Ah, Morocco! This magnificent country has so much to offer its visitors, from bustling souks to desert wonderlands. Planning a trip to Morocco for the first time? It just takes a bit of knowledge to know how to plan your itinerary.
For most people in the world, planning a trip to Morocco is not exactly a hop, skip and a jump away - unless of course you’re from Spain or Northern Africa. But some of you might be surprised to find that most major tourist destinations in Morocco are not that close in proximity to each other. But fret not. Getting from one place to the other can be hassle free.
Obviously the longer you have to explore Morocco, the more you will get to do and see and have time to feel integrated into the culture. For our trip, we had five full days and two half days traveling in and out of Morocco. It was rushed, but in that time we were able to spend time visiting Marrakech, Fes and Chefchaouen which are all in very different parts of the country.
My friend and I visited in late September/early October which I found to be pretty pleasant as far as weather goes. Morocco’s typical peak season is July to September (their summer months) but expect more crowds during this time.
Morocco is a great destination to visit all year long. Typically, January is the wettest and coldest month, while July and August are the hottest months, but you’ll find that they are the least crowded months. If you’re visiting the Sahara desert, be aware that winter temperatures, through December and January, can reach freezing.
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Marrakech is typically the most affordable city to fly into and it should undoubtedly be on your must-do list for Morocco anyway, so make that your first flight search.
Today, Morocco remains one of the most accessible parts of Africa, divided only by the Strait of Gibraltar from Europe - in fact, it takes less than hour to reach Tangier by boat from Spain. While aspects of its French colonial past are visible throughout the major destinations, the nation is thoroughly Islamic in character. Its vibrant, chaotic atmosphere has long held an allure for artists and bohemians, from Yves Saint Laurent to Jimi Hendrix to… famed travel blogger Lauren Juliff?
Yes, this is a magnificent country that has so much to offer up to its visitors, from bustling souks to desert wonderlands. The night I spent camping in the Sahara Desert remains one of my favourite travel experiences to date. The blue town of Chefchaouen is still one of the most photogenic places I’ve visited. There’s nowhere in the world as exciting as Marrakech.
Morocco is home to excellent surfing, hiking, and shopping, and the food is phenomenal. It’s pretty damn inexpensive, too. And yet, it’s a challenging destination. It’s a frustrating destination. It can be aggressive and hard, and the high levels of harassment will make you want to scream at times. Local men followed me down alleyways, then turned aggressive when I refused to interact. Travelling solo through Morocco as a woman felt like a nightmare at times.
And yet, the good far outweighed the bad, because why else would I still consider Morocco one of my favourite countries in the world? So let’s just say that this isn’t a great destination for women on their first solo adventure overseas. But if you do have some travel experience under your belt, there’s so much beauty waiting to be discovered.
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In my eyes, two weeks is the perfect amount of time to spend in the country - it gives you just enough time to experience all the highlights, then whisks you back home juuust before the harassment starts to crawl under your skin.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how to spend two weeks in Morocco: Any Morocco itinerary has to start within the colourful chaos of Marrakech (3 nights), followed by a trip to Essaouira (2 nights) for some fresh sea air (and even fresher seafood). I’d then recommend returning to Marrakech (1 night) as a convenient gateway to the Sahara Desert (2 nights), before heading north to Fes (3 nights), followed by Chefchaouen (2 nights), and Casablanca (1 night).
And now it’s time to look at those destinations in more depth. Let’s jump in.
MARRAKECH, MOROCCO | 10 BEST Things To Do In & Around Marrakech
Top Destinations in Morocco
Morocco holidays whisk us into a rainbow of raucous colours and enlightening Islamic culture. Marrakech is called the Red or Rose City, with its ancient red and ochre walls contrasting with the dramatic backdrop of the white snowcapped Atlas Mountains. Essaouira, the Blue City, is not only on the sea, but is a sea of blue. It's Africa, It's Arabic, it's an awakening to the joys of Islamic culture.
Chefchaouen is painted so many delicate shades of indigo, it glitters like a sapphire peeking through the rocks of the Rif mountains all around. And Casablanca is the white city where, with its Spanish heritage, every casa is blanca. And, of course, every town has a medina or souk where the array of colours, from spices to slippers, cushions to costume jewellery, shakes off any pre-holiday blues... whatever the time of year.
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Wondering where to go in Morocco? From vibrant Medinas and lively souks to beautiful mosques and manicured gardens, each city has its own distinctive allure.
Here are some must-visit destinations:
- Casablanca: It isn’t the official capital of Morocco but this bustling city sure feels like it. Mohamed V Square is a bustling hub where locals gather and soak in the joyful atmosphere. The Museum of Moroccan Judaism is a unique museum showcasing the 2,000-year history of the Jewish community in Morocco.
- Fes: Impressively ancient and historic. The Royal Palace: Although you will not be able to get inside, you will be able to admire and take pictures of the stunning seven front gates. This palace was built in the 1960’s. Jewish Cemetery: You will notice uniquely shaped white tombs on a hill. This is an expansive Jewish cemetery that was established in 1883. The tombs were freshly painted in 2019. Madrasa Bou Inania is a Muslim learning institute founded in the 14th century. Borj Nord is a fort dating back to the late 16th century that now houses the Museum of Arms.
- Merzouga: A small, tranquil town in the Sahara Desert. It acts as a gateway to Erg Chebbi, an expansive stretch of sand dunes. Go glamping in the Merzouga Desert and witness a starlit sky free from light pollution. You can also do sand boarding. Go on a hike to the highest dune in Erg Chebbi. You can get there in about an hour, but it’s not an easy trip. See flamingos at Dayet Srji, a salt lake west of Merzouga.
- Dades Valley: Nestled in the rugged Atlas Mountains is the scenic Dades Valley. The Auberge Chez Pierre Hotel is a lovely hotel in town. The interior is stately and with the modern comforts you need. Explore all the Dades Valley has to offer, from towering cliffs to fertile gardens.
- Marrakech: Somewhat of a tourist city but doesn’t feel overly touristy at all. The Koutoubia Mosque is the largest mosque in Marrakech. It is also known as “Mosque of the Booksellers”. It was originally built in 1147 but entirely rebuilt from 1158-1195. Bahia Palace is an architectural gem dating back to the 19th century. It’s an opulent palace with tranquil courtyards, lush gardens, and studded fountains. I was mesmerized. Jardin Majorelle is a lush botanical garden with groves of bamboo, dwarf palm trees, agave, and more. There’s also a museum onsite: the Berber Museum. The grounds are the former residence of Yves Saint Laurent. The “Majorelle Blue” is an official TM color and it is magnificent! Speaking of, the YSL Museum is nearby. There are exhibits of Yves Saint Laurent’s work, featuring tons of garments, accessories, sketches, photos and a gift shop.
Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech
Planning Your Trip: Essential Tips
For a smooth trip, here are some of the things you should know before visiting:
- Keep your itinerary loose and flexible: Research the places in Morocco you’d like to visit but leave wiggle room for changes along the way and enjoy the spontaneity. While it’s possible to prebook tours and activities, it’s usually just as easy to reserve them when you arrive in the country.
- Learn some of the lingo in advance to better connect with locals: A mixture of French, Arabic, Amazigh and English is spoken in Morocco, depending on where you are in the country. Don't expect everyone to speak English. Apps like Google Translate can be useful, but learning some basic Arabic phrases will reward you with feeling more connected and engaged with people you meet.
- Get cash on arrival: The Moroccan dirham (Dh) is a closed currency, which means you cannot get it outside the country. Morocco’s rural areas still operate on a cash economy, but cards are widely accepted in towns and cities, so you'll need to carry both.
- Make bookings before going to Marrakesh: Marrakesh is the most popular city in Morocco for visitors, so prebook entrance tickets to major attractions such as Jardin Majorelle and Musée Yves Saint Laurent online to avoid waiting in line.
Transportation in Morocco
Getting around Morocco is easy, even without a car. An excellent train network links many cities, including Africa’s first high-speed train, Al Boraq, between Casablanca and Tangier. A comfortable and reliable bus network connects towns big and small. Book train and bus tickets a day or two in advance to ensure the travel time you'd like. Driving in cities such as Casablanca and Marrakesh is best left to the locals.
Here are several options for transportation:
- Train: Morocco’s rail network is quite good - comfortable and (mostly) on time.
- Bus: There are several public and private bus companies that connect cities all around the country. Buses tend to be slow and are sometimes overcrowded.
- Taxis: Petit taxis are smaller vehicles that can carry three passengers. Grand taxis are larger vehicles that usually carry up to six passengers.
- Ride-Sharing Apps: There is no Uber in Morocco but as an alternative there is an app called “Careem” that is available in some of the major cities. In Marrakech there are taxi apps- “Heetch” and “Roby”.
- Domestic Flights: If traveling to major cities that are far from each other, you can opt for a domestic flight.
Etiquette and Cultural Traditions
To make the most of your trip and show respect for local customs, keep these points in mind:
- Practice the art of bargaining for shopping in souqs: Haggling is a game and part of the shopping experience in Morocco. Try not to get frustrated - the ideal scenario is that both sides come away feeling like they got a fair price. For big purchases, do your research, have a price in mind or shop around until you do.
- Show respect for Islam and the king: The words "God, king and country" are etched on hills around the country. Islam is the state religion, and the rules of Islam are applied to personal matters in the same way that state law works in other countries. It is illegal to speak disrespectfully about religion or the king.
- The dress code depends on where you are: To visit the Hassan II Mosque and other religious sites, visitors - both men and women - must cover from their shoulders to their knees. Dress modestly in cities and towns to avoid unwanted attention. At bars and nightclubs, almost anything goes, but in rural areas, cover up and be respectful of the local customs.
- Ask before taking photos of people: No matter where you are in the world, it’s best to ask permission before taking someone’s photo. Many people are fine with it, but others aren’t. Some may ask for money. Do not take photos of military or government buildings. Drones are not allowed in Morocco without special permission.
- Try not to react to the hassle: Simply ignore people who offer goods that you do not want. There's no need to be polite to everyone who wants to sell you something. By not reacting, they'll get bored and walk away.
- Eat with your right hand: Moroccan cuisine, such as tagines and grilled fish, are traditionally eaten with bread using your right hand. The left hand is considered unclean because it’s typically the hand used when going to the toilet.
Health and Safety
Keep yourself healthy and safe during your travels with these tips:
- Don’t drink the tap water: Morocco’s tap water is not safe to drink. Bring a water bottle with a filter to avoid buying plastic.
- Bring tissues for public toilets: Some public toilets do not have toilet paper. Unless you are comfortable using water to clean yourself, keep a pack of tissues and some antibacterial hand gel or wipes on you.
Sample Itinerary: 8 Days in Morocco
Here is a sample 8-day itinerary to see the diversity of Morocco:
- Day 1: Casablanca (1 night)
- Day 2-3: Fes (2 nights)
- Day 4: Sahara/Merzouga (1 night Glamping)
- Day 5: Dades/Atlas Mountains (1 night)
- Day 6-8: Marrakech (3 nights)
This itinerary includes a lot of driving. If you do not have a lot of time then I suggest spending most of it in one or two of the cities. Marrakech was my favorite.
Moroccan Cuisine: A Culinary Adventure
While in Morocco we ate very well! Moroccan cuisine is aromatic and full of spices-a lot of turmeric, saffron and cumin. Some dishes tasted like curry to me. But we often had to add salt to dishes based on our American palates. They also eat a lot of BREAD!
Here are some must-try dishes:
- Couscous: Morocco’s national dish. Even if you’ve had it before, don’t pass up the opportunity to try it right from the source.
- Harira: A soup typically made from tomatoes, lentils, chickpeas, and lamb.
- Tagine: Can refer to any dish cooked in a clay pot, usually slow-cooked chunks of lamb or beef or chicken with herbs and spices. We had this almost every day. Mostly chicken Tagine or vegetable with Couscous.
- Pastilla: Also called bastilla, is a savory meat pie with a poultry or seafood filling. It’s a surprisingly complex dish, with a sweetness to it, thanks to having sugar, cinnamon, and almonds in it.
- Zalouk: A popular spread served as a side dish. It’s made of eggplants, garlic, tomatoes, olive oil, and spices, and served with a crusty bread.
- Gazelle horns: Moroccan cookies made with an almond and orange blossom filling and wrapped in a thin pastry.
- Chebakia: A dessert made of a honey-dipped fried sesame cookie in the shape of a flower.
- Msemen: Somewhat analogous to pancakes or crepes - a flatbread eaten for breakfast and as a street food. It can be sweet (served with honey and butter, for example) or savory (stuffed with meat and herbs).
- Mint tea: The most popular beverage in Morocco. Its popularity has ceremonial origins but it’s now super common in everyday life. It is served hot in a glass cup-just like in Turkey. This is so interesting to me. It is made with fresh mint with real blocks of sugar from light sweetness to extra sweet.
Accommodation: Riads and More
Yes there are major hotel chains in Morocco, but I think one of the best parts of getting the full Moroccan experience is staying in one of their riads. There are literally TONS of riads to be found all over major tourist destinations in Morocco, so I would recommend utilizing sites like Mr. and Mrs. Smith and Jetsetter that already curate the selections for you, or read reviews before you decide on the perfect place to stay. In Marrakech, we stayed at El Fenn which I can’t recommend enough.
While traveling through Moroccan cities, a Riad is a popular place to stay. In modern day, a Riad is a hotel or guesthouse with shared common areas and gardens that have private rooms. These are often restored palaces and mansions. The architecture is magnificent. Many are within the Medinas which make them convenient for dining and shopping.
Shopping in Morocco
If I had known the shopping in Morocco would be so amazing, I would have figured out how to bring an extra suitcase! Between me and others in the group we bought wine, leather goods, home goods, pottery, furniture, mirrors, jewelry, clothes..!!!
Budgeting and Currency
Once you arrive, you’ll find that most establishments in Morocco are cash only, so it’s a good idea to stock up when you have access to an ATM. But when it comes to basic daily needs like food, coffee, taxis and entrance fees to tourist spots, I spent on average about $55 USD a day.
The currency in Morocco is called a dirham. 1 USD is equivalent to about 10 Moroccan dirhams.
Many retailers and restaurants accept credit cards as payment, however, you will need cash for souk vendors and small shops.
ATMs in Morocco tend to have decent exchange rates, but you can also consider exchanging some money at the airport.
Safety Tips for Female Travelers
Women in Marrakech
As Morocco is a Muslim country, it’s customary for women to have their shoulders and knees covered, however you will undoubtedly see people in Marrakech wandering around in short dresses and shorts. I wore a lot of comfortable light-weight pants, longer jumpsuits with a shawl over my shoulders and longer dresses with flowy sleeves or some type of layer on top.
People often ask me if Morocco is safe and if it is a good travel destination for females. The simple answer is: yes. I traveled all over the country and I never felt in danger.
I will say that I’ve heard wide ranging accounts from various women on how they felt about their safety in Morocco. Before traveling here, I had heard of women who had horrible experiences and didn’t want to leave their hotels, and then other women who traveled here alone and had only good things to say. From my personal experience, all I can say is that 90% of the time, I felt totally comfortable traveling in Morocco with another woman (my friend Hannah).
With that said, we were rarely walking around the medina at night, and definitely not super late (mostly right after dinner). To be safe, I would say that walking around at night alone is not recommended.
You really have to do what feels right for you, and I know for me personally that it taints my experience of a place if I feel my safety is in jeopardy.
Other Practical Information
- Language: Morocco is a melting pot of languages.
- Plugs: Most plugs in Morocco are type C and type E. The standard voltage is 220 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.
- Clothing: Morocco is a conservative country and so it’s important to respect local and religious traditions at all times, and you should be aware of your behavior to ensure it doesn’t offend local customs-this begins with dressing modestly! Throughout Morocco, it is considered a sign of respect to keep your knees and shoulders covered.
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