Friends told us it was one of their least favorite places in the world. They warned us of beggars and hagglers refusing to get out of your personal space, vendors trying to rip you off, and filthy streets and food making you physically and mentally ill. Most Marrakshis were laid-back, good-natured, and friendly, our stomachs didn't suffer in the slightest, and getting lost was not only perfectly safe but encouraged. The medina is Marrakech's old city. It's enclosed by kilometers of pink walls built around Until just over years ago, the whole city lived within these walls.
From above, the Marrakech medina resembles a human honeycomb. But instead of hexagonal honey cells, the medina is packed with square riads, traditional houses with peaceful inner courtyards. These riads are home to about , people, a fifth of the city's population.
They also seem to host the same number of tourists. The hive's epicenter is Jemaa el-Fnaa, the legendary square that buzzes at night with questionable food stalls and entertainers. Emanating from it are the souks, Morocco's largest, where handmade crafts, spices, and cheap souvenirs.
Beyond the souks, the streets settle down, and the medina starts to feel and smell not much different than it did centuries ago. Stay in Bab Doukkala, a relaxed corner of the Marrakech medina within easy walking distance of busier souks, streets, and main sights.
It's also close to attractions outside the medina like Gueliz and the Majorelle Gardens. If Riad Tereza is not available or not what you're looking for, take a look at the top-rated Airbnbs and hotels in that specific area. For a hostel, check out Rodamon Riad. I randomly wandered into it because it has the same name as a well-known restaurant in Valencia, Spain and was super-impressed.
