Midsize Woman

Africa always felt so far away from Indonesia. Like… another planet far. Growing up, I never imagined I’d actually visit Africa one day. It was just one of those places you see in documentaries or history books.

But funny how travel works.

When I was planning my trip to Málaga, Spain, I randomly checked cheap flights nearby (because why not?). And boom… Marrakech popped up as one of the options. Cheap, short flight, totally unexpected.

Long story short: I booked it. And honestly? I’m really happy I went to Marrakech.

Is Marrakech Worth Visiting?

Yes. Definitely. 100%.

For my first-ever trip to Africa, I’m glad I picked Marrakech. It’s one of the easiest African cities to travel to, especially if you’re coming from Europe.

Here’s why Marrakech is beginner-friendly:

• The airport is close to the city
• Lots of budget and mid-range accommodations
• Tours are easy to book (day trips, desert tours, city tours)
• Many locals speak basic English (and French/Spanish)

What surprised me the most? This part of Africa was very different from what I imagined as a kid.

Somehow, the Arab influence is quite strong, from the architecture, the mosques, the call to prayer, to the daily lifestyle. It feels like a mix of North Africa + Middle East + something totally unique.

It’s chaotic, colorful, loud, sometimes overwhelming but in a good way.

Where I Stayed: Living the Riad Life

I stayed in a riad, which I highly recommend if you visit Marrakech for the first time.

A riad is a traditional Moroccan house with:

• High walls
• Quiet inside, even if the street outside is crazy loud

My riad was called Riad Sofia, located close to the old city wall. The location was perfect, still inside the medina, but not too deep that you get lost every time you go out (trust me, you will still get lost anyway).

Staying in a riad made me feel like I was experiencing local life, not just sleeping in a hotel. Breakfast was homemade, the staff were warm, and coming back after a long day felt peaceful.

Things to Do in Marrakech

1. Get Lost in the Souk (This Is Mandatory)

The souk in Marrakech is not just a market, it’s an experience. And honestly, getting lost is part of the fun. The narrow alleys twist everywhere, and every turn feels like a new scene.

You’ll see:

• Colorful spices stacked like art
• Leather bags, slippers, and jackets
• Handmade lamps glowing even during the day
• Carpets hanging from walls
• Random motorbikes squeezing past you

At first, it can feel overwhelming. It’s loud, crowded, and chaotic. But after a while, you start to enjoy the rhythm.

A few real tips from my experience:

• Bargaining is expected, so don’t feel awkward
• Start low, smile, and keep it friendly
• If you’re not interested, a polite “no thank you” works (most of the time)
• Don’t stress if you’re lost, you’ll always find a way out… eventually

This was the moment where Marrakech really hit me. It felt raw, alive, and very different from anywhere I’d been before.

2. Koutoubia Mosque

The Koutoubia Mosque is the most iconic landmark in Marrakech. You can see the minaret from many parts of the city, and it kind of helps you orient yourself when everything else feels confusing.

Non-Muslims can’t enter the mosque, but honestly, the outside is already impressive.

I recommend coming here in the late afternoon or around sunset:

• The light turns warm and golden
• The atmosphere becomes calm
• When the call to prayer starts, the whole area feels different

Even if you’re not religious, standing there and watching daily life slow down for a moment is really special.

3. Ben Youssef Madrasa

This place is called Ben Youssef Madrasa, and it’s one of the most beautiful spots in Marrakech. It used to be an Islamic school, and walking inside feels like stepping into another time.

What stood out to me:

• Extremely detailed tiles
• Wooden carvings and Arabic calligraphy
• Perfect symmetry everywhere you look
• Quiet, peaceful atmosphere compared to the souk

It’s one of those places where you don’t need to rush. Just sit for a bit, look around, and appreciate the craftsmanship. Even if you’re not into history or architecture, this place is worth visiting.

4. Jemaa el-Fnaa at Night (Chaotic but Iconic)

During the day, Jemaa el-Fnaa is just a big open square. But at night, it completely transforms.

Once the sun goes down, the square fills with:

• Food stalls grilling everything
• Street musicians and performers
• Locals, tourists, kids, and vendors all mixed together
• Smoke, lights, and noise everywhere

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, some things feel staged. But still, this is Marrakech.

I grabbed some street food, watched people pass by, and just lost in the chaos. My advice: don’t overthink it. Walk around, observe, and enjoy the moment. If something feels uncomfortable, just move on, there’s always something else happening nearby.

5. Slow Down in a Café or Rooftop

After all the noise and walking, you’ll appreciate a break. Marrakech has a lot of cafés and rooftop terraces where you can just sit, drink mint tea, and breathe.

I loved:

• Watching the city from above
• Listening to the call to prayer from multiple mosques at once
• Letting the city slow down for a moment

Sometimes, doing “nothing” in Marrakech is just as memorable as sightseeing.

Day Trip from Marrakech

1. Agafay Desert (Not Sahara, But Still Cool)

I did a day trip to Agafay Desert, which is about 1 hour from Marrakech. This is not the Sahara, there are no huge sand dunes but it’s still a beautiful rocky desert.

The tour usually includes:

• Hotel pickup
• Camel ride
• ATV or quad bike
• Sunset view
• Dinner with live music

About the camel ride:
I’ll be honest, I felt a bit conflicted. I’m quite sensitive when it comes to animal tourism, and I’m not 100% sure how ethical it is. The camels looked okay, but still… it’s something to think about. You can always skip the camel and just enjoy the view.

The dinner setup in the desert was actually really nice, low lights, traditional food, and a calm atmosphere after a dusty day.

2. Day Trip to Essaouira

This was one of my favorite parts. Essaouira is about 3 hours from Marrakech by van. The drive is long but scenic.

First stop:

• Argan oil cooperative (very touristy, but still interesting)

Then the van drops you near the old port, and you’re free to explore.

What to do in Essaouira:

• Eat fresh seafood by the port (pick your fish, they grill it)
• Walk around the blue-and-white medina
• Visit the old fortress walls (yes, Game of Thrones was filmed here)
• Shop in a calmer, less aggressive souk

Compared to Marrakech, Essaouira feels:

• Slower
• Cooler (literally, thanks to the ocean breeze)
• More relaxed

Things I Wish I Knew Before Visiting Marrakech

Marrakech is amazing, but it’s not always easy, especially if it’s your first time.

• You will get lost in the medina. Google Maps won’t always help. At some point, just accept it.
• Some locals will offer to help you find your way, then expect a tip. It’s normal. Just be clear if you don’t want help.
• The city can feel very intense: noise, smells, crowds, motorbikes everywhere.
• Culture shock is real, and that’s okay. I needed a day to adjust.

Once I stopped fighting the chaos and just went with it, Marrakech became way more enjoyable.

Practical Travel Tips for Marrakech

Here are some things that actually helped me:

• How long to stay: 3–4 days in Marrakech is ideal
• Best time to visit: Spring and autumn (summer heat can be intense)
• Getting around: Walk inside the medina, use taxis outside, agree on price first
• Money: Cash is king; ATMs are available but not everywhere
• Clothing: Dress comfortably and respectfully; loose clothes are best

Final Thought

Marrakech was never part of my original plan. It was a random decision, a cheap flight, a “why not?” moment and somehow it became one of the most memorable parts of my trip.

It wasn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it was loud, confusing, and overwhelming. But it also opened my eyes. This was my first time in Africa, and Marrakech completely changed how I see this continent. It wasn’t what I imagined as a kid and that’s a good thing.

Would I recommend Marrakech? Yes, especially if you’re open-minded and curious. Would I return? Definitely, but next time I’d stay longer and explore deeper.