Marrakech travel essentials

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) - first hour

Apps that work in Marrakech

Taxi fares in Marrakech

• Short city ride (petit taxi): 20-40 MAD. Meter rarely used - negotiate first.
• Airport to medina: 70-120 MAD official taxi. Careem/InDrive often cheaper.
• Medina edge to riad: drivers drop at nearest gate - know your riad's GPS pin.
• Late-night ride: add 30-50% or pre-book via app.
• Careem and InDrive are the most reliable app-based options. See all transport services for Morocco.

Medina navigation tips

• Download Google Maps or Maps.me offline before arriving - streets are not on live GPS reliably.
• Pin your riad's door, not just the street name. Many streets share names.
• Use your riad's WhatsApp to get a guide to your door on arrival night.
• The medina has 5 main gates (Babs) - learn which one is nearest to your riad.
• Keep Jemaa el-Fna as your landmark - all directions are relative to it.

Money in Marrakech

• Medina souks: cash only. Keep small notes (10, 20 MAD) for purchases.
• Restaurants outside the medina and most riads accept cards.
• ATMs are common on Avenue Mohammed V and near major hotels.
• Tipping: 10-15 MAD for restaurant, 5-10 for taxi, 50-100 for full-day guide.
• Wise card gives the best exchange rate for ATM withdrawals. See all money & payment options for Morocco.

First 24 hours in Marrakech

• Hour 1: SIM, cash, taxi to riad. Don't accept guide offers at the airport.
• Hour 2-4: Drop bags, explore the nearest medina streets on foot. Don't rush Jemaa el-Fna.
• Evening: Sunset from a rooftop café. Negotiate dinner price before sitting - some tourist restaurants add service charges.
• Day 2: Bahia Palace, Medersa Ben Youssef, souks. Hire an official guide from your riad for first souk visit.