Of course the iconic square of Jemaa-el-Fna is the place to go in the evening. It's become quite a theme park but one you've never see before. Compared to Fez it's very touristy - thousands compared to Fez's tens of dozens but it's still an amazying spectacle. It's heaving with crowds, horse & carriages, acrobats, snake charmers, the monkey man, muscians, countless food stalls & legions of hawkers to badger you, especially if you sit still.
The souks leading off the square tend to be full of tourist tat, more than a bit of it is 'made in China' & not forgetting Rolex watches & iPhones for a few quid! Having a drink on a rooftop terrace is touristy but gives a great alternative perspective on what's happening in the square.
Phoney guides who ensure that you get ripped off are all around the world & are something travellers jut have to be awre of but in Marrakech they've stepped up a gear. They'll hang around your hotel & spot targets emerging. A little way down the street they will casually pass you & say 'hello, remember me, I work in your hotel (name provided) this is followed by a general chat that includes 'it's my day off & I'm going to an auction (or similar) just for locals - why don't you join me'. Disarmingly persuaive when it first happens.
Tourist hotels within the Medina charge premium prices but beyond the Medina walls in the New Town there ar the usual chain hotels & western fast food outlets but also cheap, safe & decent hotels like the Tachfine hotel for 30 euro a night, a tenth the price of a tourist hotel in the Medina. It's only a 2 star standard but has a great rooftop terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains & beer for 2 euro.
The souks leading off the square tend to be full of tourist tat, more than a bit of it is 'made in China' & not forgetting Rolex watches & iPhones for a few quid! Having a drink on a rooftop terrace is touristy but gives a great alternative perspective on what's happening in the square.
Phoney guides who ensure that you get ripped off are all around the world & are something travellers jut have to be awre of but in Marrakech they've stepped up a gear. They'll hang around your hotel & spot targets emerging. A little way down the street they will casually pass you & say 'hello, remember me, I work in your hotel (name provided) this is followed by a general chat that includes 'it's my day off & I'm going to an auction (or similar) just for locals - why don't you join me'. Disarmingly persuaive when it first happens.
Tourist hotels within the Medina charge premium prices but beyond the Medina walls in the New Town there ar the usual chain hotels & western fast food outlets but also cheap, safe & decent hotels like the Tachfine hotel for 30 euro a night, a tenth the price of a tourist hotel in the Medina. It's only a 2 star standard but has a great rooftop terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains & beer for 2 euro.