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Time Business News
28-04-2025
- Time Business News
Private Driver in Marrakech: Your Gateway to Exploring the Red City
Marrakech, which is also sometimes called the 'Red City', is a playful and lively Moroccan city. What is typically known as its bustling markets, its resplendent palaces, and the memory of a royal past are the reasons why it is so famous. Many tourists visit Marrakech at the same time of the year, mainly to see what magic exists in it. For those who decide to go on a trip to Marrakech, it may be a really good idea to consider hiring a private driver, it will be more interesting and revelatory. A Fullday Private Driver in Marrakech service is essentially a chauffeur-driven car that is at your disposal. Such service is tailored directly to your needs and makes it different from public transportation or taxis. A private driver allows one to have a personal excursion planner who will be with them wherever they go around the city, as well as the surrounding area. On your part, they are no longer there by the time you do not need them again. Comfort: Enjoy your travel in a nice, clean, air-conditioned car. Flexibility: You can go anywhere you want, at any hour you desire Local knowledge: Get the inside track on the city from someone who knows it well Safety: Do away with the stress in driving in a place you are not familiar with Time-saving: The manual process of directions or looking for parking is not needed The total time spent on such a service is more or less 8 to 10 hours. This provides you with ample time to explore plenty of places in and around Marrakech. A local guide will take you to your preferred site, from where your trip will eventually take you. Medina (Old City): Enter the heart of Marrakech Jardin Majorelle: Visit a garden with a famous blue Koutoubia Mosque: See the largest mosque of Marrakech Bahia Palace: It is a beautiful 19th-century palace that you can walk around Saadian Tombs: Witness the royal burial grounds of the city's historic period Atlas Mountains: Some mountains are somewhere near the place, and you can also take a trip there In looking for a private driver Marrakech, be careful to look out for the following things: One way to tell if the service is good is to research online feedback for the service. Websites such as TripAdvisor are a good starting point. If the consumers are happy, the service is likely good. Make sure your driver is able to communicate in a language that you are able to understand. Many drivers in Marrakech are skilled in English, French and Arabic. A good driver has to be quite familiar with Marrakech for example. They need to be able to suggest exciting places to visit and the best routes to take. First of all, see the vehicle you are going to drive in and does it fulfill the comfort criteria and is well-maintained? Consider prices from various suppliers and make your choice based on the value for money. Don't forget, of course, that the lowest price isn't always the best choice. Look for good bargains. They should pick you up at the agreed time in the morning and continue to do so throughout the day. At all times, you should expect that the driver will show you adequate manners of courtesy, respect, and will wear appropriate clothing. He should always clean and organize the car. A professional guide can make your trip even more exciting as he/she will let you know about the exciting things to do around the city For example, a great driver is capable of altering the tour in the case of the sudden appearance of a detour, the hour of a break being shortened, or if you prefer to have some extra time at a certain place or to visit a different one. To me, the person driving the car should go really slowly and by all means should keep the traffic rules and traffic lights in mind. And your security should be the first thing they would think of. That is to say, you should think of things you'd like to see when you are getting ready to go on your trip. For example, outline the places you would like to visit. With this information, the driver can plan the most effective way of getting you from point A to point B. The best way to spend your day without massive crowds and scorching sun is to start it early. Most places are quieter in the early hours of the day. Do not expect to get to know everything at once; instead, allocate some time for refreshment, rest, or taste local food. In the meantime, the driver might recommend some good food places. Do not be afraid to ask the driver questions. They have a lot to say about this neighborhood and are sure to have some interesting information. Discover the main attractions in Marrakech. Usually, this includes Medina, Jardin Majorelle, and Koutoubia Mosque. Please head to the Atlas Mountains, they are not far. You can take in the scenic views and visit Berber villages. One day, we were talking about it and decided to go down to Essaouira. It is a beachside town with an old port. One day I went to the Ourika Valley. We saw some waterfalls and at the same time, the natural beauty was pretty nice. While at that, learn about the traditional customs of the place you are going to visit. It is advisable to dress modestly, particularly when visiting the religious sites. Marrakech is hot. So, remember to carry water along with you all the time. Snacks are also useful for long drives. Moreover, even your driver might suggest places not included in your list. Think about what they're saying. They usually know the places that aren't usually known. You should take a lot of pictures of your trip. However, before taking any photographs of individuals, always ask for their permission. The most important benefit a full-day car driver's service can bring is the fact that it helps make your holiday less stressful and more enjoyable. It allows you the splendid chance to get around the city and the neighborhood without a problem. You can appreciate the scenes without thinking about the details, and your driver will be responsible for that. The right planning with a good driver can reward you with the best time of your life when visiting Marrakech. Being gentle, flexible, and relishing the charm of this beautiful city is a must. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Los Angeles Times
05-02-2025
- Los Angeles Times
Exploring the Wonders of Marrakesh
Marrakesh, Morroco is a dream destination for travelers who want to have an immersive experience in North African history and tradition. With its busy medina, colorful souks and magnificent palaces, Marrakesh offers an incomparable experience for first-time travelers or those who have globetrotted their entire lives. Here's a guide on how to travel to Marrakesh, where to start when you get there and how to get the most out of the amazing city. By AirMost travelers visiting Marrakesh pass through Menara Airport (IATA – RAK). The airport has various connections with significant European cities and numerous others from the world over. Grab a taxi or a transfer service from the airport to your hotel. By TrainMarrakesh is connected with clean, modern rail transit to the rest of Morocco's major cities and destinations. For example, trips from Casablanca to Marrakesh take approximately two and a half to three hours. By BusLong-distance buses also connect Marrakesh with various cities within Morocco and even neighboring countries. The bus station, Gare Routière, is located near the city center. From riads (traditional Moroccan homes) to hostels, hotels-just about everything is available for different tastes and budgets. Located in the middle of Medina, an old traditional Moroccan riad offers very special experiences. It amazes with a dive into genuine Moroccan atmosphere. For first timers, the best place to stay would be the Medina itself. Other options include Gueliz – the new city – or the area called Palmeraie, a historic oasis with a 1,000-year history. Marrakesh MedinaThe heart of Marrakesh, the medina, is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a labyrinthine wonder. Make your way through its narrow winding streets, historic palaces and bustling souks, or bazaar-style markets. Key attractions within the medina include the Koutoubia Mosque, Bahia Palace and the Saadian Tombs. Jardin MajorelleThe botanical garden is designed by the French painter Jacques Majorelle, an oasis of calm; it is painted bold blue in color, lined with exotic flora and housing the Berber Museum. It is ideal for a casual stroll and offers fantastic photo opportunities. Ben Youssef MadrasaWalk into a different era while stepping into this ancient Islamic school that impresses each visitor through its striking architecture, detailed tiling, and its courtyards. Jemaa el-Fnaa SquareJemaa el-Fnaa is the ancient heart of Marrakesh, a traditional open market by day, but at night comes alive with street entertainers, musicians and food stalls. Shopping and SouksExplore souks for an array of colorful textiles, spices, ceramics, jewelry, and typical Moroccan souvenirs in Marrakesh. Palais de la BahiaThe Bahia Palace represents the pinnacle of a 19th-century North African architecture; tile work, gardens, and architecture all combine for a perfect sightseeing experience. From Marrakesh, take day trips to the nearby attractions, which include the Atlas Mountains, Ourika Valley, or the UNESCO-listed kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou. Marrakesh is a wonderland of mingled ancient tradition and modern charm. A stay in Marrakesh promises unforgettable journeys into narrow medinas, stunning palaces and tempting Moroccan cuisine that will always stick in one's memory.
New York Times
28-01-2025
- New York Times
Fries With Your McBaguette? For Some Travelers, McDonald's Is a Destination.
When in Morocco, one might visit the El Badi Palace, walk the grounds of the Koutoubia Mosque or enjoy a meal of dates and chebakia at … McDonald's? For some, dining at McDonald's has become part of the fun of traveling abroad. With distinctive locations — a 'ski-through' restaurant in Sweden, a decommissioned Douglas DC-3 aircraft in New Zealand — and vastly different menus, the chain has adapted to a host of cultures, drawing in locals and tourists alike. Across TikTok, YouTube and Reddit, travelers have marveled at the options: poutine in Canada, jamón Ibérico sandwiches in Spain, fried chicken in Malaysia, macarons in France and McSpaghetti in the Philippines, to name a few. Though some seasoned travelers may look down on dining at McDonald's in Paris or Bangkok, the brand's fans say it's worth seeing how the chain adapts to local cultures. It has become an entry point into an unfamiliar cuisine or a way to mix the comforts of home with something new. That's how Gary He, a photographer based in Brooklyn, sees it. He recently released 'McAtlas: A Global Guide to the Golden Arches,' a 420-page self-published book of photos documenting the global McDonald's experience. Mr. He, whose project was not authorized by McDonald's, said it showed the vast difference between McDonald's locations in the United States and those abroad. 'McDonald's is known for its consistency, but as you go around the world, you realize that really isn't the case,' he said in an interview. 'It goes against everything you believe or know or assume about the brand when you're sitting in the United States.' The book features photos Mr. He took at McDonald's restaurants in 50 countries, showcasing local menu offerings, distinctive architecture and stunning settings. The images speak to an experience that has increasingly piqued interest among travelers. Christopher Sze, 35, and Stephanie Round, 36, recently sampled five different kinds of vegetarian burgers at a McDonald's in Mumbai, including the McSpicy Paneer and the McAloo Tikki Burger, for their food and travel blog, Hungry Two Travel. 'It is very interesting just to see how McDonald's adapts to these cultures,' Ms. Round said in an interview. 'If it didn't, people just wouldn't go there,' she added. 'You can tell they do their research.' For McDonald's, which has nearly 42,000 restaurants in about 100 countries, it's an important part of its business abroad. In a statement, McDonald's said it was 'passionate about our connection to and understanding of our communities.' While it's possible to grab a Big Mac or French fries at any location, roughly a third of the menu items in each country are customized, incorporating local ingredients, flavors, customs and traditional dishes, the company said. (Capitalizing on that sense of novelty, a McDonald's in Chicago has started offering a rotating selection of international menu items.) Mr. He, 40, said he ate 'tons of McDonald's' as a child growing up with 'immigrant parents who were just getting by.' He cherished the chain's cheeseburgers and happy meals, and continued to eat there as he traveled as a working photographer. About six years ago, while on a trip to Marrakesh, Morocco, during Ramadan, Mr. He sampled the McDonald's spin on an iftar meal, which is eaten to break the fast after sunset. 'I said, 'This is just so different than what I would ever expect,'' Mr. He, recalled, adding that it made him wonder: 'What else is out there?' After pandemic travel restrictions lifted, Mr. He began documenting the global spread of McDonald's and photographing its more idiosyncratic locations and menu offerings. He visited the 'McSki,' at the Lindvallen ski resort in Sälen, Sweden, which provides a 'ski-through' window at the base of a slope. He traveled to a location in a Japanese-style community garden in Singapore complete with ponds and foot bridges. And in Taupo, New Zealand, he ate inside a decommissioned Douglas DC-3 airplane. Mr. He said he hoped his photographs 'open up people's eyes' and show that, with McDonald's, 'it is not just globalization, there is a lot of localization going on.' Mr. He is hardly alone in his fanaticism. Jaya Saxena, 38, a correspondent at frequented the McDonald's below her apartment when she was studying in Rome in 2007. It was a budget-friendly option for a college student, and she said she was amazed by the pastries and beer and wine offerings. She particularly loved the Baci McFlurry, featuring a popular Italian hazelnut chocolate. She has since visited McDonald's locations across the globe — the ones in India are among her favorites — and always makes sure to check out what local delicacies appear in the McFlurries, like Cadbury chocolate in Ireland. 'I'm getting something that they absolutely would not have in the U.S.,' Ms. Saxena said in an interview. 'And that just sort of lights something up in your brain.' Drew Binsky, 33, a popular travel YouTuber, has eaten at McDonald's in more than 80 countries. He ranks locations in Rome and Porto, Portugal, among his favorites. 'A lot of time the culture takes me to McDonald's, because people are like: 'Have you tried our McDonald's? It is so good.'' he said. Not even decorated chefs are immune. Johnny Spero, 39, the chef at Reverie, a Michelin-starred restaurant in Washington, D.C., stops at McDonald's when he travels abroad for work, as he did recently in Brussels and Kyoto, Japan. Mr. Spero also proudly displays a copy of 'McAtlas' at Reverie, where the tasting menu runs around $300 per person. 'It is not something I eat regularly here,' Mr. Spero said in an interview, 'but for some reason, when you're abroad, I just want to see how different it is.'
CAF
27-01-2025
- Sport
- CAF
Fact Sheet: Marrakech, where football meets culture
Published: Monday, 27 January 2025 Marrakech, one of Morocco's most iconic cities, combines a rich cultural heritage with modern amenities, making it an ideal host for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025. Known as the "Red City," Marrakech offers visitors a unique blend of history, vibrant culture, and cutting-edge sports infrastructure. Venues Hosting AFCON 2025 Matches Marrakech will host several key matches of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations at its premier venue: Grand Stade de Marrakech – A modern stadium with a capacity of 41,245, equipped with world-class facilities. This stadium will host one of the quarter-final matches, showcasing its capability to handle high-stakes in a picturesque setting, the Grand Stade de Marrakech has previously hosted top international matches, including TotalEnergies CAF Champions League games and Morocco's national team fixtures. City Infrastructure Marrakech is well-connected via the Marrakech Menara International Airport, which offers direct flights to major global destinations. The city features an efficient public transport system, including buses and taxis, ensuring ease of movement for visitors. Marrakech also boasts an array of accommodations, from luxury resorts to budget-friendly options, catering to the needs of fans and teams alike. Attractions and Culture Marrakech is a global tourist hotspot with an array of attractions, including the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, the Majorelle Garden, and the Koutoubia Mosque. Visitors can explore the city's vibrant souks, enjoy traditional Moroccan cuisine, and experience the city's renowned hospitality. The city's deep connection to football is reflected in its passionate fanbase and its history of hosting top-tier African and international matches. Marrakech blends its love for football with its unique cultural ambiance, offering an unforgettable experience for players and fans alike. Football Legacy Marrakech has solidified its position as a footballing destination by hosting high-profile matches, including those in CAF competitions as well as other FIFA matches. The city's modern facilities and enthusiastic supporters make it a standout choice for the AFCON 2025. Climate and Legacy With mild weather in December and January, Marrakech provides the perfect conditions for players and fans during the tournament. Hosting AFCON 2025 is expected to further enhance Marrakech's reputation as a global sports and tourism hub, bringing significant economic and social benefits to the city.
