In which quarter house in Marrakech?

Departure for imminent Morocco? To enjoy your stay, here are the best areas to sleep in Marrakech!

Marrakech, nicknamed the "red city", is the fourth largest city in Morocco after Casablanca, Fez and Tangier. With an area of 230 km2 and 928,850 inhabitants, its size is comparable to that of the city of Marseille. Morocco attracted more than 10.33 million visitors in 2016, and it is Marrakech the city more visited by the French tourists. And because of the sun all year round, a breathtaking historical heritage, an incredible cultural richness. Another advantage in Morocco: French is very common, there is no (or little) language barrier. Discover in which area to rent a dwelling in Marrakech, this millennium city where the old colony modern, for the greatest pleasure of the eyes.

Like all the great cities in the Maghreb, Marrakech has its old city – the Medina –, the impossible city. The new neighbourhoods, including Guéliz, built under the French protectorate, are next door. Wintering is the district where luxury and fast attract the wealthy tourists. Between the quest for authenticity, “exotic” dislocation at the gates of the Sahara, and the western life in chic neighborhoods, Marrakech has several showcases to offer its visitors. Hotels, hostels, studios, riads, apartments, villas, residences... finding accommodation in Marrakech will not be difficult. Here is our presentation of the neighborhoods where to stay.

Medina

The Old Town, which will soon be a millennium, was founded in 1071 by the Berber Empire of the Almoravids in the city of Marrakech. The majority of monuments, museums and accommodation solutions are concentrated in the Medina. If it is the historical district of Marrakech, it is also the most tourist: in spite of important social deviations – wealthy tourists come to fill their cameras in front of the local population, much less easy - we will necessarily take you to visit the Medina (meaning some dirhams of course) or to sell you a thousand and one things.

If you can find this oppressive atmosphere, you have to do it: it is also Morocco. The Medina is a city in the city, an endless maze of alleys, small souks, small squares, impasses, mosques, madrassa – a secular or religious school in Arabic – and riads: a labyrinth that has been named bazaar West. Logging in this neighborhood allows to be close to the mirror of the passing Time. Be careful, you will certainly hear the call to prayer in the early morning!

Guéliz

Built by the French during the protectorate imposed by the French colonial empire, starting in 1912, Guéliz is the western, modern district of Marrakech. He wants to be more progressive than the other quarters of the Medina, but he is also less charming. In the area, bars, restaurants, large shopping and hotel chains focus on it: so we can eat in fast food – in Morocco, it would be a shame given the local culinary specialties... – before shopping in large Western boutiques, and buying cheap clothing made in Pakistan or Bangladesh.

Don't miss the botanical garden, colorful and Berber Museum. The area, populated by the middle Moroccan class, is less turbulent than the old town. If you are looking to stay in peace, choose to book an apartment, hotel or hostel in the area.

Main Photo Credit: Flickr – Andrew Nash