A vibrant blend of ancient cities, sweeping deserts, high mountains, and warm hospitality — Morocco is one of the most rewarding destinations for culture, food, and adventure. Below is a practical, beautifully organized guide to help you plan your trip.
Practical Tips
Language
- Arabic & Berber (Amazigh) are official
- French widely spoken
- English increasingly common in tourist areas
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
Safety
Morocco is generally safe for travelers.
Follow the usual precautions (avoid quiet alleys at night, be careful with scams in busy areas).
Is Morocco Expensive?
Overall, Morocco is very affordable, especially compared to Europe.
Mid-range travelers can be extremely comfortable for around $60–$120 per day.
Top Destinations in Morocco
1. Marrakech — The Cultural Capital
Marrakech combines traditional Moroccan charm with modern luxury. Its bustling medina is filled with souks, rooftop cafés, and historic sights.
Must-See Sites
- Jemaa el-Fnaa square
- Bahia Palace
- Majorelle Garden & Yves Saint Laurent Museum, run by Fondation Jardin Majorelle
- Traditional riads and rooftop terraces
Where to Stay in Marrakech
- Riad Yasmine — iconic pool and design
- La Mamounia — legendary luxury run by La Mamounia
- El Fenn — stylish boutique oasis
- Best Areas: Medina (traditional), Gueliz (modern), Palmeraie (resorts)
2. Fes — Morocco’s Spiritual & Cultural Heart
Fes is home to one of the world’s oldest universities and the most preserved medieval medina in North Africa.
Top Experiences
- Fes el-Bali medina
- University of al-Qarawiyyin
- Chouara Tannery
- Traditional artisan workshops
Where to Stay in Fes
- Riad Fes — boutique luxury by Riad Fes
- Karawan Riad — exquisite suites
- Riad Laaroussa — romantic & serene
- Best Areas: Fes el-Bali (immersive), Fes el-Jdid (quieter)
3. Chefchaouen — The Blue Pearl
Known for its stunning blue-painted walls and peaceful atmosphere, Chefchaouen is a favorite among photographers and slow travelers.
Where to Stay in Chefchaouen
- Lina Ryad & Spa
- Dar Echchaouen — mountain views
- Casa Perleta — traditional charm
4. The Sahara Desert — Merzouga & Erg Chebbi
A night in the Sahara is one of the most iconic Morocco experiences.
What to Do
- Camel trek at sunset
- Sleep in a desert camp
- Sandboarding & 4×4 desert tours
Where to Stay in the Sahara
- Sahara Luxury Camps
- Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp
- Kasbah Hotel Tombouctou
- Options: Luxury tents, standard camps, kasbah-style lodges
5. Casablanca — Modern Morocco
Casablanca is the country’s business hub and gateway for many international flights.
Where to Stay in Casablanca
- Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca
- Barceló Casablanca — from Barceló Hotel Group
- Hyatt Regency Casablanca
- Best Areas: Corniche (coastal), City Center (convenient)
6. Essaouira — Bohemian Coastal Escape
A breezy Atlantic town filled with art galleries, seafood stalls, and relaxing beachfront cafés.
Where to Stay in Essaouira
- L’Heure Bleue Palais — managed by L’Heure Bleue Palais
- Riad Chbanate
- Atlas Essaouira & Spa
- Best Areas: Medina (charming), beachfront (relaxing)
7. Atlas Mountains — Nature, Wellness & Adventure
Home to Mount Toubkal, the Atlas Mountains offer hiking, Berber villages, and eco-friendly retreats.
Where to Stay
- Kasbah du Toubkal
- Berber Lodge
- Ouirgane Eco-Lodge
- Best Areas: Imlil, Asni, Ourika Valley
Best Things To Do in Morocco
- Wander ancient medinas
- Stay in a traditional riad
- Take a Sahara desert tour
- Explore the Atlas Mountains
- Enjoy a Moroccan hammam spa
- Shop for handmade crafts (carpets, ceramics, leather)
Suggested Itineraries
7-Day Classic Morocco
Marrakech → Sahara → Fes → Chefchaouen
- Day 1–2: Marrakech
- Day 3–4: Sahara Desert (Merzouga)
- Day 5–6: Fes
- Day 7: Chefchaouen
10-Day Highlights
Casablanca → Rabat → Chefchaouen → Fes → Sahara → Marrakech → Essaouira
Great mix of culture, coast, mountains, and desert.
Best Time to Visit
- Spring (March–May) — ideal weather
- Fall (Sept–Nov) — comfortable and less crowded
- Winter — desert is cold at night, but cities are pleasant
- Summer — very hot, especially inland
How to Choose the Best Area to Stay
- Culture & Souks: Marrakech, Fes
- Beaches & Surf: Essaouira, Agadir
- Photography: Chefchaouen
- Adventure & Desert: Merzouga / Erg Chebbi
- Business & Comfort: Casablanca
- Nature & Hiking: Atlas Mountains
Daily Travel Budget in Morocco
🟢 Budget Traveler: $25–$45 per day
Ideal for backpackers.
- Hostel bed: $8–$15
- Cheap meals + street food: $3–$6
- Local transport: $1–$4
- Activities: free–$15 (souks, medinas, gardens)
Shared desert tour (3 days): $90–$120
🟡 Mid-Range Traveler: $60–$120 per day
Most comfortable for typical travelers.
- Riad/Hotel: $40–$80
- Meals at good restaurants: $6–$12
- Taxis, trains, buses: $3–$15
- Entry fees: $3–$10
- Desert luxury camp upgrade: $60–$120 extra
🔵 Luxury Traveler: $150–$350+ per day
Boutique stays, private tours, fine dining.
- Luxury riads: $150–$350
- High-end restaurants: $20–$40 per meal
- Private drivers: $80–$150/day
- Luxury desert camp: $180–$350 per night
Accommodation Costs in Morocco
Hostels
- $8–$20 per night
- Available mostly in Marrakech, Fes, Casablanca, Chefchaouen
Riads (traditional Moroccan houses)
- Budget riads: $25–$50
- Mid-range: $50–$100
- Luxury riads: $150–$400
Hotels & Resorts
- Mid-range hotels: $40–$90
- Luxury hotels: $150–$500+
Desert Camps
- Standard camp: $40–$70/night
- Luxury camp: $150–$350/night
Food & Drinks to Try
- Tagine — slow-cooked stew (chicken, lamb, veggies)
- Couscous — usually served on Fridays
- Pastilla — flaky pastry with chicken or pigeon
- Harira — traditional soup
- Mint Tea — “Moroccan whiskey”
Don’t forget local markets: the Mellah of Marrakech and Fes food souks are excellent.
Food & Drink Costs
Street Food
- Sandwiches, brochettes, pastries: $1–$3
- Fresh juices: $0.50–$1
- Mint tea: $0.50–$1
Local Restaurants
- Tagine or couscous: $3–$6
- Pastilla: $4–$7
- Seafood (coastal cities): $5–$10
Tourist/Fancier Restaurants
- $10–$25 per person
Upscale Dining
- $20–$40+
Transportation Cost
- $20–$40+
Trains (run by ONCF)
- Casablanca → Marrakech: $8–$15
- Marrakech → Fes: $20–$35
- Rabat → Tangier (high-speed train): $15–$30
Buses (e.g., CTM)
- $5–$15 for intercity routes
Taxis
- Petite taxi: $1–$3 (short rides)
- Grand taxi (intercity): $5–$20
- Airport taxi (Marrakech): ~$10–$15
Activity & Sightseeing Costs
Popular Activities
- Camel trek: $20–$40
- Guided medina tour: $20–$40
- Sahara multi-day tours:
- Budget: $90–$150
- Luxury: $250–$450
Hammam (spa)
- Local hammam: $3–$7
- Tourist hammam: $15–$30
- Luxury spa: $40–$100
Entrance Fees
- Palaces & gardens: $3–$7
- Museums: $2–$6
- Hassan II Mosque: $12–$15
Shopping Costs in Morocco
Prices depend heavily on bargaining.
Approximate Prices
- Leather bags: $15–$40
- Carpets: $60–$300+
- Ceramics: $5–$20
- Argan oil (real): $8–$20
- Lanterns: $10–$30
Cost-Saving Tips for Morocco
1. Eat Where Locals Eat
Skip tourist-centric restaurants in areas like the Jemaa el-Fnaa and head a few streets away.
Local eateries serve tagines, couscous, and brochettes for a fraction of the price.
Average savings: 40–60% per meal.
2. Use Petit Taxis — But Always Ask for the Meter
In cities like Casablanca, Marrakech, and Fes, petit taxis are cheap only when the meter is on.
If a driver refuses, politely step out and try the next taxi.
Tip: In Marrakech, insist on “compteur, s’il vous plaît.”
3. Haggle Everywhere in Souks
Haggling is not rude — it’s expected.
Start at 30–40% of the offered price, smile, and negotiate up.
Tip: Don’t show too much enthusiasm for an item you actually want.
4. Take Shared Taxis (Grand Taxis) for Inter-City Travel
Grand taxis running between towns are significantly cheaper than private shuttles or trains.
They leave when full and can cut long-distance travel prices by half.
Used commonly on routes like:
- Marrakech ↔ Essaouira
- Fes ↔ Chefchaouen
- Tangier ↔ Tetouan
5. Choose Riads Just Outside the Medina Hotspots
Staying inside the medina increases costs due to convenience pricing.
Instead, look just outside the main gates for better deals but easy access.
6. Buy a Moroccan SIM Card Instead of International Roaming
Providers like Orange and Maroc Telecom offer cheap pre-paid data packages.
Example:
- 10 GB data ≈ $5–7 USD
7. Travel in Shoulder Season
Late spring (April–June) and early fall (September–October) offer:
- Lower hotel/riad prices
- Fewer tourists
- More bargaining power
High season (November–March) increases prices in Marrakech, Fes, and the Sahara.
8. Book Sahara Desert Tours in Morocco, Not Online
Online packages can be 2× the cost of the identical tour booked in person.
On-the-ground price:
- Merzouga 3-day tour from Marrakech → $100–150 USD with meals included
9. Bring Cash (Dirhams) to Avoid Withdrawal Fees
ATMs often charge 30–60 MAD per withdrawal.
Use ATMs once or twice instead of daily small withdrawals.
10. Drink Mint Tea, Not Alcohol
Alcohol is expensive and hard to find.
Mint tea costs 5–15 MAD and is a cultural experience.
11. Avoid Airport Taxis
Airport taxis often quote inflated rates.
Take:
- Train (Casablanca Airport)
- Airport bus (Marrakech Airport → Djemaa el Fnaa)
- Or Bolt (operates in several major cities)
12. Shop for Spices & Argan Oil at Co-Ops, Not Tourist Stalls
Women’s cooperatives in areas like the Atlas Mountains offer authentic products at lower prices than tourist shops in Marrakech.