In which district (neighbourhood) to stay in Marrakech?
Departure for Morocco imminent? To make the most of your stay, here are the
best areas to sleep in in Marrakech!
Marrakech, known as the "red city," is Morocco's fourth-largest city, after
Casablanca, Fez, and Tangier. With an area of 230 km² and 928,850
inhabitants, its size is comparable to that of the city of Marseille.
Morocco received over 10.33 million visitors in 2016, with Marrakech being
the most popular destination for French tourists. And for good reason:
sunshine all year round, a breathtaking historical heritage, an incredible
cultural richness. Another advantage in Morocco: French is widely used
there, and there is no (or little) language barrier. Discover in which
district to rent accommodation in Marrakech, this thousand-year-old city
where the old meets the modern, for the greatest pleasure of the eyes.
Like all the big cities of the Maghreb, Marrakech has its old town - the
Medina -, the unmissable part of the city. Next door is the new districts,
notably Guéliz, which were created under the French protectorate. Hivernage
is the district where luxury and splendor attract wealthy tourists. Between
the quest for authenticity, an “exotic” change of scenery at the gates of
the Sahara, and Western-style life in the chic districts, Marrakech has
several showcases to offer its visitors. Hotels, hostels, studios, Riads,
apartments, villas, residences… finding accommodation in Marrakech will not
be difficult. Here is our presentation of the neighborhoods where to
stay.
The Medina
The old town which will soon be a thousand years old, it is in this
district that the city of Marrakech was founded in 1071, by the Berber
Empire of the Almoravids. In Medina, you'll find the majority of monuments,
museums, and lodging options. If this is the historic district of Marrakech,
it is also the most touristic: despite significant social differences -
well-to-do tourists come to fill their cameras in front of the local
population, who are much less well-to-do -, one will inevitably accost you
to show you around the Medina (obviously for a few Dirhams) or to sell you a
thousand and one things.
If you can find this oppressive atmosphere, you have to get used to it:
this is also Morocco. The Medina is a city within the city, an endless maze
of alleys, small souks, small squares, dead ends, mosques, madrassas –
secular or religious schools in Arabic – and Riads: a labyrinth that one has
also called a bazaar in the West. Staying in this district allows you to be
close to everything, facing the mirror of passing time. Be careful, you will
certainly hear the call to prayer in the early morning!
Gueliz
Do not miss the colorful botanical garden and the Berber Museum. The
district, populated by the Moroccan middle class, is less turbulent than the
old town. If you are looking for a peaceful stay, choose to book an
apartment, hotel, or hostel in the area.