I've been told the best place to stay in Marrakesh is in a riad. What's that

Asks howardpiercy

A. A riad is a small hotel that has been set up as a traditional Moroccan home. They�are to be found in the centre of the old town, and look like small walled compounds from the outside. Once you enter the front gate, though,�you discover an impressive open courtyard with rooms around it -�usually in a circle.

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These rooms are large, dark and very cool in the city heat, and decorated in traditional Moroccan style with many floor-cushions, day-beds and awnings. They offer a welcome and particularly calm respite from the hustle and bustle of the city - and are becoming increasingly popular because they are very laid-back and informal; great places to relax. All riads were once traditional family homes that have been converted into small hotels.

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Q. What does Marrakesh have to offer the tourist

A. If you're after a quiet holiday near the beach, this is not the place for you. Marrakesh (or Marrakech)�is a large, sprawling city in the middle of the Moroccan desert. It is�incredibly busy, hot, noisy and basically mad - at least when you first arrive.

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All of this can be incredibly daunting when you first arrive, so take your time to get acquainted with the city for the first few days of your trip. Try not to pack in too much at once, as the heat will wear you out. The best way to see Marrakesh is to hire a guide when you arrive - and while you may not be used to doing this, it really is�a good�way to see the city.

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If you do not have a guide or look as though you know your way around, you will be continually hassled in the streets to enter shops and markets - �and followed by young hopefuls pitching to be your guide. It drives you mad after a few hours, so be warned if you decide to go it alone. Employing a guide keeps everyone else away from you and gives you an opportunity to enjoy the many splendours Marrakesh has to offer.

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Some of the best things to see in the city include the following:

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Medina: the medina or old town is at the heart of the city and is full of small, winding, cobbled streets that are easy to get lost in.

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Place Jemaa el Fna: is the main square at the entrance to the medina, and is one the most infamous streets in the world - mainly because its street entertainers are second to none. Here you'll find snakecharmers, storytellers, acrobats, bellydancers, jugglers and musicians -�they all perform most days for free,�although you will be encouraged to part with a small donation. It is also the best place in the city to sample the local cuisine.

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Souk: you cannot stay in Marrakesh and miss the souk or local market. It is the place to shop, but be prepared to bargain as it will be considered rude not to. Here you'll find rugs, carpets, jewellery, perfume, spices, fabrics, ceramics, copper to name but a few items on sale; you can basically find anything here, and it is a great experience and great fun shopping.

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Although the souk area may appear to be one huge market to the uninitiated, it is in actual fact split up into different types. Souk Smarine is most famous for its textiles, Souk el Kebir for its Western designer goods and Souk des Bijoutiers for its jewellery.

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Koutoubia Mosque: dates back to the 12th century and is the best-known landmark in the city. Its minaret, pictured on our home page,�stands 70 metres high and is surrounded by paved and flowered gardens.

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Marrakesh's main tourist attraction, the Saadian Tombs, were sealed up during the 16th century and lay in ruin until the beginning of the 20th when they were rediscovered. The site of the tombs contains two mausoleums, one containing the body of Ahmed El Mansour, and the graves of over 100 other Saadian princes. The gravestones and surrounding buildings are beautifully tiled and have been restored to their original glory.

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El Badi Palace: is mostly in ruins today, but a lot remains that hints to its former glory. It dates back to the 16th century.

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The Museum of Moroccan Arts can be found inside the Dar Si Said Palace and is home to some great collections of Berber jewellery and weapons.

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Q. How old is Marrakesh

A. It dates back to 1062.

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Q. What is the official language in Morocco

A. Arabic - although French, Spanish and English are understood in the cities and tourist resorts.

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Q. Do I need a visa to visit

A. Not if you have a European passport.

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Q. What is the currency

A. The dirham.

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You can find out more about visiting Marrakesh from the official Moroccan Tourist Board website: www.tourism-in-morocco.com

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If you have any other Travel-related questions, please click here

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by Karen Anderson