Now having 36 countries under my belt, my first adventure into Africa was a doozy!
Welcomed by impressively organized chaos the moment you leave the airport, you quickly realize you’re ‘not in Kansas anymore’ as you whizz by camelback locals, blended eras of architecture, and jaw-dropping grand palaces.
But as you do anywhere when traveling into the unknown – you adapt. And adapting in Morocco’s stunning capital city of Marrakesh was a suprisingly easy adjustment despite its quirks.
Playing digital nomad for the week here was flawless, and I can’t express enough how much I enjoyed wandering this ancient city and working from some of the best rooftop cafes I’ve been to in my travels.
Safe, sunny, and immensely captivating, digital nomads shouldn’t sleep on Marrakesh as a top winter destination, especially with new nonstop flights just launched by United.
Immensely Cultural And Always Abuzz
For those who don’t have Morocco in their scope, it’s set directly across from Spain, which if you think about it, is pretty crazy how cultures can differ so widely yet be so close.
You won’t find cheap wine and never-ending tapas, but you will find cheap tea and never-ending souks.
If you’re unaware, a souk is a traditional marketplace, typically streetside, showcasing local vendors’s goods from spice shops, textiles, fresh eats, jewelry, and more.
Wandering the miles of narrow alleyways of the Medina’s souks was absolutely mesmerizing, especially since anything from motorcycles, donkeys, and stray cats force their way through this shared space.
The sights, sounds, and seducing smells of fresh brewed coffee, barbecued lamb, and motorcycle exhaust are an indescribable cocktail of sensory overload that will invigorate you.
Ground zero for the cultural chaos is Jemaa el-Fnaa, an open plaza of snake charmers, fresh juice stands, and endless hawkers selling anything from knock-off goods to savory kebabs.
But, for digital nomads, in and around this central part of the city lies numerous awesome places to make your base for work.
Getting Around: Uber doesn’t serve Marrakesh but I’d argue Morrocco’s robi.taxi app works even better! Just make sure you have WhatsApp installed too.
Scenic Rooftop Cafes And Co-Working Spaces
Life is short, so you might as well make the best of your work. Marrakesh doesn’t disappoint. In fact, I had no plans for my trip to be sourcing it as a digital nomad destination per se, but it was too obvious the more time I spent there.
As I was banging out article for you all (you’re welcome), I loved the environment ranging from rooftop cafes overlooking remnants of the ancient world, trendy shisha cafes, and even my Airbnb balcony – all of which had speedy, reliable wifi.
Most of the best rooftops to work from were all in the Medina and there are nice co-working offices dotted through the are as well.
My personal favorite was Kosy Kawa located in The Mellah (the old Jewish quarter ), offering great views but less crowds than the wild atmosphere of Jemaa el-Fnaa.
While I did not use a co-working space since I prefer cafes, I did cross many along the winding souk walkways, but top-rated Goworking Marrakech is open 24 hours and located in the more modern district of Gueliz where I stayed.
To make matters easier, every single person I interacted with in Marrakesh spoke fluent English – taxi drivers, baristas, street vendors, everyone.
Get Your Winter Sun For Cheap
Money was no issue in Marrakesh from $1.50 coffees and mint teas, $8 traditional Tajines, and $33 spacious Airbnbs (with air conditioning!).
Americans can stay in Morocco visa-free for 90 days, so now is the perfect time to plan an extended stay in Marrakesh with monthly Airbnb apartments listed between $800 – $900 in great locations.
The weather stays warm through winter with temps hovering in the 60s and 70s. And better yet, Marrakesh is safe, so don’t let the word “Africa” deter you.
The U.S. State Department lists Morocco as Level 2 on par with many popular destinations across the globe.
I walked around at midnight and never once felt sketched out. Your only worry will be weaving through motorcycles and crossing the street as traffic signs are mere suggestions.
As anywhere, do as locals do.
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