Marrakech Monuments, Souks, and Medina: A Guided Walking Tour Review

So, if you are thinking of a trip to Marrakech, you probably are trying to figure out the best way to really experience it. The Medina, Souks, and the beautiful monuments that call Marrakech home are definitely the center of it all. To experience it fully, that is to say, more than just seeing it, you might consider going on a guided walking tour. But, are they truly worthwhile? Well, I took a popular one, the “Marrakech Monuments, Souks, and Medina Guided Walking Tour,” and, just a little, wanted to share my experience, so you can decide if it’s something for you too.

First Impressions: Meeting Point and the Guide

So, my tour was scheduled to begin at a pretty central location close to Jemaa el-Fna, the main square in Marrakech, you see. Finding the meeting spot was actually super easy, very, very simple actually, and there was a good reason; lots of other tours begin around the same area. Then, just a little bit before the set time, our guide, whose name was Hassan, showed up. He was, like your typical local: friendly and with a pretty apparent passion for telling the history and pointing out all the cool stuff in Marrakech, almost as if it was one of the greatest places in the world, even though, to him, I’m sure it probably is.

So, the group size, I think there were about 10 people. That was just the right size in some respects because it was big enough that it felt, like, you were part of a real tour but still quite small that you could ask questions without feeling you were holding everyone up, if that makes any sense to you. Hassan made an effort, in a way, to get to know everyone, or at least find out where we were all from, which, too it’s almost always a nice touch, you know? You could tell that, basically, his English was top-notch, and right from the get-go, his energy was very, very catching. That, you know, it makes a big difference.

Venturing Through the Medina

The Medina streets, those small streets were, apparently, something else! At first, just a little overwhelming, as you see; everyone bustling about, motorbikes darting through, and shops loaded with everything you could ever possibly imagine, or not imagine to be honest with you, still, right, it has its charm, I think. As we walked, Hassan, being a super talkative guy, shared stories and facts that really brought the Medina to life. He pointed out things I never would’ve noticed on my own: an old fountain used for ritual washing, is that right, or the way the light fell on certain buildings at certain times of the day.

One thing that really surprised me was how easily Hassan was able to handle the crowds. As I was saying, the Medina streets, even during the calmer parts of the day, they could be hectic. So, you could tell that he had done this before, because Hassan guided us through the throngs with such grace. He created these little open spaces, you see, for us to gather around while he talked. Also, I kind of appreciated that he warned us about possible tourist traps and shared simple advice on how to bargain, like your true Marrakesh local would do, yet he didn’t make you feel awkward if you still really wanted to purchase some little thing anyway.

Discovering the Souks

Next up were the souks. They are actually a set of different markets, everyone having a specialization, pretty much. There was the spice souk, that had the aromas were, like, so strong and kind of sweet, just like your like grandmother’s kitchen if your grandma liked spices a lot. Then there was the leather souk. that had, apparently, lots and lots of handcrafted bags and shoes. And the metalworking souk, where the sound of artisans hammering metal almost reminded me of windchimes, like.

What made the souks special was Hassan’s relationship with the merchants. Everywhere we went, he seemed to know someone, so, which made the experience feel more, that, personable and not staged, if that makes any sense. Like your typical tourist thing that is made so the guide earns a percentage on all the tourist-driven traffic of their merchant-friends. The merchants, in short, were actually really open to us and answered the many, many questions of the group, and that they actually really showcased the craftsmanship behind their products. At the spice souk, Hassan described different spices and what they were generally utilized for, that, too it’s almost fun and engaging.

Monuments and Historical Sites

Okay, the tour was not limited to just the markets and streets, there were historical sites, too! So, we headed to the Koutoubia Mosque. Now, because only Muslims can enter the mosque, so, Hassan just explained its history and value from the outside, that, to me, was alright. After the mosque, we also visited the Bahia Palace, and, to be honest with you, that was stunning, just really amazing. Hassan described all the small details, I think, from the cedar wood ceilings to the mosaic floors, pretty much. It made the whole place feel, so, alive.

What was special, is that Hassan went into the past, I think, of these places, like. He did not only point things out; he told stories about the people who lived there and their legacy. What I could appreciate in some respects, is that history could sometimes feel a little dry but the guide really helped you see the individuals behind the walls and appreciate all their efforts and hard work. Basically, by the time we were done exploring the historical places, I just felt really much more connected to Marrakech’s past.

Value for Money

Alright, now let’s speak of the actual cost. So, this guided tour of mine, in a way, was around $30. At first, I was not entirely certain because you can walk around Marrakech on your own, so, to see what makes it different. Yet, having done that experience, to be honest, I will say that it was, maybe, well spent. Hassan helped provide that local point of view that you would really, mostly, probably miss if you were to venture out all on your own. Also, his guidance aided me discover many locations which would’ve most likely been overlooked or walked straight by if it wasn’t for that extra pair of knowing eyes and an ability to converse with locals, if that makes any sense to you.

The group was treated, I think, to mint tea at a classic riad which had an additional small fee; that being just the only thing I was not warned about, so, for being transparent to you, I have to note it here. Also, while it was just, arguably, about $5, those little unanticipated spendings might be upsetting when one expects to go on a well pre-arranged tour, as a matter of fact. Mint tea drinking aside, still, and all, though, there were actually not any other spendings necessary to experience every thing this walking tour promised, very, very unlike similar adventures; they, basically, have “optional gratuities” for everybody who showed and smiled at you during those 3 hours.

Recommendations

• Comfortable Shoes: This, literally, is important because you’ll walk a ton.
• Respectful Clothing: You’ll, actually, want to cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for the local culture.
• Water: To, typically, stay hydrated.
• Small Money: Which might be great, specifically, if you feel like buying little stuff from the souks.

Final Words

If you’re headed to Marrakech and you really intend to do something beyond the common visitor experience, think about a guided walking tour with that very personable local tour guide to give it something extra and bring those colorful roads, markets, as well as monuments and squares, virtually, into life for yourself or those accompanying, basically, along for such adventure. As you most likely might lose that perspective for not understanding local cultural dynamics by taking an individualized sightseeing adventure across, basically, almost unfamiliar surroundings. Having someone well-educated just like Hassan really enriched my tour. You see, what may feel as a somewhat touristy activity will leave some lasting impressions well following such adventure for someone.