• South Africa
  • Afghanistan
  • North Korea
  • Adventure + Outdoors
  • Amusement Parks
  • Backpacking Trips
  • Boating + Cruises
  • Budget Travel
  • Bus + Train Travel
  • Coasts + Islands
  • Country Trips
  • Fall Vacations
  • Family Vacations
  • Green Travel
  • Heritage + History
  • Honeymoons + Romance
  • Inspiration + Guide
  • Landmarks + Attractions
  • LGBT Travel
  • Markets + Bazaars
  • National Parks + Reserves
  • Nature + Wildlife
  • Parks + Gardens
  • Pets + Animals
  • Photography
  • Airlines + Airports
  • Budgeting + Currency
  • Business Travel
  • Celebrity Travel
  • Customs + Immigration
  • Deals + Rewards
  • Family Travel
  • Hotels + Resorts
  • Luggage + Packing Tips
  • Offbeat News
  • Photography Tips
  • Responsible Travel
  • Solo Travel
  • Tech + Gear
  • Travel Etiquette
  • Travel Warnings
  • Bars + Clubs
  • Celebrity Chefs
  • Restaurants + Cafés
  • Wine + Vineyards
  • Beach Hotels
  • Boutique Hotels
  • Hotel Openings
  • Hotel Reviews
  • Luxury Hotels
  • Mountain + Ski Resorts
  • Spa Resorts
  • Vacation Rentals
  • Asia Cruises
  • European Cruises
  • Festivals + Events
  • Museums + Galleries
  • Style + Design
  • Travel’s Best
  • Hotel with Agoda.com
  • Hotel with Booking.com

Get the best travel guides, tips, information & reviews!

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in…

travel blog to morocco

Gingtiangang Grassland Yangmingshan — The ultimate guide on how to go…

travel blog to morocco

Tokyo best parks — 10+ best & most beautiful parks in…

travel blog to morocco

Yamanashi blog — The Yamanashi travel guide & top things to…

travel blog to morocco

Guide to Suzhou nightlife — 5+ what & best things to…

travel blog to morocco

Cambodia travel tips — 15+ what to know & things to…

travel blog to morocco

When is the best time to visit Kyoto? — The best,…

travel blog to morocco

When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best,…

travel blog to morocco

Must eat in Cambodia — 15+ must try, most famous, popular…

Cafe Pomegranate Ubud

Best coffee shops in Bali — Top 10 best cafes in…

travel blog to morocco

Where to eat in Shenzhen? — 9 best restaurants in Shenzhen

travel blog to morocco

Must eat in Malaysia — 15+ most popular, famous dishes &…

belmond-la-residence-d-angkor-siem-reap-cambodia-prod

Top hotels in Siem Reap — 8+ best places to stay…

travel blog to morocco

Top hotels in shanghai — 15+ best hotels in Shanghai

travel blog to morocco

Top hotels in Malacca — 10+ good & best hotels in…

Amankila, Bali, Indonesia. © Amanresorts

Top places to stay in Bali — Top 10 best areas…

things to know, European river cruise

10 must-know things for your best first time European river cruise

Syrena Cruises, luxury cruises, halong bay, vietnam

Top 3 best luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival, Seoul

Cherry blossom festival Korea 2024 — Top 5 cherry blossom festivals…

totoro ghibli museum

Ghibli museum blog — The fullest Ghibli museum guide for first-timers

Gion Matsuri Festival in Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto festival — Top 10 best events & most famous festivals…

national palace museum shilin district taipei city taiwan,

National Palace Museum Taipei blog — What to see in National…

Picture: Japanese waterfall blog.

Japanese waterfall — Top 10 most beautiful waterfalls in Japan in…

Bergen, Norway5

19+ most beautiful towns in Europe every tourist need to visit…

travel blog to morocco

Georgia travel photos — 20+ captivating photos show Georgia is heaven…

travel blog to morocco

Explore Damnoen Floating Market — The oldest floating market of Thailand

travel blog to morocco

Visiting Fenghuang Ancient Town — One of the most charming ancient…

mekong delta travel blog tips southern vietnam (2)

Mekong Delta travel blog — Beyond rivers of Southwestern Vietnam

Real-life experience-enhance-traveling-things to do at young age

14 reasons why you should travel when you are young

tanuki-statue-ratel-symbol of lucky-japan

Shigaraki Tanuki – An animal symbol of good luck in Japan

living in cave houses in andalucia southern spain (1)

Living in the charms of cave houses in Andalucia, Southern Spain

koda-walking-concrete, Tallinn, Estonia, tiny homes

20+ jaw-dropping tiny homes around the world

Morocco travel blog — the fullest morocco travel guide for a budget trip for first-timers.

travel blog to morocco

Morocco is an Islamic country located in the northwestern part of Africa, both the gateway to the Mediterranean Sea and the gateway to the Sahara desert, so this country possesses different types of terrains and diversity in climate, along with countless of extremely beautiful, impressive, spectacular landscapes. As part of the Arab world, Morocco also has many cultural traditions and a treasure of very unique Islamic art and architecture. That is why Morocco is always a favorite destination of many tourists around the world, and especially always on the “must-visit” list of any traveler. So, what to do and how to plan a perfect budget trip to Morocco for the first-time? Let’s check out our Morocco travel blog (Morocco blog, Morocco trip blog) with the fullest Morocco travel guide (Morocco guide, Morocco tourist guide) from how to get there, best time to come, where to stay, best places to visit and top things to do to find out the answer!

  • Taiwan itinerary 6 days — The itinerary of a trip to Taipei – Hualien – Kaohsiung for 6 days 5 nights
  • Fes blog — The fullest (Fez) Fes travel guide for first-timers
  • Morocco 7 days itinerary — How to spend 7 days in Morocco perfectly to visit: Fez, Chefchaouen & Tangier
  • India itinerary 10 days — How to spend 10 days in India perfectly?
  • Marrakech travel blog — The fullest Marrakech travel guide for first-timers

travel blog to morocco

Morocco travel blog: Overview of Morocco

travel blog to morocco

Geographically, Morocco is formed up of four different regions: The Sahara desert with its towns and Berber oasis (Siwa Oasis); the Atlas and Rif mountains; the plains were home to the royal cities of Strasbourgesh and Fez (Fes); and finally the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by small seaside towns and the cities of Rabat and Casablanca.

travel blog to morocco

Morocco (Arabic name Al Mamlakah al Maghribiyah, meaning “The Western Kingdom”) is a country located on the northwest coast of Africa, bordered by Algeria to the east and Western Saharah to the south. The whole country of Morocco is divided into 16 regions, with the capital of Rabat and the largest and most famous city of Casablanca.

Safety and security

Theft can happen in big cities and along beaches, where you should avoid deserted areas and stay alert at all times, especially after dark. Remember do not bring large amounts of money or valuables with you.

travel blog to morocco

In big cities, in addition to petty theft, pickpockets and extorting money, I find the safety and security in Morocco not so bad. In crowded places, there are many policemen in uniform and plain clothes. In the old towns (Medina) always have crowded markets, it is necessary to pay attention to your belongings. You should leave the passport in the suitcase at the hotel, bring only a photocopy.

The southwestern border region which bordering Algeria and the southern territories of Western Sahara, especially near the border with Mauritania because of kidnapping and is advised by the authorities that visitors should not to come there due to the complicated security situation in these areas.

travel blog to morocco

The US government has a website to notify the security situation (terrorism, natural disasters) of all countries in the world here .

The French government also has a similar site, access here .

travel blog to morocco

The national religion of Morocco is Islam. Coming here, it is advisable to wear discreetly, limit open underarms and short skirts on streets to show respect for locals. If it’s too hot, you can bring a thin, long, large scarf to wear instead of a shirt with sleeves.

In Morocco, in large places of worship, men and women are not allowed to pray in the same area but must be separated, male on one side, female on the other. There are different entrances as well.

travel blog to morocco

The Moroccans speak two main languages, Arabic and French, and in the mountainous areas, there also is a Berber language. All the signs, in addition to Arabic, they are also available in French, so you don’t have to worry about falling illiterate.

A few common words (transliteration):

  • Where is the toilet: Fin kaynin toilettes?
  • Hello: Salam
  • Goodbye: Bslama
  • Thank: Shokran
  • Thank you (in Berber): Ten miêrt
  • Agree, ok : Wakha
  • Let’s go: Y-allah

travel blog to morocco

The flag of Morocco flag is red, with a green five-pointed star, which is the symbol of the Kingdom of Morocco. Originally, the Moroccan flag was plain red, embodying the Alaouite dynasty, which ruled Morocco since 1631. In 1915, a green five-pointed star was added to distinguish it from the flags of other countries that also had red. Green is the color of hope and also the color of Islam. The star represents the 5 pillars of Islam:

  • Fasting (Ramadan)
  • Pilgrimage (to Mecca, Islam’s holy site)

Morocco blog: When to visit?

Due to its diversisty in geography, the best time to travel to Morocco depends largely on where you will going to, but overall, Morocco is a great year-round destination. With its long coastline, majestic mountains, and desert landscapes, it’s an incredibly diversity country in landscape that offers unique experiences to explore at any time of year. January is the wettest and coldest month and July and August are the hottest months, so you’ll see less touristy. Spring (March & April) and autumn (September & October) have the most pleasant weather.

travel blog to morocco

In the Sahara region, cities in the plains, you should be avoided come in mid-summer. Desert climate is hot, dry and clear in the summer, but nighttime temperatures can plummet. However, the hottest months are ideal for visiting coastal cities like Essaouira and Rabat. The winter months in the mountains are very cold, which can be difficult to come as many hotels do not have heating system.

travel blog to morocco

From October to May next year is the best time to visit Morocco. The autumn and spring’s weather is cool. Winters are not as cold as Southern Europe. The desert night is quite cold, so you still need to bring warm clothes. The Moroccan spring often comes a little earlier than in Europe. From mid to late February, plum and apricot blossoms bloom white on oases in the middle of desert. In late April, early May, roses bloom brilliantly in the valley of roses (Vallée dés Roses).

what is glamping luxury in tents (1)

During Christmas and New Year, the whole Europe is on holiday, the streets will be a bit crowded and the price of services will be slightly higher. Because Morocco is Europe’s neighbor, the French and Germans like to go to their neighbor to relax, especially special holidays.

Morocco travel blog: Getting to Morocco

The simplest and most convenient way is flying to big cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, Rabat… There are many low-cost airlines operating daily flights from European cities to Morocco and the flight time is also very reasonable (It takes average 3 – 4 hours of flying) such as Ryanair, Volotea, Easyjet… If you hunting hard, you can find cheap airfares for just a few dozen of Euros / round-trip. I often use Skyscanner , Google Flights to find tickets and then go directly to websites of airlines to buy.

travel blog to morocco

Alternatively, you can also drive to Morocco from Europe via a transit ferry from the Spanish city of Tarifa to Tangier. Some ferry companies such as FRS, Inter Shipping regularly operate ferries that connecting these two cities with travel time of about 1 hour. See ferry routes and timetables here .

Morocco blog: Getting around Morocco and between cities

travel blog to morocco

Morocco’s national railway company is ONCF. The railway network in Morocco is concentrated mainly in the north and cities along the west coast, connecting the major cities. Therefore, if you want to getting to cities in the South (such as Agadir), the bus is the most reasonable choice.

Train tickets can be purchased online through the company’s website at:( https://www.oncf.ma/fr/ ), via app ( iOS , Android ) or directly at ticket counters at train stations.

If you want a guarantee and rest assured, you can buy tickets 1 to 2 days in advance.

Like me, when I was in Marrakech, I checked the train schedules and prices in advance on the web, then went to the station 1 hour before departure and bought tickets directly at the ticket counter. This helped me more flexible and not be constrained by time.

A few things you should keep in mind are:

  • The ticket counter will stop selling 3 minutes before departure time.
  • In big cities like Marrakech or Casablanca have relatively high frequency of trips, on the contrary, smaller cities like Meknes have quite a few trips. So, if you stay in small cities, you should carefully check the departure time of train to arrange a reasonable travel time.
  • On the train, you must always keep your belongings within sight, to avoid being “lost your luggage” when train stops at stations.

The kingdom of Marocco 14

Example fares: Train from Casablanca – Marrakech : 95 MAD (10 USD); Bus supratours from Marrakech – Essaouira : 80 MAD (8.4 USD), Train from Fes – Meknes : 22 MAD (2.3 USD).

It is the most convenient means of transportation in Morocco. The bus network covers the whole country, so it is possible to reach places that train cannot. The major bus carriers are CTM ( http://www.ctm.ma/ ), Supratours ( http://www.supratours.ma/ ), SATAS and Trans Ghazala.

When traveling in Morocco, I chose the CTM bus company (because the company has frequently bus trips, and the service is also relatively good).

travel blog to morocco

Riding by bus, I recommend you to book tickets 1 to 2 days in advance to be able to choose the most suitable trip in terms of both tickets and timetables. The reason is that if you buy tickets on the departure date, but unfortunately the bus trip you already choose is already full, you will be pushed to the next trip. In big cities, the waiting time between bus trips is not too long (about 1 hour), so take the next trip is still okay.

But, in contrast, in small cities (eg Chefchaouen) the frequency is reduced quite a lot and you have to wait for a long time to wait for the next bus, which can affect your expected schedule.

travel blog to morocco

This is also a good option to getting around in Morocco, helping you to be more proactive in your time as well as being able to reach places that trains and buses cannot reach. However, self-driving in Morocco also requires you to be very steady and careful.

As far as I can see, the traffic here is a bit chaotic, especially in small cities (eg Chefchaouen): pedestrians cross the street anywhere; On the road, in addition to cars, there are also horse-drawn carriages, donkey carts, and horns are loud, in general, it feels quite similar to Vietnamese traffic.

Moreover, the terrain in the North of Morocco has many hills and passes, so self-driving is not for weak drivers.

Getting around in cities

travel blog to morocco

Inside medina, motor vehicles are prohibited, you can only walk or donkey riding. The area of medina is not too large but complicated like a maze. So prepare a good pair of walking shoes.

In Moroccan cities, there are always people who are enthusiastic to show you the way to ask for money. If needed, let them guide directions for you and pay about 10-20 MAD (1-2 USD). If you feel uncomfortable, just say “No” clearly a few times. If they insist on following and walking ahead, pretending to give directions, I often take advantage of when they don’t notice and stop by a shop on the street. If they don’t see you anymore, they will leave away.

travel blog to morocco

In order to limit being disturbed on the road, you should not hold a paper map in your hand with a blank face, a half-lidded gaze. Instead, you should download offline maps of MAPS.ME or Google Maps , plus compass apps to your phone for convenient navigating. In Marrakech and Fes, paper maps are also not very effective because in the souks, almost all streets have no numbers, streets without names.

travel blog to morocco

Outside of medina, the most convenient way to travel are taxis. Taxi prices in Morocco are comparable to Vietnamese taxis. In Casablanca and occasionally in Marrakech, taxi is billed by meter. During rush hour, the drivers often refuse to turn on the meter, you should ask in advance to be sure and bargain the price before getting on the car.

There are two types of taxis operating in cities in Morocco: “grand taxi” – large taxi and “petit taxi” – small taxi.

Small taxi: 4-seater car, only allowed to run in the inner cities. According to regulations, this type of taxi can only carry a maximum of 3 passengers.

“Our group went with 4 people, even though we saw that the car still has an available seat and asked the driver to take all 4 of us, the driver disagreed and asked to divide into 2 groups to accept it”.

travel blog to morocco

Large taxi: Usually a 7-seater taxi, this type can go out of town or traveling between neighboring cities.

In cities, to getting from city center to airport, you can only take this large taxi.

With most taxis, the price list is listed on the window of the car, however, you can still bargain with the driver to get the most reasonable price.

travel blog to morocco

Casablanca also has a tram system, the way to buy tickets and travel is the same as in Europe.

Morocco travel blog: Where to go?

Marrakech (marrakesh).

There are few places where red is so overwhelming as in Marrakesh, from houses, walls, even the streets are painted pink or red. This North African city has a multi-dimensional, mysterious and captivating life.

It is the country’s fourth largest city, after Casablanca, Fes and Tangier. Marrakesh, located in the southwest, was once the capital of Morocco, playing an important role in the trans-Saharan trade route. The history of formation and development of Marrakesh has gone through many periods. Since the 13th century, Marrakesh is no longer the capital, but is still one of the four imperial cities of Morocco, an important commercial center. Marrakesh is also one of Morocco’s artistic cities, a national and international tourist destination.

travel blog to morocco

Attractions in Marrakesh: Jemaa el Fna Square, Medina old town, Souks. Medina Old Town is a top tourist attraction in Marrakesh and is surrounded by 9km of high walls. Jemaa el Fna Square is a bustling place with all kinds of representations of the daily life of Moroccans, Ali Ben Youssef Medersa is the largest Koran school in North Africa, Bahia Palace, Souk Flea Market in the Medina is also a must-see place during your visit.

travel blog to morocco

Chefchaouen

Also known as the Blue City of Morocco, Chefchaouen is located in the Rif Mountains in the northwestern Morocco. It’s a small city, a bit remote, but well worth a visit in the vibrant shades of turquoise of the houses, charming alleyways, a photogenic and perfect spot to take virtual living photos.

The city is built on a hill, so be prepared for a hike, when you get to the top it can feel like you just went for a hike. Walking is the best way to experience the city as there are many narrow streets that cannot be accessed by cars.

Sahara Desert tour

travel blog to morocco

There are many Sahara desert tours that offered by tour operators in Morocco, with options ranging from camping, day trips, or night add-ons combined with other city tours. Camping in the Sahara Desert is a dream for any visitor, it’s definitely the ultimate nomadic experience. This is where you can experience walking on the sand dunes to watch the sunrise, camel riding, camping…

Known as Morocco’s cultural capital, Fes is a place you’ll definitely want to visit once. Ranked as the second largest city in Morocco, Fez served as the country’s capital until 1925. The city is known as the “Athens of Africa” ​​for preserving its diverse historical heritage. One of the heritages with the most vivid image of the Moroccan people is in the Fez markets (souks). Visit the Fes el Bali area to discover the unique cultural features, which was recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site in 1981.

Fes is located just over 300 miles from Marrakech which you can reach by car or plane. This UNESCO World Heritage city is one of the best-preserved ancient Arab cities in the world and the largest car-free urban area on earth.

travel blog to morocco

The seaside city of Essaouira

Located on the coast of Morocco, Essaouira is known for its laid-back atmosphere and excellent kitesurfing conditions and beautiful beaches. If you stay in Marrakech, there is a bus that connects these two cities. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. Another option is to hire a taxi from Marrakech airport and a one-way trip will cost around $90.

travel blog to morocco

Tangier is a northern Moroccan city with a population of over 2 million, located on the North African coast, to the west of the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar, which borders the Mediterranean and Atlantic Oceans at Cape Spartel. This city has cultural features, architecture that mixed of France and Spain.

Surrounded by beautiful beaches, Tangier attracts visitors by its vibrancy that few places have. Visitors can move here by taxi after about 10 minutes from city center. My first impression of Tangier is the lively, bustling street and beautiful beaches just ten minutes away from the center. By the beach are markets, modern residential areas, frequented by tourists from all over the world with a wide variety of goods on sale.

travel blog to morocco

In 1923, Tanger was called an international city under a treaty between nine countries with interests in Morocco: France, Italy, Spain, Great Britain, USA, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium and Portugal.

Meknes is one of the four most popular tourist destinations in Morocco. Before choosing Marrakesh as the next capital, Meknes served as the capital of Morocco from 1672 – 1727 under the rule of Sultan Moulay Ismail. Today, the city still retains the images that recreate the heroic history with the architectural style of Spain and Morocco. Especially the great gates with high walls. The impressive historical landmarks: Mosques, old markets and squares… Especially the old town (medina) in this city is also recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site.

travel blog to morocco

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and the largest port in Africa. Casablanca is known to many people through the movie of the same name, but it is not the filming location of this movie. With the diversity in culture from Portuguese, French and Moors, make the city is more dynamic and full of vibrant.

travel blog to morocco

The city of Ouarzazate is known as “The Door of the Desert” because of its location on the edge of Sahara Desert. This place is a “quiet” land of palm trees, sandy roads and buildings bearing the image of fortresses. In particular, Ouarzazate also owns two largest film studios in the world, Atlas Studios and CLA Studios. Moreover, there are many movies using the setting here, so this city is also known as the “Hollywood of Africa”. When coming to this city, the following attractive tourist attractions will surely attract you: First is Sahara desert, Todra gorge – a great natural wonder or visit Taourirt Kasbah, which is an important histrical fortified residence complex of Morocco.

The city is now the capital of Morocco and was established in the 12th century. Rabat impresses with its diverse landscape of flowers, plants and trees. In addition, monumental works must be mentioned gates such as the Great Gate of the Kasbah (Bab Oudaya) and The Gate of Ambassadors.

travel blog to morocco

Some notable attractions in Rabat: Mamora forest, beautiful beaches, mosques, Mausoleum of Mohammed V, ancient city (medina), Royal square, Chellah medieval fortified, … Not only that, tourists can visit the National Craft Museum or stop at the street cafes while wandering in Rabat.

travel blog to morocco

The town of Asilah or Arzeila is located in the northwest region on the Atlantic coast of Morocco. It is located in the northern Atlantic Bay and is 31km from the city of Tangier. The town has a pretty good depiction of Moroccan culture, including murals.

Morocco travel blog: Where to stay?

Room rates in Morocco are much cheaper than in Europe. The price for a double room, included breakfast, from 30 USD (guesthouse), 50 – 60 USD (2-star hotel or hostel), with more than 100 USD you can stay in a 4-star hotel.

travel blog to morocco

To find top rated and best hotels in cities in Morocco you can go to Booking.com , Agoda.com . If you want a budget stay let choose Airbnb , and use this link https://www.airbnb.com/c/anht5185 , to register for an Airbnb account and book a room, you will get a discount up to $55 for the first booking.

The main attractions are located in medina (old town in city), you should rent a room here for convenience. But also should not be too far from the motorway in case you have bulky luggage, to avoid spend much effort. For example, in Marrakech, you should rent a room near Jemaa el-Fna square, in Casablanca, you should rent near United Nations Square or Casa-Port Railway Station (note that in Casablanca there are 2 big stations that are quite far apart), in Fes, you should rent in Talaa Sghira street or Talaa Kebira street (the beginning of this street near Bab Boujloud).

In the old town, there are usually few big hotels. Instead, there are Dar or Riad which are traditional Moroccan homestays. Riad is usually built in square-shaped, with a skylight and a small garden in the middle, creating a quiet and pleasant atmosphere. You should stay there once, I’m sure you will like it.

travel blog to morocco

Morocco blog: How to buy and choose desert tour?

Coming to Morocco, riding a camel in the sunset or sunrise in the Sahara desert is an experience not to be missed. In the medina in Fes and Marrakech there are many tour operators offering tours to the desert, but in reality there is only one company that organizes it. Tour operators only distribute as travel agents, so there is no need to book online in advance, so just directly go to their offices to bargain and choose the cheapest one to buy.

Check out the tour schedule here: https://www.igomorocco.com/

There are different types of tours to desert: 2 days to Zagora (Ouarzazate); 3 days to Erg Chebbi (near Merzouga) or 4 days to both places. I found the 3-day tour to Erg Chebbi is the most suitable and reasonable. The 2-day tour to the Zagora does not see the beautiful shimmering sand dunes as shown on Instagram, while the 4-day tour is a combination of the two tours above, you will have to waiting for the car for a long time in Ouarzazate.

The distance from Merzouga to Marrakech and Fes is about the same. If your itinerary includes both of these cities, you can request tour operator pick up in Marrakech, drop off in Fes or vice versa.

If riding a camel, you should wear long pants, not lace or jean pants that are too tight or hard (my own painful experience). Overnight in the desert, you have to sleeping in a Berber tent which is very cold, need to bring extra warm clothes. In addition, you should bring more toilet paper – “paper attached to the intestines”, haha!

travel blog to morocco

Morocco travel blog: What to eat?

Moroccan food is delicious and rich. Traditional restaurants often have tajin, couscous, pastilla or lamb or beef stews. In souks (traditional markets), there are many kinds of savory, delectable grilled meat, skewers. Morocco is a Muslim country, so people don’t eat pork.

Breakfast in riads has many types of breads, cornmeal pancakes, with jams, honey, butter, mint tea, and delicious freshly orange juice.

The Moroccan pastries are also delicious (but very sweet). Some pastry is as small as a thumb, goes well with mint tea.

During the two weeks of eating and drinking all over Morocco, I always remember of eating fresh fish and seafood in Essaouira. If you have the opportunity to visit, do not forget to try.

travel blog to morocco

B’ssara (Moroccan fava bean soup)

travel blog to morocco

B’ssara is a soup made with simple ingredients using beans, olive oil and local flavor cumin. This is a traditional Moroccan dish often used in daily meals. It can be used in breakfast to start a new day and served with bread. The price for this dish is quite cheap, a bowl costs only a few cents.

travel blog to morocco

You can’t leave Morocco without trying tagine! This is a stewed soup that is considered a Moroccan’s culinary cultural symbol with its very own taste. Its ingredients include mea, poultry, or fish, vegetables, spices, nuts, all are stewed in a clay pot. It’s available everywhere that you can find easily in this country from high-end restaurants to eateries, roadside food stalls.

Goat Cheese

travel blog to morocco

Goat cheese comes in a lot of Moroccan recipes and is amazing. If you are a lover of goat cheese then you will especially love this in Morocco.

Morocco is home to a wide variety of olives. The country is one of the world’s largest producers of olive oil, so it’s the perfect place to sample all kinds of olives.

Almonds are the basis ingredient of many of the delicious things here, especially the orange blossom flavored almond milk and Moroccan spiced almonds.

travel blog to morocco

Kefta tagine

travel blog to morocco

Kefta tagine is the name of a dish made from minced beef or lamb mixed with ingredients and spices such as coriander, garlic, and cinnamon. Then it will be rounded into balls and cooked in tomato and onion sauce under skillful hands of chefs. The final step to perfect the dish make it greasy, a few eggs will be added into the pot.

travel blog to morocco

You must definitely enjoy delicious dishes made from lamb, the most famous of which is Méchoui. Previously it was a traditional dish used in wedding parties, later it was mentioned as one of the famous street foods in Morocco. To make this dish, people use a whole lamb, marinate with herbs and spices and then spit-roasted on charcoal.

travel blog to morocco

Akouda is a cake made from mashed potatoes combined with aromatic spices. This dish is deep-fried until golden crispy and eaten hot. It can be dipped with tomato sauce, served with salad or sandwiched with bread are all very delicious, this dish is popular in northern Morocco and in old towns (medina).

travel blog to morocco

This is a traditional dish associated with Moroccan culture and religion. On the Friday after the weekly prayer, if you travel to Morocco, you will find this dish on all Moroccan family tables. Couscous is stewed from vegetables such as zucchini, pumpkin, eggplant, cabbage, potatoes, carrots, green beans, chicken and beef. Especially served with Leben – a traditional fermented milk.

Chermoula fish

travel blog to morocco

Bordered by Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean with a long coastline, Moroccan cuisine is rich with a lot of dishes made from a multitude of different types of fish. Chermoula is one of them with an irresistible delicious taste. The dish with a combination of herbs, spices and fish is grilled over charcoal with the highlight of a special sauce.

Deep-fried Moroccan doughnuts

travel blog to morocco

Import from French, a pastry lover’s dream. They are similar to fried donuts and you will find them all over the country.

Moroccan sweets, pastries

travel blog to morocco

You’ll find shops full of sweets, and it’s easy to sample a variety. You can grab some bread and baklava or almond briouats and almost anything dipped in orange blossom water.

travel blog to morocco

Moroccan smoothie made with avocado fresh fruits such as bananas, apples, kiwi, eggs, milk, and candies or nuts, is a must-try sweet treat of Moroccan cuisine.

Morocco travel blog: What to buy?

Morocco is one of the countries with many specialties. Tourists come here often buy:

  • Rug: If you know that Iran has a famous Persian rugs, Morocco is also known as a rug paradise. The most prominent is the unique Berber wool rugs. One useful tip to not buy the wrong type of fake rug is to ask the seller to burn the tassels to try. If it’s real wool, it won’t catch fire, while fakes will catch fire and burn.
  • Pottery (the most beautiful in Fes): You can come across all styles and ceramic products that Moroccans still use every day such as vases, cooking utensils, dishes, mosaics, ashtrays… The ceramics in Fes and Safi are best, the two main ceramics production sites of this country, they have a unique Moroccan style.
  • Leather goods (in Fes, Essaouira or Marrakech). Head to Marrakesh and Fez to shop for these items, bags and leather products. Here sells a variety of products with vary prices, types and quality for you to choose from. In other cities of Morocco you can also buy these products but it is a bit smelly.
  • Spices: Moroccan spices are very popular with tourists to buy as gifts after their trip. Locals sell spices in souks in every city. The most special is Ras el Hanout, which is a spice named after “head of the shop”. The reason it is called that is because the owner of the shop will mix this spices for you. Usually it consists of cumin seeds, cinnamon powder, ginger powder, clove pepper powder and some other spices.
  • Herbal, dried rose, dried fruit (Marrakech or Essaouira have the most).
  • Argan Oil (in Essaouira): The rarest gift that can only be found in Morocco is argan oil. Because the only place on earth where argan trees grow is near Essaouira. However, it is because of its scarcity that many people fake it to sell at a high price. When buying this oil, you should note that you should refer to a reputable place to buy and from locals to avoid being scammed.
  • Decorative lamps and jewelry (in Marrakech)
  • Fresh fruit, pomegranate, orange, and cactus are delicious.

Goods in Fes are a bit more expensive than in Marrakech, but much better. The souk near Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fna square sells a lot of Chinese goods, making it difficult to distinguish the real from the fake items. Shopping in souks in Morocco, you always remember to bargain, starting from 1/3 to 1/2 off the asking price. It’s also a pleasure of going to a market, isn’t it?

Sometimes, you can meet people nearby invite you buy weed, you should be careful because Morocco has many policemen in plain clothes hidden in the crowd.

travel blog to morocco

Morocco blog: Traveling cost

  • Hotel: $50 – 60 / 1 night (double room in 2-star riad for 2 people)
  • Food: $10 – 20 / 1 meal at delicious restaurants, with a nice view

I budgeted $80 – 90 / 1 person / 1 day (excluding airfare) and found it very Okay. If your budget is slightly lower, the total cost will be in the range of $60 – 70 / 1 day for all: meals, transportation, sightseeing (excluding airfare).

Picture below is the courtyard of La Table du Palais. One of the nicest restaurants I’ve been to. 150 DHs for the main course, 220 DHs for the main course and 1 side dish, 250 DHs for the whole appetizer, main course and dessert. If you just want to sit and rest for a while, don’t want to eat, you can order a glass of orange juice or mint tea, very affordable.

travel blog to morocco

Morocco blog: Suggested Morocco travel itinerary

Over 2 weeks of traveling in this beautiful North African country has helped me gain some experience to be able to arrange a reasonable exploration itinerary.

Here are 2 itineraries that I think are quite reasonable for those who want to once set foot in Morocco:

  • Itinerary 1: Marrakech (day 1 & 2) – Ouarzazate (day 3) – Merzouga (day 4) – Fès (day 5) – Chefchaouen (day 6) – Fès (day 7).
  • Itinerary 2 (long time): Marrakech (day 1) – Essaouira (day 2) – Marrakech (day 3) – Ouarzazate (day 4) – Merzouga (day 5) – Fès (day 6 & 7) – Chefchaouen (day) 9) – Fès (10th) – Merknès (11th) – Rabat (12th) – Casablanca (13th) – Marrakech (14th).

In addition, if you have more time, you can also add to the itinerary of other tourist cities of Morocco such as Agadir, Tangier. Or, if you are an adventurer, you can also book High Atlas trekking tours departing from Marrakech, visit Berber villages (Imlil, Asni, Ourika, …) and admire the wonderful valleys beauty of this mountains.

These tours are very diverse in terms of places to visit as well as the number of days to go to which help you freely choose, and of course it is also sold a lot at agents in Marrakech.

We had another Morocco trip itinerary for 7 days here: Morocco 7 days itinerary — How to spend 7 days in Morocco perfectly to visit: Fez, Chefchaouen & Tangier .

Morocco travel blog: Some notes before you go

travel blog to morocco

  • Money exchange: The exchange rate in the airport is often not as good as outside, you should only exchange a little at the airport and then go to the city center to continue exchange. In Marrakech, on Prince Moulay Rachid street near Jemaa el-Fna square there are many banks.
  • Major cities have ATMs, but don’t expect much because the machines are often broken.
  • Plugs: Most plugs in Morocco are type C and type E. Standard voltage is 220 V and standard frequency is 50 Hz. An adapter will be the best for most electronic devices. Internet: Although you’ll find that most cafes, restaurants, and hotels in the city have Wi-Fi handy (and cheap!) for 4G while you’re traveling in Morocco. You can buy a Maroc Telecom SIM card for just 40 dirhams (just over $4) and get 10GB of data for 100 dirhams ($10).
  • What to wear? Choose light, appropriate clothing. Be sure to always cover your shoulders and knees like using scarves and maxi skirts. They are ideal for warm sunny conditions and that shows respect for the culture – which in turn will get you treated with respect.
  • Do not take pictures without permission in Morocco. They will respond as soon as you press the button. Many people here, and especially the elderly, think that if they are photographed, their images will be used for bad purposes. They are quite negative because of the influence on religion and spirituality. Usually people in tourist cities and young people will be more open, but you should ask before taking photos.
  • Long pants should be worn when riding a camel, it is not denim or lace fabric and too tight will make you uncomfortable when sitting for more than 1 hour on a back of a camel. In addition, sleeping in a tent in the desert should wear enough warm clothes. Besides, it is necessary to prepare necessary personal belongings and drinking water, but it must be compact and hygienic.
  • Do not go alone at night when traveling to Morocco, you need a trusted person to accompany you. Even if you are a muscular man, you should not go at night, especially in the desert, in a remote place. Another reason is because Moroccan roads are not always convenient and well-lit, so you should keep this in mind when traveling.
  • Public toilets in Morocco are chargeable, except for hotels and restaurants. At some places, there is no collection, but there are still people standing to remind you not to forget to put tips in a box after use.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Morocco you can refer to

  • 2D1N Zagora Desert Tour from Marrakech
  • Ourika Valley Day Tour from Marrakech
  • Essaouira Day Trip from Marrakech
  • Agadir Day Trip From Marrakech
  • Moroccan Cooking Class in Marrakech
  • Marrakech City Tour
  • Quad Biking Experience in Marrakech

travel blog to morocco

Are you looking for more top things to do in Morocco: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here. And here .

Related articles

travel blog to morocco

RELATED ARTICLES MORE FROM AUTHOR

Gingtiangang grassland yangmingshan — the ultimate guide on how to go & top things to do, tokyo best parks — 10+ best & most beautiful parks in tokyo, yamanashi blog — the yamanashi travel guide & top things to do in yamanashi, guide to suzhou nightlife — 5+ what & best things to do in suzhou at night.

travel blog to morocco

Kunming travel blog — The fullest Kunming travel guide for first-timers

travel blog to morocco

Yunnan travel blog — The fullest Yunnan travel guide for first-timers

travel blog to morocco

When is the best time to visit Philippines? — The best, worst, affordable & best season to travel to Philippines

travel blog to morocco

Nanjing itinerary 2 days — What to do & how to spend 2 days in Nanjing perfectly?

travel blog to morocco

What to do in Battambang? — 12+ must, top & best things to do in Battambang

Editor picks.

travel blog to morocco

All about tips in Nepal — How much to tip in...

travel blog to morocco

Gingtiangang Grassland Yangmingshan — The ultimate guide on how to go...

travel blog to morocco

Tokyo best parks — 10+ best & most beautiful parks in...

Popular posts.

travel blog to morocco

What to buy in USA? — 17+ must buy in USA...

pineapple cake must buy in taiwan

Must buy souvenir in Taiwan — Top 17+ most famous, cheap...

korean honey

Must buy in Korea — Top 23 cheap, famous & best...

Popular category.

  • Inspiration + Guide 1450
  • Trip Inspiration 469
  • Thailand 209
  • Food + Drink 203
  • Coasts + Islands 193
  • South Korea 168
  • Vietnam 166
  • Travel Photos 144
  • Work for Us
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy

Away With The Steiners

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

  • By Sarah Steiner
  • Updated On March 18, 2024

Welcome to our Morocco Travel Guide! It’s safe to say we love Morocco. It’s March 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
  • 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. 

Best time to visit Morocco? Our Morocco travel guide for travel to Morocco.

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. 

Transport and how to get around in your travel to Morocco.

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. 

Mosque in Asilah and where to travel to Morocco.

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. 

Mechoui and Tangia in Marrakech (both are a must-try on your travel to Morocco). Chez Lamine in Marrakech.

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. 

Hospitality and safety in Morocco travel guide. Our complete guide to travel to Morocco with kids.

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? 

Travel to Morocco a complete travel guide to Morocco three months in Morocco.

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 

There is nothing quite like sunset in the Sahara Desert, Morocco itinerary. Travel to Morocco for an unforgettable experience.

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. 

Old meets new in the cobblestone streets of Rabat, Morocco. Travel to Morocco.

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.

The unmissable and iconic blue of Jardin Marjorelle in Marrakech. Morocco Travel guide for your Travel to Morocco.

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. 

Travel to Morocco is full of surprises like the weekly market in Ouarzazate, Morocco.

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

Travel to Morocco and visit the Moroccan souks a friendly vendor at Anza Souk. Which day is the market in Agadir?

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 . 

Top Destinations

  • Cook Islands
  • New Zealand

Latest Posts

Visiting hassan ii mosque casablanca: everything you need to know., hassan ii mosque hammam in casablanca: the best hammam in morocco , ramadan in morocco: should you reconsider travel to morocco during ramadan, chez lamine marrakech: eat lamb where gordon ramsay ate , jardin majorelle in marrakech (ysl garden): is it truly worth the visit, essaouira hammams: choosing the best local moroccan hammam..

travel blog to morocco

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! 

travel blog to morocco

Away with the Steiners uses affiliate links. That means that if you buy something through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. 

Leave a Comment Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of new posts by email.

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Morocco Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 2, 2023

Traditional sandstone buildings along the ridge of a slope in beautiful Morocco

Chaotic. Colorful. Eye-opening. Visiting Morocco is an intense experience. My time there was challenging, but it was also a reminder that the best part of travel is embracing the uncomfortable.

Once part of the Carthaginian Empire, the first independent Moroccan state emerged around 225 BCE as the Berber kingdom of Mauretania. That kingdom eventually became a Roman province, though, by the 7th century CE, Muslim conquest of North Africa was in full swing. A French Protectorate from 1912-1956, Morocco gained its independence in 1956 and has been an independent state ever since.

I loved my time in Morocco. I gorged on couscous, drank my body weight in mint tea, hiked, and absorbed the hectic sights and sounds of the country.

From the high Atlas Mountains to the desert to the coasts, Morocco is a marvelous country that mesmerizes. True, the sprawling and disorderly medinas can test your patience, but they reward your senses each and every visit.

Use this Morocco travel guide to plan your trip, see the best the country has to offer, save money, and avoid the common pitfalls that waylay unsuspecting travelers!

Table of Contents

  • Things to See and Do
  • Typical Costs
  • Suggested Budget
  • Money-Saving Tips
  • Where to Stay
  • How to Get Around
  • How to Stay Safe
  • Best Places to Book Your Trip
  • Related Blogs on Morocco

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in morocco.

Camels strolling along the huge, golden dunes in beautiful Morocco on a bright, sunny day in the desert

1. Explore Marrakesh

Spend some time in the Djemaa el-Fna, where you can find exotic street performers, tattoo artists, musicians, and chefs. After that, wander around the medina, explore the souks, eat in the market, see the old city, and enjoy Morocco’s most international city. Marrakesh has it all.

2. Sleep in the Sahara Desert

The Sahara is vast, empty, and spectacular. Spending the night in a simple tent on the dunes was my favorite activity while in the country and I highly recommend you try it too. The stars go on forever and there’s no light pollution to block them out. (Skip the camel ride, though!)

3. Explore the blue streets of Chefchaouen

Chefchaouen is a small city located in the middle of the Rif Mountains. It is very relaxed, offers reasonable accommodations, and is visually stunning as the streets and buildings are all painted a vibrant sky blue (you’ve probably seen it on Instagram). It’s a great place to wander, shop, and sip mint tea.

4. Visit Fez

This old and powerful city is one of the best places in the country. Its narrow streets are filled with wonderful aromas, mosques, craft shops, and crowds upon crowds of people. Though Fez can be a bit overwhelming, once you get used to the pace of the city, it’s simply magical.

5. Relax in a traditional hammam

A hammam is a steam bath popular in North Africa. They are usually found near mosques or toiletry shops and can be upscale or public (traditional). Visit a no-frills traditional bath for an authentic and enlightening experience. Public hammams cost about 10 MAD, while hotel hammams cost 300-500 MAD.

Other Things to See and Do in Morocco

1. get lost in the medinas.

The medinas are the historic hearts of each city in Morocco, part residential area, part shopping center, part food market. Shops, restaurants, markets, and homes all line the twisting and turning streets in buildings seemingly too close together and too old to stay up much longer. As someone who loves to get lost, the medinas were heaven. Word of caution: The Fez Medina is a bit unsafe, so do not go too far off the beaten path. Stick to streets with lots of people or hire a guide to show you around.

2. Trek the High Atlas

The rugged and beautiful Atlas Mountains stretch over 2,400 kilometers (1,500 miles), from the West Coast of Morocco all the way to Tunisia. This mountain range is home to Jebel Toubkal, North Africa’s tallest peak at 13,671 feet. You can hike all year round, but the best time is from April to May. The Toubkal Circuit (7 days) and M’Goun Traverse (3 days) are some of the more popular treks.

3. Trek through the Todra Gorge

Located near Tinerhir in the High Atlas Mountains, this gorge is one of the most recognized in the world and has become very popular with travelers looking to hike the canyon. It’s a challenging hike and takes around 4 hours but if you’re looking for something truly different and outdoorsy in Morocco, don’t miss out on this. For an even more unique experience, skip the day trip and stay overnight in the nearby village of Ait Baha.

4. Visit the Hassan II Mosque

The Hassan II Mosque, located in Casablanca, is a huge mosque with a minaret that stands 60 stories. It’s the second-largest mosque in Africa and the seventh-largest in the world. The walls are made of marble and the roof is retractable (the minaret also has a laser that points to Mecca at night). It took thousands of Moroccan artists a total of five years to build this detailed architectural masterpiece. Its mosaics, plaster moldings, marble and stone columns and floors, and wood ceilings are utterly impressive. It is big enough for 105,000 worshipers! Combined entry to the mosque and museum is 140 MAD.

5. Learn to cook traditional Moroccan food

Traditional Moroccan food is a blend of Berber, Arabic, Turkish, Middle Eastern, and French cuisine. Many hotels and guesthouses offer cooking classes in the big cities like Marrakesh and Fez. You can buy fresh produce from the local market and then make a traditional dish. Café Clock offers some of the best classes. With locations in Marrakesh, Chefchaouen, and Fez, this Western-influenced café is famous for its gigantic and delicious camel burger (which tastes a lot like spicy shawarma).

6. Wander thru Kasbah les Oudaias

Located in Rabat, this 12th-century Kasbah is found in the oldest part of the city. The citadel, with its narrow streets of white houses, and a great place to wander around and take some pictures. Its elevation offers beautiful views of the river and ocean.

7. Go surfing

Morocco is extremely popular among surfers. The best time to go is during the winter months when the waves are bigger and more consistent, and the air and water temperature is mild. Head to Taghazout, the most popular surf town, to catch some of the best surf in the country. A week-long stay at a surf camp, including lessons, equipment, accommodation, and airport transfer costs around 5,000 MAD.

8. Visit Tangier

This major city in northern Morocco is located on the North African coast at the western entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar. The city’s location means that many civilizations and cultures have left their mark on Tangiers since at least the 10th century BCE. From 1924-1956, Tangier was an international zone separate from Morocco, and thus became a destination for many European and American diplomats, businessmen, writers, and spies during this time. Don’t miss the Grand Mosque, the Kasbah, and strolling down the beach promenade.

9. See Atlas Studios

Named for its proximity to the Atlas Mountains, Atlas Film Studios in the city of Ouarzazate is the largest film studio in the world, covering more than 322,000 sq ft of the desert. Many big films have been shot here including: Lawrence of Arabia (1962), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), Hanna (2011), and part of the TV series Game of Thrones . Be sure to visit the nearby Ksar of Aït Benhaddou kasbah too! It plays into what people think a ksar (fortified village) should look like. I enjoyed roaming the streets and climbing to the top for the view.

10. See the Ancient City of Volubilis

A major trading center and the southernmost settlement during Roman times, Volubilis is one of the best-preserved (and least frequented) such ruins in the world. It originally dates to the 3rd century BCE and became the capital of the ancient kingdom of Mauretania, growing even more during Roman rule. I found it empty of tourists, not built up, and open in a way that lets you see the structures up close without being behind ten feet of barriers and jostled by crowds. Most of the city is still unexcavated so the site has a very “Indiana Jones” feel to it. I’ve been to a lot of Roman ruins in my travels, but this one is my favorite. Admission is 70 MAD.

11. Enjoy the Meknes Medina

Pleasantly stroll the Medina in Meknes without being pestered. Located in Central Morocco, this authentic market sells handicrafts made in Meknes such as embroidery and Meknes “Damascene” ironwork. If the Medinas of Fez and Marrakesh overwhelm you, this is the place to go.

12. Explore Essaouira

Essaouira is located a few hours from Marrakesh on the Atlantic coast and is a popular beach destination for tourists, especially Brits. I loved the relaxed atmosphere of the city, the lack of pushy touts, the sea air, and all the fresh fish. Be sure to visit the wonderful fish market in town, where all the small fishermen sell their day’s catch. Afterward, check out the small fish stalls nearby in the main square where you can enjoy fresh, grilled seafood for cheap.

  For more information on specific destinations in Morocco, check out these guides:

  • Fez Travel Guide
  • Marrakesh Travel Guide

Morocco Travel Costs

A sea-side view along a small village near the beach in sunny Morocco

Accommodation – Dorm rooms with 6-8 beds cost between 80-110 MAD per night in the big cities like Marrakesh and Fez, and about 50-60 MAD in smaller places. Private rooms in hostels cost around 260-380 MAD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast.

Budget hotels in Marrakesh and Fez cost around 270-410 MAD per night for a double room. Expect basic amenities like free Wi-Fi, TV, free breakfast, and sometimes even an outdoor pool.

Wild camping is legal in Morocco for those traveling with a tent. Locals usually don’t like people camping on or near their property, however, so only take advantage of this if you’re not going to disturb anyone. Don’t be surprised if nomads or police stop by to check on you.

Food – Moroccan cuisine is a colorful, flavorful mix of Berber, Andalusian, and Mediterranean traditions with a pinch of French and sub-Saharan cuisine to round things out. It is a land of spices, so expect flavorful meals at every turn (the traditional ras el hanout spice mix is composed of 27 different spices). Beef, goat, and lamb are some of the most common meats, usually eaten with couscous. Fish like mackerel and anchovy are also quite common, owing to the country’s location on the coast. Be sure to try pastilla , a pastry filled with meat or seafood.

Eating in Morocco can be extremely cheap, especially if you eat at the many markets. A pot of mint tea costs between 8-10 MAD. Indulge in local food, including the popular tagine , a meat and vegetables dish for about 35-55 MAD. Sandwiches, pizza, and most other dishes range between 30-50 MAD.

A fish dish in coastal cities like Essaouira costs about 100-150 MAD while a lobster is about 350-400 MAD. Seafood dinners come with drinks, salad, and bread.

For more touristy or Western restaurants, expect to spend at least 150 MAD or more per main dish.

Beer and wine cost around 70 MAD for a drink (however, there aren’t that many opportunities to drink in Morocco, so I wouldn’t factor it much into your budget).

There’s no need to buy groceries here as the food is cheap and it’s far easier to eat out! But if you do, expect to pay 200 MAD per week for groceries that include pasta, vegetables, chicken, and other basic staples.

Backpacking Morocco Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker’s budget expect to spend around 285 MAD per day. This assumes you’re staying in a hostel, eating at market stalls and cooking some meals, limiting your drinking (which is very easy to do here), using local transportation to get around, and sticking to free and cheap activities like free walking tours and public hammam visits.

On a mid-range budget of 525 MAD per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, eat out for all your meals, take the train between cities, and do more paid tours and activities like museum visits and camping in the Sahara.

On a “luxury” budget of 1,120 MAD or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out anywhere you want, enjoy a few drinks, fly between cities or hire a driver, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in MAD.

Morocco Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

It doesn’t cost a lot of money to travel Morocco — though it’s also easy to splash out here if you want. Here are my tips for saving money in Morocco:

  • Eat from street stalls – It’s extremely easy to eat cheaply in Morocco. While restaurant meals typically cost as little as 30 MAD, street food is even cheaper. For just a few dollars, you can indulge in delicious kebabs, sausages, barbecued corn on the cob, roasted chicken, huge sandwiches, and more. Stick to eating at the local markets in the medina to spend very little money on food.
  • Negotiate your cab fare – Be sure to negotiate a price before you get into the taxi. There aren’t set prices and you need to bargain hard. Ask your hotel/hostel staff for price estimates so you don’t get ripped off.
  • Avoid faux guides – Faux guides (or false guides) linger in the medinas and offer you tour services. Be forceful in saying no while walking away. They are persistent but eventually give up if you keep walking.
  • Be careful of thieves – Petty theft, mostly involving wallets, watches, and cameras, is prevalent in the crowded medinas around the country. Stay alert and keep your valuables out of sight.
  • Avoid drinking – Even though drinking is frowned upon in the country, you can still find plenty of places that allow you to drink. They are overpriced (since alcohol is not common here) and the drinks aren’t that good. Avoid drinking during your visit, save money, and align yourself closer to local norms.
  • Stay with a local – If you want to save money and get some local insight into the city, use Couchsurfing. Staying with a local is the best way to get a feel for the country and learn some insider tips in the process.
  • Bring a water bottle – The tap water here is generally safe to drink but you should bring a reusable water bottle with a filter just in case. LifeStraw is my go-to brand as their bottles have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe.

Where to Stay in Morocco

Looking for a place to rest your head in Morocco? Here are some of my favorite places to stay in Morocco for your next visit:

  • Riad Dia (Marrakesh)
  • Riad Jennah Rouge (Marrakesh)
  • Kasbah Red Castle Hostel (Marrakesh)
  • Funky Fes (Fez)
  • Aline Hostel (Chefchaouen)
  • The Chill Art (Essaouira)
  • Atlantic Hostel (Essaouira)
  • Baytalice (Tangiers)

How to Get Around Morocco

Traditional sandstone buildings along the ridge of a slope in beautiful Morocco

Public transportation – Public transportation can be hit or miss in Morocco. The bigger cities, like Marrakesh and Casablanca, have public bus services, but the buses are old and overcrowded and the routes are hard to figure out.

Instead, most people use petits taxis to get around town. These are small vehicles that can hold up to three people and are prevalent all over the country. They’re very cheap, although there may be a surcharge after 8pm. To ensure you get a fair fare, negotiate your price upfront.

Metered taxis are also available in bigger cities like Marrakesh. Fares start around 7 MAD and then they charge 4 MAD per kilometer.

Grand taxis – Grand taxis are shared taxis that can carry up to six passengers and are used to go longer distances between neighboring towns/cities. They won’t leave until the taxi is full but generally wait times aren’t so bad. You can locate one near just about any taxi stand or bus/train station. If you have a lot of luggage, you may have to pay extra. You should arrange your fare ahead of time.

Bus – Intercity buses are a cheap and efficient way to get around Morocco, especially compared to other methods of transportation. The four most popular operators are:

  • SATAS (regional)
  • Ghazala (regional)

CTM and Supratours are the most reliable and have comfortable buses with air conditioning. You can book your tickets online or simply show up at the bus station. The websites aren’t terribly reliable or efficient to use. A 4-hour bus ride from Marrakesh to Casablanca is about 75-110 MAD, while a 6.5-hour ride from Marrakesh to Tangier is 260-275 MAD. Casablanca to Fez is 95-120 MAD.

Train – Morocco’s national rail network is operated by ONCF and services some of the country’s major cities like Marrakesh, Casablanca, Rabat, Meknes, and Fez. The trains are comfortable and they’re usually on time, but disruptions do occasionally happen. There is now a high-speed rail running between Casablanca to Fez too. You can look up schedules and prices on ONCF .

The 2.5-hour train trip from Marrakesh to Casablanca costs about 50 MAD, while the 4.5-hour journey from Marrakesh to Rabat starts around 150-180 MAD. Traveling from Casablanca to Fez takes 4 hours and is 50-120 MAD. The journey from Fez to Marrakesh takes 6.5 hours and costs 195 MAD.

Flying – Royal Air Maroc is the main domestic airline, and they sometimes have good sales. An hour flight from Marrakesh to Casablanca starts at around 870 MAD, while a one-hour flight from Marrakesh to Fez starts at 520 MAD.

Car rental – Car rental isn’t typically recommended in Morocco. Drivers are aggressive and accident rates are high! But if you want to venture off the beaten path, it’s a good way to go. You can find rentals starting from 200 MAD per day (sometimes cheaper).

When to Go to Morocco

The best time to visit Morocco is during the country’s shoulder seasons, which run from April to May and September to November. The temperatures are nice and warm during this time and there is less tourist traffic. (However, this changes if you plan on spending most of your time surfing the coast or hiking the Atlas Mountains.)

Summer lasts from June to August, and it can be ridiculously hot all over the country during this time — especially the further south you go (including in Marrakesh and Fez). A lot of people head to the coast to enjoy places like Tangier, Rabat, and Essaouira. Expect highs above 35°C (95°F).

Winters (December-February) are mild, but it can get quite cold in the evenings. Temperatures drop as low as -3°C (27°F) in Marrakesh and the Atlas Mountains receive heavy snowfall. Winters in the north and along the coast are very wet. Overall, it’s not a great time to be here.

The best time to go hiking in the Atlas Mountains is from April to May (spring) and September to October (fall). It’s mild during these months and there’s little risk of severe weather. Summer is the best time to enjoy the coast, where temperatures go as high as 27°C (80°F) but the ocean breeze offers plenty of relief.

How to Stay Safe in Morocco

Overall, Morocco is a safe destination but traveling here requires vigilance. You’re unlikely to ever be in any real physical danger in Morocco, but the petty crime and harassment require you to stay on guard — more so than in other countries.

Women traveling alone attract a lot of attention here and the chances of being followed and possibly groped are high. This is a particular problem in crowded medinas. Always be watchful and trust your gut. Do not bring valuables with you and keep your belongings tight to your body. Dress conservatively and avoid wearing a lot of jewelry.

Walking alone at night is generally not a good idea in the cities. If you’re unsure about an area, ask the hotel staff which areas are safe. If you need a taxi, always arrange the price in advance to avoid getting ripped off.

When out and about, locals might invite you into their shops or offer to guide you around. Always politely but firmly decline otherwise you might end up getting ripped off.

If you’re worried about getting scammed, you can read about common travel scams to avoid here.

If you experience an emergency, dial 19 for assistance (112 for mobile phones).

Always trust your gut instinct. If a taxi driver seems shady, stop the cab and get out. If your hotel is seedier than you thought, get out of there. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they know where you are.

For more in-depth coverage of how to stay safe in Morocco, check out this post that answers frequently asked questions and concerns.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Morocco Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

  • Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
  • Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
  • Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
  • Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
  • SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
  • LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
  • Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
  • Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Morocco Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Morocco and continue planning your trip:

The Best Tour Companies in Morocco

The Best Tour Companies in Morocco

Is Morocco Safe? 11 Ways to Stay Safe During Your Visit

Is Morocco Safe? 11 Ways to Stay Safe During Your Visit

A Journey of 1,000 Mint Teas: Reflections on Traveling Morocco

A Journey of 1,000 Mint Teas: Reflections on Traveling Morocco

11 Reasons Why I Fell in Love With Morocco

11 Reasons Why I Fell in Love With Morocco

Get my best stuff sent straight to you, pin it on pinterest.

  • Where To Stay
  • Transportation
  • Booking Resources
  • Related Blogs

Morocco

Morocco Travel Guide

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

Best time to visit Morocco

Rent a car in morocco, best places to visit in morocco, sahara morocco: visit the merzouga desert on a 3-day tour, 9 best things to do in chefchaouen, morocco, 11 things to do in fes, morocco (complete guide), map of morocco, weather in morocco.

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 .

18 things to know before traveling to Morocco

Sally Kirby

Oct 15, 2023 • 7 min read

travel blog to morocco

It helps to learn a little lingo: here's what to know before your trip to Morocco © Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

I am originally from the UK and have been living in Morocco since 2018. There are things I wish I'd known before jumping headfirst into the seemingly lawless world of Moroccan taxis and bargaining in the souqs.

Morocco reveals the full spectrum of real life: the good, the bad, the ugly and the oh-so beautiful. For some visitors, Morocco can be a huge culture shock. But with some awareness and understanding, it is possible to appreciate these differences, connect more deeply and see the country through a different lens without trying to change it.

1. Plan your itinerary loosely and allow for changes

Research the places in Morocco you’d like to visit but leave wiggle room for changes along the way and enjoy the spontaneity that Morocco allows. While it’s possible to pre-book tours and activities, it’s usually just as easy to reserve them when you arrive in the country.

2. Take public transport, especially in cities

Driving in cities such as Casablanca and Marrakesh is best left to the locals. Getting around Morocco is easy, even without a car. An excellent train network links many cities, including Africa’s first high-speed train, Al Boraq , between Casablanca and Tangier . A comfortable and reliable bus network connects towns big and small. Book train and bus tickets a day or two in advance to ensure the travel time you'd like.

3. Book professional guides

To get the most out of your trip to Morocco, use a guide who has in-depth expertise and speaks your language. In cities, check with the local tourism office or your accommodations for recommendations for licensed guides in the area. If you’re surfing, check ISA’s directory of certified instructors .

Hiking guides are mandatory for climbing Mt Toubkal in the High Atlas. Check with Bureau des Guides .

4. Understand the written and unwritten rules of the road

In Morocco, you drive on the right side of the road and seatbelts are mandatory, even though some taxis don't have them. Car horns are used often - not in an aggressive way, but as a means of communication. 

Watch out for people, bicycles, motorcycles and animals coming from all sides. Avoid driving at night because some vehicles do not have or use their lights. Take notice of the speed limits and the roundabouts that have stoplight systems. If you’re stopped for speeding – police speed checks are common – or other penalties, having cash on you to pay fines (usually between Dh150 ($15US) and Dh300) is preferable to going to a local police station.

A couple talks to a shop owner while shopping in the markets of the Marrakesh medina in Morocco

5. Practice the art of haggling 

Haggling is a game and part of the shopping experience in Morocco . Try not to get frustrated – the ideal scenario is that both sides come away feeling like they got a fair price. 

For big purchases, do your research, have a price in mind or shop around until you do. Sometimes vendors say to pay what you feel like, so if you don't have a price, ask some questions: how many hours did it take to make? Where did the materials come from and at what price?

The souqs are filled with fake tennis shoes, which are just that: fakes. Many Moroccans don't care whether their Nikes are original; they just want the best price for the latest styles.

6. Cash or card?  

The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, which means you cannot use or get it outside the country. Morocco’s rural areas still operate on a cash economy, but cards are widely accepted in towns and cities.

7. Learn some of the lingo 

A mixture of French, Arabic, Amazigh and English is spoken in Morocco, depending on where you are in the country. Don't expect everyone to speak English. Apps like Google Translate can be useful, but learning some basic Arabic phrases will reward you with feeling more connected and engaged with people you meet.

8. Respect the motto of ‘God, king and country’

These words are etched on hills around the country. Islam is the state religion, and the rules of Islam are applied to personal matters in the same way that state law works in other countries. It is illegal to speak disrespectfully about religion or the king. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter mosques or cemeteries, except the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca . Friday is a holy day across the country, and most people take a few hours off in the afternoon to go to the mosque and eat couscous with their families afterward. Check business opening times before you visit if you're heading to a particular place on a Friday.

The holy month of Ramadan and the celebrations of Eid offer a different cultural experience, and during these times many places will be closed.

9. Things to know before going to Marrakesh

Marrakesh is the most popular city in Morocco for visitors, so pre-book entrance tickets to major attractions such as Jardin Majorelle and Musée Yves Saint Laurent online to avoid waiting in line. The Marrakesh medina comes to life around 5 p.m., but the 'pink city' is more than just the medina – spend time exploring Gueliz and step off the main boulevards onto the leafy side streets to discover pretty street cafes, bistro restaurants and small indie boutiques.

A woman in black stands in front of ornately decorated doors in Fez, Morocco

10. The dress code depends on where you are

To visit the Hassan II Mosque and other religious sites, visitors – both men and women – must cover to their shoulders and knees. Dress modestly in cities and towns to avoid unwanted attention. At bars and nightclubs, almost anything goes, but in rural areas, cover up and be respectful of the local customs. 

At the beach, you can wear shorts, dresses, vest tops and swimwear including bikinis. Pack comfortable footwear that’s suitable for uneven roads and a scarf to cover your shoulders.

11. Ask before taking photos of people 

No matter where you are in the world, it’s best to ask permission before taking someone’s photo. Many people are fine with it, but others aren’t. Some may ask for money. Do not take photos of military or government buildings. Drones are not allowed in Morocco without special permission. 

12. Learn how to deal with the hassle

Simply ignore people who offer goods that you do not want. There's no need to be polite to everyone who wants to sell you something. By not reacting, they'll get bored and walk away. 

In some places you may receive comments and, at worst, inappropriate behavior, but shouting ‘Police!’ will send these people away. In Marrakesh, there's also a high chance you will alert the undercover tourist police.

A couple is served mint tea by a waiter in the courtyard of a riad in Marrakesh, Morocco

13. Can you drink alcohol in Morocco? 

Even though alcohol is forbidden by Islamic law, it is widely available and sold in licensed wine shops and international grocery stores. Not all bars and restaurants serve alcohol. 

14. Eat with your right hand

Moroccan cuisine such as tagines and grilled fish are traditionally eaten with bread using your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean because it’s typically the hand used when going to the toilet. 

15. It’s okay to get lost

Getting lost is part of the joy of exploring Morocco with its unmarked roads, the maze of souq alleys and areas of no cell phone reception. Relax but be aware of your surroundings and ask for help if you need it.

In medinas, it’s helpful to know that if the street sign is a hexagon, it's a dead end. If it’s a square, it’s a through street.

16. Don’t drink the tap water

Morocco’s tap water is not safe to drink. Bring a water bottle with a filter to avoid buying plastic.

17. Bring tissues for public toilets

Some public toilets do not have toilet paper. Unless you are comfortable using water to clean yourself, keep a pack of tissues and some anti-bacterial hand gel or wipes on you.

18. Street cats and dogs are everywhere and part of the community 

It’s best not to feed street animals from your table because they might not leave, but you can keep leftovers and feed them elsewhere on the street.

See whether a rescue center is set up in the communities you’re visiting and show your support with donations or by volunteering your time.

Explore related stories

A camel driver leads camels in front of sand dunes in Morocco

Festivals & Events

Mar 11, 2024 • 5 min read

Morocco is a fantastic year-round vacation destination, but the best time of year to travel will depend on your interests and holiday needs.

Bounding-Box---Franchise-Badge---A-Reason-To-Go-To.jpg

Feb 7, 2024 • 5 min read

Editorial-Templates.png

Jan 31, 2024 • 6 min read

travel blog to morocco

Jan 27, 2024 • 15 min read

Young adult woman in black swimsuit walking into sea between rocks cliff in Croatia

Jan 17, 2024 • 8 min read

Chefchaouen-hike-1.jpeg

Jan 17, 2024 • 6 min read

travel blog to morocco

Nov 29, 2023 • 6 min read

travel blog to morocco

Nov 24, 2023 • 8 min read

travel blog to morocco

Nov 20, 2023 • 5 min read

Wide shot of couple taking selfie at rooftop restaurant in Marrakech - stock photo 	© Thomas Barwick / Getty Images

Oct 11, 2023 • 7 min read

Wanderlust Chloe

Morocco Travel Blogs

These are all of my morocco travel blogs.

From exploring buzzy Marrakech, to sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert, and road tripping through the Atlas Mountains, find out the best places to travel to in Morocco here, in my Morocco travel blogs.

Happy exploring!

A Quick Marrakech Itinerary – Quirky Places To Visit In Marrakech

La Sultana Spa, Marrakech

Planning a trip to Morocco’s red city? Create your own Marrakech itinerary with these quirky places in the city! 

Whether you’ve got your flights booked, or you’re looking for inspiration, planning a trip to Marrakech is always a fun thing to do! The city offers so much. From the bustling market stalls in the medina, to the beautiful YSL gardens. 

For lots of tips on where to visit on a first trip, check out my guide to the top places to visit in Marrakech .  Once you’ve added those to your Marrakech itinerary, it’s time to spice things up with a few quirky spots you might not have considered before. 

From a super cool party spot, to a beautiful place to stay and a great cooking school, you’ll struggle to choose what to do next!

Marrakech’s Top Spring Hangout: Buddha-Bar Marrakech

Buddha Bar Marrakech Terrace

Warm sunshine, refreshing cocktails, delicious Asian tapas, all set to the chilled beats of ethereal house music. It’s official – spring has sprung in one of my favourite cities, Marrakech !

High season has arrived, bringing with it tourists from near and far. After hours exploring the incredible sights and sounds of the medina, Jemaa el-Fna Square and taking in the colour and culture of the city, the chic new terrace at Buddha-Bar is the perfect place to unwind.

Thankfully the cocktails are a LOT better than the ones I made with expert barman Houssam in January ! Top new creation Tikech is a subtle blend of Pink coral flower, coconut water, passion fruit and pineapple – one sip of that and you’ll know not only that spring is here, but that summer isn’t far away either.

Sushi Masterclass Experience at Buddha-Bar Marrakech

travel blog to morocco

Testing out my sushi making skills at Buddha-Bar Marrakech.

They say it takes years of training to become a sushi master. I had only a few hours, but I was determined not to make a fool of myself. The setting? Buddha-Bar Marrakech – the city’s hottest new bar and restaurant.

My Buddha-Bar experience started here, with a delicious dinner of Asian fusion dishes. After enjoying it so much, I was invited back the following day to don an apron, and spend some time learning from the masters. It wasn’t just about sushi, I also had the chance to test out my pastry skills too!

Check out the video of my luxury weekend in Marrakech and scroll down to read all about it!

Buddha Bar Marrakech - 66

I love the buzz of a professional kitchen. Considering the high level of stress, I’m always amazed at how tidy they are. Between 4-7pm, the stark white polished kitchens of Buddha-Bar were a hive of activity, with sushi rice being prepped, ice cream being churned and pastry being baked. Piles of sliced spring onion and strips of avocado lay ready to be rolled into sushi, while across the room the deep fat fryer was crisping up some spring rolls. The air was rich with the scent of ginger, garlic and chilli, and several sous-chefs were busy on prep duty. It’s easy to lose sight of how much labour goes into creating one gourmet dish, but as I stood there, I appreciated the previous night’s meal even more.

Shake it, Shake it! New Mixology Festival launches at Buddha-Bar Marrakech

Buddha Bar Marrakech Spring Cocktails

Fancy shaking up some cocktails at a brand new mixology festival?

Royal Palm Hotel Marrakech

Forget New York, Marrakech is my new favourite city that never sleeps. From its international film festival every December to Marrakech Bienniale (it successful arts festival) in the spring, there’s plenty going on.

As I wrote in this blog , Buddha-Bar Marrakech was a great find in January. Serving some of the best Asian-inspired food I’d ever eaten, and with a top team of mixologists, I ate and drank my way merrily through the weekend! Good news, to add to Marrakech’s constant stream of events and festivals, Buddha-Bar are launching a Mixology & Cocktail Festival.

REVIEW: Fairmont Royal Palm, Marrakech, Morocco

Royal Palm Marrakech

Thinking of visiting Marrakech? Read my review of the Fairmont Royal Palm Hotel , and plan a luxurious trip to Morocco’s incredible city! 

Anna Everywhere

Travel to Morocco: Complete Guide

Travel to morocco: essentials, before you go:.

  • How to Prepare for a Trip to Morocco
  • Morocco Outfit Inspirations
  • What to Wear in Morocco: Packing List

General Tips for Visiting Morocco

  • 2 Weeks in Morocco Itinerary & Best Places to Visit
  • Renting a Car in Morocco: Everything You Need to Know
  • What to Buy in Morocco: Moroccan Souvenirs
  • How to Spend a Weekend in Marrakesh
  • Tips for Visiting Marrakesh Before You Go
  • Hotels vs Riads: Where to Stay in Marrakesh
  • What to Eat in Marrakesh

Other Regions:

  • Chefchaouen – The Blue Pearl: Everything You Need to Know
  • Merzouga vs Zagora: How to Choose the Right Desert Trip

If the link doesn’t work it’s because I’m still writing that particular article. Check back again soon.

And if you want to see more subscribe to my YouTube channel for weekly travel videos!

FAQ ABOUT TRAVELING TO MOROCCO

  • Is Morocco expensive to visit?

Morocco can be an affordable place to visit for sure. Depends on what are you looking for you choose a budget. I visit Morocco twice – once on a backpacker budget for 5 days, another time on a mid-budget for 2 weeks. I spent approximately $250 during my first visit, including an overnight desert trip (that actually sucked the most money out of my budget) and plenty of souvenirs like leather goods, nuts, and spices.

  • Is Morocco safe to visit?

Morocco isn’t a place free of crime. There are plenty of petty crimes such as pickpocketers and you could get robbed in a dark alley of the medina at night. Therefore, you need to take necessary precautions and use your common sense when visiting Morocco.

That said, I’m one of a few travel bloggers who disagree with the majority saying that Morocco isn’t safe to visit alone. I think Morocco is totally fine for anyone, even a solo female traveler. You just need to learn very quickly not to look or smile at vendors or peddlers and say “no” when they ask you to come in.

It’s totally all right to walk around on your own, and I was never physically or verbally harassed. Especially if you avoid flashy jewelry, skimpy branded clothes and watch out for scams. Morocco is greater than the minor irritations and after my two trips I’ll be definitely coming back again!

Travel to Morocco

Notify me of new posts by email.

Friday 25th of November 2022

Can I visit Marrakesh in January first week? Will the weather be okay?

Anna Karsten

Wednesday 30th of November 2022

Absolutely!

Lahcen oulfakir

Sunday 18th of July 2021

Hello, I am Lahcen from Morocco, I really like your article and very happy that you enjoyed your Moroccan experience. We really hope that covid ends soon and back to the normal life and people travel again and meet new people. Thank you so much for the great page about Morocco and welcome to your second country.

Peter Giddings

Saturday 23rd of January 2021

We are planning a trip to Morocco in September, 2021 and thought 9-10 days would allow us to get a good feel for the country. Would travel to Tangiers then Casablanca then to Fez be a good trip to taken in the culture and historic sites.

Monday 25th of January 2021

You'll definitely enjoy it!

Marta Kipar

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

Hi there dear Anna, Thanks for sharing interesting Morocco travel ideas in your own perspective. We are a couple, but never been out of the country and planning a trip to Morocco for about a week-long on our vacation holiday. Heard that it is possible to catch some of the most amazing highlights of the country within a week. But what are the best things to do?. Is that a safe country to travel?. Is there any easy way to get some of the most highlights of the country for couple travelers?. How about planning to reach there in late August until early September?. Is that a good month to travel?.

Thursday 11th of July 2019

My husband and I are planning to go on a week trip to Morocco this October 2019 i.e; (Casablanca-Marrakech-Fes-Chefchaouen).

We are skipping the desert tours/camel riding/hiking. We prefer to do the sightseeing & shopping instead.

May I ask, in your opinion, is it recommended to get a full guided tour throughout the 7days6nights stay in Morocco?

Or is it advisable to rent a car and drive throughout the trip?

Thanks in advance!

It really depends on your travel style. I've never had a guide with me 24/7, neither did my friends who went to Morocco. On my second trip I rented a car and was fine, but it's not a must - you could use trains and buses as well.

A Broken Backpack

Morocco Travel Blog

Morocco is a beautiful country located in North Africa. In fact, Morocco is one of the most popular destinations in Africa since it’s pretty close to Europe and you can fly there easily. It has something for everyone – backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc.

Morocco offers several experiences – from ancient cities to camel trekking, from Sahara dunes to mountain tops, from surfing to epic food experiences – you should find something that suits your needs and interests.

If you’re planning your first trip to Morocco, this guide should answer any questions you may have. We’ll talk about travel facts, the best time to visit Morocco, the best destinations, travel costs, travel essentials and how to prepare for your trip.

Best Time to Visit Morocco

Morocco is a big country and depending on your destination, you may be facing different types of weather conditions. Morocco has four seasons that vary a little depending on where you are. We decided to split this section into four sections to help you understand the seasons:

Top Destinations in Morocco

travel blog to morocco

Morocco Travel Tips & Costs

In this section, you’ll find general information on costs and how to prepare for your trip. Finally, you will find a table that will provide an overview of cost and options depending on your travel budget.

Accommodation

In Morocco, you’ll find several options when it comes to accommodation. Whether you’re a budget traveler or not, you will be able to find options. Although, note that Morocco isn’t super cheap. You can find dorms starting at $6 per night.

When it comes to food, you can find different types of restaurants. An average meal in a restaurant would be around MAD 50. Obviously, you may find elegant restaurants around the country and you can pay more if you wish to. If you’re traveling on a budget, you should cook your own food to save money.

Some activities such as markets and beach bumming are free. Although, if you’re planning on relaxing in a local hammam, going surfing, learning to cook traditional Moroccan food or going camping in the desert, you will have to pay for it.  You can browse activities in Morocco here t o have an idea of the costs.

Transportation

In general, it’s pretty easy to get around Morocco. You can either fly, take a bus or a train to reach your destinations. Taxis are a cheap and easy way of getting around too. You can get your own private driver or hop on the back of a shared one.

Safety in Morocco

Overall, traveling around Morocco is okay. Of course, you should always lock your valuables especially if you’re staying in a hostel .

You most likely won’t find yourself in physical danger if you use common sense. Scams, theft, pickpocketing, and harassment are more likely to happen though. Many tourists have bad experiences. Traveling Morocco requires you to be alert and careful. Always remember to keep your valuables off-sight in crowded places. You can avoid the most common scams by doing your research, and knowing how much basic things, like taxi rides, should cost. In markets, you may feel a bit harassed, so don’t enter a shop if you’re not planning on buying anything since the merchants may try to block you the exit.

As a female traveler, it’s good to be careful and ask a friend to join you when walking at night.

Remember that Morocco is a conservative country and you should always dress appropriately. Keep your legs, arms and shoulders covered to avoid any unwanted attention.

Overall, I didn’t have any problems while I was in Morocco. I was traveling with my partner, but I felt safe.

What to Pack for Morocco

Apart from the travel essentials, here are the things you should absolutely bring along with you in Morocco. Click on the images to shop on Amazon. 

travel blog to morocco

Universal adapter

travel blog to morocco

Quick-dry towel

travel blog to morocco

Selfie stick

travel blog to morocco

Visa for Morocco

Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa, but usually, you can get a free entry up to 90 days.

You can verify your visa requirements here .

Preparing Your Trip to Morocco

Browse flights on Skyscanner to find deals.

Go To Skyscanner

Book your travel insurance for as little as $42/month.

Go To SafetyWing

Booking.com

Find accommodation anywhere in the world.

Go To Booking.com

Check the visa requirements and apply for a visa if needed.

Go To iVisa

Worldpackers

Volunteer abroad in exchange for free accommodation.

Go To Worldpackers

Book transfers, tours, and activities in advance.

Go To Viator

Morocco eSIM Plans

It’s hard to find a good data plan when you’re traveling. You have to research the best deals, go to a store, and hope they have a prepaid SIM card for travelers and tourists.

And if they don’t? You could be without service for the rest of your trip. Not only is that frustrating, but it can also be time-consuming.

eSIMs are the solution to your travel woes. With an eSIM plan, you can stay connected no matter where you go. Plus, there are no contracts or cancellation fees, so you can change your plan whenever you want.

If you’re looking for an eSIM plan while in Morocco, then be sure to check out the providers below. They all offer great plans that will keep you connected while you’re there.

Airalo

$3 OFF with promo code: MELISS2943

190+ countries and regions

Read Review

Holafly

5% OFF with promo code: ABROKENBACKPACK

130+ countries and regions

Nomad

100+ countries and regions

Morocco Blog Posts

Is Marrakech Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Is Marrakech Safe? Here’s What You Need To Know

Marrakech is a vibrant and colorful city with rich culture and exciting sights. So if you're seeking to explore an exotic destination, this Moroccan city is a top choice. However, many people avoid traveling to Marrakech because of safety concerns. Sure, it's not the...

Morocco Internet And Wifi: What You Need To Know

Morocco Internet And Wifi: What You Need To Know

Are you planning a trip to Morocco and want to stay connected? If so, then you’ll need to consider how you will access the internet while in Morocco. WiFi is widely available throughout the country, but there are some things that travelers should know before they go....

Morocco SIM Card: Everything You Need To Know

Morocco SIM Card: Everything You Need To Know

Want to get a Morocco SIM card for your upcoming trip? In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Morocco in person and online. We'll also discuss prepaid SIM cards for Morocco and eSIM plans. Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually...

The 5 Best Places To Live In Morocco 

The 5 Best Places To Live In Morocco 

Curious about the best place to live in Morocco? Morocco is a good place to live, and many expats decided to move there in the past few years. If you're looking to move to a vibrant country with rich history and culture, mouthwatering cuisine, and idyllic weather,...

How Many Days In Morocco Is Enough?

How Many Days In Morocco Is Enough?

The North African country of Morocco fascinates visitors from all over the world with its incredible diversity. In this post, we will help you figure out exactly how many days in Morocco is enough to get a true taste of the Moroccan culture! With the Atlantic Ocean to...

How To Get To The Sahara Desert

How To Get To The Sahara Desert

When I think of Morocco, I think about the Sahara Desert and this is exactly why I wanted to visit Morocco so badly. Planning your trip? Here’s what to expect from a trip to the Sahara Desert and more importantly, how to plan it the right way.  There are many...

Perfect 5 Days In Morocco Itinerary

Perfect 5 Days In Morocco Itinerary

Planning a short trip to Morocco? If you’re heading to this incredible country for a few days, here’s what you should do to make the most of your trip. In this 5 day-itinerary in Morocco, you’ll get the best - as well as a fun Sahara desert experience. Before we dive...

Happy to Wander

18 Super Important Must Knows Before You Travel to Morocco

Last Updated: February 16, 2022

*FYI - this post may contain affiliate links, which means we earn a commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase from them. Also, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Check out our Privacy Policy and Disclosure. for more info.

ESSENTIAL Morocco travel tips that every traveler needs to know if they plan on visiting Morocco. Especially perfect for female travellers visiting Morocco and major cities like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fez and Essaouira. #Morocco #Travel #Africa #TravelTips

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

travel blog to morocco

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…

Stunning Morocco pictures that will make you want to book a ticket right away! Morocco travel inspo ft. photos from Marrakech, Fes/Fez, Chefchaouen, Essaouira and more. #Travel #MorcoccoTravel #Fez #Marrakech #Chefchaouen #Essaouira

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”.

Stunning Morocco pictures that will make you want to book a ticket right away! Morocco travel inspo ft. photos from Marrakech, Fes/Fez, Chefchaouen, Essaouira and more. #Travel #MorcoccoTravel #Fez #Marrakech #Chefchaouen #Essaouira

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 .

ESSENTIAL Morocco travel tips that every traveler needs to know if they plan on visiting Morocco. Especially perfect for female travellers visiting Morocco and major cities like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fez and Essaouira. #Morocco #Travel #Africa #TravelTips

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!

Stunning Morocco pictures that will make you want to book a ticket right away! Morocco travel inspo ft. photos from Marrakech, Fes/Fez, Chefchaouen, Essaouira and more. #Travel #MorcoccoTravel #Fez #Marrakech #Chefchaouen #Essaouira

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.

Stunning Morocco pictures that will make you want to book a ticket right away! Morocco travel inspo ft. photos from Marrakech, Fes/Fez, Chefchaouen, Essaouira and more. #Travel #MorcoccoTravel #Fez #Marrakech #Chefchaouen #Essaouira

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.

travel blog to morocco

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.

travel blog to morocco

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.

travel blog to morocco

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”. 😉

ESSENTIAL Morocco travel tips that every traveler needs to know if they plan on visiting Morocco. Especially perfect for female travellers visiting Morocco and major cities like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fez and Essaouira. #Morocco #Travel #Africa #TravelTips

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!)

travel blog to morocco

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.

travel blog to morocco

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.

travel blog to morocco

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.

travel blog to morocco

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.

ESSENTIAL Morocco travel tips that every traveler needs to know if they plan on visiting Morocco. Especially perfect for female travellers visiting Morocco and major cities like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fez and Essaouira. #Morocco #Travel #Africa #TravelTips

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.

travel blog to morocco

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).

travel blog to morocco

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. 🙂

ESSENTIAL Morocco travel tips that every traveler needs to know if they plan on visiting Morocco. Especially perfect for female travellers visiting Morocco and major cities like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fez and Essaouira. #Morocco #Travel #Africa #TravelTips

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.

travel blog to morocco

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!

travel blog to morocco

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.

travel blog to morocco

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.

travel blog to morocco

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.

Stunning Morocco pictures that will make you want to book a ticket right away! Morocco travel inspo ft. photos from Marrakech, Fes/Fez, Chefchaouen, Essaouira and more. #Travel #MorcoccoTravel #Fez #Marrakech #Chefchaouen #Essaouira

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.

travel blog to morocco

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.

ESSENTIAL Morocco travel tips that every traveler needs to know if they plan on visiting Morocco. Especially perfect for female travellers visiting Morocco and major cities like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fez and Essaouira. #Morocco #Travel #Africa #TravelTips

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.

travel blog to morocco

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.

travel blog to morocco

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 🙂

travel blog to morocco

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!

travel blog to morocco

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 😉

ESSENTIAL Morocco travel tips that every traveler needs to know if they plan on visiting Morocco. Especially perfect for female travellers visiting Morocco and major cities like Marrakech, Chefchaouen, Fez and Essaouira. #Morocco #Travel #Africa #TravelTips

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

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. *

Morocco Travel Guide: How to prepare and plan your Trip

Planning to travel to Morocco and looking for some trusted travel tips? Well then, read on for an adventure filled plan and our top tips! Morocco is only a four hour plane ride away from Europe – and yet it’s like you’ve just been dropped into a completely different world. Morocco is an ideal travel destination for a road trip , with adventures, oriental flair and a pleasantly warm climate.

We have compiled everything we know from our experience and all our best travel tips for Morocco in this one post so that you can best prepare for your road trip. When is the best time to travel? How safe is a trip to Morocco? How do I get from A to B? You’ll find the answers to these questions and more, in this special travel guide for Morocco. 

1. Pre-travel Tips: Important Facts about Travelling to Morocco

2. arrival tips: getting into morocco, 3. accommodation guide for morocco: where to stay, 4. eating and drinking in morocco, 5. religion and culture: dress and behaviour tips in morocco, 6. security: how safe is morocco to travel, 7. transport guide: road trip through morocco by car, 8. city transport in morocco: taxi tips, 9. travel costs: how expensive is it to travel morocco, 10. photography tips & restriction in morocco, 11. internet & apps for travelling morocco.

Marokko Tipps

What to expect in Morocco

What images come up when you think of Morocco? Probably one that shows the Arabian-night lifestyle in flawless perfection, right? Yes, you can definitely look forward to that when you travel to Morocco. But: Morocco is SO much more than that.

The following three things make this country special and speak for a trip to Morocco:

  • Oriental flair: it starts with the colorful markets, continues through the typical cuisine to the hamams and the wonderful hotels (riads): in Morocco you can soak up the oriental way of life from dawn to dusk.
  • Landscape : From the Atlas Mountains to gigantic canyons, from the desert to the mountain passes – Morocco’s landscape will take your breath away. We had high expectations before, but we have to admit: it was even better!
  • Geographical proximity to Europe : you are in a completely different world within just a few hours from Mainland Europe. No nerve-wracking jet lag, no long-haul flight. A perfect travel destination for anyone who doesn’t want to travel too far.

Do you want to know which sights you shouldn’t miss and where all the highlights are around the country? Then we recommend our detailed blog article, where we show you which places we have traveled to and what you can expect there.

You can read that here: Our Itinerary: All Destinations in Morocco

Best time and season for Travelling to Morocco

You can travel to Morocco all year round , but of course there are months that are better and those that are less suitable. It also depends on which regions of Morocco you want to travel to.

The ideal travel times for a round trip through Morocco are spring (if possible avoid the holiday season, i.e. Easter) and autumn. While it can still be cool in Europe in spring, you can usually expect bright sunshine in Morocco. And you can also spend wonderful late summer days in Morocco in autumn.

We would not recommend midsummer (July and August), especially if you want to see the desert. In addition, sand storms in the desert start brewing between April and October. Sightseeing at 35 degrees in the shade can also become unbearable. You have to expect restrictions during Ramadan , as some restaurants are closed during the day.

Around Christmas and New Year many flee into the warming sun and it gets very crowded in Morocco and accordingly more expensive. If you want to avoid this, you should also avoid this time.

We traveled to Morocco in late February / early March . During the day it was pleasantly warm, sometimes even quite hot in the sun. It cooled off in the evening. Our accommodations were all equipped with heating. Our tip: in the colder months, be sure to find rooms with heating, otherwise the nights will be rather uncomfortably cold.

Travel Guide to Morocco: Our Tip

Although you can find many tips for Morocco on the Internet, such as on our blog, we still recommend that you get a printed travel guide. Here we can highly recommend the Rough Guide Travel Guide. Rough Guide travel guides are well-known by the fact that they are fairly detailed and very well researched.

The new edition of the Morocco Travel Guide by Rough Guide was published in 2019 and is therefore quite up to date. Our conclusion: perfect for anyone travelling to Morocco!

You can buy the guide here: The Rough Guide Morocco

Fes Marokko

Good news: Austrians and Germans do not need a visa to enter the country. On the plane you will receive an entry card that you must fill out. The border police will take the card and may ask you a few questions. That was it basically.

You can expect the same procedure awaiting you as you leave. Anyone who works in journalism or in another area that could be a thorn in the side of the police should prepare for a somewhat longer question-and-answer game. That was the case with us, but all in all things are relatively relaxed, so don’t worry!

Traditionally, you spend the night in Morocco in so-called riads. Riads are traditional, multi-storey buildings that have a wonderful courtyard and often have a grand roof terrace . From the outside, it is often hard to believe which oasis is hidden behind the gates of a riad.

We swear: Nowhere else in the world have we seen such a high density of grand and stylish accommodation as in Morocco. In larger cities you are literally overwhelmed by the offerings. If possible, we definitely recommend that you stay in a riad. For about 70 to 100 Euros per night you can get a very nice room with breakfast for two people.

Here you will find all our recommendations: Hotel tips for Morocco

Karawan Riad Fes

In Morocco, people love the combination of sweet and salty , and dried dates, apricots and raisins are used in many dishes. Honestly, we’re massive fans!

Typical of Morocco is the so-called tagine, a dish that is prepared in a clay pot (also called Tagine ) and is often served with couscous. This stew usually consists of meat and vegetables, but there are also meatless options.

Although we liked Moroccan food, to be honest the culinary offerings got a bit boring over time. Especially for vegetarians , you’ll find the same dishes being served, as the selection is unfortunately rather limited, unless you eat out at hip trendy restaurants. Meat is often eaten in Morocco, unfortunately vegetarian dishes are less common on the menu than in some other countries.

An exception is breakfast , which is almost always very bread and carbohydrate-heavy. Breakfast is included in most accommodations. You will almost always be served different dishes, including Moroccan pancakes, bread, jams and homemade yogurt.

Marokko Frühstück Tipps

As is well known, Islam is the state religion in Morocco. Knowing that in advance will help you adapt to the culture shock faster. Unfortunately, this means, among other things, that the patriarchal structures are very visible. You’ll find mostly men on the streets.

We therefore, especially recommend women not to wear skimpy clothing . Loose blouses, long trousers and long dresses and skirts are more practical. Honestly, as a tourist, you already stand out immediately so it’s more pleasant to be dressed as covered and casually as possible.

There is no obligation to wear a headscarf , but admittedly: even in direct sunlight we like to use a cloth. Exchanging tenderness or PDA in public is a no-go in Morocco.

Good to know: Non-Muslims can only visit two mosques in Morocco – the Hassan II mosque in Casablanca and the tomb mosque of Moulay Ismail in Meknes. But don’t worry: there are beautiful palaces and Koran schools in Morocco that you can visit.

Marokko Erfahrungen

One of the questions we were asked most often: how safe is it to travel around Morocco? First of all, we would advise you to read the most up to date section on the website of your home country’s respective Foreign Ministry Office. In terms of security, this should always be your first point of contact.

However, we will of course also be happy to share our own personal experiences and that is where the good news comes. Nothing bad ever happened to us in Morocco. We had no negative experiences. We were not robbed or harassed. Yes, we probably paid too much for a few things, but that’s about it.

Our specific tips for security:

  • Travel as a couple if possible. Of course there are also many who travel through Morocco alone – including women. To be honest, we personally found it very nice to travel as a couple. 
  • Avoid the medina at night. The medina (the old town) of some cities consists of very narrow streets. Especially at night, these dark alleys can feel a little shady. Try to avoid walks at night. We recommend this to women traveling alone.
  • Do not flaunt your valuables. We typically are the kind of people who are often too lazy to safely stow our (rather expensive) camera gear and instead let it hang loosely around our shoulders instead. Apparently, you shouldn’t make a habit out of this – especially in crowds.
  • Don’t be fooled by self-proclaimed guides. At every corner in Marrakech someone will offer to show you the way to “La Place” (the large square). In truth, he wants to take you to his shop to sell you something, or he really shows you the place and then of course charges a good amount. Our tip: If you really get lost, it’s better to ask a woman the right way.
  • Cities vs. Rural region: We personally found the men in larger cities (above all in Marrakech) to be much more intrusive and uncomfortable than in rural regions. While, for example, tips are constantly demanded in cities (e.g. for photos), people in the countryside are much more chill about it. We’ll give you more tips for taking photos later in this blog article.

Fes Erfahrungen

Morocco is a really ideal place to travel with a rental car . There are several reasons for this:

  • First of all, the main streets are largely in good condition . Even with a small car you can easily reach most places.
  • Traffic is very limited outside of the larger cities. It may be that you don’t see any other cars anywhere.
  • There is right-hand traffic in Morocco, so you don’t have to get used to it (unless you’re from NZ, Australia, UK or other Commonwealth Countries)
  • Most places are signposted in two languages ​​(English, Arabic).
  • The prices for a rental car are comparatively cheap: For our Peugeot 301 we paid around 250 Euros (excluding navigation system) for a week.

Renting a car in Morocco – what should I watch out for?

Provider and deductible.

We booked our rental car through Sunny Cars . We’ve only ever had good experiences with them, because when you book through Sunny Cars you get full insurance including reimbursement of the excess in the event of damage. Sunny Cars acts as an intermediary here: You book your car on the Sunny Cars website and collect it from a local car rental company (e.g. Hertz, Europcar, etc.).

What does a deductible mean? In some countries, this is also called the ‘excess’ or ‘deposit’. e.g. If you drive a dent into the car, you will receive a refund on any additional costs incurred with that accident from Sunny Cars. However, if you book the rental car “with a deductible/excess/deposit” (this is the case with many other platforms), you have to pay a certain amount (usually a few hundred Euros) in the event of damage, which you won’t get back.

You can search for cheap rental cars (fully comprehensive) here: Sunny Cars

Is it safe to drive through Morocco with a rental car?

Honestly, we had our hesitations at first, but it was absolutely no problem ! The streets are mostly in very good condition. There is little traffic. We have never met any dubious people. We only avoided driving at night, but mostly because it is easy to miss a pothole.

Other tips for renting & driving in Morocco

We are happy to rent the car ourselves at the airport, because there is usually less traffic than in the stations in the city and you can get used to the traffic conditions in peace. We picked up our car from Marrakech on the day of departure for two reasons: Firstly, you don’t need a car in Marrakech so we were able to save costs. Secondly, as soon as you drive towards the medina, the traffic is horrendous. We didn’t want to do that to ourselves.

We bought a navigation device , but would not recommend it. It was quite expensive (approx. 12 Euros per day) and we didn’t find much benefit from having it. In addition, we couldn’t find a lot of the places in the navigation system and had to trust our own orientation or the travel guide map.We’d recommend you to better download an offline app for your smartphone. It makes a lot more sense.

An international driver’s license is usually not necessary when renting and we were never asked for it. Nevertheless, we recommend that you get one for insurance reasons alone. You can easily get your international driver’s license for around 15 Euros at the ÖAMTC (Austria) or ADAC (Germany).

In larger cities, you should avoid the car, which saves you time and stress. It is best to park the rental car as close as possible to the accommodation (e.g. in a guarded parking lot or at best at the hotel car park) and switch to taxis for the duration of the stay or cover the distances by foot.

Police controls in Morocco

What many stories are circulating on the Internet are the police controls in Morocco: Yes, it is true. They are everywhere and you are likely to be controlled if you travel to Morocco in your own car.

Our personal experience: We never had a negative experience with the Moroccan police. Even when we were stopped after crossing a stop line during an overtaking manoeuvre, the policeman was very understanding (“French campervans are always slow, I understand that.”)

However, corruption is definitely an issue: we managed to negotiate the amount of our penalty down by half. Otherwise, the control was quite heavily regulated.

Polizeikontrollen Marokko

Even in the larger cities ( Marrakech , Fez , Casablanca etc.) you can do most of the walking . For longer distances, it is common to take a taxi. A basic distinction is made in Morocco between Petit Taxi and Grand Taxi.

  • The Petit Taxi (small taxi) is – as the name suggests – a very small car that can pass through narrow streets.
  • A Grand Taxi tends to be used for longer distances, i.e. between two cities or for destinations that are slightly outside the city.

The fare is generally determined by a taximeter, but of course they will try to convince you that it is not currently working. Therefore, you should either ask another driver or negotiate the fare in advance if they try to pull the ‘taximeter trick’ on you.

Prices vary from city to city – depending on how much people are used to tourism. In Marrakech, for example, you can expect a short distance ride to cost 50 Dirhams or more. However, you should really pay a maximum of 30 Dirhams. In Casablanca, we often only paid 20 Dirhams for a longer distance. Also, you can expect a surcharge at night.

Taxifahren Marrakesch

Currency & Paying in Morocco

Morocco’s currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). 1 Euro corresponds to about 10.70 Dirham (as of early 2021). With the prices written in Morocco, you simply mentally omit a zero at the end to get the approximate amount of Euros.

You can easily withdraw money from ATMs . If you are from Austria, make sure that the GeoControl function is deactivated at your bank before you leave. You can usually do that online.

Travel expenses in Morocco: price level and price examples

What does it cost in Morocco …?

  • Double room in a beautiful riad in Marrakech: 70 to 100 Euros per night
  • Car rental for a week: 200 to 250 Euros
  • Taxi ride in Marrakech or Fez: 20 to 30 Dirhams
  • Dinner for two in a nice restaurant: 200 Dirhams
  • Entry to the Majorelle Gardens in Marrakech: 80 Dirhams
  • Entry to the Bahia Palace in Marrakech: 50 Dirhams

We would describe the price levels in Morocco as somewhat lower than in Austria or Germany. But don’t expect to have a super cheap trip in Morocco.

Tipping Culture

Tipping is not only seen as desirable in Morocco for many services, but is actually expected . In restaurants, 5 to 10 percent is appropriate. We would also leave the service staff from our accommodation around 10 to 20 Dirham per day in the room.

If you ask for directions or if you take a picture of someone, he or she may also ask for money. We would also then give about 10 to 20 Dirhams.

Morocco is a paradise for photography enthusiasts . And yet there are a few things to consider: Especially if you want to take pictures of people (and Moroccans are really photogenic), you should always ask for permission . In larger cities where people are used to tourists, you will almost always be asked to tip if you want to take pictures of someone.

An extreme example is the Djemaa el Fna in Marrakech. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of people who earn their daily bread as a photo model. Unfortunately, you are often asked for money here, in a not overly kind approach.

On our trip, we preferred another way to get great portraits: We would simply buy something from someone and then asked the person for a photo.

It should be borne in mind that in Islam, the depiction of people is prohibited or not welcome. You should keep this restriction in mind when taking pictures, especially if you are in highly religious areas. If in doubt, we would advise against taking a photo and retreat rather than attract attention.

Under no circumstances should you photograph military facilities and uniformed officers (police, security guards, etc.) (thanks to Ricky for the tip).

Fotografieren Marokko

Mobile Internet: SIM card in Morocco

Nowadays, most of us are used to being online while traveling. Therefore, we would highly recommend that you buy a local SIM card for your smartphone when you get there. It is a great way to navigate from A to B and can also be used to search for tips on restaurants or sights.

You can buy the SIM card directly at the airport. It is important that your smartphone is unlocked for all networks (i.e. not limited to one provider). The SIM card is usually setup and activated directly by the staff – without any problems. The price will depend on the data volume, but generally speaking SIM cards are quite cheap.

Network coverage in Morocco is good, although there are places where you don’t have a network. Especially in sparse, barren regions between the cities you often have to do without reception. However, the reception is very good in the cities themselves.

Also WiFi is quite widespread in Morocco: the vast majority of hotels offer WiFi. However, the speed leaves somethings to be said.

Helpful apps for your trip to Morocco

  • Google Translate (download the French version so you can use it offline): Especially in rural areas, you’ll find many speak little to no English, but instead speak French.
  • maps.me or CityMaps2Go (download the Morocco map so that you can also use it offline): perfect for marking individual sights and restaurants.
  • Maps app (iPhone) or Google Maps: Great for navigating from A to B.
  • Happy Cow: great for finding vegetarian restaurants nearby.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This blog article contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, then we will receive a small commission. This will not change the prices for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Do you have any other travel tips for Morocco? Let us know in the comments. We look forward to reading about your experience!

You might also be interested in this

Marrakesh Travel Guide

Marrakech Travel Guide: Travel Tips and our Honest Review

Fez Attractions

Fez Travel Guide: Best Sights and Tips for the Oldest Medina in Morocco

Hoteltipp Casablanca

Casablanca Travel Guide: How to Spend the Perfect Day

Leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Privacy Policy

What to pack for a trip to Morocco: The definitive guide

what to pack for Morocco

Morocco wasn’t on my radar – at all – until a fellow traveller, a woman who had far more travel experience than me, told me that the best trip that she’d ever done was Intrepid’s Best of Morocco tour.

She said this as we glided over the Indian countryside, near Jaipur, in a hot air balloon early one morning, which we both agreed was incredible. She clearly had some credibility, and in that instant, I knew exactly where I would be going next.

I went in February 2019, and over the next 15 days, on that exact same trip, I was awe-struck by the country’s beauty and the richness of its culture.

what to pack for Morocco

With my Intrepid group at Todra Gorge

But there were a few surprises along the way. I had imagined Morocco as majority desert, but it’s so much more. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can go from snow-capped mountains to sparkling seas in a matter of hours, and the climate changes as quickly as the scenery.

And while you will do what every traveller to Morocco dreams of doing – explore its ancient medinas – you might also find yourself exploring some unexpected natural wonders. So, to make the most of your trip, you will want to pack a few key items. Here’s some suggestions:

Bring outdoor activity essentials

Morocco’s rural areas are incredibly diverse and one of the best things about this trip is seeing what lies beyond its most well-known cities. If you are looking for a little adventure on your travels, Morocco is where you will find it, whether it be riding camels through the dunes or mules up a mountain path, hiking to a Berber camp at the top of the Todra Gorge, or trekking to a Muslim shrine some 2300m above sea level.

what to pack for Morocco

Camel riding was a highlight!

This trip will not disappoint! Come prepared – pack:

  • Runners with good grip – Lightweight hikers will also work, but runners (sneakers) are all around more convenient for the whole trip. Avoid slip-ons.
  • Moisture-wicking t-shirts – Chances are, you will break a sweat.
  • Day pack – You will need this for day hikes, and to pack essentials for overnight stays at the Sahara camp and at the guest house in Aroumd. Bring one that is a decent size and that has comfortable straps.
  • Band-Aids – I never leave home without them. Blisters always seem to happen at the most inconvenient times. I also keep a bottle of Tylenol on hand wherever I go.
  • Portable phone charger – This way, you’ll never miss a good pic.
  • You own water bottle – To minimise single-use plastics.

BROWSE INTREPID’S RANGE OF SMALL GROUP TOURS IN MOROCCO

On day 11, our group woke up to snow. That’s right. SNOW. Granted, they were just little flakes and we were near the base of Mount Toubkal, the highest peak in the High Atlas Mountains. But, still!

what to pack for Morocco

Snowy Toubkal!

As a Canadian very much used to long and frigid winters, cooler temperatures are not a big deal but even I was surprised at how cold a few of the nights were in Morocco – obviously in the mountains, but also around Midelt and at the Sahara camp.  You don’t want to be cold on your trip, so especially if you are going to be travelling in the winter months (November to March), bring these:

  • Gloves – No one wants cold hands (and these will be very helpful when riding those mules!).
  • Tuque – A surprisingly popular item in Morocco, this type of hat will come in handy in the mountains.
  • Wind and water-resistant jacket – Bring one that has a removable fleece or wool liner (or bring two separate pieces). Having the option to layer – or de-layer – throughout the day is key.
  • Long sleeve t-shirt(s) – Again, layer, layer, layer.
  • Thermal underwear – Ladies, leggings will also work. On the coldest nights I layered two pairs along with my legwarmers, which if you have some, you might want to pack as well.
  • Thermal socks – Bring at least one pair for your night at the Sahara camp. You will not be able to resist feeling that sand on your toes, but when the sun goes down, it gets cold fast and you will want something cozy on your feet.
  • Neck warmer – Save some space in your pack by bringing this instead of a typical knit scarf. Or, take advantage of the many textile shops along your route. I picked a scarf up from a roadside vendor at the Tizi n Tichka, the highest mountain pass in North Africa, to ward off the chill while enjoying the spectacular view on a very windy morning. It’s a true souvenir.

Worst case, if you do forget something important, Morocco has a chain of affordable sports and outerwear stores called Triathlon. Your guide will know it and will likely have no problem stopping there if you ask.

what to pack for Morocco

Wearing a djellaba, a traditional robe

READ MORE: 10 EXPERIENCES EVERY TRAVELLER SHOULD HAVE IN MOROCCO

Expect some serious sun

It is said that Morocco is ‘the cold country with the hot sun’ and it’s true.  Daytime is lovely. Just days before the snow, we had been lounging poolside at the kasbah in the oasis at the Todra Gorge. And the following day, we would be seaside in Essaouira, soaking up the sun as we explored the old city. We were getting it all. Again, layers are key to managing temperature changes but here’s a few specific items you will want to slip into your pack:

  • Sunscreen – Don’t be fooled by the occasional cold night. Much of Morocco enjoys a Mediterranean climate, and the sun is strong everywhere, so you want to protect your skin. If your skin is particularly sensitive, you might want to bring a hat.
  • Lip balm – The eastern part of the country is arid. It’s the Sahara!
  • Sunglasses – For obvious reasons.
  • Sandals – Don’t leave home without a backup pair of footwear! But do bring something with good support because there is a lot of walking on this trip.

what to pack for Morocco

Watching the sun set in Chefchaouen

Pack with modesty in mind

Morocco is a conservative Muslim country, and you will notice that the clothing people wear is neither revealing nor meant to attract attention. Dressing appropriately is a wonderful way to show respect for the country you are visiting, and you will want to follow suit.

Gentlemen, the formula for you is quite simple: pants and a shirt.

Ladies, you need to be a little more mindful, but honestly, it will save you some unwanted attention.

READ MORE: MEET ZINA, THE INTREPID MANAGER FIGHTING FOR GENDER EQUALITY IN MOROCCO

what to pack for Morocco

Ladies in Fes

Here’s some key items to bring:

  • Cardigan or wrap sweater – Take a cue from the local women and bring one that covers your rear. It seems to be a wardrobe staple.
  • Pants – You need these for public places. Skip the shorts and keep the leggings (and anything else that bares too much skin) for private group activities and travel time.
  • Mid-length or maxi dress with a fitted long sleeve t-shirt – Wear your fitted t-shirt underneath your dress and you’ve got the perfect combo for exploring any medina.

And for those moments when you just feel like being a little more incognito, slip on your sunnies.

what to pack for Morocco

Sunglasses are always a good idea

A few final tips

Laundry service is available at the hotels in Fes and Essaouira, where you will stay for two nights. Fees range between five to ten dirhams per piece of clothing, so you can pack knowing that having your laundry done will be an option.

As well, for most of the trip, you will be travelling by private van. Don’t take this an invitation to over-pack but do rest easy that with all that you should bring, Intrepid has made it very easy for you to focus on enjoying Morocco, and not worry too much about your baggage.

travel blog to morocco

Now, as they say in Morocco all the time, yallah, let’s go!

More useful pre-trip reading

Intrepid Travel has a wealth of resources available for anyone planning a trip to Morocco. Check 7 handy guides out below:

  • Tips and advice for first-time travellers to Morocco
  • A guide to Morocco’s 10 tastiest street foods
  • How to ride a camel like a pro in Morocco
  • What it’s like to travel in Morocco during Ramadan
  • What it’s like as a solo female traveller in Morocco
  • 5 beaches in Morocco you won’t want to miss
  • An essential guide to visiting hammams in Morocco

Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Check out Intrepid’s range of small group adventures in Morocco.

(Image credits, from top to bottom: Intrepid Travel, Lani Innes x4, Intrepid Travel x3.)

Feeling inspired?

travel blog to morocco

A Canadian, Lani Innes works as a policy analyst in the federal public service. She resides in Gatineau, Quebec with her two sons, their dog and their budgie. A visit to Costa Rica in her late teens sparked a wanderlust that took her to the Caribbean, Mexico, Peru and Spain in her younger years, and later to the United Kingdom and France through work. Her favourite cities – so far! – are London and Miami, and going forward, she has firm plans to fill every page in her passport.

You might also like

5 reasons to visit sri lanka in the..., why 2024 is the best year to see..., 6 unique experiences you can have in el..., from delhi to udaipur, here are the five..., cinque terre vs amalfi coast: which destination to..., love at first bite: 10 famous sandwiches from..., galapagos or madagascar which unique destination should be..., central vs south america: how to plan your..., why road-tripping is the best way to see..., lessons learned on intrepid’s sabah adventure, travelling to chile here’s the best time to....

Touring In Morocco

Morocco Travel Blog

Other languages, explore morocco further with our informative travel blog.

If you’re going to Morocco, read our blog! We talk about popular places like Fes, Marrakech, and Casablanca. We give you good information and fun stories. Our blog can help you learn more about Morocco and have a better trip. Come explore Morocco with us!

Almond Blossom Festival in Tafraoute

Almond Blossom Festival in Tafraoute: A Moroccan Celebration

The almond blossom festival in Tafraoute holds deep cultural significance, showing the importance of almond trees in local traditions and customs. This annual event attracts both locals and tourists, offering a vibrant atmosphere filled with music, dance, art exhibitions, and … Read More

Visiting Morocco in Ramadan: Essential Tips and Insights

Visiting Morocco in Ramadan: Essential Tips and Insights

Are you going to Morocco during the holy month of Ramadan? It is unique. Because it is a religious and cultural holiday, Ramadan is a very important month in Morocco. It’s also a great time for travelers to learn about … Read More

Moroccan quotes, proverbs and sayings

Moroccan Quotes: Wisdom and Cultural Proverbs

Step into the world of Moroccan wisdom, where ancient proverbs have been passed down through generations, offering valuable insights and life lessons. These timeless Moroccan quotes provide universal truths about human experiences, guiding individuals to navigate life’s challenges with profound … Read More

Travelling from Ireland to Morocco

Traveling from Ireland to Morocco: Essential Travel Guide

Traveling from Ireland to Morocco? Get ready for a seamless journey with direct flights available from Dublin to multiple cities in Morocco , spanning an average flight duration of 3-4 hours. Multiple airlines offer convenient options for your travel. Once in … Read More

A girl from Singapore travelling to Morocco

Singapore to Morocco: Visa, Flights & Essential Travel Tips

Embark on an extraordinary journey from Singapore to Morocco and dive into diverse cultures, landscapes, and travel options. Discover the best times to travel, budget considerations, and detailed information about the various routes available for this epic trip. Whether you … Read More

Tainwanese flag while travelling to Morocco

Taiwan to Morocco: Visa Requirements & Traveling Guide

Traveling from Taiwan to Morocco may seem like an unconventional journey, but it’s a thrilling adventure worth considering. Despite the considerable distance and contrasting cultures, there are popular travel routes that connect these two distant lands. Exploring Morocco from Taiwan … Read More

Cost of travel to ait ben haddou kasbah in Morocco

Cost of Travel in Morocco: A Comprehensive Guide

Morocco stands out as a traveler’s paradise, boasting countless experiences catering to various budgets. From the vibrant markets of Marrakech to the tranquil beaches lining the Atlantic coast, this captivating country has an allure that appeals to all. The cost … Read More

Backpacking in Morocco: Essential Guide for Adventure Seekers

Backpacking in Morocco: Essential Guide for Adventure Seekers

Morocco offers a unique backpacking experience. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or simply seeking new experiences, backpacking in Morocco is a great way to satisfy your wanderlust and create memories that will last a lifetime. Discover the rich … Read More

Sunset & Sunrise Camel Ride in Merzouga Desert

Sunset & Sunrise Camel Ride in Merzouga Desert

People come from all over the world to see the beautiful Erg Chebbi Sand Dunes. In this desert spot, you can see the beautiful Erg Chebbi and learn about the rich Berber culture. A great trip is to ride camels across … Read More

Want to visit Morocco soon?

Experience morocco like never before.

Our Morocco travel blog has a lot of information and stories about things you can do and see in Morocco. Our blog has a lot of different types of helpful pieces that are meant to help you learn more and have a better time traveling. Our blog is the best place to find information about Morocco, whether you want to visit and see its beauty for yourself or just learn more about it. With our detailed information, you can start your trip to Morocco right away, even if you are far away.

Morocco travel blog

Uncover the Origins and Significance of Varied Moroccan Traditions

The Morocco Blog is where you can get real information from people who live there. Our goal is to find and share first-hand information from people who live in Morocco. We are committed to finding real, local points of view so that we can give you facts that haven’t been skewed in any way. Morocco has a lot of secrets that only people who live there know about. This blog is where we share how these Moroccans talk about their traditions, beliefs, customs, and the country’s best-kept secrets.

Our team is made up of Moroccans who live in Morocco and will be your personal guides and writers. They are dedicated to giving you a memorable Moroccan experience and useful information, no matter where you are. To give our readers and customers correct answers, we focus on giving them real information about Morocco, the country we love. Our trip blog is more than just a website; it’s a way for us to share our ideas with the world. In the end, our goal is to give you real, accurate information.

morocco travel blog

Popular Morocco Tours

Are you planning a trip to Morocco and need help making a plan? Don’t be afraid to get in touch with us! We have a variety of tour plans that can be customized to fit your needs and make sure you have an amazing experience. In addition, our tours can be completely changed to fit the needs of each client.

12 Days Desert Tour from Marrakech: The Ultimate Morocco Adventure

12-Day Desert Tour From Marrakech

12-Day Tour from Marrakech: The Ultimate Morocco Adventure Join our 12-day desert tour from Marrakech and explore the best of...

Epic Days of Desert Discovery: 9-Day Desert Tour From Casablanca​

9-Day Desert Tour From Casablanca

Epic Days of Morocco Discovery: 9-Day Desert Tour From Casablanca Come and explore Morocco’s natural wonders with us on a...

4-day tour from Casablanca to Merzouga desert and camel ride

4-Day Tour From Casablanca to Marrakech

Explore Morocco in 4 Days: Casablanca to Marrakech Desert Adventure! Join the best 4 days tour from Casablanca to Marrakech...

Valleys of Morocco during the 4-day desert tour from Agadir

4-Day Merzouga Desert Tour From Agadir

4-Day Agadir Desert Tour: Unleash the Best in Desert Tours The 4-day tour from Agadir will show you the best...

Morocco with the 5-day tour from Agadir to Merzouga desert

5-Day Desert Tour From Agadir

Discover Morocco with the Finest 5-Day Desert Tour from Agadir: An Unforgettable Adventure Start the best 5-day desert tour from...

7-Day Agadir to Merzouga Tour: Unforgettable All-Inclusive Adventure

7-Day Tour From Agadir to Merzouga Desert

7-Day Agadir to Merzouga Tour: Unforgettable All-Inclusive Adventure Start your 7-day desert tour from Agadir and go to the Merzouga...

Explore Morocco's Wonders on Our 8-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes​

8-Day Desert Tour From Marrakech to Fes

Explore Morocco: 8-Day Desert Tour from Marrakech to Fes This 8-day desert tour from Marrakech to Fes lets you see...

6-day desert tour in Morocco from Casablanca and Kasbahs

6-Day Tour in Morocco From Casablanca to Marrakech

6-Day Morocco Tour Itinerary: Casablanca to Marrakech via Sahara Desert Join our 6-day tour in Morocco from Casablanca and explore...

What to Discover With our Travel Blog

Moroccan people.

As everyone knows, the Berber people come from North Africa, which used to be called Numidia. The people who live here now are happy to call themselves Imazighen, which means “The Free Noble People” in Tamazight, which is one of the oldest languages in the world and is written in the Tifinagh script. People from Berbera are known for being friendly, generous, and accepting.

North Africa got a lot of Arab impact in the late 1600s. The main goal of these people was to spread the Islamic faith. Some say that this entry was quiet and there was no fighting, while others say that force was used. Even so, most of the Imazighen became Muslims and switched from speaking Turkic to Arabic as their main language. They have, however, steadfastly kept their language and ethnic identity.

Our travel blog about Morocco goes into great detail about these different groups of people and their rich customs, giving you a full picture of this interesting cultural tapestry.

Moroccan Cities

Morocco Travel Blog lets you learn about the most beautiful cities in Morocco and their interesting histories. The first four towns were all part of the empire. They were Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat.

Morocco’s name comes from the city of Marrakech, which is also the country’s busy center. With Touring In Morocco, you can get to the heart of this busy city, including must-see spots like the famous Jemaa el-Fna square.

The next stop is Fes, which has a busy international airport and is the second most visited city in Morocco. You will learn a lot about this city’s long and interesting history and its important place in the history of the kingdom here. In addition, our blog has a hand-picked list of the best places to visit and things to do.

Even though Rabat and Meknes aren’t as well known, they are still very important. One of the oldest towns, Meknes, has buildings that are typical of Morocco. Rabat, on the other hand, is the main city of Morocco today.

That’s not all, though. Our blog also has information about other interesting towns and places in Morocco , like Chefchaouen, which is known for its beautiful blue colors. Find out how this beautiful color scheme was made and more as you read our blog about Morocco.

Moroccan Deserts

The huge area of sandy dunes in the Sahara Desert is one of the things that really makes Morocco stand out. An important part of many tourists’ trips to Morocco is the time they spend in the desert. Let’s look at the three most popular desert vacation spots:

Erg Chebbi – Merzouga Desert: Erg Chebbi, which is also known as the Merzouga Desert, is the most-wanted desert location for tourists. This beautiful place is in the southeast of Morocco, just 50 kilometers from the border with Algeria. You can do many fun things there, like camping and camel rides. What makes Erg Chebbi unique is that it is the longest desert in the country and has the largest dunes. It’s about 30 kilometers long and goes from Khamlia to the cute town of Tighmrt. It promises to be an amazing journey.

The Zagora Desert is the second most popular place to see sand dunes in Morocco. You’ll pass through it on your way back to Marrakech. Being close to the lively red city of Marrakech, many people choose to take a 2-day trip from Marrakech to Zagora to enjoy its beautiful views and calm scenery.

M’hamid Desert: The third most popular desert spot in the United States is M’hamid Desert. For camel rides and camping, it makes for a beautiful background. You should not miss this lovely desert on your trip through Morocco.

Explore the magic of Morocco’s Sahara Desert and go on an amazing journey full of mesmerizing sights and exciting activities.

Things to Know Before a Trip to Morocco

Without a question, one of the main reasons we made this page was to make your trip experience better. Our Morocco travel blog will help you plan your trip by telling you what to expect and giving you important tips. Morocco, like every other country in the world, has its own rules that make sure visitors stay safe and have a good time.

Morocco landmarks

Even if you haven’t started your trip yet, our blog gives you a unique chance to learn about Morocco’s most famous sites. The different cultures that have lived in Morocco have left behind a rich mix of historical sites and building marvels.

As you travel around the land, you’ll quickly become enamored with its unique beauty and charm. A lot of these sites can be found in the places of Morocco. Every place, from the beautiful Hassan II Mosque , which is the seventh-largest mosque in the world and the second-largest in Africa, to the famous Hassan Tower, which is meant to be the world’s tallest tower, left its mark on the scenery.

As you leave the towns, you’ll find ksour (walled villages) and pretty villages. One of these is Ait Benhaddou, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its historical importance. In fact, Morocco has 12 UNESCO-protected sites, and each one tells a different story about the history of this amazing country.

Moroccan Traditions and Customs: A Cultural Journey

Morocco has a lot of different cultures, but because most Moroccans are Muslim, they all follow the same rules. In this blog about our trip, we look at the rich tapestry of Berber customs, which can be broken down even further into three different cultures.

We can better understand what is going on if we start with the Rif Berbers . These people live in northern Morocco and speak a special language. In the middle, there are many smaller groups of Berbers. These are called Assammer, and their names often begin with “Ait.” Finally, we talked about the Souassa or Issoussien people who live in Agadir, the Atlas Mountains , and the areas around them.

There are different kinds of Moroccan Arabic customs based on where people speak Arabic. North Arabs, who are also called “Arabized Moroccans,” have their own traditions and tend to live modern lives, which shows that they are open-minded. On top of that, as you go further south in Morocco, you’ll meet people who speak a language that not even Moroccans know. The last group we’ll talk about is the center Arabs.

It’s worth noting that people in Morocco speak Darija. It’s a special mix of Arabic and Berber. Even though Morocco is made up of many different countries, this language brings them all together. It’s a real melting pot of languages.

Morocco Travel Blog

24 Hours in Tangier, The Bride of the North

Hassan-II-Mosque-Star-Patterns-Casablanca-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Discovering Islamic Design in Morocco

Morocco's Top Summer Festivals

Morocco’s Top 8 Annual Summer Festivals

Berber-Museum-Majorelle-Marrakech-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Top 12 Things to Do in Morocco

Villa-Oasis-Marrakech-Design-Lovers-Guide-Morocco-Travel-Blog

A Design Lovers Guided Tour of Marrakech

Moroccan-Breadbaking-Sahara-Desert-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Bread and Morocco: A Love Affair

Expert-Guides-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Top 5 Reasons to Discover Morocco on a Luxury Tour with Private Guides

Bouchra-Ouizguen-Crows-Morocco-Travel-Blog

60 Female Artists Transform Rabat Biennale

travel blog to morocco

24 Hours in Casablanca, Morocco’s Urban Jungle

Moroccan Hidden Coastal Towns, Legzira Beach

3 Moroccan Hidden Coastal Towns to Visit

Djemaa-El Fna-Square, Food-Stalls-Marrakech-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Tasting Marrakech, An Urban Food Tour

How-to-make-a-Tagine-Morocco-Travel-Blog

What’s a Tajine Anyway?

travel blog to morocco

Morocco News

Bayt--Dakira-Essaouira-Morocco-Travel-Blog

First Delegation of Moroccan Muslim Scholars to Co-Host Conference in Israel

Reina-Sofia-Museum-Madrid-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Moroccan Arts Exhibition To Showcase at Reina Sofia Museum in Madrid

Abderrazzak-Benchaâbane-Perfume-Workshop-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Abderrazzak Benchaâbane’s Bespoke Perfume Making Workshop in Marrakech

Iconic-Shell-Jewelry-Essaouira-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Worlds’ Earliest Known Iconic Jewelry Discovered in Essaouira, Morocco

Morocco-Ministry-Energy-Partners-with-Abu-Dhabi-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Morocco Collaborates with IRENA to Accelerate Hydrogen Transition & Boost Renewable Green Energy

Morocco-Women-Use-Suns-Energy-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Morocco Leads in Guiding Women on How to Use the Sun’s Energy for Climate-resilient Development

Eugene-Delacroixs-Memories-of-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Rabat Contemporary Art Museum Hosts Eugene Delacroix’s Memories of a trip to Morocco, A first in the Arab World

travel blog to morocco

TRAVEL TIPS

travel blog to morocco

Leading Morocco Travel Advisor, Customized Private Tour Planner

Beit-Hahayim-Jewish-Cemetery-Tangier-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Unveiling Tangier’s Hidden Gems: Discovering the Jewish Heritage Sites

travel blog to morocco

Indulge in Luxury and Comfort with Morocco Private Tours, Trip Advisor’s 2023 Top Choice

Moroccan arts & entertainment.

In-Morocco-Edith-Wharton-Morocco-Travel-Blog

The 12 Best Books to Read About Morocco

Villa-Harris-Museum- Tangier-Morocco-Travel-Blog

The New Villa Harris Museum of Tangier’s Legendary 19th Century Collection

Chama-Mechtaly-Builds-Bridges-Honor-of-Abraham-Accords-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Moroccan Visual Artist Chama Mechtaly Builds Aesthetic Bridges Fostering the Abraham Accords

New-Tangier-Ready-to-Wear-Collection-Royal-Purple-and-Aqua-Morocco-Travel-Blog

New Tangier, A Moroccan Designer Embracing Traditional Technique

Photograph-by-Jean-Besancenot-Erfoud, Tafilalet-Region-Rouhama-and-Sarah Abehassera-Juifs-du- Maroc-Exhibition-Paris-Morocco-Travel-Blog

Paris Photography Exhibition, Juifs du Maroc, Showcases Imagery of Departed Jews of Morocco

Morocco Travel Blog  is an online lifestyle and leisure magazine highlighting Moroccan news, Moroccan Arts & Culture, Moroccan Food and Drink along with  Morocco Travel  and Tours for our readers. The news, stories, and photographs featured on Morocco Travel Blog cover all things Quintessentially Moroccan. Moroccan architecture, Moroccan restaurants, Moroccan Cuisine, Moroccan Festivals, and Events are covered through our lively and entertaining heartfelt stories about  Morocco Travel . The experiences of Morocco Travel can be discovered on a  Private Morocco Tour  through our sister tourism company  Travel Exploration Morocco  which offers Private, Guided Tours with a keen focus on Jewish Heritage Tours, Family Tours, Imperial City Tours and Sahara Desert Adventure Travel. Morocco Travel Blog offers an insiders guide to experiental travel and tour experiences.

Travel | Rick Steves’ Europe: Tangier, Morocco: A…

Share this:.

  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)
  • Music and Concerts
  • The Theater Loop
  • TV and Streaming

Things To Do

Travel | rick steves’ europe: tangier, morocco: a cultural kaleidoscope.

Tangier’s market boasts piles of fruits, veggies, and olives, countless varieties of bread, and nonperishables, like clothing and electronics.

I can’t think of any big city in Europe where you wake up literally at “cock crow.” In Tangier, Morocco — right across the Strait of Gibraltar from Spain — the roosters, even more than the minaret’s call to prayer, make sure the city wakes up early. I spent a recent birthday in Tangier, and started my special day with the roosters.

I arrived in Tangier after a quick ferry ride from Tarifa, on the southern coast of Spain. Though it’s just a 35-minute boat ride away, Tangier feels a world apart from Europe. Like almost every city in Morocco, Tangier is split into a new town and an old town (medina). The old town, encircled by a medieval wall, has colorful markets; twisty, hilly streets; and the Kasbah, with its palace and mosque. The Grand Socco, a big, noisy square, is the link between the old and new parts of town. The city is light on museums and attractions, but it doesn’t need them; Tangier’s sights are living in the streets.

To celebrate my birthday, I spent a couple of hours alone, just floating through the back alleys. Wandering through the market, just off the Grand Socco, I came across a collage of vivid images. A butcher was making a colorful curtain of entrails, creating mellow stripes of all textures. Camera-shy Berber tribeswomen were in town selling goat cheese wrapped in palm leaves.

A man lumbered through the crowd pushing a ramshackle cart laden with a huge side of beef. He made a honking sound, and at first I thought he was just being funny. But it wasn’t the comical beep-beep I’d make if I were behind a wheelbarrow. Small-time shipping was his livelihood, and his vocal chords were the only horn he had.

Around the corner, the click-click-click of a mosaic maker drew me into another tiny shop, where a man sat all day chiseling intentionally imperfect mosaic chips to fit a pattern for a commissioned work. As only Allah is perfect, the imperfection is considered beautiful.

In Tangier, many people can’t afford private ovens, phones, or running water, so there are communal options: phone desks, baths, and bakeries where locals drop off their ready-to-cook dough. During my wanderings, I followed a colorfully scarved woman into a community bakery. She was carrying her platter of doughy loaves under a towel. The baker, artfully wielding a broom-handled wooden spatula, received her loaves, hardly missing a beat as he pushed and pulled the neighborhood’s baked goods — fish, stews, bread, cookies, and pods of sunflower seeds — into and out of his oven.

After meeting up with my TV crew, we caught a taxi up to the Kasbah. Hearing a tap-tap-tap directly behind me, I turned around to see the back window filled with the toothy grin of a little boy. He had leapt onto the cab for the ride, legs and arms spread across its back side with nothing to grip. Realizing that the cab was about to make a sudden stop, his smile disappeared and he slunk back, hopping off the cab safely.

The Kasbah sits atop old Tangier. On Place de la Kasbah is the Dar el-Makhzen, a former sultan’s palace that now houses a history museum. The Kasbah is also the scene of a vivid gauntlet of amusements waiting to ambush parading tour groups: snake charmers, flamboyant water vendors, and squawky dance troupes.

The view of the ocean from here is not to be missed. The artist Henri Matisse traveled here in 1912-13, and the culture, patterns, and colors that he encountered showed up routinely in his art.

The vast majority of tourists in Tangier are day-trippers (from resorts in southern Spain). But I like to spend the night, experiencing the communal nature of a riad – a guesthouse typically found in the old town, with rooms surrounding a courtyard atrium. If you’re here in the evening, make sure to be out and about in the medina after dark, when in the cool of the evening, the atmospheric lanes, squares, and people conspire to become even more alluring.

Tangier offers nonstop action and cultural voyeurism to the max. There’s so much to see here that it makes the “ Star Wars” cantina scene look bland. Recent upgrades around town have brought an affluent and modern side without abandoning its roots. Many visitors are impressed by the warmth of the Moroccan people. I particularly like how they touch their right hand to their heart after shaking hands or saying thank you – a kind gesture meant to emphasize sincerity.

Walking through the labyrinthine medina, dodging grabby salesmen, teasing craftsmen, and half-bald dogs, I think to myself, “How could anyone be in southern Spain – so close – and not hop over to experience this wonderland?”

(Rick Steves (www.ricksteves.com) writes European guidebooks, hosts travel shows on public TV and radio, and organizes European tours. This column revisits some of Rick’s favorite places over the past two decades. You can email Rick at [email protected] and follow his blog on Facebook.)

More in Travel

Rugged and rural, Wallowa County is a nature lover’s nirvana that also appeals to artists with classes in wood carving, drawing and glass blowing.

Travel | Hidden glass Easter eggs add to the beauty of Oregon’s Wallowa County, a muse for artists and outdoor enthusiasts 

Maine’s largest airport is now home to the second largest piece of the moon on Earth, according to moon rock enthusiasts who installed the extraterrestrial chunk.

Travel | Travelers through Maine’s biggest airport can now fly to the moon. Or, at least, a chunk of it

Half an hour east of Seattle, through a forest fit for hobbits, alongside the Raging River — yes, that’s its name — is Treehouse Point.

In a forest fit for hobbits sits Treehouse Point, where you can stay in one of 7 perches spread among the greenery

Where else would Hans Christian Andersen, a mermaid statue, and lovingly decorated open-face sandwiches be the icons of a major capital?

Travel | Rick Steves’ Europe: Embrace Hygge and Save Cash in Copenhagen

Trending nationally.

  • ‘This is heinous, heinous conduct’: Feds say Chicago-area dog show judge deleted child porn evidence in shower during FBI raid
  • OC bookie at center of gambling scandal thought link to Ohtani would help business
  • How long will it take to rebuild Baltimore's Key Bridge following its collapse?
  • Duluth takes billionaire Kathy Cargill’s profane Cheerios remark, and runs with it
  • Political leaders mourn Connecticut’s Joseph Lieberman

THE JOURNAL

Travel Inspiration

Royal Mansour Marrakech, a Regal Experience in Morocco

Fora Author Fora

The Modern Travel Agency

https://www.foratravel.com/the-journal/royal-mansour-marrakech

Image courtesy of Royal Mansour Marrakech

Inspired by traditional riads and the lavish lifestyles of the country’s elite, Royal Mansour Marrakech is a world-class hotel in Morocco perfect for the discerning traveler. Interested? We have intel on everything you need to know: room options, dining menus, experiences offered…we’re covering it all.

Unsure if this is the right hotel for you? Reach out to a Fora Advisor . Along with scoring you complimentary VIP hotel perks, they can give you the full rundown while making sure Royal Mansour checks all the right boxes for your travel plan. 

Fora Perks at Royal Mansour Marrakech (free when you book through Fora) :

$100 food / beverage credit, breakfast daily, complimentary roundtrip private airport transfers, upgrade & extended check-in/out whenever possible.

What's special about Royal Mansour Marrakech?

Where to begin? Royal Mansour Marrakech, one of the best hotels in Marrakech, Morocco , is 13 total acres of individual riads — Moroccan luxury homes — high-end restaurants and manicured gardens. The hotel was commissioned by King Mohammed VI of Morocco in the early 2000s as a place to host VIPs like foreign heads of state and ambassadors. 

The art of hosting is on full display here

Royal Mansour Marrakech doesn’t compromise when it comes to taking care of its guests. During our recent FAM trip to Morocco , Fora Advisors experienced nothing short of star treatment. But one thing in particular stood out: the hotel features a system of hidden tunnels strictly reserved for staff, enabling room service to be discreet and impressively seamless. 

The concept: a “medina within a medina” 

The Medina of Marrakech is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Beyond its roots as an ancient trading hub, the medina is a place where medieval Moroccan architecture is remarkably well preserved after nearly a millennium under the desert sun. In that historical vein, open-air markets called souks remain filled with traders and local artisans selling handmade crafts, spices and more within the backdrop of the city’s most notable landmarks. 

In many ways, the medina feels like a window into the past, and Royal Mansour Marrakech is designed to feel like a luxurious extension of the medina: well over 1,000 local artisans participated in the design of the hotel. Yet this immersion doesn’t come at the expense of the hotel’s amenities, and all the facilities and riads are fully up to date.

All “rooms” at Royal Mansour Marrakech are Moroccan-style villas

Royal Mansour isn’t a traditional hotel in the sense that it features a collection of guest rooms and suites. Instead, across 13 acres the hotel boasts 53, multi-level riads of various spacious sizes. 

Each riad has a first-floor living space, a second floor with one to four bedrooms and a third floor that provides lovely views of the property (and beyond in some cases). Each size up offers a clear upgrade in space and certain amenities, like kitchen areas and optional butler service. Moreover, each somehow manages to jump to a new level of Royal Mansour’s sophisticated and dazzling style, which is saying something considering even the entry-level rooms provide a decadent stay.

Oh, and when you book with a Fora Advisor , you’ll automatically be prioritized for a complimentary room upgrade if a higher-tier unit is available.

Superior, Premier & Privilege Riads

All 15 Superior and 19 Premier Riads are individually designed to embody Moroccan culture and design. The former are a bit smaller, but both options feature one bedroom, a private terrace and a plunge pool.

Privilege Riads are a little over twice the size of the Premier option and include two bedrooms. They’re better for small groups and feature optional butler service. 

Prestige & Grand Riads

Royal Mansour hosts four riads in the Prestige collection. Each is a little over five times as large as the Superior Riad, offers a full dining room and elevator (for accessibility) and all the amenities of the prior categories.

The Grand Riad is, unsurprisingly, Royal Mansour’s most exclusive  option. There’s only one on the property, and there’s no contest as far as the offered amenities and decor. This 19,000-square-foot riad boasts four bedrooms, a private hammam, a private garden and pool, a dedicated fitness center and an elevator (ideal if you’re looking for accessible travel options).

Dining & bars at Royal Mansour Marrakech

Dining at Royal Mansour Marrakech matches its luxurious theme, and there are numerous options to choose from.

(P.S. If you want to try local food in Morocco , we have recs! Just connect with a Fora Advisor .)

Restaurants: La Grande Brasserie, La Grande Table Marocaine, Sesamo & Le Jardin Restaurant

Royal Mansour Marrakech has four restaurants on site. La Grande Brasserie puts French cuisine at the forefront. La Grande Table Marocaine presents an elevated take on favorite Moroccan dishes. Sesamo is touted as the best Italian restaurant in Marrakech. And rounding out the fine dining experiences, Le Jardin Restaurant serves a mix of Asian and local flavors in an open-air setting. 

For guests seeking to partake in Morocco’s afternoon tea tradition, La Grande Brasserie serves a delicious spread of light and not-so-light treats along with Moroccan mint and other teas.

Private tables

If you prefer a more exclusive experience, the property caters to special requests for lunch or dinner. Business meetings, marriage proposals, family gatherings…no experience is too small or too large.

Bars & lounges

The bars and lounges of Royal Mansour Marrakech are exceptionally refined, with a focus on relaxation and quiet company. The Main Bar is perhaps the liveliest option, while the Fireplace Lounge and Library offer more intimate spaces. There’s also the Cigar Bar, where guests can sample fine options. 

Fun fact: Royal Mansour Marrakech is home to the largest wine cellar in Africa.

Amenities & facilities of Royal Mansour Marrakech

Amenities at Royal Mansour Marrakech are bar-none. From an elite spa and hammam facility to an excellent concierge service, amenities at Royal Mansour Marrakech are bar-none. Indeed, the property goes to great lengths to ensure guests are well taken care of.

(Want to venture beyond the property? See our Morocco travel guide for tips and our article on things to visit in Marrakech for local itinerary ideas.)

Spa Royal Mansour Marrakech: a 3-story spa, hammam & fitness center

Spa Royal Mansour Marrakech is a beauty, wellness and fitness destination worthy of the Royal Mansour moniker. There’s an authentic hammam, an indoor heated pool, 10 individual spa rooms, three spa suites and a state-of-the-art gym.

The number of tailored treatments and programs available here is impressive: weight control, immunity boost, skin care — the list goes on.

Le Jardin de Lila: an enriching kids’ club

Parents can leave their kids aged four to 10 at Le Jardin de Lila, a bright and cheery kids’ club that occupies little minds with local stories and legends, provides fun activities and even offers complimentary treats.

Curated experiences & an expert concierge team

The team at Royal Mansour is dedicated to ensuring guests can enjoy the very best the city and country has to offer from both a cultural and adventurous perspective. They have insider access to cooking classes, art workshops, excursions into Marrakech and beyond. 

(BTW: if you’re wondering about the best time to visit Morocco for, say, sojourns into the Sahara desert or the Atlas mountains from Marrakech, our guide has intel.)

Royal Mansour Marrakech: FAQs

Have more questions about Royal Mansour Marrakech? Here are some answers to a few common questions.

What’s the area around Royal Mansour Marrakech like? How’s the location?

Royal Mansour is only minutes away from the center of Marrakech, where exploring the city’s medina — the walled inner city filled with open-air markets and cool landmarks — is one of the most exciting things to do in Morocco. 

In fact, Marrakech is easily one of Morocco’s best places to visit if you’re looking for a mix of urban- and nature-bound adventure. Marrakech is rich in culture, while the Agafay desert and Atlas mountains both offer plenty of excitement and natural beauty. And Royal Mansour’s concierge team curates experiences set in all three places.

(Need help building a Morocco itinerary? Read our guide.)

Exactly how far is the hotel from the center of Marrakesh? What about the nearest airport?

Walking from the hotel to Jemaa al-Fna, the main square in the Marrakech Medina, takes around 15 minutes on foot or about five minutes by car. The airport is only about 10–15 minutes away by car.

If you book your stay with a Fora Advisor , roundtrip private airport transfers are included in our partner perks.

Is the Marrakech location the only one? (Hint: for now)

Royal Mansour Marrakech is the group’s only open location. But a hotel in Casablanca is set to open in the future.

(If you’re looking for hotels in Morocco’s most contemporary city, Four Seasons’ Casablanca hotel is a solid choice.)

How much does it cost to stay at Royal Mansour Marrakech?

Royal Mansour is a world-renowned, luxury hotel sponsored by the Crown of Morocco — as you can probably imagine, it’s one of the more exclusive places to stay in the country, let alone Marrakech. In the high season (spring), rates start between $2,500–$3,000 per night.

Is smoking allowed at the hotel? How about alcohol?

Smoking is not allowed at Royal Mansour, but the hotel does serve alcohol.

What are the check-in and check-out times at Royal Mansour Marrakech?

If you book your stay at Royal Mansour with Fora, you can enjoy early check-in and extended check-out times whenever possible. 

Who owns the Royal Mansour Marrakech?

Royal Mansour Marrakech was commissioned by Morocco’s King Mohammed VI but is currently owned by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan of the Abu Dhabi family.

Book with Fora to upgrade your stay at Royal Mansour Marrakech

Can’t wait to indulge in Royal Mansour Marrakech’s hospitality? Book your stay with a Fora Advisor . They’ll make sure your accommodations fit your travel preferences while unlocking hotel perks like daily breakfast and property credits. And if you need help planning the rest of your itinerary, your Fora Advisor can supply you with expert travel suggestions and insider connections.

Still deciding on the setting for your next vacation? Maybe these travel guides have the right inspiration:

3 Luxe & Beautiful Grand Cayman Resorts on Seven Mile Beach  

The 12 Best Places to Stay in Hawai‘i: Islands & Hotels  

The Ultimate Spain Bucket List: Top 15 Destinations in Spain  

The 18 Best Places to Stay in Costa Rica, from Papagayo to Puerto Jiménez  

The 12 Best Places to Stay in Greece: from Athens to Zakynthos  

Where to Stay in Milan, Italy’s Ritzy Fashion Capital  

The 5 Most Unique & Coolest Hotels in Japan

Book with Fora

Tell us more about yourself to get matched with a Fora Advisor and start planning your dream trip today.

Travel Off Path

Travel Off Path

These Are The Top 5 Best Cultural Destinations For 2024 According To Tripadvisor

Posted: March 23, 2024 | Last updated: March 23, 2024

Culture-based trips are <a href="https://www.traveloffpath.com/why-winter-is-the-perfect-time-to-visit-the-latin-american-capital-of-culture/" rel="noreferrer noopener">surging in popularity</a> in 2024, and that's particularly true among American travelers, who in their vast majority, travel abroad specifically to get out of their comfort and expose themselves to completely different environments. From a colorful Latin America, to deeply-historical Europe, to mystical Asia, there is a whole <em>mapa mundis</em> of options to pick from, and if you're looking to get inspired, <em>Tripadvisor</em>‘s <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations-cCulture-g1" rel="noreferrer noopener">latest compilation</a> of <strong>bucket-list cultural destinations </strong>might be a good place to start. To our fellow culture buffs out there, these are the top five spots to visit in 2024:

Athens, Greece

Morocco as a whole is a <a href="https://www.traveloffpath.com/is-it-safe-to-visit-morocco-right-now-4-things-travelers-need-to-know/" rel="noreferrer noopener">hugely underrated</a> destination you should definitely check out in 2024, but instead of pink-washed Marrakesh or the cosmopolitan Casablanca, <em>Tripadvisor </em>has elected lesser-known Fes as the North African country's top cultural hotspot. Seeing that it lays claim to <strong>the largest car-free zone </strong>and medina in the world – it's a literal maze of winding alleys with 156,000 inhabitants – the oldest traditional university known to mankind, and the centuries-old Chouara Tannery, we can't say we're surprised. Outside the medina, Fes is a rapidly-developing city tallying over a million residents, split between historic Muslim quarters, and French-built sectors, with wide, leafy boulevards, upscale restaurants and a distinctively European feel.

Fes, Morocco

The only Asian destination to make the list, Agra is a medium-size Indian hub – by Indian standards – lining the banks of the Yamuna river, and boasting a high concentration of landmarks, from the<strong> iconic Taj Mahal </strong>to the ornate Akbar Tomb to the sandstone Agra Fort. Though a majority of tourists will spend only a day in Agra, mainly for the perfect Taj Mahal picture, it is not somewhere you want to rush through, as this is an exciting city with plenty to offer on the cultural front and one of India's <strong>best-renowned food meccas.</strong> Mughlai cuisine is famous for its colorful spices and creamy curries, and simply wandering around the complex warren of interconnected streets lined by food stalls and bustling markets, you'll come across unique scents and flavors that surpass the reaches of Western comprehension.

Agra, India

Nestled in the heart of the Peruvian Andes, Cusco is one of the oldest settlements in the Americas, best known for its Incan-Hispanic heritage and UNESCO-listed Old Town, dotted with Baroque monuments and Mesoamerican archaeological sites. The central <em>Plaza de Armas</em> was founded by the Spanish upon their conquest of the city, and it's remained a lively square and center of commerce well into the modern era, dominated by a towering cathedral that replaces a much-older Incan palace <strong>dating back to the 13th-century</strong>. Other than exploring the cobbled lanes lined by terracotta-roofed houses that make up the Cusco townscape, visitors will often couple a visit to this Imperial City with a side trip to <a href="https://www.traveloffpath.com/we-just-hiked-the-inca-trail-to-machu-picchu-so-was-it-worth-it/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Machu Picchu</a>, an Incan citadel resting on a high Andean plateau and one of Seven New Wonders of the World.

Cusco, Peru

Number one on the list, Cuba has a complex baggage of socialism and unfriendly relations with the White House, and though it is yet to be in the Administration's good graces, it remains<strong> a hugely popular destination </strong>for Americans. Controversy aside, Cuba is a UNESCO-listed island country celebrated for its historic cities, most notably Havana, hands down the prettiest Caribbean capital with eclectic architecture, as well as a plethora of natural wonders, from white sand beaches to tropical parks. Its coast is pristine and unspoiled, compared to the overdeveloped Mayan Riviera or Punta Cana, and it won't take you long to fall in love with Cuba's vibrant music scene, and the <strong>unique townscapes</strong>, almost frozen in time and still dominated by colonial structures and colorful vintage cars. Dreaming of a cultural getaway this spring? Find more gorgeous spots and start getting inspired <a href="https://www.traveloffpath.com/tag/cultural-destinations/" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.  <strong>↓ Join Our Community ↓</strong> The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/traveloffpath" rel="noreferrer noopener"><strong>Travel Off Path Community FB group</strong> </a>has all the latest travel news, conversations, and Q&A's happening daily!

More for You

Russia's President Vladimir Putin

Putin Issues F-16 Warning

Former RNC Chair Ronna McDaniel

Ronna McDaniel, the former RNC chair and departed NBC analyst, may be signaling a shift in corporate media

mcdonalds-Cheeseburger copy.jpg

McDonald’s fans welcome new menu item after partnership announced

New England Patriots Safety Announces Retirement After New League Rule

New England Patriots Safety Announces Retirement After New League Rule

What Happens to a Joint Bank Account When Someone Dies?

What Happens to a Joint Bank Account When Someone Dies?

These Are the 16 Smells Rats Hate the Most

These Are the 16 Smells Rats Hate the Most

McAfee Legal Trump Case

Judge McAfee's Behavior During Trump Hearing Leaves Analysts in the Dark

FILE - Kentucky Senate President Robert Stivers presides over a session at the Kentucky State Capitol in Frankfort, Ky., Tuesday, March 26, 2024. Kentucky lawmakers on Thursday, March 28, gave final approval to a bill stripping the state's Democratic governor of any role in picking someone to occupy a U.S. Senate seat if a vacancy occurred in the home state of 82-year-old Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell.(AP Photo/Timothy D. Easley, File)

Republican-passed bill removes role of Democratic governor if Senate vacancy occurs in Kentucky

drake bell kenan thompson

Kenan Thompson speaks out on Dan Schneider allegations: ‘Investigate more’

Vladimir Putin has addressed speculation that Russia may plan an attack on Europe

Vladimir Putin breaks silence on speculation Russia could attack Europe with tensions high

mcdonalds_2

McDonald's menu brings back a new take on an iconic item

How to get rid of stink bugs, according to an entomologist

How to get rid of stink bugs, according to an entomologist

Fox News Host Sued for Defamation by Former Biden Business Partner

Fox News Host Sued for Defamation by Former Biden Business Partner

My 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Boxed Brownies

My 1-Ingredient Upgrade for Boxed Brownies

‘World’s largest small town’ offering $10,000 for workers to move there

‘World’s largest small town’ offering $10,000 for workers to move there

25 TV shows that broke racial barriers

The first interracial kiss aired on TV more than 50 years ago—and more shows that broke racial barriers

Russian TV presenter Vladimir Solovyov

Russian State TV Proposes Seizing Alaska and California

19 Traits People Develop Due to Bad Childhoods

19 Traits People Develop Due to Bad Childhoods

Condensation forms around a US Air Force F-22 Raptor fighter in flight. The fighter, probably the most sophisticated and powerful in the world, is to receive a final upgrade to ensure it remains dominant against 'near peer' enemies such as China

World’s best fighter jet gets an upgrade for war against China

Former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden.

'View' co-host credits Trump for attending funeral of NYPD officer while Biden fundraises with celebrities

  • Skip to main content
  • Keyboard shortcuts for audio player

For Baltimore-area residents, bridge collapse means longer commutes and uncertain prospects

Laurel Wamsley at NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., November 7, 2018. (photo by Allison Shelley)

Laurel Wamsley

travel blog to morocco

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by the Dali container vessel, as seen from Riviera Beach, Md., on Tuesday. Carol Guzy for NPR hide caption

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed after being hit by the Dali container vessel, as seen from Riviera Beach, Md., on Tuesday.

For Marylanders like Becky Grimes, who works at an Amazon warehouse near the eastern end of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, the bridge's sudden collapse immediately changed the shape of her day — and many days ahead.

She normally takes the Key Bridge to and from work, but it now takes an extra half hour each way to drive through the city of Baltimore instead of around it.

What we know and don't know about Baltimore's Key Bridge collapse

What we know and don't know about Baltimore's Key Bridge collapse

"I'm not looking forward to it," she says. "There's a lot of people that already want to transfer out."

The collapse of the bridge and the closure of the Port of Baltimore is upending life for countless people in the Chesapeake region.

For many residents, it's the bridge closure that will shake up their daily lives, lengthening commutes and clogging the city's tunnels.

But for the regional economy, the far bigger blow is that the fallen bridge and the container ship Dali are blocking the Port of Baltimore .

travel blog to morocco

A sign warns drivers heading to Baltimore that the Francis Scott Key bridge is closed and to use alternate routes. Laurel Wamsley/NPR hide caption

A sign warns drivers heading to Baltimore that the Francis Scott Key bridge is closed and to use alternate routes.

"Because of the port being suspended, we don't have any traffic yesterday, today, at least for the next week or a week and a half," says Brent Howard, president of the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce. "That's money that we're losing every day because those ships are being redirected to other ports. Norfolk, Newark, Philadelphia are getting that revenue on a daily basis that was already slotted for Baltimore."

And the Key Bridge is a toll bridge that last year generated 7% of the total revenue for the state's transportation authority, according to an analysis by Moody's.

Mercedes, GM, Stellantis scramble; Port jobs are at risk after Baltimore disaster

Mercedes, GM, Stellantis scramble; Port jobs are at risk after Baltimore disaster

Howard says getting the port and bridge running again is pivotal to the region , both economically and emotionally.

"We're the Chesapeake," he says. "Baltimore is really connected to the port and connected to water and connected to ships and vessels. That's something that's always been intrinsic to Baltimore's history, going back to our inception."

A bustling port, now in limbo

As a little girl in the 1970s , Brenda Cotsairis's father brought her to a sandy beach to see the Key Bridge under construction.

She works at a local grocery store and has seen the area weather its ups and downs.

"For a lot of years, good jobs were gone and then things started to come back," she says. "And now we have Tradepoint Atlantic and we have the port bustling — it's a very, very busy port and it's thriving for Baltimore. And now it's devastated."

travel blog to morocco

Brenda Cotsairis has seen the area weather its ups and downs. On Tuesday, she joined others at a lookout in Dundalk, Md., where the collapsed bridge was visible. Laurel Wamsley/NPR hide caption

Brenda Cotsairis has seen the area weather its ups and downs. On Tuesday, she joined others at a lookout in Dundalk, Md., where the collapsed bridge was visible.

Daraius Irani, an economist at Towson University, estimates that the port's closure is costing between $10 million and $15 million a day in lost economic activity. And at least another $1 million a day in state and local taxes won't be collected while the port is closed.

Still, Irani says the port — which last year had its best year ever — should fully rebound. That's in part because Baltimore's port is about a day further inland than many others on the Eastern seaboard, putting it closer to points in the Midwest.

Baltimore's Key Bridge was built in the '70s, but has a deep and patriotic history

Baltimore's Key Bridge was built in the '70s, but has a deep and patriotic history

He says if the port remains closed for months, there could be some furloughs, but he doesn't expect layoffs among workers there. And Irani says the bridge's collapse will likely create some jobs.

"You hate to say this, but in any kind of disaster, there's obviously the opportunity for the rebuild. So new construction jobs will likely come up because they need to build a new bridge," he says.

Businesses near the bridge could see fewer customers

The bridge's absence will almost certainly have a longer impact on the small businesses located near its entrances on either side of the Patapsco River.

Joe Gold is the general manager of Key Brewing, a craft brewery in the town of Dundalk. Like the bridge, the brewery was named after Francis Scott Key, who wrote "The Star-Spangled Banner."

travel blog to morocco

The town of Dundalk is among the Maryland communities near the Key Bridge likely to see less traffic while the bridge is down. Laurel Wamsley/NPR hide caption

The town of Dundalk is among the Maryland communities near the Key Bridge likely to see less traffic while the bridge is down.

"We're not shut down I mean, it's not like that," Gold said Wednesday. "It's just ... the community is going to have to readjust."

With the Key Bridge closed, the traffic that would have passed by to get on I-695 is now taking alternate routes — routes that don't pass by Key Brewing's taproom.

"When I came to work this morning, past 95 to our office, it was the least amount of traffic that I've ever seen on my commute," Gold says.

He says that's a sign that people aren't coming that direction anymore, at least during their daily commutes.

Loss of ship's power and stiff current may have led to bridge collision, experts say

Loss of ship's power and stiff current may have led to bridge collision, experts say

Is he worried about his business surviving? Not just yet.

"It's still too early," he says. "It's still too fresh to kind of know how deep of an impact this is going to have."

It all depends on how long it takes to clear the port — and rebuild a very long bridge.

  • Francis Scott Key Bridge
  • Small Businesses

VIDEO

  1. ‏ثنائي خطير جدا #maroc #marocaine #morocco #tanger #travel #europe #tangier #africa #usa #المغرب

  2. TRAVLE VLOG; I went to Marrachech for a wedding, Hot Air ballon, YSL Museum + More

  3. Things to Know Before Traveling to Morocco (Part 2)

  4. Taroudant , The Ancient City Of Morocco

  5. Morocco in late 1970s

  6. Unforgettable Morocco Travel: Best Travel tips

COMMENTS

  1. Morocco travel blog

    Morocco travel blog: Overview of Morocco Morocco Map. Geographically, Morocco is formed up of four different regions: The Sahara desert with its towns and Berber oasis (Siwa Oasis); the Atlas and Rif mountains; the plains were home to the royal cities of Strasbourgesh and Fez (Fes); and finally the sandy shores of the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by small seaside towns and ...

  2. 11 Reasons Why I Fell in Love With Morocco

    Here are 11 reasons why I fell in love with Morocco — and why you will too: 1. Sleeping Under the Stars in the Sahara. Seeing the beautiful color of the desert up close and personal, camping with Bedouins, and gazing at a million stars with no light pollution was unforgettable. There's an eerie silence in the desert when the wind dies down ...

  3. Morocco Travel Guide: Best Things To Do (10-day Itinerary)

    Day 1 - From Tangier Airport Directly to Chefchaouen. The nearest airport to Chefchaouen is Tangier Airport. From Tangier, it's a 2-hour drive by taxi or a 4-hour drive on the CTM bus. The bus costs around 50 DH, which is a little less than 5 USD.

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

    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.

  5. The Ultimate Morocco Travel Guide • The Blonde Abroad

    Plugs: Most plugs in Morocco are type C and type E. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. A universal adapter will work for most electronics (be sure to get one with surge protection!) but you need a converter for hair dryers and hot tools. Safety: People often ask me if Morocco is safe and if it is a good travel ...

  6. Morocco Budget Travel Guide (Updated 2024)

    Morocco Travel Costs. Accommodation - Dorm rooms with 6-8 beds cost between 80-110 MAD per night in the big cities like Marrakesh and Fez, and about 50-60 MAD in smaller places. Private rooms in hostels cost around 260-380 MAD. Free Wi-Fi is standard and many hostels also include free breakfast.

  7. Morocco Travel Guide 2024 · Itineraries, Top Places, Safety

    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 ...

  8. A Two Week Morocco Itinerary You Should Steal

    Days 5- 6 Ain Cheggag. So, this is the part of my itinerary that would be hard to replicate, but it was also probably my favorite part of my two weeks in Morocco. Danielle and I spent three days staying with Danielle's friend who lives in Ain Cheggag, a village outside of Fes. She's just finishing up three years working with the Peace Corps ...

  9. 18 things to know before going to Morocco

    In medinas, it's helpful to know that if the street sign is a hexagon, it's a dead end. If it's a square, it's a through street. 16. Don't drink the tap water. Morocco's tap water is not safe to drink. Bring a water bottle with a filter to avoid buying plastic. 17. Bring tissues for public toilets.

  10. Morocco Travel Blogs

    Morocco Travel Blogs These are all of my Morocco travel blogs! From exploring buzzy Marrakech, to sleeping under the stars in the Sahara Desert, and road tripping through the Atlas Mountains, find out the best places to travel to in Morocco here, in my Morocco travel blogs. Happy exploring!

  11. Travel to Morocco: Complete Guide

    Saturday 23rd of January 2021. We are planning a trip to Morocco in September, 2021 and thought 9-10 days would allow us to get a good feel for the country. Would travel to Tangiers then Casablanca then to Fez be a good trip to taken in the culture and historic sites. Anna Karsten. Monday 25th of January 2021.

  12. Morocco Travel Blog And Travel Tips

    Morocco is a beautiful country located in North Africa. In fact, Morocco is one of the most popular destinations in Africa since it's pretty close to Europe and you can fly there easily. It has something for everyone - backpackers, couples, solo travelers, luxury travelers, etc. Morocco offers several experiences - from ancient cities to ...

  13. 18 Super Important Must Knows Before You Travel to Morocco

    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 😉.

  14. Morocco Travel Blog: What to Know Before You Go

    Traveling During Eid al-Adha (Eid el-Kbir) in Morocco. By far, Eid al-Adha is the most important holiday for Muslims around the world. It occurs two lunar months after the end of Ramadan. Confusingly, Eid al-Adha called by many different names. Eid el-Kbir (often spelled "Eid el-Kbeer, "Aid al-Kébir" and other variations) is really common.

  15. The Ultimate Marrakech Travel Guide • The Blonde Abroad

    Currency: Morocco uses dirhams, and one US dollar will get you about 11 of them. When it comes to spending money, carry cash and expect to haggle in the markets. Climate: Marrakech is warm all year. Average temps are around 55 degrees Fahrenheit in the coldest months and 85 in the summer.

  16. Morocco —ALONG DUSTY ROADS

    From Essaouria and the windy Atlantic Coast to the dry desert heat of the Sahara Desert, Morocco is a country bursting with possibilities. Road trips through mountain villages, nights camped out amongst the dunes and the intoxicating experience of the country's biggest medinas. Many people come solely for Marrakech, but search a little deeper ...

  17. Morocco Travel Guide: How to prepare and plan your Trip

    5. Religion and Culture: Dress and Behaviour Tips in Morocco. As is well known, Islam is the state religion in Morocco. Knowing that in advance will help you adapt to the culture shock faster. Unfortunately, this means, among other things, that the patriarchal structures are very visible.

  18. MarocMama

    MarocMama is a Marrakech-based travel blog with travel, food, and lifestyle content about Morocco and the world. ... Travel Morocco. Backpacking, Hiking, Camping and RVing; Experiences in Morocco to Book. Marrakech Food Tours; Marrakech Momcation; Private Morocco Trips.

  19. What to Pack for Morocco: The Ultimate Guide

    Now, as they say in Morocco all the time, yallah, let's go! More useful pre-trip reading. Intrepid Travel has a wealth of resources available for anyone planning a trip to Morocco. Check 7 handy guides out below: Tips and advice for first-time travellers to Morocco; A guide to Morocco's 10 tastiest street foods; How to ride a camel like a ...

  20. Morocco Travel Blog

    Moroccan Cities. Morocco Travel Blog lets you learn about the most beautiful cities in Morocco and their interesting histories. The first four towns were all part of the empire. They were Marrakech, Fes, Meknes, and Rabat. Morocco's name comes from the city of Marrakech, which is also the country's busy center.

  21. Morocco Travel Blog

    Morocco Travel Blog is an online lifestyle and leisure magazine highlighting Moroccan news, Moroccan Arts & Culture, Moroccan Food and Drink along with Morocco Travel and Tours for our readers. The news, stories, and photographs featured on Morocco Travel Blog cover all things Quintessentially Moroccan.

  22. Moroccan Travel Blog

    Morocco Travel News. Morocco Shop. Car Rental. +50000. NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBERS. An award-winning travel blog , our community seeks adventure, culture, Inspire and lifestyle. Explore our site before you explore Morocco -- find the best tips on taking the trip you've always desired.

  23. Travel to Morocco

    The largest oasis in the world is in Morocco Oases are part of the natural wealth of Morocco. With an area of 77,000 km2, the region of Tafilalet, in the south of the country, is home to the largest oasis in the world.This group of oases,...

  24. Rick Steves' Europe: Tangier, Morocco: A cultural kaleidoscope

    Tangier's market boasts piles of fruits, veggies, and olives, countless varieties of bread, and nonperishables, like clothing and electronics. By Rick Steves. March 27, 2024 at 11:02 a.m. I can ...

  25. Royal Mansour Marrakech, a Regal Experience in Morocco

    See our Morocco travel guide for tips and our article on things to visit in Marrakech for local itinerary ideas.) Spa Royal Mansour Marrakech: a 3-story spa, hammam & fitness center. Spa Royal Mansour Marrakech is a beauty, wellness and fitness destination worthy of the Royal Mansour moniker. There's an authentic hammam, an indoor heated pool ...

  26. These Are The Top 5 Best Cultural Destinations For 2024 According ...

    The post These Are The Top 5 Best Cultural Destinations For 2024 According To Tripadvisor appeared first on Travel Off Path. ... Morocco as a whole is a hugely underrated destination you should ...

  27. Israel issues travel warnings to Muslim-majority countries

    'Don't Flaunt Your Zionism' | Israel Issues Travel Warnings to Muslim-majority Countries - and the Eurovision Israel's National Security Council urges Israelis to avoid traveling to Turkey, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan. Israelis who plan to go to the Eurovision in Sweden or the Olympic Games in France, it added, should refrain from exhibiting 'Israeli' characteristics

  28. The bridge collapse in Baltimore is disrupting work and travel for

    Brenda Cotsairis has seen the area weather its ups and downs. On Tuesday, she joined others at a lookout in Dundalk, Md., where the collapsed bridge was visible. Daraius Irani, an economist at ...

  29. National Security Council issues travel warnings to Turkey, Morocco

    Turkey, Morocco, Jordan, and Egypt are destinations that "should be avoided at the current time," an Israeli official says as Israel's National Security Council (NSC) issues travel warnings ...

  30. Report: At least 33 killed in alleged Israeli air strikes in Syria

    Netanyahu tells families of kidnapped Israeli soldiers 'he has to make the cold judgment' ICJ orders Israel to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, calls for release of hostages Israel issues travel warnings for Turkey, Egypt, Morocco and Jordan Palestinian PM forms new government Three wounded in West Bank shooting attack