Africa

Morocco

Our stories from Morocco

A week in a Marrakech riad with two kids. The souks, the camels, the cultural collisions, and why we're planning to go back.

Book a riad in the old city. Ours was two blocks from the souks. Walking distance to everything, and the daily breakfast was incredible.
Leave the stroller at home. The medina streets are narrow and uneven. Carol wore Millie the entire time. Bring a good carrier instead.
The commerce language is French. Basic French gets you further than English in the markets. If you know a few phrases, use them.
Be ready for the left-hand conversation. The left hand is considered unclean. If your kids are left-handed or thumb-suckers, locals may gently correct them.
The souks are safe for families. Shopkeepers love kids and give them freebies. The haggling is part of the fun. Let older kids try it.
Eat tagine. Often. Ask your riad host or guide about local spots. The communal cookhouses near the bathhouses are worth seeing.
Visit the Majorelle Garden. The Yves Saint Laurent gardens on the new side of town are a beautiful contrast to the busy souks.
Ride a camel. Because where else can you say this is just a thing folks do? 🐪 🐪 🐪