Morocco’s third-largest city, Marrakech, is a beautifully chaotic city where glimpses of medievalism can still be glimpsed amid its modern buildings of business. There still is a Marrakech Express train, and the city, which sits on the edge of the Atlas Mountains, can trace its founding almost 1,000 years, to AD 1062.

A famed tourism destination since hippies, hipsters and The Rolling Stones discovered it in the late 1960s, Marrakesh’s ancient city center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. More than two million visit here every year. With more than 12 miles of walls edging parts of its interior, its souks (or markets) are the biggest draw, but as an Imperial city there are numerous and gorgeous squares – especially Djamaa El Fna, and mosques and other architecturally important buildings.

Between tradition and modernity, Marrakech is the promise of incomparable sensations. While strolling on the Jamae ElFna square and in the souks with shimmering colors and oriental smells, the red city responds with a finger snap to your desires for change of scenery. Carriage rides, sunny terraces, street artists and other activities day and night will punctuate your stay in Morocco.

More than a city, Marrakesh is a pearl polished by history and a taste of hospitality, knowing how to welcome its guests with open arms for centuries. The city is renowned for its culture, arts, traditions and its architectural heritage which gradually attracts a larger number of renowned artists.

Located in the heart of the fertile, irrigated Haouz plain and at the south of the Tensift River. Its geographical location, at the crossroads of the High Atlas Mountains and the Sahara, makes Marrakesh a major trading center of the country. Also known for its rich cultural heritage and winter sports, the city is a must-see tourist capital.

Visit Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation website for an updated list of countries whose citizens are exempted from entry visa to Morocco:

Algeria - Andorra - Argentina - Australia - Austria - Bahrain - Belgium - Brazil - Bulgaria - Canada - Chile - China - Republic of Congo - Croatia - Cyprus - Czech Republic - Denmark - Estonia - Finland - France - Germany - Great Britain - Greece - Guinea (Conakry) - Hong Kong - Hungary - Iceland - Indonesia - Ireland - Italy - Ivory Coast - Japan - Kuwait - Latvia - Liechtenstein - Lithuania - Luxemburg - Mali - Malta - Mexico - Monaco - Netherlands - New Zealand - Niger - Norway - Oman - Peru - Philippines -Poland – Portugal - Puerto Rico - Qatar - Romania - Saudi Arabia - Senegal - Singapore (Singaporean nationals may stay up to one month without visa) - Slovakia - Slovenia - South Korea - Spain - Sweden - Switzerland - Tunisia - Turkey - United Arab Emirates - United States of America.

Apart from exempted citizens, a short stay visa is required to attend the conference. The visa should be applied for at the consular office of the country of residence. You will need to apply for your visa as early as possible, the length of processing time will vary based on the circumstances of each case (up to 3 months).

From Marrakech Menara International Airport (RAK)

The airport is situated 4 miles (6km) south-west of Marrakech and is approximately a 15min ride in a taxi to the hotel. For more information visit: marrakech.airport-authority.com

Taxi: ‘Petit’ yellow taxis are available at Parking Lot 1. Take only those that have a « taxi » sign on the roof of the car. Pay the rate displayed on the meter, tipping is optional. When taking a taxi from the airport, you will be charged an extra fee for luggage. Small « petit » taxi is usually around MAD50 (~ €5); a grand taxi around MAD100 (~ €10).

From Casablanca Mohamed V International Airport (CMN)

How to get from Casablanca Mohamed V International Airport (CMN) to Marrakech:

By Plane
There are a direct flights from Casablanca to Marrakech. The flight duration is 45min. The schedule could be found in the national air company at: www.royalairmaroc.com

By Train
You can take the train from Casablanca Airport to Marrakech train station.
First you have to take the train from Casablanca Airport to Oasis  Station or to Casa Voyageurs Station (hourly train), then you have to take another train to Marrakech. The trip’s duration is around 3 hours. You can check the schedule on the official website of the national railway at www.oncf.ma.

Once you arrive at Marrakech Train Station, grab a small taxi to your hotel (Pay the rate displayed on the meter, tipping is optional).

There are big taxis at the exit of the Casablanca airport that can take you to Marrakech. Look for the « Grand Taxi » sign in front of the airport exit doors. The trip takes around 2hours 30min to get to Marrakech (It costs up to 1000 MAD).

Language

The official language of Morocco is Arabic. The Berber language is also recognized as an official language by the Constitution of the Kingdom of Morocco. French is commonly used.

Currency

The currency unit is the Moroccan dirham. The reference rate, as of 17 November, 2019, is: US$1 = MAD9.64; Euro1 = MAD10.65.

Power supply and voltage

The standard voltage is 220 volts and the standard frequency 50 hertz. Outlets are type C and E, also known as standard “Euro” outlets.

Climate

The average high-temperature, in November, in Marrakesh, is 22.2°C (72°F), while the average low-temperature is 10.4°C (50.7°F) making autumn a popular time to visit.