Morocco Travel Guide
Top Places to Visit
- Marrakech – Medina, souks, Jemaa el-Fnaa square
- Fes – Ancient university, tanneries, Islamic architecture
- Sahara Desert – Camel trekking in Merzouga
- Chefchaouen – Blue-washed mountain town
- Essaouira – Coastal city with beaches and fortifications
- Atlas Mountains – Hiking and Berber villages
Best Hotels to Stay
Language & Culture
Arabic is the official language, but French is widely spoken. Tamazight (Berber) is also used. Moroccan culture is a blend of Arab, Berber, African, and European influences—reflected in music, architecture, and daily life.Transportation, Currency & Food
- Transportation: Trains, buses (CTM, Supratours), taxis, rental cars
- Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
- Food: Tagine, couscous, pastilla, harira, mint tea, street food in souks
Best Season & Entry Points
| Season | Weather | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March – May | Mild spring | Ideal for desert and cities |
| September – November | Pleasant and dry | Perfect for hiking and souks |
| June – August | Hot inland, cooler coast | Beach towns are great, but inland can be sweltering |
Entry via Casablanca Mohammed V (CMN), Marrakech (RAK), Fes (FEZ), Tangier (TNG)
Estimated Budget (for Two Travelers)
| Category | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Flights | $600 – $1200 | Round trip from US/Europe |
| Accommodation | $500 – $1200 | Riads and boutique hotels |
| Dining | $200 – $400 | Street food to mid-range |
| Transport | $100 – $250 | Trains, taxis, domestic travel |
| Activities | $200 – $500 | Desert tours, entrance fees, guides |
Packing List Suggestions
- Passport (visa-free for many countries)
- Modest, breathable clothing
- Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses
- Scarf (especially for visiting religious sites)
- Comfortable walking shoes
20 Basic Language Tips (Arabic / French)
| Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Salam Alaikum | Hello / Peace be upon you |
| Merci / Shukran | Thank you |
| Afak / S’il vous plaît | Please |
| Naam / Oui | Yes |
| Laa / Non | No |
| Kam thamanu hadha? | How much is this? |
| La afham / Je ne comprends pas | I don’t understand |
| Wash kat-hdr inglizia? | Do you speak English? |
| Fin kayn al-hammam? | Where is the bathroom? |
| Ma’a as-salama | Goodbye |
| Sbah l-khir / Bonjour | Good morning |
| Msa l-khir / Bonsoir | Good evening |
| Tsbah 3la khir | Good night |
| Bsh-hal? | How much? |
| Waqtach? | When? |
| Smiyti… | My name is… |
| Kayn… | Is there…? |
| Hna / Lhih | Here / There |
| Bla moshkil | No problem |
| Bsslaama | Goodbye (informal) |
Health & Safety
- Visa not required for many nationalities (90 days)
- Tap water is not always recommended—use bottled
- Travel insurance is advised
- Emergency number: 19 (police), 15 (ambulance)
- Stay alert in busy markets and medinas
Festivals & Holidays
- Fes Festival of World Sacred Music – June
- Gnaoua World Music Festival – Essaouira
- Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha – Islamic holidays
- Ramadan – Month of fasting (varies yearly)
- Independence Day – November 18
