Marrakech
By day, Marrakech’s Djemaa el Fna, the city’s main square, is bustling with activity. Storytellers, snake charmers, and acrobats vie for attention. There is an assault of smells from tempting food stalls. Dancers flail gracefully, while discordant riffs from side-by-side musicians waft through the daytime air. Women offer henna tattoos. Sellers abound, hawking a variety of products. In this square – said to be one of the largest and busiest in the whole world – travelers can get practically anything, from the many rich spices of the region, to cheap authentic leather goods, and sometimes even illicit drugs dealt by the underworld personalities that venture into the square every now and then. At nighttime, more food stalls open. Djemaa el Fna becomes one giant open-air restaurant, a unique treat for the curious traveler.
Such is the vibrancy and life typical of Marrakech, an economic center of Morocco. The city is known for souks, big and small, selling most everything under the sun. The popular products available in these areas include teas, spices, kaftans, jalabas, shoes and leather goods, and more. Marrakech is also known for historical and architectural marvels, such as the Saadian Tombs, the Ben Youssef Madrassa, the Koutoubia mosque and more. The Saadian Tombs are well preserved remnants of a Morrocan era under Saadian rulers. Several curious markings and decorations have been left within the tombs. The Ben Youssef Madrassa, on the other hand, is architecturally beautiful and a sight to behold. The Koutoubia mosque is recognizable from afar, with its distinguished minaret.
Travelers to Marrakech generally need a valid passport and visa when planning to stay longer than three months. Common traveler hassles when in Marrakech include scammers who pretend to earnestly help out or give henna tattoos. For any purchase, it is advised to always agree on a price first. Likewise, solo travelers should be extra aware, particularly of being drugged. Over all, people of Marrakech are friendly and are not aggressive.