Car hire Marrakech

Introduction

Marrakech is one of the four imperial cities of Morocco (the other three are Rabat, Meknes and Fez). The center of the city is the main square Djemaa el Fna, where a colorful spectacle takes place every day in the evening: acrobats, magicians, dancers, musicians, storytellers and water sellers. There are many stalls where you can eat or drink something. Near this square is the impressive minaret of the Koutoubia Mosque, built in the 12th century. Djemaa el Fna is adjacent to Morocco's largest market, the souk. Marrakech's souk has a regular pattern of streets and alleys, you'll not get lost quickly.

Population

There are more than one million people in and around Marrakech. In the city live about 350,000 people, about equally divided between the old (Medina) and the new city (Gueliz).

Location

Marrakech is located in the south of Morocco, against the foothills of the mountains of the High Atlas. Wherever you are in Marrakech, in the backdrop you will always see the snowcapped mountain peak of Jbel Toubkal (4167m).

Economy

The economy revolves around tourism, trade and traditional crafts (Marrakech is a leather industry center). Annually, more than two million tourists visit the city. Often not only to see Marrakech, but also as a base for excursion to the area.

Airports

The international Marrakech Menara Airport is located six kilometers southwest of the city center. The airport is easily accessible by rental car: from the city follow the Avenue de la Menara. The way to the airport is clearly signposted.

Public Transport

Marrakech has good public bus transport, but the buses are often overcrowded. Especially is such crowded buses, be aware of pickpockets. For tourists there are the calèches: horse and carriage, for which you pay a lot, but it is fun to do at least once.

Traffic and Parking

Traffic in the center of Marrakech is busy and almost nobody follows the rules. Therefore, drive carefully. The center of town is easy to explore on foot. Leave your rental car behind at one of the official parking facilities. Avoid unofficial "parking attendants".  In the vicinity of the city you should be aware of large trucks (the largest car has priority in Morocco). Furthermore, you can encounter donkeys and other cattle, handcarts and people in the middle of the road!

Hotels

Marrakech has a wide range of accommodations. The so-called riads are recommended: old monumental houses that now serve as a hotel or guesthouse. In the area south of Djemaa el Fna is a concentration of budget hotels. Modern hotels can be found in the French part of the city (Gueliz). If you would like to visit Marrakech in summer we recommend booking your hotel well in advance.

External Sources

For more information about Marrakech we recommend Google and the following sources:

• Wikipedia, Marrakech
• Official website Marrakech (Arabic, French)
• Tourist Information Marrakech (French, English)