I'm off to Morocco next week with my dear friend. We have our plans for 9 days on the ground fairly set, but I thought it might be worth asking if anyone had shop/sights/food/etc recommendations in any of the following:
Rabat
Fes
guided 4 night tour from Fes to Marrakech (mostly looking for tips/regrets--I know we will stop where the tour stops!)
Marrakech
Thanks for anything! I've read through some of the more recent posts about Morocco and tried to find some good blogs out there.
I was in Morocco last October and loved it! I was in Marrakech alone for 2 full days then joined a small group and we toured the country including a stay at the desert.
Rabat - It was just a half day there and to break the trip between Chefchouen and Casablanca. I know our tour had lunch by the water, we visited the mausoleum of Mohamad V, a quick visit to the medina (look like a Greek island), then overnight at the hotel.
Fes - definitely get a guide to explore the Medina as you can easily get lost on that one. Our guide was included in the package and we only had a day there. I don't remember the name of the restaurant we ate at, and we had dinner at the hotel.
Marrakech - how many days will you have there? I didn't visit the newer part of town, and just stayed in the Medina. My riad was in the southern part and I walked it all alone. Some sights I think should not be missed (in the Medina):
- Ben Youssef Madrasa
- Bahia Palace
Google maps worked really well for me and I was able to explore the medina and souks on my own.
I know some people visited Marjorelle Garden but that is not my style and you would need a taxi there from the Medina.
As for restaurants in Marrakech, I found a very good and very reasonably priced one near where I was staying at the Medina called Dar L'hssira (toward the south part of the medina). There is usually a line outside but they move it up fast. I went there multiple times and recommended to a few people on my tour who also enjoyed it.
For a more upscale lunch, I enjoyed Le Jardin Marrakech (near Le Jardin Secret) toward the northern part of the Medina. They have very organic, healthy options, under shaded trees, very peaceful.
But my favorite was dinner at DarDar rooftop. I booked way in advance for sunset hour, and so worthy it. The view, ambience and food were amazing. Rooftop gets booked fast especially for sunset hour so not sure if you will be able to get a slot for next week.
I am not a shopper, but did get some unique fabric keychains to hang on my Christmas tree, and a metal plate hand designed with a hammer/nail that I got as gift (and it was light enough for my carryon). I got it at one of the souks at the Medina I happened to walk by and was intrigued watching the artisan craft the design. In Fes, I bought a locally made scarf at the Medina.
Tips: Morocco is really a cash country and outside mid/larger restaurants, I had a really hard time paying with a credit card. Marrakech Medina had several ATMs but many with huge lines or without any cash left. Just plan ahead to make sure you have Dirham with you. Get ready to bargain/negotiate and and watch out for the motorbikes when walking around the medina!
One more thing. I don't know where your tour will stop between Fes and Marrakech, but make sure you have coins as public restrooms at rest stops and restaurants always ask for a contribution/coin. And bring your own paper/wipe as those sometimes are nonexistent at the bathrooms.
Thanks, Joy!!
We booked a Fes guide for a few hours as I had heard it could be overwhelming.
We will be in Marrakech for 2 full days and have a medina tour and a food tour booked. I've saved your restaurant recs.
Thanks for the reminder on the cash AND the tissues---I've been to Ethiopia a few times and always needed them at least once, so I have it on my list.
