Last week I returned from my first trip to Morocco. Prior to my trip to Marrakech I heard a mixture of positive and negative stories. Luckily I haven't had any negative experiences, but I wondered if this might have been due to Ramadan. What are the pros and cons of visiting Marrakech during this holy month? I will take you through the pros and cons of discovering this enchanting city during Ramadan.
Beautiful Marrakech stimulates all your senses! You won't have enough eyes and ears in this vibrant city, thanks to the beautiful markets, palaces, gardens, squares and mosques. You can smell the delicious spices, taste the exotic dishes and completely relax in the traditional hammam. Listen, look, feel, taste and smell on the lively Djemaa el Fna square and shop till you drop in the lively souks. Immerse yourself in the rich culture during a city trip and enjoy the magic of Marrakesh!
- Rich culture
- Beautiful sights
- Colorful gardens
- Excellent souvenir shopping
Benefits
The cultural experience
Ramadan is a holy month for Muslims. Fasting, prayer and reflection are central. Traditional and cultural events are also organized in Marrakech, such as street markets and religious ceremonies. This allows you to experience the culture of Morocco in a unique way.
Less crowds
During Ramadan, the streets of Marrakech are less busy than usual. This gives a more relaxed atmosphere and more opportunity to explore the sights in peace.
I heard stories about pushy salespeople and snake charmers who put the snake on your neck without asking. Although the vendors were working and I saw a handful of snake charmers, I didn't experience any pushiness. Could this be due to the Ramadan period?
The culinary experience
Special traditional dishes and sweet treats are prepared for the Iftar meal, where families and friends gather to eat. During Ramadan you have an extra chance to taste this.
Hospitality
During the Ramadan period the emphasis is on generosity and hospitality. People are therefore generally friendlier and more hospitable, which makes you feel warmly welcome.
An experience: My girlfriend's sandal broke. There was a piece of leather hanging loose on the side. She was disappointed about this, because we still had to walk a bit. She asked two shopkeepers if they could make it. The men immediately started working with superglue. When the sandal was repaired, my friend asked how much she should pay them for it. The men burst out laughing and said there was no need to pay.
Also read: Itinerary Morocco 2 to 4 weeks | Hints and Highlights
Cons
Less availability
Some shops, restaurants and other facilities change their opening hours during Ramadan, or are closed completely. This makes planning meals and activities during your trip more challenging.
For example, in the hours leading up to the Iftar meal after sunset, restaurants were closed. This differed per restaurant, but often the times were between 17.00 p.m. and 20.00 p.m.
Less supply of alcohol
Drinking alcohol is discouraged during Ramadan. Restaurants and cafes will not have it available or will have less availability. Shops are even legally prohibited from selling alcohol during this period. As a tourist, you better prepare yourself not to drink alcohol during your visit to Marrakesh.
Note: it is respectful and important that you do not smoke and/or drink alcohol in public. Actually, it is not polite to eat and drink in public, but in Marrakesh it is tolerated by tourists.
Different daily rhythm of locals
During Ramadan you will notice that the streets are less busy in the morning, but the crowds increase towards the end of the afternoon and evening. This happens because people adjust their daily routine during Ramadan. In the morning you have less chance to buy souvenirs or undertake an activity. It may therefore also affect public transport, and there may be adjusted times.
Conclusion
I consider visiting Marrakech during the Ramadan period as a so-called lifehack; a smart way to experience the city in a unique way. However, it was unfortunate that sometimes I couldn't eat when I got hungry before Iftar. However, as a tourist I was often able to order a glass of wine. As a world traveler, the biggest advantage for me is that I can discover the sights in peace and quiet and experience the culture in a unique way. Make sure you are aware of this and act respectfully. So my advice is; visit Morocco during Ramadan, or at least don't let that stop you.
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Beautiful Marrakech stimulates all your senses! You won't have enough eyes and ears in this vibrant city, thanks to the beautiful markets, palaces, gardens, squares and mosques. You can smell the delicious spices, taste the exotic dishes and completely relax in the traditional hammam. Listen, look, feel, taste and smell on the lively Djemaa el Fna square and shop till you drop in the lively souks. Immerse yourself in the rich culture during a city trip and enjoy the magic of Marrakesh!
- Rich culture
- Beautiful sights
- Colorful gardens
- Excellent souvenir shopping
