Trip to Marrakesh - Marrakech had been exciting, yes — full of color, rhythm, and life — but also relentless. After three days of weaving through souks, dodging scooters, and absorbing a thousand scents at once, I realized I hadn’t taken a real, deep breath in days. That morning, I woke with an urge to hear water, not horns. Nourddin, our driver, picked me up just after sunrise from my riad. The streets were still half-asleep, shadows stretching between the red walls. As we left the city, the palette shifted — terracotta gave way to green fields, sheep grazed lazily, and the air lost its heaviness. Nourddin played soft, lilting Berber music, and with the car window open, the cool breeze carried the smell of damp earth and wild herbs. We stopped briefly at a small argan oil cooperative, where women sat grinding nuts on flat stones, their hands moving in a rhythm older than the road we’d driven. The air smelled faintly of toasted almonds. Watching them work, I felt that quiet awe you get when you see a tradition alive in the everyday. In the village of Setti Fatma, our guide, Karima, led us along the trail to the falls. The path wove between trees, over rocks, and across narrow streams where the water ran quick and cold around my ankles. At one crossing, I misjudged a step and landed with a splash — Karima’s laugh was quick, warm, and entirely without judgment. When we reached the falls, sunlight turned the spray into shifting silver. I stood close enough to feel the fine mist cool my skin, the sound so steady it was like a heartbeat I hadn’t noticed I missed. Lunch was served at low tables right beside the river — chicken tajine fragrant with saffron and lemon, warm bread to tear by hand, green olives glistening in clay bowls. I sat with my feet in the shallow stream, the water curling gently around my ankles as I sipped sweet mint tea. Conversation drifted lazily between strangers and friends alike; time felt less like something to keep track of and more like something to simply be in. The drive back to Marrakech passed quietly. The sun dipped low, bathing the hills in soft gold. When we re-entered the city, it felt familiar but gentler, as if I’d found a slower rhythm inside myself. The ourika valley day trip from Marrakech felt like a reset button I didn’t know I needed. If you need space to breathe, this day trip to Ourika Valley is your answer.

Old town visit - Went to the old town was like stepping back in time very interesting to see donkeys pulling peoples items goats just in the street interesting to see how other people live their lives

Bustling fun visit - Just as I had envisaged. Busling friendly souk, snake charmers, Henna tattoos spice stalls etc. lots of fake goods for sale. I hate haggling, but you really do need to. We did a food tour first and seemed to get our bearings. Don't touch what you are not prepared to buy. Otherwise, you will get lots of hassle. Easy to get too. Lots of taxis outside.

Beautiful - Beautiful town but on the square i felt pressured to buy stuff you have to say no. Amazing quality clothing just make sure you hackle.

Flash back to the pure oriental sense. - I always have been a fan of old oriental stories like Aladdin and Shahrzad( 1001nights) and if you are so, this neighborhood is a right place to experience that. Palaces, houses, shops, old bazaar architecture, ambiance, good smells can take you to the past and your childhood dreams. I strongly recommend you to buy some unique items like argan oil and other local perfumes which can perpetuate your memories.

Lots of Culture to see - Our Riad was not far from the Médina. Sometimes we walked through the dusty streets to see every day life. Or you can get a taxi about 5 drms to the entrance of Médina. At night it is so busy with drums dancing, cafes shops, fruit and veg, gifts, snake charmers, etc. You can go around the city on a carriage drawn by 2 horses or go by tuk tuk.

A-Maze-ing - The main market in the square included everything one would expect including baby tortoises, iguanas and monkeys. Beyond the square though is a truly amazing area of small and large artisan areas with an abundance of colour and vibrancy. Spices by the sackful, olives of numerous colours, leather work, metal work, astonishing bejewelled dresses and much more. It was so easy to get lost strolling through the alleys - everyone crammed with interesting sights. Strong bargaining skills are essential as initial asking prices are absurdly high. Start at 10%. Beware though offers of assistance with directions. Often only to a favoured seller! Many want their palms crossed with notes (not coins). Well worth a visit though.

avoid food vendors in the middle of the square except for the fruit juices. What a scam! - marrakech jamaa el fna main square. Avoid the food vendors, what a scam especially food vendor #75. Food is so mediocre, actually not good.the vendors will start bringing bread, olives, two of everything when only want one and before you know it, your food is $40.00 for 2 . I wouldn't have mind paying that but the food was bad. another tourist sat beside us and ordered skewered lamb but he said it tasted like chicken. they vendors are very persuasive to sit you down in their table, my husband said the other food vendors nearby gives this store a disapproving look because they know that they are scamming their customers. anyway lesson learned but really left a bad taste so I had to write this review so other tourist will stay away. The fruit juice stalls were good and they are plenty all over.

Skip the Medina in Marrakesh - The Medina is terrible. The air is polluted from all the motorcycles which you spend the day getting out of their way. Mostly tourist junk, street after street. Little authenticity. Go to Fez for a real Medina with real souks (trade areas)

AWFUL - DONT DO MORE THAN 2 DAYS Dirty smelly place animal cruelty is high,you get followed and harassed all day spoiling the shopping experience Always on edge,smelly dirty streets rubble and rubbish everywhere Spend your money in a different country