Airport transfers, currency, language, safety, local customs... Here is all the practical information you need to plan your trip to Marrakech and your stay at Riad Davina with confidence.
Arriving in Marrakech
Marrakech-Menara International Airport is the main gateway, about 7 km from Riad Davina. A transfer can be arranged on request through the riad (chargeable for stays of 1 to 5 nights, free from 6 nights), or you can reach the medina by petit taxi.
What to pack
What to wear depends a lot on the season: light, breathable clothing in summer, a light layer for cooler spring or winter evenings, and always comfortable shoes for the medina's cobbled lanes. Clothing covering shoulders and knees is appreciated when visiting religious sites or more traditional neighbourhoods.
Currency and payment
The local currency is the Moroccan dirham (MAD), a closed currency that generally can't be exchanged outside the country. Plan to withdraw or exchange dirhams once you arrive. In the souks and smaller shops of the medina, cash remains the most widely used way to pay.
Language: getting by easily
Moroccan Arabic (Darija) and Amazigh (Berber) languages are spoken day to day, but French is very widely understood — a legacy of the country's history — and English is growing quickly in the tourism sector. At Riad Davina, our team speaks Arabic, French, English and Spanish, so language is never a barrier.
Safety and local etiquette
Marrakech is a major tourist destination, well used to welcoming visitors from around the world. As anywhere, basic common sense applies (keep an eye on your belongings in busy areas). In the souks, bargaining is a normal and expected part of shopping — approach it with a smile, it's also a chance to connect. A friendly word in Arabic or French is always appreciated by shopkeepers.
Staying in the medina: what to expect
Staying in a riad in the heart of the medina comes with a few quirks, more than made up for by the charm of the place: pedestrian-only lanes (cars can't reach the door), sometimes a short walk with luggage, and a lively soundscape typical of a genuine local neighbourhood. At Riad Davina, a guarded car park is 500 m away, and our team is available 24/7 to welcome you. Read our article on the medina and the Bab Ghmat neighbourhood to learn more, or head to our Contact page for any question before you arrive.
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