Parking in Marrakech: Essential Tips for Stress-Free Parking

The color, rhythm, and scents of Marrakech are amazing. It can be very convenient to explore this magical place by rental car, but parking? That’s rarely the case. In this post, I will share my learnings, insights, and tips while parking in Marrakech so that you can fully enjoy your trip free from stress.

Parking in the old medina: virtually impossible by car

The historic medina is the heart of Marrakech, with its labyrinth of narrow streets and mostly pedestrian streets. That is to say, you can’t actually drive any further than the margin of the medina. Fear not, however, as there are small parking lots wrapping the outside, although no grand facilities should be expected here.

One thing to know: just as you pull up to one of these parking spots, a man will usually come up to your car wearing an orange vest. This is the parking attendant, who fits your car tightly among the others, like a puzzle. He might ask for your car keys occasionally — my tip? Don’t give them to them if you are in a rental car!

Be careful of the “luggage tourist trap.”

Very soon after you exit, you may be accosted by young men with luggage carts. They will offer to take your bags to your riad, but be aware! This is not friendly assistance, but an organized mob demanding a high cut. After a polite negotiation — which can ascend to dozens of Dirhams in seconds — they may take you into a dark alley and force you to shell out even more.

The best tip? Stay in your car and call your riad to come get you. The “luggage tourist trap” typically disappears once one of the guys back at the riad shows up. That way, you also know your car will be safe.

Parking in the new town and along the way

For one thing, the streets are wider, and it’s easier to park in the new city. There are many hotels that provide guarded parking lots, so be sure to check when booking.

Parking in Marrakech is sometimes tricky, congested street-wise in the old city. You park on the street, almost always with a parking attendant to protect your car and help you park. This may cost a few dirhams. But it’s reassuring to know that in the majority of parking garages, you are not insured against theft, so make sure to park carefully and ensure that your car is secure.

Public parking spaces can also be found throughout the city, at various locations including the car park at the popular Jemaa el Fna square in the medina. These charge hourly rates or daily, depending on your subscription.

If you are renting an apartment, you can usually just pull up to your door, like most places in Morocco. Car watching, even from a concierge, is common, but do so at your own risk. Don’t count on an insurance payout if something goes wrong. If you are staying in a hotel or riad, be sure to ask about parking. Most accommodations have their own parking.

You can park wherever you like in Marrakech, even though it might not be so safe. Even if there are guards at the parking spots, it is not guaranteed that nothing will happen. And sometimes, even in supposedly free parking areas, you are charged a small fee… and sometimes not when you expect there to be one.

Rates and safety

If you just want to park for a short while, you would generally pay the parking attendant about 5 dirhams per hour. It’s around 10-ish dirhams for a day and 25-ish for a full night. The only safe time to always pay is when you are leaving, so you don’t pay too much.

The benefit of the parking attendant is that your car is really guarded, so you can do things without worrying.

Returning your car at the conclusion of your trip

Top tip if you are finishing your trip in Marrakech: Add a couple of extra days to drop off your hire car in Marrakech because alternatively, you have to deliver that car back to the airport or to the same office in Marrakech, since there is no hire car return office close to the city center. It’s often inconvenient to drive (and park!) in the city, and if you’re going to be in town and plan to do mostly downtown activities, chances are you won’t need a car anymore. Taxi or tuktuk to your hotel – save yourself the headache.