Great tapas bars everywhere especially in the Plaza Mayor. Remember dinner is taken late about 9.30 to 10.00. Then go back to the hotel to watch the corrida on TV.

I spent a lot of time in Morocco, but only in Rabat and Casablanca( where there are a lot of Rick’s Bars, of course playing As Time Goes By constantly). Seafood good and local wine tolerable.

The museums, the museums, the museums — the 3 big ones! Get your tickets online in advance, as the queues will be a nightmare — the wait can easily be 3-5 hours, and in that heat! If you could only visit 2 — go to Prado and Reina Sophia. If just one, well, it depends on what you prefer — modern art or the classics. Do a day trip outside Madrid — Toledo is a must. Marvel at the cathedral — inside, it is jaw dropping even bordering on obscene, if you consider the gold and the wealth plundered in their colonies to decorate this single church. There, you can spend a half hour or so in the El Greco House. Segovia is also wonderful — especially if you factor in their famous cochinillo.

They will serve you tea everywhere, and this will be very sweet. Don’t be shocked to sometimes see soil in your tiny glass. The tradition here is that they boil the mint without properly washing them, then they throw the liquid out. The tea supposed to be served is from the second boiling of the mint, but I suppose some people just serve after the first. No big harm there, I guess, so just allow some time for the traces to settle, and just drink till half of the glass.

I don’t know in what type of accommodation you’re staying in, but i would suggest to stay in a riad, rather than a big hotel however fancy it looks, or even if its part of a global high end chain. I did a tour of Morocco in December, and in all the big cities, stayed in either 5 or 4-star places, but was disappointed with 2 things. Consistently in all these botels, service was bad sometimes even rude (speaking French is not a guarantee), and the bathroom and toilets, while passable, all practically needed a good cleaning and refitting. Obviously, it’s the least important part of a hotel room. A riad, I think, would be a much pleasanter stay, aside from its being very traditional.

Try to get argane oil, which can only be found in Morocco, and from a government-accredited outlet. I won’t elaborate on this here, as I’m sure your travel books mention it. Aside from being very good for salads, its unique properties make it a great ingredient for beauty and skin use, and medicinal purposes (perfect for massage, and it doesn’t leave any strong smell!). The use of argane oil is starting to pick up commercially here in europe, and it’s being used more and more in beauty products by the big cosmetic companies. If you want, I can look for the name of the shop where I got a few bottles and tell you the details of where to find it. I have their flyer somewhere.

If you’re there just for a short visit, aside from the souks, visit Jardin Majorelle, and the Bahia Palace. The last 2 places, together, can be visited leisurely in half a day.

And very important, do not take photos of people unless you’ve gained their permission. In the souks, the vendors and workers are of course used to tourists, and it is practice to hand in a coin or two after taking a photo of them. But many locals, the old people, especially the women, regard this as an offence. Even some small kids would cover their faces. I myself was hugely disappointed knowing I was losing my photo opportunities of the local people, but it was more important to respect their traditions. After all, we are merely visitors in their land.

Yes it gets hot during the day at this time of year but the evenings can be a very agreeable temperature once the sun goes down. Much less humid than here.

I would strongly recommend staying in a riad in the medina even if your budget runs to the fancy hotels which are indeed beautiful. The riads – boutique hotels in large converted old town houses with courtyards – are mostly beautifully restored and give you a much more authentic impression of the city. Prices range from cheap to as expensive as a 5* hotel but worth it. Another plus is that many of them have good local cooks who are happy to cook whatever local dish you like &, I would suspect, be very happy to prepare your market spoils in an authentic manner – or give cookery demonstrations. We enjoyed the cuisine. I’m sure you know the dishes you want to try but don’t miss a pigeon pastilla.
We rented a 4wd for 4 days/ 3 nights to take us on a tour through the Atlas and down to the Sahara desert where we spent a night in the dunes. A highly recommended if tiring excursion. Not that expensive.
Enjoy your trip. Let me know ig you are interested in detailed recommendations

Bertie B

In Maroc, a day or overnight desert tour is an experience—-you will see the life of the berbers…the camel ride, night under the stars etc…your riad or hotel can arrange it for you…