While not necessary an obvious location for a UC traveller, Marrakech truly blew me away. Only a 3hr flight from London, Marrakech’s French history and North African muslim context is a world away from Europe. The Medina (old town) was well equiped with plenty of clean bathroom facilities. The food was out of this world, but might be tricky for some on super strict diets.

 

Cultural Sites
Food
Bathroom Facilities

 

Culture

Marrakech has plenty to see for a long weekend. The strong muslim heritage, combined with the French colonial legacy makes for a wonderful blend of cultures. The city is divided into two main areas, these being the old town “Medina” and the “new” French influenced part of the city. 

While there are plenty of cultural sites such as the Bahia Palace, Musée Yves Saint Laurent and Ben Youssef Madrasa – the personal highlight was the time spent wondering the Medina and absorbing the sites and smells of this old walled city. 

Food

Although located in North Africa, Moroccan food is more akin to that of the Middle East and Levant region – think lots of olives, chick peas, and heavily spiced food – flavoured with spices like cinnamon, cumin, turmeric, etc. Gluten also features heavily with bread served with every meal, and couscous also playing a key part in Moroccan food. Classic dishes such as a Lamb or Vegetarian Tajine are delicious!

If you avoid gluten, a typical breakfast is heavily bread based – however both hotels I stayed at had Gluten Free options available if you ask.

Some personal food highlights:

Bathroom Facilities

The biggest surprise with Marrakech, was the quality and quantity of clean bathrooms throughout the Medina (the old town). Cafes, restaurants, and museums and cultural sites (and a handful of public toilets) are located throughout the Medina. All the ones I encountered were spotlessly clean, which came as a surprise given the narrow winding alleyways being explored. I would recommend carrying some paper with you, as some facilities didn’t have a supply. Marrakech’s facilities put many European cities to shame!

Other Tips

Tea
Unlike some parts of the world, the local “moroccan mint tea” is a combination of black tea and mint – and as such is highly caffeinated. For those sensitive to caffeine beware! 

Water
While the internet consensus seems to suggest the tap water is technically OK to drink in Morocco, I never risk it. If you are extra cautious or have concerns about the provenance, sparkling water is a good option as the bubbles are hard to fake.