Have you travelled to Marrakech?

Visiting Marrakech, Morocco for a 3rd time - overkill?

• The first time I visited Marrakech I was absolutely blown away, the place, especially Djemaa el Fna at night was unlike anything I've ever experienced before. I went away with really positive feelings about the city. So much say that I visited again the next year. This time around, while it was still good, it didn't have the same initially culture shock that the first visit had. The way in which Moroccan sellers pester you went from being an interesting and new experience to be downright bloody irritating. I haven't been to Marrakech for 3 years now, and am starting to become interested in visiting the city again. Has Marrakech changed in any respects in the last 3 years (aside from ever rising prices!). Thanks for any advice/info.

• Answer:

  I went 5 times and decided not to the 6th time in Morocco. I think the recent rains may have greened up the area quite a bit, they are still getting rain this year. There is a whole new city that has been built on the outskirts, all new housing and no telling about shopping. If you haven't been to Marjorelle Gardens that is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit and also Ourika Valley is good in warmer weather. I hate how stubborn the merchants are because I'm an American and always get the highest prices for anything , I tend to buy things in other large cities and just do the food and fun thing there in Marrakech, buy things with fixed prices. If you come by plane and arrive at the Marrakech airport, you will be impressed at how much it's changed, it's beautiful inside. If you have a chance visit Essaouira. It is very clean and peaceful and not so many problems with merchants hounding you. You can eat fresh fish and the beach is nice, they have thuya woods shops and argan oil is also a local product.