Marrakech Holidays

Explorers: Dive straight into the vibrant city life; head for the lively square and make your way through the alleyways. Get your haggling head on and explore the busy souk to sample a slice of traditional Moroccan life.  

Scenery lovers: From the historic city centre to the breath-taking backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, it’s easy to fall in love with this city.

History buffs: This destination is one of Morocco’s former imperial capital cities, and it’s home to an array of historic attractions and fascinating museums. You’ll find the fascinating Saadian Tombs within easy reach. 

Language: Arabic, Berber and French. English is spoken in many of the tourist venues, but it’s advisable to take a phrasebook or download our handy language app to help you with a few basics in Arabic or French.

Currency: The currency used here is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD).

Local time: It’s the same time zone as GMT/UK time.

Fly to: Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is 7km southwest of the resort.

Flight time from UK: You’ll be able to fly here in around 3.5-4 hours.

Tourist information: You can find out more useful information at the official website for tourism in Morocco before your Marrakech holidays.

Visa / health: Ahead of holidays to Marrakech, it’s worth checking the latest advice from The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for visa and health recommendations.

By bus: You’ll find plenty of buses to take you northwest of the old city, running from the early morning into late evening. It’s a cheap and efficient way to get around.

By taxi: You can hail down a beige taxi almost anywhere in the city. Bear in mind that it’s common practice to round up the fare to the nearest Dirham or two when you reach your destination. It’s always worth asking for an estimate before you hop on board.

By caliche: Explore Medina from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. You’ll see the fixed hourly rates on the side of the carriage, or agree on a price beforehand for shorter trips.

Marrakech International Film Festival: Film lovers will want to book Marrakech holidays to coincide with this star-studded event; it’s often described as the North African answer to the Cannes Film Festival. The festival runs every year in November or December.

Marrakech Popular Arts Festival: Held in July, this is one of the biggest events on the city’s calendar, promising four days of art, performances and music. You’ll find the main square to be packed with food vendors, snake charmers and street performers. 

Do I need a passport?

Marrakech passport regulations state that British citizens will need a valid UK passport to gain entry to the country. On arrival, ensure that your passport is stamped with an entry stamp. For further advice before you set off on your Marrakech holidays, check out The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Do I need a visa?

British citizens do not need a Marrakech visa if they are staying for less than three months. For the latest information on visa requirements, visit The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

Should I get travel health insurance?

While you might see your holiday to Marrakech as a chance to relax or explore, it’s always best to be prepared for the unexpected. Travel health insurance can give you financial protection against injury or illness, covering the cost of things such as medical treatment, medicine, and medical repatriation back to the UK if necessary. Check your policy to see what is and isn’t covered before you fly.

Any other tips?

• If you’re visiting the markets, be prepared to haggle. As a rule of thumb, have what you’re prepared to pay in mind, but start bargaining at a lower price. Don’t enter into haggling unless you have genuine intent to buy; time-wasters are not looked upon kindly.
• When using taxis, be sure to agree on the fare with the driver before you get in.
• When taking photographs, don’t be tempted to try and take pictures of the locals without first asking permission. Public performers such as snake charmers may ask for a fee.
• Avoid drinking tap water; stick to the bottled stuff. Similarly, try not to eat salads that have been washed in tap water, ice cubes in drinks, or fruit that has been peeled and washed.
• ATMs can be hard to find, even in the newer parts of the city. Carry as much cash as you think you’ll need. You’ll find that upmarket restaurants and shops do tend to accept cards.