Advice for first-time visitors to Marrakech

How many days should I spend in Marrakech? I would plan for a minimum of two full days. However, you can easily spend a week here and discover something new every day. I've been based here for three years and I still come across new gems regularly.

When is the best season to visit Marrakech? Peak seasons are spring (March-May) and fall (September-November.) You'll get pleasant temperatures and plenty of flowers, but you'll also have to combat crowds. The beginning of the year (January and February) tends to be quieter and you also get the clearest skies, which means you have the best chance of seeing the snow-capped Atlas Mountains. Summer is low season. July is the hottest month of the year here, followed by August, when temperatures regularly go over 100°F/ 37°C. You won't have trouble finding accommodation in Marrakech at this time, and you might consider combining your trip here then with some of Morocco's nearby coastal towns.

Is it safe for women to travel alone to Moroccco? Travel is such a subjective experience that it's difficult to answer this question in a way that would be accurate for all women. I have female friends who have come to Marrakech and loved it. I have others who swear they will never return. It's very common to get chatted up here or to have someone offer to "help" you only to have ulterior motives. (But this is a song and dance that happens in every country.) You might consider wearing a wedding ring, regardless of whether you're married, to decrease your chances of being hit on. I traveled to Marrakech by myself three times before moving here from London and quite frankly, I've dealt with more obnoxious men in a pub than I have in the medina. However, if you are at all nervous, I highly recommend hiring a guide for at least the first day of your trip. (Whenever I have a journalism assignment here, I still hire a guide!) We all have such different experiences and mindsets, and what's most important is that you feel comfortable when exploring this beautiful city.

How should I dress in Morocco? I like to be mindful of the fact that I'm living in a Muslim country and wear somewhat modest clothes here: a lot of flowing dresses, linen shirts and pants. It's always a good idea to be respectful of the culture that you are getting to experience as a guest. At hotels and at trendier restaurants/ bars, it's very common to see visitors, as well as locals, in more revealing clothing. It's all about context.

Is Ramadan a good time to visit? Ramadan is actually one of my favorite times to be in Marrakech. It tends to be a little quieter because most of the country is observing and fasting. Oftentimes, Moroccans will invite you to join them for iftar (the meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan). You can also book your own iftar to experience at many restaurants and hotels across the city. I love that Moroccans are so open to sharing their beliefs with others, regardless of their faith. It's a gift to be here and get to learn about Islam and Morocco during Ramadan.

Is it hard to find places to eat if you're a vegetarian? Moroccan cuisine is very meat-based, but there are also plenty of vegetarian and pescatarian options. You can easily get a delicious vegetable tajine or couscous, as well as an array of Moroccan salads. (You absolutely must try zaalouk, an eggplant salad that everybody loves.) If you let your riad or hotel know ahead of time, they will always be happy to accommodate your dietary preferences. There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants in Marrakech offering vegetarian-friendly options. I'm actually a pescatarian and I have no trouble finding delicious things to eat here.

Is it difficult to explore the souks on your own? In short, yes. The souks can be as chaotic as they are magical, and a guide will help you navigate the maze-like streets in the most efficient way possible. You can absolutely do it on your own, but there is a good chance that you'll miss something special. Despite living here, I hired a guide during my mother's visit because I wanted her to have the most informative and interactive experience possible.

Do businesses take credit cards? Cash is king in Morocco. You absolutely want to carry cash with you and it's best to keep plenty of small change. Many vendors in the medina still do not accept cards.

What is it like to take a taxi? Unfortunately, taxis can be a hassle because there are a few bad apples among the drivers that can put a damper on your day. As a general rule, you should always insist that your driver turns on the meter. If he doesn't and you don't want to deal with finding another taxi, then be sure to negotiate a rate before agreeing to the ride. You shouldn't be paying the equivalent of between 1 and 1.5 euros for any trip in the medina or from there to the new town. But the reality is that sometimes, you might be short on time and patience and just agree to a slightly higher cost. It's up to you what battles you choose when traveling.