(they even talk english,spanish and frensh fluently to make tourists feel happier). So, while its a beautiful place, it made me sad to think of the poor women who once lived there. Best regards. Dont come to our beauti9 country we dont need low life tourists like you. Its a unique Moroccan experience for when you visit Marrakech. It's only a 4 hour flight from the UK and can be booked at a very cheap price. Here are some great options. If you dont project your willingness to hospitalize people keen on doing you harm, you shouldnt be traveling in the vulnerable twosome of one male one female, unless Alessia has trained in a striking martial art. it is not a bad thing to work and she works for money , what makes her poor because of that ? So if you decide to go, its a good idea to visit early in the morning before the crowds pick up. While camel rides in the Atlas Mountains or the Sahara Desert might be bit more epic, camel rides in the Palmeraie are often much more accessible. Next time get youre facts correct instead of letting a 16 year old get them right for you. Reasons not to visit Morocco??? Marrakech is in many ways a city of wonder, and I felt this way both times that I visited. Maybe you were not dressed appropriately and people may have been offended but I cannot see people threatening violence. Whilst you'll find plenty in the new town, they're few and far between in the Medina - and the ones that do exist often only accept domestic bank cards. Or Oakland Park in Broward County or or some neighbors are worst The difference is in Dade County Florida, those poor neighborhoods kill each other everyday, drugs on the streets and prostitution. The garden is beautiful, and is accented by the bright blue residence where he lived. I saw a young shepherdess being very gentle with her flock. Love to go there every year. I hope you can correct that and withdraw your words. Morrocans hate they own moroccans who live in Europe, why cause they are one ugly racist people !! Yes I agree about some part of the paragraph then again where ever you go in world you will see a postive and negative part of a contry even I Europe we need to learn how to take it in our strayd There is no Uber in Marrakech, either, so you will need to rely on traditional taxis. What that had to do with bad treatment I dont know. Of course, if you have to be somewhere, ensuring you take the second turning after the lamp shop with the blue sign and not the third after the lamp shop with the green sign is important, but for most people who visited the medina or the souks, wandering the narrow streets and getting a little lost is part of the fun. With camel rides, you can select from riding for an hour or half a day to 4-day camel expeditions across the sand dune desert. This is an iconic thing to do as a western tourist, and there are countless great places to do it. I would not recommend going here at all, especially as a woman. Read on to be enchanted by this historic imperial city. Looking for a reliable airport transfer service? The garden is the work of French painter Jacques Majorelle, who lived here for a significant stretch of his life. Dont waste your time with the Secret Gardens. It is believed that she was the daughter of a liberated sub-Saharan slave who converted to Islam. We were three women, and were harassed by men several times. After the fall of the dynasty, they were sealed off and hidden, later located by aerial photography in 1917. 5 Thinks to Know Before Visiting a Muslim Country During Ramadan, booking a private transfer with our partners at Welcome Pickups, Rules for Eating in India Be reasonable! This one side story , you can go to Paris or Madrid and youll find trash laying around, begging is everywhere , safety is always problem anywhere you go at least you wouldnt think you can be safe in a big city in the world than being unsafe in Marrakech And I wasnt really running around naked ffs. Dont give them the opportunity, you will regret it. I do not agree with all what you have stated about morrocco, contrarely it s one of the best countries worth to be payed a visit. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 4- For its hot and dry climate, and its sun all year round. Is Marrakech Safe? 13 Useful Tips to Ensure your Safety in Marrakech in Every country , as stated earlier has its bad and positive! Aggressive teenagers. Be prepared to negotiate if you want to make a purchase, at least if you want to get a good deal on it. Yes the culture is different, I guess thats why people travel In Marrakech, the iconic markets, or souks, are also located inside the walls of the medina. Moroccans are good peoples friendly & polite as intelligent However, our experience was so different. stayed in a nice hotel in Maamounia. Is not just because of the different religion and culture, but we really have a different vision of the world. If you do want a picture of them, be prepared to pay them 10 DH ($1 USD). No, I think that its not just outliers, many foreign tourists have seen this kind of bad things. Goats on argan trees ( animal exploited complete nonsense) vendors harassment ( that lady selling stuff doesnt look harassing anyone), tourist approached by people asking money, it happend to me many times( London, Paris, Barcelona, New york, Istanbul..) It is funny she thinks she is a nomad, I think she is mad full stop!!! Many of the enhancements made were to accommodate Bous desires to please his wives and his rather large harem. It's only a 4 hour flight from the UK and can be booked at a very cheap price. Ultimately, it is essential to recognize that Morocco has so much to offer visitors. It is safer than some cities here in Midwest. You May Also Like All You Need to Know About Visiting a Hammam. Quand on sjourne dans un des plus beaux htels de la ville et des plus chers, il est vident quon ne peut pas vivre la mme exprience que ce dcrit ce couple ici On dpeint toujours Marrakech en parlant des plus beaux endroits, des vues splendides, des parfums envoutants ou de gens qui vous accueillent comme de la famillemais ce nest pas forcment le cas, et je salue laudace de cet article qui vient temprer cela The Majorelle Garden is a breath of fresh air amid the hustle and bustle of Marrakech. The ticket costs about 17 euros. Would you not do the same if they came to your country? People have these very real experiences. Hammams played a cultural role as a social gathering place where people would catch up, gossip, and plan. Moroccan governments cyber army commenting undercover to bash this article that says the truth. As far as safety, Morocco ranks real high. Some of whats been said I have experienced as well specially in Marrakech I get bothered every few minutes and almost forced to buy from them its so annoying I cant even walk in peace and enjoy my walk and choose if Id like to buy or not they are so agressive i always end up not buying because they stress me out, they start sales from a hight price and also based on your look they will drop it to when its convenient for them and also its up to their mood comme on :/ I dont have time for that its a waist of energy and time they can also do us a Favor and just put a fix price for every one its so stupid and I dont care if its part of the culture i feel used and scammed when ever I buy something because I dont know whats the next person or tge previous one got it for and it goes on with the next shop so fed up. As an experienced world traveler, I can honestly say I have nevern disliked any place I went to before. We have lived and worked in many different Asian Countries during my activ time therefore experienced many different Cultures, this I do believe gives us a right to Comment on your Article about Morocco. Wear loose, light clothing, always carry a bottle of water with you and try and get the bulk of your exploring in the early morning and late afternoon. There is no Moroccan city dirtier than Paris . Yes, you will need to be prepared for a haggling culture that may be unfamiliar or uncomfortable but you can quickly learn the average price for items and make good deals. Temperatures at night are usually in the 50s and 60s (10 to 15 degrees Celcius) so visiting Marrakech is a pleasure at this time of year. bad experience ,loved every moment. in your own place. Marrakesh has been a Berber city and has settled since the Neolithic time. Clearly, and theyre supposedly talented content creators who are inviting people to collaborate with them while not being able to write an article in decent English, let alone balanced objective content. I visited Morocco and unfortunately I can not relate to your article at all. Learn more. The poorness of Moroccos incredible people is not their fault. No one from a civilized country wants to visit a country full of uncivilized beggars. At least become hard targets a duo with palpable danger as to suggest to potential aggressors they will lose more than they will gain. We definitely recommend booking your taxi from the airport in advance. Bonjour, This interesting space has been partially renovated and is the temporary home of the Moroccan Museum of Photography. This is a fun and cute way to see the city and get around, but you will certainly be paying a premium for the experience, as these rides are not cheap. To summarize your blog about marrakech is totally unfounded and the best example of that are the replies i have read so far about your blog. There are no obvious lanes, few footpaths and an apparent lack of road rules; it is chaos, and absolutely not the place to stare down at your feet, or at your phone. Completely agree with what you say about the Bahia Palace being one of the kings wives does not sound like fun. Absolutely, but it is not without its challenges! It turns out the stone is real and the lucky finder has returned to set the record straight. This is the place to come in the evening and try scores of traditional mobile restaurants that are set up in the evening. As for the last picture with the goats on the Argan tree.. those goats get up in the tree to eat off it.. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it. Yes Sir, I think this lady should stop writing stupid articles. And, just like with any large city, make sure to take safety precautions. Also on that side is a lovely garden laid out in a symmetrical pattern with fruit trees and fountains. If you are a really a traveler , you shouldnt focus on the bad side of an area. 3. So here they are - 16 really useful tips for visiting Marrakech. When they see you, they see money and nothing else. Morocco is not ver poor. There are many great restaurants in Marrakech to choose from, with many styles of cuisine available. You get what paid for. Obviously there are things that you will like. Its their culture and ways of thinking as well as the food that make it a wonderful place to visit and it will always have a special place in my heart. There are also coins, books, and pottery from Berber, Islamic, and Moroccan Jewish cultures. This one is highly recommended. You are so right! The most negative experience for me was all the arrogant French, swarming all over the place like they still owned Morocco and the fact that Moroccans still have to speak French. The Palmeraie is not very far from central Marrakech, and the price points tend to be very affordable, all things considered. Im an American expat living and teaching in Morocco. Youll see snake charmers, people walking monkeys on a leash, people haggling over the price of spices and all sorts of things you never expected to see. We found it very safe to visit Marrakech. Title is a little harsh.. but finally an article that reflects what Morocco is actually like.. a lot of bloggers are scared of backlash and dont portray how their vacations actually arethank you for your honestI can attest to a lot of what was said in this article. When she refused, he imprisoned her. Each bungalow has its own private pool, and the rooms are exquisitely designed. Yours alone. of course they are bad sides but your post is a big lie you literally show goats in their natural habitat and you write how animals are exploited in Morocco ? i know it may be a bit strange for foreigners, but those goats naturally climbs on the Argan trees to eat the argan nut . Complete rubbish!!! Why? Either option that you choose is a relaxing experience. Our recommendation is to always check with someone you trust to give you a guide on realistic prices - and be prepared to walk away if they won't come close. There is a lot of hassle and its quite bothersome, but a firm no is usually enough, even if youre a supposedly superior race. Jardin Majorelle took more than 40 years to fully come to life at the hands of the dedicated and talented French painter Jacques Majorelle. Is Marrakech, Morocco worth a visit? 9. The time we spent in the city of Marrakech during our trip was great, but it started to be even better after the first month. Morroco is like any country in N Africa or middle east, they respond to the threat of force. Marrakech, specifically, is one of the safest places to visit in Morocco. Don't Trust Any Weather Forecasts. The Museum of Marrakech was originally built as the riad of a minister. Since no building in a Muslim city may be taller than the mosque, this is the top height for construction in Marrakech. If you are planning to visit Morrocco, be sure to put Marrakesh high on your bucket list. However, as long as you are careful and keep an eye on your things, there is very little threat to you in Marrakech. Are you serious you call Morocco a dirty poor country ? with all the respect for your opinion, you painted: Morocco, Marrakech and Moroccans as a bad and awful portrait . Regarding animals those are working farm animals, not pets. They take the cleaning and scrubbing very seriously, so expect to feel quite polished when youre done! It is located very close to the best parts of the city, and there are usually many great flight options right into it from all over the world. Gay Morocco | LGBTQ+ Travel Guide, Morocco Gay Rights & Safety Tips - IGLTA Go for a drink at Rick's, but there's not much to do aside from that.". In my opinion there is something really off about the vibe here. I absolutely agree with you. This place has the potential to feel surreal, from its regal palaces to its tight, winding markets. It is a vibrant and bustling city that is surrounded by breath-taking scenery. What a load of rubbish. Moroccan pastries are amazing and worth checking out. Lets collaborate together: discover our skills of content creators and much more. They have different and special culture people in Morocco most of them are nice. Read this for more tips on shopping in the kasbah. Founded in 1062, this city has been a popular tourist destination since the 1960s - and with very good reason. In contrary, very usefull for travellers. Since she would not change her mind, she remained imprisoned for many years. This is a blatantly RACIST, xenophobic, and misleading article/couple! Both were razed to make room for the new mosque though you can see some remains to the right side of the building. Marrakech is always a great starting point for a Morocco trip because it is fairly central, very busy, and very tourist friendly. It costs money to feed them and if they cant work then they are an expense most people cannot afford because, again, they are not pets. This blog post is going to take a look at everything you need to know when visiting Marrakech, including the best things to do in Marrakech, how to get there, safety in Marrakech, and more. Ive been five times and love it. 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Come down off your high horse and meet those people where they are. We're not saying don't try, but we definitely found some things cheaper elsewhere. This square is probably the place you imagine when you think of Marrakech. We have a little jar currently sitting on our shelf full of small amounts of currency from around the world. While I normally recommend alternative airports that might offer cheaper airfare, there really isnt one for Marrakech. Wander the maze of the medina, explore the city walls and ramparts, and take pictures of the bright blue fishing boats in the harbor while enjoying amazing ocean views. Please note that some links on our blog are affiliate links. now that is a place where there really is an issue with refuse collection. And in the winter, high temperatures are usually around 66 F (19 C), but at night, it falls to 44 F (7 C) or lower. You can probably guess that this question has a very easy answer. Have you seen Paris ? Just an example check los Angels downtown. When I explained the cities that we wanted to visit, Omar quickly responded to my email with several detailed itineraries and suggestions. All of that is ok, and up to the woman wearing them. It is just because you know your country and city that you get scammed less in your home country .. We cant deny that Morocco as other countries has a bad side, and a good side as well. Morocco kind of bridges the gap between European and Middle Eastern culture and influence, and it truly does make for a great first Arab country to visit. I believe youre bad experience may be because you chose to stay in cheapest places in the city. If you were to ask me Is Marrakech, Morocco worth visiting? I wouldnt even hesitate to say it should be towards the top of your bucket list. Majorelle fell into disrepair in the last years of Majorelles life. There are scores of rides and tours to choose from. I understand that Moroccans have been hit hard by lockdowns and that unemployment makes life dire. In Muslim tradition, a man may take up to four wives. It's intereted my quite a lot in the past but I've read a lot from people advising not to go there and that it didn't meet their high expectations, and that the constant hassle from the minute you leave your riad to the minute you return, and always having to be on guard to not get ripped of by absolutely everything becomes an absolute nightmare. At night, we had a delicious dinner and spent the rest of the evening watching the stars on the sand dunes. This is true for Casablanca! It serves over 5.2 million passengers a year visiting Marrakech. Today, there are still some traditional hammams, or you can have a hammam experience in a spa-like atmosphere. The majority of them are illiterate even in Arabic. Your bad experience was about Marrakesh and not Morocco. We traveled from Fez to Casablanca, to Marrakech and Essaouira. What is say about morocco is correct to some extent, but I think the idea that Moroccan exploit animal until death is wrong.animal help them carry heavy stuff because that what they can A great place is Patisserie Lala Moulati. Morocco is a very safe country to visit. The reason the above point can get a little tricky, is that in Marrakech,ATMs can be difficult to track down. Lets not even talk about WIFI outages, absence of. Though you may have passed through on your way to visit Marrakech, its worth taking some time to investigate further. In Morocco there are many great cities and things you can do around the country, but there are also some bad sides of how Moroccan people see tourists and especially solo female travelers. I agree with you, what I see I can add is we cant deny that Morocco as other countries has a bad side, and a good side as well. There is so much to see and do, and exploring this area shows you a very different side of Morocco from city life. I too,LOVE IT. you are not visiting another state of US but you are going to AFRICA, you should ask you self what is this country? Il existe aussi de la salet, de lagressivit, des tentatives darnaques, de la mendicit importante et un racisme prgnant envers la population des rgions sub-sahariennes. First of all, it is essential to note that each country has its own challenges and imperfections. We discovered that private firms were a fair bit cheaper than getting your riad to arrange it, and can recommend this one. Im actually in Morocco right now Coming from Marrakech and that is EXACTLY what I felt like when trying to visit that city.. Many pay respects at her tomb and send their children to be blessed there. Bullshit! I was also called Shakira due to my blonde hair, again no biggie. After more than a decade caravanning in Queensland's Gemfields, retiree Im glad to see the reaction of others here that see this article for what it is: tone deaf. yeah right . I really hate you for what you said about our country and how you dare promote these kinds of propaganda However I will refrain from telling how stupid you are as I dont want to dirty the name of people. With your title, it makes me wonder if you were really in Morocco ? Join me in creating a life we dream about! what are you talking about . With advance warning, most places can arrange to meet you at your taxi drop-off point. This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. I, Moroccan of origins and I cant get a hotel in those no laces. I dont like my own country and I dont care if you dont like my country either. Yes, men can be aggressive but they are rarely persistent they are just chattering for entertainment. We love Morocco and consider it our second home. MOROCCO Encounter the unique energy of this fortified city | Dimitris Papageorgiou / Culture Trip Sarah Williams 10 September 2021 View Nicknamed the Red City because of the high, reddish-brown walls that enclose the old medina, Marrakech is one of Morrocco's most captivating destinations. Marrakesh is worth visiting and offers an unforgettable experience. February and November are slightly chilly at times like in the high 50s but overall very pleasant. There are surely lots of nice Moroccans, but those are the quiet people in the background the friendly driver, the cheerful cleaning lady, the begging child who says thank you when you give him some food. Let me also share a personal anecdote. No, you need all your wits about you here! These types of accommodations are small unique places that used to be former houses owned by Moroccans. As to safety and aggressive behavior, your assessment is also not well inspired. And it stresses me so much that even if I wanted to buy something I just walk away frustrated.. And again and again. Would you advise Morocco as a good monday to friday away, or should I leave it for the future and go and see some more of Europe instead? The Marrakech Museum is housed in the magnificent Mnebhi Palace. This is where you can find snake charmers, fortune tellers, food vendors, singers, dancers, fire jugglers, and other performers. People are very hospitable and very friendly When we were planning the trip, Omar was extremely accommodating and patient. There were so many people due to theft. In the medina itself, there is no way to get around other than walking. And be sure to read our guide on the best things to do in Marrakech to find out all about the citys many souks! Some of the shops are in stalls lining the area. There is a beautiful inscription above the front door that reads, You who enter mydoor, may your highest hopes be exceeded. It was closed as a college in 1960but was renovated and opened to the public in 1982. Marrakesh lies close to both the Sahara and the Atlas Mountains. As background, this is the Arabic word for city, and it is usually used to refer to the walled-in portion of any Arab city. I think those are really some outliers when compared to general feedback. Instead of treating people with respect and being simply nice and welcoming, allowing us tourists to choose what we wish to buy and have, and we would most likely spend event easier and more then, you are mere opportunists when it comes to dealing with tourists. If you so much as looked at an animal with a cell phone in your hand, the owner chased you and demanded money. Be prepared for both extremely hot and quite cold weather conditions. This sounds harsh, yet, if you take one piece of advice from this article, make it this - it'll improve your experience 100%. Unless youenjoy seeing exploited animals. Regarding the handicaps wish they lay on the floor for hours to beg they should be not allowed they should help them out or not allow them to lay there its quite choking , Last thing our Morrocan people needs to stop trowing trash every where its disgusting some they eat and trow com1 lets keep out county and the country we visit clean , Apart from what I said its all good I love Morroco . Is Morocco Safe? (2023 Safety Guide) - The Broke Backpacker I like places that are different, spending a fornight sitting on a beach isn't for me and I'd rather spend a week in a city or walking in the countryside. This is only scratching the surface of what there is to see and do in the oasis desert city of Marrakesh. Marrakesh is a location like none other, and today it is the gateway to the grand Sahara Desert - just like it has been for much of its history. Morrocco is a very poor country, they look to get to Europe by any means. Because we were nervous to go out on our own as two women. Also the only women I know of who have been sexually assaulted and accosted have been in Italian night clubs. All rights reserved. Some have mosaic tile or fairly simple wood carvings. But with all due respect to the owners of this article, youve been aggressive writing it, and the picture of goats you add right there writing in its figure How they exploit animals, that was the most idiotic idea you considered in this article, dont you know Goats climb argan trees naturally in pursuit of its branches and leaves. Visiting Marrakech is a whirlwind for sure, but one you wont want to miss. Make sure you dont go to cheap hotels or cheap Roads.Avoid Medinas. One can say the same thing, Oh! Go to Morocco, do your research before you arrive, plan to haggle (and plan to walk away), dont be afraid to explore without expectations, and hire a licensed guide when necessary because it isnt too expensive and they are a wealth of local information. Reasons Not To Visit Morocco: What We Didn't Like Morocco is a beautiful country, but if you really want to discover it properly one week in a cheap riad in the Medina of Marrakech, Essaouira, Casablanca, or Fez will not be enough. Open now. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We are Alessia and Eddy, and we left our sedentary life to explore the world. This is because, in Islam, people are buried on their right side facing Mecca. Though they once had a function now, they are more for tourists. Alternatively, if travelling by yourself or would like the comfort of being guided by a local guide, consider joining a walking tour. I have been to the police station today due to a theft, curious to see how this ends up, if the very police are not ganged up with the thieves altogether. I have just returned from Morocco and have to say that there were a few minor negatives but on the whole the people were amazing, kind, generous. Many rural parts of France are similar. As far as muslim countries go, Morocco is relatively relaxed, but you'll still draw an awful lot of unpleasant and unwanted attention should you choose to venture out in anything too revealing. You never told the readers why somebody wanted to bash you. It has a soothing and laid-back vibe in contrast to Marrakech. Tourism is the biggest income for moroccan people, so for them everything is a good reason to sell you something. Dont ever come back here !! You may notice that the graves appear very narrow. Some other places with great reviews include: Riads are one of the most popular places to stay when you visit Marrakech. We were berated and pressured. If you are interested in booking with Ouidad, you can do so on her WithLocals page or directly at woma[emailprotected] or via Whatsapp +00212126.77.86.54.38. Let yourself be guided Did you know ? Right from the moment you get off at the airport, a young boy is waiting to lead you to taxis. Cultural differences are what make humanity rich. Its cultural richness, its historical heritage, its breathtaking landscapes and the kindness of its people make it an unforgettable destination.