If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stay in the heart of a Moroccan medina, you’re not alone. It’s a dream for some and a challenge for others. But one thing’s for sure: it’s an unforgettable experience!
Visiting a medina or the old quarter of a city in Morocco is a chance to immerse yourself in Moroccan culture. The scent of fresh spices follows you as you weave through the labyrinth of narrow streets, taking in the vibrant energy of street vendors and bustling souks.
While in Morocco, we visited medinas in Marrakesh, Essaouira, and Chefchaouen, and each city offered a unique experience. The Marrakesh Medina was by far the largest and most chaotic, with crowds of people and motorcycles whizzing past you at full speed. In contrast, the medina in the coastal town of Essaouira felt calm and breezy, taking on a more laid-back pace.
As you plan your trip, you may wonder whether you should stay inside or outside the medinas. This is a great question, as each option has positives and negatives.
Pros of Staying Inside a Medina
Traditional Riads
Staying in a traditional riad is a must when visiting Morocco. These beautiful Moroccan-style homes often feature guest suites opening into a central outdoor courtyard. Many riads offer breakfast on their rooftop terraces, where you can enjoy sweetbreads with homemade jam while looking out over the medina below. The intimate nature of these small riads—often with fewer than 10 rooms—means you’re likely to be greeted by the host like family and can connect with other travellers when sharing meals in the courtyard or on the rooftop.
Easier to Navigate
Staying at a riad inside the medina will save you time and make exploring easy, as you’re just a short walk from the lively main square. Also, there’s no need to worry about squeezing a car through the maze of streets or searching for parking in crowded markets.
Quick breaks for Little Feet
There is a lot to see, and the scenery changes dramatically throughout the day. You will want to experience the medina in the day and the evening. After our day of exploring the Marrakesh Medina, which clocked in at 30,000 steps for our youngest, we were grateful for some downtime at our nearby riad before heading back out for the evening’s events.
Restaurants
The aromas from the many restaurants will keep your mouth watering all day. There are so many places to eat inside the medina that you will find something for even the pickiest eaters. We enjoyed Henna Art Café in Marrakech for its delicious traditional-style food and clean and family-friendly atmosphere.
Cons of Staying in a Medina
Noise Levels
Medinas are vibrant places—but that comes with noise. From the early morning, the clatter of vendors setting up their stalls and the rhythmic call to prayer echoing from the mosques. As the mid-day crowds grow, the sound of people bargaining at the busy souks, the clopping of donkey’s hooves on the cobblestone ground, and the rattle of motorbikes whizzing by fills the air. By evening, the lively sounds of Moroccan music and crowds cheering street performers will surround you. The constant auditory ambience can feel overwhelming at times, especially for little ears. One option is to look for a riad on the edge of the medina, which will allow you proximity to the main square with fewer disruptions.
Highly Stimulating
Inside a medina, particularly in Marrakesh, can feel intense and chaotic. The constant sensory stimulation—from the sight of brightly coloured textiles to the rich aromas of street food and spices—can feel a bit much. Our oldest son was overwhelmed by the crowds and the sensory input by the end of the day. If you have sensitive kids, staying outside the busier medinas may be worthwhile. Instead, consider staying in a riad in a smaller city like Essaouira or Chefchaouen, where the medinas are calmer.
So, is Staying Inside a Medina Worth It? Absolutely!
Experiencing the sights, sounds, and aromas of a Moroccan medina will create lasting memories for your family. Your kids will love exploring the maze and be in awe of the street performers, colourful souks, and wild motorbikes.
We recommend staying inside a medina at least once to experience the sights and sounds. But for a more relaxed trip, don’t be afraid to explore other options. Ultimately, your choice will depend on what kind of experience you’re looking for.
Either way, Morocco’s medinas are waiting for you to get lost in them!
Looking for More Places to Explore in Morocco?
Check out these related posts to help plan your trip:
• 27-Day Morocco Road Trip Itinerary
• Day Trip to Setti Fadma: A Waterfall Adventure
• Exploring the Atlas Mountains: A Hike in Imlil
• Camel Trekking in the Sahara: A Family Adventure You’ll Never Forget
