What if my phone dies?

Ask for 'Jemaa el-Fnaa' and point to your riad's business card. Most locals know the major riads by name. Carry your riad's card in Arabic and French.

Are the medina's alleys safe at night?

Main routes stay busy until 11pm, but narrow side alleys get dark and empty. Stick to well-lit paths after dark and consider a taxi for distances over 10 minutes walk.

How long does it take to walk across the entire medina?

20-30 minutes from one side to the other if you know the route. Add 45-60 minutes if you're still learning and taking wrong turns.

Should I hire a guide on my first day?

A 2-3 hour orientation guide costs 200-300 dirhams and teaches you the layout faster than figuring it out alone. Book through your riad, not street touts.

How to Navigate Marrakech's Medina Without Getting Lost

Download maps.me offline, learn the main square Jemaa el-Fnaa as your north star, and memorize 3 key landmarks from your riad. The medina has only 4 main gates — knowing which one you entered from will save you hours of wandering.

Download Maps.me before you arrive. Download the Marrakech offline map on Maps.me while you have wifi. The medina streets are accurately mapped and GPS works even without data. Mark your riad location immediately when you check in.
Master the Jemaa el-Fnaa orientation system. The main square is your compass. From anywhere in the medina, ask locals for 'Jemaa el-Fnaa' and they'll point you toward it. Once there, the Koutoubia Mosque is always to the west, the souks to the north.
Memorize your route to 3 landmarks. From your riad, walk to Jemaa el-Fnaa, a main mosque, and the nearest medina gate. Count turns and note distinctive shops or doors. Practice this route twice on your first day.
Learn the gate system. The medina has 4 main gates: Bab Agnaou (south), Bab Doukkala (northwest), Bab el-Khemis (northeast), and Bab Aylan (southeast). Ask taxi drivers which gate they're dropping you at.
Use the sun and time method. Morning sun comes from the east (Jemaa el-Fnaa side), afternoon from the west (Koutoubia side). If you know what time it is, you can orient yourself even in narrow alleys.
Follow the flow of motorbikes. Motorbikes always take the widest, most direct routes to main areas. If lost, follow the direction motorbikes are heading — they're usually going to Jemaa el-Fnaa or a main gate.

What if my phone dies?: Ask for 'Jemaa el-Fnaa' and point to your riad's business card. Most locals know the major riads by name. Carry your riad's card in Arabic and French.
Are the medina's alleys safe at night?: Main routes stay busy until 11pm, but narrow side alleys get dark and empty. Stick to well-lit paths after dark and consider a taxi for distances over 10 minutes walk.
How long does it take to walk across the entire medina?: 20-30 minutes from one side to the other if you know the route. Add 45-60 minutes if you're still learning and taking wrong turns.
Should I hire a guide on my first day?: A 2-3 hour orientation guide costs 200-300 dirhams and teaches you the layout faster than figuring it out alone. Book through your riad, not street touts.