Marrakesh Tourist Trap Tips by mafi_moya

The Tanneries Places/ Buildings to avoid Review

Every major tourist city has one: a 'once in a lifetime' chance to see something special that lasts only one day. In Colombo (Sri Lanka) where I live, it's an elephant parade. In Marrakech Medina you'll be overwhelmed by people offering to take you to a special auction in the tanneries - people come to buy from as far afield as Mali and Senegal and it's only today. Of course it doesn't really exist and you'll be offered exactly the same opportunity any other day.

It's just an excuse to give you a tour round the tanneries at a ridiculous price then dump you in a family shop. I had a look round the tanneries anyway, just out of interest and they are well worth a look. The guy who showed me round for about 15 minutes then asked for 300 Dirhams (about 30 dollars!!!!!). Needless to say we had a slight difference of opinion and he tried to get me lost in the medina and steal my wallet. Fortunately I was bigger than he was!

Unique Suggestions: If you think you'd be interested in a look inside the tanneries and the process involved (and it is interesting) then just be prepared for a very hard sell and to stand up for yourself.