Marrakech during Ramadan
 

Anyone been to Marrakech during Ramadan? We are planning to go early October 07 and have just found out that it is during Ramadan. Does anyone have experience of being there during this time, as we understand some restaurants/cafes/shops may be closed!!

I was in Marrakech during Ramadan some years ago. I don't remember anything being closed - at least none of the places in the medina. I do remember there was a large tent set up in the middle of the town where the men used to gather at sundown to break the fast.

Being the most touristed city in Morocco, you are unlikely to be inconvenienced by Ramadan in Marrakesh.

We had a thread on Ramadan in Egypt & Morocco last Ramadan by people who live in both countries. That might help.

Hi Sunshine. I dont understand your reply. What do you mean we had a thread on Ramadan??

Sorry for using too much computerspeak. A thread is a series of answers or comments in response to a particular question or comment. At least I think that's what it is. Thus, this is a thread on Marrakech during Ramadan.

I think the easiest way to find it is to double click my name. You should get a list of all posts by me (you should also wonder if I have a life) There should be one with Ramadan in its title from last October. I think that's where you can find the thread.

Here's the name of the thread.

"Africa & the Middle East: Ramadan's begun!
17 responses; most recent on 09/27/2006, 10:49 am."

It's not Marrakech I know, but we visited Aquaba in Nov 2005 during Ramadan. We probably wouldn't visit at that time again. Lots of places were closed during the day and even our hotel, (Aquaba Movenpick) closed it's restaurant to guests until 7.30 or maybe even 8.00, to allow those taking Ramadam to eat first.

It did add something to our visit, but you should be aware that it might have some impact on your stay.

I, too, have been in Aqaba for Ramadan and agree with the previous post. Aqaba during Ramadan is not great.

HOWEVER, Marrakech is a totally different story. Most things will be open as usual - only local cafes (where all the men while away the day over a cup of coffee) will be closed. Restaurants, hotels, and cafes catering to visitors will be open and serving.

Thanks rob. found your "thread"!!! still not sure whether to go to Marrakech at this time of year ... need to decide soonish. its good to hear other people's views.

I was in morocco last october during ramadan and nothing was closed in marrakech and in all other cities we were (we went to marrakech, fez, casablanca, rabat, meknes, ouarzazate and the desert). I was said that some places would close earlier during the day, but there was no place that I decided to go on my itinerary that was closed.

Actually we were there in october 2005, not last year.

Just in case anyone was wondering - spoke to the owner of the ryad we were going to stay at and he said that staff in restaurants etc would be tired during the day from fasting and that we should not drink or smoke in public. also that tourists should be more covered up during Ramadan -no shorts/t shirts. So we are going to postpone our trip to later in the year!