There’s so much to love about Morocco. The winding alleyways of the medina, the two very different coastlines, the incredible history all bring a country that is on so many travel bucket lists to life.
I absolutely love Morocco, and I think it’s a must-visit. But there are a few things to consider before travelling to the country. Here’s all you need to know!
Book a local tour on the day you arrive
Morocco is wonderful, but it can be a tad overwhelming.
So my top recommendation would be to book a day tour on the first day you arrive.
This means you’ll get an immediate introduction to the city, with insider knowledge about the best places to go and what to do and avoid.
In Marrakech, for example, it’s easiest to explore Jemaa el-Fnaa initially with a guide. You’ll get a good lay of the land, so when you revisit later it will feel a little less daunting. We also went to some incredible hidden gems in Marrakech!
Morocco also brims with fascinating history, and a guide will ensure you learn about it! We did a fantastic tour with Youssef from Marrakech Lifestyle – you can see his tour offering here, or see him in action in my Marrakech video on YouTube.
Bring cash
Cash is still king in Morocco! Many hotels and restaurants will accept card, but smaller food vendors, some shops and street stalls are card-only.
Morocco has a closed currency, which means that you can’t bring cash in (and shouldn’t take it out). We withdrew some cash at the airport and paid by card when we could.
If you’re UK based, I recommend Monzo for no fees overseas.
Browse Get Your Guide for activities
I personally use Get Your Guide whenever I travel, initially to see what activities are available and later to book experiences. I booked the tour with Youssef from Marrakech Lifestyle via Get Your Guide.
In Marrakech, experiences could be anything from a guided walk through the medina to a cooking class in a traditional riad or a day trip out to the Atlas Mountains.
Even if you don’t want to use Get Your Guide for booking, it’s also useful for checking realistic prices, so you have a benchmark if you’re approached by vendors offering similar tours in person.
Don’t just stay in Marrakech!
Marrakech is often the starting point for a trip to Morocco (and I absolutely LOVE it), but there’s far more to the country than its busiest city.
Head north and you’ll find the blue-painted streets of Chefchaouen. While touristy, this city has its quieter spots and it’s worth bumbling around them for at least a day. Travel west and Essaouira sits on the rocky Atlantic coast, where the sea air is bracing and the surf is up!
If you’re interested in history, cities like Fes have some of the oldest medinas in the world – it was home to the world’s first university (don’t listen to what they say in Bologna!)/
If you have a longer trip, head to the Sahara. Three day desert trips give you a slice of this part of Morocco, while excursions to the Atlas Mountains offer cooler temperatures and hiking. Then the Mediterranean around Tangier boasts sheltered beaches and pleasant year-round weather.
Learn a little Arabic or speak some French
“Moroccan people are very good at languages”, Youssef told us on our Marrakech tour. “Most speak Arabic, French and Berber, many speak English and in the north Spanish is common”.
That said, English isn’t spoken by everyone, so learning a few words of Arabic or French can help a lot!
Moroccan Arabic, known as Darija, is widely spoken, while French is commonly used in cities, transport hubs and businesses.
I’d recommend learning simple greetings, numbers and polite expressions. Even when people can speak English, I’ve found they’ve warmed to me quicker when I’ve spoke a few words of their language!
Dress appropriately
Morocco is a conservative country, and I do think that while women shouldn’t attract attention for what they’re wearing, when you’re in a different country it’s a good idea to copy the norm.
In cities like Marrakech, you’ll see a mix of styles, but covering shoulders and knees is generally a safer choice. I wore some crop tops with high waisted trousers that had a little midriff showing and didn’t have a problem with this. In smaller towns and rural areas, the dress code is more conservative.
Loose, lightweight clothing works well in the heat, so think maxi dresses, linen trousers and t-shirts or shirts that cover your shoulders. It doesn’t have to be ultra conservative, but I’d avoid anything low cut or short shorts.
Bring layers if your trip is during winter!
My Morocco trip was in November, and in the Atlas Mountains and Chefchouen it was a little chilly!
During the day, cities like Marrakech can feel warm in the sun – it was around 17 degrees for us- but temperatures drop quickly once the sun sets. Early mornings and evenings can feel surprisingly cold. This can often happen if you’re staying in a riad, which usually don’t have central heating (they will likely have heaters though).
If you’re heading into the Atlas Mountains or travelling further inland, it gets even colder! Snow is common in higher elevations, and desert areas can also feel chilly overnight. So packing a jumper or light jacket makes a big difference, especially if you’re out for dinner or heading out early in the morning.
Use a VPN
Internet access in Morocco is generally reliable, but some websites and services may be restricted or slower to access, and public WiFi networks aren’t always secure. If you’re logging into banking apps or accessing important accounts, it’s worth taking extra precaution!
A VPN helps protect your data when using shared networks in hotels, cafes or airports. It can also make it easier to access certain websites if you run into restrictions while travelling.
VPNs generally come at a monthly subscription, but you can use them at home as well. For example, SurfShark can be used as an Xbox VPN for online gaming!
Be sure to stay in Riads
Staying in a riad is a must-do experience in Morocco. These are traditional houses built around an internal courtyard, often hidden behind plain doors in the medina. Step inside and you’ll usually find tiled walls and ornate carvings, sometimes with a pool in the centre!
Many riads are small, family-run places, which means more personalised service and a better introduction to local hospitality. Breakfast is often included, and it’s typically served in the courtyard or on a rooftop terrace.
Staying inside the medina means you’re within walking distance of key sights – although it can take a little time to get your bearings in the maze of alleyways!
Try the trains
Morocco’s train network is one of the easiest ways to get between major cities, and it’s comfortable and efficient!
Routes connect places like Marrakech, Casablanca, Rabat and Fes, with regular departures throughout the day. We booked first class tickets to get assigned seating.
The high-speed line between Tangier and Casablanca cuts travel time significantly too! And there’s even a sleeper train between Marrakech and Tangier.
Buy train tickets online in advance
While you can buy train tickets at the station, it’s not always the most efficient option, particularly during busy periods!
Queues can build up quickly, and some services do sell out, especially if you’re travelling between major cities or during holidays.
Booking online ahead of time means you can secure your seat and avoid the stress of sorting it on the day. We booked with 12go, who operate throughout Morocco.
Plan around prayer times and Fridays
While Morocco isn’t ultra conservative, you’ll likely still notice some closures on Fridays.
Shops may close briefly during prayer times, and some businesses operate reduced hours. In medinas, this can mean certain stalls are shut or streets feel quieter at specific times of day. Restaurants and cafes usually remain open, especially those catering to tourists.
Watch out for “guides” in medinas
In busy medinas, especially in Marrakech and Fes, it’s common to be approached by people offering to guide you through the streets. This didn’t actually happen to us at all, but I’d heard many stories from others!
Some are official guides, but many are not, and they may expect payment at the end even if the help wasn’t agreed upfront. This happened to my partner and I in Tunisia (although he only took us to his friend’s shop rather than ask us for any money).
If you don’t want assistance, a polite but firm no usually works! Generally, I found Moroccan people to be friendly and welcoming, and if anyone doesn’t accept a no, I’m sure that others will help you.
This all said, I found Marrakech and Morocco in general to be very safe – please don’t let stories put you off visiting. You can read more about it by reading my “is Marrakech safe” article.
Buy a local SIM
Staying connected in Morocco makes a big difference.
Having mobile data means you can use ride-hailing apps, look up directions in quieter areas and avoid relying on others for navigation!
I’d definitely recommend using a local SIM for consistent data. I bought one at the airport, but I needed cash (in Euros) to buy it.
Factor in enough time to enjoy cities, desert, mountains and beach!
Morocco’s landscapes change quickly, but distances and travel times can catch you out if you try to do too much in a short trip!
For example…
- Cities like Marrakech and Fes have enough to fill several days, especially when you include nearby excursions.
- The Atlas Mountains are only a few hours away, but to see them properly you’ll need a few days.
- The Sahara Desert requires more time to reach and is usually best done as part of a multi-day trip.
- On the coast, places like Essaouira have ideal surf conditions.
- The palm-fringed Mediterranean beaches in the north are more relaxed!
Each region feels distinct, so avoid rushing between them!
Three weeks is a great starting point for a trip to Morocco – if you have less time, I’d recommend focusing on fewer areas rather than trying to cram it all in.
