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Marrakech

The cultural capital of Morocco and a major economic center. Famed for its old Medina with it's medieval walls, mazelike alleyways, buzzing souks (marketplaces), and Unesco World Heritage Site: Jemaa El Fnaa. We flew on Ryan Air from Spain for pretty cheap ($30 roundtrip pp) and spent 4 days there, which was a perfect amount of time to explore the city. If you want to explore the Sahara dessert, you may want to add a day or two to your itinerary. Checkout our Morocco Travel Story for more fun details.

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Where to Stay:

  • We stayed in the historic center so we could walk anywhere. Ditch the hotel and make sure you stay in a traditional riad. There are options for all budgets.

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Where/What to Eat:

  • Jemaa el Fnaa is where you want to eat. Try harria soup, lamb sausage, mashawi (bbq). If you're feeling adventurous try a sheep's head.

  • Have as many mint teas as you can - They don't make them like this anywhere else. You can have it any cafe around the city.

  • You must try tajine and couscous. 

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What to Do:

  • Spend time in Jemaa el-Fnaa - You may never want to leave. 

  • Marvel at the architecture of Ben Yousef Madrasa - 14th century college.

  • Get lost in the Medieval Medina. Have some tea or Arabic coffee, try sugar cane juice,, buy some spices and walk in the footsteps of Aladdin.

  • Barter for a bargain at the souks - bring an extra luggage if you're looking to style your house for cheap. 

  • Visit Jardin Majorelle - Historic 2.5 acres botanical garden. 

  • Have a traditional hammam. 

  • Take an excursion to the Sahara dessert - There are plenty of local travel agencies that can organize such trips.

  • Have a drink at Le Churchill bar at the Mamounia hotel, where Churchill used to frequent.

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Fez

Fez, is a northeastern Moroccan city founded in the 8th century (REALLY old) known for its walled Medina with medieval atmosphere, 1000 years old tanneries, and vibrant souks.We took an 8 hours train from Marrakech to Fez in the middle fo July, which was less than ideal (hot and stuffy). Nonetheless, I had never seen any place like Fez, not even remotely close. It's very compact, buzzes with life, and truly is like traveling back in time a thousand years. 

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Where to Stay:

  • Anywhere in the walled Medina it a good place to stay. Make sure you stay in a traditional riad. 

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Where/What to Eat:

  • Similar to Marrakech, make sure to eat some of the traditional Moroccan dishes and below are some of our recommendations

  • Cafe clock - Beautiful atmosphere. Try a dates milkshake and camel burger (excellent).

  • Made in M - Great bohemian atmosphere, fresh mint teas, and delicious tanginess.

  • Darori Resto - local restaurant in a house in the heart of Fez. Everything here is 100% Moroccan

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What to Do:

  • Get lost In the old medieval Medina. We took a cheap  private walking tour and it was very informative.

  • Hit the souks and eat the food.

  • Visit the leather tanneries (Chaouwara Tannery), and make sure you but some high quality yet cheap leather. If you're sensitive to smells, bring a mask. 

  • Visit Bou Inania Madrasa which was founded in the 14th century and/or Medersa al-Attarine.

  • Make sure you get a panormaic overlook of Fez from the North Tower military fort just outside the city wall.

  • Visit Jnan Sbil Gardens just outside the city wall.

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