Ultimate Solo Trip to Marrakech: Travel Tips
Marrakech…. I had wanted to go for so long. And we’d had a few trips booked but ended up cancelling for various reasons and timing. Finally, the schedule worked out, and I decided to take a solo trip to Marrakech and I’ve included my travel tips and recommendations for you.
I have traveled extensively, with the kids and as a family, as well as plenty of girls trips thrown in, but I had never taken a solo trip. Honestly, it was one of the best weeks of my life, because I only was concerned about me! I highly recommend it. And Marrakech, is such a feast for the senses, there is never a dull moment.
Here are some travel tips to help guide you if you are planning a visit to Marrakech, Morocco solo.
Getting to Marrakech:
The airport is centrally located in the city of Marrakech, and many hotels offer transfer services, which is what I did. It was so easy! Landing, clearing customs, locating the driver and within a very short time, maybe inside of an hour from stepping off the plane? I was in the Riad, where I was greeted and welcomed with tea and refreshments. Everything about the Le Medina Privilege Riad and Spa was amazing.
Stay in Marrakech: Le Medina Privilege Riad and Spa
It is a Riad, in the Medina, that has recently been converted into a luxury boutique hotel, complete with restaurant and spa. The rooms have incredible original details, like beautiful tiling and painted ceilings… And it has been elegantly and comfortably appointed, so you feel like you are staying in a luxe mansion.
I enjoyed my walk from the Riad to the main town square in the heart of the Medina of Marrakech, daily, as you see the food markets being set up, hungry cats eyeing the fishmonger, children walking to school, basically life happening right before your eyes, unlike in other places where we are often separated by our modern commutes in cars or public transport. Though, if you need a lift, that’s an option too, that the hotel can arrange.
The Ultimate Riad in Marrakech
Things to Do in Marrakech
Each day was a new adventure. I enjoyed breakfast at the Riad, then set out to the main square to catch a cultural tour, day trips to coastal towns, and shopping excursions in the medina. I booked tours through both Booking.com and GetYourGuide.com, and they were pretty comparable.
Most tours meet in the main square, which you can walk to from the Riad in about 20 minutes. On my morning walk, I would see taxi drivers washing their cars, store owners cleaning their shops and setting out their goods, beggars hoping for a few coins, and then the roads open up into the square, where you find the snake charmers playing their tunes, the juice vendors, market stalls, and monkeys!
You could be entertained all day just watching the square from a cafe. I would return late in the afternoon or early evening to dinner and wine in the Riad, sometimes outside when weather permitted, and sometimes in the dining room, looking out onto the courtyard. It was a magical week, to the say the least.
Other entertainment includes heading out to the Atlas mountains for a hike, viewing the waterfalls in the area, day trips to Casablanca or Essaouira, camel rides, hot air balloon rides, desert excursions… Just check out the tours in the links above.
The Snake Charmer
Season to Travel to Morocco
I was in Marrakech in late February, and the temperature was pleasant, perhaps even slightly chilly in the morning and evenings. Depending on how you plan to spend your time, this could be advantageous, as I understand the heat is quite oppressive in the summer months.
Many people go to Marrakech, and end up finding ways to return again and again. It has that kind of enchantment that steals a part of you, and keeps you returning. I think this is one reason Moroccan goods have become so popular in design today.
Ultimate Hammams and Spas
There are many to choose from in the area, available on tours and through booking agencies, but I chose to stay in the Riad for my hammam and massage.
Moroccan Inspired Designs
Travel Tips
Traveling solo, I always felt very safe during my stay. There were a couple of things I did to insure this. I always returned to the Riad before dark. Despite my horrible sense of direction, I made sure to know where I was going so I didn’t have to ask locals. You can download your route on Google Maps.
A couple of other reminders: knowing a bit of French is helpful in Morocco, which was colonized by the French. Though alcohol is not widely available, most tourist establishments offer drinks and cocktails, particularly hotels and cafes positioned in touristic locations, but don’t expect all restaurants to offer drinks; they will advertise if they do. Pork products are not available in Muslim countries.
