accept cash (you can pay card at most hotels, supermarkets and restaurants). I highly recommend exchanging your money in Morocco (not at the airport!) – The rates are a lot better in the city centre. They are many exchange places in the Gueliz area.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because Moroccan Dirham can’t be taken out of Morocco, you will need to convert any cash left over at the end of your trip. Again, you can exchange dirham back into pounds at most banks, hotels and at the airport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Souks is where you should stay mindful<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The souks (markets) of Marrakech are the largest in Morocco and famous globally as some of the most exotic marketplaces to shop in the world. The most prominent souk is Jemaa el-Fnaa and as a first time visitor, I’m pretty sure at some point you’ll end up bustling through Jemaa el-Fnaa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A few things to keep in mind when visiting Jemaa el-Fnaa:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n