You'll often hear the word "medina" mentioned in connection to Marrakech. As a general term, "medina" means the old walled part of a North African town. The medina of Marrakech is a sight to behold and the images from here are what travelers tend to think of when people speak about Morocco. Both beautiful and absolutely chaotic, the medina is full of historic sites and colorful souks. You'll see more donkeys and motorbikes than cars on its narrow streets and in some areas, very little has changed since the medina's founding in the 11th century. This area of the city can be difficult to navigate for first-time visitors. For those who tend to get overwhelmed by a lot of stimulus and crowds, hiring a guide is a safe approach.