Marrakech.

Quick facts

Currency

Moroccan dirham (MAD). Cards are accepted in many tourist areas, and cash machines are easy to find.

Language

Moroccan Arabic (Darija) day to day; French is widely used, and Tashelhit, an Amazigh language, is spoken in the region.

Time

GMT (UTC+0) all year.

Plugs

Type C and E (European two-pin), 230 V.

Best time to visit

March to May and September to November. Summers are very hot; winter days are mild and evenings cool.

About Marrakech

• The Almoravids founded Marrakech around 1070, and it later became the Almohad capital.
• Its medina has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1985.
• The 77-metre minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque is the city’s best-known landmark.
• Jemaa el-Fna square, with its storytellers and musicians, is on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage.

Getting around

Taxis

Ochre-coloured petit taxis carry up to three passengers within the city: ask for the meter or agree the fare before you set off, and expect higher fares at night. Larger grand taxis are shared cars for trips out of town.

Ride apps

Uber has operated in Marrakech since November 2025, using licensed transport companies. inDrive is also used, but most of its drivers are not licensed to carry passengers.

From the airport

Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) is a short drive from the centre. The city’s tourism council lists regulated airport taxi fares of 70 dirhams by day and 100 at night. Bus 19 runs to Jemaa el-Fna through Gueliz (listed at 30 dirhams); the city buses changed operator in December 2025, so check times and fares at the stop.

Public transport

City buses have been run by Supratours, part of the national railway, since December 2025. The medina is best explored on foot, and horse-drawn calèches are another way to see the city.

Staying safe

The UK government’s advice covers Morocco as a whole and has no separate warnings for Marrakech. It notes a threat of terrorism in busy tourist places and that petty theft and scams are common, so keep an eye on your belongings in crowds.

• People posing as guides approach visitors in the medina; official guides carry a badge, so ask to see it.
• Watch your bag and phone in the souks and on Jemaa el-Fna; some bag snatchers use motorbikes.
• Keep your card in sight when paying, and check goods before you leave a shop.
• Drink alcohol only in licensed hotels, bars and restaurants; drinking in the street is illegal.
• Moroccan sources also give 19 for police and 15 for fire and rescue.

Emergency numbers

Police

190

Ambulance and fire

150

Tourist police (Jemaa el-Fna)

+212 5 24 38 46 01

Places to eat nearby

Well-known restaurants near the sights, listed for convenience. Apollonaut has no connection with them and takes no bookings. Price levels (€ to €€€) are a rough guide; check opening times before you go.

• Nomad Medina, Rahba Kedima (spice square) · Modern Moroccan €€
• Le Jardin Medina, near Jemaa el-Fna · Moroccan and European €€
• Dar Yacout Medina · Traditional Moroccan dinner €€€
• La Grande Table Marocaine Royal Mansour, edge of the medina · Refined Moroccan €€€
• Al Fassia Gueliz Gueliz, Boulevard Mohammed Zerktouni · Traditional Moroccan €€
• +61 Gueliz, Rue Mohammed el Beqal · Australian-style, relaxed €€