MEDINA VS GUELIZ: WHICH ONE IS BETTER?
The thing we loved the most about Marrakesh is the contrast between Medina, where old bazaars and traditions are kings, and Gueliz, the ‘ville nouvelle’ (the new city in English). During the day, inside Medina you’ll be merged in a chaos of people, old scooters, hotels, riad and rooms, exotic animals and merchandise of all kinds. Medina is definitely the perfect neighborhood if you want to enjoy the real Moroccan life and go out of your comfort zone. Its opposite is Gueliz, the ‘ville nouvelle’ created by French from the beginning of 1900 to the fifties. Gueliz is like a part of Europe in Africa: its buildings have a colonial style, most of them are brand new, Zara and other big shops are alternate with small modern Moroccan shops and here you’ll definitely feel like home. That’s why most expats are living between Gueliz and Semlalia
MARRAKECH ALIAS THE CITY THAT NEVER SLEEPS
Living in Marrakesh is everything but boring. No matter if you don’t speak French or Arabic, you’ll have many parties and events to attend at night, both in riad, hotels and palace. Marrakesh is the best option if you like to go out and party, but at the same time you like to have your secret place to relax. Give a look at our article about our favorite things to do in the city, you’ll not regret it. We particularly loved the events proposed by ‘Ayaso Concept Store’, our favorite place in the city both for eating a vegetarian meal and attending (mostly free) events. There, you’ll find a green local market every week during the day and many healthy events in the evenings.
MARRAKECH: THE MAGHREB FOOD MEKKA
In Marrakech you’ll find plenty of delicious food! Even if at that time we were following a vegetarian and vegan diet, we had the chance to find many great restaurants. Moreover, the coolest thing is how cheap going to the restaurant is. We were going out many times per week, changing restaurants almost every time and this permitted us to find out the best vegan restaurants in town! Couscous, Moroccan pastries, spices, fish, fresh vegetables, be ready to merge into flavors you’ve never tasted before!
HOW TO MOVE IN MARRAKECH? HERE’S THE SECRET
Especially during your first time in the Moroccan capital, one of the most difficult things will be moving around. Yeah, Morocco is a cheap country but if you don’t know a few tricks local expats use, you will be scammed. Morrocan taxis will propose you a cab ride for double the cost (and even more) then what a Moroccan pays. Even if you book your ride through your riad, you’ll always pay way more than a Moroccan does. We got scammed as well at the beginning, but after asking around we got to know everything about taxis, buses and trains.
MARRAKECH: THE CITY OF SCAMS
Unfortunately, Morocco is a very poor country. Even if you may stay at a fancy hotel or apartment, you have to know that Moroccans are not living like you. The average salary there is 250€, so ⅕ of a basic salary in Southern Europe. That’s why they’re searching in every way to have more money to have a more decent life. Almost every business in Marrakesh is owned by French or foreigner businessmen, and Moroccans are only cheap employees. So, of course, it’s not pleasant to be scammed, but with a few precautions we’re sure you’ll be able to get the best price and live in peace during your stay in Marrakech.
