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Tips to Know Before Traveling to Morocco

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

Stepped walkway flanked by blue walls and plants in colorful pot.

If much of your travel experience has been in the US or Europe, some things about North Africa may come as a surprise, from the multiple languages spoken to the traditions of a Muslim-dominant country. We put together this list of Morocco travel tips based on our experiences to help you get the most out of your visit.

Allow plenty of transit time in your itinerary

Buildings of Moulay Idriss built on the hillside
Moulay Idriss in the hills of the Fez-Meknes region

Morocco is enormous. Wrapping around the northwestern coastline of Africa, it touches the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic and includes a swath of the Western Sahara Desert. As a result, many places in Morocco are far apart–especially with the Atlas Mountains running through the heart of the country–and transit times can be long. If you have your heart set on places like Chefchaouen or Merzouga, know that it will take time to get there and plan accordingly.

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

Mosques are (mostly) off-limits unless you’re Muslim

Arches and decorated interior of a mosque.
Inside Hassan II Mosque

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

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

No vaccines or visas are required

For Americans, the requirements for traveling to Morocco are easy. No visas are needed, and no vaccines are specifically required. The CDC recommends hepatitis A, hepatitis B, measles, Rabies, and typhoid shots, but they’re not a must.

Morocco is not a dry country

Glass and bottle of wine made in Morocco.
Moroccan wine at a restaurant in Rabat

Though alcohol is not available everywhere, you can certainly find it if you’re looking. Hotels and some restaurants serve it, and there are bars and nightclubs in every big city. You generally won’t find alcohol in stores unless you’re going to the French supermarket Carrefour.

We were surprised to learn that there are even a few wineries in Morocco. If you think about the geography—not terribly far from the European wine powerhouses of Greece, Spain, and Italy—it makes a lot of sense. Culturally, however, it is unexpected.

Fridays are holy days

Muslims observe holy days on Fridays, which means that almost everyone goes to the mosques to pray. As a result, business hours may vary from other days of the week, especially in the afternoons. Souks will certainly be quieter and many businesses will be closed. In the evenings, however, things can get quite busy—especially in places like Jemaa el-Fna square in Marrakech—after prayers are over.

Many main tourist attractions remain open on Friday, but check the opening hours if you have a must-see sight or experience on your itinerary.

You won’t be alone in the desert

Line of people riding camels across sand dunes in Sahara desert.
Traveling in Merzouga

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

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

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

Sand dune in Morocco.
Spectacular sand dune at sunrise

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

Road sign warning about the presence of camels.
Camel crossing

Learn key phrases to communicate

It is not a guarantee that everyone you will encounter will speak English. While many Moroccans speak several languages, the most common is Darija, an Arabic dialect. Knowing a few key phrases in Darija or even the commonly used French can be very helpful.

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

Storks are protected animals

Storks in large nests at a historic ruin.
Stork nests at Chellah

Considered holy animals in Morocco, storks are often found nesting in the tops of minarets and other buildings. We saw them first in the ancient site of Chellah in Rabat, but they’re fairly common in Marrakech, too. If you see one of the huge birds building a nest or hanging around, steer clear—disturbing a stork comes with a three-month jail sentence.

Taking photos can be a no go

Woman cooking traditional Moroccan food.
Woman at a food stand who allowed us to photograph

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

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

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

Each city has a specialty

Man painting pottery in an artisan workshop.
Making pottery in Fez

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

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

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

Bottles of argan oil on shelf.
Artisan oil options at a women’s collective

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

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

Stick to bottled water

Most tap water is fine for brushing your teeth, but it’s best to stick to bottled water for drinking, out of an abundance of caution. After a few incidents in Peru and Egypt, we’re always prepared with Immodium just in case.

Not everywhere has mint tea

Tea, cookies, and nuts
Green tea and snacks

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

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

Chefchaouen really is that blue

Solid blue passageway with steps and arched doorways.
Alleyway in Chefchaouen

Photos of brilliant blue Chefchaouen were one of the reasons we became interested in visiting Morocco. I didn’t care that it wasn’t the easiest place to get to, I was determined that it would be on our itinerary, but I did wonder if it was really that blue all the time. It is.

It’s completely mesmerizing. The best part of visiting is getting lost in the medina and traversing the lanes up and down the hills while watching the colors change in front of you.

Unwanted attention is basically a sure thing

Most people also want to know if it’s safe to travel to Morocco, particularly for women. The answer is “yes,” but there are some caveats. A big one is that female travelers are likely to receive unwanted attention.

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

Royal palace gate in Fez, Morocco

Dressing modestly is a good idea

Everyone has a different idea of what “appropriate dress” is. When we travel, we try to respect local customs, so we dress and behave accordingly. Wearing tank tops and short shorts isn’t a crime, but it’s likely to draw attention you don’t want, and you’ll probably feel more uncomfortable in the end. Your best bet is dressing modestly, covering shoulders, legs, and cleavage.

Try the unbelievable fruit juice

Man squeezing oranges for juice.
Juice stand in Chefchaouen

Fruit is unbelievably cheap throughout the country. Don’t hesitate to indulge in the fruit juice stands whenever they’re available. We found them most often in Chefchaouen and Jemaa el-Fnaa in Marrakech.

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

Traditional Moroccan food is fabulous

Tagine and traditional Moroccan food.
Delicious couscous and tagine

Food is plentiful, excellent, and super affordable. In many places, you can get delicious main dishes for about $9USD, and the portions are large enough to feed a small army. Once you add in bread and a starter to share, you’ll be looking to take the long way back to your riad to walk off a little of dinner. To sample a wide variety, we recommend joining a local food tour.

There are four dishes you’ll find in most places—tagine, kefta, pastilla, and couscous. Tagine is both the clay pot cooking vessel and the name of the dish that includes a variety of different vegetables and usually lamb, chicken, or beef. Kefta is seasoned ground beef meatballs (sometimes served on skewers). One of the best meals we had in Morocco was kefta at a roadside stop. SO good.

Cinnamon-topped pastilla
Pastilla coated in cinnamon

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

Getting lost is normal

Vendors and shoppers in the street of the medina.
Medina packed with shops

The bigger medinas have hundreds of shops, workshops, and food stands not to mention thousands of residents and visitors going about their daily lives. To say there is a lot of activity is an understatement. At the same time, the alleys and streets twist and turn leading to squares, dead ends, and whole new sections of the medina you didn’t know existed.

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

Plan ahead for cellular or wifi access

While many people like to disconnect on vacation, a smartphone is a valuable tool in a country where you may not always speak the language, or where you need directions or other information. Cell coverage is generally good other than in the most remote areas, and 4G is available in most cities and many towns.

The two best solutions for online access are to travel with an unlocked phone or to have a phone plan that includes international coverage. If your phone is unlocked, buying a local SIM card can keep you connected very cheaply. If that’s not an option, see whether your cell provider offers coverage (our plan through T-Mobile does).

Colored yarn hanging above the dyers' stalls.
Dyed yarn in a souk

Travel with toilet paper

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

Bargaining is part of the culture

Rugs for sale.
Rugs for sale

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

Here’s the thing: prices at souks are dramatically marked up. The shopkeepers expect haggling. Most guides advise starting your bargaining at 1/3 of the price you’re quoted, So, if you’re quoted 1000 dirham, offer 300 in return. Most of the time, you should reach an agreement at about 50-60% of the original price. Never seem too interested, and be prepared to walk away.

There are goats! In trees!

Goats in an argan tree with a kid on the ground.
Goats in an argan tree in the southwest

Between Marrakech and Essouira, there is a place where you’re likely to see goats in trees. In the past, farmers coaxed the goats into the argan trees to gnaw on the tough seeds that hang from the branches. The goats ate and—shall we say, “processed”—the seeds, making it easier for farmers to extract the valuable contents inside the seeds.

Today, machinery processes the argan more easily, so the goats-in-trees thing is for tourists. Although it’s not as authentic as it once was, there’s no question that it makes for an amazing photo. And, if you’re lucky, you might just get to hold a kid.

Don’t miss the Roman ruins

Roman mosaic in the ruins of an ancient Roman city in Morocco.
Restored mosaic at Volubilis

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

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

Scammers abound

Overhead view of vendors and shoppers in a busy square.
Jemaa el-Fna square is a prime spot for scam

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

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

It’s important not to let your desire to be polite guide you into interacting. Use common sense and a definitive “no” (“la” in Arabic) and keep on walking.

Tanneries look—but do not smell—beautiful

Vats of dye at a tannery in Morocco.
One of the Fez tanneries

The circles filled with dozens of colors and the people wandering among them make the tanneries an amazing mosaic when seen from above. What isn’t obvious from photos, though, it that some of those vats hold urine, water mixed with pigeon poo, and other unsavory solutions in order to prepare the hides. The vats and hides can get hot. And they stink.

The tannery viewing experience will come with a sprig of mint to dull the scent. If you visit outside of the summer, the aroma is much less.

Weather can vary dramatically

Fishing boats in the seaside city of Essouira
Fishing boats in the seaside city of Essaouira

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

Having cash is necessary

Stores full of merchandise in the souks

Morocco has a closed currency, which means it’s not available outside the country, but you’ll need plenty of it. Your first opportunity to get some will likely be in the airport when you arrive, so go to the ATM there. Some places take credit or debit cards, but cash will be needed for many things. Finding an ATM in larger cities is relatively easy, but planning ahead is always a good idea.

Hectic Marrakech has a garden oasis

Cacti and trees in a garden.
Jardin Majorelle

In the middle of Marrakech is a sprawling garden complex that feels a world away from the activity of the city. Jardin Majorelle, the brilliant garden that was owned by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé, has hundreds of varieties of plants plus fountains, ponds, and other peaceful additions.

It is worth noting that the line to get into Jardin Majorelle can be long. Book your tickets in advance and arrive early.

Plants, trees, and flowers at Jardin Majorelle

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David

Wednesday 2nd of March 2022

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

Laura Longwell

Wednesday 2nd of March 2022

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

Isabel

Monday 5th of July 2021

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

Laura Longwell

Monday 5th of July 2021

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

Aliny

Friday 16th of August 2019

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

flor

Thursday 30th of May 2019

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

Emily Lowe

Wednesday 19th of September 2018

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

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

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