Marrakech for my 40th

This year my fears are being realised and lm turning 40.

We have finally agreed that Marrakech is the destination of choice (having ruled out Venice & Barcelona!) - so we have 5 days/4 nights at the beginning of June. Ive found a boutique Riad near the Medina but l need some tips - l want to book an amazing restuarant for my birthday evening, and l would like to something different on my actual birthday - maybe something kinda physical possibly.

What should we do, not miss what do you advise?

Thank you

Heather x

[ Edit: Edited on 06-Mar-2014, at 01:43 by Purdy ]

Terrasse des épices! Stunning restaurant for your birthday IMO. There is a cute cafe – Café des épices – which is great any time you need a break from the souks but the restaurant is a fantastic rooftop space.

I was in Marrakesh for 2 nights in December. One night we had dinner at the Comptoir du Pasha, which is a pretty nice restaurant, but I actually preferred eating out at the stands in the Jemaa El Fna, which is just madness. We got hopelessly lost in the medina at night, give yourself plenty of time to get around.

If you end up in Gueliz, the Jardins Majorelle are a really nice place to duck out of the sun for a little while.

And we also stayed at Kasbah Bab Ourika in the Ourika Valley which is stunning, amazing views of the high atlas, and just a short drive from Marrakesh, I'm pretty sure you could do it comfortably as a day trip if you wanted a day out of the city and there's good hiking etc round there.

Thanks Rob, that day trip sounds perfect maybe go early early for hike and see sun rise nice way to see in my 40th!!

Looking fwd to getting lost in a controlled manner!!! It seems to be a running theme from everything lve read to date!!!

love this pirate!!

Don't miss the Ben Yousef madrassa - it's beautiful and I'd say that's the main must-see. The Jardin Majorelle and Bahia Palace are also worth a visit, and we thought the photography museum was excellent.

I'd recommend arranging your transport from Marrakech airport in advance - we found it virtually impossible to find a taxi driver who didn't try and charge us many times the going rate, which is around 100 Dirham if I remember rightly.

Hi i spent 3 days in Marakech in December, i agree with Rob the makeshift food stans in Djemma el Fna are a great place to eat, freshly cooked Moroccan fair, brilliant.

The Ourika Valley a very popular day trip, many operators around Djemma can arrange this for you, alternatively im sure your Riad/hotel can also help with arrangements.

Site seeing wise itself, a few have been mentioned already, Bahia Palace, Ali Ben Yousef Medersa, the Jewish Mellah, Koutoubia Mosque and defo the Photography museum. To be fair and major part of Marakech charm is walking around the Souks and markets and getting lost.

A final word of warning, Marakech is a magnificent destination, however some of it residents are not so great, it may be worth hiring a guide, especially around the small streets surrounding Djemma, if you need someone to show you the way (usually an young lad) they will expect a tip, 20 Dh is a sufficient amount, they will ask for more, be firm but polite and continue on your way.

Have a great trip.

Andy

Many thanks for all the as usual helpful TP members tips!

Heather

Hey Heather, my advice will be a night in the desert of Sahara. Just ask at your hotel for that kind of trips. I've done it in 2010 leaving from Marrakech to Zagora. There in the desert you have the locals that presents you tasty dishes and playing live music. An extra thing is that you get a good view over the Atlas mountains as you will be crossing them. The only issue will be that in June it will be hot and the trip from Marrakech to Sahara it takes a few hours...!!!
Jemaa el fna its probably on of the best place to eat in Marrakech.

Tips: If you get taxi to go around try negotiate the price( they will ask a high price for your ride and its part of their culture to negotiate the price). From the airport take the bus to the center (20 Dirham one way) in the front of the airport right next to the taxis stand. Try...Tangia... at place Jemaa el fna as is originally from that part of the country.

Best regards, enjoy your time...