Under $100: Marrakech

Marrakech is a city of contrasts, lying at the foot of the Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains. The old fortified town of Medina is packed with narrow alleys lined with vendors, while the new Gueliz district is nurturing the city’s growing cosmopolitan crowd. With 1,500 Moroccan Dirham, here’s how to experience both sides of Marrakech in a day.

Pink Houses of Old Town Medina © Ragne Kabanova | Dreamstime

Marrakech, especially Medina, is walkable, though it is also confusing, even with the help of locals. Bus fare is cheap, costing Dh 2–5 for a ride, and there are also sightseeing busses for tourists who want to hop on and off through the day. Passes are Dh 145 and good for 24 hours. If you’re traveling with your significant other, consider renting a caleche, which is a horse-drawn carriage you can hire for Dh 150 an hour. Taxis, on the other hand, are notoriously difficult to manage, so be prepared to haggle.

© Pawel Opaska | Dreamstime

No stay in this city is complete without exploring the famous Souks, or markets of Marrakech. Visitors are advised to get lost in the multitude of vendors selling everything from spices to pottery. Foreigners will be targeted for higher prices, so be prepared to haggle and say no. For breakfast, stop by one of the numerous stalls for some of the best orange juice in the world. A glass will cost Dh 5–10, with a premium for the delicious blood orange variety.

Djemma El-Fna © Karol Kozlowski | Dreamstime

If you are in Medina at night, be sure to come back to the area to see Djemma El-Fna, the city square that gets packed with music, art and culture. Another interesting experience is the nearby tanneries, though some locals will tell you these aren’t for tourists. On the other hand, some people will try to scam you into a tour, so don’t pay more than Dh 10–20 for an unofficial guide. Be warned though, the process of making leather can be unpleasant for some.

Menara Gardens © Karol Kozlowski | Dreamstime

West of the cities are the Menara Gardens, a collection of orchards and olive groves built in the 12^th century by Abd al’Mu’min of the Almohad Caliphate. It’s more of a park than garden, with locals resting along the artificial lake. For something more touristy, head to Jardin Majorelle, a 12-acre botanical garden, now owned by Yves Saint-Laurent, was designed by French artist and expatriate, Jacques Majorelle, almost 100 years ago. The grounds are filled with art, plant life, birds and Majorelle’s signature shade of blue. Admission is Dh 50, as well as an extra Dh 25 to see the Islamic Art Museum of Marrakech.

Islamic Museum of Art © Andreaobzerova | Dreamstime