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

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!

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Morocco travel blog: Overview of 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.

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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

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.

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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).

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.

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

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.

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.

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”.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

B’ssara (Moroccan fava bean soup)

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.

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

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.

Kefta tagine

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.

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.

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).

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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

• 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

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 .

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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 .

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Morocco Travel Guide

Last Updated: September 2, 2023

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.

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

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

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

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

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

11 Reasons Why I Fell in Love With Morocco

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A Two Week Morocco Itinerary You Should Steal

April 25, 2022 by Silvia 50 Comments

Updated April 2022

I don’t always love planning a trip. I pretend I’m such a free spirit that I just can’t be tied down to schedules, but the truth is I find it hard to make a proper schedule in advance – especially for countries I’ve never been to before. I need to feel out a place first, see what the transport situation is, and how exhausted or bored or love-struck a place makes me.

But since Danielle and I only had two weeks in Morocco, we wanted to come up with the perfect two week Morocco itinerary.

I usually plan the first few nights of accommodation of a two-week trip, and then I figure out the rest after I arrive. Sometimes this works in my favor, while other times I end up missing out on really cool things that I could have experienced if I had been more organized.

And that is why I am SO proud of how perfect my two-week Morocco itinerary turned out to be.

Over the course of the trip, Danielle and I kept remarking over how perfectly everything was falling into place. We fit way more into our two weeks in Morocco than I had expected to, I ended up loving all of our accommodation choices, and I think we saw Moroccan cities and villages in exactly the right order.

I’d love to take credit for it, but honestly, it was mostly just luck. And I feel so lucky about it that I want everyone to do the exact same trip! Or at least look over this two week Morocco itinerary and see if it could work for you, because I really, really loved it. Like I might just need to go back and do it all over again, exactly the same. Would that be weird?

Now, we technically only had 12 days in Morocco, but I decided to extend this itinerary to 14 days because two extra days would have been quite nice. On the other hand, I think you could also make this work for a 10-day itinerary if you’re pressed for time.

Getting to Morocco

The great thing about Morocco is that lots of budget airlines fly here from Europe, so you don’t need to fly in and out of the same airport.

Danielle and I both flew with Tap Portugal. Danielle booked a roundtrip flight from New York to Lisbon, and then a super cheap flight from Lisbon to Casablanca, and then returning out of Marrakech back to Lisbon. And I booked flights for about $80 from Norway with a layover in Paris.

Of course we could have booked roundtrip tickets, but it would have meant less flexibility. If you’re looking for a way to find the cheapest roundtrip/one-way routes, Kiwi.com is the perfect flight hacking tool for this, because they search all the budget airlines as well. Just remember if you book on Kiwi, book your luggage in advance as well as it’s way cheaper.  You can read all my tips for booking cheap flights here .

Anyway, that’s all to say, if you can, try to book a flight into Casablanca and then leaving from Marrakech, as you’ll save so much time (and money!) that way.

Packing for Morocco

I’ve written more about traveling as a woman in Morocco and what to wear in Morocco here . You do have to be a bit careful with what you wear in Morocco, but don’t worry, I’ve found lots of nice options for you.

And please, please, don’t forget travel insurance! I always book with World Nomads because on the two occassions that I needed to file claims with them they made the process so simple, no questions asked. I’ve tried other cheaper alternatives in the past and have been screwed over, so now I know to just always go with World Nomads. You can get a quote for your trip here .

Day 1 – Casablanca

Danielle and I both flew into Casablanca. Considering our first destination in Morocco was Chefchaouen, and there are several international airports in Morocco that are much closer to Chefchaouen, this might not have been the smartest choice, except that I’m so happy we didn’t skip Casablanca. In fact, I think it made for the perfect first stop in Morocco.

We arrived in Casablanca too late to catch the 1 pm bus to Chefchaouen so we booked a stay with a local family in the medina. I can’t find that specific listing now, but there are a lot of lovely options in Casablanca, like cozy flat .

If you’d rather stay in a hotel in Casablanca, we later met two girls who had stayed at the Atlas Almohades and really loved it. Check here for current prices and availability

Casablanca isn’t much of a tourist destination in Morocco, which meant that locals didn’t pay us much attention – something I was very relieved about after having read so many horror stories about female travel in Morocco (SPOILER: I wasn’t really harassed at all during my two weeks in Morocco).

I had heard that Casablanca is underwhelming and that it’s mostly just famous because of the movie, but honestly I’m so glad I went. It definitely felt like the least touristy city I visited in Morocco, which I really loved. Like I think Casablanca gave me the best feel for what Morocco is like for locals.

After arriving Danielle and I headed out into the medina in search of food, and we quickly found a stand selling snail soup, which we thought would make the perfect first meal in Morocco!

And the snail soup man was so kind to us that we asked him where we could find tagine (the obvious choice for our second meal in Morocco), and he showed us down a little alley where we ate what probably was my favorite tagine in Morocco (and at $1.50 also the cheapest).

If you have a bit longer or would like a more guided experience to Casablanca, check out this 4-hour sightseeing tour or this private half-day tour.

Day 2 – Casablanca to Chefchaouen

We spent the next morning wandering the medina a bit more, and then we caught the 1:30 pm bus to Chefchaouen!

Our bus got into Chefchaouen at 8 pm, basically giving us enough time to find our guest house.

We stayed at Dar Besmellah in Chefchaouen, which is run by the nicest family. The dad actually works in Oslo, so the son spoke some Norwegian! So random. And the daughter showed us some nice local spots.  Check current rates and availability here

If Dar Besmellah is booked up, try Dar Elrio or Riad Cherifa , both have high reviews and while they’re a bit more luxurious, they’re still quite affordable.

Another option is to look for Vrbos in Chefchaouen, like this  studio with gorgeous terrace views or this  stunning four-story home.  This is a great way to get to know the locals better, instead of just staying in a tourist hotel or riad.

Day 3 – Chefchaouen

It rained all day in Chefchaouen, so I didn’t get to do as much on this day as I would have liked. Instead, Danielle and I spent the morning in a small restaurant having a big breakfast and drinking a lot of mint tea. And then we asked our guest house what we could do while it was so cold and rainy and they sent us to the hammam for a good scrubbing.

For dinner, we headed to Chez Hicham, mostly because we could eat upstairs in front of the fireplace, though it also ended up being one of my favorite meals in Morocco.

Click here to read more about our two days in Chefchaouen , including the best things to do – and what to eat!

Day 4 – Chefchaouen to Fes (Ain Cheggag)

As the day before had been so rainy, we got the late afternoon bus to Fes and spent the day exploring Chefchaouen in the sunshine.

We left with the CTM bus at 15:15, which arrived in Fes at 19:30. Then we got a shared taxi to the village of Ain Cheggag, where we stayed with a friend. If you’re staying in Fes and would rather book your transfer ahead time, try out this company .

To be honest if I were to do this trip again I would book a private tranfer, because I got  so carsick on the bus. The road from Chefchaouen is really windy and being in a bus always makes it so much worse. At least the bus was comfortable though, and I didn’t actually end up getting sick, so it definitely could have been worse!

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 in Ain Cheggag, so staying with her was a great way to learn more about Morocco. We met her friends and ate meals with some of the local families she was closest to.

And we let them dress us up like Moroccan women.

We didn’t actually spend the night of Day 6 here, but instead caught the 8:30 pm Supratours night bus from Fes to Merzouga.

I think staying in a village added so much to my experience in Morocco, so if possible I would try to look for people on Couchsurfing or Vrbo who live outside of the cities to stay with. The only tour I found that could give you a  taste of Moroccan life out of a big city is this farm life tour in the Atlas Mountains .

Otherwise, you could just spend these two nights in Fes, OR just spend one night and one day in Fes, and use the extra day to visit either somewhere in the Atlas mountains while on your way to Marrakech.

Day 7 – Sahara Desert (Merzouga)

We arrived early in the morning to Merzouga and then caught up on some sleep at our guest house, L’Auberge Petit Prince, who also organized our desert camping tour. Then at 4 pm, we headed out on our camels into the Sahara Desert!

Check here for current prices for L’Auberge Petit Prince

If L’Auberge Petit Prince is booked up, then check out some of the Airbnb options in Merzouga.  There’s everything from more luxurious places like Hotel Kanz Erremal to glamping in traditional Berber tents to budget-friendly places, like Merzouga Hostel .

We spent the night in the desert – click here to read more about our experience of camping in the Sahara Desert . If your accommodation can’t help you with booking a desert tour, check some of these tours .

And if you’re wondering if the desert tour is worth it, oh my goodness yes it is! We seriously had the best time in our tent, and the camel ride was so much fun. So, so worth it.

Day 8 – Merzouga to Essaouira

This was by far our longest travel day, which started on camelback, then a twelve-hour bus, and  then a shared taxi up to Essaouira.

We left our desert camp at 5:30 am so that we would have time to eat breakfast at our guesthouse in Merzouga and then catch the 8 am bus to Marrakech, which arrived at 8:30 pm.

The bus to Marrakech is really, really long. But the journey is also incredibly beautiful, so I’m really glad that we didn’t opt for the night bus instead.

If you have an extra day or two (for example if you opted to only spend one day and night in Fes), it might be nice to break up this journey a bit. Tinerhir looked like a really interesting place,  Ouarzazate is another popular stop, or you could stay somewhere high up in the Atlas Mountains.

You can also find a lot of cool tours that take you deeper into the culture of the Atlas Mountains like this tour through several villages and this trip to Ouarzazate and Ait Benhaddou .

After arriving in Marrakech we walked over to the shared taxi stand outside of the medina and caught a shared taxi to Essaouira, which arrived around 11 pm.

In Essaouira, we stayed three nights at Villa Maroc, a beautifully designed hotel (with a gorgeous pool!). This was one of the nicest places we stayed in Morocco, and I think Essaouira was the perfect place to splurge a bit on accommodation.  Check here for current prices for Villa Maroc

If Villa Maroc is unavailable, check out the different stays in Essaouira , such as this apartment with sea views , this beautiful townhouse , or a room this riad .

Days 9 – 10 Essaouira

Originally I didn’t think we’d have time for Essaouira, but when we realized we could get the night bus from Fes to Merzouga and do a desert tour straight from there, we ended up having a few extra days to visit this beach city.

And I’m so glad we did! I would probably rate Essaouira as my #1 must-see in Morocco – at least (besides the village) it was my favorite place we visited during our two weeks in Morocco. Like, I would definitely choose seeing Essaouira over Chefchaouen or Marrakech if it came down to it. Personally I found Essaouira more beautiful than Chefchaouen or Marrakech, and the people there were really laidback.

It just seemed like the easiest place to be a tourist in Morocco, as I wasn’t really hassled, the city is beautiful, and there’s so much to do there. Plus it doesn’t have that super touristy feel that Marrakech does.

In fact if I had a really short time in Morocco I would probably just go to Marrakech and Essaouira.

But if you’re really pressed for time, you could book a day trip to Essaouira – though in that case, I would book transport ahead of time, as we spent hours waiting around for our shared taxi to fill up. Check rates and availability for Essaouira day trips here

Click here to read more about my time in Essaouira , including things to do and where to eat in Essaouira.

Day 11 – Essaouira to Marrakech

We spent the day in Essaouira and caught a shared taxi to Marrakech around 4 pm, which meant that we arrived in Marrakech just around dinner time.

If you’d rather book your transfer ahead of time, check out this option.

Days 12 – 13 Marrakech

I actually only spent two nights in Marrakech, but Danielle had three nights and I did wish I had had an extra day there!

That said, I’m also very, very glad that we did Marrakech last.

Marrakech is full of tourists (I mean, obviously) and I think it can be a bit of a shock for people who make it their first stop in Morocco. It’s noisy and crowded and I would say because of the tourists it’s probably the place in Morocco where you’re most likely to be harassed, hassled, or ripped off.

But by the time I arrived in Marrakech I was already so in love with Morocco that I didn’t even notice any of that. And while two weeks isn’t a long time, I think it was long enough for me to feel at least a bit more confident in brushing off remarks and bargaining for pretty Moroccan items – and in Marrakech, you have to bargain  hard .

It was kind of shocking how much higher prices the vendors were quoting than in the other cities I had been to, but they usually would end up agreeing on something more reasonable (usually around half, or sometimes less than half of the originally price).

And there is so much to buy there so you will need to get your bargaining on! I’m actually seriously considering taking a weekend trip from Norway to Marrakech purely for shopping since flights are so cheap and they seriously have the best interior products. Think amazing rugs, cushions, fabrics – you’ll find it all in Marrakech.

If you’re worried about being hassled in Marrakech, you could always sign up for  a private day tour in Marrakech  so that you have the comfort of a guide. My friends who did this said they weren’t hassled at all when their guide was with them.

I also think my accommodation in Marrakech made my experience there all the more lovely.

We stayed at the Riad Dombaraka, run by the nicest French woman. Dominique has only been living Morocco for five years, but she’s incredibly involved in local projects. She has designed her riad with love and it truly was the most beautiful riad I saw in Morocco.

Check current prices for Riad Dombaraka

I also just loved the atmosphere at Riad Dombaraka. When we arrived we joined Dominique and some other guests for a glass of wine in the gardens, and it really did feel more like staying with a family than at a hotel.

Speaking with Dominique as well as a couple who rent an apartment from her helped me see Marrakech beyond the tourist appeal. I can imagine it being a great place for expats, and there are so many hidden gems in those winding alleys beyond all the tourist kitsch.

Because no, I can’t say I was so very taken by Marrakech’s main square. Maybe because I had heard so much about it before going, I felt like it was a bit of a letdown? At least, it was pretty much like an extra touristy version of other city squares in North Africa.

Day 14 – Fly home!

Marrakech’s airport is really convenient as it’s just a short taxi ride from the city center, and it’s small enough that you can get through security really quickly. If you’d rather book a private transfer to the airport, you can book it here .

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March 27, 2017 at 4:19 pm

Awesome post! I’m jonsing to go to Morocco one day!! Fingers crossed!!! =)

Silvia says

March 29, 2017 at 3:01 pm

I hope you go and that you love it!

Monica says

March 27, 2017 at 7:27 pm

Amazing post! I was planning my trip for June and your tips make it a lot easier! Monica

March 29, 2017 at 2:59 pm

I hope you love it there!

Cynthia says

March 27, 2017 at 9:13 pm

Amazing post! I’ve really been wanting to go to Morocco but wasn’t sure where to start at all – looks like an unforgettable trip. It would be really helpful to know about how much this trip (or a trip like this) costs / how much generally to save for/expect…

March 29, 2017 at 2:58 pm

I spent just under 500 euros on this trip (excluding flights), though I think it could be done for much more or much less.

Sophie says

March 28, 2017 at 3:04 am

Sounds like a great itinerary! I’d love to visit Morocco sometime soon – it looks sooo beautiful! I’ll definitely be stealing some of your advice haha.

http://travelmatters.co

March 29, 2017 at 2:56 pm

You should, it was an amazing trip!

Dominique | dominiquetravels.com says

March 28, 2017 at 7:05 pm

Sounds like a gorgeous trip! You seem to really like Morocco! I can’t wait to make my way there one day!

March 29, 2017 at 2:54 pm

I hope you like it too!

March 31, 2017 at 12:10 am

We’re heading back to Europe this year for an extended time and Morocco is on our list. I’ve pinned this for safe keeping.

Danielle Theriault says

April 2, 2017 at 11:45 pm

Morocco is so colorful and beautiful! | http://ourpassportpages.com/

TravelnLass says

April 3, 2017 at 5:27 pm

Very similar to my own exploration of Morocco – which remains one of my favorite lands on the Planet. Such diversity in but a small country – from the Mediterranean to the Atlantic to the Atlas mountains to the Sahara! And yes, Essaouira (which I’ve dubbed “The city of vowels!) – seriously enchanting, along with Fez (verily the oldest continuous market on the globe!)

But even more so than these – beloved Chefchaouen. Sorry your visit proved soggy, but had it been dry, I have no doubt you too would have fallen head-over-heels with the magic of it.

April 4, 2017 at 3:52 pm

This trip sounds so incredible! I’m going to save this itinerary and dream 🙂

April 9, 2017 at 7:38 am

Yesss you should do it!

mostafa says

August 20, 2017 at 5:23 am

Thank you silvia what you said about morocco, i am very happy to hear that from you . Welome again and again because morocco country is for you and all people, but you surprised me when you said about ain cheggag because i live nearer of ain cheggag very simple poeple friendlish . But i say to you to visit ifran city and azrou city and immozer kander city and sefrou city are very beautiful places. Thank you again with my wishes to you .

June 20, 2017 at 4:03 pm

welcome if you want to visit morroco other time you don’t have to worry about nothing.

July 13, 2017 at 8:22 pm

Hi, we were looking for how to arrange a trip to Morocco and stumbled upon your website and couldn’t be luckier! Thank you for sharing the perfect itinerary.

We have one question though: we are planning to follow your steps to Merzouga then take a desert tour from there; how did you book your hotel? You arrived in the morning and the tour started at 4 PM; so did you book the hotel for the night before (hence you can sleep in the morning and they gave you late check out) or the hotel was so kind to give you a very early check in?

Emilie says

April 28, 2018 at 2:15 pm

I’m also planning my trip and I was wondering to same thing. Did you get an answer ?

Sharmin says

May 19, 2018 at 12:57 am

Hey guys! I’m actually going to Morocco next week! We found an overnight merzouga accommodation on airbnb and I messaged the host and he arranged a whole itinerary – he’s going to pick us up from Fes and drive us into Merzouga then we’ll start the camel ride, stay in tents for two nights and then ultimately drop us off to Marakkesh. Look them up on airbnb, or message some of the guides! They’ll be able to make it easier.

Spence Colburn says

May 27, 2018 at 3:14 pm

HI Sharmin, do you mind telling me which Air bnb? I am going in August and would love to do this.

Barb headley says

February 14, 2019 at 5:53 am

Did you get an answer regarding the Airbnb guy? or discover your own itinerary for Merzouga , desert, transport.?

Kaylie says

September 2, 2017 at 1:52 pm

Beautiful photos, it looks like such a vibrant place.

Virikson Morocco Holidays says

December 27, 2017 at 2:11 pm

I truly like the Moroccan elegance of perfume it looks much more usual than the man made stuff in the UK. Thanks for writing!

Ashley Stewart says

January 2, 2018 at 2:43 am

Thanks so much for sharing your experience! It’s helping me with my itinerary quite a bit!

January 3, 2018 at 6:13 pm

I’m so happy to hear that!

Elsa Bonyhadi says

January 4, 2018 at 9:53 pm

Hi! I just booked flights to Europe yesterday for a 12-day trip to Morrocco and stumbled onto your blog and I’m so glad I did. I had initially planned to fly straight into Marrakech, with a night n the desert and a trip out to Essaouira but your itinerary has swayed me. I am now thinking of flying into Tangier and following a similar, saving the night in Fes and giving myself a couple more days in an ecohostel in a small town outside Essaouira. I would love to know which, if any, parts of your travel/accommodations you needed to plan/book in advance. I am a young woman and unless I can convince a friend to come with, I will be traveling alone so I just want to make sure I have any ducks that need to be in a row, in a row. Thanks!

Andre Pereira says

March 5, 2018 at 6:59 pm

Hi Silvia! First of all, congrats for the excelent work ou are doing here! 🙂 I’m planning my 13 days trip to Morocco, from south to north and was thinking to rent a car and explore the country in my own way. There was any concrete reason for you to chose the bus instead? thanks a lot!

Kelly Witmer says

March 14, 2018 at 4:54 pm

Thanks so much for posting this – really helpful in planning a trip there next week!

Hussrein Rajab says

May 23, 2018 at 3:26 pm

Hi Silvia, Nice post! I am glad you have enjoyed your trip. I am interesting in going in few weeks from now, starting with Marrakesh. How is the weather in June?

May 23, 2018 at 11:14 pm

I visited in March.

June 21, 2018 at 11:11 pm

Hi Sylvia! I absolutely loved this post. I’m currently planning a trip to Morocco in July as I’ll be studying abroad in Paris. However, I only have a 5-day weekend to travel in Morocco. Since you’ve gone and experienced Morocco first-hand, I was wondering if you could recommend which 2-3 cities are a must-see! Or at least which 2-3 are the most realistic to visit in the span of 5 days.

June 22, 2018 at 3:52 pm

My favorite city was Essaouira – so maybe visit Marrakech and Essaouira? That would at least give you a nice intro to Morocco.

Darcie says

July 16, 2018 at 7:11 pm

I love all your posts Silvia! Just a question about transport… when you travelled by bus which company did you prefer, supratours or CTM? Looking online I can’t seem to find a way to book in advance with supratours. Was it the same for you? And is that the only way to Mergouza? Thanks! 🙂

CYNTHIA says

August 1, 2018 at 6:51 pm

Hi!! I’m going to Morocco in December..your post was so helpful! Do you know if from Merzouga there is a night bus or train to Marrakech or Ouarzazate? I haven’t been able to find one.

Gayle Temkin says

December 17, 2018 at 1:55 am

Silvia: I love your post too. I’m a senior planning a nomadic trip and came across yours and decided to follow it and be open to how the winds blow. You made it much easier for me to understand how to navigate in Morocco. But here is what is also interesting about connecting with your blog: I’m planning to go to Norway afterwards and do the fjords. I’m on assignment in Spain in February and will be traveling to the Basque Country and other spots, then to Morocco and then to Norway and back to Texas. I’d love to connect with you about Norway. I will look to see if you have post for winter travel but if not I could use some pointers. Thanks.

February 11, 2019 at 10:29 pm

Great itinerary, we half-way through our stay in Morocco and i was looking for inspiration and I found it. Thank you

April 18, 2019 at 7:01 pm

Thinking to go travelling Morocco in end of June while working remotely. How did you find the broadband connection (I don’t require great speeds just to be solid) and do you think that would be possible?

Amelia says

August 5, 2019 at 5:30 pm

Thank you for sharing with us this itinerary, it is interesting to visit these beautiful places in Morocco.

October 31, 2019 at 3:35 pm

Hi Silvia, I have only just come across your post due to looking at another desitnation. My reccomendation to you is go to Agadir, you will truelu enjoy this place and fall in love with morocco.

November 21, 2019 at 2:54 pm

Hey Silvia…! I keep reading your blogs on travel very often. Carries great information and covers many aspects at the destinations. The two week Morocco itinerary is very helpful. Especially, you covered everything from packing to insurance and getting around Morocco. And also, your blog is vivid and pictures are perfect. Thanks a lot for sharing the details on Morocco.

Morocco Tours says

December 15, 2019 at 12:27 pm

Great post! I like your amazing experience in our contry. Thank you so much for the inspiring post and gorgeous photos.

Lahcen oulfakir says

July 18, 2021 at 1:07 pm

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.

April 28, 2022 at 11:35 pm

Thank you for this, I’ll be going this summer in June, solo, for about 2 weeks also. I did not get a separate flight out of Marrakech and will be flying in an out of Casablanca, my flight price would have doubled if I flew out of Marrakech! I’m not big on night buses or long bus rides, I think I’ll be taking trains as much as I can, hopefully it works out without too much hassle. I’m glad you had a great time and look forward to my trip even more now thanks to your descriptions.

Rachid says

May 2, 2022 at 3:41 pm

Thanks for taking your time and providing us with this informative content.

Bernadeta says

December 13, 2022 at 3:51 pm

So many details and information. Such a helpful post. I am planning another trip to Marrakesh and it will help me with location to see/visit

Morocco travel says

January 13, 2023 at 9:14 pm

Wonderful and amazing article full of value thanks for sharing it with us

Raegan says

October 15, 2023 at 4:53 pm

You have some wonderful suggestions. I have a question. Why did you choose to take busses as opposed to trains or self driving? We are going in January. We usually drive when we travel but are considering taking trains-faster than busses-so the driver can enjoy the view too. Your photos are lovely!!!

October 17, 2023 at 11:49 am

We chose the busses based on what fit our schedule, and neither of us wanted to drive. Have a wonderful time!

morocco tours says

February 21, 2024 at 6:11 pm

it amazing blog thank you very much for all this hard work

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Once a full-time nomad, I'm now trying to find a balance between continuing to explore off the beaten path places around the world while also building a home in Norway. Want to know more? Head to my About page !

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Morocco Travel Guide

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

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

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

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

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

Popular Guides

• Moroccan Foods
• 5 Things to See in Morocco

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Morocco

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

Things to See and Do in Morocco

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

Morocco Travel Guides

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

Accommodation

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

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

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

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

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

The Best Ways to Get Around Morocco

Getting to morocco:.

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

Transportation:

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

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

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

Uber:  Uber is not available at the time.

When to go To Morocco

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

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

Where to Stay in Morocco

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

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

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

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

What to Pack for Morocco

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

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

Morocco is also a Muslim country

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

See our packing tips:  packing list for smart travel

And see our  Etiquette Tips for Travel to the Middle East

Morocco Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

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

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

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

Morocco Travel Guide: Related Articles

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

Traditional Moroccan Food to Eat in Morocco or At Home

22 Best Things to Do in Marrakech, Morocco

Hammam Spa Tips – Our Surreal Moroccan Massage Experience

18 things to know before traveling to Morocco

Oct 15, 2023 • 7 min read

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.

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.

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.

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.

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An Exciting 8-Day Morocco Itinerary For Families

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This perfect Morocco itinerary is a wonderful resource for families planning an adventure to North Africa. Of course, there are many reasons to visit Morocco, but one of the top ones is the incredible mix of culture and geography. Tangier is a good place to pick up Moroccan spices, while Marrakech and Fez offer plenty of opportunities to explore medieval architecture and old medinas. With a few more days at your disposal, you could also explore the Atlas Mountains or enjoy a relaxing beach vacation in Rabat or Casablanca.

Modeled off my trip to Morocco, this article is intended to give you an idea of what to expect when visiting with kids. Hopefully, this will also serve as a helpful guide on your family trip there! In addition to various attractions, I’ve also included some hotel suggestions. Keep reading for a Perfect Morocco Itinerary for Families! 

Day 1: Fly into Casablanca, Drive Straight To Fez

On the first day of my perfect Morocco itinerary for families, we landed in Casablanca. Then, we drove straight to Fez, one of the most fascinating cities in Morocco. Here, you’ll find plenty of entertainment for kids and adults alike on Main Street, lined with cafés, shops, and museums. Fez is also home to a complex network of trading routes and it was also an important stop on the Silk Road. To take in more of this history, my family visited the Dar al-Makhzen (the Royal Palace in Fez), aka one of the most beautiful buildings in Morocco!

Visible from throughout the city, the complex is home to the King, who uses it for official ceremonies. Though you can’t go inside without an official invitation, it’s a wonderful place to see intricate woodwork and tilework from afar. After our stop at the palace, we took a private tour of The Medina of Fez , a historic section of the city complete with winding alleyways, grand bazaars, mosques, and palaces. You can explore narrow lanes, markets, monuments, mosques, and temples when you walk around. Fez also showcases several leather tanneries , aka leather producers. You can explore them with your kids at the Leather Souq, otherwise known as the bazaar. 

Choose a highly rated Medina of Fez Tour here with Viator!

Where We Stayed In Fez With Kids

Need somewhere to stay in Fez with kids? During our vacation, we booked a room at the Palais Sheherazade & Spa , located within the city’s walled medina. Not only was the location perfect, but there’s a lot for kids, plus a spa for parents to relax. Certainly, this is a great option as you plan your 8 days in Morocco itinerary with kids !

Day 2: Poterie de Fez, Midelt, Azawad Luxury Desert Camp

Fez is also home to one of the most iconic pottery studios in Morocco, the Poterie de Fez. Dating back to 1367, this UNESCO World Heritage Site has since evolved into one of the county’s biggest exports. To learn how to create Moroccan pottery and mosaics, my kids received some exciting hands-on experience. Certainly, this is one of the best Morocco vacation ideas for a family vacation . Next on our perfect Morocco itinerary for families, we traveled to Midelt , a town in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains.

During the drive, we visited the cedar forest and saw a variety of Barbary macaques, an old-world monkey species. We stopped in Midelt, then crossed the High Atlas Mountains to descend into the Ziv Valley, passing sheep, goats, and Berber shepherds along the way. After a long drive, we arrived before sunset and rode camels to the Azawad Luxury Desert Camp . Once we ate dinner, my family enjoyed watching a show with Moroccan music and dancing! 

Reserve and pay later with Viator! Research Atlas Mountains Tours and Tickets here!

Where We Stayed In The Sahara Desert With Kids

Azawad Luxury Desert Camp is a luxury camp in Morocco’s Sahara Desert that provides traditional, authentic experiences in a serene, natural setting. Along with their desert and mountain safaris, they offer the chance to experience camel riding under the sunset. They also provide sumptuous, yet simple meals cooked over an open fire by their friendly staff. While planning your Morocco trip itinerary for families , I highly recommend prioritizing this stop!

Looking for more adventures like Morocco? Check out our list of Best Spring Break Destinations Around the World that Families Will Love ! 

Day 3: Drive To Riad Azawad

On the third day of our perfect Morocco itinerary for families , we woke up and let kids play in the sand dunes. Thanks to the staff at the camp, they received sleds, which they could use to slide down them. From the camp, we set off for Riad Azawad , a luxury hotel in Merzouga.

However, as we traveled through the desert on the way, we stopped to drink tea with a Bedouin family, a type of nomadic tribe inhabiting the deserts of North Africa. We also saw how the French used to make mascara in the desert, which was a fascinating experience. Once we reached Riad Azawad , we checked in and got settled. My kids loved renting ATVs and buggies to ride around on the sand dunes. To top our day off, we took a dip in the pool back at the hotel. This is sure to become a favorite of the 8 days in Morocco itinerary with kids !

Book this Merzouga one hour Adventure Tour with Sahara ATV Quad Adventures through Viator!

Where We Stayed In Merzouga With Kids

Riad Azawad is a luxury boutique hotel located within a four-story house. While quaint, we found it a lovely place to stay with our kids. Alongside complimentary breakfast, it has a courtyard with a pool, rooftop terrace with views of the Atlas Mountains, and an on-site restaurant. Certainly, those planning a Morocco trip itinerary for families will adore this overnight, as well as find it a refreshing experience in the desert!

Day 4: Camel Rides & Sunsets from the Sand Dunes

Stunning sunrises and sunsets are Morocco’s specialty, so on the fourth day of our perfect Morocco itinerary for families , we woke up early to take a camel ride through the desert and watch the sunrise from the sand dunes. Once we ate breakfast, we departed for a drive through the desert to visit the Gnawa Music Association in the village of Khamlia. This cultural initiative strives to revive the traditional Gnawa music in Morocco, welcoming guests to experience the magic of Moroccan culture.

The music, with drums, kettle drums, flutes, and tambourines, is often associated with trance and healing rituals, but it can also be used to accompany weddings or other celebrations. Back on the road, we headed to Tamnougalt, a small village and meeting point for caravans traveling through the desert. At Tamnougalt Kabash , one of the most important archeological sites in Morocco, we enjoyed views of ruins, date palms, and the river valley. As you search for Morocco vacation ideas for a family vacation , make sure you add Tamnougalt Kabash to your list!

Where We Stayed Near Tamnougalt With Kids

Near Tamnougalt, we booked a stay at the Ecolodge Bab Oued Maroc Oasis. Surrounded by beautiful gardens, this eco-friendly oasis features a heated outdoor pool, alongside a hammam. Plus, seven different bungalow-style lodges to choose from. This was definitely a highlight of our perfect Morocco itinerary for families !

Want to learn more about Morocco and other fun destinations in North Africa or the Middle East? Read our list of the Best Weekend Getaways From Dubai For Families ! 

Day 5: Drive to Marrakesh, Medina, Jemaa El-Fna Square

On the fifth day of our Morocco itinerary for families , we drove to Marrakesh, a bustling city full of street music, world-class museums, and vibrant markets. Before we arrived, we stopped at Atlas Studios , which my kids loved. Though there weren’t any rides like Hollywood Studios, it was cool to see all the sets of movies filmed in Morocco. We also explored Ouarzazate, often called “The Jewel of the Moroccan Desert.” It has a completely different feel than any other place in the country, with gorgeous architecture, old-world charm, and some of the best night-time sky views in all of Africa.

We had the chance to visit the Kasbah Ait Ben Haddou , one of the most recognizable and breathtaking landmarks in Morocco. With its distinctive geometric shape, it’s a popular shooting location for many Hollywood films. On the way to Marrakesh, we drove over the scenic High Atlas Mountains, a highlight of our Morocco trip itinerary for families .

Marrakesh is the perfect place to introduce your kids to global culture and show them how things are different from what they’re used to. In the old section of town, aka the Medina , you can visit souks, mosques, and the iconic Jemaa El-Fna Square. Located in the true heart of Marrakesh, this enormous open-air market is an early morning favorite for food, entertainment, and shopping. The square has a lot of local flavors, but at the same time, it does have some global brands as well. This is also a great place to view an evening show with snake charmers, monkey trainers, and dancers. Grab dinner and enjoy the entertainment and nightlife in Marrakesh!

Research top activities and things to do here with Getyourguide.com!

Where We Stayed In Marrakesh With Kids

Families looking for the best hotels to stay in Marrakesh with kids have a lot of options. My family chose the Riad Star, a boutique hotel once home to famous Jazz singer Josephine Baker. It has a spa, wellness center, and pool for kids to splash in. 

Day 6: Half-Day Guided Tour of the Marrakesh Medina 

Though we saw the Medina previously, we returned the next day for an in-depth guided tour. It was fun to walk the narrow, twisting alleys, browsing the small shops on either side. After, we visited the Majorelle Gardens , one of Marrakech’s best-kept secrets. Designed in the 1920s by French painter Jacques Majorelle, you can often find local children playing hide and seek in the lush greenery. While embarking on your 8 days in Morocco itinerary with kids , this is a great opportunity to meet local families.

Then, we took a tour of Bahia Palace, a colorful palace dating back to the late 1800s. The Bahia Palace is now a museum, but it’s worth visiting for its royal-era charm and opulence. It has ceilings dripping with gold and hundreds of rooms, many of which are adorned with intricate tile work and frescoes. Plus, the courtyard is a great place for children to explore. For dinner, we went back to Jemaa El-Fna Square to see snake charmers, monkeys, and get Henna tattoos. If you’re looking for Morocco vacation ideas for a family vacation , add Bahia Palace to your list

Day 7: YSL Museum, Essaouira

If you want to keep kids entertained with an indoor activity on your Morrocco itinerary , The Yves Saint Laurent Museum is an excellent activity for families. Since the world-famous fashion designer was born in Casablanca, this museum offers a fascinating insight into his life, work, and the inspiration he drew from his upbringing in Morocco. Situated in a renovated 19th-century palace, the museum is split into five different sections: couture, ready to wear, embroidery, shoe-making, and archives.

We had a nice visit here and thought it was an interesting way to pass the time before we drove to Essaouira. A coastal city in the northwest region of Morocco, Essaouira is known for its colorful houses and sandy beaches. Of course, we made lots of stops along the way, keeping an eye out for tree goats who help produce expensive argan oil. In Essaouira, we went to the beach and explored the area.

Where We Stayed In Essaouira With Kids

In Essaouira, my family chose to stay at the Riad Raoud Rayhane . Offering a spa and a hammam, it was the perfect destination to return to after a long day of exploring. It’s also conveniently located in the Essaouira medina, retaining its traditional architecture and mythical ambiance. We definitely recommend this location when planning your own perfect Morocco itinerary for families .

Day 8: Shopping In Eassaouria, Departure 

Day eight was the last of our perfect Morocco itinerary for families . In Essaouira, we shopped for a little while and walked around the city one last time before departing. Then, we went back to Marrakesh to catch our flight home. Overall, it was a pleasant way to end a long and adventurous week in Morrocco! 

Happy Travels!

We hope you found this Perfect Morocco Itinerary For Families , by our contributor Nicole Sacks , helpful in planning your own adventure! From Fez to Marrakesh and adventures through the desert, there are so many ways to explore this diverse country as a family. No matter how you plan your own perfect Morocco itinerary for families , we know you will adore Morocco with kids! 

*Unless otherwise noted, all images within this article are courtesy of and belong to Nicole Sacks.

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some of the attractions, accommodations, or things to do on this list may be closed. Please ensure availability before making your decision. 

*This post may contain affiliate links that may earn us a small commission, at no additional cost to you. Affiliate links in no way inform the hotels, sights, products, or other recommendations included in our articles. All opinions and recommendations expressed here are compiled from submissions submitted by the generous members of our Families Who Love To Travel community.

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Last Updated on 2 years by Kasumi

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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).

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

Marrakech Travel Guide: Travel Tips and our Honest Review

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

Casablanca Travel Guide: How to Spend the Perfect Day

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Itinerary Morocco: a 10-day itinerary for a road trip through South Morocco!

In this travel blog on Morocco, you will find the ultimate itinerary for a road trip in South Morocco. Morocco is a beautiful and versatile country. It attracts many tourists every year, who visit the beautiful imperial cities. The south of Morocco is not yet discovered by mass tourism, there are many peaceful and quiet places. In June, one of the hottest months, we made a road trip and drove following a 10-day itinerary from Taghazout to Merzouga and then up to Marrakech. In this blog, I’ll tell you more about this itinerary through Morocco!

Morocco itinerary for a 10 days road trip in the South and surfing!

Morocco is a big country, which certainly can not be seen in 12 days. When we were preparing this trip, we had to make a number of choices. Eventually, we decide to explore the south and make a 12-day road trip through the southern part of the country. However, if you have less time, spend two days less in Taghazout and you will have the perfect itinerary for 10 days in Morocco:

Agadir – Taghazout – Tamnougalt – Merzouga – Gorge du Dades – Ait Ben Haddou – Marrakech

Road trip: from Taghazout to Merzouga

We didn’t find much information about the first part of our itinerary, from Taghazout to Merzouga . Apparently, this is not a standard itinerary for tourists. This made us extra curious, what would we encounter and see? In retrospect, we were very happy with our decision to visit this relatively unknown part of Morocco. The beautiful foothills of the Atlas Mountains , the endless winding roads we drove surrounded by nothing more than stone and some grass.

Road trip: from Merzougha to Marrakech

From Merzouga to Marrakech is a travel itinerary and road trip that is much more famous. Here we came along many highlights and of course buses full of tourists. This part is also nice to see, but a completely different side of Morocco.

We covered many kilometres during these 10 days road tripping, sometimes driving for more than 7 hours. However, it was perfect and all part of the journey!

Map of Morocco with the itinerary

Click here or on the map of Morocco to see the itinerary of our 12 days in Morocco. In this itinerary, we also state our travel hours, hotels and activities we did. Our itinerary was the following:

Searching for nice hotels and kasbah’s for your itinerary through Morocco? In this Morocco hotel guide , we write about our favourite hotels in Morocco!

Itinerary Morocco day 1 to 4: surfing in Taghazout

We arrive around 07.00 PM in Agadir, a city in the southwest of Morocco. Here we pick up our car (rented via Sunny Cars ) and then drive in an hour to Taghazout, a small surfing village north of Agadir. The next three days we spend surfing, reading and eating, click here to read more about our time in Taghazout.

Taghazout is very small and in three days you can see everything. Do you want to learn how to surf? Then a multiple-day surf camp might be something for you. We also made a trip to Paradise Valley, nice but a bit overrated.

Tip: do you want to go to Paradise Valley? Then rent a car and leave very early in the morning (departure at sunrise). You arrive before the tourist mass and can leave again when it starts to get busy.

Curious about what to do in Taghazout ? Read our travel guide for Taghazout here.

Road trip Morocco day 5 and 6: Taghazout – Taroudant – Tamnougalt

On day five we want to leave at 06.00 because since we have seven hours of driving ahead. Unfortunately, my food poisoning throws a spanner in the works. Finally, we leave at 08.00 AM and arrive at 10.00 AM in the town of Taroudant . Here we stop so that Ries can have breakfast. The intention was to spend a few hours here, the city is beautiful, medieval with almost no tourists. However, after half an hour, we get into the car again to make up for some of the time lost this morning.

The rest of the morning and afternoon we drive through a varied landscape. First along cornfields. Slowly the landscape changes and becomes more hilly, wilder and drier. We hardly encounter any traffic on our way. Our route goes first via the N10, and then on the R108. Around 3 pm we arrive in Tamnougalt, a tiny village in the middle of a small oasis. It’s beautiful. We stay at Ecolodge Bab el Oued, where we are warmly welcomed. In the end, we are so happy here, that we decide to stay a day longer.

Tip: Be sure to stop in Taroudant . Walk through the winding streets, across mosaic squares and buy fresh fruit at one of the many market stalls. The city is really worth it!

Read here what our time at Ecolodge Bab El Oued made so special.

Itinerary Morocco day 7: Tamnougalt – Merzouga – Sahara

After having been well rested at Ecolodge Bab El Oued, we leave for Merzouga around noon. Merzouga is the last city before the Erg Chebbi Sahara begins, and is located in the southeast of Morocco. We drive here in five hours (via the N9, the R108, the N12 and the N9). Our surroundings give us the impression that we are already in the desert.

When we suddenly see the orange and mountains, we realize that the desert is really different from the dusty road we have been driving over the last few hours. We booked with a guide who we meet at the post office in the scary town of Merzouga. During the day it is 45 degrees, but when we are sitting on a camel around 7 pm, the temperature has already dropped to 38 degrees. Still warm, but the Berber clothes protect us well from the sun.

Our camel ride and our stay in the Sahara is spectacular, something you will never forget! Read more about our experiences of the Merzouga Sahara and how we booked our stay here.

Tip:  In advance, contact one of the many organizations that offer desert tours, don’t do this on arrival Merzouga. We did not like how we were attacked and pushed in Merzouga and were very happy that we had already arranged everything! We booked our tour with Omar Camel Trekking .

Road trip Morocco day 8: Sahara – Gorges du Dades – Ait Ben Haddou

After a beautiful sunrise in the Sahara, we are back at our car in Merzouga around 9 AM. Today again, we have a long day of driving ahead, but we take it easy because we have time enough.

First, we drive from Merzouga (via the N13, N12 and the R113) to Tinghir . Actually, we would stay here at Riad Dar Bab Todra , but because we stayed a day longer at Ecolodge Bab El Oued, we only stop here for lunch. Tinghir is close to the Gorges du Dades, a huge gorge between the mountains. We drive here and stop to walk through the cool water that goes through this gorge for miles. This used to be a wild river, now a calm babbling brook surrounded by families who are picnicking.

Ait Ben Haddou: the famous movie set

After a few hours chilling at the water, we get back in the car to drive in 2.5 hours via the N10 to Ouarzazate . This city is known as a film city with two large, well-known studios where for instance Game of Thrones is filmed. We don’t stop here but drive to Ait Ben Haddou , where we sleep tonight. At sunset, we walk towards the famous Kasbah , which is the setting for many films. The old medieval town is built on a hill, along which a river runs. Inside the town, there are many vendors trying to sell you something, however, do walk onwards to the top of the city. There you will find an amazing view!

Tip: Visit the Kasbah of Ait Ben Haddou at sunrise. There is almost no one and you can wander through the narrow streets in peace during this magical moment.

Itinerary Morocco day 9: Ait Ben Haddou – Ouarzazate – the Atlas Mountains – Marrakech

The next morning we drive to Ouarzazate, where we visit the CLA film studio’s . The studios don’t seem to be that popular by tourists anymore, we are the only ones. When we enter, a guide approached us to give us a tour of the studio. The price is just a few dirhams and we are more than happy to pay this since otherwise we wouldn’t know what we are seeing here in the studios. After the film studios that we do not find very special, they are a bit run down, the guide directs us to a large castle that has been specially built for filming. This is much more impressive and really worth a visit.

Road trip Morocco: passing the Tizi n’ Tichka Pass!

Around noon we start driving towards Marrakech: a trip that goes straight through the Atlas Mountains over the Tizi n’ Tichka pass , one of the most dangerous roads in the world. This danger is confirmed when we drive across an accident which just happened a few minutes before we passed. It takes five hours, and we come across at least 100 hairpin bends. Nevertheless, this route is beautiful and there is a great view after every turn!

In the evening we arrive in Marrakech where we hand in the car.

Tip: if you have a bit more time (and a car with which you can drive on unpaved roads), drive in an hour from Ouarzazate to Fint Oasis , a beautiful little oasis in the middle of the arid mountain landscape.

Road trip Morocco day 10-12: Marrakech

Our last three days we spend in Marrakech  (also called Marrakesh), where we mainly relax and rest. Since this was our last stop of your itinerary through Morocco! We slept in a wonderful hotel, Riad la Parenthèse , an oasis of tranquillity in this busy city. Marrakech is known for the crowded Medina and the beautiful palaces. The city is really beautiful and enormously photogenic.

Click here for the photo gallery of Marrakech! And make sure you add Marrakech on your travel itinerary of Morocco!

Three days is just enough for Marrakech, we have the time to see everything we want, without having to rush. A perfect end to this great road trip through Morocco.

A travel guide to Marrakech : Here you can read all our tips for Marrakech.

Which destinations to add to this Morocco itinerary?

In 10-12 days you can see a lot of the country, provided you are willing to make kilometres. For us, this varied journey was the perfect mix of relaxation and exciting activities! On the road you see so many beautiful spots, it is just one big scenic tour as soon a the big traffic disappears.

But, we certainly wouldn’t mind doing this itinerary in two or two and a half weeks. This would give us more time to stop along the way. Other things to add to this Morocco itinerary to make it a complete itinerary for the whole country is to add on Essaouira, Fez, Rabat, Casablanca and Chefchaouen (the blue city).

Tips for a road trip through Morocco!

Road trip tip 1: rent your car from a reliable party.

Many car rental companies in Morocco are known as shady … you will not get your deposit back, the car is not well maintained or they try to get you double or extra insurance. An annoying start (or end) of your holiday. We paid close attention ourselves (made videos, photos and watched the damage notes) before we took the car. And we rented via Sunny Cars , which is known as a pleasant party that arranges any damage or hassle for you.

Road trip tip 2: bad roads

In advance, we heard bad stories about the quality of the roads in Morocco. However, we found the roads in very good condition, except for a few roads through the Atlas Mountains. However, it is wise to take into account extra travel time, delays or possible car breakdown.

Road trip tip 3: don’t drive in the dark!

Do not drive before sunrise or after sunset: Morocco has no street lights and driving is dangerous after dark.

Road trip tip 4: pay close attention to police checks!

Pay close attention to police checks. If you see a number of stop signs somewhere next to each other, this often means a police check, so drive at a walking pace! We came across dozens of checks and were fined once for stopping just after the stop line. Do not drive too fast anywhere and really follow the traffic rules, otherwise, it can be an expensive holiday! A fine generally costs +/- 45 euros.

Road trip tip 5: air conditioning is a must!

Arrange a car with good air conditioning. It can get very hot in the interior of Morocco.

Click here for all my Morocco blogs !

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Other blogs on Morocco

Photos marrakech: the most beautiful parts of marrakech, morocco through our lens, hotel guide: the best, coolest and hippest accommodations in morocco, taghazout, morocco: 5 awesome things to do in surf hotspot taghazout, diary blog: what our time in taghazout (morocco) looked like, ecolodge bab el oued: sleeping in an oasis in the south of morocco, marrakech blog: tips, the best restaurants and 5 awesome things to do in marrakech, the merzouga desert: a camel tour and camping in the sahara of morocco.

From the desert to the coast, is one of the amazing Itinerary at all, good choice, but the northern side also contain some beautiful views and different cultures of the south side

We would love to visit the northern side one day too!

Here is all on itinerary Morocco with the facts we must keep it in our mind are discussed over here. So, anyone searching for same topic may find their shelter over here. This is a great article and you are banged on with your points about it.

absolutely wonderful, thanks for sharing this. I love reading your info.

Awesome! This was an amazing post. I will always bookmark your blog and will come back in the future. Thank you for sharing.

Amazing blog, Thank you so much for sharing with us, you Morocco travel experience looks, Also, your pictures are awesome, Best regards Mustapha

10 days in Morocco is a great itineraries to discover all the major sightseeing of this fascinating country. Atlas Mountains, Sahara Desert, bleu city and the medina of Fes and Marrakech.

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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.

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Is it safe to visit Morocco? Latest travel advice

F ollowing the outbreak of war in Israel and Gaza and the recent escalation of tensions between Israel and Iran, some people may be concerned about the safety of travelling to Morocco or other areas in North Africa and the Middle East right now.

Here’s everything you need to know about travel to Morocco, whether it is safe to visit, and your rights if you do decide to cancel your upcoming holiday.

What does the FCDO say about travel to Morocco?

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has not issued any blanket advisories against travel to Morocco. This means that travel insurance will be valid when visiting the country.

However, the FCDO has updated its advice to say: “On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. On 19 April, there have been reports of explosions in Iran, and unconfirmed reports of explosions in Syria and Iraq. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.”

You can see the full Morocco FCDO advice here .

Are flights still operating as usual to Morocco?

Yes. Flights from the UK to Morocco do not go in the vicinity of the Middle East. Morocco is 2,500 miles away from Tel Aviv as the crow flies. By way of comparison, London is closer: 2,200 miles from Israel. So geographical proximity alone should not be a consideration for any upcoming travel plans.

Is Morocco impacted by the Israel-Hamas war?

To date Morocco has not been impacted by the conflict, although large-scale pro-Palestine marches have taken place in the country. The FCDO warns: “There is currently a heightened chance of demonstrations and protests occurring across the country. You should avoid these gatherings, and be aware of the potential for protests to occur spontaneously. Protests can happen at short notice and are generally heavily policed. Demonstrations are mostly peaceful but there has been isolated violence. Demonstrations and protests may lead to increased travel disruption in affected areas.”

Is Morocco still recovering from the 2023 earthquake?

On September 8, 2023, a 6.8–6.9 magnitude earthquake struck the Marrakesh–Safi region of Morocco. The epicentre was 45 miles (73km) southwest of Marrakesh, near the small town of Ighil and the Oukaïmeden ski resort in the Atlas Mountains.

Some 3,000 people were killed and more than 6.6 million Moroccans were affected by the earthquake, according to the Moroccan government.

There was considerable devastation across the remote mountain communities of the Atlas Mountains, and Marrakech, a city popular among tourists, experienced significant damage including building collapses. In some parts of the country the rebuilding process continues, but Marrakech’s airport is open and the country is very much open for tourism once again.

On the subject of earthquakes in Morocco, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says: “Morocco is in an earthquake zone. Minor earthquakes happen occasionally. The last major earthquake was in 2023, which killed almost 3000 people. Familiarise yourself with safety procedures in the event of an earthquake and take note of any instructions in hotel rooms.”

Is terrorism a risk in Morocco?

In 2018, two tourists were murdered while hiking near Mount Toubkal, and the FCDO advises: “Terrorists are very likely to try to carry out attacks in Morocco.”

The FCDO adds: “There is an increased threat linked to the number of Moroccans sympathetic or belonging to Daesh (formerly ISIL) and other extremist groups. Authorities regularly disrupt terrorist cells.”

Places at higher risk include crowded areas, government installations, transportation networks, businesses with Western interest, and areas where foreign nationals and tourists are known to gather.

“Be vigilant in these areas and follow any specific advice of the local security authorities,” the FCDO adds.

What if I want to cancel my holiday?

If you have booked a package holiday to Morocco and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates. 

But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any formal advice against travel to Turkey, there is no guarantee you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.

If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.

This story was first published in October 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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Tension in the Middle East has ratcheted up again after Iran's attack on Israel, as the world waits to see how Benjamin Netanyahu's government will respond. 

With the threat of widening conflict, people due to travel through or over the Middle East may be asking if their plans may be impacted.

On Saturday, flight data showed dozens of journeys that would have travelled over the Middle East turned back after Iran fired more than 300 drones and missiles into Israel .

Here is what airlines are saying and the latest safety advice to travellers.

EasyJet scraps Tel Aviv flights

EasyJet has suspended all flights to Tel Aviv over safety concerns.

The budget airline told Sky News it has grounded its flights until 27 October at the earliest "as a result of the continued evolving situation" in the region.

Wizz Air customers could see schedule changes

Wizz Air cancelled flights to Tel Aviv on Sunday 14 and Monday 15 April before resuming its schedule.

But it said customers could experience schedule changes as it closely monitors the situation.

British Airways operating as normal

British Airways - which operates four daily return flights per week between Heathrow and Tel Aviv - said its flights were continuing to operate as planned, but it too was monitoring the situation.

Is it safe to travel to Turkey?

Turkey is a popular holiday destination for people from the UK with the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism saying that last year 3.16 million Britons made the journey there, according to Travel Weekly.

Yet, it borders a number of countries that the Foreign Office advises against travel to.

The vast majority of the country is considered generally safe for tourists, with some exceptions.

The Foreign Office advises against all travel within 10km of the border with Syria , and all but essential travel to the Sirnak and Hakkari provinces.

Is it safe to travel to Israel?

Some parts of Israel are considered "red zones" by the Foreign Office, with the government advising against all travel there.

For the rest of the country - including East Jerusalem and Tel Aviv - the advice is to travel only if it is essential.

Tourist Israel says around 220,000 Britons usually go to the country every year and the Foreign Office is advising against travel close to the border with Gaza, within 5km of the border with Lebanon and within 500m of the border with Syria.

You can see the full updated list of "red zones" on the Foreign Office advice pages.

Occupied Palestinian territories

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Gaza and the West Bank.

Don't travel to Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon or Syria - Foreign Office

The Foreign Office advises against all travel to Iran, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen.

It advises against all travel to Iraq except to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), where it advises against all but "essential travel".

Can I safely go on holiday in Egypt?

The main tourist areas in Egypt are generally considered safe, including the capital Cairo, cities along the Nile and Red Sea resorts.

Over 1.5 million British Nationals visit Egypt every year, according to analysts Gitnux, and the areas the Foreign Office warns not to travel to include the Governorate of North Sinai, where the Rafah crossing to Gaza is located, and within 20km of the border with Libya.

Read more: Are we heading for World War Three? Experts give their verdicts What are Iran's military capabilities - and where could it strike?

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Check advice on other Middle East states before you travel

Following Iran's attack on Israel, the Foreign Office issued a warning relating to several countries in the surrounding area, telling travellers to check for the latest information.

Included in this are popular destinations like Dubai (visited by more than a million Britons last year according to Travel Weekly) and Marrakech.

"On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast," the FCDO said in a statement.

The countries covered by the warning include Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Libya, Jordan and Oman.

Anywhere else of concern?

Cyprus is near the region and has a large UK airbase but, as yet, there is no change in travel advice to the popular country.

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Inside Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos’ ‘magical’ Morocco getaway

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Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos are taking fans inside their luxurious getaway to Tangier, Morocco.

The “Live with Kelly and Mark” stars, both 53, took to social media over the weekend to share pics from their relaxing vacation and luxurious accommodations at the Villa Mabrouka .

“Scenes from a magical weekend,” Ripa wrote via her Instagram Stories, sharing a stunning view of the ocean, flowers and palm trees.

Ripa also included plenty of pics from the luxury hotel they stayed at, which starts at $530 per night . One of the snaps showcased the entryway with its black-and-white checkered floors and a gorgeous stained glass chandelier hanging from the grand white ceiling.

The longtime television personality was even able to sneak in a mirror selfie in the entryway that showed her smiling while wearing in a casual athleisure outfit.

Of course, Ripa’s posts also included plenty of pictures of her and her husband of 28 years enjoying their escape from reality.

When the duo weren’t staying at the hotel, they ventured to the Tangier American Legation –– America’s “oldest diplomatic property” and museum.

Consuelos appeared to also be taking photos while walking around the garden and taking in the stunning views.

After exploring during the day, the couple got all dolled up to attend a party at the hotel’s terrace restaurant, L’Orangerie.

Ripa wore an ivory blazer over a white dress, while Consuelos opted for a long white T-shirt under a tan blazer and tan pants.

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The long white dining table at the bash seemed to be set for around 50 guests and had small table lamps and vases with white flowers running down the center.

The Villa Mabrouka opened its doors last spring and has just 12 rooms in the entire property, which once belonged to famed fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent.

The hotel includes views of the Mediterranean Sea, two crystalline swimming pools, three restaurants and access to garden pavilions where you are “transported immediately into the feeling of paradise,” according to their website.

Ripa made it back in time for Monday’s live taping of “Live with Kelly and Mark.” However, Andy Cohen filled in for Consuelos, who hopped on a different flight to visit Italian soccer team Campobasso 1919 in Molise, Italy.

The co-hosts are no strangers to sharing social media posts from their extravagant vacations over the years. In September, the “All My Children” alums took their three children –– Michael, 26, Lola, 22, and Joaquin, 21 –– to a tropical destination to celebrate the end of summer.

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Holidaymakers given new warning for Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia - 'do not travel' to some parts of the countries

Israel attacks Iran: Middle East on edge after explosions heard

By Sarra Gray

Published: 22/04/2024

A fresh warning has been shared for Britons considering travel to Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia

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Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are popular holiday destinations but Britons have been warned if they are planning to visit and there have been warned to avoid some areas altogether.

Holidaymakers were given advice following an attack on Israel earlier this month and the travel guidance has now been updated.

Guidance has been shared about the military action and holidaymakers are urged to be careful if visiting nearby countries.

The FCDO advised: "On 13 April 2024 Iran carried out military action against Israel. On 19 April, there have been reports of explosions in Iran, and unconfirmed reports of explosions in Syria and Iraq.

Advice has been shared for Morocco, Egypt and Tunisia

"Monitor this travel advice and other media as the situation is changing fast. Follow and contact FCDO Travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also get email notifications when this travel advice is updated."

It shared areas in Egypt and Tunisia where Britons were urged not to visit.

"The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advises against all travel to:

• the Chaambi Mountains National Park and the designated military operations zones of Mount Salloum, Mount Sammamma and Mount Mghila
• the militarised zone south of the towns of El Borma and Dhehiba
• within 20km of the rest of the Libya border area north of Dhehibathe town of Ben Guerdane and immediate surrounding area

"In addition and for security reasons, the FCDO advises against all but essential travel to:

• within 75km of the Libyan border, including Remada, El Borma and the town of Zarzis
• the governorate of Kasserine, including the town of Sbeitla
• within 10km of the border with Algeria south of Kasserine governorate
• within 30km of the border in El Kef and Jendouba governorates south of the town of Jendouba, including the archaeological site of Chemtou
• areas north and west of the town of Ghardimaou in Jendouba governorate, including El Feidja National Park
• within 10km of Mount Mghila
• Mount Orbata"

"Egypt-Libya border

FCDO advises against all travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border, except for the town of El Salloum (where we advise against all but essential travel).

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Britons are warned if travelling to Egypt

North Sinai

"FCDO advises against all travel to the Governorate of North Sinai.

Northern part of South Sinai

"FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the northern part of the Governorate of South Sinai, beyond the St Catherine-Nuweibaa road, except for the coastal areas along the west and east of the peninsula.

The eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate

"FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal.

Western Desert

"FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the area west of the Nile Valley and Nile Delta regions, except for:

• Luxor, Qina, Aswan, Abu Simbel and the Valley of the Kings
• the Governorate of Faiyum
• the coastal areas between the Nile Delta and Marsa Matruhthe Marsa Matruh-Siwa Road
• the oasis town of Siwa
• the Giza Governorate north-east of the Bahariya Oasisthe road between Giza and Farafra (but we advise against all but essential travel on the road between Bahariya and Siwa)
• Bahariya Oasis, Farafra, the White Desert and Black DesertHala’ib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid

"FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the Hala’ib Triangle and the Bir Tawil Trapezoid."

It added travel insurance could be invalidated for those who travel against FCDO advice.

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