Marrakech Airport Mini Guide:

Marrakech-Menara Airport is located 6km southwest of the Moroccan city of Marrakech. The airport offers a range of services and facilities including duty-free, bureau de change, banks, restaurants and snack bars.

Things To See/Do in Marrakech:

The colourful and exotic city of Marrakech lies in the southwest of Morocco in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

Marrakech's most famous sight is probably the Medina's lively main square Place Djemaa el Fna. The atmospheric square is home to a host of mysterious and noisy characters like clever snake charmers, down at the heel street entertainers and wailing musicians. The urban oasis that is Le Jardin Majorelle, which is owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent provides a welcome escape from the smoky hustle and bustle of the city. Here visitors experience an explosion of colour and smells as they wander at their leisure through lush tropical fruit groves, verdant shrubbery and tranquil water gardens.

Shopping in Marrakech is a treat for the senses and the pockets. A visit to a craft souk is a must. The covered market at Djemaa el Fna is an Aladdin's cave of pungent spices, hand-woven carpets, polished leather, brass trinkets and vibrant rainbow dyed baboushes slippers. Here backpackers and trendy hippies on a budget haggle feverishly with savvy stallholders who promise one-off special offers, all in an attempt to get a cheap deal. The best buys are carpets and rugs, which can be reduced (with perseverance) to a special discount price, sometimes even as low as fifty percent of the usual cost.

The city's surrounding area offers much potential for touring by hire car. A drive through the Atlas Mountains offers myriad opportunities to stop-off for a trek, wander through an old Kasbah palace or explore a windswept village, long forgotten by time. Essaouira on the coast makes for another attractive Marrakech car hire drive. The port town is becoming a fashionable short break destination and is popular with surfers, artists and musicians.

Eating Out/Nightlife/Accommodation in Marrakech:

Marrakech offers something to tempt even the most tired taste buds. Local specialities include: lamb tagine, seafood, couscous and pastilles. Cheap snacks and hearty low cost dishes are also available at caf's and street stalls for those on a tight budget. Meanwhile, those who want to splash out can dine in style at the exclusive Le Comptoir restaurant.

Despite the country's Muslim leanings, Marrakech has a relaxed attitude towards alcohol and offers a lively nightlife which includes, bars, discos and nightclubs. Gu?liz is the main hub of the city's after-dark action.

Marrakech offers accommodation to suit all budgets and needs-from backpackers to those looking to live it up in luxury. Ambre Lotus Riad definitely caters to the latter, offering deluxe private rooms at rates starting at ?150 per night. Cheaper accommodation is available for thrifty travellers at hostels like Riad Medina Azahara or Equity Point.