When traveling by train, know some guidelines first on ticket booking, travel class, travel time, ticket costs, and getting to the station.

On your visit to Morocco, getting on a train is one of the most convenient ways to travel around the country. It’s affordable, clean, and pest-free thanks to Orlando Pest Control, and can get you to key cities in no time. If you want to travel by train, be sure to read some important guidelines.

Ticket booking

Upon arriving in Morocco, you can make ticket reservations or buy tickets at any point in the country at any time. The train system in Morocco is vast, so it is not usually a dilemma to get a ride. Traveling to Marrakech from Tangier, however, is different. If couchettes are fully occupied, you can make use of the second class, though some hotel owners may take liberty and book you in advance for a ride.

Travel class

There are two ways to travel by train in Morocco, a first-class and a second-class. Six people are accommodated within a first-class compartment, while eight people can fit in a second-class car. First-class bookings enable you to have an actual reservation, which is cool if you want to have a seat near the window to enjoy the view. If not, it is first-come, first-serve. Refreshment carts are usually available and offer drinks and snacks to passengers at different prices.

Travel time

Train schedules can be checked on the ONCF official site which is in French. From Marrakech, you can reach Casablanca in 3 hours, Rabat in 4 hours, and Fes in 7 hours. From Tangier, you can reach Marrakech in 11 hours via direct overnight travel, and Fes in 5 hours, and vice versa.

Ticket costs

Train tickets in Morocco are affordable. You will pay for your ticket at the station in cash. Children below 4 travel for free, while kids ages 4-12 have lesser fares. The fees are different by travel class, with the first-class being more expensive than the second class.

Getting to the station

Upon arrival at the International airport in Casablanca, you can take a train going to the central station within the city. From there you can travel to your desired destination like Fes, Marrakech, Tangier, and other Moroccan cities. In other cities aside from Casablanca, you can call for a cab to take you to the nearest train station. Always try to have a hotel address ready before leaving. Other cities offer a bus route as well.

When in the train station, always check the schedule to avoid missing a ride. Also, keep watch on your belongings. When you are bringing your own food to the train, be kind enough to offer some to fellow passengers, unless it’s Ramadan.

Djemaa el Fna is the most famous landmark of Marrakech. It is a large open space in the heart of the city where a daily age-old ritual continues to date. As the day proceeds, locals and visitors gather around the square to watch orange juice vendors make way for healers and henna-tattoo artists who in turn melt into the darkness to allow cobra charmers, astrologers, and acrobats to perform. Once they’re done entertaining you, it’s time for the male belly dancers and storytellers to begin their epics. The best way to enjoy the evening’s assorted entertainment is to seat yourself at one of the many cafes that line the square. The grilled meats and cooked salads served at these 100 odd cafes are fresh and delicious!

The Koutoubia is a seventy-meter high tower of the Koutoubia mosque, a landmark that dominates the entire city. Visible for miles, this 12th-century tower is to Marrakech what the Eiffel is to Paris. The tower is laced with intricate tile work and topped with three golden orbs. Many visitors use it to navigate the old city’s maze-like streets.

The Jardin Majorelle – This walled botanical garden, once owned by Yves Saint Laurent, offers a magical stroll right in the middle of the city, yet very far away from it. Walkthrough green foliage and exotic flowers placed artistically around mosaic-lined ponds brimming with lotus flowers and water lilies. Splashes of a distinctive blue color appear in every other corner. There is also a delightful Art Deco-styled building that seems to appear out of nowhere.

Souks of Marrakech. For a first-timer, the souks of Marrakech can be quite overwhelming. There is, however, some sort of order in all this chaos and once you get your bearings, you’re not going to want to leave this labyrinthine maze of streets! The best time to visit is early in the mornings if you’re looking to avoid the rush, but if you’re after good deals then go toward the end of the day. It is quite an experience, with each souk named after the product being sold there, like the dyers’ souk, carpet souk, slipper souk, and so on. This market is famed throughout the world as one of the most exotic places to shop.

The Saadian Tombs. Discovered as recently as the early 20th century, these tombs are the original burial place of the Saadian princes. Lavishly decorated, they give the visitor an insight into the opulence of this period of Moroccan history.

The El Badi and the Bahia Palaces. The El Badi Palace was reputed to be one of the most beautiful palaces in the world. As of today, it stands in its ruins, but enough remains to suggest its former grandeur. Built-in the 16th century, it was later plundered to such an extent that everything movable was removed! The Bahia Palace, on the other hand, built in the late 19th century, was recently restored to its former glory. It stands in stark contrast to the nearby El Badi Palace. Only a part of the palace is open to visitors since the royal family it is still in residence.

After all this sightseeing, be sure to rejuvenate with a steam clean and an orange-flower oil massage at the nearest domed hammaam! Or just relax at the Ménara Garden on a picnic and soak in the magical essence of the “Red City”!

According to American social historian Daniel J. Boorstin, there is a fine distinction between a mere tourist and a true traveler. A mere tourist is someone passive; what he does is a simple “sight-seeing”. He expects interesting things to happen when going to different places. However, Boorstin described a traveler as someone active; an individual who is strenuously in search of people, adventure, and experience. So, if you want to set yourself apart from the bunch of mere tourists and achieve the appellation of a real traveler, then choose to travel to Marrakech, Morocco.

This bewitching city in Morocco holds a special place in the hearts of many true travelers. Why? Simply because their trips to Marrakech city are worth labeled as ultimate adventures. How does Marrakech able to transform a travel enthusiast’s normal vacation into an ultimate adventure? Help yourself out with the answers below:

Bewildering Attractions in Marrakech

Whether you are longing for good entertainment or artistic fulfillment, Marrakech is the perfect place for you. At the heart of the city lies the Jemaa l-Fna square, also known as the dwelling place of pure fun and entertainment. Here, you will see different talents performing at their very best. Acrobats, musicians, comedians, and dancers come together at Jemaa l-Fna to satisfy every visitor’s thirst for the unique Moroccan style of entertainment.

If the sights at Jemaa l-Fna fail to amuse you, then hop on to Majorelle Garden and satisfy your craving for aesthetic pleasure. This spectacular garden, which is considered as the Magnum Opus of French artist Jacques Majorelle, is now owned by couture geniuses Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Berge. The Majorelle garden hosts a wide variety of flora that is absolutely pleasing to the eyes. The stylish blue house found in the garden serves as a museum that houses precious Islamic art objects.

Delightful Cuisines in Marrakech

Moroccan food is not just your ordinary foreign food. It is prepared with much care and artistry because it does not only intend to fill an empty stomach. Every Moroccan dish is created to be savored and remembered by those who consume it. The taste of Moroccan mint tea and couscous are sure to linger not just in your mouth but also in your mind. Those people who managed to travel in Marrakech would agree that these Moroccan foods taste a lot better in the city’s fine restaurants.

Fascinating Culture in Marrakech

A mix of old and new. These are how most travelers describe the Moroccan culture. However, the unique and amazing culture of the country manifests more in the city of Marrakech. Not heavily infiltrated by modernity yet not too ancient-looking, Marrakech city managed to preserve the look and feel of the Moroccan medieval era. The wonderful Moroccan customs and traditions are still given importance and strictly practiced in the city. So, if you decide to travel in Marrakech and you happen to encounter a peculiar happening, do not be surprised. The people in Marrakech are just used to show off their deep appreciation and love for their truly fascinating culture.

Setting foot on an unfamiliar place does not have to be stressful, especially if the destination of choice is the bewildering imperial city of Marrakech in Morocco. To travel in Marrakech is to journey through a place unlike any other. With so many amazing sights to see and hidden treasures to unearth, it is not surprising to know that in a recent poll conducted by TripAdvisor.com’s TravelCast, Marrakech turned out to be one of the three best travel hotspots for 2007. You may claim to have seen the “best” attractions which boast of historical significance or authentic natural beauty. However, expect a sudden change of views once you experience Marrakech’s wonders.

It is a wise move to know first the potential hassles in your Marrakech travel and the ways how to face them. Do not worry, travel difficulties are present in every destination and Marrakech city is not an exemption. Arm yourself with the following information to fully enjoy your first time travel in Marrakech:

Welcome! Where are your Dirhams?

Upon arrival, it is recommended to have your dollars or euros exchanged to Moroccan currency, which is dirham. Money changing outlets are found at the terminal 2 of Marrakech Airport’s Arrival’s hall. Exchange rates at the airport’s money changers may be a bit lower compared to the rates outside, so do the math and decide how much money you are willing to exchange.

You see, converting your foreign currencies to dirhams will give you utmost convenience in your first few hours in Marrakech. Taxi drivers and shops tend to overcharge travelers who are paying with other currencies. Some may not even accept it at all. In your Marrakech travel, always make sure that you keep those dirhams handy to fend off possible inconveniences.

Finding Your Second Home Sweet Home

Whether you are after a luxurious stay in a five-star hotel, a villa, or a Riad, keep in mind the three simple steps to follow in choosing an accommodation. These are to research, to compare, and to book.

Researching, will give you an idea on what hotels, villas, or Riads in Marrakech have good reputation when it comes to accommodation services. When you’re done with probing, compare the offered services and prices. From your list, pick the accommodation you believe will best serve your needs and preferences. Give yourself ample time to think because once you reach the final step, which is booking, there is no more looking back. It is either you will enjoy or regret your decision.

Where To Go And Things To Do

The most rewarding part of your Marrakech travel is having to witness the many grandeurs of the city. The list of Marrakech attractions is long and the activities waiting for you to experience are many.

Examples of places that you should not miss are the following: Majorelle Garden, Marrakech Museum, Djemma El Fna square, and the Koutoubia mosque. Feel the uniqueness of Moroccan culture by indulging yourself in these exciting activities: shopping in the city souks for precious Moroccan items, experiencing the relaxing Hammam bath, taking part in a yoga class (Marrakech is Morocco’s yoga capital), and savoring delicious Moroccan dishes like the couscous, bastilla, and of course, their famous hot and sweet mint tea.