morocco tourist tips

21 Things You Must Know Before Visiting Morocco Travel Tips

• Africa / Fez / In the City / Marrakech / Morocco
• 33 Comments

Visiting Morocco? This is what you need to know before visiting.

More and more people are visiting Morocco every year. It’s a beautiful country, and as photographers and videographers, we had a field day.

On the flip side, there were also downsides to visiting especially as a woman. If you plan on going, we put together a few pointers to help you set realistic expectations and prepare for your trip.

Thank you Contiki for hosting our trip. See our full 15 day trip itinerary here . All opinions are always our own. This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: March 16, 2023

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21 things you must know before visiting morocco, best places to stay in morocco, planning checklist, more resources, 1. dress appropriately.

Overall, guys can dress however they like, but women need to dress more conservatively. Although you see many tourists wearing whatever they want, we chose to cover up as much as possible to avoid unwanted attention.

Even if you’re traveling with a group of guys, you may still get harassed. Some of the girls in our group got groped on multiple occasions even though we were paired off with a male buddy.

It was mostly really old men, and it happened more often in crowded places. When visiting mosques, you need to cover down to your wrists and ankles.

For the ladies out there, keep a  shawl / scarf  handy (this one is reversible and great for traveling light)

See More: What to Pack for Morocco – 2 Weeks in a Carry On

2. Currency and Cost

More established shops will take credit cards, but most smaller markets, street vendors, and cabs will not. Be ready with the local currency.

The Moroccan Dirham (DEE-rahm) goes for roughly 10.4 Dirhams (DH) per 1 USD or 11.09 per 1 euro. We thought things would be cheaper in Morocco, but the prices were comparable to Europe because of how touristy the country has become.

Our guide recommended that each person exchange 100 euros daily, which was plenty for us.

3. ATMS Can be Hit or Miss

Exchange enough money when you get your chance. Ask the front desk at your hotel; they may have money to exchange.

The ATM quickly ran out when our entire group was trying to exchange money. Who knew ATMs can run out of money!

A few people from our group thought the ATM was giving an error and tried multiple times, but the ATM didn’t dispense any while still charging it from the bank for every attempt.

Also, traveler’s checks are pretty much useless in Morocco. It’s hard to find a place to cash them.

4. Keep Correct Change with You

Moroccan cab drivers rarely “have change” when you need it. At least, that’s what they tell you. To avoid overpaying, keep your coins.

Most of our cab rides within the city cost roughly 30 Dirhams. The dilemma with keeping change though is that you will not be able to exchange it back when leaving the country since they only want larger bills.

You want to keep correct change while you’re in the country, but you also want to spend it all before leaving.

5. Learn to Haggle

If you’re shopping in the markets or medinas, you will have to learn to haggle. I know some people have strong opinions about paying full price for the sake of “charity”, but selling is like their national sport and haggling is an integral part of their culture.

More likely than not, they will still get the better deal, but keep in mind if you are willing to spend the time, you can get items for at least 25-50% of the starting price.

Know what you’re willing to pay before you start the haggling process and walk out if you can’t get the price you want. They may call you back multiple times.

Also, you may want to bargain with your cab drivers before getting in. Most of our rides within the city cost 30 DH. If they demanded more, our guide told us to hand them the money and walk away.

Luckily, that didn’t happen to us because we always firmly set a price before the ride.

If you’re looking to buy a carpet or anything with a higher price tag, do your research before visiting Morocco. People get tricked into buying them as “an investment” to sell later. Don’t fall for their sales tactics and the local guide’s added pressure to buy.

Have some change ready for tips. A good general rule of thumb is 1 DH at a local place and 3-5 DH at nicer places.

7. Be Wary of Local Guides

You should absolutely hire a local guide to help you get an inside perspective on the country and navigate through the maze of the medinas (old towns). However, be sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

The local guides have built relationships with many different stores, and they are most likely getting a cut of the sales. Don’t be fooled when they say they are trying to help you haggle to get the best price, because they usually aren’t. We were able to get better prices without them. This happened in Fes.

See More: 21 Amazing Things to Do in Fes Morocco

8. Stay Away from Strangers Offering Free TOurs or Directions

Even if you don’t hire a local guide, you might find other locals offering you tours while you’re walking around the markets and medinas.

If you go with one of them you may end up completely lost and pressed to spend money. Most of the time they will ask for a tip afterward too.

This is the same with asking for directions. A lot of them will offer to walk you to where you’re going but then ask for a tip. If you’re so inclined, always keep money to pay them off, plan ahead and ask your hotel, or pull up some maps when you have WIFI.

Also, if you are  renting a car in Morocco  so that you can get around on your own, be sure to plan ahead rather than wait until you are there.

9. Fridays are Holy Days and Prepare for Holidays

Keep in mind that it is a Muslim country, so pay attention to their holidays otherwise you might be there when everything is closed.

Also, most shops and attractions will close on Friday since it’s their holy day.

A friend of mine went during Ramadan and told me it was very difficult to eat meals. We happened to arrive in Morocco on Eid al-Adha, where they were slaughtering and sacrificing animals on the street.

All shops we saw closed that day and most shops were closed the following day.

Plus it was a bloody mess, most of which we avoided. Below you can see what is usually a crowded marketplace is deserted.

10. Be Careful what Water You Use

To stay safe, drink bottled water and even use it to brush your teeth. Also, avoid using any ice when you’re out. The LARQ Self-Cleaning Water Bottle is really useful when you’re in Morocco if you don’t want to buy a ton of bottled water. See all the top travel water bottles we tested on the road.

11. Pack Some Imodium

I don’t care how strong you think your stomach is, you should pack some  Imodium   just in case. This is always a good rule of thumb for all travel.

At least a third of our group wasn’t feeling well after the first meal in Morocco. I popped a couple of Imodium, and I was fine the next day. Others were not so fortunate.

See More: 21 Moroccan Foods You Must Try

12. Watch Your Pockets

Most Moroccans are friendly and honest, but you should always be careful with pickpockets in any major city, especially in crowded places like the markets. Pickpockets often target touristy areas.

13. What Language Do they Speak?

Moroccans speak a mixture of Arabic, Berber, English, and French. You’ll be fine with English in most of the larger cities, but you’ll probably need a translator in the rural parts of the country.

Here are a few basic Arabic words that came in handy:

• Hello  (Peace Be With You): Salam Alikome (salaam a eleikum)
• Thank You:  Choukran (shokran)
• No Thank You:  La Choukran (la shokran). This one is useful when you have a bunch of street vendors hassling you to buy something.
• Watch Out:  Balak. Although you won’t use this yourself, you’ll most likely hear this in the medinas or souks (outdoor markets). Locals will say balak if coming by with a mule, motorcycle, or cart to warn you to either get the side or get run over.

14. Visiting Mosques

If you’re hoping to see a Mosque while visiting Morocco, you might be out of luck unless you’re Muslim. Most mosques are off-limits to non-Muslims, with the exception of the massive Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. They are still beautiful to take photos from outside though!

If you’re looking for beautiful architecture,  Bahia Palace   is open to visitors.

See More: 21 Fascinating Things to Do in Marrakech Morocco

15. Alcohol, Drugs, and Parties?

Although most Moroccans are Muslims, yes, they still have all these. Hashish, an extract of the cannabis plant, is quite commonly offered to you in the streets. 

Contiki loves their parties, and we were told that only hotel bars had alcohol available for tourists, but we surprisingly found several bars and even nightclubs serving alcohol.

We decided we didn’t want to pay 300 DH (30 euros) to get into a club that already appeared like a sausage fest from the outside.

They also told us it’s pretty typical for prostitutes to hang out at nightclubs there too. There was a special DJ guest that night, but normally the club was supposed to cost around 150-200 DH.

16. Do I need a Visa or Vaccines?

Almost all English-speaking countries (except South Africa and Australia) do not require visas to enter the country. The CDC also doesn’t require any vaccines although many would recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots. Find out more details from  CDC here  for the most updated information on vaccinations before visiting Morocco.

17. Have the RIght Converters

Don’t get stuck in Morocco without a way to charge all your electronics. We recommend picking up  one of these  so that you have options for wherever you travel and additional outlets in case there aren’t many in the hotel room.

Morocco uses the following: Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 Hz, Power sockets: type C / E. If you have something that works in Europe, then it will be the same. If you’re traveling from the states,  the adapter  will help you get everything charged.

18. Ask Before Taking Photos (And You may have to Pay)

When you’re walking through the markets, be careful when taking photos of people and shops. Unless you are purchasing something, they may get angry at you and even demand money for the photos.

When we took photos of the snake charmers, we paid 20 DH. Some may even hassle you for more, so again, it’s good to first establish a price before taking a photo.

19. Bring TOilet Paper with you Everywhere

Don’t expect bathrooms to have toilet paper. Be prepared with your own and also have some hand sanitizer available. A lot of public restrooms have a small fee as well so if you see an attendant be sure to ask the price before using the bathroom.

Though they’re not flushable, I like to bring my  wet wipes  on all my trips to wipe my hands when I don’t have easy access to bathrooms.

20. Souvenirs to Bring Home

Fez is known for leather and carpets, while Marrakech is known for fragrances, oils, and spices (like saffron). If you’re buying saffron, make sure you’re buying the real thing. Many places sell artificial saffron for dirt cheap or mix the real with the fake stuff. No one wants saffron cut with other spices.

You can ask them to do a demonstration in water. If it colors the water yellow, it’s real, if it turns reddish, it’s the dye coming out from the artificial saffron.

You can also smell the difference (should smell more herbal), or ask for a couple of strands to put in your mouth and spit it onto a tissue to see what color it produces.

21. It’s a cat Lover’s Heaven… and Hell

There are homeless cats everywhere in Morocco. They are super cute and made us smile every time we saw them but also really sad every time we had to walk away and leave them.

It seemed that the people of Morocco took care of them in their own way. We saw them feeding them scraps of food in the markets. If you’re highly allergic to cats, don’t forget to bring some allergy meds with you.

Final Thoughts as a Woman Visiting Morocco

There were many times on our trip that I genuinely wished I was a man visiting Morocco. While others simply got annoyed (full disclosure), I was much more sensitive since I still have residual resentment from some sexual traumas when I was younger that I am working out.

It’s a work in progress, making the trip incredibly challenging personally. For the most part, we had the best-case scenario of traveling with a local guide and Contiki. Those incidences happened within the few hours of free time that we wandered off alone.

Overall, Morocco is beautiful, and we’re happy to have experienced the country.

Instead of scaring you from visiting, we hope it educates you and helps you go in with the right mindset and expectations. As long as you’re entirely aware of your surroundings and know what to expect, you can have a wonderful experience.

• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Find a great deal on Morocco hotels .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Book a tour for your visit.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Buy a Morocco travel guide .
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .
• Lonely Planet Morocco  – they always have great photos and information.
• Moon Morocco  – also very photo heavy.
• Morocco National Geographic Adventure Map
• Pocket Arabic Dictionary

Is Morocco one of the top places you want to visit? Why or why not? Can you think of any other tips for visiting Morocco?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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This Post Has 33 Comments

I’ve been to Morocco 3 times. Tangier and twice to Agadiar. Guess what IM A WOMAN and had the most amazing time in both areas. In Tangier we visited the Casbah which was amazing. Haggling was fun and the people are great. Never felt vulnerable and I have not been insulted or felt afraid. On the most part the people are really nice. I absolutely love Agadir. Its modern in its approach and there’s loads to do. The beach is beautiful. As two women travelling without a man, oh who’d of thought, we did not have any issues in Morocco anymore than anywhere else. Wherever there’s men they’ll be the ones who are rude, sexist and revolting. That’s unfortunately the way some of them are. Otherwise the people of Morocco are lovely. I’d go every year if I could afford it.

That’s so great to hear you had a wonderful experience! I’ve definitely heard a mix of thoughts from both sides.

Thanks for your list of tips. I’m a bit conflicted about Morocco due to my serious feminist leanings, but I so want to see it. It’s a shame that there is such disrespect and hypocrisy, but I suppose that’s everywhere in some regard. ;-)

You’re welcome, Hillary. I still hope you get to experience all the good parts of Morocco. I think it’s definitely changing with the younger generations, but it really is a different world view over there.

as local Moroccan, I can confirm that the tips that you provide are true. I am ashamed of the ‘Watch Your Pockets’ tip; what can I say?! every place have it’s good and bad people. however, by mentioning that you are making people aware so that they don’t have any bad experiences in Morocco. thank you :)

I think it’s true for most big cities in the world. :) Thanks Abdou!

Hi I’m Indian live in dubai UAE I like to visit Morocca it need visa or not I’m hear with residents visa

Great article. My friend is currently in moroco and hates it. I hope that she gets home safely and isnt raped. I am never going to visit! I will stick to places like Finnland, Switzerland and new Zealand

Stay safe everyone!

dont forget that you can be beheaded if you backpack in the countryside :)

I did not hear about that!

Thank you realy Marrakesh is very nice

So glad I found this! I booked today for me and my partner to go next year. Great to have an idea of what to expect.

So glad you found this helpful, Donna. I hope you two have a great trip!

Such a detailed insides about morocco, a great read to be aware before going to morocco, I have some more insights in depth. If you want to read.

Thanks for the information, yes I agree that before visiting In Morrocco we must know about the details of that places. When I had visited that place I don’t know anything about that place but my journey was very interesting and beautiful. The natural beauty also attracts me a lot.

Glad you found it useful, Diana!

Thank you for being so detailed. Your blog is wonderful and very insightful. I will use it in future travels. Thank you for including pictures.

Thanks so much for reading, Madison!

Wow…such an amazing experience feeling happy while visiting Morocco. Basically, in time of our trip we visited local market bought many products. Thanks to our local guide from yougomorocco.com planned a trip in a perfect way. I hope I will plan this place in an upcoming year.

Thanks for such an informative blog! I would love to travel to Morocco, and in fact, almost booked a trip, but decided to go elsewhere instead due to time constraints. Thanks for the advice to get out of the cities and explore more.

thanks for sharing the valuable info for Morocco visitors !!

I’m planning to visit Morocco with my boyfriend in March. But I’m a bit skeptical. Will I be safe in Morocco

My daughters middle school is deciding bet Morocco & Brazil. there will be at least a minimum of 20 middle schoolers with parents, The trip will be next April 2018. Im worried either way on what they can do

I feel like as long as there are parents watching out for them, they should be okay. It’s unfortunate to say, but it helps if the parents are male. Our tour guide was telling us they previously sent a female guide who didn’t fare too well in the country.

Very informative write up. I appreciate your work. I will be visiting Casablanca on official note in a weeks time just for two days. I hope the experience will be great! However, you did not mention what the cost of various hotels are like.

Thank you so much.

I’m moroccan and I have been there like 5 times I think but everything you said is true. It’s good you’re being honest about it. Morocco is good but it’s not perfect.

Thanks for your comment. If you think about it, no country is perfect. I’m sure plenty of people have gone and had different experiences too, so it’s best seeing it for yourself. :)

Very informative. Thank you for being so open and honest. I still want to visit Morocco and now have a good idea as what to.expect, especially as a woman.

Thanks, Suzy! You absolutely should! :)

Thanks, I will be in morocco in July, really helpful tips, Choukran :) regards Ayaz

You’re so welcome! Have a great trip :)

How I can trip to morocco is there any cheap morocco holidays packages ? My friend suggest me this website http://www.viriksonmoroccoholidays.co.uk is this good ? i find this website have very affordable packages but I am confused because of fraud.

Unfortunately we’re not sure about that company since we’ve never been. The only experience we have in Morocco is with Contiki, which we had a great time with! Good luck!

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25 Essential Morocco Travel Tips for Your First Time Visiting!

Morocco is a tricky destination for travelers, it’s full of harassment, touts, and scammers, but also gorgeous architecture, great food, and kind people. I’ve been traveling to Morocco frequently over the past three years and here are 25 essential Morocco travel tips I wish I had known before my first trip!

25 Essential Morocco Travel Tips

1. don’t listen to anyone who comes up to you on the street .

There are a lot of Morocco travel scams ! This is sad but really no one approaching you on the street in the bigger cities like Marrakech or Fez is doing so to be nice. Or at least, that’s the mentality you should keep. As a rule: don’t pay any attention to anyone coming up to you on the street. Just keep walking.

People will come up to you every three minutes saying “My friend”, “where are you from?”, “What is your name?”, “Where are you going?”, “you’re going the wrong way”, etc. You can’t interact with them all. If you need to ask for help, Moroccan people are really friendly, but anyone coming up to you on the street for any reason is likely a Tout and they’re just going to bother you and ask you for money at the end. 

2. Try the Amazing Street Food! I Recommend a Street Food Tour in Marrakech

Moroccan street food is AMAZING and you can find a great variety of street food and fine dining in Marrakech. I think Morocco is my favorite food location so far out of everywhere I have traveled to! Going on a street food tour is the best way to try the most while minimizing harassment from the Touts and stall vendors – If you don’t have the time/budget for a whole street food tour I recommend trying the following shortlist: 

• Tajine from Cafe Des Epices
• Couscous (but only on Fridays!)
• Calamari from stall #14 in Jemaa El Fna square
• Msemmen (Moroccan crepe)
• A mixed-meat sandwich from Chez Hicham
• Moroccan Escargot from any vendor in Jemaa El Fna Nightmarket

3. Ask Before You Take a Picture  – It Might Be Illegal!

I was trying to record a little video of me disembarking the airplane when I landed in Casablanca and was totally shocked when one of the airplane stewards ran out and told me that it was illegal to film in public and I had to delete my footage! 

I read into the laws in Morocco more after this and there are conflicting things online. Some sources state it’s only illegal to take photos and videos of police officers and other government officials, and some sources say it’s only illegal to record images of citizens if you intend to share them in a “defamatory way”.

It seems like the airline steward was incorrect and it’s not blanket illegal to take photos and videos in Morocco, but I was asking around after this incident and a lot of Moroccans  think  that is the law. So, if you’re running around taking photos and videos without asking, not only is it considered disrespectful but also  illegal  by a lot of Moroccan citizens. Make sure you ask first! 

4. Be Prepared To Haggle  (for Everything, Including Taxis)

I’ve been living out of a suitcase for the better part of a year now so I’ve gotten used to not being able to get souvenirs. But, if there’s one place I really felt like I was missing out on shopping, it would be Morocco. I’ve already promised myself that one day if I ever settle down I’m going to come back and buy everything for my home (yes, the shopping really is that good). It can also be a bargain IF you know how to haggle in Morocco . 

I was with a friend in the souks who was about to go home and was filling up her suitcase first – she spotted some glittery kaftans and asked the shopkeeper how much, he said 500 Dirhams! ($50!). That is a LOT in Morocco but was even wilder was this place was clearly selling “Moroccan-themed items that looked like they had come straight from Shein. 

After going back and forth with the shopkeeper she only got him down to 300 DH, or around $30, which was probably about 3X too much still. At the next stall, we stopped at I asked her to let me haggle for her – she was buying a little trinket and the shopkeeper wanted 150 DH, I said 50, he said he couldn’t do more than 125.

I said okay, thank you  and walked away. 

Then the shopkeeper came running after me saying “Okay, 50 for you my friend!”

That’s it. That’s the trick. That’s all you have to do.

I’ve seen people be ripped off in the souks paying 100x for what something is worth or wasting 45 minutes haggling away their vacation. The best way to haggle in Morocco is to just be very polite, say how much you’d like to pay for something – and if they say no, then move on.

All of the stores sell pretty much the same thing, and it’s the best way to get a rough estimate of how much things should cost. After you walk away, if they follow you and give it to you for the price you stated then you know you named a good price. If they let you go, then the price you named was too low, and you could either go back and agree to their price or just make a mental note going forward. 

👉 Tip:  The “correct” price in the souks is almost always at least less than half of the price originally named. 

👉 Note:  This is only for the markets, Restaurants usually will have prices posted/aren’t places for haggling. 

5. Pack Light ! Many of the Streets in Morocco’s Old Towns Cannot Fit Cars

I’ve stayed in different cities and towns all over Morocco, and unless you’re staying at a large hotel it’s unlikely you’ll be able to drive up to the door of your lodging. A lot of streets in Morocco, especially in historical areas that get a lot of tourists, don’t have streets that were designed for cars.

For example, in Marrakech cars can only enter the windy streets of the old souks after sunset, and even then it’s unlikely you’ll be dropped off at the door of your Riad like in a modern city (these streets are older than cars, after all!). In the Old Medina of Fez, cars can’t enter at all, So be prepared to have to carry all your luggage to your destination by foot. If you’re staying in the old Medina in Marrakech (which I recommend, it’s a truly unique experience) you’ll likely be dropped off in Jemaa el Fna square and have to walk the rest of the way.

If you have more than you can personally carry you’ll be at the mercy of the Touts. The Touts are pretty much anyone off the street in the Old Medina who tries to “help” tourists and then demands a big fee at the end, and no matter what you give them they’ll make a stink that it wasn’t enough. It’s not the end of the world, but to ensure you have a good time visiting the city either pack no more than you can personally carry or arrange a pickup with your Riad/hotel. 

6. Don’t Interact With Touts On The Street – AKA the People Asking “Where are You Going?”

What is a Tout? A Tout is an illegal guide common in a lot of touristy places but especially common in Morocco and Egypt. They’ll “help” you (sometimes not) and then demand a fee for their service. Often they approach tourists who don’t need help and guilt them into accepting their services. 

The Touts really are the most unfortunate part of Morocco. I just put my headphones in, and sunglasses on, and walk when I’m in a city like Marrakech or Fez. Looking straight ahead. Not making eye contact with anyone.

It’s the only way to keep from getting roped in a 20-minute struggle with someone demanding money for no reason, and then chasing you down the street saying “F you woman!” (yes. that actually happened to me on my last trip). Why do I keep going back then? Because Morocco is amazing. The food is terrific, and the people are SO kind, but the Touts are a huge problem. 

7. Don’t Hail A Taxi On The Street From The Airport  – You’ll Most Likely Get Scammed

Unfortunately for travelers, Uber in Morocco hasn’t caught on yet – so you need to negotiate taxis off of the street. The taxis from the airport charge 10-100x as much as they should. Taxis are VERY inexpensive in Morocco ( a 10-minute ride is about $2 ) but the ones at the airport know you don’t have any other options. Either take a train (the trains in Morocco are fantastic) or bus to the city center and take a cab from there or arrange a pickup with your hotel. 

If you really have to take a taxi in Morocco from a train station or airport I’ve also used a trick where I have my Riad host talk to the taxi driver over Whatsapp. They’ll do the bartering for you and you’re more likely to get the local price this way. Make sure to ask your host first if it’s okay with them, but most Moroccans I’ve met really want you to have a good time in their country so you should always be able to find someone to help. 

8. Take Out Cash As Soon As You Can  – Morocco is a “Cash is King” Country

Morocco is a “cash is king” country so taking out a chunk of change at the airport before you go anywhere will help you out in the long run. Just make sure to use an ATM connected with a bank, and also be sure to decline the conversion fee the ATM offers you. Usually, the ATMs in Morocco will charge 30-50 dirhams ($2-$5) per transaction and will ask you to approve this fee. After you hit “yes” a second screen will pop up asking you to accept their conversion.

If you read the fine print on this page, which not a lot of people do – a lot of people just hit “yes” instinctively,  you’ll see they’re adding a 6-12% markup (!!!!).  You don’t have to accept this, if you hit “no” on this page the transaction will go through, but you’ll get the better deal. 

9. Stay In A Traditional Riad (It’s Cheaper Than a Hotel & a Cultural Experience) 

A Riad is a traditional Moroccan bed and breakfast. It usually is a home with multiple stories centered around a courtyard, and most also have a rooftop terrace. Riads are unique to North Africa and are synonymous with a trip to Morocco. While Moroccan luxury tourism is world-renowned, Riads actually don’t have to be that expensive.

What really blew me away was that it was the same price per night to stay in a Riad as it was to stay in a hostel! For only around $30 a night I was able to stay in this gorgeous home with hand-carved doors and a courtyard garden, as well as have a huge homemade breakfast. Marrakech and Fez don’t have much of a hostel culture, so even if you’re on a budget I would recommend springing for at least one night in a Riad. 

10. Help The Stray Cats & Dogs

One of the things I love about Moroccan culture is how wonderful everyone is towards animals. During my time in the Old Medina, I noticed there are a lot of cats and dogs around mosques, this is because all the locals pitch in to help care for them. I always walk around Marrakech with a few tins of cat food in my pocket just in case I see some hungry fur babies, and this is encouraged by the locals! So don’t feel like you’re feeding someone’s pet when you’re not supposed to be.  

11. Don’t Shop With A Guide  – You’re Not Going to Get a “Better Deal”

Sigh. Just don’t. I took a lot more organized tours in North Africa than I usually do because I was with my friends, and it always grinds my gears the wrong way when you pay for a private tour to a certain historical site (usually I only do this when something is hard to reach, or I legally have to have a guide) and they take you to various gift shops selling wayyyyy overpriced goods.

You’d think that if you’re paying a guide to help you do the haggling, you’d get a good deal but it’s almost always the opposite. Instead, your guide is taking you somewhere they’ll get a fat commission for everything you buy – all the while the guide is saying “That’s a great price!”.

If you like your guide, tip them! But don’t encourage this! Shopping alone and bartering, unless you’re going with a close friend, will almost always get you a better deal and help you get higher-quality stuff. There are a lot of tours of the Old Medina that are really just shopping trips – being with a guide will help you a lot with the harassment but if you want to purchase something I suggest coming back alone.

12. Brush Up On Your French! Morocco is a Bi-Lingual Country

Arabic, for a native English speaker (like me), is  hard . I tried my hardest to learn a bit of Arabic in Egypt, and never really made it greetings. Luckily, in Morocco, they speak Arabic and French, and French is a  lot  easier to pick up a few phrases just to get around. In the bigger cities, where lots of tourists are, you’ll hear more French than Arabic in general, so unless you’re going to be visiting more rural parts I’d say you’re safe just brushing up on your bonjours.

Fun fact: I was talking to an anthropologist on a train in Casablanca who said there are over 100 different dialects spoken in Morocco by the indigenous Amazigh people, some of which haven’t even been written down yet!

13. Don’t Go On A “Tannery Tour” In Marrakech 

In Fes, another popular city to the north of Marrakech, the tannery is a famous tourist attraction. This is not so in Marrakech. If you see someone advertising tours to the Marrakech tannery or trying to take you there unprompted, it’s a scam. What usually happens is they take you to the tannery and then demand payment for “guiding” you there, even if you didn’t ask them to.

The Tannery is in a secluded area and I’ve heard of tourists being pressured to give up more and more money once they’re there, so just don’t go! No real tour guides in Marrakech will offer to take you to the tannery.

14. Don’t Drink The Tap Water

You see more people drinking tea over water in Morocco and that’s in part due to the way boiling water cleans it for consumption. Even the locals that are used to the tap water sometimes get an upset stomach depending on the area. The first time I traveled to Morocco in 2019 I was schlepping 20-packs of water bottles through the streets, but to save my back (and the environment) now I always travel with my GRAYL bottle that cleans out any viruses or bacteria in water.

💧 Tip: Using my GRAYL bottle I was able to drink the tap water all over Morocco without any problems! 

15. Do Download Google Maps Offline 

The Old Medinas in Morocco are windy mazes of footpaths that it’s  very  easy to get lost in. Luckily, even if you don’t get a local sim card or have cellular service while you’re in Morocco, you can download the map of the souks offline on Google Maps and always know where you’re going!

I’ve used Google Maps on my past two trips to Morocco and while it misses some tinier alleys it’s been very reliable. Downloading a map of the medina offline is the best way to avoid touts trying to convince tourists they’re going the “wrong way” (and then demand money for bringing them the “right way” 🙄.

16. Don’t Believe A Street Is “Closed”

The Touts in Morocco can be Oscar-worthy actors at times. One time a tout started  crying  while telling us a street was closed when it was clearly a well-trafficked main road! A “wrong way/ street is closed” scam is basically when someone sees a tourist and asks them where they’re trying to go.

No matter what the tourist says, the answer is always the same: “oh no, you’re going the wrong way, here follow me”, and the scammer will proceed to lead the tourist to their shop/restaurant, or in more sinister cases somewhere secluded where other guys are hiding to rob them. In Morocco, Touts bypass the formality of asking “Where are you going” and just skip to telling every tourist they’re going the wrong way.

Walking down the lanes of the souk as an obvious tourist you’ll hear: ‘wrong way miss, wrong way please follow me” every 10 feet. It’s exhausting, especially if you’re not in on the secret and wind up being led in circles. Sometimes they’ll say “The main square is this way” to people walking in the souks. It doesn’t matter to them if you’re going to the main square or not.

Then you’ll respond “Oh, I’m not going to the main square” and then they’ll say “Oh where are you going? Where are you from?” and they’ve got you.

If you interact with any of the touts it’s super hard to get rid of them, but even knowing this it’s really hard for me to just  ignore  people who are trying to talk to me. It’s human instinct to respond! The biggest tip is to just ignore anyone who comes up to you on the street – but barring that, don’t believe anyone when they tell you you’re going the “wrong way”! Trust Google Maps over the touts. 

17. Dress Appropriately (Both Men & Women)

While Morocco is safe for women travelers, remember it’s a conservative country where women are expected to cover up. A lot of women know that you should dress modestly in an Islamic country like Morocco, but did you know men should as well?

Nothing bad will happen to you if you show up to Marrakech with a suitcase full of mini skirts, but as a sign of respect it’s best to keep your shoulders and knees covered, this goes for women AND men. In the old Medina, you’ll notice a lot of men and women are completely covered – regardless of the temperature. 

There is no  legal  dress code for tourists in Morocco, but to be respectful to the country you’re visiting for both genders to cover up. For women, I’ve heard shoulders and knees should at least be covered, and for men, if you’re going to wear shorts they should be longer than knee-length. 

There will also be an expectation that women have their heads covered if they’re going to be entering a mosque, but not many mosques in Morocco are open for tourism. I’ve seen some tourists in the souks in skimpy clubbing outfits, and while it might increase the amount of harassment you receive, Morocco is pretty safe. Covering up is more of a sign of respect for the culture you’re visiting than anything else.

18. Visit the Crazy Jemaa el Fna In Marrakech 

There’s nothing like Jemaa el Fna square in Marrakech! It’s crazy, noisy, and infinitely interesting. Jemaa el Fna is the only place I’ve seen where you could get a roasted sheep’s head, fresh juice, and a BIG bowl of Escargot for under $10 – all while watching a snake charmer! During daylight cars are allowed to transverse the square, it’s still a nice place to get some shopping done in the daytime but around 5 PM when the sun sets is when Jemaa el Fna  really  starts to come alive. 

👉 Tip:  Skip Cafe de France, which is a bit of a tourist trap, and visit its next-door neighbor Café de la Place. Not only is Café de la Place cheaper (20 DH ($2) for a tea, 80 DH ($8.50) 3-course menu du jour), Café de la Place also has a better view of the Koutoubia Mosque. Go at sunset and climb the 4 flights of stairs to the patio at Cafe de la Place for the best view of Jemaa el Fna square! 

19. Get Out Of The City (At Least Once)

A lot of people come to Morocco and book a week-long stay in one of the cities like Marrakech, Fez, Casablanca, or Agadir. The cities and the historic Old Medinas are amazing – but they’re definitely not the best thing to do in Morocco. Going into the countryside in Morocco you’ll meet the indigenous Berber (also called Imazighen) people; everyone is always exceptionally kind, and the nature is gorgeous. 

On my first trip to Morocco, I fled to Imlil, a village in the High Atlas Mountains, after Marrakech became overwhelming, and on my second trip, I got to visit the hippy chill beach town of Taghazout. Morocco truly is such a diverse country in terms of climate and activities, there’s something for most types of travelers. If you’re coming to Morocco for more than three days you should take at least one day trip outside of the cities into the countryside.

20. Don’t Stay In One Place The Whole Time!

It’s best to see Morocco by hopping from one place to another. If you spend a whole week in Marrakech, Fez, or Tangier, you will probably get a bit bored. I love planning my own itineraries and traveling without a tour. However, in Morocco, the public transportation system isn’t the best. Also, most of the popular tourist attractions don’t even have public transit options available!

If you’re spending 2 weeks or less in Morocco I highly recommend taking a guided multi-day tour to save on stress and get the most out of your trip. Bonus, a lot of the time multi-day guided tours in Morocco are cheaper than if you were to plan all the activities separately! This is because transportation, which is the biggest expense, is already included.

21. Learn How To Eat With Bread Instead of Forks Like The Locals

Bread is a way of life in Morocco (to this day it’s the most amazing bread I’ve ever had). Meals like Tajines are usually eaten not with utensils but with a small piece of bread in the right hand (never the left!) used as a “scooper” for all the good stuff. This takes some getting used to, but if you’re invited into someone’s home for a meal it’s the polite thing to do.

💡 Note:  Meals in Morocco are usually eaten communally with everyone huddled around a big plate, using bread to dip into the main dish. 

22. Know Mosques Aren’t Open for Tourism 

Unlike other places I’ve visited, like Turkey and Rome, the places of worship in Morocco aren’t usually tourist attractions you can go inside of. There are some exclusions like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, but by and large Mosques in Morocco are not open to non-worshippers. Tourists sometimes get confused because mosques are open to the public, so you’ll see people entering freely, but there are some horror stories of tourists wandering in and being quite embarrassed when they get escorted out: so unless otherwise specified just don’t enter a mosque in Morocco! 

23. Get Ready for A Lot Of Mint tea!  It’s Served With Every Meal

Mint tea is served with every meal in Morocco & Egypt, when I came back to the United States I felt weird without having it! There’s a special way Mint tea is served, and once you get it down you’ll impress all your Moroccan friends: First, dried mint and black tea leaves are soaked in hot water in a silver teapot. Then, a bunch of sugar is added to the pot, and the mixture is poured from up high (the rule is “4 fingers” height – I think that’s about 8 inches but the higher the more impressive it is).

And then you pour the tea from your cup  back  into the teapot and repeat this around 3 times. Apparently, this aerates the tea, and it makes the sugar frothy which is the desired quality (and also makes for a great show). 

24. Be prepared To Wake Up Early For Prayer Call 

In Islam call to prayer is done 5X a day, with the holy day being Friday. It usually only goes on for a few minutes, but on Fridays, the whole prayer service is broadcast depending on where you are. Even though I don’t know the language, I’ve always found the prayer calls to be very beautiful. Most restaurants, train stations, airports, etc will also have prayer rooms for people to meet the 5x a day quota if they so wish. There is no set time (from what I could tell) for the prayer calls – instead, they go at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and nightfall, and that changes throughout the year. 

Tip:  I never found the prayer calls to be so loud I couldn’t sleep through them, but I know some people do. If you’re a light sleeper I recommend bringing earbuds to Morocco since the earliest call is at sunrise. 

25. Don’t Get Scammed! 

Really! I LOVE Morocco but I hear of people getting scammed in the bigger cities like Marrakech and Fes all the time, and it just ruins their travel experience. I really only fell for a Tout once on my last trip, and I didn’t really fall I just didn’t have enough energy to tell him to leave me alone. I was trying to buy food for some cats and a tout on the street asked me what I was looking for.

I said I was going to buy food for the cats: “Mangia pour chat” (Which is half in Italian, not even French, but I was making eating hand motions to go along with it and he seemed to understand – gotta do what you gotta do!).

The guy saw where I was heading and pointed at the stall up the road I was already heading to, I said thanks and went on my way. It didn’t take long to realize he was following me there, and then once I got to the stall he spoke over me and was making a big show of ordering it for me, even though I didn’t need or ask him to. 

For example, if The shopkeeper asked me how many items I wanted, I held up my fingers and said “cinq” (five in French) – and then the tout would make a big fuss of loudly asking me how many tins of cat food I wanted in English, and then translating that to French.

Again, without me asking him to.

In the end, he asked for payment. I said no. He didn’t actually help me do anything to deserve a payment.

Up until this moment, he was all nice and smiling, and then after this, he yelled “F**k you, fat woman!” In my face and then proceeded to yell it after me all the way back to my Riad!!!!

Don’t give money to these guys. 

If you pay Touts you’re just supporting the practice, which hurts tourism in the area and gives foreigners a terrible idea of Morocco when really it’s a wonderful place full of amazing people.

Also, if you DO give the touts money, you’ll probably have the same result. Even if I had paid him we would have had the same argument, but this time it would have been over the amount. Just don’t pay these guys any mind.

If I were to be in that situation again I would have landed him a firm “La” (no in Arabic) and not accept any “assistance’ from him in the first place. 

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored over 30 countries and lived abroad in places like Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, India, Indonesia Thailand, Europe, and the USA. Her goal is to help other traveler see the world by providing first-hand accounts of what to expect on the road.

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The Ultimate Morocco Travel Guide

Are you ready for an adventure of a lifetime? Morocco awaits! With its bustling markets, stunning landscapes, and rich culture, it’s the perfect destination for the traveler seeking a unique experience. From camel rides in the Sahara to exploring ancient medinas, you’ll find something for everyone in this vibrant country. So pack your bags and get ready to explore all that Morocco has to offer – an unforgettable journey is just around the corner! You don’t have to break the bank to experience Morocco either. This cost-effective destination can be enjoyed on any budget. Whether you’re looking for luxurious resorts or affordable hostels, there are plenty of options available so you can tailor your trip exactly how you want it. And with its easy access from Europe and North America, getting there couldn’t be more convenient. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip to Morocco today with our travel guide!

Introduction

Welcome to Morocco! This North African country is filled with breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and centuries of history waiting to be explored. With its diverse geography ranging from snow-capped mountains in the High Atlas range to stunning deserts along the Atlantic coast, you can expect a variety of climates throughout the year. And as for culture, Morocco is bursting with vibrant music, delicious food, and traditional art that will give you an unforgettable experience. So let’s dive into this incredible country and take a closer look at its past and present.

From its rugged mountains to its vast deserts, Morocco’s geography is full of wonders waiting to be explored! This country is situated in the North African region and has a total area of 446,550 square kilometers. It is bordered by Algeria, Mauritania, and Western Sahara as well as the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. In terms of physiographic regions, Morocco has an immense mountain range called the Rif Mountains which stretch from the north to the northeast of this country.

The Atlas Mountains are located in central Morocco and form a southward arch towards the southwest. The Middle Atlas range lies between these two major ranges while further south is the Anti-Atlas and High Atlas Mountains which form part of the Saharan region. In terms of lowlands, there are three main basins in Morocco namely the Souss-Massa Basin in the southwestern region; El Jadida Basin along the Atlantic coast; Ouergha basin near Al Hoceima city. With such diverse topography, it’s no wonder that visitors can experience a wide variety of climates throughout their trip!

Experience the diverse climates of Morocco, from its hot deserts to its cool mountaintops! From the Mediterranean coast in the north to the Atlantic Coast in the west, and from the Sahara Desert in the south to its rolling hills and lush valleys, Morocco’s climate offers something for everyone. Here are three ways you can take full advantage:

• Visit coastal towns like Rabat or Casablanca for a temperate climate with mild winters and warm summers.
• Head into the Atlas Mountains for cooler temperatures year-round, with snow cover during winter months.
• Explore southeastern Morocco’s deserts for an experience unlike any other – hot days and cold nights!
• No matter what type of climate you’re looking for, there is something special waiting for you in Morocco – so come explore it all! With such varied conditions across this beautiful country, the culture here is as diverse as its landscapes – so let’s dive into that now.

Discover the incredible culture of Morocco, from its ancient Berber traditions to its vibrant street life! Whether you’re in a bustling city or a small village, you’ll get an immersive experience. Moroccan culture is steeped in tradition and history, with strong influence from the French colonization. You can see this reflected in everything from their dress to their food. For example, couscous and tajine are popular national dishes that have been passed down for generations.

Take some time to explore the fascinating architecture of Morocco’s cities too—marvel at the intricate designs of mosques and madrasas (Islamic schools). And don’t forget to immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere of local markets—you’ll be sure to find something special here. From traditional music and art to language and cuisine, there’s so much that makes Moroccan culture unique. Transitioning now into a discussion about ‘History’, it’s clear that Morocco has always been a place where different cultures have collided – leaving behind an amazing blend of customs and beliefs.

Dating back centuries, Morocco has been at the crossroads of various empires and civilizations, resulting in a rich history filled with stories of conquest, trade, and religious growth. From the ancient Roman Empire to the Islamic dynasties that followed, Morocco’s history is full of fascinating tales that bring visitors from all around the world. The country has also played an important role in global events such as World War II and its aftermath. With each passing era, Morocco has been shaped by different cultures and beliefs, making it a truly unique destination to explore.

As you learn more about its past, you’ll find yourself captivated by its diverse heritage. From archaeological sites to traditional villages, there are many ways to experience Moroccan history firsthand. And no matter where you go or what time period you choose to visit, you’re sure to be inspired by this amazing country’s deep-rooted culture and traditions. So now that you know about the historical background of this wonderful land – when’s the best time for your next adventure?

Deciding when to visit Morocco can be tricky. The best time to go is typically spring or fall for mild temperatures and fewer crowds, although it’s still quite popular during these months. On the flip side, summertime can be oppressively hot and winter cold at night, making them the worst times to take a trip. No matter where you go, you’ll find plenty of adventure and culture in this vibrant country!

Best time to visit

When planning your trip to Morocco, consider when you want to visit; the time of year can make a big difference in your experience. Generally speaking, the best time to visit Morocco is in spring and fall. During these seasons temperatures are mild, which makes exploring the country significantly more pleasant than during summer’s scorching heat or winter’s chilly winds.

In spring (March-May), days are mostly sunny with occasional rain showers that bring life to the desert landscape and blooming flowers to gardens. This season also coincides with cultural festivals such as the International Film Festival of Marrakech and the Timitar Festival of Gnawa Music , providing ample entertainment options for travelers. Fall (September-November) brings an even more vibrant atmosphere due to its harvest season when locals celebrate their crops with festivities. The air is fresh and temperatures range from cool at night to enjoy warmth during day hours.

No matter what time of year you choose, there’s always something unique waiting for you in Morocco; jump into this fascinating culture and let it show you its wild beauty!

The worst time to visit

However, it’s also important to know the worst time to visit Morocco. The summer months of July and August are usually the hottest and driest, with temperatures soaring into the triple digits. This can make sightseeing and outdoor activities difficult. Similarly, winter can be cold and wet in many parts of Morocco as well, making travel more difficult during this season. Therefore, if you’re looking to explore all that this beautiful country has to offer without too much heat or rain interference, spring, and fall are generally the best times for a visit.

Where to Go

If you’re looking for an unforgettable travel experience, then Morocco is the place for you! With a wealth of unique cities to explore, it can be hard to know where to start; however, Marrakech, Fez , Meknes, Chefchaouen , and Essaouira are among the top destinations in the country. Each city offers something different – Marrakech has vibrant souks and markets full of local products; Fez is steeped in ancient history and culture; Meknes is known for its grand gates and palaces; Chefchaouen has charming blue-washed buildings; while Essaouira has a laid-back atmosphere with plenty of beaches.

Marrakech is a city of vibrant colors and culture – an absolute must-see during your trip to Morocco! As you explore the souks, visit the medina, and take in all the sights and sounds of this ancient city, you’ll be captivated by its incredible energy. Here, you can find anything from traditional Moroccan carpets and ceramics to handcrafted jewelry. The smells of spices will fill the air as merchants try to entice you with their wares. Be sure to try some of the local delicacies like tajines or couscous while visiting; these dishes are made with fresh ingredients that will linger on your taste buds long after you’ve left Marrakech. From sunup to sundown, there’s something for everyone in this city – no matter what it is that ignites your wanderlust spirit!

The hustle and bustle of Marrakech will leave you feeling energized yet ready for a change of pace. Thankfully, Fez is just a short drive away! With its narrow alleyways lined with traditional shops, cafes, and workshops selling everything from leather goods to pottery pieces – it’s easy to get lost in this enchanting city. The old town has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incredible architecture which includes numerous palaces, mosques, and madrasas each filled with fascinating history. Exploring these historical sites surrounded by lively markets will give you an insight into traditional Moroccan life that cannot be found anywhere else – so don’t miss out on this unique experience!

Fez is an enchanting city full of history and charm that beckons your exploratory spirit! The city has long been a center for culture, art, and learning with its ancient medina – the world’s largest car-free urban area. With narrow cobbled streets lined with vibrant merchants selling goods from spices to rugs , Fez is sure to captivate even the most experienced traveler. Exploring this city will take you back in time and give you a chance to experience what life was like centuries ago.

From the bustling souks (markets) of the old Medina to the stunning architecture of its mosques and palaces, Fez is a place where travelers can immerse themselves in Moroccan culture. For those looking for a taste of modern-day charm, head over to Ville Nouvelle – an area built by French occupiers in 1912 filled with chic cafes and restaurants offering delicious local cuisine. No matter how you explore it, Fez will leave you feeling charmed by its beauty and inspired by its rich history! Onward now to Meknes – another one of Morocco’s imperial cities!

Meknes is a stunning imperial city that’ll delight your senses with its vibrant culture and architecture! It’s one of the original four imperial cities in Morocco , and it was once the capital of the country. The city has an impressive walled medina, lined with bazaars and ancient sites. Meknes is also home to some beautiful gardens, and there are several palaces throughout the area as well. The architecture is quite unique, mixing traditional Moroccan style with Spanish influence from when Spain occupied part of Morocco.

Visiting Meknes can be a very rewarding experience for those who want to take in all that this gorgeous city has to offer. From exploring its winding alleyways to admiring its grand monuments, you won’t want to miss out on all that this incredible destination offers. With so much history and culture around every corner, Meknes will captivate you from start to finish. Exploring this amazing city will surely give you an unforgettable Moroccan adventure!

From marveling at Meknes’ stunning sights to taking in its rich history, it’s time now for another journey: heading north towards Chefchaouen!

Chefchaouen

Take a journey to the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen , a unique Moroccan city that’ll captivate you with its stunning beauty and relaxed atmosphere. This city is known for its well-preserved medina, or old town, which has been painted in shades of blue for centuries. Whether you’re exploring the narrow cobblestone streets lined with artisan shops and cafes, admiring the beautiful mosques tucked away in secret alleys, or simply watching locals go about their daily routines from one of the many rooftop terraces, there’s no shortage of fascinating things to do here. The laid-back vibe makes Chefchaouen an ideal place to spend some time exploring and soaking up the culture. With all it has to offer, this charming little city is sure to leave you wanting more. To discover yet another charm of Morocco’s cities head over to Essaouira next.

Surrounded by miles of undisturbed beaches and fortified by towering city walls, Essaouira is a captivating port town with plenty of unique attractions. Enjoy the sights and sounds of an authentic Moroccan fishing village as you explore awe-inspiring Old Town streets. Take in stunning views from the top of the ancient ramparts, or wander through bustling bazaars to discover handmade crafts, carpets, and artwork. Unwind on one of the pristine beaches while savoring fresh seafood dishes prepared daily by local fishermen. Relaxed vibes and a slower pace make it easy to lose track of time in Essaouira—you won’t want to leave! Next up on your Morocco adventure is Ouarzazate, a vibrant desert oasis known for its impressive film sets and historic Kasbahs.

From the coastal town of Essaouira, take a road trip south to Ouarzazate in the Saharan Desert. Nestled between stark red mountains and rolling desert sands, this city is an oasis for travelers looking for adventure. Here is a list of must-dos when visiting Ouarzazate:

• Visit Taourirt Kasbah – This impressive kasbah was once the home of the Glaoui family and has been featured in many films since then. Enjoy exploring its maze-like corridors and discovering hidden courtyards filled with vibrant colors.
• Take a camel ride through the dunes – Get up close and personal with the desert landscape while riding atop a majestic camel on a tour through Erg Chebbi or Merzouga Sand Dunes near Ouarzazate.
• Visit Ait Benhaddou – This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of Morocco’s most famous cities and boasts mud-brick homes, towering kasbahs, and stunning views of the surrounding mountainside. Don’t forget to stop at Café des Sables for lunch!
• Climb Jebel Sargho – Get your heart pumping as you summit Jebel Sargho, one of Morocco’s highest peaks located just outside city limits where you can take in breathtaking views from the top.

Ouarzazate offers something unique to every traveler who visits its beautiful desert landscape – now it’s time to explore even further into the Sahara Desert!

Sahara Desert

The Sahara Desert is a vast expanse of dunes and valleys that will take your breath away. With its golden sand, the desert stretches far in every direction, offering an unparalleled view of serenity and splendor. Soak up the sun’s rays as you trek through ancient pathways and explore the stunning landscape. Experience true tranquility as you watch the sunset against the horizon – it’s an unforgettable experience!

Discover a world unlike any other as you explore the mighty Sahara Desert. Whether you choose to hike to a picturesque oasis or cruise across sand dunes in a four-wheel drive, an adventure awaits in this majestic place. And for those looking for even more thrills, why not try camel riding or sandboarding? No matter what type of journey you embark on, one thing is certain: The Sahara Desert won’t disappoint. From here, take your next steps toward exploring the High Atlas Mountains!

High Atlas Mountains

Experience the raw beauty of the High Atlas Mountains as you explore its rugged terrain. With towering peaks reaching up to 13,671 feet in height, this mountain range is the highest in North Africa and provides a stunning backdrop for any adventure. From skiing and snowboarding during winter months to trekking and mountaineering in summer, there is no shortage of outdoor activities available year-round. Whether you’re looking for an adrenaline rush or simply want to take in the majestic views, a visit to the High Atlas Mountains will provide an unforgettable experience.

The High Atlas Mountains also offer numerous cultural attractions that are sure to captivate visitors from around the world. Visit small Berber villages and learn about their rich history while sampling traditional dishes like couscous or tajine. Explore colorful markets where you can find unique souvenirs or barter with locals over goods like handmade rugs and pottery. As you journey through this breathtaking landscape, take time to appreciate its culture and customs – it’s an experience unlike any other! With so much to see and do within these majestic mountains, your Moroccan vacation is sure to be one for the books. Next up: explore Morocco’s Mediterranean coast!

Mediterranean coast

Discover the stunning beauty of Morocco’s Mediterranean coast, with its picturesque beaches and vibrant coastal towns. From the cosmopolitan city of Tangier to the historic Agadir fishing port, there is something for everyone along this stretch of coastline. The crystal clear waters, golden sand beaches , and lush vegetation make it a paradise for sun-seekers, beach lovers, and outdoor adventurers alike. Whether you’re looking for an action-packed holiday or just want to relax in style, Morocco’s Mediterranean coast has plenty to offer.

Take in a captivating sunset on the terrace of one of the many charming cafés that line the waterfront promenades or explore a traditional Berber village nestled among rugged hillsides covered in wildflowers. Adventure seekers can try their hand at sailing, surfing, or kitesurfing; while those who prefer to stay on land can go hiking through cedar forests or take a guided jeep tour across sand dunes. With so much to see and do, Morocco’s Mediterranean coast provides an unforgettable experience no matter what kind of traveler you are! Moving on from here, next up we’ll discuss what else is available for travelers along this beautiful stretch of coastline.

Experience the best of Morocco by exploring its bustling souks, going on a thrilling hike, and spending some time at the beach. Learn about Moroccan culture by soaking up local traditions and sampling the delicious food. All this and more await you in this beautiful destination – so come explore it today!

Explore the souks

Head to the souks and you’ll find yourself in a bustling, vibrant atmosphere filled with sights, sounds, and smells. Wander through the winding alleyways of Morocco’s traditional marketplaces and you’ll have something to please every sense. From hand-crafted rugs and jewelry to exotic spices and leather goods, these bazaars offer an array of unique treasures from all around the world. The hustle and bustle will transport you away from your everyday life as bartering ensues between merchants selling their wares. Make sure to take some time out for a cup of mint tea with locals who are more than happy to share their stories with travelers – it’s an experience not easily forgotten! With plenty of cultures, history, food, music, art, and color around every corner, exploring Morocco’s souks is truly a magical experience that will leave lasting memories. Get ready for some outdoor adventure because next up is going hiking!

Put on your hiking boots and come explore the great outdoors of Morocco! From the majestic Atlas Mountains to the bustling coastal towns, there’s something for everyone in this stunning country. Stroll through lush valleys dotted with olive groves and citrus orchards, and take in breathtaking views of winding rivers and rolling hills. Soak in some sun as you traverse ancient trails lined with wildflowers. As you journey further into the wilderness, you’ll be rewarded with a rich cultural experience full of friendly locals who are happy to share their stories with travelers. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure that will take your breath away!

Whether it’s a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, hiking is one of the best ways to discover all that Morocco has to offer:

• Enjoy unique wildlife sightings such as Barbary macaques, gazelles, eagles, lizards, and more.
• Take part in traditional activities like herding goats or picking fruit from nearby farms.
• Visit centuries-old Berber villages hidden in remote mountain locations.

These are just a few of the outdoor experiences waiting for you – so put on your hiking boots and get ready for an adventure! With its diverse landscapes and welcoming locals, Morocco offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore nature at its finest. So go ahead – immerse yourself in this spectacular land of beauty and culture; you won’t regret it! Now it’s time to head to the beach – prepare yourself for even more fun in the sun!

Spend time at the beach

Come to Morocco for a one-of-a-kind beach experience! With its stunning Mediterranean and Atlantic coastlines, you can bask in the sun while exploring tranquil coves, relax on white sand beaches, or take a dip in crystal-clear waters. Whether you’re looking for an adventure or just want to chill out with friends, you’ll find plenty of exciting activities in this paradise by the sea. From water sports and sunset cruises to exploring traditional fishing villages and exotic markets, there’s something for everyone at the beach. So slip away from reality and let your worries melt away as you soak up some sun in this beautiful country. Take advantage of all that Morocco has to offer – it’s a truly unique experience that you won’t soon forget!

Ready for something even more special? Ditch the crowds and learn about Moroccan culture – a whole new world awaits.

Learn about Moroccan culture

Experience the captivating culture of Morocco and immerse yourself in its unique traditions! From learning about traditional handicrafts to exploring local markets and experiencing a bustling medina, there are plenty of ways to explore Moroccan culture. Here are some tips on how you can get a taste of what makes this country so special:

• Visit an authentically designed riad – These traditional homes feature intricate tile work, cozy courtyards, and elaborate decorations that make them perfect for lounging or entertaining guests.
• Take in a show at the Djemaa el Fna – This famous city square has been the center of Marrakech’s nightlife for centuries. Every evening, it is filled with musicians, food stalls, snake charmers, and more.
• Attend a cooking class – Learn how to prepare flavorful tagines using local ingredients while getting an inside look into Moroccan cuisine .
• Experience an authentic hammam – Hammams are public baths that have been used by locals since ancient times as places to socialize and relax. Enjoy steamy saunas followed by a refreshing massage with natural oils and salts.

By taking part in these activities, you’ll be able to truly appreciate all the unique aspects of Morocco’s culture. And after getting your cultural fix, why not sample some of the delicious local dishes?

Sample the Moroccan food

Sink your teeth into Morocco’s flavorful cuisine and savor every bite! From traditional tagines to couscous, Moroccan food has something for everyone. The country’s famous national dish is a fragrant stew cooked in an earthenware pot called a tagine. This often includes vegetables, meats, and spices like saffron or cumin. Couscous is another favorite which consists of steamed semolina grains served with veggies or meat. Street vendors are known for their delicious crepes filled with beef or chicken, olives, tomatoes, and onions – they’re the perfect snack on the go! Delicate pastry desserts such as baklava and chakra are also popular and make great gifts to bring home from your trip. Taste the rich flavors of Morocco – you won’t be sorry!

From exploring the medinas to camel rides in the Sahara Desert, getting around Morocco offers endless possibilities for adventure.

Getting Around

Getting around Morocco is a breeze. You can travel by plane, train, bus, taxi, or grand taxi – all giving you the opportunity to explore the country’s beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture. Whichever method of travel you choose, it’ll be an easy and convenient way to get where you need to go.

Flying to Morocco is easy and affordable, with plenty of direct flights from the US and Europe. You can choose to fly into one of the four main international airports in Casablanca, Marrakech, Agadir, or Tangier. From there, you have a few options for getting around: trains, buses, and taxis. Flying is a great way to get around quickly and easily:

• Choose your destination city – Casablanca has bustling markets while Marrakech offers more cultural sights like the Jemaa El-Fnaa Square .
• Arrange your flight – look for low-cost carriers like Ryanair or check out online travel agencies like Expedia or Travelocity for deals on major airlines such as Air France or British Airways.
• Book your tickets – make sure you’re aware of any visa requirements before booking your tickets!

Flying is an efficient way to explore Morocco; it’s quick and convenient so you can maximize your time in this amazing country! Plus, if you plan ahead there are usually good deals available on flights from all over the world so you can save some money too. Now that you know about flying in Morocco, let’s take a look at how to get around by train…

Taking the train is a great way to explore Morocco and get around in comfort. With high-speed rail lines connecting all major cities, you can traverse the country with ease. Travelers also have access to overnight trains for longer trips, winding through stunning vistas and providing both an incredible view of Morocco and a comfortable way to cover long distances without having to stay in hotels or break up travel plans.

The ticketing system is straightforward and offers travelers discounts on certain routes while reducing prices for children under 12 years old. You can purchase tickets online or directly at the station – reservations are recommended but not always necessary depending on your destination. Plus, many trains offer free Wi-Fi onboard so you can stay connected during your journey! All in all, traveling by train is an ideal way to experience Morocco’s beauty while still being able to relax and enjoy the ride.

With that said, bus travel may be a better option if you’re looking for something more cost-effective or if you plan on making lots of stops along your route.

Exploring Morocco by bus provides an economical way to get around while taking in the sights, sounds, and culture of the country. Advantages of traveling by bus include:

• The ability to observe locals going about their daily lives
• The opportunity to experience different flavors of Morocco’s beautiful scenery
• A chance to meet fellow travelers from all over the world.

Taking a bus ride across Morocco is a great way to explore its diverse landscape and dive into its multicultural society. Plus, you can avoid spending money on accommodation as some routes take you overnight! Ready for your next adventure? Let’s hop aboard a taxi and go!

Hop in a taxi and feel the wind on your face as you explore Morocco in a whole new way! Taxis offer an easy, convenient way to get around the country. Whether you’re traveling from city to city or just need to cover a few blocks, taxis are affordable and often more comfortable than riding in a bus. You can take local petit taxis (small cars) for short trips within cities, or grand taxis (larger vehicles that usually seat six people) for longer trips between cities.

It’s important to note that grand taxis don’t operate like normal cabs—they only leave when they’re full of passengers, so be prepared to have some extra time added onto your journey if there aren’t enough passengers ready at once. Negotiating fares is common practice and should always be done before getting into any type of taxi. With that being said, hopping in one of these cozy little cars with locals is sure to make your Moroccan adventure even more memorable! Onward now – let’s explore grand taxis next!

By grand taxi

Grand taxis are a great way to get around Morocco for longer trips between cities – they’re comfortable and can take you to your destination in no time! While the cost of these taxis may be slightly higher than other methods of transport, it is often worth the convenience. Grand taxis are typically shared by multiple passengers going in the same direction, which means that you will have an opportunity to meet locals and hear stories about their lives. Plus, you won’t need to worry about navigating or waiting in long lines for public transportation. Traveling by grand taxi is a great way to explore Morocco while still getting where you need to go quickly and efficiently.

The best thing about traveling by grand taxi is that several providers offer fixed fares for certain routes, so you can plan out your journey ahead of time without having any surprises when it comes time to pay. Just make sure that all parties agree on the price before you set off, as this ensures everyone is on the same page when it comes time for payment. With that said, let’s move on to some tips for traveling to Morocco!

Tips for Traveling to Morocco

If you’re planning a trip to Morocco, there are some important tips to keep in mind. Learn some basic Arabic phrases so you can communicate with locals, be respectful of Moroccan culture and customs, bargain at the souks for souvenirs, always drink bottled water, and pack light. With these tips in mind, your time in Morocco is sure to be memorable.

Learn some basic Arabic phrases

Greeting locals in Arabic is a great way to make your Moroccan travel experience even more enjoyable – so let’s get started! Learning some basic phrases, such as “hello” and “thank you” will go a long way in helping you connect with the local culture. You may not be able to learn enough of the language to have full conversations, but knowing simple phrases can make all the difference when it comes to being respectful. For example, saying “as-salamu alaykum,”which means “peace be upon you,”is an appropriate greeting that shows respect for locals. Additionally, learning phrases like “shukran,”which means thank you, allows you to express gratitude in a meaningful way. Taking the time to learn these few words of Arabic could really enhance your travel experience and make it much more memorable. Moving forward then into being respectful of Moroccan culture…

Be respectful of Moroccan culture

Immersing yourself in the culture of Morocco can be an incredibly rewarding experience – but it’s important to remember to always show respect. Here are a few key cultural expectations to keep in mind:

• Dress modestly – especially when visiting mosques and holy sites. This means avoiding short shorts, tank tops, and low-cut shirts.
• When visiting rural areas, always dress conservatively for women. Covering your shoulders will help you avoid unwanted attention from locals.
• Respect religious customs – specifically non-Muslim customs such as Ramadan fasting or Islamic prayers. Refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, or making loud noises during these periods of worship.
• Be mindful of local customs – this includes being aware of how much physical contact is acceptable between men and women in public spaces (it’s not recommended). Additionally, it is considered polite to remove shoes before entering someone’s home or a mosque.

Being mindful of these cultural nuances while traveling can ensure that your experience is both respectful and enjoyable! Transitioning into the next section about bargaining in the souks should come easy after being mindful of cultural norms – it’s time to get shopping!

Bargain in the souks

Shopping in the souks of Morocco can be a thrilling experience – but don’t forget to bargain for the best price! You’ll find amazing items like leather goods, spices, carpets, jewelry, and clothing. Don’t just accept the first offer given to you; it’s expected that you will barter with shopkeepers for a better price. It’s important to stay polite and friendly while bargaining, as this is an essential part of Moroccan culture. And while haggling is part of the fun, make sure not to be disrespectful or come off too aggressive; it won’t get you anywhere. When you’ve reached a deal that works for both parties, relish in your victory as you walk away with a great souvenir at a great price. Next up: drinking bottled water!

Drink bottled water

When visiting Morocco, make sure to always drink bottled water – it’s the safest way to stay hydrated! Bottled water is widely available throughout the country at stores, restaurants, and street vendors. It’s also common knowledge that taps water in Morocco is not safe for drinking due to high levels of bacteria and other contaminants.

Drinking bottled water has many benefits: it can prevent gastrointestinal issues; it helps keep you cool in hot climates; and most importantly, it allows you to enjoy all the amazing sights and sounds of Morocco worry-free! With that said, packing light – including a reusable bottle for refills – will ensure you have enough space for souvenirs and mementos from your trip.

Pack light and bring a reusable bottle so you can enjoy your trip without worrying about packing too many souvenirs. There’s no need to overpack for Morocco – just bring the basics! A few changes of clothes, some comfortable shoes, and toiletries should suffice for most trips. Bring a lightweight backpack or day bag to carry all your essentials easily. This will help you move around without feeling weighed down by excess baggage. Plus, it’ll be easier to explore different parts of the country without having to worry about lugging heavy bags around with you. With just the right amount of items packed in a lightweight bag, you’ll be ready to get out there and start exploring Morocco!

By packing light and bringing only what you need for your trip, not only will it save time at check-in but it will also save money on extra baggage fees from airlines. And when it comes time to head home, you won’t have to worry about paying additional fees for overweight luggage or having to purchase extra boxes for souvenirs – leaving more room in your budget for other experiences while traveling! So remember: pack light and leave plenty of space in your suitcase (or backpack) for all the wonderful memories that await during your Moroccan adventure.

Are you looking to plan a trip to Morocco but have no idea what it may cost? Well, you’ve come to the right place! We’re here to break down the average costs of a trip so that you can plan your vacation without worrying about breaking the bank. So let’s take a look at how much it will cost for you to travel to Morocco!

How much does it cost to travel to Morocco?

Planning a trip to Morocco doesn’t have to break the bank – with careful budgeting, you can explore this vibrant country without blowing your budget. Prices for food and basic items like toothpaste or shampoo are quite reasonable in most parts of Morocco so your biggest expense will likely be accommodation. Depending on the type of accommodation you choose, prices can range from budget-friendly hostels to luxury 5-star resorts. If you plan ahead and book early, you can often find good deals on flights and hotels that won’t drain your wallet. With a bit of research and careful planning, it’s possible to enjoy a trip to Morocco without breaking the bank! And when it comes time to find a place to stay during your visit, there are plenty of great options available.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Morocco, you’ve got plenty of options. From hostels and hotels to camping, there are accommodations that fit every budget, so don’t worry about not finding something suitable. You can also choose from traditional Moroccan riads or kasbahs if you want a more authentic experience.

Where to Stay in Morocco

No matter what kind of vacation you’re looking for, Morocco has a stay option that’s perfect for you! From rustic camping and caravanning to luxury all-inclusive resorts, there are plenty of places to rest your head during your visit. Whether your goal is a relaxing getaway or an adventure in the great outdoors, there’s something for everyone.

If you’re more into the local vibe, you can find traditional Moroccan riads with rooftop terraces and ornate courtyards — perfect for experiencing the culture up close. And no matter where you stay, stunning views of deserts, mountains, and oases are sure to make it memorable. When it comes to accommodation in Morocco, the possibilities are truly endless. Now let’s move on to visas and currency when traveling in this exciting country!

Visas and Currency

If you are planning a trip to Morocco, it’s important to know what kind of visa you need and what currency is used. To make things easier, here’s a quick rundown of visas and currency in Morocco so you can plan your trip without any hassle. You’ll need to apply for a tourist visa before traveling, and the local currency is the Moroccan Dirham . Make sure you familiarize yourself with exchange rates and plan accordingly!

What do I need to know about visas and currency in Morocco?

You’ll need to familiarize yourself with both the visa requirements and currency exchange when planning a trip to Morocco. * Make sure you have an up-to-date passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel dates.

• Find out if you need a visa in advance or if you can obtain one upon arrival in Morocco.
• Research the currency before you go to avoid surprises when exchanging money.
• Compare exchange rates offered by banks, kiosks, and other money changers for better deals.
• Familiarize yourself with local customs to ensure a more enjoyable experience in Morocco.

Visas and currency are just two of the details involved in planning a trip to Morocco, but they should be taken seriously before traveling so you don’t run into any problems or delays during your vacation. With some preparation and research beforehand, getting help from locals once you arrive should be smooth sailing!

Getting help

If you find yourself in need of help while traveling in Morocco, don’t worry. You can get some assistance from the local people, who are friendly and willing to lend a helping hand. If you’re lost or have any other issues, try asking one of the locals for help. Additionally, if you’re looking for more specialized assistance, there are many tour guides available who can provide valuable information and guidance throughout your trip.

What if I need help while I’m in Morocco?

You can always find assistance if you need it while in Morocco; the locals are more than happy to help. Whether it’s directions, recommendations, or simply a friendly face, there is no shortage of people eager to lend a hand. You may even find that your hostel staff or hotel concierge will be able to provide invaluable information and advice about the area. Or perhaps you just need someone to chat with – many locals love talking about their culture and country so don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation! Additionally, many cities have tourist offices which can often provide valuable resources for travelers looking for help navigating their way around Morocco. Whatever your needs, don’t be afraid to ask for help – you’ll likely find plenty of friendly faces willing and able to assist you during your travels in Morocco!

You’ve now got all the info you need to get started planning your trip to Morocco with our travel guide! With its stunning beaches, unique culture, and world-class attractions, there’s something in this country for everyone. Whether you’re an experienced traveler or a first-timer, you won’t regret making the journey. Make sure to budget accordingly and plan ahead so that you can make the most of your time in Morocco. Don’t forget to try some of their delicious local cuisines while you’re there! So what are you waiting for? Start packing and get ready for an unforgettable experience!

Book the best Morocco all-inclusive tours!

Marrakech tours.

• 2 days tour from Marrakech to Zagora
• 3 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert
• 3 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
• 4 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert
• 5 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert
• 5 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
• 4 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
• 6 days tour from Marrakech to Merzouga desert
• 7 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
• 8 days tour from Marrakech to Fes
• 12 days tour from Marrakech

Tangier tours

• 2 days tour from Tangier to Chefchaouen
• 5 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech
• Morocco 1 week itinerary from Tangier
• 9 days tour from Tangier to Marrakech

Agadir tours

• 7 days tour from Agadir to Merzouga desert
• 5 days tour from Agadir to Merzouga
• Agadir to Merzouga desert tour – 4 days

Casablanca tours

• 4 days tour from Casablanca to Marrakech
• 5 days tour from Casablanca
• 6 days tour in Morocco from Casablanca
• 7 days tour in Morocco from Casablanca
• 8 days tour in Morocco from Casablanca
• 9 days tour from Casablanca
• 10 days tour from Casablanca
• 12 days tour from Casablanca
• Morocco 2 week itinerary from Casablanca
• 2 days Sahara desert tour from Fes to Merzouga
• Fes to Chefchaouen tour in 2 days 
• 4 days tour from Fes to Marrakech
• 3 days Fes to Marrakech desert tour
• 3 days tour from Fes to Merzouga desert
• 5 days tour from Fes to Marrakech
• 6 days tour from Fes to Marrakech

Morocco Travel Guide

Stunning interior gardens, courtyards, and delicious tajines, spanning from the Atlas Mountains to the Sahara.

Best time to visit Morocco

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Morocco's weather is primarily dry year round, with mild winters, and intensely hot summers. Springtime, from March to May, is the most beautiful time to visit as landscapes bloom. September to November are also very pleasant months, ideal for exploring.

Destinations in Morocco

Things to do in marrakech, morocco: a 3-day guide, how to rent a car in morocco, best travel insurances.

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find Hostels via Hostelworld
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Morocco via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go
• Get a Visa via iVisa
• How to pack light for your trip
• How to plan your trip our tips

Why is Morocco worth visiting?

Morocco is an incredibly stunning and diverse country, full of wonder. Home to the Sahara desert, the Atlas Mountains, stunning architecture, lively medinas, calming hammams, bustling souks, and tranquil gardens, it’s a destination that’ll overload your senses but captivating to explore. 

Is Morocco cheap to visit?

Enjoy this Moroccan charm without breaking the bank! While there are some very luxurious hotels and experiences in Morocco, it tends to be a very affordable travel destination; with tempting stalls selling delicious food for $5 and quaint riads starting at $20 a night, there are options for everyone.

Can I drink tap water in Morocco?

While most locals will drink tap water, it’s recommended to avoid it as a traveler. Stay hydrated by using a reusable water bottle with a filter system, or purchase a large bottle that you can refill from during your trip.

Do I need a visa for traveling in Morocco?

Good news! Most travelers can explore Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days. Check your country’s specific entry requirements before your trip, and when entering the country, make sure to get your passport stamped on arrival.

What language do they speak in Morocco?

Moroccan Arabic is the native language of Morocco, amongst other languages, depending on the area. Virtually all Moroccans will be able to speak French, and in the main tourist areas, English is also widely spoken, so you should have no problems getting by. 

Do I need travel insurance for Morocco?

While traveling around beautiful Morocco, unforeseen circumstances may arise, like lost belongings and medical emergencies. Having travel insurance will keep you protected on the go and ensure peace of mind.

Is Morocco safe?

Morocco is a safe country to travel to, with friendly locals keen to chat. Petty crime does exist, so it’s always a good idea to exercise caution, leave valuables out of sight, avoid back alleys, and make sure not to walk alone at night. However, for the most part, Morocco is a beautiful place to explore worry-free!

What power plug type does Morocco have?

The standard plug used in Morocco is the two round pin plugs, known as plug type C and E. Make sure to bring your adapters or purchase one at the airport to keep connected during your trip.

Why do people love Morocco?

Morocco is loved for its incredibly diverse experiences and sensory delights. One moment, you can be experiencing sunrise on a camel in the Sahara Desert , the next enjoying a delicious tagine on a rooftop in Marrakesh, or wandering the blue streets of Chefchaouen. Morocco has it all!

Travel in Morocco 

A mesmerizing land of diversity, Morocco guarantees to enlighten all your senses. From majestic mountains, serene beaches, and quaint gardens to bustling medinas, camel riding in the desert, and tea with Berbers, a vacation in Morocco promises to be full of surprises.

How to plan your trip to Morocco

Use our Morocco travel guides to create the ultimate adventure! Whether you’re planning a weekend break to Marrakech , keen to get lost in the ‘Blue Pearl’ city of Chefchaouen , or looking for a breathtaking Sahara desert experience, our guides have you covered with all you need to plan the perfect Morocco holiday . 

Backpacking around the country? 10 days in Morocco gives you a great amount of time to experience the best places in Morocco . 

Best time to visit Morocco 

Heading on vacation to Morocco ? Before your trip, it’s essential to pick the best season to explore this bustling destination!

Spring and Autumn (March – May, September – October): The best time to visit Morocco is in Spring and Autumn, between March and May and September and October. This period brings warm temperatures between 20°C – 30°C and sunny skies, making travel throughout the country very pleasant. Spring is also when the landscape starts to bloom, making it incredibly beautiful! 

Winter (November – February): Morocco rarely sees any rain, so while winters are colder, they’re still dry and great for exploring cities, ranging between 16°C and 21°C. The months of November and February can be amazing times to visit; tourist hotspots are quieter, and the temperature is still warm, with only a light jacket needed for your trip. While the rest of Morocco remains relatively mild, if you’re looking for snowy adventures, head to the Atlas Mountains, where you’ll have the opportunity to go skiing and snowboarding. 

Summer (July and August): July and August are the height of the summer and the hottest months of the year. We’d recommend avoiding these months as the heat can become extremely unpleasant in the cities. The coast can be a little more bearable, so this may be the best time to visit Morocco if you’re planning on a relaxing beach vacation. 

Other than the summer months, which may be too hot for most, Morocco’s weather is typically beautiful and sunny year-round, perfect for exploring or even doing some snowy activities! 

Coastlines and beaches in Morocco

Morocco might not be the first place that pops to mind when you think of sun, sea, and sand, but with nearly 2,000 km worth of coastline, Morocco has some incredible and unique beaches to explore. 

One of the most laid-back coastal towns is Essaouira, a vibrant fishing port and medina, home to a long stretch of golden sand perfect for watersports. For a more unique experience, head to Legzira Beach, home to natural piercing red rock arches — a mesmerizing sight to behold. If you’re looking for the best places in Morocco to surf, the relaxed fishing village of Taghazout is home to amazing waves, with Devil’s Rock Beach becoming a hot spot for surfers worldwide. 

From sunbathing on the Mediterranean sand to surfing the chilly Atlantic waves, there’s something for everyone, offering a calming escape from the hustle and bustle of Morocco’s lively cities. 

Food, culture, and religion in Morocco

From the divine aromas of Moroccan cuisine to the calming calls of prayer and the vibrant colors of the medinas, Morocco is a place where food, culture, and religion beautifully intertwine, creating a uniquely immersive experience. 

Food: The heart of Moroccan culture lies in its cuisine, bursting with aromatic flavors and spices. Delicious dishes like tagines, couscous, and m’hanncha take you on a journey with your taste buds filled with different spices, unique to whoever created them. Tea also plays a huge part in Moroccan life, taking great care of every step of the brewing and pouring process. This tradition gestures hospitality and friendship, sharing alluring stories along the way. 

Culture: Moroccan culture is also vivid in its intricately designed architecture and artwork, with palaces covered in elaborate styles and souks showcasing craftsmanship through woodwork, textiles, and ceramics; each piece of art tells a story. 

Religion: Religion plays a significant role in Moroccan life, with most of the population following Islam. As you travel Morocco , you’ll see and hear this influence through the magnificent mosques and soothing calls to prayer, the daily routines of locals, and their customs.

Why you should travel to Morocco

Morocco is a wonderfully chaotic yet beautifully quiet country. Journey through the bustling medinas of Fes and Marrakech to the tranquil Sahara Desert and the Atlas Mountains. The diverse experiences Morocco has to offer promise unforgettable memories. 

There’s something for everyone in Morocco. For the backpacker looking to immerse their senses, the labyrinthine streets and souks will have you in awe, providing a glimpse into the traditional way of life. For those looking to unwind on their Morocco holiday , the numerous exquisitely designed riads will offer you your own tranquil paradise away from the hustle and bustle. Alternatively, choose the Agafay and the Sahara Desert , with their awe-inspiring landscapes, for epic, adventurous activities and clear, starry nights. 

The unique experiences, incredible landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm locals of Morocco are truly something special. 

Safety and travel advice Morocco

Traveling Morocco, a tantalizingly mysterious country in Africa, can be a challenging yet rewarding place to visit. Taking necessary precautions will help you get the most out of your trip. 

Crime and safety in Morocco: Crime rates are relatively low, but like many tourist destinations, scam artists, overly persistent vendors, and pickpocketers can be expected in popular tourist areas. When visiting busy cities like Marrakech and Fes , you’ll find many touts trying to sell you things or unlicensed tour guides offering to show you where to go for “no money”, but then demanding payment once they’ve taken you there. In this case, simply provide a polite ‘no’ and walk away. It’s always a good idea to exercise caution, leaving valuables out of sight, and at night, making sure not to walk alone. 

Solo female travelers: While Morocco is relatively safe to travel as a solo female, it’s always safer to travel with someone else if you can do so, particularly if you’re not an experienced traveler. As a Muslim country, it’s worth respecting local customs by dressing modestly (consider wearing loose-fitting clothing that covers your knees and shoulders to avoid unwanted attention). Also, refrain from walking alone, especially at night and within quieter areas. 

Natural Disasters: Although natural disasters occur infrequently, Morocco is in an earthquake zone. Typically, earthquakes are minor and will go unnoticed, but there are cases of more significant incidents, with the last happening in September 2023. While this shouldn’t put you off visiting, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and stay informed during your trip by registering with your embassy. 

Driving in Morocco: Renting a car in Morocco allows you the freedom to explore at your own pace. Traffic in the major cities can be challenging, whereas driving in the countryside is extremely quiet, and most main roads are generally well maintained. Don’t be afraid of using the car horn, as it’s seen as a form of communication. Additionally, never leave your passport with the rental company while you hire the vehicle, and always keep your documents close to you, as there are many police checkpoints.

Travel Insurance: Don’t forget travel insurance for your vacation in Morocco! This will cover you for unexpected incidents such as medical emergencies, flight delays, and theft, ensuring you have a worry-free trip. Find the best travel insurance for you .

Morocco Travel Guide

Your ultimate morocco travel guide, with tips, things to do, and best things to see in morocco. great for first-time and returning travelers..

Morocco is a fascinating multicultural country blended from African, Arab and European influences.

It is our closest link to the continent of Africa and a diverse holiday destination.

The country offers an incredible amount of history, culture, art, and music along with a fascinating geographical landscape incorporating the Sahara desert, the snow-capped Atlas Mountains and the Atlantic coastline. 

This  Morocco trave l guide will help you plan your next vacation.

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• Moroccan Foods
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Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Morocco

• Moroccan power voltage  is 127/220 V 60 Hz; Power sockets C & E
• The local currency  is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD) and is around 9.50 MAD to 1 USD
• In the north of Morocco, visitors will find the Spanish enclaves of Ceuta and Melilla, claimed by Morocco and considered by the Moroccan state to be “occupied territory.”
• In these two towns, the main currency is the euro.
• Tipping  is a way of life in Morocco; almost any service can warrant a tip so make sure to bring small bills.
• Haggling  is also a way of life in Morocco.
• NEVER  pay the asking price, vendors often double or even triple the prices of an item to allow some wiggle room through the haggling process.
• If you are not Muslim,  you are not allowed in many of the mosques. Exceptions include the partially restored Almohad structure of Tin Mal in the High Atlas, the similarly disused Great Mosque at Smara in Western Sahara, the courtyard of the sanctuary-mosque of Moulay Ismail in Meknes and the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca.
• Moroccan laws  towards alcohol are quite liberal however drinking alcohol in public places is not recommended. During Ramandan, try to avoid drinking, eating or smoking in public during the hours of fasting.
• SIM Cards :

Things to See and Do in Morocco

• Enjoy a Four-Wheeling Adventure – join the guides of Dunes Desert Exploration and take a three hour tour in the desert on your very own dune buggy or quad bike.
• Surf’s up  – Taghazout is a small fishing village 19 km north of the city of Agadir in the southwest of Morocco and houses some of the country’s best surf spots. It is nestled amongst a set of small bays just south of the legendary surf breaks of Anchor Point, Killers, and Mysteries. 
• Go to a Hammam  – A Hammam is a hot steam bath followed by a massage. Sounds simple enough doesn’t it? It definitely can be quite the experience! 
• Visit Fes  – Fes is the oldest city in the country and the Medina (or Fes el-Bali) is a World Heritage site. Fez is also famous for its leather products and most of it comes from the leather bazaar (souq). The souq is home to three ancient leather tanneries, the largest and oldest being the Chouara Tannery, which is almost a thousand years old.
• Take a cooking course  – learn how to cook traditional Morrocans dishes from a gourmet chef while enjoying great conversations, appetizers and tea.
• Watch the sun rise on a Merzouga morning – to experience a desert sunrise is an unforgettable experience and the best place to do so is at the Merzouga sand dunes of Erg Chebbi
• Take in the colors of the Dades Gorge – There is nothing in the world quite like the Dades Valley. The mineral-rich Dades Gorge sparkles in many hues of blue and green as well as white and red.
• Spend a day in Jemaa el Fna in Marrakech  – one of the main cultural spaces in Marrakech, this square has become one of the symbols of the city.

Morocco Travel Guides

• Top 5 Things You Must See in Morocco
• Things to Do in Marrakech – Practical Travel Tips and Where to Stay
• Etiquette in the Middle East- Travel for Men and Women

Accommodation

Budget:  You can find a variety of hostels from 53-175 MAD per night. Enjoy dorms or private rooms, free breakfast, hot showers, and central locations to nearby tourist destinations. The Riad Verus in Fes even offers free Arabic classes. 

Mid-Range:  For mid-range, expect to pay around 380-860 MAD per night. These hotels come with a hotel restaurant and bar, rooms with flat-screen TVs and free Wi-Fi, a swimming pool, and room service. 

High-End:  For five-star hotels, you will pay around 860-4,100 MAD per night.Take in the best withspa services, fine dining, swimming pools with lounge areas, refined private suites with living rooms, a fitness center, and an airport shuttle. 

Moroccan cuisine has a variety of influences, including Arabic, Berber, Mediterranean, and Andalusian cuisine, among others. Staples include fruits, vegetables, meat (beef, goat, lamb, and mutton), seafood, grapes, olive oil, and spices.

Couscous is a popular dish and is often served with meat or vegetables. Morocco also has a vibrant street food scene, where you can sample dishes like harira (a soup made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, lamb, rice, and spices such as cinnamon) or merguez (minced beef or lamb sausages served in flatbread). There are sit-down restaurants as well where you can try more of Morocco’s cuisine. In total, expect to pay around 120 MAD per day for food. Read our full article 13 Delicious Moroccan Foods to Eat When Visiting Morocco

The Best Ways to Get Around Morocco

Getting to morocco:.

Flights:  Morocco has 25 airports, but the main airport to fly into is the Mohammed V International Airport, located 15.5 miles from the city center of Casablanca. Another popular airport is Marrakesh Menara International Airport (4.6 miles from downtown Marrakesh), but the flights are mostly from Europe. You can check for the best flights to Morocco on  Skyscanner .

Transportation:

Buses : Buses are good for traveling between cities. For more local trips between towns, expect to pay 3-5 MAD, or to go between cities, expect to pay between 210-340 MAD. A bus trip from Casablanca to Marrakesh, for example, will cost about 210 MAD.

Car Rental:  To rent a car, you need to be at least 18-21 years old with a U.S. driver’s license that you have held for 1-2 years. Car rental prices start at 450 MAD per day for drivers 25 and older.

Taxis:  Taxis are another way to get around. There are two types of taxis in Morocco: Petit and Grand. Petit taxis can seat up to 3 passengers, are metered, and only travel in the city, while Grand can seat up to and travel outside of a city. Grand taxis tend to have a fixed rate of 10.5 MAD for in-city travel.

Uber:  Uber is not available at the time.

When to go To Morocco

For cheaper hotel rates and fewer crowds, visit Morocco during the shoulder seasons of April-May and September-November. The fall season in particular is a great time for hiking.

During the summer months of June-August, temperatures can get very hot, especially the closer you are to the Sahara, while winter months see more rainfall, which can dampen outdoor activities.

Where to Stay in Morocco

Hotel Moroccan House Casablanca :  When in Casablanca, stay in this beautifully decorated hotel. Featuring traditional Moroccan-styled rooms, amenities include massage services, a restaurant, a hammam, and breakfast. For those who want to explore more of Casablanca, the tram station is just a 3-minute walk away.

Riad Rcif:  Come stay in a restored 14 th -century palace at this unique hotel in Fes. Featuring colorfully decorated hotel rooms with artwork and glass-stained windows, the hotel also comes with a restaurant, a roof terrace with great views of the city, room service, and free breakfast. The Ibn Danan Synagogue is just 1.5 miles away. 

ibis Marrakech Centre Gare Hotel:  Just a short trip to Jemaa el-Fnaa square, Majorelle Garden, and the Koutoubia Mosque, this popular hotel in Marrakesh is a great place to stay. Swim in the outdoor pool while enjoying the surrounding gardens, watch TV in your hotel room, get drinks anytime at the 24-hour bar, order room service, or dine at the hotel restaurant.

Check out our favorite booking platforms  Booking.com ,  Tripadvisor  and VRBO   for the best deals on accommodation.

What to Pack for Morocco

Morocco is about the size of France with coasts upon the Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea and  has an arid climate .

The coastal regions generally have a Mediterranean climate, however as travelers move further inland the conditions can become more extreme and elevation can play a role in the changeable weather conditions.

Morocco is also a Muslim country

• Modesty is respected  and travellers are expected to follow the country’s etiquette. In villages and small towns, and even in the medinas of large cities, many women still wear the veil and the street is seen as strictly the man’s domain.
• Women travelers  should avoid wearing revealing clothes, like short shorts, low cut shirts or thin-strapped blouses.
• Sarongs  – I think we have sarongs in every packing list. From covering up when visiting mosques, being used as a towel or keeping cool on a hot night.
• Pack loose clothing with breathable fabric  – cover up with fabric you know will breathe, especially if you plan on heading into the Sahara desert or to one of the coastal regions.
• Tunics  are a great option as they can be dressed up or down, are lightweight and offer good coverage.
• Footwear  – Pack a pair of lightweight, durable and comfortable shoes. Moroccan streets can be dusty and unclean so if you are uncomfortable with the idea of getting your little piggies dirty then opt for closed-toe shoes instead of sandals/flip flops.
• Kleenex / toilet paper  – it is quite common that restaurant restrooms do not offer toilet paper to patrons, so make sure you are prepared.
• Also, don’t be surprised if you encounter squat toilets!

See our packing tips:  packing list for smart travel

And see our  Etiquette Tips for Travel to the Middle East

Morocco Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Morocco Travel Guide: Related Articles

To browse all our articles and guides about Morocco  click here.

Traditional Moroccan Food to Eat in Morocco or At Home

22 Best Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco

Hammam Spa Tips – Our Surreal Moroccan Massage Experience

18 Super Important Must Knows Before You Travel to Morocco

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

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Okay folks, it’s PSA time.

If you’re planning on visiting Morocco any time soon, I need to let you in on a not-so-sexy secret…

This crazy country is much more than a romantic Instagram playground of patterned plates, blue walls and glam camel selfies.

In fact, coming here can be just as challenging as it is magical, all the more so if you don’t do proper research.

See, in recent years, I’ve heard many travellers say that they disliked their travels in Morocco because it didn’t “live up to their expectations”.

But as a die hard fan of the country, I need to say this: yes, Morocco is gorgeous, and packed with stupidly photogenic sights, but it can also a really challenging place to visit, especially when you flail in blindly without getting your research on.

Luckily, that’s what I’m here for!

After two trips to Morocco – once to visit Marrakech and Essaouira, the second to gallivant around Fez and Chefchaouen, I’ve foolishly made buckets of mistakes and assumptions for you, all so you don’t fall into the same traps 😉

Yay me. *throws confetti*

In this post, my goal is to give you some practical info and takeaways so that you have some more  realistic expectations for your trip to Morocco – think of it as tips from one silly tourist to another 😉

So, without further ado – don’t travel to Morocco without knowing the following handy tips!

PS: As I mentioned, these tips are definitely valid for big touristy cities like Marrakech, Essaouira, Fez and Chefchaouen. I have no doubt though that other places around the country (especially smaller towns) will be different! Hopefully you’ll still find these tips helpful though 🙂

Travelling to Morocco soon? You might also find these posts helpful…

• My 14 Best Tips for Safety in Morocco + Common Scams
• A Guide on What to Wear in Morocco + a Free Packing List
• What to Wear in Marrakesh
• 1 Week in Morocco (Travel Diary)
• Fes to Chefchaouen Day Trip Guide
• Game of Thrones in Morocco Guide

Looking for the Cheapest Hotel Deals in Morocco?

One of the first questions I usually get about Morocco is where to stay, so let’s get that first point out of the way first.

Morocco is filled with amazing accommodation options, from hotels and hostels to gorgeous riads (which I highly recommend).

To find the best fit for you, I recommend using HotelsCombined , a great free site to use that lets you search prices from multiple sites like Expedia, Booking, etc. at once, securing you the best possible deal.

Click here to compare the best deals on accommodation in Morocco

Alright, now onto the good stuff…

My Travel Advice for Morocco: 18 Must-Knows

1. morocco is yuuuuuge (seriously though, it’s a big country).

Geography is not my thing, especially for places I’ve never been to.

Here’s the #1 mistake I see people making: a lot of folks (past me included) wrongfully assume that Morocco is small and that all the most insta-famous spots are closely clustered together.

I mean, if I had a nickel for each time someone asked “how can I do a day trip from Marrakech to Chefchaouen?”  Ohh yenno, just a casual night train and bus combo….

But yes, know this: if you want to travel Morocco, understand that it’s a pretty freaking massive country.

At first, it might be tempting to think that you can cover the entire country in a single trip, but unless you have a lot of time at your disposal, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Try to focus instead on one part of the country rather than waste time commuting from place to place.

I’m very glad I did separate trips for Marrakech/Essaouira and Fez/Chefchaouen, rather than brave night trains and long commutes just to “see it all”.

2. Brush up on your French (beyond oh la la and croissants)

As you travel in Morocco, you’ll quickly notice just how common French is.

While in big cities, you’ll encounter plenty of English speakers as well, most are much more comfortable in French, and nicer to you if you can speak it.

I can’t tell you the number of times a shopkeeper or taxi driver immediately cranked up the nice meter as soon as I busted out my rusty français.

Definitely get some basic travel terms under your belt like, “how much will this cost” or “how do I get to ____” – it’ll help you a ton.

For those extra prepared folks, consider buying a phrasebook in advance (they’re cheap – like less than $10!). Here’s one for Moroccan Arabic, or one for French .

3. Morocco IS safe… just be wary of scams

Often travellers (especially those going solo) wonder whether or not Morocco is safe.

After having been there twice (once with a group of girlfriends and the second time with my boyfriend), I will say that it’s definitely safe. 

Will you feel very uncomfortable at times? Probably.

Will people will stare at you, persistently follow you and randomly shout Asian ethnicities at you until they guess the right one? That last one was niche, but the answer is still YES!

All that said, at the end of the day, I wouldn’t be too concerned about your physical safety.

I have a full guide all about safety tips in Morocco that you can read here, but I’ll summarize some of the main points below.

(I’d recommend getting a nice, subtle brass whistle though just in case. They’re good for ease of mind and you can get them for under $10! This set comes with a leather necklace so you can wear it at all times.)

Anyways, there are naturally a few common sensical things that you should be mindful of – don’t walk around at night by yourself (especially as a solo female traveler).

The streets get very eerie after all the shops close, and you’ll likely encounter lots of “friendly” guys trying to help you find your accommodations. It’s super unsettling, so I wouldn’t recommend being alone in quiet areas like the souks after dark.

Besides that, I think you will be fine in terms of physical safety.

The #1 thing to be mindful of though is ALL the scams. Tourism drives a lot of business here, so many have become experts at taking advantage of naive tourists. Don’t be disheartened by it – just view it as a way of doing business 😉

A few tips for avoiding scams: 

Be wary of anyone that’s overly friendly. Someone offering to help you find where you need to go will want money for it after. Someone offering you a cool photo opp like a snake to hold will want money for it after. Nice women beckoning you to get henna will literally grab your hand and just start doing it…. and will demand money after. Unfortunately, these things are common.

Know that every price they give you is meant to be bartered down. I’ll discuss haggling more in a second, but shopkeepers often give sky high prices to start with because they assume you don’t know better.

If you plan to buy something (e.g. a tour, a certain good, etc.), ask for standard prices from your riad or hostel owner so you have a rough idea of how much it will cost. It’s better this way to have a rough gauge.

4. Get your haggle pants on

Alright, we all have that embarrassing aunty who haggles everything down and has a consistent surplus of useless crap for her exploits.

When shopping in Morocco , it is time for you to become that aunty.

Seriously though, don’t be afraid to haggle! I’ve been told it’s a part of the culture by a lot of shopkeepers, who will laugh off my stubborn hard assness.

One of my proudest moments was being told I was “haggling like a real Berber woman”. Why thanks. *flips hair* Someone just get me a Haggle Queen t-shirt already. (FYI, they exist. No joke. Here’s proof ).

If you feel weird about haggling, do note that prices they give you at first can literally be 7x what they actually want to sell it for, so it’s probably in your best interest to barter a little… it’s even quite fun.

FYI, shop owners can be SUPER pushy.

If you step inside their little stall, they will often stand by the entrance and low-key trap you in their store. I’m not saying this to scare you, it’s just something to be aware of. You’re not in actual physical danger, but it’s pretty uncomfortable to say the least.

At the end of the day, you’ll quickly notice that most stores will sell the same goods so feel free to shop around too! Nothing is more effective for haggling than “the walk away”. 😉

5. Mosques are a no-go unless you’re Muslim

Unlike some other Muslim-dominant countries like Turkey where you’re invited to visit the inside of moques, mosques in Morocco usually have closed door policy unless you’re Muslim yourself.

So, take all those ridiculous “top things to do in Morocco” lists with a grain of salt (PSA to my fellow bloggers, stop recommending these mosques when all you can do is peek at the courtyard from afar!)

I mean, are there loads of gorgeous mosques to see in Morocco? Totally, but you won’t really get to see any of them unless you’re Muslim. Just an FYI so you’re not too disappointed.

PS: If you’re staying longer in the country, consider getting a guidebook about customs/traditions. It might come in handy. I’ve heard great things about this one.

6. Bring stretchy pants (cuz you gon’ eat)

Nnngh, give me a second to wipe all the drool off my screen. I have to tell you – food in Morocco is THE best.

One of my Christmas gifts this year was literally a tagine cookbook and I’ve never felt more #blessed. Truly, when you travel to Morocco, one guarantee is that you’ll be well fed. Like royalty even, for highly affordable rates.

These are ubiquitous foods you’ll find at every single restaurant (yes, they are cliched, and touristy, but for a reason).

PS: Any Moroccan folks reading this, please holla in the comments with your favourite traditional foods… I need some more inspo!

BUT for now, you will 100% need to get…

Fresh fruit juice: MMMMMF. Available almost everywhere and so ridiculously good. NOTE: It’s always cheaper to drink it there from a glass rather than get it to take away. The stalls will often have a very cheap price (e.g. 4DH) listed in big letters, and that is usually the price for if you stand there and drink it on the spot. Don’t be surprised if you need to pay a bit extra to take it with you.

Mint tea:  You can get it anywhere and they love to serve it up with sugar. Their default sweetness is ridiculously sweet, so unless you love cavities, you should probably ask for sugar on the side.

Tagine: Slow cooked stew cooked in an awesome clay or ceramic pot (also called a tagine). There’s lots of different kinds, usually with meat. My personal favourite is the kefta tagine, which is meatballs in a tomato/onion sauce with eggs cracked on top. It will change your life, it is my favourite ever!

Couscous: Fluffy and plentiful. I’m not a big fan of it myself (I’m a die-hard rice girl) but you’ll find it everywhere with all kinds of pairings.

7. Don’t expect a booze & drugs kind of vacay

A LOT of people forget that Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country.

… and then they turn up ready to raaage.

That might be a problematic mindset.

You won’t find a ton of shops readily stocked with sweet alcoholz  for your bender. That said, despite having such a large Muslim population, alcohol and drugs (hash is especially popular) aren’t tough to come by in Morocco.

In major cities, you’ll find plenty of bars and of course, depending on where you’re staying (if it’s a big resort-y type hotel), you’ll have no trouble finding booze. So, if you need your fix, you’ll be fine.

In my opinion though, I wouldn’t prioritize scouring the streets for alcohol in Morocco.

There’s so many better things to do here than get drunk, and it’s much pricier than drinking your weight in fresh fruit juice and mint tea, which is infinitely better (in my humble food-obsessed opinion).

8. Don’t get run over by a donkey

I literally was having one of those “wow travel is so amazing and lifechanging” moments when I promptly was knocked off my pedestal by a donkey.

Like, an actual donkey.

This was in Fez, where there’s a lot of donkeys trotting around with stuff on their backs. So um, just a general PSA to keep an eye out for asses. 🙂

9. Despite what they say, not everyone is “your friend”

I alluded to this before, but you need to be wary of those who are overly friendly.

Of course, there are tons of genuinely hospitable Moroccans out there, but in major cities, especially when you’re out and about in touristy areas, those hollering at you “come with me, my friend!”, “I will show you, my friend!” etc. etc. are probably interested more in your money than your friendship.

This isn’t to say that they won’t actually help you – they probably will, but just know that it’s because they expect some money for it, not out of the genuine goodness of their hearts.

10. Morocco has a closed currency

I know this sounds scary but it basically just means that Morocco’s currency (the dirham, or DH) isn’t readily available outside of Morocco, so you will most likely need to just wait until you’re there to get any.

There will definitely a currency exchange at the airport, and there are loads of banks to visit in major cities too, so don’t worry!

11. Ladies, get ready for attention like you’ve never received

Often people ask whether or not it is safe to travel to Morocco, especially for female travelers.

So again, is it safe to travel to Morocco?

Yes, but there are certain things you need to be wary of (as a female).

Especially as a female that is noticeably foreign (my blonde friends, I’m lookin’ at you).

Morocco is such a wonderful country with so much to offer and I would hate for your impressions of it to be spoiled because you didn’t go in with the right expectations, so let me clear this up for you: LADIES, you will inevitably get catcalled.

It’s gonna happen.

It doesn’t matter what you’re wearing or who you’re with. If I could still get cat called while wearing a big doofus jacket while holding hands with my boyfriend, then you will also get some unwanted advances.

If you tend to sensitive about these things, remember just how common it is, and I beg you: don’t let it ruin your trip!

My approach is to just move on and ignore. Don’t make eye contact, don’t smile. If you smile, you’re essentially inviting them to talk to you… so don’t do it. Just keeping walkin’, cool as a cucumber.

12. Dress appropriately

So, a lot of girls wonder what is considered “appropriate” dress in Morocco… and luckily, I have a full guide on what to wear in Morocco , so check that out for more details.

But here’s a quick digest. The truth is it’s not really about what you can and can’t wear.

You CAN wear a spaghetti strap tank top and Daisy Dukes, I mean… nobody is going to arrest you, but you WILL feel terribly uncomfortable.

It’s true, many Moroccan women will wear what they want, but remember that you (as a foreigner) are already going to stick out like a sore thumb so it’s really a matter of dressing in a way that a) you’e comfortable and b) minimizes unwanted attention.

As a good rule of thumb, I would say to cover your legs and cover your shoulders.

In Marrakech, there was a MASSIVE difference for me when I wore a dress one day vs. pants on another. Even though it was a long-enough dress (around knee-length), the amount of eyes that began to slide down and focus on my calves was too damn high.

So, I would encourage dressing modestly, with an emphasis on covering shoulders, legs and cleavage.

You can read my full packing guide (and free packing list) for Marrakech here.

13. BYOT – Bring your own toilet paper

Seriously guys, bring your own toilet paper when you travel around Morocco.

Sometimes you’ll be lucky and there will be a cute lil woman at the front selling tissue for a small price (usually this is the case with rest stops) otherwise you’re on your own. #ShakeShakeBaby 😉

PRO TIP: I highly recommend just buying tissue packs in bulk. You can literally buy an entire case for less than $30 here . It’s always good to have them on hand, and buying in bulk is cheaper.

14. Cash is king

Trust me, you need to have cash on you when you travel around Morocco, in small bills if possible.

We encountered a few taxi drivers who told us he didn’t have any change for big bills (whether or not that’s truthful or just fishing for a larger tip, I’m not sure!)

BUT remember: you should always carry some change with you as well, whether for tipping or having exact change for cabs/services.

15. Fridays are holy days

Fridays are considered a holy day for Muslims, and so on Friday, you’ll find that the souks might be a little quieter and that the operating hours of certain shops might vary.

A lot of visitors get scared that everything will be closed on Fridays, but for us this wasn’t the case.

The major tourist attractions and main “tourist heavy” spots will remain open, but there were definitely a lot of noticeable shop closures as well. Just plan accordingly and don’t leave all your big shopping days to Friday and you’ll be fine.

16. No need to really book tours in advance, there are loads of tour operators and options once you arrive

A lot of people stress out about getting a tour booked for activities in advance.

I really don’t think this is necessary.

There are so many tour operators going to the same places every single day that you could easily (if you’re feeling spontaneous) just wait until you’re there to make any further plans.

If you are a very Type A planny type person though, you can also book online. I like using GetYourGuide for things like this because they have a low-price guarantee 🙂

17. It gets surprisingly cold

I know – usually when travellers think about Morocco, their minds go to this warm sepia-toned image of a sun-drenched country, of deserts, palm trees and warm balmy temperatures.

This can be the case yes, but temperatures really do drop at night, and it can get very windy by the coast.

Be prepared for the weather and do your research beforehand. Always pack a jacket!

18. You will inevitably get lost

See it as part of the fun!

Undoubtedly you’ll have already heard of how romantic and wonderful it is to “get lost in the dizzying labyrinth of Moroccan souks” – what most blog posts seem to glaze over is that it’s ALSO kind of scary. Maybe really scary – especially at night.

Know this: if you don’t get lost at some point, you haven’t had the real Morocco experience… just be careful, (again, especially at night).

And remember: worst comes to worst, if you’re really super lost, there will most likely be someone around willing to guide you back home…. for a small fee of course 😉

I hope you enjoyed these Morocco tips!

Alright, I hope you enjoyed this roundup of must-knows before you travel to Morocco, packed with travel tips and advice! If you have still have any Morocco-related questions, feel free to ask away in the comments.

My Go-To Travel Favourites:

🧳 Eagle Creek: My favourite packing cubes

💳 Wise: For FREE travel friendly credit cards

🍯 Airalo: My go-to eSIM

🏨 Booking.com: For searching hotels

📷 Sony A7IV: My (amazing) camera

✈️ Google Flights : For finding flight deals

🌎 WorldNomads: For travel insurance

🎉 GetYourGuide: For booking activities

56 thoughts on “18 Super Important Must Knows Before You Travel to Morocco”

“Your Gram will be lit” had me laughing! I love the way you write. 🙂 I actually really like that cash is king in Morocco. I always pay by cash anyway when I go to foreign countries, just easier to stick to my budget that way! 🙂 – Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog https://charmainenyw.com

hehe glad you enjoyed the post! <3

I have been wanting to visit Morocco for a while now and really want to share the experience with my boyfriend, but he’s not sold on the idea. Will definitely show him this post, so much great advice! I’m especially excited by the food 😀

It’s a very fun place if you go prepared 😉 Hope you get to see for yourself sometime soon!

Wow! Wow! I loved your post! Extremely informative as always. What I loved the most was that you encouraged people to accept Morocco for what it is rather than labelling it ‘unsafe’ etc. So many times, I tend to write off a place because people write such strongly worded articles! Kudos to you girl! 🙂

Great list for big cities 🙂 ! I’d add that tap water is not really safe to consume (or even brush your teeth with) and – fun fact – you won’t see any gyms 😉 :p

What a fantastic and descriptive cultural guide! I am going to Morocco soon (I hope, once I get my visa) and besides tips where to snap Instagram shots, there are hardly any advice on, you know, how to behave in Morocco and what to expect. Read it from core to core and pinned for my upcoming trip. Well done!

I really want to visit Morocco and been readin up a lot of posts on it recently. Wow these are great tips. I didn’t realize Chefcheoun and Marrakech are so far! And oh my better brush up on my Francais!

I love this! Chefchaouen is on my hit list. I love that you are straight up about the practical things, you’re writing style is great – I feel like in my head we would be friends 🙂 Thanks for a great read!

Awesome post! So much useful info wrapped in a funny way, hehe.

Very handy post! <3

https://carmelatte.co/dubai-tour-guide-firsttimers/

Such a great list, thanks for sharing! It’s a bit disappointing that non-Muslims can’t visit mosques, but that’s still something I’d prefer to know ahead of time. Great tips so I can set realistic expectations when I go =)

This is such a helpful post-Christina! Thanks for sharing such valuable advice 🙂 We were considering going to Morocco this year and will keep your advice about not being an overachiever in seeing everything lol Also I had no idea they spoke French there!

Love this post super helpful tips! I have been considering travelling to Morroco but like you mentioned have heard so many people say they hated it – I feel so much more confident that’ll I’ll love it after reading 🙂

Wow! Very well said! I wish I knew about the toilet paper before going to Morocco, it’s a serious problem! And it’s important to dress appropriately. They might be considered more open minded since they have plenty tourists but it’s still required to cover yourself to avoid creepy stares!

I LOVED Morocco. In addition to French, knowing a few basic words in Arabic, like hello and thank you will definitely win you some friendly smiles!

You should try Bastilla. It’s a perfectly amazingly delicious blend of savory and a little sweet (but not too much). So good!

Wonderful tips, and I love your sense of humour.

‘Nice one!

Thanks for reading, Victoria! <3

I was laughing throughout the whole post! Great tips for someone who is getting ready to go to Morocco in just a few days herself. The country looks amazing and I’ll have to learn some French and bust out the haggling skills for sure!

Haha glad you liked it! Hope your trip is amazing 🙂

This was an extremely helpful post. Thank you for sharing your advice. I can’t wait for my trip now 🙂

Yay! Have a great trip, Natalija! <3

SO well written and helpful. THANK YOU!

you’re welcome, Kimberly. Thanks for reading!

So beautiful post. This country is my favorite since i have been there in 2014.

So happy you enjoyed it!

Wonderful Article!! … Completely spectacular photos, thank you for involvement

Wow!! I love the way you write! You also put my mind at ease about quite a few things. I met an amazing Moroccan guy online and we have been talking for a little while now. Finally planning a trip to go and meet in person and cannot explain the anxiety I’ve had trying to research so much about this awesome country so as not to do anything to look foolish or heaven-forbid insult anyone while I am there. (I mean he wants me to meet his family and even stay there with them!! Yikes haha no pressure there!!) For the most part I am quite comfortable talking with him but there is just enough of a language barrier that finding answers to some of these basic questions is just much easier researching them on my own. Finding your blog helped SO much. I only have found 2 Moroccan restaurants in my city and as big of a nerd as I might seem, I am seriously planning to go and befriend anyone there who can help put my mind at ease further! I have so many questions!! Anyway, again, THANK YOU! Jess

Glad to hear that you had such great stay in Morocco, you are always welcome back 🙂

Hi, I loved your post ! Have been to Istanbul, I retained mostly : 1. Bringing a whistle 2. Toilette paper or kleenex 3. Small cash Thanks, great help Linda

super fun to read – thanks christina!!

Thank you for the information. Well written. I’m considering a trip there.

So helpful! And my fav tip, “You gon eat!”

Planning a girls trip and trying to convince everyone that this can be as fabulous a trip as other places we’ve gone! If not even moreso!

Will be sharng your post!

I have wanted to visit Morocco for a while now and really want to share the experience with my friends.

Thanks for this helpful article. It’s good to have these information.

Thanks for this advises but I guess your advise that say we need to fresh up our french language is a little bit hard but every problem has a solution when you have google on your smartphone.

Funny how many memories this post brought back. I went to Morocco 2 summers ago and was put off by the cat-calling, “konichiwa”s and “ni hao”s, and pushiness of people on the streets who were preying on tourists (“tour guides” following us to try and get us to go on a tour with them, street performers practically forcing themselves on you for money, etc). We knew it would happen but just weren’t expecting so much of it. It probably didn’t help that my whole family got food poisoning too but I think you really just need to be prepared for a different culture and attitude toward tourists and look beyond it to enjoy a trip in Morocco.

I am actually from Morocco, and reading your post is definitely educational, Thank you for sharing such valuable tips with us.

This is excellent! I’m going to travel to Morocco in September for about 12 days and your article is very useful! I cannot wait to be there and yes very much looking forward to try their delicious cuisine!

Thank you for the tips, a lot of the tips can be applied on other places.

Hi, Needless to say, Marrakech is outstanding amongst other travel puts in the entire of Africa. I have been to Marrakech several time. Everything looks so regular stuffed with culture, history and convention related with it. And in the Sahara desert, fascinating Mosque engineering, riads, Medinas, mint tea and some more, Marrakech is a very good place to visit.

was our first time visiting Morocco and we definitely made the right choice by choosing this tour. I picked this one specifically because I didn’t want a tour company that had seen so many tourists that they start to not care about taking people around their country. Where it’s more a money-making business, where you are part of a big group and you will not receive any sort of bespoke individual experience. We were so lucky to have ismail as our tour guide as he was a genuine and nice person, who loves his country.

From the very first email ismail was extremely polite and helpful, more than any other tour company I’d spoken to. We ended up travelling with just him, my husband and me. We went from Marrakech to Ait Ben Haddou, to the Todras, Atlas Mountains, several Oasis and obviously to the Sahara desert. It was still a whistle stop tour as we only had 3 days but it was definitely the way to go. Having stayed in Marrakech for 2 days I was very much ready to leave the hustle and bustle (and generally being harassed at the souks) to explore what Morocco was really about.

Todras gorge was really lovely. There had been some rainfall so you could walk into some of the water. Really nice. It was quite busy though, but no more than the other big landmarks like Ait Ben Haddou.

My favourite place was actually Skoura, one of the little Oasis on the first night. The place we stayed was run by a family business and you can really tell. It was remote, but stunning. Not at all touristy, and very authentic. The food was the best I’d had in Morocco, just divine! Just as an aside, although I love tagines, you do want some change, so this was the one that stood out as it felt a little more authentic. Most of the food you’ll get in Morocco (not just in the tour) is very similar — varying types of tagines, wraps or kebabs, with rice or salad. Not a huge amount of variety unless you really look for it. We loved Nomad in Marrakech, this restaurant has amazing food!

The trip to the Sahara was amazing, albeit short. We set off on camel when the sun was quite low, maybe 6–7pm and then arrived at the camp by nightfall. We had dinner with a few other people on the tour, and the locals did a song and dance for half an hour or so. We then ventured out to the desert to see the stars, and although we went back to the camp around 1am, the moon was so bright you could have slept under it for sure. The temperature was perfect. However we had to leave at about 5am to catch the sunset, so thought we’d better sleep in the bed. The camp was extremely clean and nice given it’s in the middle of nowhere, so if you’re a clean freak like me, you’ll have no problems! There’s good toilets and running water. You sleep in a type of metal room, which is probably ventilated but still quite warm. The beds aren’t exactly comfy, quite hard really, but there’s electricity and sheets, what else do you need!

You can see more of my adventures and what I experienced from my pictures. All in all, what you see is what you get. The tour speaks for itself. You visit all the places on the itinerary and you’re greeted with nice people and go to places that are really quite unique. On top of that, you’ll be with a guide who knows a good deal about Morocco and will work hard to make sure you have a good time. We were even privileged enough to see ismail home, meet his family (they were very shy!) But an insight into how Moroccan people actually live? That is something you can’t buy.

Really enjoyed my time in Morocco, so thanks to ismail and the team at Moroccodeserttour4x4.com recommend this tour company.

Hey Christina, I am Youssef from Morocco. Thank you si much for sharing such very useful info about Chefchaouen and travelling to Morocco in general. This is really amazing post with incredible pictures. Thanks a lot

good one thank you for sharing

First of all Thank you very much for awesome articles about Morocco, interesting with its great informations, we really appreciate your heart work to seat and to write this post about Morocco during your period touring around the country, it is not easy to travel from city to another for to share this important informations with other travellers. Thank you much very again.

Hi! Christina thanks you so for visiting Morocco. We are so happy to meet people like you….

That’s all amazing! waiting for another wonderful article!

Just amazing article about this wonderful city. I really enjoyed reading this blog and I appreciate your sharing. A huge wave to you!

Hello Christina, we are happy you had a great stay in our country, and you visited some of the most visited places… We appreciate you sharing this amazing article!

Hey Christina, your article made me speechless. Morocco is an outstanding and breathtaking country to visit… Your blog is very informative and helpful to everyone willing to visit this amazing country, and I appreciate your sharing with us!

Very informative blog… Lovely act of you to share this beautiful city!

Thank you for the input You got a fabulous blog!

Das ist verklich super danke

Incredible post, full of many info that will be helpful to any newcomers, thank you again for sharing with us.

Best article thank you for sharing it really amazing

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Home » Africa » Morocco » 30 Tips to Know Before Traveling to Morocco

30 Tips to Know Before Traveling to Morocco

By Author Laura Longwell

Posted on Last updated: April 2, 2020

We were first drawn to visit Morocco by the photos. How could we not be? The bright blue doors of Chefchaouen, the ochre waves of desert sand, the multi-colored medinas—there are so many spectacular things to see in Morocco. We discovered that it was all of that and much more. Morocco travel is indeed alluring and thought-provoking, but it’s not without its challenges.

If much of your travel experience has been in the US or Europe, some things about North Africa may come as a surprise. From the multiple languages spoken to the traditions of a Muslim-dominant country, traveling to Morocco is different from traveling to England or Italy . And with every travel experience, setting expectations and being informed are important parts of having a great time.

Tips to Know Before Traveling to Morocco

These are just a few of the Morocco travel tips we learned from our trip.

Morocco is huge

Morocco is enormous. Wrapping around the northwestern coastline of Africa, it touches the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic and includes a huge swath of the Western Sahara Desert. Long and thin like many of the Scandinavian countries, Morocco is actually bigger than Norway . Only nine miles of ocean separate Morocco from Spain, which is how we visited Morocco the first time on a day trip to Tangier .

All this means that Morocco has soaring desert sand dunes, oases, a long coastline with magnificent beaches, thriving cities, and more.

Many things in Morocco are definitely not close together, especially with the Altas Mountains running through the heart of the country. Don’t expect to be doing a day trip from Marrakech to Chefchaouen. Of course, your itinerary will dictate the distances you cover, and Morocco may not feel large at all. We had short trips like Casablanca to Rabat and really long trips like our seven-hour drive from Fez to Merzouga. Luckily, there’s lots to see everywhere in Morocco.

See how much ground we covered in our detailed two-week Morocco itinerary

Mosques are off-limits unless you’re Muslim

Mosques around the world are often highly decorated with gorgeous scrollwork, mosaics, and beautiful carpets. From Albania to Turkey and beyond, we have been to a handful of Muslim-dominant countries and always marveled at the mosques we visited. Often, they required special coverings and removing your shoes was always mandatory, but we were allowed in, even as non-Muslims. That’s not the case in Morocco, with one exception.

The only mosque tourists can visit on a trip to Morocco is Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca, the 5th largest mosque in the world. Built in 1993 on land that used to be part of the ocean, the mosque is grand and open to non-Muslims for guided tours every day. While Hassan II is huge, its decorations are minimal compared to other famous mosques. If you’ve never visited a mosque before or find yourself with free time in Casablanca, it is worth a visit.

No vaccines or visas are required to travel to Morocco

For Americans, the requirements for traveling to Morocco are easy. No visas are needed, and no vaccines are specifically required. The CDC does recommend Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots, but they’re not a must. We’re a little fanatical about getting what’s best for us, and luckily we were covered from a previous trip to Africa.

Morocco is gorgeous

The landscape of Morocco has so many different natural features. There are miles of beaches and mountains that rise up over 13,000 feet high. There are dramatic desert sand dunes and palm tree-filled oases. The variety is astounding.

The cities of Morocco are a cacophony of colors, smells, and sounds. Artisans crafts shoes in the colors of the rainbow, food stands cook up the local specialty, and hawkers hawk…well, just about anything.

It all blends together to make Morocco one stunning place.

Morocco makes wine

As a Muslim-dominated country, alcohol is somewhat scarce throughout Morocco. It is found in riads and some restaurants, but you generally won’t find alcohol in stores unless you’re going to the French supermarket Carrefour. Outside of larger cities, you can pretty much forget it.

That’s why we were stunned to learn that Morocco actually makes wine. If you think about the geography—not terribly far from the European wine powerhouses of Greece , Spain, and Italy—it makes a lot of sense. Culturally, however, it is unexpected.

There are a couple of wineries in Morocco producing red, white, and rose wines, and they’re very good. We enjoyed the Cuvee du President brand and the Sauvignon from Les Celliers de Meknès in restaurants and in one small wine store seemingly in the middle of nowhere (there are big benefits to having a Moroccan guide). Wine in Morocco—who knew?!

Bread is king

Bread is a staple in Morocco. It’s at every meal, covered in argan paste, used to mop up sauce from tanjia, or even used as a replacement for cutlery.

In Morocco, families often bring their dough to neighborhood bakeries to be baked during the day and picked up before dinner time. There’s a constant stream of loaves going in and coming out of the large ovens.

You’ll also see vendors rolling their carts full of hot loaves through the streets. Don’t be afraid to stop one of them for an inexpensive snack.

Fridays are holy days

Muslims observe holy days on Fridays, which means that almost everyone goes to the mosques to pray. As a result, business hours may vary from other days of the week, especially in the afternoons. Souks will certainly be quieter and many businesses will be closed.

In the evenings, however, things can get quite busy—especially in places like Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech —after prayers are over.

Many main tourist attractions remain open on Friday, but it is worth planning ahead if you have a must-see sight or experience on your Morocco itinerary.

You won’t be alone in the desert

Before traveling to Morocco, I read lots of flowery accounts of people saying that visiting the desert in Merzouga was one of the best things they’d ever done—a once-in-a-lifetime highlight. My expectations were set very high for a magical experience.

What happened was a little more down-to-earth. Don’t get me wrong—we had a great time. The sand dunes were spectacular, and our desert camp was luxurious and exactly what we’d hope for.

But what we didn’t properly anticipate was that our camel ride out to our desert camp would come with dozens–if not hundreds–of other people. As we plodded our way out into the desert (just a couple of miles), there were numerous other caravans alongside us. As we waited at the top of the dunes for sunset, other visitors popped up in our photos and laughed and played music nearby. I was annoyed.

While getting to camp wasn’t the serene experience we’d anticipated, being in camp was amazing. And getting up for sunrise—which is totally NOT the norm for us—couldn’t have been better. Watching the sun cast its first rays on the ruddy dunes as we walked silently through the sand was marvelous.

We had a wonderful experience but wished we had set our expectations appropriately.

Moroccans’ language skills are extraordinary

There are two official languages in Morocco—Arabic and Berber. They’re both spoken widely, though you will probably hear more Arabic in the cities. Although French is not an official language, it seems to be everywhere, in spoken and written communication. You’ll find many people speak at least two of the three languages.

Some Moroccans even switch easily between Berber, Arabic, French, Spanish, and English. It’s mind-blowing.

Since most western tourists aren’t likely to have a good command of Berber or Arabic, knowing just a little bit of French can take you very far. English is spoken in many of the more touristy spots, but a knowledge of even a few phrases of French could be helpful.

On our trip, we encountered many restaurants that did not have English menus, and the proprietors of our riad in Marrakech didn’t speak English. The little bit of college French I remember a decade later—supplemented with some help from Google translate—was essential when ordering at restaurants and asking for simple things like a hair dryer at our riad. Our travel advice for Morocco? A basic phrase book and memorizing a handful of basic words are good ideas.

Expect to see storks

Stray cats, donkeys, and even monkeys are expected in different places in Morocco. But one animal that completely surprised us were the storks.

Considered holy animals in Morocco, storks are often found nesting in the tops of minarets and other buildings. We saw them first in the ancient site of Chellah in Rabat, but they’re fairly common in Marrakech, too.

If you see one of the huge birds building a nest or hanging around, steer clear—disturbing a stork comes with a three-month jail sentence in Morocco.

Taking photos can be a no go

Be careful about what photos you take when visiting Morocco. Some people—especially women—will not want their photo taken at all and will shield their faces. Others will expect some baksheesh (a tip).

The same can be said at shops. Don’t expect that everyone will be OK with you taking photos of their stands or shops, even in the souks. It’s always a good idea to ask before taking pictures of a person or their merchandise. And if they want some coins, establish the price before you take the photo.

It’s also worth noting that photographing many of the royal palaces, guards, and police is off-limits. It can be very tempting for photographers because of the colors of the flags flown and the variety of uniforms, but make sure you know what’s legal. When in doubt, address one of the guards, point to your camera, and wait for an affirmative response. Being cautious is always better than getting in trouble.

Each city has a specialty

Many people visit Morocco with the intention of shopping because of the unique hand-crafted products. While it’s true that most things are available in most places, each city has something it’s particularly known for.

For instance, you only have to look at the famous tanneries of Fez and Marrakech to imagine that they have high-quality leather goods. Find a shop that only sells leather or that is an actual leather workshop for the best items (and usually the best prices).

When it comes to pottery, the city of Safi on the Atlantic coast is the top place to shop. If Safi is not on your itinerary, Fez is a great option. We visited a factory there where we watched the ceramics and mosaics coming to life in front of us—truly impressive!

If you’re after argan products, be selective in your purchasing. This golden oil can be replaced by olive oil or other less expensive oils that don’t hold the same benefits as argan. Head to a pharmacy in one of the big cities. Better yet, stop at the women’s collective just outside of Essouira where you can watch the product being made to know what you’re getting is authentic. We came home with some delicious argan paste (tastes like out-of-this-world peanut butter) and cosmetic argan oil.

Whatever you’re in the market for, do a little research ahead of time so you can be prepared to get the best souvenir to remember your trip.

Immodium may come in handy

Most tap water in Morocco is generally safe to drink, especially in Marrakech. Food standards at restaurants and street food stands are also high, although we were warned against the carnival of food that is Jemaa el-Fnaa (Marrakech’s main square) at night because meat can sit out for a long time in warm temperatures.

Still, we usually stick to bottled water out of an abundance of caution. And, after a few incidents in Peru and Egypt, we’re always prepared with Immodium just in case. Vacation is a bad time to find out you’re more sensitive to certain foods (and microbes) than you thought.

Not everywhere has mint tea

Mint tea isn’t just a drink in Morocco. It’s a welcome, a ritual, and a sign of hospitality. In a country where alcohol isn’t widely consumed, the bright—and usually very sweet—beverage is as prevalent as wine in France or beer in the US.

But typical mint tea isn’t the only kind you’ll find in Morocco. When we were served plain green tea in our guest house near the desert, we learned that mint tea is less common in some areas, especially among Berbers. You may find plain tea (sweetened or unsweetened) or Berber tea, which often has a mix of herbs like thyme, geranium, sage, lemon verbena, or wormwood that vary depending on the time of year.

Chefchaouen really is that blue

Photos of brilliant blue Chefchaouen were one of the reasons we became interested in visiting Morocco. When we finally planned our trip to Morocco, I didn’t care one bit that Chefchaouen wasn’t the easiest place to get to, I was determined that it would be on our itinerary. I also thought that maybe there was a chance it wasn’t really that blue all the time. It is.

The stories vary about why Chefchaouen is blue, but it’s 100% true that most of this lovely town is painted in hues of royal, aqua, or baby blue throughout the year. It’s completely mesmerizing (maybe partially because our favorite color is blue). The best part of visiting Chefchaouen is getting lost in the medina and traversing the lanes up and down the hills while watching the colors change in front of you.

Unwanted attention is basically a sure thing

I hope it’s obvious by now just how lovely Morocco is. Most people also want to know if it’s safe to travel to Morocco and if women traveling in Morocco should be comfortable. The answer to both those questions is “yes,” but there are some caveats. A big one is that female travelers are likely to receive a lot of unwanted attention.

When we visited Egypt several years ago, my sister and I got yelled at in markets and followed through squares, and someone even offered to buy her. After that, I felt prepared for anything Morocco might bring.

While I certainly got catcalled in Fez and Marrakech, it wasn’t significantly worse than what I’ve experienced in any big city in the US. Being catcalled in Morocco is inevitable regardless of what you’re wearing or who you’re with, so do your best keep your head down, ignore it, and keep walking. And, above all, don’t let it ruin your trip.

Dressing modestly is a good idea

Everyone has a different idea of what “appropriate dress” is. When we travel, we try to respect local customs, so we dress and behave accordingly.

The truth is, you can wear whatever you want in Morocco. Wearing tank tops and short shorts isn’t a crime, but it’s likely to draw a lot of attention you definitely don’t want, and you’ll probably feel more uncomfortable in the end. Your best bet for feeling comfortable is dressing modestly, covering shoulders, legs, and cleavage.

The juice is unbelievable

Fruit is unbelievably cheap throughout Morocco. Don’t hesitate to indulge in the fruit juice stands whenever they’re available. We found them most often in Chefchaouen and Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech, but I’m sure they can be found elsewhere.

For less than $1USD, stands will juice just about any fruit you can think of right in front of you. And, my goodness, is it delicious. It’s even cheaper if you stand there to drink it than if you take away.

For the sake of comparison, we paid $1 in Chefchaouen for the same portion of fresh-squeezed orange juice that we paid nearly $5 for in southern Spain. It was so good that we had two glasses in one day. Heaven!

Traditional Moroccan food is fabulous

Food in Morocco is plentiful and super affordable. In many places, you can get delicious main dishes for about $8USD, and the portions are large enough to feed a small army. Once you add in bread and a starter to share, you’ll be looking to take the long way back to your riad to walk off a little of dinner.

Dishes vary across restaurants and cities, but there are four dishes you’ll find in most places—tagine, kefta, pastilla, and couscous.

Tagine is both the clay pot cooking vessel and the name of the dish that includes a variety of different vegetables and usually lamb, chicken, or beef. Kefta is seasoned ground beef meatballs (sometimes served on skewers). One of the best meals we had in Morocco was kefta at a roadside stop. SO good.

Pastilla is a Moroccan pie with a flaky crust that can be filled with fish, chicken, or squab (occasionally awkwardly translated as “dove”). It also has a layer of ground almonds, cinnamon, and sugar. Couscous—cooked semolina with vegetables and other accompaniments—is a regular on Moroccan tables, and particularly on Fridays to celebrate the holy day.

You’re going to get lost

The bigger medinas in Morocco have hundreds of shops, workshops, and food stands not to mention thousands of residents and visitors going about their daily lives. To say there is a lot of activity is an understatement.

At the same time, the alleys and streets twist and turn leading to squares, dead ends, and whole new sections of the medina you didn’t know existed. Even smaller medinas have an organization that is likely to confuse most visitors. Did I mention that many of the alleys are also quite dark?

The reality of visiting medinas and souks in Morocco is that you will probably get lost. It’s basically proof that you’ve had a real Morocco experience. It can be quite fun, but it can also be a little bit scary if you’re out at night. One of our top Morocco travel tips is to always carry a card with your hotel or riad’s address in case you need help finding your way back. Assume that a tip will be expected.

Having cellular or wifi access is really helpful

Having cellular or wifi access requires planning for people traveling to Morocco from abroad, but it’s a helpful thing to have. While many people like to disconnect on vacation, a smartphone is a valuable tool in a country where you may not always speak the language, or where you need directions or other information.

Cell coverage is generally good other than in the most remote areas, and 4G is available in most cities and many towns. But how do you access it?

The two best solutions for online access when you visit Morocco are to travel with an unlocked phone or to rent a wifi hotspot. If your phone is unlocked, buying a local SIM card can keep you connected very cheaply. If that’s not an option for you, consider a wifi hotspot. A hotspot will keep you connected when out and about and will come in handy if your riad or hotel has weak wifi, which we experienced several times. We wrote in more depth about our experience using a wifi hotspot in Morocco here .

You won’t find toilet paper everywhere

It’s easy to take for granted that restrooms will have toilet paper, but that’s simply not the case everywhere in the world. The best plan is to have a stash of your own with you at all times.

Americans are generally not used to paying to use the toilet—much less not having toilet paper—although that’s common in many places in the world. In Morocco, you often get lucky and find someone manning the restrooms. Usually a few dirham will get you a relatively clean restroom and a few pieces of paper. But sometimes you encounter a place without any. That’s when you’ll be glad you’re prepared.

Bargaining is part of the culture

Haggling is practically a national sport in Morocco, so be ready if you’re planning to head home loaded down with souvenirs. It can be a little uncomfortable, but if you look at it as a game instead, haggling can actually be fun.

Here’s the thing: prices at souks in Morocco are dramatically marked up. The shopkeepers expect haggling. And since no one wants to feel like they paid four times too much for an item, it’s a good idea to get comfortable with the fact that there’s going to be a good deal of back-and-forth before you walk away with your purchase.

Most Morocco travel guides advise starting your bargaining at 1/3 of the price you’re quoted, So, if you’re quoted 1000 dirham, offer 300 in return. Most of the time, you should reach an agreement at about 50-60% of the original price. Never seem too interested, and be prepared to walk away.

There are goats! In trees!

It’s hard not to be a sucker for goats. I mean, they’re adorable. And there’s a place in western Morocco between Marrakech and Essouira where you’re likely to see them in trees.

In the past, farmers coaxed the goats into the argan trees to gnaw on the tough seeds that hang from the branches. The goats ate and— shall we say, “processed”—the seeds, making it easier for farmers to extract the valuable contents inside the seeds.

Nowadays, there’s machinery to process the argan in an easier way, so the goats-in-trees thing is done for tourists who are suckers for these cuties. Although it’s not as authentic as it once was, there’s no question that it makes for an amazing photo. And, if you’re lucky, you might just get to hold a kid.

There are awesome Roman ruins

The influence of ancient Rome stretched far and wide, all the way to Morocco and beyond. Few visitors to Morocco make it to the country’s Roman ruins because of their locations, but these 2000-year-old sites are worth a detour. On this trip, we made it to two of the three sites–Chellah in Rabat and Volubilis, about two hours away.

Volubilis , located at the foot of the Atlas Mountains, was at the western edge of the Roman Empire. The footprints of its buildings, its triumphant arch, and the intricate mosaics tell the tales of its wealth even 2000 years later. All this thanks to money made from olive oil.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is dominated by the remains of buildings around the forum, with arches of the basilica in front of pillars of the Temple of Jupiter. Nearby, the Arch of Caracalla is visually striking in its size and completeness. The city that was once home to 20,000 residents now seems to be in the middle of nowhere, but its large number of beautifully-restored mosaics testifies to its importance.

Scammers abound

Marrakech is known as “scam city.” In the tourist areas, there are lots of people just waiting to hassle you a little bit in hopes of separating you from your money.

There are lots of “nice guys” trying to be your friend and offering to assist you in some unwanted way. They’ll ask what language you speak or where you’re from, maybe compliment you, and then offer you a tour, to show you where to buy the best rugs, or something else you’re not in the market for. Then, there are the people who come up and immediately put an animal on your back or in your hands.

This practice not limited to men, though. When we looked a bit confused walking back to our riad at night, two different boys gave us wrong directions we didn’t ask for. Once, a woman came up to me and grabbed my hand to start doing henna, unprompted. I don’t respond well to being grabbed by strangers.

Our best Morocco travel safety tip: don’t let your desire to be polite guide you into interacting with any of these kinds of scams. Use common sense and a definitive “no” (“la” in Arabic) and keep on walking.

Tanneries look—but do not smell—beautiful

Photos of the tanneries were one of the first things that intrigued me about visiting Morocco. The circles filled with dozens of colors and the people wandering among them make for an amazing mosaic when seen from above. Not to mention that the dyers are doing something most people have never seen before in a manner that hasn’t changed much since medieval times.

The thing that may not initially be obvious about the tanneries, though, it that some of those vats hold urine, water mixed with pigeon poo, and other unsavory solutions in order to prepare the hides. In the sweltering cities of Fez and Marrakech where you’ll find the tanneries, the vats and hides get hot. And they stink.

The tannery viewing experience will come with a sprig of mint to dull the tannery scent. We even saw some people who had shoved the mint up their noses. Our best Morocco travel tip: visit Morocco outside of the summer, if you can. During our visit in April, the scent was totally bearable.

It’s not always hot in Morocco

Lots of areas in Morocco get very warm during the day. In the spring and summer, temperatures in Marrakech range from 80-100 degrees. It’s even warmer in the desert, though it cools down substantially at night. Just three hours from Marrakech on the coast, Essouira is often 30 degrees cooler and windy. Before your visit, check the weather, and always pack a jacket just in case.

Having cash is necessary

One of the first things you do on your trip to Morocco should be to get cash. Morocco has a closed currency, which means it’s generally not available outside the country, but you’ll need plenty of it. Your first opportunity will likely be in the airport when you arrive.

Few places other than more expensive restaurants and supermarkets take credit or debit cards. You’ll need cash for most meals, buying most items in the souk (outside of a high-cost rug or leather good), taxis, and tipping. Finding an ATM in larger cities is relatively easy, but planning ahead is always a good idea.

Hectic Marrakech has a garden oasis

In the middle of Marrakech is a sprawling garden complex that feels a world away from the activity of the city. Jardin Majorelle is home to hundreds of varieties of plants plus fountains, ponds, and other peaceful additions.

The brilliant garden was built by French Orientalist artist Jacques Majorelle over 40 years beginning in 1923 and was revived in the 1980s after being purchased by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé. Jardin Majorelle is now the top attraction in all of Morocco.

Visitors can walk among plants from five continents, lose themselves in the splashing fountains, and gaze at the art deco bright blue (known as Marjorelle blue) buildings. During our visit, Saint Laurent’s private garden was also open to visitors, which is a rare occurrence.

It is worth noting that the line to get into Jardin Majorelle can be long. Plan ahead and leave plenty of time for your visit. It’s worth it.

Laura Longwell is an award-winning travel blogger and photographer. Since founding Travel Addicts in 2008, she has written hundreds of articles that help over 3 million people a year get the most out of their travel. In that time, she has visited nearly 60 countries on 5 continents, often returning to favorite destinations over and over again. She has a deep love of history, uncovering unexpected attractions, and trying all the good food a place has to offer.

In addition to Travel Addicts, Laura runs a site about her hometown of Philadelphia—Guide to Philly—which chronicles unique things to do and places to see around southeastern Pennsylvania. Her travel tips and advice appear across the web.

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Wednesday 2nd of March 2022

We are going to Morrocco very soon and have never been there. Unfortunately we have limited time.....only 2-1/2 days at the end of a European trip. Right now, we are staying in Casablanca for the 2-1/2 days, but could cut one of the days out for a day trip to Marrakech. What would you advise?

Laura Longwell

I think you would be very disappointed to spend that amount of time in Casablanca. It's the business center and has minimal attractions compared to other cities. I would definitely recommend going to Marrakesh.

Monday 5th of July 2021

Thank you for your detailed information and recommendations. We are going to Morocco in a few days and I appreciate all of your advice.

That's great! I hope you have a fantastic time.

Friday 16th of August 2019

Came across your site! Thank you for the great insight! Did you arrange your private transportation offshore or once you arrived in Morocco? Did you use any specific service.

Thursday 30th of May 2019

the goats on the trees are really unbelievable!!!!

Wednesday 19th of September 2018

Great list! I visited Morocco two years ago and it was quite an experience. It's so different to anywhere else I have been. You're very right that visitors to Marrakesh should be wary of scammers, we were a little ignorant of this when we visited and a man tried to charge us for giving us directions in the souks...

My favourite place in Morroco though was Imlil, a Berber village, in the Atlas Mountains. The people were so sweet and we even managed to hike Toubkal! I recommend it if you haven't been.

Travel to Morocco: A Complete Guide (Tips + Morocco Itinerary).  

• By Sarah Steiner
• Updated On April 22, 2024

Welcome to our Morocco Travel Guide! It’s safe to say we love Morocco. It’s April 2024 and we are just wrapping up SIX months of travel to Morocco.

We arrived by ferry from Spain and have hugged and surfed the beautiful Atlantic coastline. We loved the contrast of the famous imperial cities (Fes, Marrakech, Chefchaouen) and desert towns (Ouarzazate, Merzouga and Zagora) heading all the way inland to the Sahara Desert. And we ventured way down south to camel markets (Guelmim), historic settlements (Sidi Ifni) and surfing hotspots (Taghazout, Tamraght and Dakhla).

So now; after six incredible months of travel to Morocco here is our complete Morocco Travel Guide and itinerary with everything you need to know for an epic trip to Morocco of your own! 

In this Morocco travel guide you will find: 

• Travel to Morocco 
• Best time to visit
• Visas  
• Traveling  to  Morocco
• Data, WIFI and connectivity 
• Safety in Morocco
• Money and ATM’s
• Food and alcohol 
• Transportation within Morocco  
• Morocco itinerary  
• Places to visit in Morocco   – Tangier – Chefchaouen – Fes   – Rabat – Casablanca – Essaouira – Marrakech – Agadir – Merzouga – Ouarzazate   – Ait Ben Haddou
• Accommodation in Morocco  
• More about travel to Morocco  

About Morocco, just quickly

• Full Name:  The Kingdom of Morocco
• Capital:  Rabat
• Official languages:  Arabic and Moroccan Berber
• Religion:  99% Islam
• Currency:  Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
• Population:  37,080,000 (2021)
• Time Zone:  National Standard Time (UTC+1)
• Calling Code:  +212
• Drives On:  Right
• Credit Cards:  Visa/MC accepted
• Outlets:   Plug Type C and E (220 V / 50 Hz)

Travel to Morocco – the country, the people and its culture

Morocco has a unique history that has largely been influenced by its geographical placement in between Europe and Africa and bordering the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea.  

Size-wise it is a large country and has an incredibly varied landscape and culture in the different directions of each border.  But one thing that is constant all over the country is the Moroccan culture and warm hospitality.  

On the northern Atlantic coast the first cities that welcome any traveller are the coastal towns of Tangier and Asilah.  

Inland, the famous imperial cities of Marrakesh and Fez do not disappoint.  Marrakesh is more modern and popular as a starting point, but Fez is iconic and traditional and definitely worth adding to your Morocco itinerary. 

Agadir, Rabat and Casablanca are Morocco’s other large cities and offer the coastline as well as street food and the famous Hassan II Mosque (the only mosque you can visit as a tourist in Morocco). 

The Atlas Mountains provide truly stunning scenery and are popular as a destination for trekking and exploring or just as a daytrip from Marrakech. 

And hidden away in the Rif Mountains, Chefchaouen is arguably Morocco’s most iconic and prettiest town.

Read more about options to choose the best Morocco itinerary below. 

Do I need a visa to travel to Morocco? 

Citizens of the following countries and territories can enter Morocco visa-free for up to 90 days (unless otherwise noted):

• All European Union member states, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bahrain, Brazil, Burkina Faso, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Cote d’Ivoire, Dominican Republic, Gabon, Indonesia, Japan, Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Niger, Norway, Oman, Peru, Philippines, Qatar, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Togo, Tunisia, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States. 

Visa-free entry for Morocco is valid for both airport and land borders for the countries listed above. 

Other foreign nationals wishing to enter Morocco must obtain a visa prior to arrival. 

On July 10, 2022, the Moroccan government launched an e-Visa system   to facilitate the granting of visas to foreign nationals subject to this formality.

Best time to visit Morocco

Traditionally, the best time to visit Morocco in terms of the weather is during the spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October) months.  This is when the climate is pleasant and summery throughout the country without being too hot for day-time exploration.  

However, in our experience we would also recommend the wintertime (December, January and February) as a perfect escape from the Northern-hemisphere.  And to make the most of the sunshine and pleasant day-time temperature.  Winter is also a good time to explore the south and the Sahara fringes and further inland without overwhelming heat.  Albeit do remember that even in the desert it can get bitterly cold during the night. 

Getting  to  Morocco

Morocco is geographically located in North Africa.  It is possible to travel to Morocco by air, land and sea. 

Travel to Morocco by air

Morocco has 8 main international airports.  Casablanca is the country’s major airport and hub for the national carrier, Royal Air Maroc.  

International airports in Morocco: 

Travel to Morocco by land

If you want to travel to Morocco by land, know that it shares a border with two countries: Algeria and Mauritania. 

The border between Morocco and Algeria is closed and has been closed for years.  But it is possible to cross the border from Morocco to Mauritania.  

• Read all about crossing the Morocco – Mauritania border from Dakhla to Nouadhibou here. 

Travel to Morocco by sea

It is also possible – and easy – to enter Morocco at the port borders in the north of the country at:

• Tangier Med

It is possible to bring a vehicle or motorhome with you to Morocco on the ferry from Europe.  (This is what we did).  

• Read all about how to travel to Morocco with a motorhome on the ferry from Algeciras, Spain to Tangier Med . 

Is it safe to travel to Morocco? 

Morocco is regarded as a safe country to travel to.  Crime rates are relatively low.  And in all our travel to Morocco we have never felt unsafe or questioned our safety. 

The country has seen a huge rise is visitor numbers in recent years as tourists – especially from Europe, UK and USA – are looking for an off the beaten track and unique travel experience.  And along with travel anywhere that is more adventurous, aspects such as public safety, hygiene standards, and societal norms may be different to what you are used to. 

It is expected that you respect and understand its laws and cultural customs and adhere to the status quo. 

Unfortunately Morocco does sometimes have a reputation for scams and pickpockets, especially in the public spaces of tourist hotspots like Marrakech, Fes and Essaouira.  Much of Morocco’s economy depends on tourism and petty crime and ‘tourist traps’ can catch a visitor by surprise.  Keep your valuables safe and carry small amounts of cash.  And as with any travel around the world it is important to be aware of your surroundings. 

Internet connectivity and WIFI in Morocco

In general, internet and WIFI connection is good (surprisingly so by travel standards) across the country.  Hotels and accommodation in the cities will have WIFI available (at varying speeds).  In the desert regions and further south in Morocco the connection is often weaker.  

If you rely on WIFI for work I suggest tethering to your SIM card with data.  See below, but the mobile networks are often faster and more reliable. 

SIM cards and data

There are three mobile network operators: Maroc Telecom, Orange and INWI.  

It is easy to buy a prepaid SIM card on arrival at the airports and at Tangier Med (ferry port).  And in the cities you will see roving vendors wearing branded t-shirts of the different network providers selling SIM cards and recharge vouchers. 

Data is inexpensive and it is straightforward to recharge prepaid connections using scratch cards that can be purchased at kiosks and convenience stores all over the country. 

• Read all about buying a SIM card in Morocco and how to get unlimited data. 

Get a VPN for traveling in Morocco

You should always use a VPN when you travel.  And especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.  

Your connection with a VPN will be much safer.  And you will be able to access any content that is typically censored or blocked in Morocco.  

Money, currency and cash when you travel to Morocco

The Moroccan dirham is the official currency of Morocco.

• 10 MAD = 1 USD
• 100 MAD = 10 USD 
• 1000 MAD = 100 USD

Dirham are available in banknotes of 20, 50, 100 and 200.  Coins are available in denominations of 1/2, 1, 2, 5 and 10 dirham. 

ATMs in Morocco 

You can find ATMs in the main cities and towns in Morocco. 

Credit cards (VISA and Mastercard) are accepted at mainstream city accommodations, high-end restaurants, large supermarkets and shopping malls.  

However, Morocco is a cash-based society. You will need to always carry cash with you in Moroccan Dirham.   

ATMs in Morocco will give you a maximum of 2,000 – 4000 MAD per transaction (approximately 200 – 400 EUR/USD.)

These are the ATM’s in Morocco we have used (mostly successfully) to withdraw local currency: 

• Societe Generale 
• Attijariwafa Bank
• Banque Populaire

Morocco has fairly high withdrawal charges with a standard withdrawal fee (regardless of amount withdrawn) of 35 MAD. 

How much does it cost to travel to Morocco? 

It really depends on how long you have, where you go and ultimately your Morocco itinerary.  

Typically, meals costs somewhere between 5 and 10 USD.  Accommodation in Morocco usually includes breakfast.  

• Bottle of water  (1.5L): 6 MAD
• Bread:  1.5 MAD 
• Tagine (2 person):  50 MAD
• Cappuccino:  15 MAD
• Orange juice  (fresh): 10 MAD
• Sprite or Coke  (330ml): 6 MAD
• Sandwich/Panini:  35 MAD 
• Meal at McDonalds:  65 MAD
• Bananas (1kg):  15 MAD
• Milk (1L):  8 MAD
• Beer (330ml):  25 – 40 MAD
• Wine (750ml):  60 – 110 MAD
• Petrol  (1L): 14 MAD
• Diesel  (1L): 13 MAD

Food and alcohol in Morocco 

There’s a lot more to Moroccan cuisine than couscous and tajines.  The traditional foods of Morocco are mouth-watering.  

Moroccan dishes are influenced by Berber, Jewish, Arab, Spanish and French cultures. And food plays a very important role in traditional Moroccan culture and is seen as a symbol of hospitality. 

Alcohol isn’t readily available around the country.  But it is legal to drink alcohol in Morocco. Many larger hotels will serve alcohol and in the cities (Marrakech, Fes, Essaouira, Agadir) there are restaurants and bars in and around the medina that serve alcohol.

Food in Morocco you need to try

The most common food items you will come across on your travel in Morocco include slow-cooked meats, couscous, bread, dates and sweets and of course, Moroccan mint tea. LOTS of mint tea. 

• Tagine: Slow-cooked meat and vegetables cooked and presented in a conical-shaped clay pot.
• Couscous:  Originally from Morocco and typically served with meat or vegetable stew. Traditionally prepared on Friday and served for special occasions. 
• Harira:  Lentil soup usually served as a starter or used during Ramadan to break the fast at dusk.
• Bastilla:   Flaky pie traditionally made with pigeon or chicken.
• Khobz:  Crusty bread typically baked in communal wood-fired ovens and served with meals.
• Bissara:  Hearty soup made from dried fava beans and commonly served during breakfast
• Tanjia:  Like tagine, meat slow-cooked in a covered clay pot. 
• Chebakiya:  Flower-shaped, fried sesame cookie dipped in honey. 
• Kaab el Ghazal  (Gazelle Horns): Crescent-shaped pastires made with almond paste, orange flower water and cinnamon. 

Language for your travel to Morocco 

Arriving in Morocco you’ll quickly discover that the language spoken amongst Moroccans is an amazing blend of Arabic, French, Berber (Amazigh) and sometimes a little English (or even Spanish). And without doubt the people you encounter and interact with will appreciate your effort at speaking a bit of their language.   

• Hello:  As-salaam Alaykum (literally means peace be with you)
• And unto you peace  – Walaykum As-salaam (said in response to the above)
• Thank you:  Shukran
• You’re welcome:  Al ‘afw
• How are you?  Labas? 
• Good:  Mezya
• How much?  Be kam? 
• Please:  Afak
• Delicious:  Hadshi bneen
• Yes:  Wah
• No:  La

A greeting of ‘Salam’ is always received with a smile. 

Transportation for your travel to Morocco 

Public transportation is an adventure in itself when traveling in Morocco.  It can be hit or miss with taxis and buses between cities or taking a shared taxi.  The bigger cities like Marrakech and Casablanca have public bus routes within the city but the buses are often old and overcrowded and don’t necessarily follow a route or timetable… 

But, travel to Morocco is an adventure and that is what we are here for; right? 

Travel in Morocco by train

The best way to travel between Moroccan cities is by train.  Morocco now has Africa’s fastest trains traveling at 300km/h (186mph) linking Tangier, Rabat and Casablanca every hour over a new high-speed line.  Classic trains link northern Tangier and Casablanca with Meknes, Fes and Marrakech.

Travel in Morocco by rental car

Renting a car in Morocco gives you the ultimate freedom to explore in any direction and at your own pace of travel. Car rental in Morocco costs between 15 and 50 USD a day. The price will depend on the company that you rent with and the model you rent. Don’t be put off by concerns of self-navigating Morocco.

• Read our complete guide to driving in Morocco . 

Travel in Morocco by plane

RAM (Royal Air Maroc) operates domestic flights from Casablanca to six major cities in Morocco.  You will usually have to change planes at Casablanca, unless both points are stops on a single Casa-bound flight. In general domestic flights are expensive, but it will save you a lot of time.

Travel in Morocco by bus

Intercity buses are the most common mode of transport between cities in Morocco and are a cheap and efficient way to get around.  

The most popular bus companies are: 

• Ghazala 

It is possible to book tickets online for Supratours and CTM or you can book in person at the bus station (easier; and definitely more reliable). 

Buses between cities are reasonably priced with a ticket between Marrakech and Casablanca between 80 – 110 MAD ($8 – $11 USD) per person for the 4-hour bus ride. 

Travel in Morocco by taxi

There are different types of taxis to get around Morocco.  The most common are shared taxis (which in essence operate a bit more like a mini-bus system): 

• Petit taxis:  These are small cars to get around town and can hold up to three people (yes; only three passengers are allowed at a time).  They’re very cheap to use and you can just wave one down and check with the driver where he is going and negotiate your price upfront. 
• Grand taxis:  These are shared taxis that can carry up to six passengers. They often won’t leave the taxi station until the taxi is full but because they are so popular the wait is not usually long.  You can locate a grand taxi near any taxi stand. 
• Private taxi:  Operates the same as any taxi anywhere.  Not all taxis are metered so make sure to negotiate and agree on a fare before driving. 

Morocco itinerary options 

This is the juicy part of our Morocco travel guide.  From here we are going to talk about our itinerary in Morocco as well as the unmissable and best things to do in Morocco and places you need to see.  

It really depends what you want to see in your travel to Morocco.  Because Morocco really seems to have it all! 

So whether you are looking for a relaxing riad, and Instagram-worthy vacation, history, a desert adventure or sunshine and surf.  Morocco truly has it all. 

Ready? 

Three 10-Day Morocco itinerary options 

Here are three Morocco itinerary options for a 10-day adventure (or vacation) in Morocco.  All of the places to visit in Morocco are listed below with highlights and things to do in each place so you can adjust and adapt your Morocco itinerary accordingly.

North to Sahara 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Option 1

• Day 1 : Arrival in Tangier (1 Night)
• Day 2 : Chefchaouen (1 Nights)
• Day 3 : Volubilis & Meknes (Day Trip)
• Days 3 – 4 : Fes (2 Nights)
• Days 5 – 6 : Sahara Desert – Merzouga (2 Nights)
• Day 7 : Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou (1 Night) 
• Day 8 : Marrakech (2 nights) 
• Day 10 : Departure from Marrakech

Coast to Desert 10-Day Morocco Itinerary – Option 2

• Day 1:  Arrival in Agadir – Tamraght (1 Night) 
• Day 2:  Tamraght and Taghazout (1 Niight) 
• Day 3:  Tamraght to Marrakech (1 Night) 
• Day 4 – 5:  Sahara Desert Trip (2 Nights) 
• Day 6:  Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou (1 Night) 
• Day 7:  Return to Marrakech (1 Night) 
• Day 8:  Marrakech (1 Night) 
• Day 9:  Day trip Marrakech to Ourika Valley (1 Night) 
• Day 10:  Departure from Marrakech 

Imperial 10-day Morocco Itinerary – Option 3

• Day 1:  Casablanca (1 Night) 
• Day 2:  Chefchaouen (1 Night) 
• Day 3:  Fez (stopping off at Volubilis en route) (1 Night) 
• Day 4:  Marrakech
• Day 5 – 6:  Sahara Desert Trip (2 Nights) 
• Day 7:  Ouarzazate and Ait Ben Haddou (1 Night) 
• Day 8 – 9:  Marrakech 

Travel to Morocco – Places to visit on your Morocco itinerary 

Travel to Morocco is unlike anywhere else in the African continent.  Geographically the country is long and thus the culture is diverse and different from top to bottom.  We have spent more than six months travel in Morocco.  And we’ve seen a LOT.  

But to summarise travel to Morocco in one Travel Guide we have chosen the likely main stops on your Morocco itinerary and the three best things to do in Morocco for each place. 

Tangier is a port city in the north of Morocco steeped in history and entangled in the literal maze of streets in the old medina. It’s hard to fathom that this magical escape to Africa is barely an hour’s boat ride away from Europe. 

Things to do in Tangier

• The Kasbah:  Pass under Bab Haha gate and enter the Kasbah in Tangier with the maze of cobbled alleyways and sweeping hilltop views of the Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean sea.
• Tangier Grand Mosque:  Originating in the 5 th  century the mosque was once the site of a Roman temple.  During the 8 th  century it became a place for Muslim prayer until the Portuguese conquest in the late 15 th  century when it was converted to a cathedral and subsequently back again to a mosque.
• Petit Socco:  A hub of activity – historic and otherwise – in the centre of Tangier.  The best choice to plonk yourself and drink mint tea and watch the world go by.

Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a city in the Rif Mountains to the northwest of Morocco and known for the striking, blue-washed buildings of the old town. There are many different theories to why Chefchaouen is so blue.

Things to do in Chefchaouen 

• Take in all the BLUE:  Chefchaouen is the ultimate Moroccan medina for wandering and photography.  There are endless enchanting squares, doorways and dead-end alleys that are all very photogenic.
• Visit the Souk:  If you happen to be in Chefchaouen on a Monday or a Thursday you should definitely visit the souk. 
• See the view from the Spanish Mosque:  The best place for a beautiful panoramic view of Chefchaouen is at the Spanish mosque. This mosque sits on the hillside and it is a pleasant 45-minute walk to get there.

Fes is a UNESCO world heritage site and home to the oldest and largest medina in North Africa.  The city was once the capital of Morocco and is now regarded as the cultural epicentre of the country. 

Things to do in Fes, Morocco  

• Jnan Sbil Gardens (Bou Jeloud):  This peaceful slice of nature is the only public garden in Fes medina.  Relax, cool down and join Fes locals enjoying the park too. The park is open Tuesday – Sunday between 8AM – 7:30PM. 
• Bou Inania Madrasa:  Opposite the Grande Mosquée, this religious school, completed in 1358 is a historic madrasa (Islamic learning centre) in the city of Fes. 
• Fes Tanneries:  Be sure to check out the iconic tanneries of Fes! Take in the world-famous smells and discover hundreds of earthen pits full of coloured dye used to colour animal skins.  The tanneries are a unique part of Fes culture and a must-see in travel to Morocco. 

The capital city of Rabat is often overlooked as a destination for travel to Morocco. It is a modern city today but like it’s neighbours it boasts a rich history with another lively Moroccan medina.

Things to do in Rabat

• Visit the medina:  The medina and kasbah of Rabat are two different but connected areas. While much of Rabat is extremely modern, the medina still has reminders of a historic and different kind of life.
• Try a street food sandwich: Eenter the medina and hunt down the  viande hache  (mincemeat) sandwich in fresh Moroccan bread. 
• City of Sale:  Just across the Bou Regreg River from Rabat lies the smaller sister city of Salé; another interesting and often forgotten place. Salé has a fascinating history that is deeply linked to a past with dreaded pirating famed since the 1600’s.
• Visit Chellah:  Overlooking the lush Bou Regreg River on the Rabat city side is Chellah, a picturesque fort that dates back to the Phoenician times in the third century B.C. 

Casablanca is a port city and commercial hub in western Morocco and the largest city in the country. 

Things to do in Casablanca, Morocco 

• Hassan II Mosque:  No trip to Casablanca is complete without visiting the spectacular Hassan II Mosque; the only mosque in Morocco open to non-Muslims. 
• Morocco Mall:  Located at the end of La Corniche area is Morocco Mall – the biggest shopping mall on the African continent.
• Old Medina:  Starkly contrasting the modern mall; the old medina of Casablanca is a vibrant and fascinating place to wander (and drink tea and eat fresh, hot M’smen).

Marrakech 

Morocco’s most well-known city is a sensory experience of vibrant colours, flavours, smells, sounds and unique sights.  It’s world-famous for the maze of markets and shopping in old city medina but there are plenty more things to do in Marrakech.  

Things to do in Marrakech

• Jamaa el Fnaa:  The main square of the Marrakech medina is the literally-bustling heart and hub of the city and an experience of culture, chaos and shopping like nowhere else!
• Try a Moroccan hammam:  This is a must-do during your travels in Morocco.  A hammam is a public bathhouse and the experience really is one of the highlights (and out-of-comfort-zone adventures) of the culture.
• Jardin Marjorelle:  Visit the famous gardens and vibrant blue house once owned and restored by Yves St Laurent.  A truly tropical desert oasis in the midst of the busy city.

Essaouira 

Essaouira is a port city on the Atlantic coast.  Just a walk in the port vicinity feels like more than a world away from Europe. 

Trade winds make Essaouira popular for surfing, kitesurfing and windsurfing. And it isn’t as overcrowded as Marrakech or Fes.  It is one of the most underrated destinations for travel to Morocco.

Things to do in Essaouira

• Essaouira medina:  The labyrinth of alleyways in the old city are an assault on the senses (in a good way) with colourful souvenirs, handicrafts, Moroccan rugs and shoes.
• Surfing:  Trade winds make Essaouira a fantastic alternative for a Morocco vacation away from the big touristy cities.  There are plenty of surf shops, windsurfing and surfing schools that are great for beginners. 
• Fish market and port:  Essaouira was the main fishing port for Morocco in the 1900’s and today fishing boats line the harbour where each day they sell their catch.  It’s interesting for a walk or choose your own seafood to be cooked fresh at the many restaurants.

The Hollywood of Africa! Ouarzazate really is like a mini-Hollywood in Morocco.  There are many cool sites to visit and the city is just a hop, skip and a jump from the even more iconic Ait Ben Haddou. 

Things to do in Ouarzazate

• Visit Ben Haddou:  A 30 minute drive from Ouarzazate, Ait Ben Haddou is an ancient village of earthen clay buildings that dates back to the 1600s.
• Atlas Film Studios:  With cheap production costs and desolate scenery, Ouarzazate has been a Hollywood base for over 200 movies and television programmes filmed at Atlas Studios including, Gladiator, Ben Hur, Game of Thrones, The Mummy, Passion of Christ, and Black Hawk Down.
• Kasbah Taourirt:  A citadel in the centre of Ouarzazate set up as a museum showcasing the historic vantage point of the city on the trade routes from Sub-Saharan Africa. 

Agadir 

Agadir is a city on Morocco’s southern Atlantic coastline connecting to the foothills of the Anti-Atlas Mountains. 

Things to do in Agadir 

• Souk el Had: Agadir’s main souk with over 6000 vendors  selling everything from spices, fruits and vegetables through to clothes, perfumes, carpets, pottery, and electronics.
• Taghazout and Tamraght:  Just a short drive north to the beach towns of Taghazout and Tamraght for surfing and sunshine. Anchor Point often considered to be Africa’s best surf spot.
• Agadir Beach (Plage d’Agadir):  A seaside resort with deep, fine sand, cafes and restaurants galore. 

Accommodation in Morocco

Riads  –  A Riad is a traditional Moroccan house of palace with an indoor garden and courtyard.  Riad accommodation is generally located withing the old city medinas.

Hostels  – Popular especially on the coast in surfing spots like Imsouane, Taghazout and Tamraght. 

Hotels  – In the bigger cities you can find high-end and mid-range to budget hotel options. 

Desert Camps –  In the Saharan region you will find nomad style camping and glamping offered in the desert. 

Campsites  – Morocco has an abundance of camping and motorhome campsites. Read our complete  guide to campsites in Morocco.

• Booking.com  – We book all our accommodation in Morocco and all over the world on Booking.com. There is a great selection of budget accommodation, beautiful riads, desert camps, hostels, and hotels.  Be sure to check the filters and make the most of cancellation flexibility that we love! 

Souks and markets in Morocco 

Once you have refined your Morocco itinerary and chosen the direction for your travel in Morocco it is time to add in some unique things to see and do for a truly memorable trip.  The weekly markets and souks in Morocco are a fascinating way to get a glimpse of traditional, rural and day-to-day life.  

Here are some of our favourites: 

• Zagora Weekly Market
• Tabounte Weekly Market
• Guelmim Camel Market
• Sidi Ifni Weekly Market
• Tafraoute Weekly Market
• Tamraght Weekly Market
• Agadir Weekly Anza Souk 
• Ouarzazate Weekly Souk

Planning travel to Morocco – more information

These are the companies we use while traveling fulltime as a family (for five years now) and ones that we would recommend to anyone booking travel to Morocco. 

• Booking.com  – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. There is a great selection of budget accommodation and be sure to check the filters and cancellation flexibility that we love! 
• Skyscanner   – We use this for all our flights. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. 
• GetYourGuide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world.
• SafetyWing  – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country. 
• World Nomads   – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have travel insurance before traveling to Morocco!

Read our other guides and articles for traveling in Morocco 

• Taking the ferry from Spain to Morocco.
• Everything you wanted to ask about driving in Morocco.
• Crossing the Morocco Mauritania border from Dakhla to Nouadhibou.
• Motorhome services in Morocco.
• A guide to campsites in Morocco.
• Buying a SIM card in Morocco (and how to get unlimited data).

Wondering about itineraries?  Questions about schooling?  See our Family Travel Guides and FAQ here . 

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We are the Steiners: Sarah, Gavin, Harry and Oscar – a family from New Zealand with a love of travel and adventure together… Especially where it takes us off the beaten track! 

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Morocco Travel Guide

Looking for an in-depth Morocco travel guide ?

Then you’re in the right place!

Morocco is high on many traveler’s bucket lists — and for good reason! This North African country is rich with history and culture as well as absolutely breathtaking landscapes.

Of course, anyone planning a trip to Morocco will want to visit the bustling cities of Marrakech and Casablanca with their iconic markets, Moorish-style buildings and historic attractions.

But there is so much more to see in this gem of the Middle East.

Morocco is full of incredible sites, from beautiful landscapes to truly unique cities and villages.

No trip to Morocco is complete without a visit to Chefchaouen, or the “Blue City,” a city in the Rif Mountains full of striking blue-washed buildings. And the country’s natural wonders like the Sahara Desert are not to be missed!

Keep reading to dive into resources from Jessie on a Journey as well as its sister site Epicure & Culture that will help you with planning a trip to Morocco.

Note: This guide to Morocco travel contains affiliate links to trusted partners!

What would you add to this Morocco travel guide?

Morocco map.

Use this Morocco travel map to begin planning your trip!

Click here for an interactive version of the above map.

Morcco Travel Tips

The following advice can help you plan an unforgettable trip to Morocco.

Solo Female Travel In Morocco: The Ultimate Guide (With Map!)

Best Places To Visit In Morocco

Learn about the top places to visit in Morocco .

An Unexpected Adventure At Morocco’s Marrakech Bazaar

Food, Culture And Going Beyond The Tourist Trail In Marrakech, Morocco

Dining & Dancing With Berbers Near The High Atlas Mountains Of Morocco

Exploring Moroccan Culture

Immerse yourself in local culture when you visit Morocco .

Exploring Holistic Berber Rememdies In Morocco

How To Support The Women In Morocco Who Give Us Argan Oil

Explore Morocco Through Food

Add these culinary experiences to your Morocco travel itinerary .

Why Traditional Moroccan Cooking Is An Expression Of Love

This Moroccan Couscous Recipe Will Immerse You In Authentic Culture

The Tajine: Morocco’s Pride & Passion

Top Morocco Tours

Book a Morocco tour and get to know the culture through a local.

• Sandboarding With Lunch In A Berber House In Agadir
• Visit a Souk and Cook Moroccan Food in Marrakech
• Quad Bike Adventure In Agadir

Morocco Travel Insurance

It doesn’t matter if you’re traveling solo or with a group on a Morocco tour. When visiting Morocco — or any other country in the world — make sure to get travel insurance to protect your health and safety.

In my opinion, the best travel medical insurance for travelers is SafetyWing as they’ve got a large network and offer both short-term and long-term coverage — including coverage if you’re traveling for months as well as limited coverage in your home country).

Additionally, SafetyWing is budget-friendly and offers $250,000 worth of coverage with just one low overall deductible of $250.

With coverage, you’ll have peace of mind as you embark on your Morocco itinerary.

Click my referral link here to price out travel insurance for your trip in just a few clicks .

Morocco Hotels

Click here to browse hotels in Morocco!

Prefer self-contained stays? 

Click here to check out unique local rentals!

You can also use this map to search for local stays:

Renting A Car In Morocco

Need a rental car for your Morocco trip?

Use Discover Cars to quickly compare your car rental options.

Morocco Train Travel

Getting around Morocco by train, bus, or ferry?

Omio is a must! It’s a great tool for all of your public transportation needs.

The site is straightforward and user-friendly — and you can pre-book your tickets in advance at a discount.

They even offer flight and car deals!

Morocco Travel Guide FAQ

Below, find answers to frequently asked questions about traveling Morocco .

Q: Is it safe to travel in Morocco?

Though the Middle East and North Africa can be volatile destinations, Morocco is considered one of the most peaceful countries in the region according to the latest Global Peace Index.

That said, it’s important to exercise caution and keep your guard up when visiting Morocco, particularly for women travelers and solo female travelers . That being said, you can absolutely travel alone in Morocco and stay safe.

Street harassment is a common experience for both female travelers and local women. Experts suggest traveling with a companion, dressing conservatively, and considering a group tour in the country if safety is top of mind.

Intrepid Travel is a great sustainable operator that runs tours in Morocco, like these .

Q: What is the best month to travel to Morocco?

The spring and fall months are considered the best times to visit Morocco as the temperatures are comfortable and perfect for sightseeing. The country’s coastal destinations like Safi and Essaouira experience mild weather year-round and are great to visit any time.

Be sure to check the Islamic calendar when planning your trip, though, as transportation and business schedules change considerably during the month of Ramadan and many places may be closed altogether.

Q: What should I avoid in Morocco?

The main things you’ll want to avoid while visiting Morocco are scams. This includes everything from the “Magic Carpet Scam,” in which a shop owner will try to convince a tourist to buy a handmade rug to resell at a mark-up back at home, to taxis with “broken” meters.

Beyond watching your wallet, you’ll want to avoid disrespecting the people of Morocco. Dress a bit more modestly than you would at home, don’t take photos of people on the street without their consent, and be mindful of local religious customs and practices.

Q: What are the best places to visit in Morocco?

The famous cities of Casablanca, Marrakesh, and Fez should not be missed when visiting Morocco, but the country has so much more to offer beyond these destinations. The port city of Tangier is worth visiting for its gorgeous whitewashed medina and colorful alleys. Foodies and hikers alike should definitely visit High Atlas , North Africa’s highest mountain range home to markets full of delicious eats. And pop culture junkies will want to make a trip to Essaouira, a popular beach hangout of 1960s rock stars like Jimi Hendrix and a one-time shooting location for Game of Thrones !

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Morocco?

A visa is not required for US citizens visiting Morocco for less than 90 days. The same is also true for visitors from the European Union, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and several other countries and regions throughout the world.

It’s recommended to view your country’s Morocco International Travel Information page for the most up-to-date information on entry and exit requirements. You can also contact the Embassy of Morocco.

Q: Are credit cards accepted in Morocco?

Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas of Morocco, with Visa and Mastercard being the most widely accepted cards. Even when you bring a credit card with you, it’s also wise to carry a bit of cash.

Q: What is the local currency in Morocco?

The local currency in Morocco is the dirham.

Enjoyed this guide to Morocco travel? Pin it for later!

23 Travel Tips for Morocco – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go

What are the best travel tips for Morocco? In this article, I’ll tell you a few things that you should know before visiting Morocco. I’ll also explain some key points that make Morocco stand apart and I’ll give you travel advice that will help you enjoy your trip to Morocco even more.

Morocco is a country that attracts people from all over the world and this all year round thanks to its exotic landscapes and gorgeous traditional cities. It’s a country that has charmed our hearts with its waterfalls , port cities , and huge sand dunes .

There is definitely a lot to do in Morocco but what should travelers know before visiting this North-African country? What are the best travel tips for Morocco?

Travel tip for Morocco #1: You should definitely visit the waterfalls

Read more to find out what you should know before visiting Morocco. These are useful travel tips and small everyday life details that we couldn’t help but observe while visiting this beautiful country.

Morocco is not just a huge desert…

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Our top travel tips for Morocco

1. a lot of shops and restaurants in morocco are closed on fridays.

Morocco is a Muslim country and as such, Fridays are sacred days. A bit like Sundays for Christians. In Morocco, Fridays are usually the days when families and friends gather, stay at home and share a hearty Couscous.

Because of this a lot of cafes, stores, and restaurants are not open on Friday until the late afternoon.

Things are quiet on Friday mornings in Morocco…

Imagine walking out of your hostel in Morocco one morning with a super hungry belly just to find out that nothing is open. Not a single open restaurant in sight and no shop where you can buy some snacks.

That has happened to us on quite a few occasions and for some reason, we always forget to prepare for this ahead of time!

A quick tip: If you’re backpacking around Morocco and you’re in a small town on a Thursday night, buy food for the next morning.

In rural areas, you might not find any shop open on Friday mornings…

2. People generally get up late and stay up late

In the north of Morocco and especially in Tangier, life starts rather late in the morning. If you’re an early bird, you might have trouble finding a place open for a coffee before 10 AM.

By the same token, people stay up super late. When we were staying in a hostel in the old medina of Tangier , we could hear people talking and howling with laughter in the streets until 2 AM. Needless to say, we didn’t get much rest that night.

Two happy travelers in the old Medina of Tangier…

People in Morocco also stay up very late during Ramadan . Since they’re only allowed to eat after sunset, a lot of restaurants are opened during that month until one in the morning.

For those who enjoy a midnight snack, Ramadan will be the perfect time to travel to Morocco.

People stay up late in big touristic cities and especially during Ramadan…

3. It’s easy to travel around Morocco by bus, by train or even by hitchhiking

Trains in Morocco are super cheap and cozy. They’re also a great way to see the Moroccan countryside in comfort.

Their only downside is that they aren’t very fast except for the new high-speed train linking Tangier , Casablanca , and Rabat . That’s OK for me though since I love studying languages and long train rides in Morocco meant I had more time to study Moroccan Arabic .

Trains in Morocco are very comfortable…

In Morocco, it’s very easy to buy your train tickets in person directly at the train station. There is no need to try to buy them online ahead of time.

All the information on prices and timetables can be found on the ONCF website, once you know which train you will take you can head over to the train station to buy your ticket.

Make sure to bring cash to buy your ticket as it’s not always possible to pay by debit or credit card.

Every town or city has a bus station making it really easy to travel around the country…

It’s also equally easy to get around Morocco by bus. My advice though would be to buy a ticket from a bus company called CTM . Their buses are super comfortable, they take you directly to your destination and they don’t stop to pick people along the way.

Getting around Morocco by train or by bus is easy but hitchhiking wins the prize for the easiest means of transport around the country.

Hitchhiking in Morocco is not only possible, but it’s also super easy. We hitchhiked as a couple and almost never had to wait for more than an hour to get a ride. We also hitchhiked with two friends and our waiting time was similar, despite being 4 people and having an equal amount of big backpacks.

Hitchhiking in Morocco is super easy…

A lot of people giving us rides in Morocco invited us in their homes for a meal and they were super happy to hear our stories and talk with us. Learning a few words in Moroccan Arabic would be of tremendous help if you hitchhike around Morocco.

We sometimes got rides in pick-up trucks…

Another great tip is to ask someone to write down your destination on a piece of cardboard in Arabic.

This is a lovely family who hosted us in their home when we were hitchhiking in Morocco…

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Read our Travel Guide to Backpacking in Morocco

for mo info on how to get around the country

4. Moroccans speak so many languages!

I love learning languages and often pride myself in the fact that I speak quite a few of them. One day I was on the square of Jemma al Fenaa in Marrakesh and I was talking with two youngsters about my language skills. They didn’t seem very impressed and they quickly put me to shame by speaking in more than eleven different languages!

In Marrakesh, you’ll meet people who speak many different languages…

And that didn’t happen only once while I was in Morocco. All over Tangier, Rabat, and Meknes, I met young Moroccans who were absolute language masters.

This is a reflection of Morocco’s diverse influences. Berber, Arab, French and Spanish speaking groups of people have shaped what is now a very unique culture. It’s not uncommon to meet people who speak all of these different languages in Morocco.

Moroccans are language masters…

Want to learn Arabic?

Read: Tips and tricks to learn Moroccan Arabic

5. Morocco isn’t a party country

Morocco isn’t really the place to come and party. Although alcohol is sometimes allowed in certain hostels, generally it isn’t. Drinks in bars are also more expensive in Morocco than what you would typically pay in Europe.

Alcohol is not impossible to get though and most cities will have a few liquor stores. Because Cynthia and I are wine lovers, we continued buying our traditional weekly bottle whenever we were staying in apartments we had booked online.

Parties and drinking however always happen behind closed doors. Drinking in public in Morocco is prohibited. In general, being drunk outside is never a great idea in this Muslim country and is bound to get you in trouble.

Morocco is a Muslim country and not really the place to come and party…

6. Healthy and cheap food everywhere

Fruits and veggies in Morocco are some of the best I had in my whole life. They are plentiful, easily accessible all year round and they are super fresh. Morocco could be a very good travel option for Vegans .

Bigger Moroccan cities usually have an open-air fruit and vegetable market or they will have fruits and vegetables for sale in the old city.

Fresh fruit and veggies all year round…

My favorite fresh produce market in Morocco was the one in Tangier. It has everything you could imagine and some of the lowest prices I have seen in my life.

Apart from finding delicious food there, the place is a photographer’s paradise. Cynthia went there a few time to snap amazing pictures of the market’s atmosphere.

So many different kinds of olives…

Curious about the price of food in Morocco?

Read: Morocco on a budget

7. In Morocco always ask before taking pictures

Photographing people in Morocco is much harder than in other countries.

The Moroccans are very nice, friendly and talkative people. They usually smile, offer their help and are interested in who you are and where you come from. But the moment you aim your camera at them, their attitude changes.

Some people will suddenly cover their faces and firmly object having their photo taken, others might even scream at you.

This happened to Cynthia when she was in Chefchaouen . She had her camera in her hand and was waiting for a woman and her child to pass by so she could take a photo of the blue street. The woman thought she was going to photograph her and made a huge scene.

In this North-African country, people are rarely very keen on having their picture taken. It’s always better to approach people first and engage in conversation with them for a while to break the ice before asking to take their portrait.

approached the right way, people will gladly let you photograph them…

Taking pictures of people in Morocco is a real challenge. After a few months in the country though, Cynthia became really good at it. She wrote a cool guide in which she explains the techniques she used to approach and take pictures of people there.

With the right techniques, taking pictures of people in Morocco is not as hard as it sounds…

Read: How to photograph people in Morocco

8. Buy and register your Sim card in a shop, not on the streets

If you’re planning to stay in Morocco for a long period of time, you might be wondering how to get a good internet connection whilst in the country.

The best way to have fast, decent and reliable internet in Morocco is to buy a sim card and use your mobile data as a hotspot for your laptop.

Moroccans often sell sim cards directly on the streets…

What we recommend is that you go to an official agency to register for a sim card instead of buying one from a street vendor. You’ll need your passport to register but at least you’ll know that the number is and stays yours.

When you buy a sim card on the streets, the sim card might stop working after a couple of weeks. The agency, on the other hand, will explain how to recharge your mobile data on a weekly or monthly basis.

Read also: Surfing in Morocco – A Guide to the Best Surfing Spots in the Country

9. If you’re not Muslim you won’t be allowed to enter most of the mosques in Morocco

Unless you’re a Muslim, most mosques around the country will be off-limits. If you’d really love to see the inside of one, however, you could always visit the mosque Hassan II in Casablanca . A ticket to visit this mosque costs 120 MAD.

A mosque open to the public I highly recommend visiting is an old abandoned mud-brick mosque called Mosque Ikalane. It’s located in the small town of Tinerhir near the Todra gorges in the south of Morocco.

Mosque Ikelane in the small town of Tinghir is open to the public…

This mosque is usually guarded by a very friendly old man who will be happy to tell you about its history and the current restoration projects.

The caretaker of the mosque will be very happy to tell you about the history of the place…

Mosque Ikalane looks like a simple mud-brick building with a brown pointy cupola and is one of the few mosques you’ll be allowed to visit when in Morocco. There are no official entrance fees but if you give a small donation to the old man for the restoration work, it will be very welcome.

This is what the inside of the mosque looks like now…

10. Moroccans have the best mint tea in the world

You know how certain tastes can trigger emotions and memories? Whenever I taste mint, I can’t help but think of Morocco.

Moroccans have adopted mint tea as their national drink and they consume loads of it.

They are so fond of this sweet drink that they call it the “Moroccan Whiskey”. It is served with almost every meal and tastes absolutely delicious. I just couldn’t stop ordering this sweet drink while I was traveling in the country and it’s one of the 13 things that made me fall in love with Morocco .

Moroccans sure love mint tea…

11. Morocco has a lot of rooftop terraces

In the old Medinas of popular Moroccan cities, the streets between buildings are usually very narrow. Because of this most of the buildings have rooftop terraces and this is where women will hang their laundry and where they will socialize.

Riads in popular towns like Chefchaouen also have terraces but these are usually used by tourists to admire the sunset after a long day of hiking in the Rif mountains.

One recommendation I can give you before you visit Morocco is to take advantage of the rooftop terraces as much as you can while you’re there. They are the perfect place to see the cities from above and to get really cool views of the medinas.

The rooftop terraces in Chefchaouen are the perfect place to admire the sunset…

Tons of restaurants in cities like Meknes and Marrakesh also have rooftop terraces where you can eat while you admire the central square of the city.

Restaurant terraces will give you a cool view of the city…

12. Couscous Fridays

In Morocco, Fridays are days when families gather together and eat couscous. You’ll see this dish in every restaurant but Friday in Morocco is when it’s traditionally eaten with the families and loved ones.

I find it beautiful to see family and friends gather for that special meal. Moroccan families will also sometime put a plate of couscous with some spoons on a stall in the street for the poorest of the community or the homeless.

Nothing beats a good dish of couscous, meat, and vegetables…

When I was living in Tangier, my neighbors would always invite me for couscous on Fridays and it felt great to share that traditional moment with Moroccan friends.

Some of the different spices used with couscous…

13. Hashish is everywhere!

Hashish is absolutely everywhere in Morocco. When Cynthia and I were in Chefchaouen , we would be approached by guys who would ask us first if we were looking for a restaurant and then almost inevitably if we wanted some hashish.

This started happening so often that every time someone approached us, we knew he’d be offering us hashish at one point. Cynthia and I got offered some hashish by local dealers at least 8 times per day.

Most of the hashish is produced in the Rif mountains near Chefchaouen…

Hashish is commonly and casually offered in the streets of Morocco and you shouldn’t be alarmed by this.

I can’t tell you how much the hash costs as we don’t smoke it but apparently it’s very cheap and you won’t likely get in trouble for buying and smoking it in your hostel in Chefchaouen . However, I wouldn’t recommend smoking it openly anywhere else, you could get into pretty serious trouble.

Chefchaouen is a place where you’re not likely to get in trouble for smoking hashish…

14. Moroccan men love to sit in Cafes

Cafes are the place where Moroccan men typically socialize. Cafes are found in every popular street and they’re usually filled to the brim with middle-age men drinking coffee, and mint tea while they watch football or have long conversations about politics and the weather.

Cafe Hafa is one of the most popular cafes in Tangier…

15. Houses and hotels can be cold in winter

Because most houses in Morocco are poorly insulated, they get quite cold in winter. Most Moroccan families will have electrical heaters though but some hostels and hotels won’t.

If you plan to travel to Morocco in winter, I suggest bringing a good warm sleeping bag . Very often hostels provide very few blankets to their guests. I can assure you that I would have been cold very often in Moroccan hostels if it wasn’t for my sleeping bag.

If your hostel doesn’t have a heater or warm blankets, you can always use it for extra warmth or as an extra comfy pillow.

16. When you buy things, always bargain

If you visit Morocco, you’ll have to learn to haggle prices. Moroccans love to haggle and bargain and it’s a big part of their culture. If you’re patient enough and don’t accept the initial deal, you can lower the price by a huge amount.

Moroccans love haggling prices and some would consider it the national sport…

Another point to consider is that there are usually tons of shops in the souks selling exactly the same things. If you can’t get a good deal with one seller, don’t despair and pay the neighboring stand a visit. You’ll probably end up getting a better offer.

If you learn how to haggle, you’ll be able to reduce the price of things by a lot…

I would suggest learning a few helpful words in Moroccan Arabic before hitting the markets.

17. Juices! So many good fruit juices everywhere

Morocco is the land of fresh fruits. Every Moroccan city has a type of fresh fruit juice stores called Makshada. You can simply walk in, look at the menu and ask for a blend of your favorite fruits.

They’re filled with vitamins and they’re the perfect way to start the day. My personal favorite juice is a mix of strawberries and orange juice. I’m crazy about it, and at one moment, it was an essential part of my daily Moroccan routine.

You can buy fresh fruit juice everywhere!

18. In hammams, strangers will gladly wash your back

Visiting a Hammam is the quintessential Moroccan experience. In Essaouira, just like in most major Moroccan cities, you will have two options when it comes to visiting Hammams. You can either go to the popular local hammam where the majority of the locals go to or you could visit a spa type hammam.

I would personally recommend the first type over the latter. Popular cheap local hammams are a great part of the Moroccan culture.

All you need to do before you go is grab some natural Argan soap and your scrubbing cloth. Once there, you’ll be handed a bucket and you have to undress in the midst of locals scrubbing each other’s back while chatting about their daily life.

This is how the soap used in hammams is made…

It’s not uncommon for strangers to offer each other a good back scrub in traditional hammams. If someone offers to wash your back, they’ll probably expect the same thing in return.

Hammams in Morocco are separate for men and women. Women will typically strip down to their panties and not wear any bra while men will wear some underpants.

19. Lookout for bedbugs in hostels

Because of the temperate climate and the steady stream of travelers, Moroccan hostels can be plagued with bedbugs.

Whenever you book a hostel in Morocco, double-check the reviews. If you see mention of bedbugs, you should avoid the place unless you want to give the little fellas a free snack and carry the bugs on your trip with you.

20. Morocco is not a huge desert and its landscapes might surprise you

Before I visited Morocco, I was expecting the country to be very arid and a huge desert. I was actually surprised and blown away by how varied the landscapes are here.

You can find everything in Morocco, from green valleys, wild-flowing waterfalls, serene lakes, snow-capped mountains and beautiful coastlines to subtropical palm groves, spectacular canyons, arid mars-like landscapes and desolate sand dunes stretching as far as the eye can see.

Morocco has some gorgeous waterfalls…

When Cynthia and I were traveling from region to region, we sometimes felt like we were traveling from one country to another.

Morocco also has some beautiful snow covered mountain peaks…

If you love nature and hiking as much as we do, you definitely won’t be disappointed in Morocco! I would suggest reading our hiking guides to Morocco:

• The Complete Guide to Imlil and Hiking Mount Toubkal in Morocco
• Rock climbing and other fun things to do in the Todra Gorges and Tinerhir
• How to get to the Akchour Waterfalls from Chefchaouen

If you love mountain hikes, you’ll have a lot of fun near the Todra gorges…

21. Morocco has a very varied culture

Morocco is a mix of cultures and ethnic groups. I love to say that the Moroccan culture is a rich tapestry that weaves tons of different influences and traditions together.

Morocco is a mix of Berber, Arabian and European cultural influences. This also reflects itself in the language. Moroccan Arabic blends words of Berber origin with classical Arabic. French and Spanish words are also assimilated in the colloquial language.

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When we were traveling through the villages of the Atlas Mountains, we saw elderly women who wore the traditional Berber facial tattoos, a rich heritage of the Berber traditions that were widespread around the country before the invasion of the Arabs.

Morocco is a melting pot of ethnicities so it’s not uncommon to meet people with blue eyes and blonde or ginger hair in the Rif mountains.

The Moroccans living in the desert near Merzouga have a very different culture than those living in big cities…  

22. Morocco doesn’t have a tipping culture

If you’re worried about whether or not you should leave a tip to your waiter in Morocco, don’t be. Moroccans don’t have a tipping culture as it exists in America.

It will still be appreciated if you do though and you could always leave 10 or 20 MAD on the table if you enjoyed the service.

In cafes or restaurants, waiters won’t necessarily expect a tip…

23. Moroccans are very expressive and talk with their hands

Moroccans are some of the most expressive and passionate people I have met. They can sometimes talk very loudly and might swing their hands in the air while doing so. They might seem like they’re angry or arguing but they’re probably only having a casual everyday conversation.

Once, Cynthia and I were in our hostel in Essaouira when we heard a Moroccan lady shouting from the neighboring roof. Another woman popped her head from another rooftop terrace and they started shouting at each other while wildly swinging their hands in the air.

We asked the hostel owner what they were talking about with the most incredulous look on our faces. Oh them? They’re simply talking about fish he replied. I swear, I never laughed so hard!

These are just a few tips fo Morocco. Is there anything you would add to this list? What are the things you wished you knew before visiting Morocco? Let us know in the comments below.

*This article contains affiliate links. If you book a hotel/hostel or purchase one of the recommended products through our website, we’ll receive a small commission at no extra costs for you. This way you’re helping us writing more informative and awesome guides like this. Thank you!

Read the rest of our articles for more travel tips for Morocco:

• The Ultimate Travel Guide to Backpacking in Morocco
• The 17 best places to visit in Morocco
• Morocco Itinerary – Discover the best places in Morocco in 7 days
• Renting a Car in Morocco – Everything you Need to Know
• 23 Travel Tips for Morocco – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go
• Is Morocco Safe? – Safety Guide to Morocco
• Planning to travel to Morocco during Ramadan? Read this first:

       How is it to travel to Morocco during Ramadan?

• Morocco travel costs: Morocco on a budget – How much does it cost to travel and live in Morocco ?
• Everything you need to know about visiting the Ouzoud Waterfalls
• How to get to the Akchour Waterfalls from Chefchaouen (Morocco)
• How to plan a desert trip to Merzouga and other fun things to do in the Sahara
• Surfing in Morocco – A Guide to the Best Surfing Spots in the Country
• How to visit Paradise Valley Agadir
• FEZ: In Photos: Visiting the Leather Tanneries of Fez
• TANGIER: Top Things to Do in Tangier – The Ultimate City Guide
• ESSAOUIRA: An In-Depth Guide to Essaouira, Morocco’s windy city
• CHEFCHAOUEN: 12 Top Things to do in and around Chefchaouen, the Blue City of Morocco
• RABAT: 10 things to see and do in Rabat
• MEKNES: The honest guide to Meknes and Volubilis– What to see and what to skip
• MARRAKECH: What to do in Marrakech – A Complete Guide to Morocco’s Red City
• CASABLANCA: What to see in Casablanca in two days – Top Things To Do in Casablanca
• AGADIR: Top Things to Do in Agadir – Our Guide to the Surfing city

MOROCCO TRAVEL RESOURCES:

• Accommodation & Lodging in Morocco: Booking.com
• Car rental in Morocco
• Travel Insurance for Morocco: World Nomads   or SafetyWing  
• Best Books set in Morocco – 10 Great Novels about Morocco   
• Lonely Planet Morocco (Travel Guide)
• The Rough Guide to Morocco (Travel Guide with Free eBook) (Rough Guides)
• Lonely Planet Moroccan Arabic Phrasebook & Dictionary

8 thoughts on “23 Travel Tips for Morocco – Everything You Need to Know Before You Go”

Another really helpful article!

Thank you, happy to hear 🙂

Hey Cynthia As local guide from morocco, i found my self learning from this wonderful completable article, and comparing what i use to say to our guests to what you wrote. Thanks a lot for sharing this Regards Ibra

Thank you Ibra, I’m really glad to hear this! Best wishes, Cynthia

Incredibly interesting review, I love reading your blog! Thanks for the tips, it’s important to know that I need to ask permission before shooting. Good luck to you!

Thank you! And yes, the Moroccans don’t like it when you bluntly point your camera at them. They appreciate it if you first have a chat with them and then ask for their permission. Enjoy your trip to Morocco!

Having been to Morocco and planning another trip, I found your article both informative and very much a nostalgic reminder of things I saw. What bothered me a lot is that, among the mentions of all of the different cultures that contributed to the mosaic of Morocco, there was no mention of Jewish culture and sites. Nevertheless, Jews contributed greatly to the construction of a number of cities, are represented in a number of buildings, and are considered by Moroccans to be an important part of their heritage. Even though the present Jewish community is very small, evidence of their contributions remain and should not be ignored.

Hi Shoshana, we don’t ignore their contributions. We write about it in our city guides like f.eg. Chefchaouen. 🙂

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For Western visitors, Morocco holds an immediate and enduring fascination. Though just an hour’s ride on the ferry from Spain , it seems very far from Europe, with a culture that is almost wholly unfamiliar. Travel to Morocco and you will uncover a country of arid deserts, spice-laden souks, and a melting pot of Berber and Arabian cultures.

Morocco travel facts

Where to go in morocco, best time to go to morocco.

• How to get to Morocco

How to get around Morocco

10 best places to visit in morocco, morocco travel itineraries, accommodation in morocco, food and drink in morocco, culture and etiquette in morocco, travel visa requirements for morocco, shopping in morocco, outdoor activities in morocco, arabs and berbers.

Throughout the country, despite the years of French and Spanish colonial rule and the presence of modern and cosmopolitan cities like Rabat and Casablanca , a more distant past constantly makes its presence felt. Fez , perhaps the most beautiful of all Arab cities, maintains a life still rooted in medieval times, when a Moroccan kingdom stretched from Senegal to northern Spain.

In the mountains of the Atlas and the Rif , it’s still possible to draw up tribal maps of the Berber population. As a backdrop to all this, the country’s physical make-up is extraordinary: from the Mediterranean coast, through four mountain ranges, to the empty sand and scrub of the Sahara . Check out our Morocco travel guide for everything you need to know before you go.

• Size and location: Located on the northwest coast of Africa, Morocco is slightly smaller than France and Spain, and slightly larger than the US state of California at 446,550 square kilometres (722,550 sq km including the Western Sahara).
• Population: 37 million.
• Religion: Nearly 99 percent of Moroccans are Muslim, with 1 percent Christian and a tiny minority (an estimated 6000 people) Jewish.
• Languages: Arabic, Berber (Tarfit, Tamazight and Tashelhaït) and French are officially recognised languages. Spanish is still widely spoken in the north, and English is increasingly spoken by young people, especially in tourist areas.
• Politics: Morocco gained independence from French and Spanish rule on March 2, 1956. The head of state is King Mohammed VI, who succeeded his father Hassan II on July 30, 1999. The government is chosen from an elected legislature and is currently run by Prime Minister Saadeddine Othmani of the moderate Islamist PJD (Party of Justice and Development). The main opposition parties are the Istiqlal (Independence) Party, Morocco’s oldest political group, and the RNI (National Rally of Independents).
• Education: The literacy rate is 68.5 percent (78.6 percent for men, 58.8 percent for women).

With relaxing beach resorts on the coast, beautiful ancient cities inland, stunning landscapes of the Rif and Atlas mountains, and the eerie solitude of the Sahara desert, visiting Morocco won’t leave you disappointed.

To experience the best of Morocco’s coast and beaches in the north, head for the cities of Tangier , Asilah , and Larache. For the best coastal spots towards the south, El Jadida , Essaouria , and Sidi Ifni are the standout contenders. Agadir is the main package-tour destination, and whilst nothing special, it provides a good base for exploration.

Inland, the famous, and somewhat still medieval cities of Fez and Marrakesh , do not disappoint. The former is richer in terms of monuments, but the latter remains more popular among tourists. Rabat and Casablanca are also major cities of interest, albeit much more modern than the Fez and Marrakesh.

The mountain ranges of the Rif and Atlas provide stunning scenery, and are surprisingly accessible for trekking and exploring . Trekking is most popular around Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s highest mountain. Hidden away in the Rif mountains, Chefchaouen is arguably Morocco’s prettiest town and best-kept secret .

Beyond the Atlas, there is more exploring to be had in the pre-Sahara. The oases around Skoura, Tinghir, Zagora, Erfoud, and Tata, provide you with a stunning contrast of palmeries and desert horizons.

If you’re looking to explore beyond Morocco's well-known sites and attractions, check out the 7 best places to get off the tourist trail in Morocco .

Discover more places in Morocco

• Agadir, the Souss and Anti-Atlas Travel Guide
• The Atlantic coast: Rabat to Essaouira Travel Guide
• Marrakesh Travel Guide
• The Mediterranean coast and the Rif Travel Guide
• Morocco history and timeline

The best time to visit Morocco in terms of weather is during spring (around April and May) and early autumn (September and October) when the climate is pleasant and summery throughout the country.

At the height of summer, most of the country, especially the south, is far too hot for day-time exploration. Winter is a good time to explore the south and the Sahara without the overwhelming heat, but in contrast, it can get bitterly cold during the night.

Get more information on the best time to visit Morocco , as well as festivals and public holidays, in our Morocco travel guide.

Unless you take a cruise ship from France, Spain or Gibraltar, the best way of getting to Morocco is to fly into either Casablanca's Mohammed V International Airport , or Menara airport in Marrakesh. Fares are generally at their highest around Christmas and the New Year, and July and August. Weekend flights are also more expensive. For the best fares, always book as far in advance as possible.

Travelling to Morocco from Europe

Royal Air Maroc and British Airways run daily flights from Heathrow to Casablanca , and Gatwick to Marrakesh respectively. Indirect flights from most British or Irish airports via London, or European cities such as Paris and Amsterdam, are also an option.

Travelling to Morocco from the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand

Direct flights to Casablanca from New York and Montreal are run by Royal Air Maroc and Air Canada . Indirect flights are available with European carriers by changing at their European hub.

There are no direct flights to Morocco from Australia , New Zealand and South Africa . The only option is to catch a connecting flight in Europe or the Middle East.

See our getting to Morocco page for more information on flights, ferries, and fares.

Getting around Morocco is relatively easy, with plenty of good transport options.

A decent rail network connects the main towns in the north, and the whole country is well connected by a network of nationally-run and private bus companies. The downside is that buses can sometimes be slow and overcrowded.

For shorter journeys, you may prefer to make use of Morocco’s grand taxis. Alternatively, you may wish to have the taxi to yourself, in which case you’ll pay six-times the cost of one place.

Read more on getting around Morocco : in-depth information on flights, buses, cars and trains.

With so much to see and do, deciding where to go in Morocco can be a painstaking task. To help you narrow down the options, we’ve created a list of the ten best places to visit in Morocco.

• Chefchaouen One of the prettiest and friendliest towns in Morocco, up in the Rif mountains, with a Medina full of pastel-blue houses, perfect for wandering around.
• Koutoubia Mosque Simple but beautifully proportioned, the Koutoubia Mosque’s minaret is the most perfect in North Africa, and a classic piece of Almohad architecture.

This region in the foothills of the High Atlas offers hidden walks, stunning panoramas and plenty of outdoor activities throughout the year, but is best enjoyed in the cooler months

• Cascades d’Ouzoud If you visit only one waterfall in Morocco, make it these. The most dramatic of the country’s waterfalls, with overhanging cafés, and a thunderous sheet of water that plunges into the pools below.
• Fez The most complete medieval city in the Arab world, Fez’s labyrinthine streets conceal ancient souks and iconic monuments, none more so than the exquisitely decorated Medersa Bou Inania.
• Telouet The abandoned feudal kasbah of the “Lords of the Atlas” is a hugely evocative relic of the time when the infamous Glaoui clan ruled over the Atlas and Marrakesh.
• Sidi Infi A former Spanish enclave built from scratch in the 1930s with an Art Deco town hall, an Art Deco mosque and even an Art Deco lighthouse.
• Casablanca Casa’s colonial architecture blends traditional Moroccan designs with French Art Deco into a distinctive style known as Mauresque. The city is also home to the Hassan II Mosque, one of the world’s largest, and unusually for Morocco, it can be visited by non-Muslims.
• Asilah A laidback beach resort with an intimate pastel-washed Medina, a first-class international arts festival, and the palace of an old bandit chief. Asilah is also home to one of the best beaches on the northwest coast.
• Volubilis and Moulay Idriss Visit the remarkable Roman ruins of Volubilis and stay at the holy Islamic town of Moulay Idriss.

Creating an itinerary for your visit to Morocco will depend on what you wish to see and do. Whether it’s immersing yourself in the bustling old cities of Marrakesh and Fez, hiking high up in the Rif and Atlas mountains , or seeking tranquillity in the Sahara desert , you can customise your Morocco trip to suit your needs with our tailor-made trip service .

Tailor-made travel itineraries for Morocco, created by local experts

10 days  / from 2399 USD

Moroccan Cities and Ultimate Sahara

From the cities to the desert - follow the footsteps of Humphrey Bogart in Casablanca, discover the blue and whitewashed buildings of Chefchaouen before heading on to Fez and consequently the desert. Stay overnight in a luxurious desert camp before continuing to Marrakech.

8 days  / from 1899 USD

Highlights of Morocco

For those short on time, this trip allows you to visit the highlights of Morocco in little over a week: the cultural capital Fez, the beautiful city of Chefchaouen, sleeping in a deluxe tent in the desert, as well as discovering Marrakech - it's time to explore Morocco!

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Luxurious Morocco

Highlights include Rabat, Fes, Chefchaouen, and a luxury desert camp in Merzouga. Privately guided activities with expert local guides allow you to truly get to know Moroccan culture and cuisine. Combine it with the best hotels and riads in the cities and you have the perfect trip.

Below is an example of our Outdoor Activities itinerary - perfect for the adventurous traveller, with a great variety of exciting outdoor sports to try, all whilst exploring every corner of this beautiful and diverse country. You can see all of our Morocco itineraries here .

Two-week itinerary - Morocco Outdoor Activities

Allow for at least two weeks if you intend on completing every activity on this list.

• Days 1 - 3: Kitesurfing in Essaouira Simply the best place in the country to try your hand at kitesurfing.

Ride Killers, Anchor Point and other challenging breaks at this relaxed surfers’ hangout.

A wealth of scenic routes cut across the Toubkal Massif.

Hitting the slopes at Oukaïmeden is worth it for the novelty value alone.

M’Hamid is the jumping-off point for camel trips into this remote section of the Sahara.

You could spend days scaling the rocky walls of this dramatic mountain gorge.

• Days 13 - 15: Sandboarding in the Erg Chebbi

Tizi n test pass in the Atlas mountains, Morocco © Shutterstock

When thinking about where to stay in Morocco, consider that hotels in major cities and resorts are very busy during the summer months, so booking well in advance will allow for more choice. If visiting Morocco in winter, it is wise to check whether a hotel has heating, as it can get very cold and bedding is rarely adequate. With this in mind, there are plenty of excellent accommodation options in Morocco to suit most budgets and needs.

When it comes to Moroccan hotels, you have a choice between unclassified hotels, the cheapest option but often in good locations, and the classified hotels, whose superior prices don’t always guarantee superior quality, so it pays to do some research before booking.

For something unique to Morocco, you may consider staying in a riad or maison d’hôte . These are usually refurbished eighteenth- or nineteenth-century Medina townhouses. Generally more expensive than hotels, riads are a good option if you want to make your stay a lot classier.

Strictly speaking, to be classified as a riad, the house must have a garden, ideally divided into quarters with a central fountain. Townhouses with rooms around a courtyard are known as dars .

Get further information on where to stay in Morocco : types of accommodation, room rates, and how to find a room.

Eating in Morocco

Hearty soups, fragrant tajines, and succulent kebabs are just some of the culinary delights to enjoy when visiting Morocco. A typical starter to a meal is the classic spicy, bean and pasta harira . Tajine is a dish you will find everywhere in Morocco, steam-cooked slowly in an earthenware dish. The classic tajines are lamb with prunes and almonds, and chicken with olives and lemon.

Couscous is another classic Moroccan food served with a lot of dishes. For food that is truly unique to Morocco, try pastilla , a savoury meat pie with filo pastry. Camel meat is also a common ingredient. There is not a huge street food scene in Morocco, but you can find plenty of stalls and street food in the Fez medina. Read more about Fez: Morocco's culinary capital .

Drinking in Morocco

Mint tea is Morocco’s national drink, and you will find it alongside a wide range of teas and herbal infusions. In terms of coffee, nus nus (half coffee, half milk) is a popular beverage throughout the country. Delicious freshly squeezed juices are common at cafés and street stalls.

Although tap water is generally safe to drink, except in the far south and Western Sahara, most tourists stick to bottled mineral water. As an Islamic country, drinking alcohol isn’t a big part of Moroccan culture, but it is nonetheless available in bars and big hotels.

Read more on food and drink in Morocco including where to eat, costs, specialities, and etiquette.

Glaoui Kasbah at Telouet in the moroccan Atlas © Nicolas VINCENT/Shutterstock

Morocco is generally very welcoming and tolerant of tourists, but it is important to be respectful and ensure you do not inadvertently affront people’s religious beliefs. Skimpy clothes, public displays of affection, and eating or smoking in the street during Ramadan are all almost guaranteed to cause offence. Choosing your clothes carefully is especially important in rural areas where people may be particularly offended if body parts considered “private” are not adequately covered. Noting how Moroccans dress locally and doing the same is usually the best policy.

Sexual harassment in Morocco

Morocco has developed somewhat of a reputation for sexual harassment of women travellers, but this does not mean the country unsafe. There is no doubt that harassment here is more persistent than in Western countries and this is usually down to Moroccan men’s misunderstanding of Western culture and attitudes towards sex. Whilst this harassment can be persistent and unpleasant, it is very rarely threatening, and the ways of minimising it are often the same as those would use at home.

For more information on women’s travel in Morocco, see the dedicated culture and etiquette page in our travel guide.

Travel advice for Morocco

From travel safety to visa requirements, discover the best tips for traveling to Morocco

• Culture and Etiquette in Morocco
• Eating and drinking in Morocco
• How to get around in Morocco
• Shopping tips for Morocco
• Travel Tips Morocco for planning and on the go
• Travelling with children in Morocco
• Best time to visit Morocco
• How to get a Morocco Visa

These are just some of the tips and advice for travelling to Morocco. You can find the full, comprehensive list of Morocco travel advice here .

Is it safe to travel to Morocco?

Morocco does not have a high crime rate and is perfectly safe to visit. However, thefts do happen, so it is unwise to carry large sums of cash or valuables on your person. This is especially true in crowded places such as bus and train stations where pickpockets like to operate. Credit card fraud is also something to be wary of. Never let your card out of your sight when paying for anything.

Avoiding scams in Morocco

Your best chance of avoiding scams and conmen in Morocco is to use official guides only, identifiable by their large, brass “sheriff’s badge”. Unofficial guides who approach you in the street may well be genuine, but there is little way of knowing.

On any tour, official or otherwise, make it clear you do not want to be taken shopping or to a hotel, as it will almost certainly be somewhere which pays the guide commission, added to your bill of course. If you are taken into a shop, usually a place which sells carpets, do not feel pressured into buying anything, no matter what hard-sell tactics or abuse they throw at you. Find more information on common scams in Morocco and how to avoid them on our travel essentials page .

Health advice for Morocco

For minor health complaints, pharmacies dispense a wide range of drugs and are usually sufficient. For anything more serious requiring hospital treatment, you should contact your consulate immediately and follow its advice. State hospitals in the large cities are adequate for anything up to minor surgery. For anything more serious, a private clinic or even repatriation may be the best option.

Inoculations for travelling to Morocco

No inoculations are currently required for visiting Morocco, but it is important to be up to date with polio and tetanus. For extended stays in Morocco, it is advisable to consider vaccinations against typhoid, TB, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria and rabies. A low level of malaria does exist in Morocco, however, strains are not life-threatening, and pills aren’t considered necessary unless you actually fall ill.

The best way to avoid this is to use mosquito repellent on all exposed areas of the skin. Wild dogs in Morocco can be aggressive and potentially rabid. The best advice is to avoid getting close to them and, if bitten, seek medical advice immediately.

Costs in Morocco

Food, accommodation, and travel costs in Morocco are all relatively low by European and North American standards. You can find more in-depth information about money and costs in Morocco on the travel essentials page.

Accommodation costs

Accommodation can be as inexpensive as €15/£13.50/$17.50 a night for a double room in a basic hotel. The top luxury hotels and riads can cost up to €500/£450/$590 per night.

It’s the same story with eating, ranging from €6/£5.50/$7 for a meal in a basic restaurant, to as much as €75/£67/$88 in the very top establishments. Alcohol is the only thing comparable to Western prices.

Transport costs

With regards to transport, renting a car will inevitably be expensive, but trains, buses and shared taxis are all very economical.

Tanneries of Fez, Morocco © RAndrei/Shutterstock

Full passport holders from the UK, Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand or any EU country don’t need a visa to enter Morocco and can remain in the country for up to ninety days. It is always worth checking the visa requirements before your departure as these can change. Upon arrival, you will need to fill in a form with personal details, profession and purpose of visit.

South African citizens require a visa to enter Morocco and should make applications to the Moroccan embassy or consulate in their country of residence.

Visa extensions

Applications to extend your stay in Morocco should be made to the Bureau des Étrangers for a residency permit. This can be extremely complicated and time-consuming as it involves opening a bank account with a minimum of 20,000dh in your account and obtaining an Attestation de Résidence . Most people avoid the bureaucracy by leaving the country for a few days, usually to Spain, and then re-entering through a different post.

Read our travel guide for more information on Morocco visas and entry requirements .

Part of Morocco’s appeal to tourists is its markets , known colloquially as souks. You will find souks in every town in Morocco, but the largest and most impressive are in Fez and Marrakesh . Whilst it can be very tempting to load up on souvenirs when walking through the souks, it is important to consider how you are going to get them home, and be wary of phoney merchandise and fake “antiques”.

Some of the souvenirs you may wish to purchase include beautiful Moroccan craftwork, semi-precious stones and fossils, or some tasty authentic foodstuffs, all of which you will be expected to bargain for.

Learn more about shopping in Morocco including what to buy, locations and times of souks, avoiding scams, and how to bargain.

Morocco offers magnificent trekking opportunities, impressive golf facilities, a couple of ski resorts (plus some adventurous off-piste skiing) and excellent fishing.

Trekking is among the very best things Morocco has to offer. The High Atlas is one of the most rewarding mountain ranges in the world, and one of the least spoilt. A number of long-distance Atlas routes can be followed – even a “Grand Traverse” of the full range, but most people stick to shorter treks in the Jebel Toubkal area.

Other promising areas include the Jebel Sirwa, the Western High Atlas, and, in winter the Jebel Saghro and Tafraoute region of the Anti-Atlas. The Middle Atlas has much attractive walking too, in such places as Tazzeka (Taza), and around Azrou.

Morocco doesn’t immediately spring to mind as a skiing destination, but the High Atlas mountains are reliably snow-covered from late January to early April, with good skiing at Oukaïmeden

Off-piste skiing is popular in the High Atlas, particularly in the Toubkal massif, where the Toubkal Refuge is often full of groups. Most off-piste activity is ski mountaineering, but skinny skis ( langlauf ) are good in the Middle Atlas if there is snow, in which case the Azilal–Bou Goumez–Ighil Mgoun area is possible.

Snowboarding is also gaining in popularity at Moroccan resorts. For further information on skiing and mountaineering, contact the Fédération Royale Marocaine du Ski et du Montagnisme.

Horse riding

The established base for horse riding holidays is Résidence de la Roseraie at Ouirgane, which runs trekking tours into the High Atlas. Another stable offering horse riding is Amodou Cheval near Agadir. A number of operators offer horse and camel treks, including Best of Morocco.

Morocco has an immense Atlantic (and small Mediterranean) coastline, with opportunities to arrange boat trips at Safi, Essaouira, Moulay Bousselham (near Asilah), Boujdour, Dakhla and elsewhere.

Inland, the Middle Atlas shelters beautiful lakes and rivers, many of them well stocked with trout. Good bases include Azrou (near the Aghmas lakes), Ifrane (near Zerrrouka), Khenifra (the Oum er Rbia River) and Ouirgane (the Nfis River). Pike are also to be found in some Middle Atlas lakes (such as Aguelmame Azizgza, near Khenifra), and a few of the huge artificial barrages, like Bin el Ouidaine (near Beni Mellal), are said to contain enormous bass.

Watersports and swimming

Agadir offers opportunities for sailing, yachting, windsurfing and diving, while Taghazout, just to its north, has become something of a surfing village, with board rental and board repair shops and some great surfing sites. There are lesser surfing centres at Sidi Ifni, Mirhleft, Kenitra, Bouznika Plage, El Jadida, Safi, and even Rabat.

With your own transport, you could scout out remote places all the way down the coast. When they’re working, all breaks can be busy in peak season (Oct–Feb), when deep lows come barrelling east across the mid-Atlantic.

For windsurfing, the prime destination is Essaouira , which draws devotees year-round.

The Atlantic can be very exposed, with crashing waves, and surfers, windsurfers and swimmers alike should beware of strong undertows. Inland, most towns of any size have a municipal swimming pool, but women especially should note that they tend to be the preserve of teenage boys.

In the south, you’ll be dependent on campsite pools or on those at the luxury hotels (which often allow outsiders to swim, either for a fee or if you buy drinks or a meal).

The High and Middle Atlas have also become a popular destination for whitewater rafting and kayaking enthusiasts. One holiday firm specializing in these sports is Water by Nature .

The British opened a golf course in Tangier as far back as 1917. Today the country has an international-level course at Rabat, eighteen-hole courses at Mohammedia, Marrakesh, Tangier, Cabo Negro, Saïdia, Larache, El Jadida, Essaouira, Agadir, Fez and Ben Slimane (Royal Golf, Av des FAR, BP 83, Ben Slimane), and nine-hole courses at Meknes, Ouarzazate and Bouznika (near Mohammedia, Route Secondaire de Bouznika Plage). Several tour operators offer Moroccan golfing holidays.

The Berbers were Morocco’s original inhabitants. The Arabs arrived at the end of the seventh century, after sweeping across North Africa and the Middle East in the name of their revolutionary ideology, Islam . Eventually, nearly all the Berbers converted to the new religion and were immediately accepted as fellow Muslims by the Arabs. When Muslim armies invaded the Iberian peninsula from Morocco, the bulk of the troops were Berbers, and the two ethnic groups pretty much assimilated.

Today, most Moroccans can claim both Arab and Berber ancestors, though a few (especially Shereefs, who trace their ancestry back to the Prophet Mohammed, and have the title “Moulay”) claim to be “pure” Arabs. In the Rif and Atlas mountains, and in the Souss Valley, though, groups of pure Berbers remain, and retain their ancient languages (Tarfit, spoken by about 1.5m people in the Rif; Tamazight, spoken by over 3m people in the Atlas; and Tashelhaït, spoken by around 4m people in the Souss Valley region).

Recently, there has been a resurgence in Berber pride (often symbolized by the Berber letterЖ); TV programmes are now broadcast in Berber languages, and they are even taught in schools, but the country’s majority language remains Arabic.

Top image: Square in the blue city of Chefchaouen, Morocco © Olena Tur/Shutterstock

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written by Rough Guides Editors

updated 06.03.2024

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Get support from our local experts for stress-free planning & worry-free travels.

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8 best places to visit in Morocco

Oct 11, 2023 • 7 min read

Marrakesh is the most popular city for travelers, but the country has many more best places to visit © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

From Unesco World Heritage–listed cities to modern metropoles, arid deserts to snowy peaks, wild Atlantic beaches to secluded Mediterranean coves,  Morocco  has a place for all types of travelers.

Within easy reach of Europe, many come to Morocco for the year-round sunshine, all-inclusive beach vacations and a rich cultural heritage with historic cities so well preserved that it seems time travel is possible. Travel a little deeper to discover wilderness areas and a sense of remoteness. 

Morocco has invested heavily in modernizing its tourism offerings. Traveling around the country is easier thanks to domestic flights, high-speed rail, new roads and luxury coaches covering long distances.

This country has a ton of beautiful places to visit, but don't try to see it all at once. Instead, select a few places based on your interests and start making plans for your next trip.

Editor's note:  On September 8, 2023, a 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck central Morocco, centered on the Atlas Mountains and the area southwest of Marrakesh. Travel to other parts of the country, including Essaouira , is largely unaffected, but we encourage travelers to check bulletins and monitor reliable local news sources for the latest information.

1. Anti-Atlas 

Best for hiking and outdoor adventures

The Anti-Atlas is Morocco's lesser-explored mountain playground with plentiful plateaus, valleys and soaring peaks to explore. Travelers here can blaze new hiking trails, unearth empty archaeological sites and connect with locals who share their timeless valleys with generosity and warmth. 

Plentiful short hikes and climbing routes are available in the Ameln Valley, home to Jebel Lkest - Jebel meaning mountain - and Tafraoute’s dramatic granite boulder-strewn landscapes, including Napoleon’s Hat and the Painted Rocks . Drive or pedal your way along winding mountain passes to the date-palm filled Ait Mansour Gorges. 

Longer treks at Jebel Siroua (3,305m) include a dramatic volcano for those hardy hikers looking to spend several nights wild camping.

Take some time to connect with the Imazighen people living in the region. A glimpse into their simple life and grounding way of being is food for the soul.

2. Marrakesh

Best place for romance 

The 'pink city' is one of Morocco's must-sees – all your senses come to life here, and there are plenty of things to do in Marrakesh . Soak up the city's charm with the rosy hues of the medina wall at sunset and the heavy scent of citrus trees in season. Weave your way past the horse carriages into Djemaa el Fna , packed with performers and street food vendors. Explore the lantern-lit alleys of the medina and the walled gardens of Jardin Majorelle , as well as flamboyant historic palaces and a flourishing art scene in the Ville Nouvelle. 

Treat yourself to a stay in a charming Marrakesh riad, such as Dar Attajmil , where every detail has been thoughtfully created and attentive hospitality awaits. Marrakesh has some of the country's best spas and hammams , from Royal Mansour to Hammam de la Rose . Watch the sunset over the Atlas Mountains from the exquisite roof terrace of El Fenn  and enjoy cozy candlelit dinners in this gastronomic city with international chefs from Australia to Japan. 

For a touch of desert romance, the Agafay Desert and its luxury glamping options are within easy reach of Marrakesh, perfect for a night under the stars.

3. Aït Ben Haddou

Best place for blockbuster movie scenes 

Travel on the former trading route from Marrakesh to the Sahara and you’ll reach sun-scorched Ouarzazate . The region is home to majestic Aït Ben Haddou , an 11th-century mudbrick ksar (fortified village) that's one of Morocco's most striking, well-preserved ancient sites. Still inhabited and now protected by Unesco, it was made famous in the TV show Game of Thrones . 

The region, dubbed 'Ouallywood,' is Morocco's version of Hollywood, and  Atlas Film Studios  has been the setting for such classics as Gladiator , Prison Break  and Kingdom of Heaven .

Planning tip : Aït Ben Haddou is best visited at sunrise or sunset. Walk through the village to take in the incredible views and scale of this remarkable ancient site.  

4. Taghazout Bay

Best place for chill beach vibes 

The stretch of the Atlantic Ocean from Essaouira to Sidi Ifni is where you'll find the largest concentration of Morocco's surf beaches. At its heart is the quaint village of Taghazout , a fishing and surfing community with painted steps, colorful houses and an eclectic mix of cafes, grills and surf shops. With the surf comes yoga, and days here flow easily between sunrise and sunset rooftop yoga classes.

Even if you're not into surfing, Taghazout Bay, with its 5km sandy beach, offers year-round summer vacation vibes and an excellent choice of accommodations ranging from five-star beach resorts to bohemian homestays, making it one of the best places in Morocco for a beach vacation. 

Planning tip: Travel in January or February to watch the world's best surfers competing at Taghazout’s showstopper wave, Anchor Point. Come in September for quieter, mellower and warmer waves.

5. Essaouira

Best place for a one-stop city and beach vacation 

If you have to choose one place to enjoy the broad spectrum of everything Morocco offers, Essaouira is a great pick. This relaxed city has an oceanfront location with a sandy beach, watersport centers, a working fishing port and a noisy fish market for fresh-off-the-boat seafood.

At its historic heart is a pedestrianized medina with markets selling ceramics and traditional riads to sleep in. Many riads have been upgraded to suit the artsy crowd attracted to this charming city. Essaouira's annual Gnaoua music festival , galleries and historic ramparts sit alongside contemporary restaurants , cocktail bars and a variety of shopping experiences .

Planning tip: Many come to Essaouira for the wind, and it's one of the country's best places to kitesurf. If it's too windy for the beach, nearby countryside retreats offer pool day passes to non-guests.

6. Sahara Desert

Best place for getting away from it all 

The drive to the Sahara is long, but when you arrive on the edge of the world's largest hot desert, the pavement stops and the sand begins with an endless ocean of dunes ahead. Whether you choose to travel by 4WD or camel deeper into the desert, the emptiness of the Sahara can bring a sense of remoteness that's rare to find these days.

Visiting the Moroccan Sahara is an opportunity to disconnect, empty your mind and enjoy being in the middle of nowhere. This stark and barren environment comes to life with a good guide, especially at night when the night sky free of light pollution fills with stars.   

Planning tip: Pick a camp away from the crowds. Erg Chigaga has some of the highest sand dunes and the most remote places to stay.

Best place for history buffs

As the oldest city in Morocco, Fez proudly keeps one foot firmly planted in the past. Its crumbling medieval medina is vast, and it's almost guaranteed that you will get lost wiggling your way through a maze of workshops, apothecaries and market stalls. The Kairaouine Library and Mosque houses the world's oldest library and is Morocco's renowned spiritual and study center.

Planning tip: While you're in the area, visit the imperial city of Meknes  and the fantastically preserved ancient Roman ruins of Volubilis .  

Best place for a sense of geographical location 

The ferry between Spain and  Tangier  takes just one hour, and seeing Spain from Africa's coastline brings to light Morocco’s proximity to Europe. The 'white city,' so-named for its whitewashed buildings, has a buzzing art scene, tapas restaurants and cafe culture –  Cafe Hafa has some of the best ocean views. Spanish is still widely spoken, adding to the Euro-Afro vibe, and open plazas such as Grand Socco and beautiful Mediterranean beaches make it a smooth entry point for travelers to Morocco.

Combine your time in the city with a trip to  Hercules Caves and Cape Spartel’s lighthouse and rugged coastline. You could also use Tangier as a base for a road trip to the famously blue city of  Chefchaouen  and Spanish-infused Asilah . Hop on Al Boraq, the high-speed train , and you’ll be in the capital city of  Rabat in an hour and a half.

This article was first published April 2021 and updated October 2023

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50 Essential Morocco Travel Tips for First-Time Tourists

Morocco is a hot travel destination, and with good reason. It offers a degree of cultural immersion that people might seek by visiting the middle east, but with a relatively progressive government and fairly welcoming people. But if you are planning your first trip to this country, there are a few Morocco travel tips that you really should review before you leave.

Not only with these tips for visiting Morocco help ease your travels within the country, they also help you understand and respect the local culture.

Morocco Travel Tips

Money & tipping.

• The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham. It is very difficult to get Dirham outside of the country and you can’t bring it home. Therefore you should plan on exchanging currency at the airport, or visiting the airport ATM upon arrival or in major cities. There is a currency exchange desk in the baggage claim area in the Casablanca airport.
• Currently Canadian, Australian, and Scottish currency notes are not accepted for exchange in Morocco.
• Very few restaurants accept credit cards, therefore you need to exchange enough money to get you through as it can be hard to find ATMs outside of the big cities.
• Most riads only accept Visa or Mastercard. You don’t need to leave your American Express at home (the Four Seasons accepts it), but make sure you have a back up.
• When getting money at the ATM, you can withdraw a maximum of 2000 Dirham at a time (about $200), with a maximum of 4000 Dirham per day (you can do two back-to-back withdrawals of 2000 each.)
• When exchanging money at the airport, they may try to convince you to put some of the balance onto a debit card. I wouldn’t recommend this as most places still won’t take it (unless they also take credit cards.) Plus there is a fee so it really isn’t a good deal.
• Make sure you get as many small bills (20, 50, and 100 Dirham bills) as you can and try to get coins when purchasing tea, coffee, etc. as you will need them for tipping.
• At gas stations and some restaurants you will often find there is a bathroom attendant keeping it clean and possibly handing out toilet tissue. Drop 1-2 dirham per person into the dish as you go in.
• Tipping is an important part of the culture. Plan on adding about 10% on restaurants. Check the bill first to see if service is included (it usually isn’t). If they accept credit cards and you want to add a gratuity using your card, you need to tell them the amount before they run the card. Otherwise you need to leave cash.
• Guides and drivers should be tipped 100-200 dirhams per full day (at the end of the service.)
• Others that help you should also be tipped including hotel porters, housekeeping, front desk staff if they help you out, etc. We typically gave 50 Dirham to porters and left 5-10 Dirham per day for housekeeping. Pay attention though because some riads share tips (they will let you know and provide an envelope.)
• If someone in the souk allows you to take photos of their shop or goods it is polite to give them a small tip (especially if you aren’t buying something.) Just be sure to ask BEFORE taking pictures.
• You will find street buskers and vendors that will use a gimmick to attract you (like a monkey, snake, etc.) You will be asked to pay for the privilege of taking a picture with them or of them.
• Overall, Morocco is very affordable. Please refer to my Morocco trip budget to see how much a trip to Morocco costs and a breakdown by accommodations, meals, activities, transportation, etc.

Getting Around Morocco

• When you travel to Morocco, your itinerary will probably include moving from place to place. So you need to decide how you are going to get around. I wrote a whole post about driving in Morocco , but I would highly recommend hiring a driver, especially if you are going through the High Atlas Mountains and/or out to the Sahara Desert.
• I know many people worry if it is safe in Morocco . We always felt safe, especially in the care of our dedicated driver, but if you are driving yourselves or using public transportation, remember to stay alert and take standard safety precautions.
• If you decide to drive, be prepared for narrow, winding roads. They are also doing a lot of construction on the roads going through the Atlas Mountains. Don’t be surprised to get stuck behind really slow trucks, busses, and even donkey carts.
• Driving always takes much longer than predicted so plan for it!
• I have never seen as many speed traps in my life as I saw in Morocco. I joked that the government must solve unemployment by hiring police offers. There was a speed trap outside of every town and sometimes it seemed like every five miles along the road and each stop was manned by at least three officers. In addition to speed traps, there are also other police stops to check paperwork. And we saw plenty of tourists pulled over, not just locals. Keep an eye out for drivers coming from the other direction flashing their headlights as a signal of a speed trap ahead.
• There are also a lot of tolls on the highways. You can rent a car with an electronic pass. Otherwise, plan on bringing along plenty of change and small bills.
• When driving, look out for goats and sheep by the side of the road, donkeys pulling carts, people walking along the side of the road, bicycles, and scooters.
• Street signs are usually in French and Arabic but smaller signs and towns may only be in Arabic.

Moroccan Food

• Picky eaters and those with dietary restrictions and allergies may find it tough to eat in Morocco. I would recommend talking to your riad ahead of time as menus are very limited.
• Don’t drink tap water (only bottled water) and be careful about eating uncooked produce, salads, or unpeeled fruits.
• Unlike other countries where cuisine varies from region to region, we saw the same few items on the menu throughout our 12 days in Morocco . Even those that love Moroccan food may crave a little variety so I would recommend make reservations at a non-Moroccan restaurant towards the end of your trip if you will be in a larger city.
• Breakfast: Traditional Moroccan breakfast is quite a feast, especially for carb lovers. There is usually fresh fruit, delicious orange juice, eggs, yogurt (which is so good with some local honey mixed in), and a mix of pastries, breads, and Moroccan pancakes. There are three types of Moroccan pancakes. One is crepe like, one is spongier (called 1,000 holes), and melawi — which was my personal favorite. Melawi is a layered pancake that is fried, a lot like a Chinese scallion pancake without the scallions.
• Moroccan mint tea: Moroccan mint tea is served as a welcome drink and with every meal. Keep in mind that they add a LOT of sugar (probably the equivalent of four cubes), so if you are watching your sugar, ask for it without sugar.
• First course: lunch and dinner at most sit-down restaurants are pretty much the same. The first course is usually either Moroccan Harira soup, salads (tomato / onion / cucumber), pickled or marinated vegetables, or briouts, which are either cigar or triangular-shaped phyllo dough filled with cheese, meat, or seafood and deep-fried.
• Main course: The main course is typically either a tagine or couscous. Typical tagines are chicken with lemon and olives, Kefta meatballs with egg in tomato sauce, or chicken or meat (beef, lamb, or goat) with prunes and apricots. Sometimes you may also see tangia, which is a stewed meat and vegetable dish cooked in the ashes at the hammam. You may also see pastilla, which is chicken or pigeon meat baked in a “pie” with a crispy crust that is very similar to phyllo. This tends to be very dry.
• Desserts: Desserts are typically fairly light. You will see fruit, various mousse / creme, or pastilla with cream, which is layered like a Napoleon.
• Keep in mind that the traditional Friday night meal is couscous. Couscous is served in layers. The couscous is on the bottom and it has been steamed over the meat to get the flavor cooked in. Then you have the meat and all around and over the meat you will have large pieces of cooked root vegetables.
• Moroccans typically eat dinner late, usually after nine, although it is easy enough to get an earlier reservation. In between lunch and dinner, many people may stop by the souk for a sandwich of grilled turkey, kefta, or sausage, to tide them over.

Moroccan Culture

• Clothing: I wrote an entire post about what to wear in Morocco , with examples for both men and women, but the most important thing to remember is that this is a Muslim, conservative country and you should dress modestly. Women should cover their shoulders, knees, and cleavage (a scarf works well.) Knees should also be covered and clothing should be loose. So flowy pants or long skirts. If you wear tighter pants, make sure your bottom is covered. Men should wear long pants and short or long-sleeve shirts. The only exceptions I saw to this were in Marrakech, where the tourists were surprisingly ignoring these norms and I saw everything from short shorts to tank tops and cropped shirts. Personally I wouldn’t have felt comfortable in that and it is sure to draw some perhaps unwanted attention.
• Religion: Obviously Morocco is an Muslim country. This means you will hear the call to prayer throughout the city multiple times a day, starting before dawn. Many shops in the souk and restaurants will be closed on Fridays. And as beautiful as the mosques may be, non-Muslims are not allowed in to most mosques. Only a few restaurants serve alcohol and you will only find pork products at the tourist hotels.
• Photos: Photos of people are very uncommon in Islam and if you take pictures with people in them (or look like you are), most will be mad and offended. If you want pictures with people in them, try taking pictures from afar and from the back, not with people in the main focus. If you do want to take a picture of someone, such as a merchant in the souk, ask them first. It is also appreciated to tip your subject 2-10 dirhams. If someone is upset, apologize and delete if requested, or try to show you were taking a photo above or below by making sure the camera isn’t pointed at them.
• Language: The official languages in Morocco are French, Berber, and Moroccan Arabic. However, most people in restaurants and hotels will speak some English. If you are shopping in the souk, especially for produce and food (versus souvenirs), it may be harder to communicate in English so some French is very helpful.
• Hammam: The neighborhood hammam plays an important role in Moroccan culture, giving men and women a place to meet (separately) and talk during a hot steam bath and scrub. Many riads will also have their own hammam. You will first spend time in a steam room and then move to a cooler room for a vigorous scrub with black soap. Women usually go naked, but you can wear a bathing suit. Men should wear bathing trunks.

Shopping in Morocco

• Bargaining is what they call the “national sport” of Morocco. When shopping in the souk, be prepared to haggle. Start around 50-60% of asking price (unless marked fixed price), end around 60-80% depending on how much you want it. If you really want it, tell them your final best price Don’t act too eager, be ready to walk away. Often if you buy a lot, they will thrown in a gift. Some places like the pottery cooperative will ship.
• In the souk, a lot of products are imported knock offs. Ask to see how things are made and to meet the artisan. If you can find out if the shop is owned by an artisan, you know the goods are authentic. We met a metal worker who did filigree on beautiful lamps and he was fifth generation.
• Argan oil is best in Marrakech to Essaouira 
• Rose products should be purchased from a women’s cooperative in the Rose Valley near Skoura These women owned cooperatives are supporting women and therefore the price is fixed (no bargaining.)
• Spices and herbs are best to buy in Marrakech. Just watch out for those selling fake saffron. Saffron should have long threads with yellow threads connected to the red. Remember that spices and powders should be packed in your checked luggage (not your carry on.)
•  Pottery such as tagines should be purchased at the pottery cooperative in Fes (you can bargain there.)
• Leather goods such as shoes, bags, and jackets should be purchased at the tanneries in Fes (you can also bargain here.) Those pretty leather shoes will typically be $10-15, a leather jacket can be found for around $200, and nice leather purses around $40-80.

Other Things to Know

• Visas are not currently required for U.S. citizens for stays less than 90 days, however you will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity from your date of exit from Morocco.
• Fill out the visitor card they give you on the plane before you arrive. If they don’t give you one, make sure you get one before you get into the immigration line.
• Expect a long line at immigration upon arrival into Morocco. To speed things up, you can pay for expedited entry for approximately 75 euro per person. You will be greeted at the jetway upon exiting the plane and walked to the Diplomat entry line of immigration, which is much shorter. (We paid for this service on arrival because we had such a long travel day.)
• At Casablanca airport, when you depart, if your riad/hotel did not give you a visitor card to fill out, make sure you get one and fill it out BEFORE you go scan your boarding pass to go into security. Otherwise you will have to go back out to get one.
• It is recommended that you have inoculations against tetanus, hepatitis A, polio, and typhoid at least one month before you travel.
• Morocco does not observe daylight savings time and stays at GMT+1 throughout the year. If you put appointments into your calendar before the time change and you are traveling after the time change, this can create some confusion.
• Electricity is 220V, 50Hz, so U.S. visitors will need a European adaptor with two-round pin plugs.
• WiFi in riads can be limited, so don’t plan on doing any big downloads or streaming.
• The best time to visit would be from March through May or September and October. April is when the roses will be blooming in Rose Valley. Keep in mind that it can still be cool at night, especially in the north, so bring layers. It will be very hot in the summer. There is a big difference between the temperature in the sun versus the shade. Keep in mind that it is much cooler in the medina when you are out of the sun.

[plan-trip]

If you are planning a trip to Morocco, here are some other articles and travel guides that may help:

• Find out how much a trip to Morocco costs
• Get a sample 7, 10, or 14-day Morocco itinerary
• Driving in Morocco 
• What to wear in Morocco

[/plan-trip]

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Tamara Gruber is the Founder and Publisher of We3Travel. A former marketing executive and travel advisor, Tamara is an award-winning travel writer and recognized expert in family travel. Tamara is a member of SATW and the Adventure Travel Trade Association, and serves on the Board of the Family Travel Association. She is also the publisher of YourTimetoFly.com and the co-host of the Vacation Mavens travel podcast.

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Publish Date: April 15, 2019

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Morocco Travel Tips: 13 Things to Know Before Visiting Morocco

Check out my list of things you should know before visiting morocco to help you prepare for your upcoming trip. enjoy, 13 things to know before visiting morocco, many moroccans don’t want you to take their photo, some may be happy to have their picture taken, but it's best to make sure you obtain permission in advance. or keep your photography to the stunning architecture rather than the people., it can be incredibly cold in the winter in morocco, if you draw a line from northern morocco to the us, you’ll find that it's at a similar latitude to washington dc, a region that experiences very cold and often snowy winters. and morocco is no different., government-run tourist attractions in morocco are a great value, museums, madrasas, royal palaces, and gardens are some of the most popular tourist attractions in cities such as marrakech, fes, and casablanca., you can’t trust men attempting to give you directions, while visiting morocco you should plan on relying heavily on google maps to get you where you need to go., swipe up to get the full list, swipe up to read more of our posts.

14 Things To Do In Marrakesh: Complete Guide To The Heart Of Morocco

M arrakesh is truly a traveler's dream—a blend of ancient traditions and modern-day culture. Whether wandering the Medina or sipping mint tea in the Jardin Majorelle , every experience in Marrakesh is unique and endlessly fascinating.

Steeped in history and bursting with vibrancy, the city is a sensory delight that promises adventure and enchantment around every corner. The narrow streets, hustling souks, and historic structures will take visitors back in time to Marrakesh's rich heritage as they find themselves lost in the mesmerizing beauty of the city.

This guide offers tips for exploring the top things to do in Marrakesh , from exploring the remarkable Koutoubia Mosque and marveling at the intricate details of the Bahia Palace to tasting the savory spices in local cuisine. Prepare to get lost on a journey of adventure and discovery. Delve into this magical city, and discover the best that Marrakesh has to offer.

UPDATE: 2023/08/01 09:45 EST BY NICHOLAS MAYAMBA

Best Things To Do In Marrakesh

Get immersed in a bustling city steeped in rich history, a vibrant culture, scrumptious cuisine, and colorful experiences. This updated article incorporates more top places to visit in the city and tips that will enhance the overall experience.

Top Things To Do In Marrakesh

Nestled at the base of the snow-capped Atlas Mountains, Marrakesh is known as the "Red City," alluding to the red-hued walls that encircle the old town.

Whether it's the iconic Jemaa el-Fnaa, the bustling marketplace that comes alive after dark, or the stunning Koutoubia Mosque, Marrakesh offers an endless array of sights, sounds, and flavors that will leave travelers spellbound. Here are ten of the best things to do when visiting this magical city.

Wander Around The Marrakesh Medina

Step into the heart of Marrakesh at the Medina, a UNESCO World Heritage site dating back to the 11th century.

This ancient walled city showcases Moroccan culture in its full splendor, where visitors can marvel at the vibrant souks and historical landmarks like the Koutoubia Mosque and the grand Bahia Palace.

Take a stroll through the labyrinthine streets and alleys filled with the scent of spices, leather, and freshly baked bread. Don't miss the chance to haggle for authentic souvenirs, indulge in Moroccan cuisine, or catch a glimpse of colorful street performances.

The small streets within the Medina look eerily similar and can be quite confusing, especially for first-timers. Tourists should consider downloading the city's map to avoid getting lost.

Explore The Maison de la Fotagraphie

For avid photography enthusiasts or those wanting to know more about the local culture, the Maison de la Fotographie is a must-see destination in Marrakesh. Housed in a three-story Moroccan riad, this museum houses an exhibition of photographs that capture the essence of Morocco's rich and diverse culture.

The building itself is a sight to behold, showcasing traditional Moroccan architecture and intricate tilework. Wander through the halls of the Maison de la Fotographie, witnessing the evolution of Morocco's landscapes, people, and customs through the centuries.

The rooftop café is a great spot for a drink (bring a camera as it’s one of the highest spots in the Medina and offers sweeping city views).

• Address: Rue Ahl Fes, 46 Rue Bin Lafnadek, Marrakech 40030, Morocco
• Hours: Daily from 9:30 am to 7 pm
• Tickets: $5.06 (children under the age of 15 are free)

Related: This Is What Makes The Medina Of Marrakesh So Famous

Snap Photos At The Jardin Majorelle

The Jardin Majorelle is a mesmerizing oasis in the bustling city of Marrakesh. This botanical garden boasts a stunning collection of cacti, exotic plants, and shimmering pools all set against the backdrop of vibrant blue walls.

The garden was born out of French painter Jacques Majorelle's vision (he even created a specific shade of blue splashed across the building, called ‘Majorelle blue’). It was later acquired by the legendary fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

Visitors can take a leisurely stroll through the garden's colorful pathways and enjoy a moment of peace away from the chaos of the city.

An Instagrammer's dream, the garden's vibrant colors and unique aesthetic inspire countless photo opportunities. Don't forget to bring a camera and go as early as possible to snap photos of the surrounding sights without any crowds.

• Address: Rue Yves St Laurent, Marrakech 40090, Morocco
• Hours: Daily from 8 am to 6 pm (although the Jardin Majorelle and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts close an hour early during Ramadan)
• Tickets: Tickets to just the garden are $15.17; tickets to the garden and the Pierre Bergé Museum of Berber Arts are $20.23; tickets to just the Musée Yves Saint Laurent are $13.15; a combined ticket for all three attractions is $30.34 dirhams

The Jardin Majorelle requests all guests to purchase their tickets online before visiting.

Relax At The Hammam De La Rose

Discover Marrakesh's most luxurious and tranquil oasis at the Hammam De La Rose. This exquisite hammam offers a peaceful haven from the bustling city, allowing visitors to unwind and indulge in traditional Moroccan spa treatments.

The hammam has a rich history dating back centuries to the reign of the Saadian dynasty. Its ornate decor, including beautiful mosaic and carved wooden architecture, transports visitors to a bygone era of Moorish grandeur.

Today, the Hammam De La Rose offers a range of indulgent treatments, including body scrubs, massages, and facials, all using organic and natural products. Indulge in a day of pampering and emerge from the Hammam De La Rose feeling refreshed and revitalized.

• Address: Rte Sidi Abdelaziz, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
• Hours: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
• Cost: Hammam rituals range from $25.28 to $45.51 dirhams depending on the length and services chosen; massages are around $55.63 dirhams per person or around $91.02 per couple

There are numerous hammams throughout Marrakesh neighborhoods, but the experience varies depending on the type. For instance, a local hammam offers a more authentic cultural experience whereas a westernized hammam tailors the experience to tourists, with all the creature comforts of a modern-day spa.

Marvel At The Bahia Palace

Nestled in the heart of Marrakesh's Medina lies the magnificent Bahia Palace, a masterpiece of Moroccan architectural splendor. Built-in the late 19th century, the palace was named after the Arabic word for "brilliance" and stretches over an impressive two hectares of beautifully landscaped gardens.

Roam around the vast halls and get lost in the luxurious rooms, all of which are decorated with intricate tilework, stunning stained-glass windows, and exquisitely carved stucco. It's an opulent display of Morocco's rich cultural heritage and a must-visit destination for any curious traveler.

• Address: Rue Riad Zitoun el Jdid, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
• Hours: Daily from 9 am to 5 pm
• Tickets: $7.08 dirhams

The Bahia Palace is among the most visited sites in the city. Those planning to tour it should arrive early to avoid jostling with the crowds for a more peaceful experience.

Spend The Evening At Jemaa el-Fna

Once dusk arrives, travelers should make their way to Jemaa el-Fna, the most animated square in Africa and the cultural heart of Marrakesh. The square transforms as the sun sets, with thousands of people gathering to watch mesmerizing street performers, acrobats, and snake charmers.

Go at dusk for the best photos, but avoid photographing people.

The history of Jemaa el-Fna dates back to the 11th century when it was the site of public executions. Today, it's a vibrant open-air market and UNESCO-recognized site offering an incomparable sensory experience with the smell of exotic spices and sizzling food filling the air.

Visitors can relish a wide range of snacks and tagines while listening to the stories of the gnaoua musicians. Relax at a rooftop café and watch the bustling square below, or mingle with locals and tourists alike while soaking up the atmosphere; it’ll be an unforgettable experience regardless.

Travelers should be aware of their surroundings, as the market in the evening is a pickpocket's paradise.

Visit The Ben Youssef Madrasa

Embark on a journey to the Ben Youssef Madrasa, an architectural masterpiece that once served as one of the largest Islamic colleges in North Africa.

This historic site dates back to the 14th century, and its intricate details are a testament to the stunning craftsmanship of the period. With breathtaking tiles, carved wooden ceilings, and a serene courtyard, every corner of this building is an invitation to explore the rich heritage of Morocco.

Explore the student rooms featuring traditional Moroccan decor—all with their own windows, nooks, and areas of retreat. Imagine what life was like for the young scholars who once filled these rooms. It's a must-see destination for anyone interested in history, art, and culture in Marrakesh.

The saying on the door of the entrance reads: “You who enter my door, may your highest hopes be exceeded.”

• Address: Rue Assouel, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
• Hours: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
• Tickets: Tickets to just the Madrasa Ben Youssef are $4.05; travelers can purchase a combined ticket to the Koubba, Madrasa, and Museum of Marrakesh for just $6.07

Explore The Atlas Mountains

Rising above the bustling city of Marrakesh are the stunning Atlas Mountains, an awe-inspiring destination that should simply not be missed. As visitors journey through the winding roads and stunning valleys, they will witness some of the most incredible Moroccan views imaginable.

On a day trip, travel guides lead groups on a mountain-hugging road that winds through labyrinthine gorges and over gnarled mountain terrain. Marvel at stunning valleys, cascading waterfalls, traditional Berber villages dotted with mud-brick houses, and snow-capped peaks that rise over 4,000 meters.

Related: 11 Of The Absolute Best Day Trips You Can Take From Marrakesh

Seeking a bit of adventure? Take a gentle hike along carved-out trails with panoramic views or saddle up with a trusty camel and explore the area as the Berber people have done for centuries.

There are several tour operators offering various tours to the Atlas Mountains from Marrakesh . Read reviews from other recent travelers before reserving a spot.

All in all, a visit to the Atlas Mountains offers a glimpse into Morocco's rich culture and natural beauty, an experience not to be missed on any Moroccan adventure out of Marrakesh.

Experience Extravagance At The Saadian Tombs

Step into a world of luxury and grandeur at the Saadian Tombs, the ultimate resting place of the Saadi dynasty, a royal bloodline that ruled over Marrakesh during the golden era of Morocco.

Visitors will enter the Kasbah Mosque (one of the oldest mosques in Morocco) to marvel at the ornate craftsmanship and intricate detailing that adorns the walls, arches, and pillars of the tombs.

Take a moment to appreciate the exquisite tiles, marble, and gold leaves that were used to embellish the tombs. Witness the grandeur that these tombs once held, tucked away for centuries until their rediscovery in 1917.

History enthusiasts will adore the Saadian Tombs, but anyone can find a piece of paradise in this majestic Moroccan marvel.

• Address: Rue de La Kasbah, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
• Tickets: $6.05

The Saadian Tombs gets quite busy between 10 am and 1 pm when tour groups flock to scope out the site. To avoid all this hullabaloo, either arrive soon after the opening hours or later in the day.

Learn To Cook Souk Cuisine

Moroccan cuisine is renowned for its flavors, spices, and vibrant colors. What better way to experience the flavors of Marrakesh than by taking a cooking class right in the heart of the bustling souks?

Led by expert chefs, the cooking class at Souk Cuisines guides students through the ins and outs of Moroccan cuisine, teaching techniques such as how to blend spices and how to cook in traditional tajines. Visitors will learn about key ingredients such as aromatic cumin, bright saffron, and the beloved preserved lemons that feature in many dishes.

After the class, students are free to enjoy the fruits of their labor with a feast of Moroccan delicacies. This class is a must-do for any foodie visiting Marrakesh.

• Address: Derb Tahtah 5, Zniquat Rahba, Marrakesh, Morocco

Get Lost Among The Souks Of Marrakesh

If the Medina is the heart of Marrakesh, then the central souks are the unrivaled soul of the city. Exploring this vibrant maze of open-air markets rewards tourists with an immersive cultural experience, allowing them to interact with the locals and shop for diverse artisanal wares.

The vast network of tiny laneways is always jammed with vendors and buyers, culminating in distinctive and contagious energy that keeps the atmosphere vibrant. From brightly-colored textiles and intricately-made glassware to mountains of sweet-smelling spices, it's easy to get lost in the souks.

This is also an excellent opportunity for guests to hunt for exquisite souvenirs as many of the shop owners still employ traditional techniques to produce their crafts.

Don't be too coy to bargain when buying goods from stall owners in the souks; it's an expected part of the culture here. Just remember to be polite while haggling!

Embark On A Sahara Desert Tour

Morocco offers tourists the perfect way to explore the great Sahara Desert , a must-visit for any first-timers in the country. There are numerous ways to experience the world's largest hot desert, and tourists will relish the adventure of driving up and down rippling sand dunes under the scorching sun.

At night, when temperatures drop drastically, the setting is perfect to sit around a bonfire and gaze at stars in the sky. Tours from the Sahara from Marrakesh typically last about eight hours, with stops at villages along the way, so tourists should prepare accordingly.

If the Sahara Desert is too distant for some, a great alternative for a desert day trip will be the nearby Agafay Desert. While it is a far cry from visiting one of the country's top natural wonders , the adventure is just as satisfying.

Take A Day Trip To Aït Benhaddou

Aït Benhaddou is a historical Moroccan village between Marrakesh and the Sahara, located in the Atlas Mountains. This UNESCO World Heritage Site fascinates travelers with its storybook scenery, highlighted by earthen, sandy structures dating back several centuries.

The well-preserved medieval village is considered a great example of Moroccan clay architecture and allows tourists a glimpse into a simpler and more relaxed way of life.

Spend time inspecting the charming village, enjoying a refreshing traditional mint tea, or admiring the spectacular sunset against the backdrop of the majestic Atlas Mountains.

A trip to Aït Benhaddou from Marrakesh starts at around $22

Bask In The Splendor Of El Badi Palace

Discover one of Morrocco's most historic monuments at El Badi Palace, a ruined ancient palace built in the 16th century by Sultan Ahmed al-Mansour to honor the victory at the Battle of the Three Kings . The sprawling mansion is said to have had at least 300 rooms, each lavishly decorated with gold, crystal, and turquoise.

However, it went into decline in the 17th century when the sultan moved the country's capital from Marrakesh to Meknes. Today, its enormous ruined patio paints a picture of the site's former glory, akin to the Roman Forum in Rome.

• Address : Ksibat Nhass, Marrakech 40000, Morocco
• Hours : 9 am - 5 pm
• Cost : $7.08

Visitors can climb the walls of the palace to enjoy enchanting views of Marrakesh.

Best Time To Visit Marrakesh

Marrakesh is a city that bustles with activity all year round, but the best time to visit is during the pleasant, temperate months of spring and autumn. May and September are particularly ideal, as rainfall is typically lower than in other months, and temperatures range from 68 to 86 °F.

It's worth keeping in mind that religious holidays, such as Ramadan and Christmas, as well as national holidays determined by the lunar calendar, can impact local transportation, attraction hours, and even room prices.

Related: What You Should Know About Visiting Marrakesh And Why It's Worth It

The Best Way To Get Around Marrakesh

As a bustling city with narrow streets, Marrakesh can be overwhelming for first-time visitors. The best way to navigate the streets and get a true taste of Moroccan culture is by foot, but the city also offers taxis, buses, and horse-drawn carriages for longer distances.

The best way to get around Marrakesh is by foot. The city's maze-like Medina is a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and vibrant souks, lined with intricate architecture and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Walking through the city's bustling streets allows visitors to truly immerse themselves in the culture, sights, sounds, and smells of Marrakesh.

If walking around the central souks, use Maps.Me to navigate rather than Google Maps. Be careful taking out cell phones in certain areas, though.

While taxis are widely available in Marrakesh, using them can be a bit of a headache for tourists. There are no ride-sharing apps available here, and it’s common for drivers to insist their meter is broken and quote prices that are up to ten times higher than the metered rate.

To avoid this, it's best to flag down a taxi on the street rather than getting one from a popular tourist spot or taxi sand. Keep in mind that negotiation is key if traveling by taxi. However, it’s still best to walk or take a horse-drawn carriage if possible.

If traveling in a group, it’s possible to take a larger shared taxi, called grand taxis. Grand taxis have a fixed rate per route and can accommodate six to eight people, depending on the make and model of the car.

• Regular taxi fare: The minimum price for a taxi in Marrakesh is 7 dirhams, but that fare is higher at night
• Shared taxi fare: It depends, but often, it’s possible to get a spot in a shared taxi for 5 dirhams per person, regardless of the distance

Discover Marrakesh in style with a horse-drawn carriage ride. These iconic green carriages are dotted throughout the city, but there are usually plenty of them waiting outside the Koutoubia Mosque and Jemaa el-Fnaa, too.

Not only are they an enjoyable way to travel, but they can also accommodate up to six people and generally cost less than taxis. Just make sure to agree on a price beforehand, and only hop aboard carriages that display a SPANA badge, indicating that the horses are well-cared for.

• Fare: Hour-long rides typically cost between 120 and 180 dirhams

Where To Eat In Marrakesh

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Marrakesh, where spices and ingredients dance together in harmony. From savory tagines to sweet pastries, the city boasts a vibrant food scene that's not to be missed.

Related: 10 Mouthwatering Restaurants In Marrakesh You Should Try

Café des Épices

Experience the tantalizing flavors of traditional Moroccan cuisine at Café des Epices, where spices and herbs take center stage. Savor aromatic tagines, spiced teas, and fresh pastries while taking in the bustling energy of the Marrakesh Medina.

• Address: 75 Derb Rahba Lakdima, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
• Hours: Daily from 10 am to 11 pm
• Recommended: Don’t leave without trying one of their Moroccan tea offerings or a spiced coffee with milk

Their breakfast plates are only served here from 9 am to 12 pm.

Indulge in a culinary experience like no other at Café Clock in Marrakesh. Savor traditional Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist while being serenaded by live gnaoua music performances.

• Address: 224 Derb Chtouka, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
• Hours: Daily from 9 am to 11 pm
• Recommended: While they serve all-day breakfast, don't forget to try their famous camel burger for a truly unique dining experience

Check their website frequently for scheduled events, which include storytelling sessions, Moroccan cooking classes, and more.

Le Foundouk

Voted one of the most beautiful restaurants in Morocco, Le Foundouk is a 17th-century caravanserai with a romantic rooftop terrace for dining under Marrakesh's starry sky. Savor the traditional Moroccan cuisine with a modern twist, all served in a majestic ambiance of ancient grandeur.

• Address: 55, Souk Hal Fassi Kat Bennahid, Marrakesh 40000, Morocco
• Hours: Thursday - Sunday, 7 pm to midnight; closed Wednesdays
• Recommended: Don't miss the delectable slow-cooked Tangia Marrakchia

Where To Stay In Marrakesh

From riads to luxury hotels, the best accommodations in Marrakesh fit any budget and style.

Budget-Friendly

Riad Utopia Spa & Suites

• Address: 280 Derb Sidi Bouamar, Riad Laarouss, Marrakesh 4008
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, outdoor pool, indoor pool, spa and wellness center, bar and lounge, TVs, business center
• Cost based on double occupancy: $85/night

Riad Dar Yema

• Address: 188 Bis Derb Jdid, Marrakesh 40000
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, adults-only, coffee machine, spa and wellness center, bar and lounge, air conditioning, central heat, toiletries, walking distance to major attractions
• Cost based on double occupancy: $109/night
• Address: 105 Derb Tizougarine Dar El Bacha, Marrakesh 40000
• Amenities: Free Wi-Fi, bar and lounge, coffee shop, spa and wellness center, flat-screen TVs, Turkish bath, fresh linens, toiletries
• Cost based on double occupancy: $267/night

How To Spend The Perfect Day In Marrakesh

For a traveler with one day to explore this captivating destination, the key is to make every moment count. Start the day at the iconic Koutoubia Mosque and marvel at its stunning beauty. Stroll through the bustling souks to discover everything from spices to carpets to intricate Moroccan lamps.

After working up an appetite, indulge in a hearty lunch of tagine or couscous at a traditional Moroccan restaurant (or any of the best restaurants in Marrakesh ). Then, take a break from the heat and visit the tranquil Majorelle Garden, famous for its vibrant colors and exotic plants.

Related: You Will Need This Many Days To Make The Most Out Of Marrakesh

The afternoon is perfect for a jaunt to the Bahia Palace and Saadian Tombs to learn about the rich history of Marrakesh. As the sun sets, head to the Jemaa el-Fnaa square to witness the bustling market come alive with music, performers, and delicious street food.

End the day with a peaceful rooftop dinner while taking in the mesmerizing views of this magical city.

Q: What is Marrakesh best known for?

Marrakesh, also known as the “Red City,” is best known for its vibrant souks, bustling Medina, and breathtaking architecture. The heart of the city is the Jemaa el-Fnaa Square, where visitors can revel in the sights and sounds of snake charmers, street performers, and food stalls.

Marrakesh is also renowned for its stunning riads, luxurious spas, and proximity to the majestic Atlas Mountains. With its rich history and culture, Marrakesh is a must-visit destination for any traveler.

Q: How many days in Marrakesh is enough?

Travelers should plan to spend at least three to four days in the city to fully experience the beauty of Marrakesh.

During this time, explore the historic Medina, wander through the colorful souks, visit the magnificent palaces and gardens, and indulge in the delicious traditional cuisine.

Q: Is Marrakesh a walkable city?

Yes! Marrakesh is a city that is renowned for its narrow streets and bustling souks, making it an excellent destination for those who love to explore on foot.

The Marrakesh Medina , which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a maze of winding alleys and historical ruins that invite visitors to explore.

Q: Can you drink alcohol in Marrakesh?

As a predominantly Muslim country, alcohol consumption in Marrakesh is largely limited to tourist areas and international hotels. It is not readily available in even the best restaurants in Marrakesh , and public intoxication is frowned upon.

However, visitors can enjoy a variety of alcoholic beverages at licensed establishments, including traditional mint tea infused with spirits and local beer and wine.

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