Currency: Dirhams

Visa: No (U.S)

Language: Arabic, Some english

10 dirhams ≈ $1

Visits: 2

Visit Again? No

What’s a girl to do when she doesn’t want to spend her entire 7 day vacation in Barcelona? Book a quick flight to Marrakech for just $35 roundtrip. Yes you read correct, 35 American dollars for a roundtrip plane ticket. This is a reminder than international travel is actually more feasible than domestic. My grand total for this trip from start to finish was approximately $330, not bad right? Let’s break it down.

Day 1- Arrival

Getting There

Barcelona to Marrakech was a calm 3 hours. I flew with budget airline Ryanair, hence the unbelievably low price to receive a new passport stamp. I traveled with just my backpack and left my carry-on with wheels at my hotel in Barcelona. Arrival was seamless with a short immigration line. As always I do not exchange U.S. dollars, I head straight to the ATM. Instead of being victim to a lower conversion rate and high fees, the ATM will only charge yo u the ATM fee which is no more than $5. If you are with a credit union, it could be reimbursed ( Navy Federal reimburses me). Cash is the preferred and only payment at most businesses.

Getting Around (total 170 dirhams)

Per usual, expect to be beaten over your head for taxi’s. I totally understand paying touristic prices, but when your prices are even more than Western prices, I have a problem. Uber or ride apps aren’t available so you’ll have to either arrange car service or take taxi’s. I was originally quoted 300 dirhams (about $30) for a 15 minute ride, which is out of control. I was able to get it down to 70 ($7) dirhams, which is still higher than local prices.

YSL Museum & Majorelle jardin ($22)

I decided to head here straight from the airport to maximize my time. My ticket for both attractions was 220 dirhams (about $22). There is a ticket with just the museum, so remember to make sure you select both attractions.

33 (N/A)

I wandered while waiting for a taxi into this store called 33. I met the shop owner in my taxi on the way to YSL museum. It’s a pretty cool concept store with items made by locals. They sold everything from jewelry to home decor to fashion. I was in lust with these hats, but it was out of my current budget. Definitely check it out!

Jemaa el Fna Boutique riad hotel ($220)

As I was on a budget, I wanted an affordable space but I still wanted the authentic traditional Moroccan riad feel. I found this hotel while skimming through Booking.com. The pool is what sold me. For $60 a night, the room was nothing special, but truly cozy and the complimentary breakfast was well worth it. It always baffles me how hotel charge upwards of $200 and not even offer a croissant, ghetto.

Buddha bar (610 dirhams)

After a refreshing nap and freshening up, I headed to Buddha Bar for a beautiful solo dinner. This is your typical Asian fusion restaurant. The food was good, however it is the ambiance that you come here for. Upscale, dimmed lights with live entertainment always makes a restaurant even more special.

Day 2

Breakfast (Free)

The hotel has a beautiful rooftop terrace where breakfast is held. The food is cooked fresh, not buffet, not grab and go style. I enjoyed every bit and and can always appreciate some good Moroccan tea.

Hoodrat ish with locals (Free 99)

Since the hotel is located literally in the popular Jemaa el-Fna, I stepped in the chaotic market just to explore. You must have patience if you are solo because you will be constantly approached being sold anything under this Earth. Beware and do not follow them anywhere. They will sell you good stories of leathers and carpets workshops, you are the workshop. They’re gonna be working you for money.

atv/camel ride (250 dirhams)

Later in the day I headed to my excursion which was ATV riding through the desert and a sunset camel ride.

massage ($20)

When traveling I always like to treat myself to a massage. It was at a touristic spa near the hotel and they were budging on the price lol. It wasn’t the best massage, but it was good enough.

dinner (190 dirhams)

After working up an appetite, I headed over this restaurant a few steps away. The owner was very friendly and welcoming. My meal was good, but my lamb was a little too fatty for my liking. A huge difference from my lamb the night before.

Day 3 - Departure

Market (70 dirhams)

Very thankful for an afternoon flight, making it a a real 48 hour experience. After breakfast I decided to actually pick up some accoutrements and snacks from the market. Since I did’t get get any street style pics the day before, I decided to ask someone, and in Morocco, nothing is done for free. I did give the guy 20 dirhams.

That concludes my budget-friendly48 hours in Marrakech. This was my second time in Morocco, I have no desire to visit again unless it was fully sponsored. Being that I was in and out in 48 hours, I didn’t have any issues with safety. My only issue is the constant begging from everyone. It reminded me of Egypt. I do encourage you to visit, do your own research and form your own opinion. Do you consider this a budget friendly trip?

Thanks for reading!

Xoxo,

The Rich Aunt

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