3 Unforgettable days in Marrakesh, Morocco
A September Escape to Marrakesh: Stepping Out of the Comfort Zone and Into the Heart of Morocco
In September, we ditched the familiar and headed straight for the vibrant, chaotic charm of Marrakesh, Morocco. This wasn’t your typical vacation filled with predictable schedules or creature comforts; instead, we wanted to embrace something raw, real, and refreshingly out of our comfort zone. And Marrakesh, with its bustling streets, sensory overload, and rich culture, delivered all that and more. Here’s a glimpse of our three days there – from getting lost in the narrow lanes of the old city to experiencing the tranquil beauty of the Atlas Mountains.
Settling into the Riad: Our Home Away From Home
We stayed in a riad, a traditional Moroccan house with a central courtyard. This riad, tucked away in the heart of Marrakesh’s old city (or medina), was a stunning mix of Moroccan architecture with beautiful tiles, a small fountain in the center, and rooftop views that stretched across the city. It was the perfect oasis from the city’s buzz.
While we expected the hustle and bustle of Marrakesh, what surprised us was how easy it was to disconnect and relax within the walls of the riad. The staff welcomed us with sweet mint tea and fresh pastries, giving us a taste of Moroccan hospitality from the get-go.
Exploring the Old City: Into the Heart of the Medina
Once we stepped out of the riad, though, it was a totally different world. The medina is a chaotic maze of narrow alleyways, bustling souks (markets), and scooters whizzing by at every turn. These weren’t your typical motorcycles; they were small 50cc bikes, but boy, did they get the job done! Watching the locals zooming through the streets was like watching an orchestrated dance – each move looked like it should end in a collision, but it somehow didn’t.
And talk about unique deliveries! Many of the goods in Marrakesh were transported by donkey cart, which added to the rustic charm and practicality of the city. We watched as donkeys trotted by, their carts laden with everything from vegetables to building materials, adding to the earthy sounds of Marrakesh.
The Outdoor Markets: Sensory Overload
One of our biggest highlights was the outdoor markets. Each souk is like a mini-city, with its own specific vibe, products, and people. One minute you’re passing stalls filled with intricate handwoven rugs, the next you’re surrounded by colorful mounds of spices. And the vendors! They are expert hagglers, but they do it with such charm that you almost enjoy the back-and-forth.
We found ourselves drawn to the pottery stalls, with rows upon rows of beautifully crafted ceramics in shades of blue, green, and yellow. Each piece had its own personality, and the artistry was impressive. It felt like we could have spent hours there alone – and maybe we did, especially after discovering that each vendor had a different story to tell about the origins of their wares.
Traditional Leather Tanning and Dyeing: Not for the Faint of Heart
One experience that really stood out (and, in all honesty, probably won’t be forgotten any time soon) was our visit to a traditional leather tanning and dyeing site. Marrakesh is known for its leather goods, and to understand the process, we decided to see where the magic happened.
Let’s just say, the moment we walked in, we were hit with an overwhelmingly strong odor. The smell came from the mix of animal hides and natural dyes, which are left to soak and cure in large, open vats. While it wasn’t the most pleasant experience for our noses, the visuals were spectacular. Rows of vats filled with colorful dyes spread out before us, creating a patchwork of earthy reds, yellows, and browns. Watching the tanners work – dipping and turning hides in the vats with complete expertise – gave us a newfound respect for the leather crafts we’d seen throughout the city.
Local Eats: A Taste of Morocco’s Soul
Exploring Marrakesh on foot left us famished by the end of each day, and the food scene did not disappoint. Moroccan cuisine is bursting with flavor, color, and spices, and we were more than happy to sample as much as we could. Tagines quickly became a favorite, with each variety bringing something different to the table. One night we had a lamb tagine with apricots and almonds, and another time, we tried chicken with preserved lemon and olives. Both were hearty, comforting, and beautifully spiced.
The street food was another treat, though some of it was a bit adventurous for us. We tried pastilla, a flaky pastry filled with spiced meat and dusted with powdered sugar – a unique blend of sweet and savory. And, of course, the mint tea! Locals drink this tea throughout the day, and it’s so refreshing, even when the heat is on.
A Day Trip to the Atlas Mountains: Slower Pace, Stunning Views
After the excitement and buzz of Marrakesh, we set aside a day to explore the quieter side of Morocco – the Atlas Mountains. We visited a few popular villages, each with its unique charm and breathtaking views. The drive itself was beautiful, with winding roads that offered glimpses of lush valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Berber villages.
One of the highlights was visiting a village known for its artisans, where we got to see pottery, carpets, and other handicrafts being made by hand. The pace here was slower, the air fresher, and it felt like time had paused. It was fascinating to see how traditional practices had been preserved in these mountain communities.
For lunch, we were treated to a simple yet delicious meal of freshly baked bread, olive oil, and locally sourced ingredients – flavors so pure and satisfying that it was hard to believe something so humble could taste so incredible. The locals were incredibly welcoming, and we could see the pride they took in sharing their home and culture with us.
The People: Warm, Welcoming, and Full of Life
If there’s one thing that stood out to us the most in Marrakesh, it was the people. Everywhere we went, locals were ready to help, whether it was by offering directions or suggesting a favorite food stall. The language barrier didn’t matter much – a smile or a simple gesture was all it took to communicate.
One night, we sat down at a small cafe in the square to watch the street performers. A man next to us struck up a conversation, asking where we were from and sharing a bit about his own life in Marrakesh. By the end of the night, he had introduced us to his friends, and they taught us a few Moroccan phrases. It was one of those moments that made us feel truly welcome, like we were part of the community, even if just for a few days.
Leaving Marrakesh: A Place We’ll Never Forget
Our trip to Marrakesh was a whirlwind of sights, sounds, smells, and flavors, and by the time we were ready to leave, we felt like we’d barely scratched the surface. It’s the kind of place that doesn’t let you stay in your comfort zone – it nudges you, sometimes jolts you, into the unknown. But that’s what made the experience so unforgettable.
From the narrow lanes of the medina to the open landscapes of the Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh left us with memories and stories that we’ll carry with us for a lifetime. So if you’re considering a trip that will push your boundaries, engage all your senses, and leave you with a sense of wonder and warmth, Marrakesh is calling.
For us, it was a trip filled with discovery, beauty, and a renewed appreciation for the art of slow travel and genuine human connection. Marrakesh might be chaotic and overwhelming, but it’s also undeniably charming – and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
