It’s difficult to describe the feeling of traveling through Morocco. It’s an incredible experience that you have to see, smell, and hear with your own eyes, nose, and ears. In just under 3 hours of flying, you’ll find yourself in the north of Morocco, immediately immersed in a completely different world. After all, you’re in Africa! Morocco is a perfect destination if you want to get away but don’t have three weeks of time. You can take a city trip to Fez or Marrakech, or you can embark on an amazing 14-day road trip. Before jumping on the plane, take a moment to read these practical tips and facts so you can make the most of your trip to Morocco.
#1 The old cities have a medina
Medinas can be found in big cities like Fez, Marrakech, Essaouira, and Chefchaouen. This is the oldest part of the city and is often surrounded by city walls. The medina is a maze of narrow alleys and is almost entirely car-free. Occasionally, you’ll have to make way for a donkey or a horse that also uses the narrow streets. In every medina, there is a kasbah, which was used in the past to defend the medina. The medina is the place to be in the city, where you’ll find most hotels, restaurants, mosques, and shops. Therefore, always book your hotel or riad inside or on the edge of the medina.
Tip: If you’re traveling by rental car in Morocco, you can park the car at one of the secure parking lots for 20 dirhams ($2) per day.
#2 Morocco can be intimidating at times
Traveling through Morocco is not for everyone, and it’s important to have some confidence. Most of your trip will be pure enjoyment, but there may be a few moments that can feel intimidating. You have to be able to handle that and not let it ruin your trip. The culture is more assertive than what you are probably used to, and occasionally, you may encounter some unpleasant experiences. This is especially true in the big cities. In the big cities, keep in mind that anyone who approaches you is trying to earn something from you and may not be trustworthy. In the medinas of Fez and Marrakech, it can be challenging to find your hotel. If you arrive in these cities in the evening, arrange a pick-up through your hotel. In the evenings, the alleys of the medina can be quiet, and you may come across groups of young boys. They may try to aggressively show you the way (and then ask for money), which can feel intimidating. It’s not necessarily unsafe, but it can be uncomfortable.
#3 Ask for permission before taking a photo
Morocco is perhaps the most photogenic country we’ve ever been to. From beautiful mountain landscapes to vast deserts and impressive architecture to traditionally dressed people, Morocco has it all. That being said, it’s important to know that people in Morocco may not always be enthusiastic about being photographed. If you want to take a photo of someone, it’s important to ask for permission in advance. Sometimes people will ask for money after you’ve taken their photo, and it’s appropriate to give them around 5 dirhams. In Marrakech, it’s even common for vendors to not allow people to take photos of their shops and products. So always ask politely.
#4 Dress appropriately
About 98% of the population of Morocco is Muslim. Most women you see will be wearing a headscarf or niqab. Therefore, as a female tourist, if you walk around in shorts or a dress that exposes your knees, you will attract a lot of attention. In principle, you can wear whatever you want in Morocco, but it’s much more appropriate to cover your shoulders and knees. This way, you will receive more respect.
#5 Bargaining, bargaining, and more bargaining
Morocco is a shopper’s paradise. Especially in Marrakech and Fez, you can find the most amazing things for your home, jewelry, or a new leather bag. It’s perfectly normal to bargain for items you buy in the shops because the asking price is always set with that in mind. How you bargain is entirely up to you, but it’s typical to start with one-third of the asking price as your counteroffer. Often, you can negotiate at least half off the asking price. Negotiating with humor is the best way to get a significant reduction in price.
#6 It’s not always hot in Morocco
Morocco has a climate with significant temperature variations. In the summer months of July and August, it can be very hot, while in the winter months of December and January, it can be cold in some places. The temperature is perfect in the spring and fall. However, keep in mind that this period is also the high season, so it can be a bit busier.
#7 ‘Assistance’ on the street usually comes at a cost
People, especially young people, often offer to show you the way in the medina or guide you to a parking lot to park your rental car. You should be aware that they will almost always ask for money afterward. If you don’t want this assistance, you need to say a clear no. If you don’t make it clear enough, they may still accompany you, and then it can become unpleasant because they won’t accept the amount you want to give them. If you do want assistance, agree on a price beforehand, usually around 5 to 15 dirhams depending on the distance. If you can’t find your way, it’s better to ask for directions from a shopkeeper or the owner of your hotel. Fortunately, the app maps.me is usually quite helpful in Morocco. However, it doesn’t work in the medina of Fez due to the lack of GPS signal in the narrow alleys.
#8 You can also get by with Spanish and French
Many Moroccans speak multiple languages. Arabic and Berber are both official languages in Morocco. French is the second language of Morocco, but in the north, you will hear more Spanish than French. Fortunately, people in shops, hotels, and restaurants also speak English well.
#9 People are (almost all) very friendly in Morocco
We have been to Morocco three times, the first time only in Marrakech. We have to admit that we didn’t have a very good experience with locals in Marrakech the first time. That’s because we encountered quite a few people in Marrakech who were not very friendly. However, the second time we made a road trip and we are now extremely enthusiastic about the people. During our road trip, we met so many kind locals who were incredibly hospitable and always up for a friendly chat. Even in Marrakech, we had a lot fewer negative experiences the second time, but the fact remains that things can be a bit rougher there.
#10 Morocco is ideal for a road trip
Morocco is a perfect country to rent a car and go on a road trip. You’ll drive through vast deserts, rugged mountain landscapes, and authentic villages. With a rental car, you’ll experience ultimate freedom and can go, stop, and explore wherever you want. Additionally, driving in Morocco is easy and safe. The roads are in good condition, and people drive calmly. During our road trip, we crossed Morocco in about two weeks. Curious about our route? Check out the ultimate travel itinerary for Morocco.
