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Morocco Travel Tips: 30 Things You Must Know Before Visiting

Morocco Travel Tips: 30 Things You Must Know Before Visiting

Planning a trip to Morocco and wondering what you must know before landing in this beautiful country? Though there are many cultural differences many of them can be summed into these travel tips, so prepare a pan and a piece of paper to make sure you get the most out of your trip to Morocco.

From beautiful old cities to snow-capped mountains, souks with every spice and handicraft you could imagine, and a mix of people, cultures, languages, and landscapes you will never forget, traveling in Morocco is a unique experience.

With all this diversity and options in Morocco, it can be a bit confusing and overwhelming at times, the following tips will help you get things done right and in the most enjoyable manner so you will have the best time in Morocco.

Food Tips – What and Where To Eat In Morocco

Food Tips - What and Where To Eat In Morocco

Try street food

There’s some pretty amazing street food to try when you travel through Morocco. Don’t leave the country without having a kebab rubbed in salt and spices and served with khobz (flatbread) and harissa (chili paste), cumin, and salt. There’s normally lamb, kefta, chicken, and mixes of all meats and heart, kidney, and liver.

Tip: if you’re having trouble finding good street food, try the Djemaa El Fna Food Stalls!

Don’t order in

Morocco has some great festivals, and they can be a good option for eating interesting food in the country. The Tyab Bladi festival, for example, includes a culinary competition as well as folkloric dance events. Marrakech hosts a Street Food Festival in Jemaa El Fna Square that shows off traditional recipes and new street food trends.

Make sure to look into the festivals happening during your vacation and plan them into your itinerary!

Try the Tajine stew

One of the most traditional dishes in Morocco, a tajine is a stew cooked in a conical earthenware pot. Because of the pot, the ingredients stay tender. Some of the most common tajines are kefta (meatballs), chicken with lemons and olives, and lamb with prunes.

Eat at a guesthouse

If you’re staying at a Riad (guesthouse) make sure to have some meals there if you can. Home-cooked food is often the best option in Morocco.

Tip: You’ll also likely be offered Maghrebi mint tea at a riad–steeped green tea with a handful of spearmint leaves and sugar–say yes!

Go before Friday

Morocco is a Muslim country and many restaurants and shops are closed on Fridays.

Since this is the day when families and friends gather at home for a meal (usually couscous), it’s not the best day to finally head to that restaurant you’ve been dying to try.

Check with restaurants if they’re open on Fridays, and if they’re not, make sure you can go on a different day.

Wear The Right Clothes In Morocco

Wear The Right Clothes In Morocco

Bring warm clothes in the winter

Houses in Morocco are poorly insulated and can get cold in Winter. If you’ll be in the country in the colder winter months, bring warm clothing! Usually, November to March is considered the colder time in Morocco.

Cover yourself

While in the city shorts are common, in many parts of Morocco, it’ll be more comfortable to cover your shoulders, hips, stomach, and legs. This is mainly for women as this is a Muslim country, so make sure to be respectful towards local traditions.

When it comes to dealing with the heat and sun, pack lightweight, loose-fitting clothes that cover your body as they will protect you from the sun but will still able your body to maintain a normal temperature. Some good options are clothes made of fabrics like silk, cotton, linen, and bamboo, yet there is also the option of bringing some advanced travel wear.

That means you should pack loose blouses, long trousers, skirts, and long dresses.

Morocco is full of Jewish heritage sites. Learn more about a Morocco Heritage Tour here.

Wear swimwear at the beach

Bring a swimsuit, it’s totally fine to wear it at the beach or pool. And make sure to protect yourself from the sun with some skin-guard lotion.

Be prepared for the desert

If you’re heading to the desert, bring a sarong or scarf to tie around your face. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Covering up will keep away the mosquitos and the blowing sand from your face.

Protect yourself from the sun

Make sure to bring sunglasses, a hat, and to apply and reapply sunscreen throughout the day.

Getting Around Morocco

Getting Around Morocco

Trains

Trains in Morocco are affordable and cozy. They’re also an excellent way to see the countryside. They’re not that fast (except for the new high-speed train linking Tangier, Casablanca, and Rabat) so you might want to look at other options for travel.

Buses

It’s also easy to get around Morocco by bus. The buses are comfortable and don’t stop to pick people up along the way, so you’ll get right to your destination.

If you’re going to rely on public transport, make sure to leave some buffer time for disruptions in the system.

Taxis

Grand taxis are good ways to cover longer routes between towns, but they won’t get going on their trip until they’re full (six people).

Make sure to negotiate the cost per person before you get in the car, as this may vary between cities and taxis as well.

Petit taxis (small taxis) are smaller cars perfect for short trips inside the city, they are able to pass through narrow streets and get you to your destination quickly.

Rental cars

Renting a car is an option but can be challenging due to road conditions and traffic. Some of the mountain roads are difficult to drive on and dangerous, and parking can be challenging in many places where historic centers are car-free.

If you do rent a car, make sure to download an offline map on your phone so you don’t get lost. You don’t need an international driver’s license, but it could be useful for insurance reasons.

In larger cities, you might want to skip the car, or park it as close as possible to your accommodation and switch to taxis and walking for most of your stay.

Taking Pictures In Morocco

Taking Pictures In Morocco

Don’t take pictures of people without their permission.

Some people might ask for money if you take their photos. But the main thing especially in rural areas is fear, many people in Morocco are afraid of cameras so make sure to get their approval.

Drinking Water In Morocco

Play it safe with the water in Morocco. If you didn’t grow up there, your immune system likely isn’t accustomed to the bacteria present in the water sources. Drink bottled water and even use it to brush your teeth.

Tip: Avoid having ice in your drink when you’re out at a restaurant. 

Language Barriers In Morocco

 

Moroccans speak a mix of French, English, Berber, and Arabic. English is all right in most large cities, but a translator can be a huge help in more rural areas. Thus, it’s always a good idea to learn some basics before you arrive.

Some basic Arabic words:

  • Thank you: Choukran
  • No thank you: La Choukran
  • Watch out: Balak
  • Hello: Salaam aleikum

If you want to learn more before getting to Morocco, consider buying this Pocket Arabic Dictionary. 

Have you thought about taking a Jewish heritage tour to Morocco? 

Basic logistics In Morocco

Basic logistics In Morocco

Get the right electric converters

Morocco uses Voltage: 220 V, Frequency: 50 HZ Power sockets: type C / E

Most converters that work in Europe work in Morocco, but if you’re traveling from the states, don’t forget an adapter.

Prepare with vaccines

There are no vaccines required by the CDC for travel to Morocco but Hepatitis A and Typhoid shots are recommended. You can find more information here.

Bring toilet paper

Bring toilet paper with you everywhere, as well as hand sanitizer. Ask bathroom attendants for the price of using the bathroom before using it.

Don’t hail a taxi from the airport

Taxis from the airport are extremely expensive. Take a train, a bus, or get picked up by whoever is arranging your tour in Morocco.

Take out cash

Once you get to Morocco, head to an ATM and take out dirhams. Many places in Morocco only take cash. You should always make sure to have some on your person.

How expensive is Morocco?

How expensive is Morocco?

A trip to Morocco is cheaper than in Europe, but it may surprise you how expensive certain things can be. A double room could be about 100 dollars a night, and a car rental for the week could cost around 250 dollars. So you will find many things way cheaper like food, drinks and tourist attractions, but pay attention as some things like those mentioned above can get pricy.

Tipping In Morocco

Tipping is expected in many parts of Morocco. If you’re in a restaurant, a 5-10 percent tip is the appropriate amount. Service staff in hotels and riads should be tipped around 10 to 20 Dirham per day in the room.

Safety In Morocco

Morocco is safe to travel to. The crime rate is low and violent crimes against tourists are not an issue.

There are, however, some basic rules to follow to make sure your trip is as safe as possible:

  • Avoid the medina at night, especially for women traveling alone.
  • Travel as a couple or in groups.
  • Don’t be flashy, so stow away expensive camera gear and jewelry, especially if you’ll be in crowds.

Weather In Morocco

The best time to go to Morocco is when it’s cool.

Try to schedule your trip for March through May or September through November. As Morocco’s climate is very diverse, varying with the season and region. In general, the country has a tropical climate, with temperatures reaching as high as 35°C (95°F) and as low as 5°C (41°F) in the Sahara.

There are challenges that come with the winter months, too. In the cold, snow makes mountain roads impossible to drive on.

Traveling Around Morocco

Traveling Around Morocco

Mosques

Not many mosques in Morocco are open for tourists, but if you do go into one, make sure you are covered and respectful of the space.

Non-Muslims can only visit two mosques in Morocco:

  • The Hassan II mosque in Casablanca
  • The Tomb Mosque of Moulay Ismail in Meknes

Even though you can’t visit many mosques in Morocco, you can visit extravagant palaces and Koran schools.

Explore outside of the city

The cities in Morocco are amazing, but there’s so much to explore in Morocco beyond the Medinas. Check out the countryside to meet the indigenous Berber people and admire the nature of Morocco.

Go to the Merzouga desert, the Essaouira seaside, or the High Atlas Mountains.

Guides

One of the best ways to travel around Morocco is with a guide, but you need to make sure they are legitimate.

There are many “touts” or illegal guides in the more touristy areas of Morocco. They’ll offer to help you, then demand a fee for their services.

They’re an unfortunate way to get your money taken for no reason and possibly harassed. It’s best to just have an expert guide from the beginning.

Where should you stay in Morocco?

One of the best places to stay in Morocco is a Riad. A Riad is a traditional, multi-story building with a courtyard and a roof terrace.

They used to be homes of very wealthy families, and now most have been converted into guest houses.

Riads are also reasonably priced. For 70-100 dollars a night, you can get a beautiful room with traditional Moorish architecture and decor, along with breakfast.

City-Specific Tips In Morocco

Fez

Fez is known for its winding Medina. It’s one of the four royal cities of the country and a must on a trip to Morocco.

Some of the most important things to see in Fez:

  • Souks: Each market is divided by theme. Some are fruits and vegetables, others spices, and others artisan work. Make sure to haggle!
  • Bab Rcif: the eastern entrance to the Fez medina. It’s a meeting place where families gather to eat, play, and drink. 
  • The Fez tanneries: Fez is where you go to see leather traditionally tanned by hand. It’s a full-sensory experience, with a strong smell, so be prepared, but if you can’t handle the stench, you can watch from the terraces. There is no admission fee, but after visiting you can buy a bag. 
  • Medersa Attarine: This former Koran school is in the medina. It dates back to the 14th century and is a feast for the eyes of mosaics, carvings, and Moroccan tiles. It’s breathtaking and a lovely place for a photo.
  • If you’re looking for good food in Fez, check out the Ruined Garden for a unique experience in a vintage garden and plenty of vegetarian options, or check out Cafe Restaurant Al Oud for food at reasonable prices. 

Marrakech

Marrakech is one of the first stops on a trip to Morocco and is the top tourist destination in the country. We wouldn’t recommend staying in Marrakech for your whole trip; 3-4 nights is fine.

Some of the most important things to see in Marrakech:

  • Ben Youssef Madrasa: This former Koran school was built in the 14th century. It’s a beautiful place to look at mosaics and take beautiful photos. 
  • Djemaa el Fna: One of the first places you’ll visit and the most important site in the city, this square is the place to visit food stalls and watch jugglers and other entertainers. Head to one of the rooftop restaurants at the edge of the square to see the sunset.
  • Anima: Andre Heller Garden: This three-hectare garden is a peaceful place to enjoy vegetation and art. The garden is outside the center of Marrakech, but there’s a free shuttle running about three times a day to get there from the parking lot behind the Koutoubia mosque. If you get hungry, you can stop at Cafe Paul Bowles. 
  • Majorelle Gardens: Visit this botanical garden that was bought by French designer Yves Saint Laurent and redesigned by him. There are huge cacti and palm trees, as well as pavilions and benches in blue and yellow bright colors. Nearby, there’s a Berber Museum and Yves Saint Laurent Museum. 
  • Bahia Palace: This palace, built in the 19th century, is a combination of Moorish and Andalusian architecture. Walk through courtyards and, around orange trees, mosaics, and fountains. Tip: The Bahia palace gets pretty busy! Go as early as possible. 
  • If you’re looking for good food in Marrakech, it’s easy to find. Enjoy fresh mint tea or a tajine. The restaurant M Rooftop has a view of the minaret of the Koutoubia mosque and serves traditional dishes with a modern twist. Cafe Clock serves delicious Moroccan dishes and Nomad has a roof terrace with a breathtaking view of the Atlas Mountains.

Casablanca

Casablanca is the largest city in Morocco and is home to the Hassan II Mosque. It’s a financial and economic center, home to 3 million people. It’s the location of the country’s most important airport, so you’ll likely stop in Casablanca at some point on your trip.

Some of the most important things to see in Casablanca:

  • Habous district: The New Medina was built in the 1920s under French Colonial rule, and feels like a cozy souk. There are plenty of shops to buy spices, handicrafts, and other souvenirs. While you’re there, check out the Patisserie Bennis Habous for marzipan. 
  • Mahkama du Pacha: This city palace is covered in beautiful mosaics and carvings. 
  • Hassan II Mosque: The Hassan II Mosque is the largest mosque in Africa, and the minaret is the second tallest in the world. This mosque is one of the only two in Morocco that can be visited by non-muslims. 

Casablanca is a huge city with plenty of food options. Some of the best options are Le Cabestan, which offers seafood with an ocean-front view, Le Gatsby, an art deco-inspired cafe with a view of the Hassan II Mosque, and Rick’s Cafe, which is an homage to Humphrey Bogart’s gambling parlor in the film Casablanca.

Final Thoughts

Morocco is a special place to visit–a mix of colors, spices, and languages. There are so many ways to structure a great trip to Morocco, but they all have one thing in common: any trip to Morocco will be unforgettable, a feast for all of the senses, absolutely unforgettable.

So what are you waiting for? Is Morocco high on your list? Are you ready to have your dream trip planned? The colors, flavors, and people of Morocco are waiting for you.

Planning a trip can be overwhelming, and it helps to have an expert guide. If you’re looking into booking a trip to Morocco, check out our  Jewish travel agency.

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