Morocco

Morocco is a vibrant gateway to North Africa where ancient traditions meet modern energy across golden dunes and bustling medinas. From the labyrinthine alleys of imperial cities to the snow-capped peaks of the High Atlas, the landscape offers a profound sense of adventure and discovery. You can spend your mornings haggling for hand-woven rugs in a souk and your nights under a vast canopy of stars in the Sahara Desert. It is a country defined by the scent of orange blossoms, the intricate geometry of zellij tiles, and the warmth of legendary hospitality. Whether you seek the blue-washed walls of mountain villages or the coastal breeze of Atlantic ports, Morocco promises an unforgettable sensory journey.

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We built this guide using official tourism data, local travel insights, and real pricing from our city guides, so you can plan your trip with confidence.

3 cities
9 guides
$64 – $82 Daily Budget

Quick Facts

Capital
Rabat
Languages
Arabic, Tamazight
Currency
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
1 $ ≈ 9.18 MAD
Plug Type
Type C/E (220V, 50Hz)
Driving Side
Right
Dial Code
+212
Entry Requirements
Check requirements →
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Time Zone
UTC+1 most of the year; UTC+0 during Ramadan (Africa/Casablanca)
Emergency
112 (General/mobile), 19 or 190 (Police), 15 or 150 (Civil Protection/Fire/Ambulance), 177 (Gendarmerie)

Why Visit Morocco

Ancient Imperial Cities

Cities like Fez and Marrakech house UNESCO-listed medinas that feel like living museums of medieval history. You can wander through narrow streets filled with artisans, historic mosques, and hidden courtyard riads that offer a peaceful escape from the urban energy.

The Sahara Desert

Watching the sunrise over the towering Erg Chebbi dunes is a definitive North African experience. Camel treks and luxury desert camps allow you to immerse yourself in the vast, quiet beauty of the sands far from modern distractions.

High Atlas Mountains

This dramatic range offers world-class trekking opportunities, including the climb to North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal at 4,167m. The mountains are also home to traditional Berber villages where life follows centuries-old rhythms.

World-Class Culinary Scene

Moroccan food is a complex blend of sweet and savory flavors, utilizing fresh local produce and aromatic spices like saffron and cumin. Every meal is a celebration, from street-side grilled meats to elaborate multi-course feasts in historic palaces.

Artistic Craftsmanship

The country is a haven for lovers of design, famous for its intricate leatherwork, hand-painted pottery, and vibrant textiles. Visiting local workshops gives you a direct connection to the skilled artisans preserving these traditional crafts.

Top Experiences

Top-rated tours and activities in Morocco

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Cities & Destinations

Regions

Marrakesh-Safi

This central region is the heart of Moroccan tourism, blending the energetic Red City of Marrakech with the rugged beauty of the High Atlas. It is the ideal base for those wanting to explore historic palaces like Bahia Palace and then escape into scenic mountain valleys.

Fès-Meknès

Known as the cultural and spiritual center of the nation, this area features the world’s largest car-free urban space in the Fez medina. Beyond the city, the Middle Atlas offers cedar forests inhabited by Barbary macaques and the Roman ruins of Volubilis.

Tanger-Tetouan-Al Hoceima

Occupying the northern tip of the country, this region offers a Mediterranean flair and the famous blue-washed city of Chefchaouen. It is a hub for travelers arriving by ferry from Europe and those seeking a mix of mountain hiking and coastal relaxation.

Draa-Tafilalet

This southeastern region is characterized by vast palm groves, ancient earthen kasbahs, and the beginning of the great desert. It serves as the gateway to the dunes of Merzouga and the dramatic landscapes of the Todra Gorge.

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Marrakech, Morocco – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Cities & Destinations:

Best Time to Visit

The most pleasant conditions occur during the transition seasons when temperatures are moderate nationwide. Coastal areas remain temperate year-round, while the interior and desert face extreme heat in summer and cold nights in winter.

Peak Season

Mar, Apr, May, Sep, Oct, Nov

Spring and autumn offer the best weather for trekking and city exploration, with daytime temperatures averaging 20–25°C (68–77°F). This period sees the highest tourist volume and peak pricing for riads.

Shoulder Season

Feb, Dec

The winter months are excellent for city sightseeing in Marrakech or Fez, as crowds are thinner. While days are sunny, nights can drop to 5°C, and the High Atlas Mountains receive significant snowfall.

Off-Peak

Jun, Jul, Aug

Summer brings intense heat to the interior, often exceeding 40°C in Marrakech and the Sahara. However, coastal cities like Essaouira and Agadir remain comfortable due to Atlantic breezes.

Getting Around

Morocco has one of Africa's best transport infrastructures, featuring high-speed rail and an extensive network of intercity buses and shared taxis.

Train

The ONCF network is reliable and efficient. The Al Boraq high-speed line connects Tangier to Casablanca in ~2 hours. Standard trains link Marrakech, Fez, and Rabat, with tickets costing ~$12–$29 / MAD 108–MAD 270.

Bus

CTM and Supratours are the primary tourist-standard operators, offering air-conditioned coaches with assigned seating. They are essential for reaching destinations like Chefchaouen or the Sahara.

Taxi

Petit Taxis operate within city limits and are color-coded (e.g., beige in Marrakech, red in Fez). Grand Taxis are larger, shared vehicles used for fixed-route intercity travel.

Food & Drink

Moroccan cuisine is a fragrant fusion of Arab, Berber, and Mediterranean influences that centers on communal sharing. Spices such as cumin, turmeric, and ginger are the foundation of most meals, often balanced with the sweetness of dried fruits.

Must Try

Tagine

A slow-cooked stew named after the conical clay pot it is prepared in, featuring tender meat, vegetables, and often prunes or apricots.

Couscous

The national dish, typically served on Fridays, consisting of steamed semolina grains topped with a rich meat and seven-vegetable stew.

Harira

A hearty tomato-based soup made with chickpeas, lentils, and fragrant herbs, traditionally used to break the fast during the month of Ramadan.

Pastilla

A unique sweet and savory meat pie made with layers of thin warqa dough, traditionally filled with pigeon or chicken and dusted with cinnamon.

Zaalouk

A flavorful cooked salad made from smoked eggplants and tomatoes, seasoned with garlic, olive oil, and paprika, usually served with crusty bread.

Atay

Commonly referred to as Moroccan mint tea, this sweetened green tea is poured from a height to create a frothy head and is a symbol of hospitality.

Money & Costs

Morocco offers high value for money, with a daily budget of ~$71 / MAD 649 covering mid-range accommodation and traditional meals. Prices in medinas are highly variable and depend on negotiation skills.

Tipping

Tipping is customary; ~$1.18–$2.36 / MAD 11–MAD 22 is standard for porters and 10% is expected in restaurants if no service charge is included.

Cards

High-end hotels and restaurants accept cards, but cash is essential for souks, taxis, and smaller cafes.

ATMs

ATMs are widely available in cities but often charge a fee of ~$4.12 / MAD 38 per withdrawal. Intercity limits are usually ~$236 / MAD 2,162 per transaction.

Culture & Etiquette

Morocco is a traditional Muslim country where hospitality is a point of pride, yet social norms remain conservative. Understanding local customs regarding dress and social interaction will ensure a respectful and rewarding experience for every visitor.

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Dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees to respect local religious and social standards, especially when visiting rural areas.

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Use your right hand for eating and greeting, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean in Moroccan culture.

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Accept an invitation for mint tea if offered by a shopkeeper, as it is a significant gesture of hospitality and social connection.

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Carry small change for tipping porters and waiters, with ~$1.18–$2.36 / MAD 11–MAD 22 being a standard amount for small services and help.

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Photograph people, especially women, children, or those in prayer, without asking for their explicit permission first.

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Eat, drink, or smoke in public during the daylight hours of the holy month of Ramadan out of respect for those fasting.

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Discuss sensitive political topics or criticize the monarchy, as these are highly controversial and potentially illegal subjects.

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Expect fixed prices in the souks; bargaining is an expected social interaction and usually leads to a much better price.

Safety & Health

Travelers should exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism and maintain high vigilance in crowded tourist spots. Severe weather and flood risks have been reported recently in several regions.

Tap Water

Not safe to drink

Vaccinations

CDC highlights being up to date on routine vaccines including MMR; Hepatitis A is recommended for unvaccinated travelers and Typhoid is recommended for most travelers. Rabies risk exists (dogs); CDC notes a rabies travel notice.

Common Scams

  • ⚠ Unofficial guides offering 'free' tours or directions who demand high payment later.
  • ⚠ The 'closed road' scam where locals claim a route to a site is blocked to redirect you to a specific shop.
  • ⚠ Aggressive henna artists who start drawing without consent and demand ~$24–$47 / MAD 216–MAD 432.
  • ⚠ Tannery scams where tourists are led to viewpoints and forced to pay an entrance fee.

Healthcare in major cities is adequate for minor issues, but comprehensive travel insurance is vital for medical evacuations. Be cautious of stray animals due to reported rabies risks.

Language

Moroccan Arabic (Darija) is the daily vernacular. French is widely used in administration and commerce, while English is common among younger people and in tourism hubs.

English Spoken: Moderately spoken

Key Phrases

Key Phrases
Meaning Local Pronunciation
Hello / Peace be upon you Salam Alaykum sa-lam a-lay-koom
Thank you Shokran shok-ran
No, thank you La, shokran la shok-ran
How are you? Labas? la-bass
Please Afak ah-fak
Goodbye Beslama be-sla-ma
How much? Bsh-hal? bish-hal
Excuse me Smah-li smah-lee

Visa & Entry

Visa rules depend on citizenship. Many travelers enter visa-free for tourism (often up to 90 days). Morocco also operates an official eVisa system (acces-maroc.ma) for eligible nationalities: single entry, validity up to 180 days from issue, max stay 30 days.

Max Stay

90 days visa-free (commonly); eVisa: 30 days max stay

Passport Validity

Varies by issuing country guidance (e.g., UK: 3+ months after arrival; US guidance: 6+ months at entry)

Visa-free for

USA, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, UAE (commonly up to 90 days for visa-free tourism; varies by nationality)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is Morocco safe for travelers?
Travelers should exercise increased caution due to the threat of terrorism and maintain high vigilance in crowded tourist spots like medinas and markets. While the vast majority of visits are trouble-free, it is important to stay informed about local news, avoid large demonstrations, and stick to well-lit areas after dark.
How expensive is a trip to Morocco?
An average daily budget of ~$71 / MAD 649 per person covers mid-range riad accommodation, delicious local meals, and some transport or guided tours. You can certainly spend less by eating street food and staying in hostels, or significantly more if you opt for luxury desert camps and high-end dining in Marrakech.
When is the best time to visit Morocco?
The ideal times to visit are during the spring months of March, April, and May or the autumn months of September, October, and November. During these periods, the temperatures are pleasant for exploring cities and trekking in the Atlas Mountains, avoiding the intense heat of the summer and the cold desert nights of winter.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Visa rules depend on citizenship. Many travelers can enter visa-free for tourism (often up to 90 days), but the length of stay is determined by the immigration officer at entry and may be less. Morocco also operates an official eVisa system for eligible nationalities (single entry, max stay 30 days). Passport validity requirements vary by issuing country guidance (e.g., UK: 3+ months after arrival; US guidance: 6+ months at entry). Always check the latest entry requirements for your specific citizenship before departure.
Is English widely spoken in Morocco?
English is moderately spoken in major tourist hubs like Marrakech, Fez, and Tangier, but French and Arabic remain the primary languages for administration and daily life. Learning a few basic phrases in Moroccan Arabic (Darija) or having a working knowledge of French will greatly enhance your ability to communicate, especially in rural areas.
What should I eat in Morocco?
You must try the iconic Tagine, a slow-cooked stew, and the national Friday dish of Couscous served with seven vegetables. For a unique snack, try Pastilla, a savory-sweet meat pie, and always finish your meals with a glass of Atay, the traditional Moroccan mint tea which is served everywhere from shops to homes.
How do I get around Morocco?
Morocco boasts some of Africa's best transport infrastructure, including a high-speed rail line connecting Tangier, Rabat, and Casablanca. For other routes, extensive intercity bus networks like CTM and shared 'grand taxis' are reliable and affordable ways to travel between smaller towns and cities, while 'petit taxis' handle local city transport.
Can I drink the tap water in Morocco?
Tap water in Morocco is generally considered unsafe for foreign travelers to drink, so it is best to stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip. Even when brushing your teeth, many travelers prefer to use bottled water to avoid any risk of stomach upset that could disrupt your travel plans.
What should women wear in Morocco?
To respect local customs and minimize unwanted attention, women should opt for loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders, chest, and knees. While major cities like Casablanca are more liberal, dressing conservatively is essential when visiting rural villages, religious sites, or conservative neighborhoods to show respect for the local culture and faith.
How does tipping work in Morocco?
Tipping is a customary part of Moroccan culture; you should expect to give ~$1.18–$2.36 / MAD 11–MAD 22 to porters, parking attendants, or for small helpful services. In restaurants, a tip of approximately 10% of the total bill is expected if a service charge has not already been included, though rounding up the bill is also common in casual spots.

Why you can trust this guide

Headshot of Jan Křenek, founder of GoTripzi
Jan Křenek

35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data

Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.

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