Marrakech overwhelms the senses by deliberate design. The medina exists to confuse and that confusion creates the experience — maps help but don't solve. Touts approach constantly; polite but firm rejection becomes essential survival skill. Riad accommodations transform experience from hotel tourism to genuine immersion. The main square (Djemaa el-Fna) entertains at dusk when performers and food stalls appear. Leather goods in tanneries mean navigating pressured sales but produce quality exists. Hammam culture ranges from tourist spas to genuine local facilities — research your comfort level. Bargaining starts at half or less of initial ask; vendors expect the dance. Photography requests with "friendly" locals often lead to payment demands — manage expectations. Mint tea arrives constantly; accepting hospitality doesn't require purchase. The souks organize loosely by trade (leather, textiles, metalwork) — learn the zones. Summer heat exceeds 40°C regularly; visit during shoulder seasons or survive with AC and timing. Day trips to Atlas Mountains and desert camps require full days each. Tipping all helpers (guides, porters, drivers) in modest amounts matters culturally.
