Floating above Marrakech before the sun rises is the kind of experience that stays with you long after you leave Morocco. And when you follow that flight with a wander through the winding lanes of the old souk, hunting for hand-painted crafts and 30-year-old paintings — well, that is a full day worth writing about.
This is exactly the journey Hassan took on one rainy morning in Marrakech, and every detail — from ticket prices to bargaining tips — is here to help you plan yours.
Why a Hot Air Balloon Marrakech Flight Should Be on Your List
Before arriving in Morocco, most people do not even know that hot air balloon flights are possible here. The moment you hear about it, the answer is obvious — of course you have to do it.
Marrakech is one of the few cities in the world where 20 to 30 balloons lift off on a single morning. The sky fills with colour: green company balloons, red balloons painted with the Moroccan flag, and the slow, silent drama of them all rising together over the Palmeraie.
What makes it special: The landscape below reveals village rooftops, small gardens, boats tucked away in fields, and the vast open plains stretching toward the Atlas Mountains. On a clear day, you can see those mountains in the distance. Even on a cloudy morning, the sight of coloured balloons drifting against a grey sky is completely surreal.
What to Expect Before You Take Off
You will be collected from your hotel by shuttle — the pickup and drop-off is included in the price. You arrive at a base camp set up in a traditional Moroccan style, with cushioned seating areas, small firepits to warm your hands, and staff dressed in traditional clothing.
Tea, coffee, orange juice, fresh fruit, olives, bread, eggs, and cheese are all waiting for you. It is a proper breakfast, and it is included.
A drone films each balloon in the air, and you can purchase a short personalised video for around $30 USD — a nice option if you want footage of the flight from the outside.
At the end, you receive a handwritten certificate with your name written in Arabic calligraphy. Out of six hot air balloon flights across Nepal, Egypt, Tanzania, and Cappadocia, this was the only company that offered that personal touch.
Hot Air Balloon Marrakech: Prices and Practical Tips
- Price range: $90–$180 USD per person depending on the season and how you book
- Tip: Book through your hotel — Hassan paid $130, while the website listed $180. Others paid as little as $90–$100
- Basket size: Around 16 people per basket
- Flight time: Roughly 45–60 minutes; faster in strong wind
- Best conditions: Go on a clear day if you can — visibility makes a big difference
- Important: Balloons move with the wind only. The pilot can go up and down, but cannot fully control the landing spot — it is part of the adventure
- No tip box: Unlike many other balloon companies around the world, this operator does not have a communal tip box. You may tip individuals directly if you wish
Exploring the Old Souk: Art, Crafts, and the Art of Bargaining
After the balloon, the medina calls. The old souk of Marrakech is not just a market — it is a labyrinth of colour, craft, and conversation, and it is easy to spend hours inside without once checking the time.
Finding Your Way Around Jemaa el-Fna and the Souk Entrance
The main square — Jemaa el-Fna, which translates roughly as "the mosque of the people" — is the gateway to the souk. It is a lively, energetic space, though Hassan is honest: it has its downsides too.
Snake charmers, henna artists, and men with animals work this square aggressively toward tourists. Be polite, be firm, and keep walking. The real beauty of Marrakech is not on the square itself — it is inside the market.
A good tip: Visit the square in the morning when it is calm, then step into the souk before the afternoon crowds arrive. Hassan arrived at 11am and found it manageable. By evening, the lanes become almost impassable.
What You Can Buy in the Old Souk
The souk divides into different sections — leather goods, spices, metalwork, textiles, and art. Here is what caught Hassan's eye:
Hand-painted decorative pieces: Small hand-painted wooden doors that open to reveal a little mirror inside. At around 90–100 dirhams (approximately $9–$10 USD), they make beautiful and affordable gifts. Bargain from the first price — Hassan brought the price down from 100 to 90 dirhams.
Personalised engraved bracelets: Craftsmen at the market can engrave your name in Arabic or Latin script while you wait. Prices start around 120 dirhams, but can come down to 80 dirhams ($8 USD) with a little friendly negotiation.
Paintings and artwork: This is where Hassan's most meaningful purchase happened. He found a painting approximately 30 years old — a gift for his wife — and negotiated the price from 1,200 dirhams down to 1,000 dirhams (just over $100 USD). For a piece with that kind of age and quality, it felt like a fair price.
Inside the souk, you will also find artists working with old Arabic and French books, using the pages as a canvas for a completely different style of mixed-media art. Two different artists, two completely different voices — worth slowing down to look at both.
Tips for Shopping in the Old Souk
- Arrive early: Shops open around 9am, and mornings are quieter and cooler
- Always bargain: Start below the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle — it is expected and part of the experience
- Don't feel pressured: A smile and "la shukran" (no thank you) is enough
- Filming: Some vendors prefer not to be filmed — always ask first
- Rain is fine: The covered sections of the souk mean bad weather is no problem at all. Step inside and you instantly forget it is raining
Finishing the Day Right: A Tajine With a View
After the balloon and the souk, Hassan ended his final day in Morocco with lunch at a restaurant called Mer, right on Jemaa el-Fna square. A chicken tajine with olives and vegetables, an aubergine starter topped with yoghurt, pistachios, and raspberries, and a view over the whole square from the terrace.
A fitting goodbye to a country he will absolutely return to.
Ready to Float Over Marrakech?
A hot air balloon Marrakech flight is one of those experiences you think about for years after — and pairing it with a slow morning in the souk makes for one of the best days Morocco has to offer.
Have you taken a hot air balloon flight in Marrakech, or do you have a favourite hidden shop in the souk? Share it in the comments below — your tip might help a fellow traveller find something wonderful.