Planning your first trip to Marrakech? You might be feeling a little overwhelmed — and that’s completely normal if it’s different to what you are used to. These are important things you’ll want to know before visiting Marrakech — especially if you’re used to travelling around Europe or similar destinations. Marrakech is a vibrant, busy city that can feel overwhelming at first, but don’t worry — that initial culture shock quickly gives way to wonder once you settle in.
As someone from Nigeria, I found it easier to adjust to the pace and bustle of the Medina, but I completely understand how intense it can be if you’re not used to that kind of environment. I’ve visited Marrakech twice (with another trip already in the works), and each visit has left me wanting to return.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything I wish I knew before my first visit — from handling cash and staying connected, to what to wear and how to navigate the souks.
You can also explore my other Marrakech guides for the best things to do in Marrakech, where to eat, and unmissable tours and activities.
I have included clickable links for the tours, activities and accommodation to make planning your trip even easier!
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1. You Can’t Get Moroccan Dirhams Outside Morocco
One of the first things to know before visiting Marrakech is that you can’t easily get Moroccan Dirhams (MAD) outside the country. It’s surprisingly rare to find them at banks or currency exchanges abroad.
When you land, change just enough money at the airport to cover your taxi or initial expenses. Later, you’ll find better rates at currency exchange shops in the Medina. These are often more favourable than banks or airport counters.
I recommend bringing cash in GBP, EUR, or USD and exchanging it once you’re settled in the city. It’s what I do now, especially since ATMs often charge foreign withdrawal fees, which can add up quickly.
Tip: Change a small amount of cash at the airport, and wait to exchange the rest at currency exchanges around the Medina for better rates.
2. Marrakech can feel overwhelming at first and that’s totally normal
Marrakech is vibrant, loud, and completely unlike anywhere else — especially in the Medina. You’ll see motorbikes weaving through narrow alleys, donkeys pulling carts, and store owners calling out to get your attention.
At first, it feels chaotic. I’ve been there — on both of my visits, the sensory overload hit hard during the first couple of days. But once I settled in, I found myself appreciating the buzz and energy. It’s part of what makes Marrakech so special.
If a store owner calls out to you, but you’re not interested in shopping, just keep walking or say “La Shukran” which means “No, thank you” in Arabic
Tip: Book this food tour on your first day to ease into the Marrakech experience. It’s a great way to get your bearings on the souks and main square (Jemaa El-Fnaa) while discovering hidden gems and local delicacies. I’ve done it twice and loved it both times.
3. Stay connected when you are in Marrakech with an e-sim
On my first trip, I bought a local SIM card. It worked — until my data ran out. I had to keep visiting “corner shops” to top it up, which was inconvenient and time-consuming.
So, on my second trip, I got an eSIM and it was a complete game-changer. I had unlimited data for my whole trip and didn’t have to constantly top-up my data or rely on airport Wi-Fi when I first arrived. I was connected as soon as I landed, which made navigating to my riad stress-free.
Tip: Get your eSIM here before arriving in Marrakech, so you’re online the moment your plane touches down. It saves time, hassle, and stress.
4. Always have cash with you
One thing you learn quickly in Marrakech is that card payments are not widely accepted. Taxis, souks and many restaurants only take cash. And while a few higher-end restaurants might accept card, it’s not something you should rely on.
I made the mistake of assuming one of the city’s well-known rooftop restaurants would accept card payments – they did not. I ended up using their on-site ATM, which came with a hefty withdrawal fee. Lesson learned — always carry cash.
It’s also worth knowing that riads (the charming Moroccan guesthouses) almost always require city tax to be paid in cash, even if you prepaid the rest of your stay online.
Tip: Keep small denominations on hand for things like taxi fares, market shopping, and tips. Large notes can be tough to break, especially with street vendors.
5. Stay in a riad in the heart of Marrakech’s Medina
For a more authentic experience in Marrakech, skip the hotels and stay in a riad. Riads are traditional guesthouses which typically houses 6-8 bedrooms built around a courtyard featuring a pool. Most riads are hidden away in the narrow alleyways of the medina and offer beautiful rooms, warm hospitality, and a quiet escape from the city buzz.
I have stayed at different riads across Marrakech, and each one had its own charm — from the stunning breakfast views on the rooftop to the kindest hosts who go above and beyond to make you feel at home.
Tip: For my favourite stays and recommendations in Marrakech, check out Where to Stay in Marrakech. It includes my favourites riads and hotels for an unforgettable stay.
6. Haggling is a natural part of shopping when in Marrakech.
It can be awkward at first if you’ve not done this before or you live in a place where it is not common. Think about haggling as a negotiation that ensures both parties are happy with the final price. In the souks, prices are rarely fixed so you will either have to get used to haggling or be comfortable overpaying. Haggling is part of the shopping culture — start low, stay friendly, be respectful and fair. Never accept the first price. Before entering a taxi especially, be sure to agree on a price.
Tip: Always remain respectful and reasonable when haggling, especially for hand made items. Even though the cost of living is lower in Morocco, it is important to support local artisans and pay a little more. Start your negotiation at 30% of the price first offered to you.
7. Marrakech is a winter destination...sort of.
Marrakech is regularly described as a winter sun destination when in fact it actually does get cold. This is one of the things I did not know before visiting Marrakech the first time and I was really surprised. Between the months of November and March, expect chilly mornings and evenings. If you are heading to the desert, take a jacket with you as temperatures drop significantly into the night.
8. Dress modestly in Marrakech.
Although Marrakech is tourist-friendly, it’s important to respect the local culture and dress in modest clothing. On my trip, I wore long and flowy dresses as that was what I was comfortable with and didn’t have any issues. A friend of mine wore an above the knee length dress once and was met with stares and pointing. She felt so uncomfortable that she went back to the riad to change. Please remember that this is just my suggestion based on my experience.
9. Alcohol is not widely available around the city.
Due to cultural and religious reasons, locals do not drink and alcohol and it is not freely available in Marrakech. Only select restaurants are allowed to serve alcohol in the city like touristy and upscale ones, so keep this in mind. If you do visit restaurants that serve alcohol, refrain from asking the waiters for alcoholic drink recommendations. I witnessed this once when a tourist asked a waiter which wine he would recommend and as you’d expect his face went blank, responding that he does not drink.
For where to eat in Marrakech, check out Marrakech Travel Guide. It also includes where to stay in Marrakech, the best activities and tours.
10. Plan ahead before visiting Dar El Bacha cafe.
For good reason, Dar El Bacha cafe is very popular but if you want to visit be prepared for a bit of a wait. As you cannot reserve online, there are two ways to guarantee your visit. Your first option is to queue up at least 30 minutes before opening, yes you read that right 30 minutes. This way, you are more likely to get a table when they open. Your other option is to arrive later in the day but before 1.30pm to get a buzzer. The buzzer notifies you when your table is available. The typical wait time is 2-3 hours, but you are free to explore Marrakech in this period. In peak periods, you may need to get a buzzer earlier in the day to guarantee a table. If you only have a few days in Marrakech and want to visit the cafe, this is a really important one to know before visiting Marrakech.
11. Don’t drink tap water.
Stick to bottled water during your stay. When you first arrive at your riad, you are typically provided with a bottle of water. After this, you can also purchase from local shops and at restaurants.
Now that you know what to expect, your trip to Marrakech will feel far less daunting. Use this guide on what to know before citing Marrakech as your go to prep list. If you are don’t know what to do in Marrakech, check out 14 best things to do in Marrakech.
