Marrakesh for First-Timers: What Nobody Tells You, Hidden Gems & Top Travel Tips
- Samantha
- Jun 15, 2025
- 10 min read
Updated: Aug 6, 2025
Marrakesh comes from the Berber words “mur (n) akush” which roughly means “Land of God.”
When I booked Marrakesh, I expected magic carpets, mint tea and maybe a camel or two. Seriously though, what I didn’t expect was just how utterly captivating it would be. Marrakesh is a full on sensory experience. From the bright pops of rainbow colours against sun-faded tones of terracotta, olive and sand, to the scents of spices curling through the air, and the hypnotic sound of prayer calls echoing across the rooftops. It truly makes you feel connected to the present moment helping you to switch off and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture. If you’re looking for an escape that pulls you out of your head and into something real and heritage rich, this is it. For a first dip into North African travel adventures, I honestly can’t recommend Marrakesh enough!
Yet beyond the aesthetics and vibrant sensory experiences, there’s a whole side of Marrakesh no one really prepares you for, so I’m sharing all the honest bits from my own personal experience (i've visited twice now!) , the hidden gems nobody wants you know know about, and the unspoken little lessons you will learn to help you plan the dreamiest (and smoothest) trip possible to this wonderfully chaotic destination.
Quick Links:
Note: For a visual journey through my Morocco adventures, feel free to explore my TikTok and Instagram channels under the handle @SammyLouLuxe
Sleep in Style: Why Riads Are Morocco’s Best-Kept Secret
Riad /ˈriː.ad/ | noun A traditional Moroccan house or palace with an interior garden or courtyard, typically enclosed by high walls and often featuring intricate tilework, carved wood details, and a central fountain or pool. From Arabic riyāḍ, meaning gardens or meadows.
If you’ve never stayed in a riad, let me set the scene. The first ever walk to find your riad will feel intimidating. We arrived during Sunday morning where the alleyways were full of market stalls (and people selling from rugs full of produce on the cobbled ground!). We had to duck to the side when motorcyclists tried to weave through the hustle and bustle in between locals trying to grab our attention to what they were selling. I was completely overwhelmed, thrilled and a little nervous because we really had no idea where the riad was and neither of us had working maps on our phone (rookie error!).
We walked through alleyways full of graffiti rubble. Eventually you arrive at a completely unassuming doorway tucked down a winding alleyway in the Marrakesh medina. We actually walked passed the riad we were booked into three times before we realised we had to open a large iron gate and knock on the door behind.
You knock, someone opens it and you step into what can only be described as an Instagram-worthy oasis. Imagine jasmine-scented air, mint tea on tap, and terracotta walls that have seen centuries. After the chaos of the bustling alleyways and winding streets, when you step into your tranquil riad you will have a "wait, THIS was hiding here?" moment.
Most riads are old family homes turned boutique stays with rooftop terrace views over the city. The energy is serene. The mint tea flows on arrival, we were even given local homemade biscuits.
It’s peaceful, personal, and a beautiful way to experience Morocco’s architectural charm up close rather than from behind a glass hotel lobby. Discover all the reasons why we chose a riad stay over a 5-star hotel.
What Nobody Tells You... getting there is part of the adventure. Unless you have arranged to be met by the riad owner (highly recommend), every single tourist gets lost the first time they try to find their riad in the Marrakesh medina. It’s disorienting, a little chaotic, and weirdly part of the charm. Because when you finally step into your riad and the noise drops away, it feels like a secret sanctuary. That contrast is what makes the whole travel experience totally unforgettable.
Top Travel Tips:
Make sure you have cash on you to tip a kind local for helping you
Download the offline version of Marrakesh on Google Maps so that you don't have to rely on an internet connection
Pack lightly in a rucksack that's easy to carry rather than pulling a wheeled suitcase, plus a suitcase will be very loud when rolled over cobbles!
Above the Atlas Mountains: A Sunrise You’ll Never Forget
I’ve done my fair share of early starts for travel content but watching the sun rise over the Atlas Mountains from a hot air balloon was a moment I’d wake up for 100 times over.
The sky shifts from deep blue to soft gold. You glide over tiny Berber tents, olive groves, and desertl and that rolls on forever. It’s peaceful, poetic, and just a touch chilly (bring a light jacket). Afterwards, a traditional breakfast is served in a Berber tent. Fresh flatbread, olives, honey, eggs and the sweetest orange juice you’ve ever tasted.
What Nobody Tells You...
No one really warns you how emotional it feels. I have become more nervous of heights over the years, which made me feel anxious in the air! However, there’s something about floating silently above the world as the light changes that helps to take your mind off any worries, it’s grounding and surreal all at once.
Top Travel Tips:
Dress in layers – it’s cold up there, but it warms up quickly after sunrise.
Book a reputable company – safety first.
Go for one with smaller group sizes for a more luxe feel.
Charge your phone – you’ll take a thousand photos, then just put it away and soak it all in.
Motion sickness? Don’t stress – balloon rides are surprisingly smooth.
Allow time after – breakfast is slow and social. Don’t rush off straight after.
A Different Kind of Desert: The Agafay Luxe Escape
For this first part of our trip to Marrakesh, we stayed at The White Camel in Agafay, a boutique desert lodge, similar to luxury glamping, that somehow manages to feel completely remote and indulgently luxurious at the same time.
What Nobody Tells You... Here’s a plot twist: not all deserts are sandy. The Agafay Desert, a 40-minute drive from Marrakesh, is a rocky, golden expanse that feels like another planet, in fact many people compare the land to the planet Mars. It’s stony, rugged, but equally aesthetic in its own right.
Tucked into the rocky hills of the Agafay Desert, the property blends effortlessly with the surrounding landscape, with terracotta tones, soft curves, and earthy textures throughout. From the moment we arrived, it was clear this was somewhere designed to make you slow down and take it all in.
Arriving straight from the airport in the late morning, we were immediately given sweet mint tea to sip while enjoying the sensational views of the lunar-like landscape and the outlines of the Atlas Mountains.
It felt like both adventure and elegance experienced in perfect harmony and was a real pinch-me moment to relax here and to be able to switch off from the busyness of work and family life back home.
We did nothing but disconnect from the world, and reconnect with each other without any of the usual distractions of life.
Our private Berber-style lodge came with its own pool and sweeping views across the desert plains. We spent our time dipping in and out of the pool, sipping cool drinks, and letting the silence work its magic.
As the sun set, we enjoyed freshly cooked Moroccan food, tagines, grilled meats, roasted vegetable cous cous, and citrus fruits with cinnamon, all while traditional Berber music played under a blanket of stars. It was slow, soulful luxury at its very best.
Top Travel Tips:
Pack for Temperature Swings – The desert can be hot by day and chilly at night, so bring layers, including a cosy jacket or wrap for stargazing after sunset.
Unplug to Reconnect – There’s little to no signal in Agafay and that’s the beauty of it. Embrace the digital detox and soak in the stillness.
Book a Private Tent with a View – For the full experience, choose a Berber-style lodge or tent with a plunge pool and uninterrupted views of the desert — it’s worth the price and the memories built!
Tracing Ancient Trails Through the Palms of Marrakesh
Another lesser-known gem? The Palmeraie of Marrakesh, a vast 13,000-hectare palm oasis just outside the city that was planted over 900 years ago dating back to the 11th century. The ancient Almoravid dynasty created this as a green escape in the desert, using underground canals (called khettaras) to bring water in. These days, it’s a peaceful, palm-filled haven perfect for camel rides.
When we arrived, a camel caravan was waiting, and this wasn’t just a photo opportunity. Riding a camel through the palm grove connects you to a much older story: the caravan routes that once stretched from Marrakesh across North Africa, trading salt, spices, and stories. Camels, known as the "ships of the desert," were vital to Moroccan history. The Dromedary camel (one hump, not two!) can go days without water and has been a trusted companion for nomadic tribes for centuries.
Camels hold deep cultural and religious significance in Morocco, often seen as a gift from God and traditionally treated with care and respect. In Islam, compassion toward animals is encouraged, and many local families rely on camels for their livelihood, especially in tourism. While welfare standards can vary, reputable operators in Marrakesh and the surrounding desert areas now follow more ethical practices, limiting ride times, using padded saddles, and ensuring camels are well-rested and hydrated. As a traveller, choosing mindful, animal-conscious experiences helps support the continued care and respectful treatment of these iconic desert companions.
What Nobody Tells You... Camel riding over sand is a whole other experience to riding camels over the bumpy hard ground through the Palm Groves. After 20 minutes it did begin to ache my thighs! Having said that, as we rocked gently atop our camels, I thought about how these animals shaped Morocco’s economy, culture, and survival. And, lets be honest, you haven’t truly done Morocco until you’ve got a camel ride and selfie under your belt.
Top Travel Tips:
Go Early or Late – Book your ride for early morning or just before sunset to avoid the heat and enjoy the golden light across the palms.
Dress Comfortably – Wear long, breathable trousers (they will get dirty and smelly so don't wear your best or light colours!) and closed shoes for comfort in the saddle
Choose Ethical Operators – Look for providers who treat their camels well (healthy appearance, padded saddles, water access) and avoid those offering forced photo ops.
More Hidden Truths No One Warns You About
As well as the little hidden truths mentioned in the sections above, these are a few more honest little details I wish someone had told me before we went to Marrakesh...
You’ll get lost. Everyone does. Especially in the Marrakesh medina. It’s like a real-life labyrinth. Just embrace it, wear comfy shoes, and don’t panic.
People might offer 'help' for a price. It’s part of the hustle. If you’re lost and someone offers to show you the way, they’ll almost always expect a tip. Don’t feel pressured, just be polite and firm.
The call to prayer is hauntingly beautiful… and early. If your riad is near a mosque, expect to be woken around 5am. Take earplugs if you’re a light sleeper, or lean into it, it’s all part of the travel experience.
The mint tea is sweet. Yet somehow so refreshing and addictive. You really can't experience Marrakesh properly without embracing this tradition.
Don't overpack. Most of your time will be in relaxed dresses, sandals, or light layers. Save the heels for Paris and opt for a backpack you can comfortably carry rather than a wheeled suitcase (it will save you the embarrassment of rolling that over cobbled streets to or from the airport!)
You’ll fall in love with the chaos. Even if you’re overwhelmed at first, Morocco has a way of winning you over. Fast.
Top Travel Tips for First-Timers in Morocco
Take cash and tip often
Morocco runs on cash. You’ll need it for taxis, tips, snacks, and souks.💸 Suggested tips:
5–10 MAD (40–80p) for porters, café staff
20–50 MAD (£1.50–£4) for guides or drivers
10% for restaurants (not always expected, but appreciated)
Download Google Maps offline
The medina is a maze. Download Marrakesh on Google Maps before you arrive, so you can navigate without data when (not if) you get lost.
Layers are your friend
Hot in the day, cool at night, bring a lightweight jacket and respect local culture with modest clothing in public places. I always carry a shawl to keep me warm or wrap modestly over my shoulders as and when needed.
Allow for downtime
The medina is intense. Schedule in rooftop naps, spa afternoons enjoying a traditional Hammam (this is also a MUST when visiting Marrakesh!), and plenty of chill time between the chaos.
Foods You Must Try in Marrakesh:
Chicken or lamb tagine with preserved lemons or prunes
Zaalouk (smoky aubergine and tomato dip)
Msemen (layered flatbread)
Pastilla (sweet-savoury pastry with spiced meat and icing sugar)
Fresh orange juice (everywhere, it’s divine)
Harira soup (hearty and spiced, often eaten to break fast during Ramadan)
Amlou (like Moroccan Nutella, but better)
Places You Must Visit in Marrakesh:
Le Jardin Majorelle – Yves Saint Laurent’s vibrant garden dream
Bahia Palace – ornate tiles, archways and peacocks
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square – wild, chaotic and unforgettable at night
Medersa Ben Youssef – stunning Islamic architecture
The Secret Garden – a quiet, green escape in the medina
El Badi Palace – atmospheric ruins with rooftop stork views
Souk Semmarine – for leather, lanterns and general treasure hunting
Activities You Have to Experience:
Hot air balloon ride over the Atlas Mountains
Camel trek through the Agafay Desert
Hammam and spa day in a traditional Moroccan bathhouse
Rooftop dinner at golden hour
Souk shopping with a local guide (so you don’t get swindled or lost!)
Getting happily lost in the medina (bonus points if you find your way out alone)
Final Thoughts
Morocco isn’t always comfortable. But it is unforgettable.
It’s the kind of destination that pushes your senses, changes your perspective, and keeps popping into your thoughts long after you’re home. Whether it’s the first camel ride, the sweetness of the tea, or the silence of the desert at dusk, Marrakesh certainly leaves its mark.
So take the trip. Embrace the chaos. And don’t forget your downloaded map.
Book The Exact Experiences Featured In This Post
Curated. Captured. Unforgettable. These are the exact experiences I’ve personally indulged in and loved during our trip to Marrakesh:
If this has sparked your wanderlust, make sure you’re following me over on Instagram and TikTok [@sammylouluxe] as that’s where I share behind-the-scenes stories, travel tips, and magical moments from my trips as they happen. Think of my Stories as your front-row pass to the adventure, long before it hits the grid or gets turned into a guide.
This post contains affiliate links and also features brands that hosted me as part of multiple press trips.
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