Why Go To Marrakech

For the organized, logical traveler, Marrakech may seem like a nightmare. Its labyrinth of twisty alleyways are almost impossible to navigate, not that its array of snake charmers, fortune tellers and spice sellers will let you go anywhere fast. The problem here isn’t the city: It’s your state-of-mind. Leave your structured daily routine behind and let the ebb and flow of Marrakech draw you deeper into its colorful chaos.

Start your visit within the salmon-pink walls of the Medina of Marrakech, which contrasts with the white, jagged peaks of the nearby Atlas Mountains and serves as the inspiration for the city’s nickname, the Red City. This ancient part of Marrakech houses the famous Jemaa El Fna square that brims with food vendors selling everything from sheep’s heads to snails beneath creamy awnings. From here, allow yourself to be lured down the shadowy alleyways to souks (or markets) filled with cones of burgundy-, auburn- and citrine-hued spices exuding an aromatic haze. Stroll past the carpet sellers, with their cobalt-, jade-, and crimson-threaded merchandise, and make your way to architectural marvels like Koutoubia Mosque and the Bahia Palace. Should you desire a break from the medina’s bustling streets, retreat to a hammam (public bath) or Majorelle Garden.

Best Months to Visit

The best times to visit Marrakech are from March to May and between September and November. These shoulder seasons are known for their desirable weather (with average daytime temps in the low 70s to low 90s) and affordable hotel rates. Avoid visiting in the brutally hot summer when highs regularly top 100 degrees and the city sees a large influx of tourists and expats. The winter months offer temperatures in the low 40s to upper 60s but also see a spike in tourism, with visitors from colder climates flocking to the Red City in search of warmer temps. Be mindful of religious holidays, such as Ramadan and Christmas, as well as national holidays that follow the lunar calendar, which can affect everything from public transportation to attraction hours to room rates.

Culture & Customs

Imagine holding the past in one hand, the present in the other and mashing them together – Marrakech would be the result. The ancient ramparts seem to keep time from escaping the medina and its bustling Jemaa El Fna, which is filled with lively Berber chemists, snake charmers and more. Meanwhile, in Ville Nouvelle (New Town), located just outside the medina walls, you’ll discover a city reminiscent of quintessential France. Wide boulevards contrast the old city’s narrow alleyways, while chic cafes take the place of crowded spice stalls.

Marrakech’s dueling influences – French and North African – have created a hybrid of cultural traditions. While you’ll most likely hear locals speaking Darija (Moroccan Arabic), residents will often greet you with a hearty “bonjour” (hello). Many residents know limited English as well, but carrying around a French phrasebook and learning a few key phrases in Darija and French – such as “Labas?” and “Comment allez-vous?” (How are you?), “Ma’arft” and “Je ne comprend pas” (I don’t understand), and “shukran” and “merci” (thank you) – won’t hurt.

Christians and Jews make up a fair portion of Marrakech’s population, but Islam is the dominant religion here. The city is speckled with dramatic domed mosques, including Koutoubia Mosque in the medina. Visitors can admire the ornate arches from the outside, but the interiors are reserved for practicing Muslims. Although strict dress codes aren’t enforced, wearing conservative attire (think: shirts and pants that cover your shoulders, chest, midriff and knees) is strongly advised, especially in older parts of the city.

The Moroccan dirham is Morocco’s official currency. One dirham is equal to $0.11. Euros (1 euro equals approximately $1.22) are also accepted by some vendors in Marrakech, but exchange rates are generally more favorable when using dirhams. Most shopkeepers and restaurants do not accept credit cards. Dirham to dollar rates often fluctuate, so check the latest exchange rate before you go.

There is no standard tipping policy in Morocco, but it is generally best to leave at least 10 percent of your restaurant bill when you receive great service. Some eateries in areas frequented by tourists will automatically add a tip to your bill, so be sure to check before tipping. For taxi services, round up to the nearest 5 dirhams. When visiting a hammam, it’s customary to leave 20 to 25 dirhams (or $2 to $3) per attendant. And at hotels, expect to give 10 to 20 dirhams ($1 to $2) to bellhops and 20 dirhams (about $2) per day or 100 dirhams (less than $11) per week to housekeepers. Professional tour guides are paid well, so tipping for their services is not expected.

What to Eat

One of North Africa’s most unique cuisines is Moroccan, and one of the best places to sample it is in Marrakech. Known for their unconventional flavor combinations and subtle spices (think: cinnamon, saffron, cumin and turmeric), Moroccan dishes are featured on many restaurant and cooking class menus throughout Marrakech. Must-try delicacies include tagines (stews baked in traditional clay, cone-shaped pots that go by the same name), couscous (a fine wheat pasta commonly served with a protein and vegetables) and salads made with ingredients like carrots and dates. Traveler-approved restaurants that specialize in authentic Moroccan fare include Corner Cafe, Dar Chef and Libzar.

No visit to Marrakech would be complete without savoring the city’s world-renowned street fare. Areas like Jemaa El Fna are packed with food stalls selling an array of tasty items. Traditional options include b’stilla (a layered pastry made with pigeon, almonds, eggs and various spices), harira (a tomato-, chickpea- and lentil-based soup generally served during Ramadan) and snails simmered in a citrusy, herb-filled broth. Another delicacy prepared by some street vendors is steamed sheep’s head, which is sold by the half or whole head. For less adventurous travelers, Marrakech also offers kabobs (grilled, skewered meats), makouda (deep-fried potato balls) and chebakia (fried sesame cookies molded into flower shapes).

To cool off after a long day in the sun, Moroccans love to sip orange juice, which is made with oranges grown in Marrakech’s alleys and courtyards. Additionally, locals enjoy serving mint tea to guests or drinking it while catching up with friends. This flavorful tea combines gunpowder tea (a kind of Chinese green tea), sugar and fresh spearmint leaves, and is poured from high above the glass to create a crown (or froth). Both beverages are available at food stalls and restaurants throughout the city.

Getting Around Marrakech

The best way to get around Marrakech is on foot. Sure, this is a big city, but most of the main attractions are clustered at or within walking distance of the medina. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a fun way to get from the medina to other parts of the city, consider taking a calèche (horse-drawn carriage). Or, you can take one of ALSA’s Tourist Buses to many popular Marrakech sights. Upon flying into Casablanca’s Mohammed V International Airport (CMN) and taking a train to the Marrakech Train Station or continuing on to Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK), located about 5 miles southwest of the medina, you can either take a taxi or an ALSA bus to the city center. Many hotels also offer airport shuttle services.

On Foot
Getting around Marrakech on foot is relatively easy. Most of the Red City’s must-see sights can be found inside the walls of the medina. However, you may want to consider hiring a professional guide, as the medina’s winding alleyways can be tricky to navigate. While you’ll find many locals in Jemaa El Fna offering to show you around, these individuals tend to charge high fees, so opt for a more reputable guide through your hotel or from a local tour company. If you decide to venture out on your own, make sure to carry a comprehensive map or guidebook. Many of the street signs are in Arabic, and you could find yourself wandering aimlessly for hours (though that may not be a bad thing).

Bus
Public bus services are available through ALSA Marrakech, but there is no set schedule, and routes – which are available on ALSA’s Urban Itineraries page – can be confusing. If you decide to use this mode of transportation, expect most buses to operate daily every 10 to 60 minutes, depending on the line. One-way tickets cost 3 or 4 Moroccan dirhams (or less than 50 cents) for adults and kids 6 and older.

A more convenient way to get around Marrakech is to use ALSA’s Tourist Bus system. This two-line network is designed with visitors in mind: The History Tour and Oasis Tour Tourist Buses can get you to and from the airport, and they’ll also carry you to Marrakech’s primary attractions, including Kouboubia Mosque, Majorelle Garden and the Saadian Tombs. You can purchase Tourist Bus tickets valid for 24 or 48 hours for 145 to 165 dirhams (or $15 to $18) per adult and 75 to 95 dirhams (about $8 to $10) for each child ages 6 to 14; children 5 and younger ride for free. Tourist Bus schedules vary by season, but both lines are generally available between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. every day. A map of Tourist Bus’ routes can be found on ALSA’s Tourist Bus Itineraries page.

Calèche
You’ll spot these green horse-drawn carriages everywhere in the city, but you’re more likely to find an available one at Jemaa El Fna or outside Koutoubia Mosque. Not only are calèches fun to ride in, but they can also fit more people (up to six at a time) and generally cost less than taxis. Some routes have fixed prices, but use your haggling skills and agree on a price beforehand. Expect to pay about 120 to 180 dirhams (approximately $13 to $20) for each hour-long ride. Also, avoid calèches that don’t display a SPANA badge of honor, which the British animal rights group of the same name awards to drivers who properly care for their horses.

Taxi
Ride-hailing services, such as Uber and Lyft, are not available in Marrakech, but travelers have access to two types of taxis: petits taxis and grands taxis. Petits taxis are fairly small and calculate your fare using a meter (most of the time). Grands taxis are larger and generally have a fixed rate per route. Note that standard rates do not apply to taxis operating to and from the airport, so negotiate a fee with the driver before getting in. The trip from the airport to central Marrakech takes about 15 minutes and shouldn’t cost more than 70 dirhams (roughly $7.50), though rates can be as high as 150 dirhams (about $16) at night. You’ll also want to settle on a rate before the start of your ride in petits taxis without meters.

Make sure your driver knows exactly where you’re going to avoid spending more than you anticipate. Some drivers will deliberately take you to the wrong hotel because they receive a commission from that property. Others will simply misunderstand you. To avoid confusion, clearly write down the name and address of your destination on a piece of paper.

Entry & Exit Requirements

You will need a valid passport with at least one blank page to enter Morocco, and you can stay up to 90 days without a visa. While in Marrakech, carry a photocopy of your passport (leave the physical copy in a secure location) in case local officials stop you to check your ID. To learn more about entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. State Department’s website.

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Why Go To Tulum

In the past decade, Tulum has grown into a coveted vacation for luxury travelers; however, it still tempts bargain hunters who remember when this tucked-away jewel of Mexico’s east coast was more of a secluded getaway. When the sun goes down, you’ll have the opportunity to indulge in the city’s mixology scene and explore its sprawling nightlife. However, it’s during daylight that Tulum truly shines. Here, you’ll find some of the best-preserved Mayan ruins –ruins that have the cerulean waters of the Caribbean Sea as a backdrop. And there are other out-of-this-world wonders, including several cenotes (or underground water-filled caverns) and bioreserves. Let’s not forget Tulum’s main draw for most visitors: its beaches. White sand and turquoise waters beckon travelers to spend their days lazing in the sun, listening to the waves. Whether or not you’re a fan of the beach, visiting one of Tulum’s many shorelines is a must-do.

Best Months to Visit

The best time to visit Tulum is between November and December. You’ll get the benefit of post hurricane-season breezes, plus the hotel prices are reasonable. Not to say that it’s hard to find reasonable room rates at other times of the year – this small pocket of the Yucatán has one of the widest ranges of price points on Mexico’s Caribbean coast. If you’re concerned about crowds, though, avoid the region from January to March. For the best weather, avoid June, September and October – which experience the highest amounts of rainfall.

Culture & Customs

The Riviera Maya is better known as a North American getaway spot than a bastion of traditional Mexican culture, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there. For a taste of local flair, try dining at a local Mexican eatery or exploring Tulum’s small downtown.

Just outside the entrance to the Tulum ruins, you can often catch a group of five costumed men performing flying and dancing stunts atop a tall pole. The performance and the men are loosely known as “Voladores,” and they’re recreating a prehistoric ritual most often associated with the Totonac Indians of central Mexico. According to some travelers, that’s all you need to know. The performers work for donations, so if you stop to watch or take photos, make sure you have a few pesos to offer.

The Voladores routine is an extremely acrobatic and unique spectacle, meaning it is probably worth a few U.S. dollars. The performances do not happen on a structured schedule, but you can expect to spot one around the peak times to visit the ruins.

It will be both helpful and respectful to know some basic Spanish vocabulary, and at the very least to say “please” (por favor) and “thank you” (gracias). Mexico is typically more conservative than some other beach destinations. Nude bathing is not allowed, but some female sunbathers (predominantly European) are known to go topless in the area. In general, the dress code remains similar to most beaches in the United States.

Some Tulum locals keep an afternoon siesta, typically starting around noon or 1 p.m., to relax during the hottest part of the day. However, you won’t find the practice as common in Tulum as you might in Spain.

Tulum can get very crowded with international tourists and local vendors. It is common for vendors to approach tourists on the street or beach with several wares in tow. This can annoy many travelers, but if you politely say “no, gracias” they will move on.

What to Eat

Over the years, Tulum has cultivated an impressive parade of local and international chefs who have opened trendy, yet rustic restaurants that put the spotlight on some of the region’s most celebrated ingredients, including huitlacoche (Mexican truffle) and cochinita pibil (slow-roasted pork). These new eateries blend seamlessly with the casual dives locals love. Though traditional Mexican flavors are the focus of many of Tulum’s menus, there are a variety of other cuisines represented here, including Italian at Posada Margherita and Casa Violeta, and Thai at Mezzanine. But if it’s the traditional flavors of Mexico that your palate seeks, head to Safari (famous for its Airstream trailer-turned-kitchen), El Tábano or Antojitos La Chiapaneca (for its spit-roasted meat).

For more upscale meals, consider Kitchen Table, Gitano (well-known for its mezcal cocktails) and Hartwood (though you should be prepared for a wait at this extremely popular eatery).

True to Tulum’s bohemian ethos, this beach town is also chock full of vegetarian- and vegan-friendly restaurants, including Arca, Ziggy’s and Raw Love, which earns praise from guests for its collection of healthy smoothies and bowls.

Safety

Travelers should exercise common sense when traveling in the downtown area: for example, don’t walk around alone at night. If you’re staying in a beachside cabana, be sure to lock your doors. Don’t walk on isolated areas of the beach at night. Driving during the daytime is relatively safe, but take caution when driving at night, as some foreign travelers have experienced robbery. That being said, Tulum occasionally sees violent crime, though it’s not usually against tourists. For the latest safety information, visit the U.S. State Department’s website.

You should not drink the tap water in Tulum. To avoid unnecessary illness, always make sure your bottled water is sealed, your ice has been tested for purity and your food has been prepared with bottled water. Food at your resort will likely not be an issue. Should you choose to venture out to other establishments, it’s best to check with your server about their food preparation practices. Additionally, travelers recommend washing your hands before you eat every meal and snack. As you spend your days exploring, you may unintentionally pick up microbes your body isn’t familiar with. These could make you sick.

Getting Around Tulum

The best way to get around Tulum is by taxi. In theory, you can walk or bike to the beaches, to the ruins and to Tulum Pueblo, but there’s a chance of overexerting yourself. You can rent a car in Cancún or Playa del Carmen, but it is not recommended because of reported auto crimes. Buses aren’t a viable option either – the only ones available are the shuttles that take vacationers to and from the other Riviera Maya areas, and to and from the airport in Cancún.

Privately owned buses travel the difference between Tulum and the rest of Riviera Maya, as do colectivos, or chauffeured white vans. To visit the nearby island of Cozumel, you can take the bus to Playa del Carmen, followed by a ferry ride.

Keep in mind, there is no airport in Tulum, so you’ll need to fly to a neighboring airport and travel from there. The closest airports to Tulum are the Cancún International Airport (CUN), which is about 75 miles north, and Cozumel International Airport (CZM), which is about 50 miles northeast. Because Cozumel is an island, you’ll have to take a ferry from Cozumel to Playa del Carmen and arrange for transportation from there to Tulum.

Car
Driving from Cancún or Playa del Carmen to Tulum is not worth the hassle – residents motor the rocky roads swiftly, and you could easily be overwhelmed. Some travel sites have also reported problems with auto robberies (particularly at night) and even police scams, where the officers pull drivers over and then demand a bribe. If you do decide to drive, you will not need to obtain an international driver’s license; your U.S. license is valid in Mexico.

Taxi
Taxis pretty much have a monopoly on getting you from your hotel to the beach (your other options are to walk, bike or drive yourself – and the last one is not recommended), but you can also use them to get to the ruins or the reserves. They hang out around the hotel areas, but you can also find them near the bus terminal. Luckily, the fixed fares are reasonable. You’ll pay around 100 pesos (about $5) to ride from the popular hotels to the beach and ruins.

Bike
You’ll get a little exercise, and a little independence, by biking your way around town. Some hotels offer complimentary bike rentals to their guests, but there are also a handful of companies (including Ola Bike Tulum and iBike Tulum) that will deliver wheels directly to your hotel. Some companies also offer tours of the area to cenotes and beaches.

On Foot
Walking is always affordable, and in Tulum, it’s also feasible. You could choose to walk from the hotel areas to the beaches, the ruins and even Tulum Pueblo, depending on where you’re located. However, you may find taxis are a more comfortable option, given the heat. And you should always exercise common sense and not walk long distances alone at night.

Entry & Exit Requirements

Bring an up-to-date passport with you to Mexico, and expect to be issued a Mexican Tourist Permit when you arrive. Its cost is absorbed into your plane ticket, but you’ll need to hold onto that card and present it upon departure. You can also fill out this card online in advance by requesting a form from the Mexican government. For more information on entry and exit requirements, visit the U.S. State Department’s website.

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