How Much Does Marrakech Cost? 2026 Budget Guide | Prices & Tips
Marrakech presents a fascinatng spectrum of costs, making it accessible for backpackers while remaining a premier destination for ultra-luxury travelers. A solo visitor can expect to navigate the city on a daily budget of approximately $36 / MAD 328, while a mid-range experience typically averages $190 / MAD 1,742 per day. For those seeking the pinnacle of Moroccan hospitality, luxury daily expenditures can exceed $1,140 / MAD 10,452. While the base costs for staples like street food and public transit are low compared to most European cities, the expense of alcohol and high-end riad stays can quickly elevate a travel budget. Understanding the distinction between the historic Medina and the modern Ville Nouvelle is key to managing daily spending.
Is Marrakech expensive to visit?
Marrakech is a highly flexible destination where travelers can expect to spend anywhere from $36 / MAD 328 to $1,140 / MAD 10,452 per day depending on their preferred level of comfort.
On This Page
Daily Budget
How much to budget per person per day in Marrakech
$36
per person /day
$190
per person /day
$1,140
per person /day
Trip Costs by Duration
Total estimated costs per person, excluding flights
| Trip Costs by Duration | Budget | Mid-Range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Day Trip | $107 | $570 | $3,420 |
| 5-Day Trip | $179 | $950 | $5,700 |
| 7-Day Trip | $251 | $1,330 | $7,980 |
per person — Excludes international flights
Budget Buffer
Recommended contingency for unexpected expenses
It is wise to maintain a 15% buffer to cover the Tourist Promotion Tax of ~$3.04 / MAD 28 per night for luxury stays and the small, frequent tips of ~$2.18 / MAD 20 expected by street performers. These minor costs, along with the ~$5.43 / MAD 50 tip often requested by unofficial guides, can accumulate quickly during a stay.
How Does It Compare?
See how Marrakech stacks up against other popular destinations
What Things Cost
Real prices for common tourist expenses in Marrakech
Food & Drink (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Meal in Medina Basic tagine or couscous costs ~$4.07 / MAD 37. | $4.07 MAD 37 |
| Traditional Coffee (Nus-Nus) A 'Nus-Nus' (half coffee, half milk) is usually ~$1.62 / MAD 15. | $1.62 MAD 15 |
| Local Beer (Flag Spéciale) in a Bar Alcohol is only served in licensed venues and costs ~$6.52 / MAD 60. | $6.52 MAD 60 |
Transport (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Small Taxi (Petit Taxi) - City Center Fixed rate from airport to Medina/Gueliz (~$7.6 / MAD 70). Night rate is ~$11 / MAD 104. | $7.6 MAD 70 |
| L19 Airport Express Bus The most economical way to reach the center (~$3.26 / MAD 30). | $3.26 MAD 30 |
| Local City Bus Ticket Standard fare for ALSA city buses (~$0.44 / MAD 3.99). | $0.44 MAD 3.99 |
| Horse-Drawn Carriage (Caleche) 1-Hour Roughly $22 / MAD 199. Always agree on the price before boarding. | $22 MAD 199 |
Accommodation (3)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Budget Hostel Dorm Bed Expect to pay ~$14 / MAD 129. Many hostels include breakfast in the Medina. | $14 MAD 129 |
| Mid-range Traditional Riad Averages ~$114 / MAD 1,047 per night. Includes a central courtyard and often a rooftop terrace. | $114 MAD 1,045 |
| Luxury Hotel (La Mamounia) Approximately $923 / MAD 8,459 per night for one of the world's most iconic hotels. | $923 MAD 8,461 |
Activities (4)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Jardin Majorelle Entry (International) Costs ~$17 / MAD 154. Booking online in advance is mandatory. | $17 MAD 154 |
| Le Jardin Secret (Garden + Tower) The full experience costs ~$15 / MAD 139. Tower offers great Medina views. | $15 MAD 139 |
| Ben Youssef Madrasa Entry Incredible 14th-century architecture for ~$5.43 / MAD 50. | $5.43 MAD 50 |
| Traditional Hammam (Tourist Spa) A high-end spa experience costs ~$49 / MAD 448. Local hammams are ~$2.18 / MAD 20. | $49 MAD 448 |
Connectivity (1)
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| Local SIM Card (20GB Data) Costs ~$11 / MAD 100. Available at the airport with passport registration. | $11 MAD 100 |
Food & Dining
What to eat and what it costs
Dining in Marrakech offers incredible value if one sticks to local haunts, where a basic tagine or couscous in the Medina costs roughly $4.07 / MAD 37. For a social break, a traditional Nus-Nus coffee averages $1.62 / MAD 15, though visitors should be prepared for a 'couvert' fee of approximately $1.08 / MAD 9.93 for the bread and olives provided at most sit-down restaurants. Alcohol is limited to licensed venues where a local Flag Spéciale beer typically costs around $6.52 / MAD 60.
Cheap Eats
Where locals eat — real places, real prices
Amal Women's Training Center
$9.23–$13 / MAD 85–MAD 119Gueliz · Local chain
Great social enterprise where lunch costs ~$11 / MAD 100. Closed for dinner.
Bejgheni
$3.26–$6.52 / MAD 30–MAD 60Gueliz · Street food area
Local favorite for 'Kefta' sandwiches costing ~$3.26 / MAD 30.
Bakchich Cafe
$6.52–$10 / MAD 60–MAD 95Medina · Local chain
Reliable budget spot near the main square; a meal is ~$7.6 / MAD 70.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Night Stalls
$1.08–$11 / MAD 9.93–MAD 100Medina · Night market
Harira soup is a steal at ~$1.08 / MAD 9.93; always check stall hygiene.
Cafe Clock
$7.6–$14 / MAD 70–MAD 129Kasbah · Local chain
The camel burger (~$10 / MAD 95) is a must-try for foodies.
Getting Around
Transport costs and the smartest ways to move
Getting around is most efficient via the 'Petit Taxi,' which charges a fixed rate of ~$7.6 / MAD 70 for trips between the airport and the city center. For the budget-conscious, the L19 Airport Express Bus at $3.26 / MAD 30 or the local ALSA city buses at $0.44 / MAD 3.99 per ticket offer the best value. To experience the city at a slower pace, a one-hour ride in a horse-drawn Caleche costs roughly $22 / MAD 199, provided the price is agreed upon before departure.
Accommodation Overview
Accommodation ranges from budget-friendly hostel dorms in the Medina for ~$14 / MAD 129 per night to atmospheric mid-range riads that average ~$114 / MAD 1,047. Those looking for world-class luxury at iconic institutions like La Mamounia should expect to pay around $923 / MAD 8,461 per night. The 'sweet spot' for most travelers is the traditional riad, which offers a central courtyard and rooftop views within the Medina walls.
Accommodation Budget in Marrakech
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Money-Saving Tips
Insider tricks to stretch your budget further
- 1 Eat at the Jemaa el-Fnaa night stalls for authentic local flavors at budget prices around $4.07 / MAD 37 per dish.
- 2 Visit the Amal Women's Training Center in Gueliz for high-quality Moroccan cuisine that supports a social cause at reasonable rates.
- 3 Take the L19 Airport Express Bus for $3.26 / MAD 30 instead of a taxi to reach the Medina or Gueliz economically.
- 4 Opt for a local public hammam for ~$2.18 / MAD 20 to experience authentic culture at a fraction of the $49 / MAD 448 charged by tourist spas.
- 5 Buy a local SIM card with 20GB of data at the airport for ~$11 / MAD 100 to avoid expensive international roaming fees.
- 6 Book Jardin Majorelle tickets online in advance for ~$17 / MAD 154 to ensure entry and avoid the higher fees of third-party resellers.
- 7 Fill up on the complimentary breakfast provided by most riads and hostels to save on morning dining costs.
- 8 Drink tap water only if it is filtered; otherwise, purchase large bottles of water from small local shops rather than tourist-facing cafes.
- 9 Negotiate at least 30–50% off the initial asking price when shopping in the souqs of the Medina.
- 10 Visit the Ben Youssef Madrasa for just $5.43 / MAD 50 to see some of the city's finest architecture at a low cost.
Seasonal Pricing
When prices rise and fall throughout the year
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
+30-50%
Jan, Jul, Aug
-25-40%
Feb, Jun, Sep
Summer (July/August) is extremely hot (40°C+ / 104°F) and cheap, but many riads lack strong AC. Spring and Autumn offer ideal ~25°C (77°F) weather but peak prices.
Events to Watch
- ● Christmas & New Year (+100% hotel rates)
- ● Marrakech International Film Festival (late Nov/Dec)
Free Things to Do
The best experiences that cost absolutely nothing
- 1 Wander through the vibrant Jemaa el-Fnaa square to see storytellers and performers.
- 2 Explore the Rahba Kedima (Spice Square) to take in the scents and colors of the market.
- 3 Visit the Koutoubia Mosque gardens for a peaceful walk under the palm trees.
- 4 Stroll through the historic Mellah (Jewish Quarter) to see its unique architecture.
- 5 Explore the Cyber Park (Arsat Moulay Abdeslam), a blend of a traditional garden and modern tech space.
- 6 View the Bab Agnaou, the most impressive of the 19 gates that pierce the city walls.
- 7 Walk the perimeter of the 12th-century ramparts that surround the old city.
- 8 Visit the Menara Gardens and walk around the large reflecting pool (garden entry is free).
- 9 Browse the Ensemble Artisanal on Avenue Mohammed V to see craftsmen at work without the pressure to buy.
- 10 Window shop through the various specialized souqs, such as the Souq Haddadine (blacksmiths).
Worth the Splurge
Premium experiences that justify the price tag
Hot Air Balloon Flight (Ciel d'Afrique)
Stunning sunrise views of the Atlas Mountains and Berber villages. Costs ~$233 / MAD 2,136.
Private Desert Dinner in Agafay
A magical 'stone desert' experience with fire shows and luxury dining (~$98 / MAD 896).
Afternoon Tea at Royal Mansour
Access the world's most luxurious hotel without the $1,766 / MAD 16,185 room price (~$60 / MAD 550).
Popular Activities
Top-rated tours and experiences in Marrakech
Day Trip Costs
Popular day trips from Marrakech and what they cost
Essaouira (Coastal City)
$17 / MAD 159 by bus
Free
$49 / MAD 448
Ouzoud Waterfalls
$27 / MAD 249 by shared minibus
$2.18 / MAD 20
$54 / MAD 498
Payment & Money
How to pay and what to know about money
Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
1 $ ≈ 9.17 MAD
Yes
Common in Gueliz and high-end riads/restaurants; cash is absolute king in the Medina souks and for all taxis.
10% is standard in restaurants. Small services like luggage porting or parking attendants warrant ~$0.54–$1.08 / MAD 4.96–MAD 9.93.
Use bank-affiliated ATMs (BMCE, Attijariwafa) in Gueliz or near Jemaa el-Fnaa. Avoid DCC (Dynamic Currency Conversion)—always choose 'Decline Conversion' to save ~$5.89–$12 / MAD 54–MAD 108.
Essential in souks. Start at 30% of the initial quote and aim to settle around 50%. Never bargain if you aren't prepared to buy at ~$12–$24 / MAD 108–MAD 216.
Connectivity
eSIM: $11–$18 for 10GB (opens in new tab)
Local SIM: $11 / MAD 100 (100 MAD) for 20GB
WiFi: Excellent in Riads and modern cafes in Gueliz; virtually non-existent in the deep Medina alleys.
Get a local Orange or Maroc Telecom SIM at the airport for ~$11 / MAD 100; it is far cheaper and more reliable than international eSIMs.
Why you can trust this guide
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.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Marrakech.
Updated: February 16, 2026
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