How to Avoid Tourist Traps in Marrakech, Morocco

1. Jemaa el-Fnaa

Iconic square filled with food stalls and entertainers. Avoid overpriced vendors during day, come for evening show.

Authentic Cuisine: Try street food early in the day to avoid inflated prices.
Bargaining Tips: Always bargain and never pay the first price offered.
Evening Entertainment: Enjoy traditional music, dance, and storytelling in the evening.

Street performers with snakes near Jemaa el-Fnaa. Scams often involve charging for photos.

Scam Awareness: Be cautious of anyone offering to take your photo for a fee.
Snake Welfare: Avoid venues that mistreat or exploit animals.
Photography Etiquette: Respect the performers and ask permission before taking photos.

Morocco's largest shopping mall. High prices for well-known brands.

Shopping Alternatives: Explore local souks (markets) for more authentic and affordable goods.
Crowd Management: Visit during off-peak hours to avoid large crowds.
Mall Amenities: Enjoy modern amenities like food courts and rest areas.

Restaurant with overpriced menu and pushy sales tactics.

Food Options: Try local cafes or restaurants recommended by locals.
Bargaining: Be prepared to negotiate prices for meals.
Restaurant Reputation: Avoid establishments with poor reviews or pushy sales tactics.

Maze-like market selling spices, herbs, and teas. Prices can be inflated for tourists.

Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices to get the best deal.
Local Shops: Find smaller shops away from main tourist areas for better deals.
Knowledgeable Vendors: Ask vendors for advice and recommendations.

Horse-drawn carriages offering tours around the city. Can be overpriced and mistreat animals.

Transportation Alternatives: Consider walking or using local taxis instead.
Animal Welfare: Avoid venues that mistreat or exploit animals.
Pricing Awareness: Negotiate prices before agreeing to the ride and be cautious of inflated costs.

Beautiful palace open for tours. High admission fees for tourists.

Leather workshops with strong odors. Some charge for taking photos.

Smell Protection: Wear a scarf or mask to protect from the smell.
Photography Fees: Avoid paying for photo opportunities unless necessary.
Respectful Interactions: Be mindful and respectful when visiting these workshops.

Overpriced traditional hammam (spa) with pushy sales tactics.

Hammam Options: Research affordable and reputable hammams recommended by locals.
Avoiding Scams: Be cautious of high-pressure sales tactics.
Relaxation and Wellness: Enjoy the relaxation and rejuvenating benefits of a traditional hammam.

Beautiful garden filled with cacti and artisanal shops. High admission fees for tourists.

Expensive rooftop cafe with a view of the Bahia Palace. Overpriced menu.

View Alternatives: Find alternative, more affordable spots to enjoy the view.
Menu Choices: Opt for local cafes or restaurants for a wider selection and better prices.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices to get the best deal.

Balloon rides offering views of Marrakech at sunrise. Expensive and pre-booked tours.

Alternative Viewpoints: Consider other viewpoints like rooftop cafes or towers.
Pre-Booking Tips: Book in advance to secure a spot and get the best deals.
Safety Considerations: Choose reputable companies with good safety records.

Historical museum with artifacts from Moroccan history. High admission fees for tourists.

Cafes offering traditional Moroccan tea. Overpriced for tourists.

Temporary tattoos offered by street artists. High prices and sometimes poor quality.

Quality Control: Choose experienced, recommended artists for high-quality work.
Bargaining Skills: Negotiate prices to get the best deal.
Cultural Awareness: Respect the cultural significance of henna tattoos and their meanings.