Cairo is one of the great cities of the ancient world. Home to some of the oldest pyramids and artifacts found anywhere on earth, this 10 million strong megacity is also Egypt’s largest city as well as its capital.

As a popular tourist destination for centuries, the city’s infamous pollution, noise and crime haven’t detracted from its continued place along the tourist trail.

15 Best Things to do in Cairo Egypt

Modern Cairo is full of life and vigor, and while most visitors simultaneously love and hate the city for varying reasons, there’s no doubt that vibrant Cairo must be experienced at least once in your life.

Getting to Cairo by air is relatively easy. Whether you’re flying from London or New York, or have Sharjah to Cairo tickets, with the most affordable airfares in the low season of November to March (excluding Christmas).

Here’s the best way to get around Egypt by bus or train.

See the Pyramids of Giza (Giza Necropolis)

When people think of Egypt, the Pyramids of Giza are at the top of the list.

The largest pyramid on the Giza Plateau, as well as all of Egypt, is the Great Pyramid. Known locally as the Pyramid of Khufu (for the pharaoh it was originally built for in the early 26th century BC), its narrow passages can be explored. However, the huge exterior is what people generally marvel at.

Farther south along the plateau is the Pyramid of Khefre (also known as the Pyramid of Chephren). It includes an internal tunnel that can be explored. The smaller Pyramid of Mycerinus (also known as the Pyramid of Menkaure) stands right next to it.

This area on the edge of Cairo makes a great half day visit. You can get here by metro, taxi or by joining a tour. If you want to get the most out of it, a tour is strongly recommended.

Guess the riddle of The Great Sphinx

Also located at the Giza Necropolis at the entry to the Giza Plateau, stands the Great Sphinx of Giza. Seemingly guarding the giant pyramids, the lion-bodied and pharaoh-faced Sphinx is as iconic with ancient Egypt as the pyramids themselves.

Built around 2500 BC for the pharaoh Khafre (the builder of the Second Pyramid at Giza), the Sphinx is a large monolith carved from the bedrock of the plateau that served as the quarry for the pyramids and other monuments in the area. It’s thought by a few that the head of the Sphinx may have been carved first out of a natural bedrock that was previously sculpted by the wind to give it shape. The area around it was excavated afterwards to provide blocks for the pyramids.

Float along the Nile River

Cairo is a great jumping off point for a Nile River cruise. The northward flowing Nile is the longest river in Africa and is generally believed to be the longest river in the world. It meanders through 11 African countries and splits in two just north of Cairo to empty into the Mediterranean Sea.

The Nile fuels hydro dams and provides irrigation all along its route. However, Cairo has a gorgeous unspoiled river front that is perfect for a water cruise. You can choose between party boats, historical boats and overnight and all-inclusive options. Some packages also include guided tours to the Pyramids and other landlocked sites.

Get lost at the Egyptian Museum

Also known as the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities or the Cairo Museum, the Egyptian Museum is one of the largest museums in the region, as well as one of the oldest archaeological museums in the Middle East.

It houses over 120,000 Egyptian artifacts, many of them pharaonic in nature. Often portrayed in books and movies, the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo is a great place to get lost in the past.

Featuring everything from mummies and beautifully intricate gold masks, to pottery, papyri, sarcophagi and jewelry, the museum houses some of Egypt’s most prized collections. The museum was founded in 1901.

The museum is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance tickets cost 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for students.

Wander through the National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations (NMEC)

The first of its kind in Egypt, the NMEC displays the history of Egypt from prehistoric times all the way to today. It’s a large museum with well over 50,000 artifacts, including the wooden Coffin of King Ramses II and the gold foiled leaf cartonage (ancient Egyptian blend consisting of linen or papyrus held together with glue) coffin of Nejim Ankh.

Collecting artifacts from all the major museums in the region and opened in 2017, its collection of Pharaoh mummies is quite extensive as well as its collection of Greco-Roman, Medieval, Islamic and contemporary.

Split into two permanent collections, you can explore both the chronological side and the thematic side.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilizations is open every day from 9 am to 5 pm.

Entrance tickets cost 200 EGP for adults and 100 EGP for students.

Admire the Hanging Church in Coptic Cairo

The Hanging Church, more formally known as the Saint Virgin Mary’s Coptic Orthodox Church, is one of the oldest churches in Egypt. The first iteration of the church likely dates to the third century, and is also called the Suspended Church or Al-Moallaqa. It was built by edict of the Roman emperor Diocletian.

The Hanging Church isn’t actually hanging. Instead, the hanging name came about because it’s built on top of, or hanging over, the gates of an old Roman fortress.

It’s a unique structure, with a roof shaped in the supposed structure of Noah’s Ark. The altar is especially beautiful, with lotus-shaped inlaid wooden panels decorating the wall above the altar.

Entrance to the Hanging Church is free, but donations are accepted.

The Coptic Museum is located by the Hanging Church. It houses the largest collection of Coptic artifacts in the world. The entrance fee for foreigners to the Coptic Museum is 40 EGP (Egyptian Pounds).

Enjoy the view from the Cairo Citadel

The Cairo Citadel is also known as the Citadel of Sultan Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi (Saladin), or the Citadel of Saladin.

It’s a formidable and impressive defensive fortress, due to its strategic location on the Muqattam Hills.

It’s also one of the best locations to enjoy an unrestricted panoramic view of Cairo.

There’s a lot to see here, including the Muhammad Ali Mosque, built by Muhammad Ali Pasha in 1848 AD, and the Sultan al-Nasir Muhammad Mosque, which was the royal mosque during the Mamluk period. The site also contains the National Police Museum, and the National Military Museum.

Daytime foreigner entrance fee, adult: EGP 200, night visiting foreigner entrance fee, adult: EGP 160.

Relax in the green oasis of Al Azhar Park

Al Azhar Park is a lovely, restful break from the noise and busyness of Cairo.

There’s plenty of greenery, including palm trees, with children’s play areas, fountains, a lake, and restaurants. There are even trips by golf cart inside the park.

Located by the Old City of Cairo, Al Azhar Park is an expansive 30 hectares (74 acres). The park was originally a 500-year-old dumping ground, which was transformed into a green oasis with waterfalls, citrus trees, and gardens. It opened in 2005, and cost in excess of 30 million USD.

While you’re at the park, visit nearby Al-Azhar Mosque, which is Cairo’s first mosque, commissioned in 970. Admission to the mosque is free.

Admission to Al Azhar Par is not free. Foreigner tickets are EGP 30, and EGP 35 on Sunday.

There’s so much to do and see in historic Cairo that we couldn’t stop at just the typical top 10 Cairo attractions. If you’re looking for some more bucket list items for sightseeing in Cairo, here are five more ideas.

Explore the Cave Church

Visiting the Cave Church is one of the most unique things to do in Cairo.

The Cave Church, or Monastery of Saint Simon the Tanner, is located in the Mokattam mountain in southeastern Cairo. To get to the Cave Church, you’ll need to go through Garbage City.

Garbage City is a poor settlement at the base of Mokattam Hill on the outskirts of Cairo. It has Cairo’s largest concentration of Zabbaleen garbage collectors, with an economy which revolves around collecting and recycling the city’s garbage.

Rubbish from greater Cairo gets collected by the Zabbaleen and taken to the Garbage City settlement. Residents then separate the garbage from the recycling. There’s garbage everywhere – the roofs, streets, and so on.

The Cave Church is hand carved out of the mountain. The Cave Church itself is tranquil, peaceful, and clean inside.

With a seating capacity of 20,000 it’s the largest church in the Middle East.

The Cave Church is free to visit.

Bring your bargaining skills to the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar

In the heart of Islamic Cairo, the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar is a busy and colorful open-air bazaar. You’ll find everything from spices to perfumes to souvenirs to jewelry to hanging lamps.

There’s a lot to see here, including Cairo street shops filled with haggling shopkeepers, narrow alleyways, buskers, bars and restaurants.

Credit cards are not accepted in the majority of the shops at Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, but USD and Euros are often accepted.

There’s no fee to enter the bazaar.

Shop until you drop at the Cairo Festival City Mall

This modern mall has all the requisite features you’d expect in a mall, including international chain stores, a cinema, restaurants and a food court. It also connects to IKEA.

There’s even a dancing fountain attraction.

It’s a huge, modern place, with free Wi-Fi, shopping cart rentals, and valet parking. You can even rent a power bank for your phone.

If you have kids, you’ll love the stroller rental, mommy’s room, and child identification bracelets. There’s also Magic Planet, with rides, games, and fun for the kids (and adults).

There’s no cost to visit the mall.

Walk Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street

Al-Muizz li-Din Allah Street (known locally as Al-Muizz) is a major street in the walled city of Historic Cairo.

One of Cairo’s oldest streets, it dates back to the foundation of the original walled city in the 10th century.

Running north-to-south, the street grew in fame in part to its proximity to the popular markets in the area, like the Khan Al-Khalili Bazaar, as well as the large and beautiful buildings built along it, especially towards the northern section with its finely restored Mamluk buildings.

At just one kilometer in length within the walled city, running from gate to gate, traversing its length is an easy walk for most people.

Some of the highlights along Al-Muizz include the Madrassa of as-Salih Ayyub, built in 1247 and a fine example of Islamic architecture. Directly across from the madrassa is the beautiful Madrassa of Qalaun, considered by many as one of the Mamluk period’s greatest architectural triumphs.

Completed in 1293 by Qalaun’s son, Muhammad al-Nasir next to it has an interior filled with fine marble, mother-of-pearl mosaics, intricate tile work, and stained-glass windows. Farther north is the younger Madrassa of an-Nasr Mohammed (built in 1309) with tons of ornate detailing.

Next, you have the Egyptian Textile Museum with a wide collection that spans the Pharaonic era right up to the Islamic period. as well as the large and impressive Sultan Hassan Mosque (Mosque-Madrasa of Sultan Hassan).

Enjoy the views at the Cairo Tower

Situated on the Nile Island of Gezira is the Cairo Tower. Standing at 187m or 614ft, it is the tallest structure in Egypt and the tallest in North Africa. This free standing tower of concrete is second only to the Pyramids of Giza in popularity, and its circular observation deck and revolving restaurant at the top have some of the best views in Cairo.

Home to the district of Zamalek and the majority of Cairo’s arty boutiques and hipster restaurants, the Nile Island of Gezira that the Cairo Tower sits on is also a great place to hang out with friends and explore.

Start Planning Your Trip!

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Do you have any favorite attractions in Cairo? Let us know!

The African continent has a huge variety of experience to suit all travelers, from safaris in Kenya, to cultural trips in Ethiopia and seeing gorillas up close in Uganda.

The Best Places to Visit in Africa

No matter what your interests, you can be sure to find the perfect destination to give you a once in a lifetime trip.

Uganda for mountain gorillas

If you want to see gorillas in the wild, the must visit country is Uganda. This African country has a large population of primate species, from mischievous chimpanzees to majestic mountain gorillas.

Uganda is one of the only countries in the world where you can see the endangered mountain gorillas in the wild.

Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is home to more than half of the world’s population of mountain gorillas. The park offers trekking tours limited to small groups of around 6 to 8 people or less. You get to spend up to one hour interacting with the gorillas, making this a truly unforgettable experience!

The best times to visit are June, July, August and September then December, January and February.

Ethiopia for culture

Ethiopia is a country full of ancient culture where you will find interesting archaeological buildings and artifacts. Some popular landmarks include – the ancient ruins of Aksum, Gondar Castle, and Omo Valley.

There are seemingly endless historical sights, just waiting to be explored. The country also boasts some incredible scenery, with landscapes varying from impressive mountain ranges, lush green forests, and vast lakes, as well as some beautiful local handicrafts.

Kenya for safaris

An African safari is an experience like no other. No nature lover should pass up the opportunity to see some of the world’s most magnificent wildlife, roaming freely across the vast plains of African.

Kenya is one of the most popular African countries for safaris, largely because it’s where you can see the Great Migration. During this natural phenomenon, over two million animals make a migratory circle across the Serengeti Plains, passing from Tanzania into Kenya’s famed Maasai Mara National Reserve and back again.

Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya is arguably the ultimate place for luxury kenya safari. You can choose to stay in camps with tents, lodges or private houses. There are seemingly countless types of activities to choose from: watching zebra migration, seeing the big cats up close, taking a hot air balloon trip, or discovering the customs and traditions of the Maasai population. There are safaris to suit every traveler and even many affordable options available.

Zambia and Zimbabwe for waterfalls

These two countries are home to Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world. This natural wonder of the world is a truly awe-inspiring sight.

There is also the opportunity to do fun activities like white water rafting, bungee jumping, and walking safaris to spot the diverse range of wildlife living in the area. You can spend your evenings on a romantic sunset cruise along the river, accompanied by dinner, drinks and entertainment.

Kruger National Park, South Africa for the big five

This immense stretch of bush and savannah of Kruger National Park is one of Africa’s largest game reserves. The big five (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and African buffalo) all have a home in Kruger National Park, together with hundreds of other mammals, plus bird species like eagles, vultures and storks.

If you want to see a good representation of African fauna, this is likely the best place do a self driving tour. Gravel paths cross the entire park, and there are special designated areas where you can stop for lunch.

As you drive through the park, remember to keep all car windows closed. You never know when one of the four legged inhabitants decides to pay you a very close visit!

South Africa for shark diving

South Africa is a country that seems to have it all, including cosmopolitan cities, beautiful vineyards, spectacular national parks, and even a penguin beach (at Boulders Beach)!

One truly unique experience is a shark cage diving tour. South Africa has one of the largest concentrations of great white sharks in the world, making it the perfect place to see them in the wild.

Tofo, Mozambique for the beach

Moving up north from South Africa, take time to relax on a quiet beach with fine beige sand kissed by the emerald waves of the Indian Ocean.

Tofo beach ( also called Praia do Tofo in Mozambique) has luxuriant vegetation, peaceful beaches and dozens of opportunities to exercise, like swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

When you get thirsty, there are dozens of beachfront bars to choose from to quench your thirst. If you love a laid back beach retreat, Tofo is the right place for you!

Mount Kilimanjaro and Lake Victoria, Tanzania for mountains and lakes

Tanzania is home to two of the most remarkable geographical landmarks in Africa: the tallest mountain and one of the five Big Lakes.

Mount Kilimanjaro is the only place on the African continent where you will see snow (if you climb to its top). If you are not an experienced mountain climber, you can still enjoy wonderful hikes on lower slopes.

As for Lake Victoria, it offers a spectacular view and will give the wow factor to all your vacation photos. Plus, you can hire a local boat to explore it or join the fishermen in their work and enjoy the fruit of your efforts for lunch.

Do you have anything to add to the best places to visit in Africa? Let us know!

South Africa has been on our family bucket list for years, and is near the top of our list of destinations that we want to visit when our kids are just a little older.

Whether you’re dreaming of a holiday to South Africa, or even if you already have your trip booked, here are 10 reasons you should visit South Africa immediately. Whether it’s your first time in South Africa, or your tenth, these destinations are all worth visiting!

Cape Town

Situated at the meeting point of the Indian and Atlantic oceans, Cape Town has everything you can possibly need to make your vacation great. In this South African capital city you’ll find beautiful beaches, stunning harbors, lovely gardens, as well as breathtaking views from nearby Table Mountain. Cape Town is also an energetic, bustling city with lots of restaurants, shopping and nightlife.

African Penguins

Boulders Beach, close to Cape Town, is famous not only for its beautiful boulder strewn beach; the area also offers the unique opportunity to see thousands of endangered African penguins. The colony at Boulders Beach is one of only 24 remaining, and the penguins there are comfortable around people so you can usually get within a few meters for some amazing pictures.

Safaris

South Africa is home to the big five, namely the African elephant, the African lion, the Cape buffalo, the African leopard and the black and white rhinos. Many of the tours and safaris originate in Kruger National Park however there are many different safari locations around the country, allowing you to enjoy the exotic animals whether on the plains, the savannas or the grasslands of South Africa.

Luxury Train Journeys

There is no better way to experience and enjoy South Africa’s diverse landscape than by train. The luxury trains are like five-star hotels on wheels, allowing the traveler to marvel at the beauty of the varied terrains of South Africa while still enjoying exquisite cuisine and all the comforts of home.

Hiking

Hiking and trekking enthusiasts are in for a unique experience in Ukhahlamba Drakensberg, the country’s highest mountain range and one of the countries largest natural parks. From the breathtaking Tugela Falls to the 30,000 paintings found in over 600 caves featuring artwork dating back thousands of years there’s a good reason the Ukhahlamba-Drakensberg Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Cango Cave

The continent’s largest system of caves and a landmark of South Africa, Cango Caves are believed to be at least 20 million years old. The succession of large chambers has amazing limestone formations and can be explored with a group. If you go alone you can take the heritage tour or opt to go deeper into the cave system on the adventure tour.

Staying in a Tree House

A very special form of accommodation, the tree houses in South Africa are luxurious hotel rooms built on tree tops in the most picturesque outdoor locations. There are some spread across the country from the savanna to the African bushlands. One thing they all have in common is that when you look around from your tree-top terrace, you will see the a side of South Africa that’s usually only reserved for the birds.

Mountain Biking Trails

Whatever your level of fitness, if you are a mountain biking enthusiast, you will find amazing mountain biking trails in South Africa. To get you started, there are numerous trails starting in and around Cape Town and each one will give you some of the best views in the city.

Whale Watching

South Africa, surrounded on 3 sides by the ocean, is home to some great marine life along the coasts. Hermanus, famous for it’s Southern Right Whale watching tours from the high cliffs in town from late June to early December, is probably your best bet at spotting the gentle giants and even holds a whale festival each September to celebrate the whales mating season.

Vineyards and World Class Wineries

South Africa has long been known as one of the world’s finest wine-producing areas and is a huge center for wine tourism. The hilly area behind Table Mountain is home to some of the country’s best vineyards and offers excellent opportunities to taste local wines while staying at luxurious inns and hotels. 

Morocco is one of those rare places that lives up to its extraordinary reputation. The streets of Marrakech were teeming and busy, with Moroccan mint tea and the comfort of our quiet riad for respite (though getting to our riad was quite a challenge!). There seemed to be photo opportunities at every turn in the sprawling city.

During our two day excursion through the Atlas Mountains and into the Sahara, we also took more than our fair share of pics. Many of those were just quick snaps to record the moment, and share on Instagram, but we were so happy with how they turned out that we wanted to share them here too!

But maybe we’ll just let the photos tell you… All of these photos were taken on an iPhone 3GS or iPhone 4S.

Do you use your phone camera way too much? Love sharing those impromptu shots while on the road? If you’re on Instagram, you can join the fun by following us here.

We took many of these photos during our two day, one night  tour with Sahara Desert Kingdom tours. You can contact Sahara Desert Kingdom through their webpage, on Facebook, and read reviews on TripAdvisor here.

Lonely Planet Morocco

I exchange a tentative glance with Charles, debating how much I should worry about our little girl’s sudden bond with a 1,000 pound animal. Mohammad, the camel’s handler is completely unfazed by Jordan’s enthusiasm, though I’m fairly sure that small girls with wild golden ringlets don’t fling themselves on top of his camels every day.

For all their size, the camels don’t look terribly imposing.

Sitting down, they’re as docile as sleepy kittens and lined up neatly, with their gangly legs tucked primly underneath their lumpy bodies. Every so often one of them lets out a disconcerting “nuuuuuurrrr” sound, a deep rumbling that’s something between a cat’s purr and an elephant’s trumpet.

Mohammad tousles Jordan’s hair with a smile, and motions Charles to climb up on the saddle behind her. Cole wiggles into position on another camel and I scramble awkwardly behind him.

After a series of commands, and a gentle tug on the lead by Mohammed, our camel’s front legs straighten, and Cole and I are suddenly tilting backwards, staring at the wide blue sky. As we adjust and hold on for dear life, Mohammed gets the camel to extend its back legs, and we’re quickly propelled forward. Now ten feet off the ground, we’re questioning our decision to get on in the first place.

It seems like a long way down from the top of a camel.

Before we have time to reconsider, all our small group is quickly saddled up and we’re off, with the patient Mohammed walking ahead. He leads the first camel into the desert, with the other camels tied into a neat line behind. Each of us are laughing at the others in our group as we all try to adjust riding a camel for the first time.

Though Mohommad, the handler, leads the camels, we’re traveling through Morocco with Idir, our soft spoken and unflappable guide. Idir, who speaks fluent English, French, Berber, Arabic and a smattering of Spanish, has carefully explained that these are dromedaries (sometimes called Arabian camels) as they have only one hump, and not two. Since they’re all from the same camel family, we tended to use the term interchangeably to his constant chagrin.

As Idir drives away in our comfy 4×4 to help set up our camp for the night, we follow Mohammed into the desert. As our hour long ride wears on, I’m starting to think Idir’s choice of the 4×4 is a very sensible choice.

It turns out that camel saddles aren’t especially comfortable, especially with a seven year old perched in front of you.

Our camels pick their way across the sand,with a lilting, rolling gait that resembles a slow motion horse’s gallop. Dromedaries just like these have been used for thousands of years, as pack animals that made trade through the expansive Sahara possible.

Here, in the fading light of the desert, I half close my eyes and imagine a caravan of dromedaries from Southern Africa making their way across this land a thousand, maybe two thousand years ago.

Time wavers, and disappears just for a second.

Suddenly, Cole bursts into a giggling fit. The camel in front of us has decided to pee. To a seven year old, this is the highest form of humor.

Behind us, the sun sinks slowly into the golden sand. The road, and the camel camp behind us have completely disappeared from view. There’s nothing here in the middle of desert but us; our little caravan plodding slowly through the sands near the desert oasis of Ouarzazate.

The camel in front is still peeing. It seems like it has been spent about a third of our ride relieving itself. I make a note to ask Idir, who seems to have an inexhaustible knowledge of all things Moroccan, about the mysterious toilet habits of camels.

The nomadic Bedouin tents where we’ll lay our heads for the night appear as we crest a tall dune. The camp has hot showers and electricity to charge our iPhones, but you’d never know it as it enters into sight. Other than the telltale row of solar panels, there’s nothing here but a wide expanse of sand and our tents.

And that’s it. As quickly as it started, we’re off our camels and deposited just outside the camp. We walk, bowlegged and stiff towards the comfy cushions set up between the tents, where a steaming pot of delicious Moroccan mint tea awaits.

Cole is still giggling and we’re all thankful to have tried it but glad to be out of the saddle. After a long day of driving and seeing the Moroccan countryside, that last hour has worn us out.

Jordan just bounds ahead, ringlets bouncing, eager for her next adventure.

Morocco Essentials

Our camel ride was part of a two day, one night, tour with Sahara Desert Kingdom tours. You can contact Sahara Desert Kingdom through their webpage, on Facebook, and read reviews on TripAdvisor here.

Where: We rode our camels on a one hour ride near the desert town oasis of Ouarzazate.

Cost: A two day tour, including meals, all transportation, a camel ride, and accommodation costs around $200 USD per adult, and children are typically half price. Tours are very customisable and can be lengthened to 3, 5, or 7 days and longer if you want to  see more of Morocco or go further into the Saharan Desert.

Where to stay: Our tour started and ended in Marrakech, Morocco. We stayed in one of Marrakech’s traditional Moroccan riads in the Medina of the Old City. Check out our post on how to find the perfect riad in the Marrakech Medina.

Marrakech’s Medina is everything every guidebook says it is: a vibrant, teeming and wild assault on the eyes, ears and nose. Hustlers, touts, tourists, merchants, locals, mopeds, cars, and donkeys pulling carts of fresh vegetables somehow make their way along the narrow alleyways, as Moroccan grandmothers totter along seemingly oblivious to the chaos around them.

It’s this chaos that makes Marrakech’s riads a perfect, calm place to escape. We stayed in three riads (in four different rooms) over the course of a week, and had a chance to visit another for a very late brupper (breakfast foods for supper) with friends.

The riads ranged from simple budget rooms (Ryad Laarrous) to suites complete with two separate bedrooms and a large living area (Riad Dar Ourika).

Click here for the latest prices and more information.

What’s a riad? Riads are traditional Moroccan houses that have been converted into hotels or bed and breakfasts. Some are small enough to have only two or three rooms, others have dozens, but most only have five or six suites. They’re always built around a central courtyard, with windows and doors usually facing the courtyard rather than the exterior. From the outside, riads are decidedly unassuming, and even entrance doors are usually simple affairs. The ground floor often holds the dining area, central courtyard and a common sitting room, with individual rooms on upper floors. Most riads also have large rooftop terraces that allow you to bask in the Moroccan sun and watch the sun set over the Medina.

How much does a riad cost?

Rates range from around $35 USD per night for a double room in a budget riad (like Ryad Laarrous, where we stayed three nights), right up into the thousands if your budget can handle it (check out the stunning Dar Anika). We didn’t stay at the Anika (though I really wish we had). Check prices here.

You can easily get a double room in a mid-range riad for around $60 USD/night, or a large family suite for around $110/night. You can often even rent an entire riad by contacting the owners directly (most riads have websites, though many are only in French).

Click here for the latest prices and more details.

Booking.com

Why is there always a water fountain in the central courtyard?

The water in the center courtyard is a form of natural air conditioning. When hot air in the courtyard flows over the fountain, it’s cooled almost instantly. Because hot air rises (and cool sinks), the cooled air stays within the riad’s open air central courtyard, cooling off the building and the rooms around it.

How the heck do I find my riad? These streets are crazy!

Finding your way to your riad is probably going to be the hardest part of your stay. The streets in Marrakech’s Medina look like they were designed by a honeybee strung out on a strong dose of espresso. This is especially true walking through the souks near the center.

Check out this video of the four of us navigating the narrow streets (which would be small for just a pedestrian walkway in North America) on our way to our stay at Riad Ourika in the old Medina. This was our third or fourth foray into the Medina from that riad, and notice that we still got turned around. Twice!

At least our riad had a name and address on the outside. Many are unmarked and often even the street numbers are missing. Google maps will only get you so close to where you need to be so don’t rely on them to get you exactly where you need to be.

So how can you find them? Many riads will have someone meet you at the airport or train station to guide you if you contact them before you get there. Alternatively, you can do what we did, and pick a random kid somewhere near your riad and pay them 10 dirham (about a USD) to guide you to the front door. Your mileage may vary with this approach, as Marrakech is legendary for its touts and hustlers. If you get lost, trust us that within a few minutes you will have someone willing to guide you. Most are very nice but occasionally they can get pushy. Just be firm and realize that for many of them this helpful guidance is in effect a full time job for them.

What kind of amenities do riads have?

Marrakech’s riads have a surprising number of amenities, including everything from swimming pools, Wi-Fi access, free breakfasts, dining rooms, rooftop loungers and restaurants to onsite massages, spas and hammams. Most will also help you set up tours of the surrounding areas and will hold your bag if you decide to head to the Atlas Mountains or decide to camp out in the Sahara desert for a night like we did.

Swimming pools in most riads are usually fairly small and not heated, making them much more suitable for a plunge after a hot day walking through the souks than swimming laps. Almost all riads offer a breakfast with the room rate and many will also make you a delicious custom Moroccan dinner on site in a private dining room if you set it up a day in advance. We’ve heard from numerous people that the supper they were served in their riad was easily the best Moroccan meal they had in Marrakesh. Of course this wholly depends on the riad you have chosen.

Most riads will also provide you with a welcome Moroccan tea on your arrival or a delicious glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. The Moroccan tea (usually a very sweet green tea with large mint leaves in it) is absolutely delicious and shouldn’t’ be missed.

What’s a hammam?

A hammam (hamam) is a traditional Turkish bath. Many riads have their own onsite hammam rooms and staff, or they can refer you to a hammam nearby. Traditionally, a hammam is a communal experience, meaning you’ll be getting naked in a large room with a bunch of strangers (generally strangers of the same sex, as hammams are usually male or female only). Riads, however, can arrange for couples hammams in their private rooms. The experience can include a massage, or simply a steam followed by a rough soaping by a same sex attendant.

WiFi. Can I get it?

Ah, Internet access, the bane of our travel blogging life. Unfortunately, we had problems with Wi-Fi access in all of the riads we stayed at in Marrakech, despite the riads all advertising Wi-Fi in the rooms. That said, the WiFi signal was strong in all of the riads’ main lounges, and we often resorted to hanging out on the common couches when we needed to connect. You’ll stand the best chance of the Wi-Fi signal reaching your room if you have a room that connects directly to the main area on the ground floor. Unfortunately, this may mean your room is a little bit louder, but it may be a small price to pay for good Internet.

Where can I find a good riad?

We booked all of our riads through Booking.com. They seemed to have the most reviews of all the search engines we looked at, and prices were more often cheaper than booking through the riads themselves.

Click here for the latest prices and to see more information.

What’s the difference between a dar and a riad?

In practical terms, none. From what we could uncover, a dar should be a townhouse with a courtyard, while a riad should have a garden. However, many riads in Marrakech don’t have a proper garden.

Where we stayed

Ryad Laarrous

Decidedly budget, the Laarous feels a bit like it’s falling apart a bit at the seams. Still, it was pretty, with a cozy central sitting area offering a decent breakfast, a small pool, flat screen TVs in the rooms and a helpful front desk staff. Good value for the money however make sure you get a room that faces the inside as road noise from the few rooms facing the street can get pretty loud at times.

Click here for the latest prices.

Riad Dar Ourika

My favorite of the riads we stayed at, the Riad Dar Ourika had a leafy sitting area and good breakfast.

Our room, the Royal Suite (around $116 USD/night was huge, with two bedrooms, an enormous private central sitting area with fireplace and couches, a 15 foot tiled ceiling with skylight, a bathroom straight out of the Arabian nights, and a private terrace to relax on.

Click here for prices and more information.

Riad Tizwa

Small, lovely, and best suited to couples or singles (rooms aren’t well set up for larger families), this is a charming riad. Our Canadian friends, who met us in Marrakech, stayed here and gave us a tour of their gorgeous room.

We arranged for a custom meal on the rooftop terrace, and the cook pulled out all the stops, including rose petals on the table, candlelight, and a delicious spread of fresh fruit, juices, coffee, granola, omelettes and fresh bread.

Read more and see the latest prices here.

Booking.com