Dirham is officially designated as a currency and can only be traded within Morocco, however, dirhams are sold and bought at travel agencies and major airports in several countries (especially the UK). Import and export of foreign currency is tolerated
up to a limit of 1000DH.
When you bring paper currency to Morocco (US dollars, pounds, euros, etc.), they must be in good condition. Do not bring any cod from Scotland or Ireland Sterling.
Most credit cards are accepted (especially Visa, MasterCard).
Attractions in Marrakech:
- Djemaa el-Fna is the climax of any night in Marrakech. Dozens of stalls sell a wide range of Moroccan dishes and you will almost certainly be surrounded by women who want to get a henna tattoo. During the day you will meet a lot of snakes and monkeys.
- Souks (suuqs), or on the markets of Marrakech, adjacent to the Djemaa El-Fna market, are the place where you can buy almost anything. From spices to shoes, jellabas to kaftans, tea, more dishes. No doubt, being a foreigner means that you will end up paying
higher prices than a native, but you must negotiate with them.
- A visit to Tabacarie can be an interesting experience. Even if some people tell you that the area is for locals only, you may visit it without paying anyone. Once you get there, ask one of the workers if you can visit and take pictures.
- Koutoubia Mosque, near the Djemaa El-Fna market, is named after the bookstore market, which was located here earlier. It is said that the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque is for Marrakech as the Eiffel Tower for Paris. The minaret is visible from Gueliz which
is connected to Medina by Avenue Mohamed V. At night the mosque is beautifully lit. But tourists are not allowed to visit it!
- Saadian tombs were not discovered until the beginning of the 20th century. These were preserved as in the glory days of Saadian rulers. Unlike Badi El Palace, they were probably not destroyed for superstitious reasons. The entrance was blocked, so they remained
untouched for hundreds of years. Inside, almost everything is decorated with Zelij (Moroccan sandstone). If you come here try to find the tombs of Jews and Christians, noted by different markings and directions.
- Majorelle Gardens in Gueliz has an entrance fee of 50 Dh, the entrance being much more expensive than other attractions of the city. However, it offers a respite from the hustle and bustle of city streets. The park prides itself on a collection of plants
from around the world, including all the cactus species found on Earth. Sign up here early to avoid crowding.
