Discover Morocco like never before! Find your TripMates with JoinMyTrip and explore the most beautiful places of Morocco. From busy streets in Marrakech to the endless desert with the Berbers. Get to know the culture, taste amazing food and make memories that will last a lifetime.
This guide will help you to prepare for your trip to Morocco. Discover our top things to do, find hidden gems and Instagram spots. How to be safe in Morocco, how to get around and how to travel on a budget - find out now!
Visit the desert
the desert in Morocco is further away than you would expect, but definitely worth a visit. Choose a two-day trip to Zagora or a three-day trip to Merzouga, ride camels and spend the night in a traditional Berber camp.
Negotiate at the Souk
Learn how to haggle at the Souk (market), it's fun! If you visit a Souk, remember that the first price you get told is never the real one. Negotiating the prices is part of the culture. Ceramics, bags, scarfs, souvenirs, spices and food - you will find everything at the Souk!
Learn how to surf
If you love surfing, the Moroccan coast is the place for you! The areas around Essaouira and Agadir are the best, we especially recommend checking out Taghazout. No worries if you are a beginner, there are many surf courses available.
Climb Mt. Toubkal
Mount Toubkal is the highest mountain in North Africa. It is 4,167m high and about 2-3 hours away from Marrakech by car. Depending on the weather condition, you might want to hire a guide in Imlil and start your hike from there. Its the best to do the hike in two days and spend one night up in the refuge.
Stay in a Riad
If you're traveling to Morocco, you have to stay at least one night in a riad. Riad means “garden” in Arabic, it is a traditional Moroccan house with multiple stories that center around an open-air courtyard. In Morocco, many riads got turned into tourist accommodations, and they can even have a small pool inside.
Meet a camel
What about taking a selfie with a camel? But be careful, not all camels are friendly. At numerous tourist attractions, camels can be found, as well as the desert.
Visit Museums
Morocco has plenty of interesting museums to offer! This way you will gain some knowledge about the history of Morocco and the culture. Not interested in history? Check out modern art museums or the cinema museum in Ouarzazate.
Go to a Hammam
A hammam is similar to a spa, it is a bathhouse with dry and steamed rooms where you can relax, get scrubbed and all clean. Going to a hammam is a social event, Moroccans go there regularly and never alone.
Drive a quad
Driving a quad is something you have to do at least once in your life! It's a lot of fun and also a very affordable activity you can do in Morocco. Most quad tours take part around Marrakech and it's also possible to do it at the desert.
Get a henna tattoo
Henna tattoos have a long tradition in Morocco and are used in religious celebrations and weddings, usually on the hands and feet. They do have different meanings and are simply beautiful!
Chefchaouen
Chefchaouen is also called the blue city because nearly all houses are painted blue. This city is an Instagram spot just by itself, and you will find lots of beautiful, tiny streets to take photos at. There are different stories told about the reason for its blue color, but what is for sure, is that you will fall in love!
Jardin Majorelle-Yves Saint Laurent
One of the most stunning gardens you will ever see in your life, located in Marrakech. At Jardin Majorelle you can take beautiful pictures with exotic plants and water fountains in the background, as well as the blue painted villa.
Anima Garden
The Anima Garden is located a bit outside of Marrakech, but a shuttle is available. This garden is an art paradise, with lots of different sculptures surrounded by plants. Many unique pictures are guaranteed here.
The Souk
The souk, traditional market, will be a perfect unusual place for your Instagram pictures. Small, busy streets with lots of different things getting sold, a color explosion. Make sure to ask before taking pictures in front of shops and don't take pictures of locals without permission.
Desert
Travel to Zagora or Merzouga on a two or three-day tour and take that amazing desert picture of yourself! If you don't have much time, check out Agafay desert, close to Marrakech, it is famous for luxury glamping and Instagrammable accommodations.
We recommend spending at least one week in Morocco to be able to explore different areas of the country. It's best to decide first to visit either the North of Morocco and visit Rabat, Fes, Chefchaouen and Casablanca or focus on the South to visit the city of Marrakech and do a two or three-day excursion to the desert. If you love beaches and want to surf, you can combine the cities of Essaouira and Agadir or even do a day trip to Marrakech from there.
Marrakech - Ourika - Ait Ben Haddou - Zagora - Marrakech - Essaouira
Our example itinerary has a focus on Marrakech and surrounding areas. At least two days will be spent in Marrakech. From there, it's possible to go on multiple day trips as well as a desert overnight excursion. We believe this one-week itinerary will make you experience the most of Morocco with a variety of multiple different activities to do there. You will spend your time getting to know the culture and learning about Moroccan history, but also have insights into current, modern Morocco.
Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech
Bus: Take a bus (line 19) from the airport to the main square, it costs 30 dirhams one way or 50 for a return ticket (3-5 euros) and takes about 20-30 minutes.
Taxi: You will easily find a lot of taxis waiting for you! If you decide on taking a taxi, make sure to negotiate the price beforehand. It should cost about 10 euros for tourists.
Private transfer: If you don't like negotiating prices, you can book private transport online for about the same price as a taxi. You can also ask your accommodation to arrange it for you, but it will cost you slightly more.
Day 2: Marrakech
Spend one full day exploring the most famous tourist spots of Marrakech. In the morning, you should head to the museums, as there will be fewer tourists.
After that, you can spend some time at the market (Souk) and have traditional lunch at one of the rooftop restaurants. Continue to:
Spend the evening in the new town, the modern part of Marrakech, “Gueliz”.
Day 3: Ourika Valley
Ourika Valley has located around 40 km from Marrakech in the Atlas Mountains.
You can have lunch at the river in the sun and do a hike to see the famous waterfalls and enjoy an amazing view of the town and mountains. If you are lucky, you can even see Berber monkeys there. It is not necessary to hire a guide, as the path is quite easy to follow and usually many tourists are there anyways - just follow the others!
You can take a local van from Marrakech to get there, the price is about 25 Dirhams ($2,50) one way, or book an organized tour for a higher price (About $25)
Day 4: Ait Ben Haddou
The easiest way to have the ultimate desert experience is by booking a two or three-day tour. It will cost between $50-70 for transport, camel ride, night in a Berber tent, and breakfast. But you can also rent a car and do it on your own.
On your way to the desert, we suggest you do a few stops, for example, visit the famous town Ait-Ben-Haddou where they filmed movies like Prince of Persia or Game of Thrones. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, Aït Benhaddou was once a major stop along the caravan route between Marrakech and the Sahara.
In the late afternoon, you will arrive at the desert, where you can take camels to ride to your desert camp. Climb up some dunes to enjoy the sunset, have a traditional dinner and spend the evening around the fire together with the Berbers and some music.
Day 5: Zagora
Have breakfast in the desert and one last camel ride before heading back to Marrakech. One your way back you can stop at a couple of viewpoints and drive through the Atlas Mountains.
Another Stop is Ouarzazate, where you can visit the Cinema Museum, the Kasbah or just have a nice lunch break. You will arrive back in Marrakech in the evening.
Day 6: Essaouira
Go for a day trip to the coast and visit the city Essaouira. This place is way calmer than Marrakech and definitely worth a visit! Explore the town with its markets and spend some time at the beach.
It's possible to take a bus from Marrakech to Essaouira, but we highly recommend booking an organized tour, as the prices are very similar, but a tour will be stress-free for sure! You can pre-arrange transport for about 25-30 euros. If you have more than one day in Essaouira you can take surfing lessons as well.
The way takes about 2,5 hours by car. You might even see some goats on trees on your way going there, or stop by a local argan oil production to learn about the production or buy some gifts to bring home.
Day 7: Marrakech
Back in Marrakech, you can spend half of your day doing a quad tour or visiting the beautiful Menara Gardens. The afternoon is left for a traditional hammam experience, or what about a cooking class?
Take a flight back home from Marrakech in the evening or on the next day
The best time to visit Morocco would be mid-March to May which is the country’s spring season. Autumn is also a great time to visit (September - October) since the weather is warm but not overly humid and hot, unlike the summer months.
The coastal region such as Agadir can be visited all year round, you can definitely enjoy the beach or take a stroll in the boardwalk.
The High Atlas Mountains are also accessible all year, albeit it is freezing in the winter. Summer may still be too hot for long-distance hikes, but if the heat isn't an issue for you, conditions are ideal any time between April and October. Outside of these months, the summits are covered with snow, making hiking more dangerous but providing excellent views.
In Morocco, the Islamic festival of Ramadan will have a considerable impact on transportation. Because the dates change each year, it's important to double-check while arranging your vacation.
Morocco is stunning, and we're not just referring to the ever-popular Marrakech. Those who are open to traveling beyond the Red City will be rewarded by anything from towering waterfalls to world-class beaches. The only problem is deciding where to begin… and we’re here to help.
Here are the Top 8 hidden gems in Morocco to inspire your next wanderlust.
Are you feeling blue? Explore Chefchaouen
Located in the Rif mountains northwest of Morocco - this old town is famed for its beautiful blue-washed structures. Its steep cobblestone pathways are lined with leather and weaving workshops. The strikingly blue medina is also quite impossible to forget!
This charming city is a blend of cultures and different customers from Andalusia and North Africa. Shop for souvenirs or just wander in the narrow streets where you can definitely find the next instagramable spot.
The old city of Demnate
Demnate is one of the oldest cities in southern Morocco, with a tiny medina where visitors are able to learn about the local culture.
Demnate, located at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains, is surrounded by some of southern Morocco's most beautiful landscapes. It's an excellent location for hiking and experiencing the outdoors. Imi n'Ifri's gorge and natural stone arch are a must-see attraction.
Fast & furious in Agadir
If you are a thrill-seeker then you will definitely enjoy the city of Agadir. High-speed buggy adventures, adrenaline-pumping jet ski rides, and quick and fast dune boarding are all available. If you want to spend your time in the sun, Agadir has lots of options for you. Relax on the city's picture-perfect beaches or head to Taghazout Beach, which is only a 15-20-minute drive from Agadir.
The port city of El Jadida
El Jadida is located on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The haunting ruins of the Unesco-listed Mazagan Fortress offer spectacular views of the sea and city. The medina's architecture is quite unique, having a bit of European influences compared to the others. One of the highlights of the city is the water cisterns - which are open every day and can be explored for a few Moroccan dirhams.
Discover Ourika Valley
When you start exploring the Ourika Valley, you'll feel like you're a million miles away from Marrakech. Despite being so close to Morocco's main tourist hub, this picture-perfect slice of wilderness is only 50 kilometers away, which is an amazing option for a day trip. When the winter chill fades, the valley truly comes to life. If you visit between March and May, you'll be able to witness the valley in full flower. The weather will also be ideal for exploring the several waterfalls in the valley.
Relax on the beaches of Oualidia
Oualidia, a popular domestic holiday location on the Atlantic Coast is a great place to unwind on sandy beaches and swim in the cool water. The curving lagoon is one of Morocco's most beautiful attractions. If you’re a seafood lover then you’re in luck because there are many seafood restaurants in the neighborhood, and fresh oysters are especially popular.
In the spring or autumn, visit the surrounding wetlands to witness a variety of fascinating birds, such as the pink flamingos.
Fint Oasis
Fint Oasis is a gorgeous oasis on the edge of the Anti-Atlas Mountains, close to the popular tourist resort of Ouarzazate. The word alone should convince you to come; it means 'hidden' in Amazigh, the Berber language.
The oasis is bordered by palm and fruit trees that provide ample shade during the day. The lush foliage stands in stark contrast to the valley's black rocks and barren environment.
Explore the Bhalil caves
Bhalil is a small attractive village of roughly 1,500 people, with the majority of residents living in two or three-room stone cottages situated on the valley walls. Pink, yellow, and blue pastel hues abound on the walls. The interiors of most of the buildings there is the true charm: roughly 40 families live in caverns cut out of the cliff hundreds of years ago.
Morocco offers all possible ways to travel within the country - choose the one that fits your travel style and budget the most!
Bus
Busses within cities might get crowded, while those for long distances between cities can be quite comfortable. Traveling around the country by bus is perfect if you have time and don't want to spend too much money. There are different bus companies that operate between larger cities and you can buy the tickets online in advance or at the bigger bus stations.
Train
Morocco has a good railway system between the major cities. If you want to travel from one city to another, a train might be the fastest and easiest option. There are also night trains available, which will be a good option if you're planning on traveling a longer distance.
Taxi
Taxis will be available in busier places and a fast and easy way of getting from one place to another. Ask the driver to put on the meter or negotiate the price beforehand. There are private as well as bigger shared taxis available. Shared taxi prices are fixed, and the cars can accommodate up to 6 passengers - a fun ride!
Car rental
Renting a car is not so popular, as to publish transportation is good and private transport also affordable. Depending on your itinerary, you might still want to rent a car. Just make sure to drive carefully because the roads can be busy and quite a lot of accidents are happening. Prices for a rental car are about $320 per week or $55 a day
Private transport
If you don't want to rent your own car or use public transport, private transport can be arranged by your hotel or tour company. Depending on the distance and the number of people, prices vary.
Airplane
If you're planning on traveling a long distance, you might want to take a flight instead of a bus or train. Flights between the cities are very affordable.
In general, Morocco is very affordable! You will find amazing deals for accommodation and activities there. A trip to Morocco can be done both on a very low budget or an extreme high one, if you want to stay in luxury resorts. We also recommend having a budget to buy some things, as morocco has incredible markets. The costs below are estimated and are for a single individual.
Daily costs, on average, excluding accommodation to consider when traveling to Morocco:
a) Budget-friendly: $20-35
b) Mid-range budget: $40-80
c) High budget: $100 and above
Accommodation:
Morocco has cheap hostel accommodations for you, if you're on a budget, as well as cheap and more luxurious hotels to choose from. We do recommend staying at least one night at a Riad, a traditional Moroccan house.
a) Budget-friendly:
b) Mid-range budget:
c) High budget:
Food:
Food in Morocco is very affordable. Costs per day varies depending on what you decide to go for, eating street food or dining at a restaurant, as well as the location. Restaurants at touristic areas will be more expensive.
a) Budget-friendly:
b) Mid-range budget:
c) High budget:
Transportation:
Transportation prices per day differ considerably based on where you stay and how far you have to get to your sightseeing spots and activities.
a) Budget-friendly:
b) Mid-range:
c) High budget:
The above list of prices for accommodation, transportation, and food expenses in Morocco are for a single individual. Although prices for accommodation won't be much higher when, for example, sharing with a friend or your significant other.
Here are the best must-try Moroccan dishes, we are convinced you will love them!
Tajine
Tajines are made out of ceramic and are traditional Moroccan cooking pots. Inside is usually slow-cooked meat, fish or chicken together with vegetables.
Couscous
Couscous is very popular in Morocco as a side dish. Often mixed with vegetables and raisins
Baghrir
Round sweet pancakes, cooked only on one side with a lot of holes. Served with fruits or honey syrup
Harira
A tomato-based soup that also contains lentils and chickpeas
Chebakia
A pastry made of strips of dough rolled up, looking like flowers. It gets fried and coated with honey and sesame
We collected some important information as well as Tips & Tricks for you to read before visiting Morocco. Knowing these things, a great time awaits you!
Entry requirements
Make sure to check your entry requirements ahead and check regularly, as they might change within short notice due to Covid restrictions. Depending on your country, your maximum duration of stay will be different. Morocco offers a free visa on arrival for multiple countries, which makes it very easy to enter.
Currency
The currency is Moroccan Dirham. You can exchange money at the airport, touristic places or get it straight from an ATM. Usually it is also no problem to pay in euros.
10 Dirham = 0.93 Euros
10 Dirham = 1.02 USD
Make sure you carry cash with you, as some small shops or restaurants in a non-touristic area will not accept credit cards.
Language
Both standard Arabic and Moroccan / Berber Arabic, also called Darija, are spoken in Morocco. Many Moroccans do also speak French.
Tourist Scams
Before traveling to Morocco it's important to inform yourself about popular tourist scams. There are a lot of them and they do happen very often in tourist areas.
You might also get offered something for free, be aware that if you take it, you will have to pay.
Tap water
It is not recommended to drink tab water in Morocco. While locals might still drink it, we don't recommend doing so, as you will get sick if you're not used to it. Bottled water can be found in shops anywhere and are also affordable. Make sure you always have enough water with you when going on a hike or planning on visiting the desert.
Dress for the occasion
Morocco's major religion is Islam and as a respectful tourist you shouldn't show too much skin in public. It is not mandatory to cover your hair with a scarf. We suggest to wear long, loose dresses or skirts in summer. It will also protect you from the sun.
Public toilets
There are not many public toilets in Morocco, but if you see one, you will have to pay a small fee. If you're searching for a toilet, look for a restaurant or café. Depending on the area, you might not find a “western toilet” and its good to carry toilet paper with you, just in case.
Drugs
When traveling to Morocco, be prepared that someone will offer you to buy drugs. Cannabis is quite popular in the country but is illegal and we highly recommend not buying any drugs. When trying to buy, sellers might scam you or work together with the police.
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