Topdeck Travel Blog

No. 37 Souk it and see in Marrakech

Wares on show in the souks

Marrakech is a true North African treasure; a myriad of winding alleyways, snake charmers, Berber traditions, cluttered markets, crumbling terracotta walls and lavish gold palaces, oozing charm like no other place can even come close to rivalling. From the moment you arrive in this frenetic Moroccan city you’ll be hypnotised by its enchanting spell.

The best way to get under Marrakech’s contrasting skin is to simply wonder its labyrinth of souks (open-air marketplace or commercial quarters) and squares, which will envelope you with authentic Moroccan culture from every corner. Simply walking through the souks you’ll get face to face with the local folk who love nothing more than to stop and chat, invite you in for a mint tea or talk to you about their beloved family-run carpet shop. Once hours have passed talking carpets and silver treasure, you’ll find yourself getting lost in the city’s endless souk mazes, admiring brightly-coloured plates, sparkling jewels, rusty trinkets and endless trading outlets selling local spices, potions and produce. Be sure to set your watch to Marrakech time and remember you’re never in a hurry to get anywhere here.

The heart of the city’s action is centred around Djemaa el-Fna square which is home to endless stalls selling everything from lanterns to face creams that will turn you into a Moroccan supermodel. This square is most definitely not for the faint-hearted and is brimming with entertainers, snake charmers and street theatre goers who have all the time in the world to dazzle you in any possible way they can.

The charming chaos of the souk

Once you’re done with exploring this unique city’s souks and squares the only thing to do is to kick-back at a rooftop café with some mouth-watering tagine and delicious mint tea and watch the sunset over the beautiful medina, listening to the chaotic city life from above.

Topdeck top tip #1: Head to one of the city’s many local hamams for some traditional scrub, massage or indulgent spa treatment at a very reasonable price. Bliss.

Topdeck top tip #2: Check out the magic of Marrakech for yourself on our 10 day Moroccan explorer trip. During your Moroccan adventure you’ll tour Marrakech by horse and by foot, checking out the oh-so-impressive Saadian Tombs, Bahia Palace’s lavish gardens, the local medina (the name given to the non-European quarters of any town in Morocco and other parts of North Africa); and the famous, bustling market in Djemaa el-fna square, and that’s just when you’re in Marrakech. This epic trip will showcase some other mighty-fine Moroccan beauties, including; Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Errachidia, Merzouga and Dades Gorge too.

https://www.topdeck.travel/tours/moroccan-explorer

Casual Fridays are popular at the souk

So, What are you waiting for? Get yourself to Morocco immediately on one of these other great Topdeck trips.

Seeking sun in these cold winter days? With the temperature in the minus figures in the UK, the idea of a sunshine break is more appealing than ever.  So Topdeck Travel have come up with some fantastic winter sun deals to tempt you away.

Spend 10 days, with other like-minded 18 to 30 somethings, exploring Egypt, including a 4* cruise on the Nile, from £409*.  Uncover the magic of Morocco with a tour of this fascinating country from £395*, or if you’re feeling adventurous sleep under the stars in a Bedouin tent on a visit to Jordan and Israel from £549*.

All transport, accommodation, most of your meals and tours are included and there’s plenty of free time to explore on your own.

Plus right now some trips to Egypt have 10% off, so warm up this winter and check out these hot holiday offers from Topdeck!

*plus local payment

Want to get away this Christmas? Keen to escape the winter blues or maybe just fancy a different festive break? Well Topdeck Travel have the perfect answer.

Topdeck are offering fantastic Christmas and New Year packages with breaks in London, Paris and Morocco to name just a few. With these great value deals, at the click of a button you can be spending Christmas exploring the Baltic, celebrating Hogmanay at an Edinburgh street party or enjoying the winter sun in Egypt.

And with prices starting from £60 even the credit crunch won’t stop your holiday plans. Plus half of our 18 to 30 somethings travel alone, so it’s the perfect way to make new friends for the New Year.

We know that you need a lot of useful info before travelling. So, we have created this blog for you. If you are travelling in Europe, Egypt, Morocco or Africa you will find plenty of information and unbelievable offers here.