Marrakesh trip advice

nick1234

Hi just wondering if any mse’ers have been to Marrakesh before and can offer help?

I just booked a lastminute trip to Marrakesh next week, staying in Guilez area and had a few questions on my itinerary 

Monday - arrive and afternoon walking tour in Medina.  Can anyone recommend casual evening dining area either Medina/Guilez, or an authentic restaurant (not into high end dining). 

Tuesday - full day ticking off all sights.  

Wednesday - atlas mountain group day trip.  I have seen the group day trips to atlas mountain, but are there any more serious hiking day trips that take place and avoid all tourist traps?  

Thurs - AM looking for midrange Hammam recommendation?  Dont mind spending up to £80-100 for massage/hammam and somewhere with jacuzzi/sauna facilities to use after and chill but not essential. 

PM- bus to Agadir.  

Main points are hammam ideas, where i can see the goats on the trees??, i notice another day trip is to Ouzoud, should i try fit this in?  I have the option to go Agadir Friday so could spend full day on Thursday.  

https://www.getyourguide.com/marrakech-l208/marrakech-atlas-mountains-and-agafay-desert-day-trip-t388988/

Thanks for any suggestions

TELLIT01

You'd probably be better off asking questions like that on TripAdvisor.

MilesT6060842

A few practical points (from memory from some years ago):
1/  You will get pestered in the airport by taxi touts and porters (arrival and departure).  There are airport buses (look online) that will take you to various parts of town (details can be researched online).  Read up online on how taxis work (sharing is sometimes expected)
2/ There are a few ATMs at the airport.  The airport is fairly basic otherwise for shopping/eating
3/ Lots of nighttime eating stalls in the Medina;  the better restaurants tend to be not on the Medina, look on travel websites for current recommendations.  For something a little different from couscous and meat skewers, try a 'Bstilla (kind of a chicken pasty, in sweetened puff pastry).  The drink of choice is black tea flavoured with fresh mint and lots of sugar (no milk);  good coffee can be a bit harder to find (basic option is Nescafe instant with milk "nus nus").

If your bus to Agadir is a regular long distance coach (rather than specifically booked), then expect to find the bus station lacking in amenities and with somewhat unclear information (you are likely to need to speak French, Arabic or Berber). Wasn't really possible to book online a few years back but may be possible now.  The coaches are comfortable and nice, and longer trips will have short toilet and tea breaks en route.  The coach station is down a side street next to the main train station which is well served by city buses including an airport bus I think; there are restaurants nearby if you have a wait.  I have taken the coach to Essouira (which I would recommend for a  couple of days, less "full on" than Mara, take early coach from Mara, stay the night, late coach back to Mara).  Other towns like Fes are served by the now excellent trains, Mara is the end of the line (the trains don't go further south).

NoodleDoodleMan

When are you travelling ?

If Morocco get through to the WC final - the country is liable to shut down !!!