A local guide for the funky cool medina in Marrakech...

What does being a local guide mean to me in Marrakech, Morocco?

I live in what I call the “funky cool medina” in Marrakech, Morocco.

Let me be clear, I am not a blogger and only vaguely use Instagram…I am so bad at being socially online that you may need to turn your head sideways for some of these photos!

…but in real life, I am continually busy finding new spots to eat, drink, see and do in my dear hometown of Marrakech. I accidentally became a Google Local Guide…mainly because friends continually got lost and so I started by adding local spots to the maps.

Many of these were owned by my local neighbours who had run their independent businesses for generations, and really appreciated the support. To them, I have helped put them on the map (literally!). Passing by and seeing places that used to be fantastic but empty and now have people waiting outside feels good. Plus, secretly people trust Google Maps way more than other websites.

Later, I started adding photos, and as a non blog type chick, was surprised when I got my first email from Google to say that hundreds, and then thousands of people found my photos useful. Wooohooo… It felt genuine and so I stumble on, without really understanding how I help, but just mentioning all my favourite places; usually throwing in a my top tip (like where to sit, or what to try from the menu)…

I focus mainly on the medina, because this is where I live…and many people (even locals from Marrakech) get lost or don’t really know what is cool or where to go.

I have friends and family visit and now have got them to add their favourite places in their own reviews. Especially my mum, because her perspective is different and a roof terrace has to be truly stunning if she has to climb 50 stairs to get there,

I love every moment being part of the organised chaos of the medina to being an active part of the local guides programme means so much as I genuinely like to support visitors to the city…helping them follow the blue dot, to avoid getting lost…or encouraging them to get lost…and then use the blue dot to return to somewhere recommended for a well earned rest and a mint tea or cocktail.

i offer various additional tips, whether in person or in my posts such as:

…advising travellers to walk on the right through the twisty medina lanes (to avoid being passed by local scooters)

…or suggesting people “follow the dot” on Google Maps to find out the best route in the true maze of the medina…

…whether places serve alcohol (many people assume there is no alcohol available within the medina walls…believe me, that’s not true :wink:

…but, most importantly, it’s to be part of a trusted community to encourage visitors to explore and engage with the magical medina of Marrakech and discover the old traditional, and new funky cool spots to visit.

…and in return, support the medina’s traditional economy (traditional artisans and makers, food, music, storytelling, art), which gives more opportunities for the people that live here.

So what does it mean to me? …it helps me feel connected, help others to connect, but mainly…it just brings me joy.

I am now fumbling around with the Google Local Guide’s Connect, so if anyone has any tips for me, or would like to meet up and share in person on a visit to Marrakech, let’s do this!

I live just by Jemaa El Fna, and of course…my place is on Google Maps!

Liv.

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If anyone is visiting the medina in Marrakech…let me know…I am always happy to help…

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Being a local guide for the funky cool medina in Marrakech, Morocco

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i love morocco few personal reason :joy: , fez , marakkesh , casalanca , agadir etc @HiddenMarrakech

1.Mosque Hasan II

2.Place Al-Mouahidine

  1. Cinema Museum

  2. Taourirt Kasbah

  3. Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou‌

6.Menara Gardens

7.Jama El f’na Market

8.Mhamid Marrakech

9.Koutoubia

10.Bahia Palace

11.Riad Kniza Marrakech

12.and many more

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@MahabubMunna

  1. Which is your favourite city of Morocco and why…?? :slightly_smiling_face:

  2. What do you miss most during lockdown?

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@HiddenMarrakech 1. I haven’t any specific city because of different cities’ different types of cultures.

  1. i miss hang out with my friends
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so so true… I love being in Marrakech, but I enjoy visiting the sea with friends.

Relaxing, cool and I like to eat the fresh fish :tropical_fish: :slightly_smiling_face:

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the photo is Essaouira Taken earlier this year (mid February). Xx