48 hours in . . . Marrakech, an insider guide to the Red City

48 hours in . . . Marrakech, an insider guide to the Red City

British Honorary Consulate Marrakech: 00 212 524 42 08 46; 47 Boulevard Abdelkrim El Khattabi, Gueliz

Tourist police: 00 212 524 38 46 01

Ambulance: 150

Polyclinique du Sud hospital: 00 212 524 44 79 99

Tourism Office: 00 212 524 43 61 79; Place Adbdel Moumen ben Ali, Gueliz

The basics

Currency: Dirham (abbreviated to MAD or Dh)

Telephone code: Dial 00 212 if calling Marrakech from the UK. From inside Morocco, substitute 00 212 in all the above numbers with 0

Time difference: +1 hour

Languages: Darija (Moroccan Arabic); French; Tashelhit (Berber)       

Flight time: London to Marrakech is between 3hr 30min and four hours

Local laws and etiquette

While Marrakech is one of Morocco's most liberal cities, a degree of modesty in how you dress will be greatly appreciated by your hosts. Both women and men should avoid revealing clothing and keep knees and shoulders covered.

Marriage in Morocco remains a highly respected institution. For this reason it is not in the least rude to enquire about marital status and new acquaintances are questioned early on in a conversation. Solo women travellers, in particular, may be prone to questions as to why they would travel unaccompanied. In addition, Moroccan laws still prohibit extra-marital sex, drinking in public and smoking kif (hashish).