Visiting Marrakesh from Edinburgh Airport
I’d been really looking forward to a birthday trip to Marrakesh when we booked it with Ryanair last year. We did originally book from Newcastle Airport, but the flights were cancelled so we changed to Edinburgh Airport as we couldn’t not go! We did book in May, so expected it to be hot hot! We did pretty much no researching before going and thought we would just wing it!
Where to stay?
We didn’t really know where we wanted to stay. But we knew we wanted to stay in a Riad somewhere. We looked at a few we had seen good reviews of, but they were all booked up on Booking.com. We stumbled upon Ambre Epices and it was so pretty. Turns out it is just 10 minutes from everywhere you need to be, so was the most perfect location!
What is a Riad?
A Riad is similar to a hotel but just on a smaller scale. They usually only have a handful of rooms. A Riad is a ‘hotel’ with a garden in the centre. Ambre Epices has some of the most beautiful areas to relax in and enjoy. Some Riads also have an onsite Hamman to book!
Why Ambre Epices?
We loved everything about the place. Minus the stairs in 40 degrees heat but can’t be avoided! The rooms in Ambre Epices were amazing. Each room is different but ours was so dark and cosy with a vintage bath in the corner. Outside you have beautiful spaces on the rooftop for breakfast and to relax then in the ground floor you have small pools and greenery to have dinner in. Honestly if I could decorate my house the same at home, I would!
What to do?
We could’ve wandered around for hours happily, walking around the Medina was just amazing. I could’ve bought absolutely everything! One of the main things I would recommend 100% to do on your first day is either a Walking Tour or a Food Tour (or both)! It really gives you the insight to the Marrakesh and helps you get your bearings.
The Food Tour we did was £22 each with Get Your Guide and it was one of my favourite things we did. I tried lots of local food I possibly would’ve overlooked or not seen. I’ll have to do a full post on this. It was just so good!
There is lots of free and cheap local things to see, but some I would recommend booking in advance to some extent. Especially the YSL / Gardens. This was one of the most busy ones, especially in the morning or late afternoon. It’s actually less busy at lunch time. I really think this place was worth the price tag, it really is beautiful! The Secret Garden we didn’t prebook though but we went about 11am and it wasn’t too bad!
The cheaper places are always a little more crowded, such as Ben Youssef and El Bari Palace. They’re smaller spaces so it does get busy and hot quick but you still manage to get around and take some photos!
How to get around?
There is so many taxis, to the point that they will drive passed and try and encourage you in. One tip for any taxi you take, arrange the price before you get in! Or you’ll be paying nearly 300 per 10 minute taxi ride!
Visiting the Souks
We probably walked these 30 times a day but I found something new each time. Some are more hassly than others, but smile and nod and you can go as you please. When buying stuff? Haggle, haggle and haggle! We bought some beautiful stuff but it isn’t the cheapest place. 3 cushion covers were nearly £40 and more. But there is soo much to buy so take luggage!
Would you ever consider visiting Marrakesh? We would really recommend it. The food, shopping and area was just amazing. But if you’re not good in the heat, don’t go mid summer as there is no air con! We had the best time. Next stop.. Italy!
