Cycling is hot, hard work in Morocco's major metropolitan city. Walking is difficult thanks to the sporadic placement of sidewalks. And public transport is not as relaxing or simple as you would like it to be.
Renting a motorbike in Marrakech is hands down the best way of exploring the city.
There is so much to see and do in Marrakech that you will want to explore everything. And unless you have weeks and weeks to spend in the city, a motorcycle is the only way to go.
Marrakech is home to thriving souks selling spices, traditional pottery, and jewelry dating back 1,000 years. The Moorish architecture consists of intricate, colorful mosaics and is well-preserved. And with the tasty cuisine and live music, Marrakech will stun your senses.
Here is everything you need to know about hiring a bike in Marrakech. This guide includes:
- Rules of the road when driving in Morocco
- Finding a motorbike to rent in Marrakech
- The cost of hiring a motorbike
- Common motorbike rental requirements
- Fun places you can visit in your cool new motorcycle
What Is Driving in Morocco Like?
There's no sugar coating it, driving in Marrakech is not for the faint of heart. It is a chaotic and lively place. Two lanes of traffic often stretch into five with many vehicles, cyclists, and donkey-riders all lining up at traffic lights.
You will need to either have confidence in your skills to drive in Marrakech or have a fearless attitude. But you can be sure that renting a motorbike in Marrakech will be a great adventure.
Marrakech's asphalt roads are wide but need more maintenance. Potholes are plentiful and driving at night is best avoided.
Although, Moroccans drive on the right-hand side which is ideal for American travelers. And with a motorbike, you can look at the traffic jams in your rearview mirror.
Where Can You Rent a Motorbike in Marrakech?
There are many shops offering motorbike rentals around Marrakech. Although, some cater to desert motorcyclists and supply off-road bikes. When renting a motorbike in Marrakech, make sure it is suitable for city driving.
You can rent motorbikes at Marrakech Menara Airport and in the Medina and Gueliz neighborhoods. There are some shops on the edge of the city toward HEEC University, too.
Marrakech's airport is only a 12-minute drive to the center of Marrakech, so renting a motorbike straight off the plane might be a great idea. But only if you are backpacking, it wouldn't be ideal with big suitcases.
There are clusters of bike shops in Gueliz and Medina so you may get a better deal in those neighborhoods if they have competitive prices.
What Does it Cost to Hire a Motorbike in Marrakech?
The bike rental price depends on what type of motorcycle hire you want. It also depends on how long you want to rent the bike for plus any extras like helmets and insurance.
Helmets are mandatory in Morocco and you should always have insurance before hopping on a motorcycle rental.
You can find small motorcycles, like the Yamaha Vity scooter, in Marrakech. And you can find larger motorcycles, like the BMW R1200GS, available to rent too.
Small motorcycles and scooters cost as little as €45 per day to rent. The most powerful motorcycles can cost around €200 per day to rent. And there are lots of options in the middle!
When you sign any forms, make sure the rental company includes all costs upfront. You don't want to take your bike back after an awesome day driving around Marrakech and have to pay an unexpected charge.
Do You Need an International Driving Permit in Marrakech?
Morocco's guidelines state that you must have a full driver's license from the country where you live. But you do not need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you are renting a motorbike in Morocco.
So, that is one less thing to organize before your trip to Morocco! But your license may only allow you to rent small motorcycles or scooters up to 125cc. Check with your issuing country before you travel.
Some suppliers may prefer to rent vehicles to travelers with an international permit, but this is easily avoidable. Make sure to double-check the requirements when you book and you should be fine with a regular photo license.
Where Are the Best Places to Explore by Motorcycle in Marrakech?
Now you know everything about renting a motorbike in Marrakech! Here are some places to visit and things to do on your rented motorcycle.
Badi Palace
This is one of the top things to do in Marrakech. The Bahia Palace only dates back to the late 1800s but it is a magnificent, historic building.
The finest Italian marble covers the entire 1500sqm floor. Every corner and tile is brightly colored, carved, and is painstakingly designed. An unmissable Marrakech landmark! There is parking opposite the Bahia Palace entrance only 2 minutes walk away.
Gueliz Neighborhood
Unlike the rest of Marrakech, the Gueliz neighbourhood offers straight, wide roads. Perfect for motorcyclists! It's an old French neighbourhood known for museums and European-style bars and restaurants.
There are lots of gardens and car parking spaces for you to take a breather from riding your bike.
Medina
You might assume the busy, labyrinthine streets in Marrakech's Medina are not the best roads to ride a motorcycle through. And you would be absolutely right! But the souks in Medina are an essential part of Marrakech to explore.
And motorbikes will help you cover this huge area. Rue Dar El Glaoui and Route des Remparts by the Oued Issil river act as ring roads around the circular medina neighborhood.
You can park in several places around Medina. The Koutoubia mosque is an ideal place to park, explore, then get back on the road again. It would only take you 20 minutes to drive around the whole area.
Renting a Motorbike in Marrakech Is Fun, Cheap, and Easy
Marrakech is unlike any other Northern African city. It offers a unique culture, world-class shopping, and friendly locals.
Whether you want to speed around Marrakech's top sites or head out of the city and explore Morocco, renting a motorbike is the only way to travel.
Do you still have questions about bike rentals in Marrakech? No worries, you can always contact us by phone, email, or our website's live chat.
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