Marrakech is a city of two distinct halves: the ancient, labyrinthine Medina and the modern, European-style new town of Gueliz. Navigating between these areas and exploring all the city has to offer is surprisingly easy once you understand your options.
From the simple joy of walking to the art of hailing the right taxi, this practical guide will help you get around Marrakech with confidence and ease.
1. Walking: The Best Way to Explore the Medina
The single best way to experience the magic of the historic Medina is on foot. Its narrow, winding alleyways are inaccessible to cars, and walking is the only way to discover its hidden courtyards, secret gardens, and tiny artisan shops.
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Embrace Getting Lost: Don't be afraid to wander off the main paths. Getting a little lost is a rite of passage and how you'll stumble upon your most memorable discoveries.
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Wear Comfortable Shoes: This is the most important tip. You will be walking for miles on uneven cobblestones. Prioritize comfort above all else.
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Use an Offline Map: Download the Marrakech area on Google Maps or use an app like Maps.me before you go. This allows you to find your way back to a major landmark or your Riad or creative workshop without needing a data connection.
2. Taxis: The Most Common Way to Travel
For longer distances, like traveling from the Medina to Gueliz or visiting the Jardin Majorelle, taxis are your best bet. There are two types you need to know about.
Petit Taxis (Little Taxis)
These are the small, beige-colored cars you'll see everywhere. They can take a maximum of three passengers and are only allowed to operate within the city limits. This is the taxi you'll use 99% of the time.
The Golden Rule: Always Use the Meter (Le Compteur)
This is the most critical piece of advice for taking a Petit Taxi. Before you even get in the car, politely but firmly insist that the driver use the meter by saying, "Le compteur, s'il vous plaît" (The meter, please).
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If the driver agrees, hop in. You will get a fair, standardized price.
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If the driver refuses and tries to quote you a high flat fee, simply close the door with a polite "La, shukran" (No, thank you) and wait for the next one. Another taxi will come along in moments.
A typical trip from the modern district of Gueliz to the edge of the Medina (for example, to visit a museum or a creative workshop like MyRugy) should only cost around 20-30 Dirhams with the meter.
Grand Taxis (Big Taxis)
These are typically older, larger Mercedes sedans that seat up to six people (often squeezing them in!). They operate on fixed routes between cities and are used for longer distances, like day trips or airport runs if you have a large group. You will likely not need to use one for getting around the city itself unless you are hiring one privately for an excursion.
3. Buses: The Budget-Friendly Local Option
For the budget-conscious or adventurous traveler, the public bus system, run by a company called Alsa, is surprisingly modern, clean, and efficient.
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The Airport Bus (Route 19): This is the most useful route for tourists. It's an express bus that runs from the airport to Djemaa el-Fna and Gueliz for a low, fixed price. It’s a fantastic, cheap alternative to an airport taxi.
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City Buses: The local network can get you almost anywhere in the city for just a few Dirhams, though figuring out the routes can be part of the adventure.
4. Other Options
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Calèche (Horse-Drawn Carriage): You'll see these green carriages near the main squares. They are not a practical mode of transport but are a romantic, tourist-focused way to take a leisurely sightseeing tour around the city ramparts or through the palm groves. Agree on the price and duration before you get in.
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Ride-Sharing Apps: Apps like Careem and InDrive operate in Marrakech. These can be a great alternative to street taxis, as the price is fixed upfront in the app, eliminating the need to haggle or insist on the meter.
Tip: If you’re planning your trip, check out our MyRugy blog for more tips on workshops, artisan experiences, and creative things to do in Marrakech, or book your spot at the MyRugy workshop for an unforgettable hands-on experience in the heart of the city.
