Have you been wondering whether Morocco is worth visiting? Read on to find out why we think it is, and everything you need to know before you go!
After spending a month exploring Morocco, we can safely say it’s our favourite place we have ever been to. This small country in the North of Africa has so much to offer visitors, from vibrant cities to beautiful architecture, as well as varied and stunning landscapes.
After hearing mixed reviews about Morocco, with some people warning us that it’s too chaotic and overwhelming, we knew we had to experience it for ourselves. And let us tell you—Morocco is absolutely worth it!
There are many reasons why we think Morocco is absolutely worth adding to your bucket list. We’ve all the reasons below.
Rich Cultural Heritage
One of the best reasons to visit Morocco is its rich and varied cultural heritage. Whether you’re walking through the streets of Fes or spending the night in a desert camp, it feels like you’re stepping into a storybook.
The country is alive in its bustling streets and quiet mountain villages, where ancient traditions still form a part of daily life.
Walking through the vibrant souks, you can watch artisans at work, crafting pottery, weaving rugs, and hammering out metalwork just as their ancestors did. It’s these skills that make Moroccan craftsmanship so unique.
No matter where you go, the culture and vibrance of Morocco will draw you in, leaving you wanting more and more.
Morocco is home to some of the most beautiful architecture we have ever seen. The country is characterised by its colours, with stunning tile work and unique painted towns such as Chefchaouen and Moulay Idriss.
In Marrakech, you have to visit Ben Youssef Madrasa, one of the most beautiful places we visited in the whole of Morocco. The intricate tilework and ornate carvings literally could not be more stunning.
In contrast, visit El Badi Palace, another of our favourite spots. This once grand palace is now in beautiful ruins, with the tall orange walls still towering over you. There’s also a viewing platform with incredible views over the city.
Head to Casablanca for a more modern twist on traditional Moroccan architecture in the Hassan II Mosque. This is beauty on another level. Morocco’s architecture is one of the best reasons to visit.
Morocco’s markets and souks are a vibrant, sensory experience that draws you into the heart of its culture. In Marrakech, the bustling souks are filled with colorful textiles, intricate lanterns, and handwoven rugs, each stall brimming with local craftsmanship.
The air is filled with the scent of spices, from saffron to cumin, blending with the aroma of freshly brewed mint tea.
In Fes, the ancient medina’s narrow alleys lead you through a maze of shops, where artisans hammer out copperware and leather goods, preserving centuries-old traditions.
Chefchaouen’s souks, nestled in blue-washed streets, offer a more relaxed, intimate shopping experience, perfect for finding unique, handmade treasures.
Since visiting Morocco, Moroccan cuisine is my new all-time favourite. The freshly cooked tagines, couscous, warm bread, mint tea… My mouth is watering just writing this. And honestly, it’s not at all like the ‘Moroccan-flavoured’ things we get back home. It’s way better.
I had read before visiting that Morocco was really bad for vegetarians, but it really wasn’t. There were so many different vegetable tagines and couscous that I never went hungry. Even in more remote places such as Tinghir, the food was so good, for both meat eaters and vegetarians.
A great way to try all the authentic dishes is by joining a food tour. This is a great way to scope out all the best local places to eat too!
Moroccan dishes you need to try:
Couscous
Tagine
Argan Butter, honey, and oil
Mint tea
Briouate
Pastilla
Msemen
Baghrir
Warm Hospitality
I think Moroccan people sometimes get a bad rep, but honestly, the hospitality is insane. I think the only way to really illustrate how lovely the people are is to share our experience.
Every time we checked into a new hotel or guesthouse, we were treated to fresh mint tea and snacks. At the end of meals, we were often brought fresh mint tea on the house.
When Nat got ill in the middle of the Sahara Desert, our hotel made up a special herbal tea for him and kept checking back and making sure he was okay.
When catching a bus to Merzouga, we were delayed by almost 2 hours. Our hotel owner was still sat there waiting for us at 10pm, and was still so lovely to us.
We met random strangers in the middle of cities who, after a bit of chatting offered to show us around, no strings attached.
Nothing was ever too much to ask. If we needed help, there was always someone we could turn to.
It’s Cheap To Travel
Honestly, we knew Morocco would be a cheap destination to travel, but we didn’t realise HOW cheap it would be. Nat has a habit of measuring prices in a country based on their ice lollies, and they were 4p. A meal out in a local restaurant set us back only 40-50 MAD (£3-4) per person, which is crazy cheap.
Whilst accommodation can be mega beautiful and expensive (think insane luxury), there are lots and lots of midrange and budget options available. A nice room in a hotel set us back around £20 per night on average.
It’s Easily Accessible From Europe
There are many flights between Morocco and Europe departing multiple times per day. Almost every budget airline serves at least one place in Morocco, so it is possible to not only travel cheaply, but also to get there cheaply.
We all know flights are usually a significant portion of a travel budget, but they don’t need to be if you’re visiting Morocco.
Alternatively, Tangier, in the northernmost part of Morocco, can be reached by ferry from Algeciras in the south of Spain.
It’s Easy To Get Around
When planning our trip to Morocco, we were concerned that many people said it was difficult to get around, unless you had your own car or were on a tour.
Let me put that theory to bed straight away.
We travelled the entire country using only public transport and it couldn’t have been more straightforward.
To get between cities, Morocco has a great network of coaches at very reasonable prices. The main companies are CTM Bus and Supratours. We used both and were very happy with them.
The coaches are comfortable, air-conditioned, and are generally on time (we only had one delay). On longer journeys, they tend to stop for half an hour midway through the journey for people to stretch their legs, get a bite to eat, or use the bathroom.
Tickets can be bought from the bus station or online. If you purchase online, you will need to pay for your luggage at the station. This is around 20 dirhams per larger item kept underneath the bus.
To get around within cities, or to surrounding areas, shared taxis are a great way to travel. They’re not as intimidating as they may seem, and it means you can travel cheaply.
Private taxis are not allowed to travel outside of the city limits, so you have to get a shared taxi (though it’s perfectly possible to pay for every seat so the taxi is essentially private). Otherwise, you wait for them to fill up, share the fee between you, and off you go.
This way, we were able to travel 45 minutes from Chefchaouen to Akchour Falls for just £3 each.
Vibrant Cities
The cities in Morocco are some of the most vibrant we have ever visited. They are filled with culture, history, and modern charm, making them a must-see for any traveller.
In Marrakech, the air is thick with the scent of spices as snake charmers and performers fill the lively Jemaa el-Fnaa square. Wandering around, it feels like a scene straight from a storybook.
Fes’s narrow, winding streets take you back to the heart of medieval Islamic culture, echoing with history. Casablanca’s palm-lined boulevards, dotted with French colonial architecture, showcase the city’s cosmopolitan allure. Chefchaouen, bathed in serene blue, invites you to slow down and soak in its beauty.
Visiting Morocco’s cities will leave you captivated, longing to discover more of what this incredible country has to offer.
Beautiful Beaches
You may not have thought of Morocco as a beach destination, but it is home to some beautiful ones. Essaouira is one of our favourite beach towns, with a huge sandy beach, good surf, and a quaint town. It has a more authentic feel than many beach resort towns, with more locals than foreign tourists.
If all-inclusive is more your vibe, Morocco is home to world-class beach resorts in places such as Agadir, where palm trees line the golden sand.
The sun in Morocco can be very hot and burns quickly (I found out the hard way). Make sure to wear plenty of sun cream, stay hydrated, and keep out of the sun in the hottest part of the day.
You can even take a day trip from the south of Spain to the beaches at Tangier.
Challenges & Considerations
Whilst we firmly believe the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to visiting Morocco, we think being prepared makes all the difference. There are some things to be aware of before visiting Morocco, so to make the most of your trip, we’ve outlined everything you should know first.
Please don’t let these put you off, if you’re aware of them you’ll be fine!
Language Barrier
The main languages in Morocco are French and Moroccan Arabic. Most people will speak both. In remote areas, you may find it difficult to find someone who speaks English.
However, we never had an issue with people talking in English in 95% of places we visited (and we did get off the beaten path).
Most people speak English to a high standard, and if they don’t, there’s normally someone else who does. And Moroccan’s being as friendly as they are, they will always help you. Honestly, we had a greater language barrier in France than we did in Morocco!
If you’re nervous about language being a possible issue, consider downloading Google Translate and the Arabic and French languages for offline use.
Local Customs
Being a predominantly-Muslim country, you do need to dress conservatively. Whilst we did see people walking around in hot pants and crop tops, this is seen as very disrespectful.
We’d recommend covering your knees and shoulders as much as possible, especially as a woman. This has the added benefit of helping you avoid unnecessary attention!
It is also worth noting that most shops are closed on a Friday, the holiest day of the week in Islamic countries. If you’re staying near a mosque, be prepared to be woken at dawn for the call to prayer (or consider wearing ear plugs).
It is also customary in Morocco to haggle for your purchases. Never accept the first offer, or you will be ripped off. A good rule of thumb is to only ever pay a third of what they offer initially.
Whilst haggling can seem intimidating, relax and enjoy it. See it as a game – the shop owners certainly treat it as one. And if they don’t lower the price enough, just walk away. They’ll either suddenly offer you a really good deal, or it’s not the one for you and that’s okay too!
Cities Can Be Overwhelming (If You’re Not Prepared)
If you’re not prepared, cities can be a little overwhelming, though we actually found them to be a lot of fun. I’m not normally a city person and can get overwhelmed really easily in busy cities, though I didn’t once in Morocco.
The Moroccan medinas (old towns) are filled with narrow winding alleyways, and can get very busy. With people trying to sell you things in every direction, it is understandable that people may become overwhelmed.
However, if you have the right attitude, this overwhelmed feeling is easy to avoid.
If you’re in Marrakech or Fes, and you want to explore the souks without being hassled, just keep walking and don’t make eye contact with any of the vendors.
If you don’t make eye contact, they won’t bother you. Don’t be afraid to say no and walk away. The most you’ll be bothered is in the touristy parts of the souks. If you venture further into the maze of alleyways, you’re less likely to be bothered.
Scams To Be Aware Of
We left for Morocco with a million horror stories of people being scammed, convinced we would end up with similar stories. We’re lucky to say we escaped without a single scam, despite spending a month exploring the country.
Worried About Getting Scammed?
You’re not alone. The scams, chaos, and culture shocks are real, but totally manageable when you know what to expect.
Here are the most common scam situations to avoid in Morocco:
“Follow me”, “I’ll show you the way”, “You need a guide”, “It’s closed”, or similar
Henna tattoos
Snake charmers/monkey men
Broken taxi meters
This list is not exhaustive. If you’re not sure whether something may be a scam, ignore them and walk away. But also don’t assume that everything is a scam as some people genuinely just want to chat. We had some lovely interactions with locals. Be cautious, but open to interactions.
You Cannot Drink The Tap Water
Tap water in Morocco is NOT drinkable. Whilst you can buy bottled water, this just adds to the waste removal issue in parts of the country. Plus, do we really need more empty plastic bottles in our oceans?
We would advise purchasing filter water bottles before leaving for Morocco. We’ve used these ones from Water to Go for years and have never got ill whilst using them. Plus, they’re great for day trips as you can fill them up from streams, rivers, and lakes, as well as the tap, so you’ll never run out.
I still remember the time we went to Bahia Palace in Marrakech and filled our bottle from a small handwashing tap outside the entrance, only for two different people warn us we can’t drink it. But, filtered, it was absolutely fine!
We’ve had some people ask us about brushing our teeth using tap water. We never wet our brushes before use, but we did rinse them with tap water afterwards and didn’t get ill. If you’re concerned, however, squirt some water from your filter bottle onto it instead.
For the same reason, I would avoid getting ice cubes in your drink in restaurants, as well as fresh salads, as they will use tap water for those.
Vendors Are Persistent
Particularly in Marrakech, street vendors can be very persistent. We were walking across the edge of Jemaa el-Fnaa in the daytime, when it is filled with juice vans. Every single person started shouting at us to get their fresh juice.
Or at night, when every restaurant owner tried to get us to eat at their restaurant. One even told us we were “as skinny as a Ferrari”, which honestly was hilarious.
Whilst some people might find it overwhelming, it is important to consider that they are just trying to earn the tiniest bit of money (a fresh orange juice was 40p). Think of it like entertainment and don’t let it get to you. Plus, they never bother you for too long.
It’s all part of the Morocco experience!
Photography Considerations
Whilst this is not a drawback to visiting Morocco, merely something to be aware of, the culture surrounding photography is very different to that in Europe or the US.
Moroccan people generally do not like their photo being taken. Never point a camera directly at a Moroccan person without asking first.
You will also likely be charged to take photos of/in shops or of people. You’ve got to understand that this is their shop, not an instagram spot.
There are some that have gone viral on Instagram many times over, so it is understandable that the owners may want something in return. It’s never very much, but it seems fair if you ask me.
It is also worth noting, if you’re a serious photographer or videographer, drones are forbidden in Morocco. There is extensive security throughout the airport and you may be detained for questioning if you’re seen to be bringing a drone or any part of a drone into the country.
We’ve heard of someone who was seriously questioned over bringing just the propellor guards of a drone into Morocco. Don’t risk it and leave it at home.
FAQs
Still have a few questions about planning a trip to Morocco? We’ve rounded up the most frequently asked questions below.
Is Morocco Safe For Tourists?
Yes, Morocco is generally safe for tourists. The Moroccan government prioritises tourism, and popular tourist areas are well-policed. However, like in any country, it’s wise to take standard precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and being aware of your surroundings.
The best time to visit Morocco is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these seasons, the weather is mild and pleasant, making it ideal for exploring cities, the desert, and the mountains.
Weather in winter is a little cooler and more unpredictable, though its a great time to soak up the sun in Agadir, or visit the Sahara Desert.
Is It Worth Visiting Morocco For Just A Short Trip?
Absolutely! Even a short trip to Morocco can be highly rewarding. For a quick visit, you can explore Marrakech, enjoy the Atlas Mountains, or take a day trip to the Sahara Desert. Morocco’s proximity to Europe also makes it a great destination for a weekend getaway.
What Are Some Must-Visit Places In Morocco?
Must-visit places in Morocco include Marrakech, the blue city of Chefchaouen, the Sahara Desert, Fes with its historic medina, and the coastal city of Essaouira. Each location offers unique experiences, from vibrant markets to stunning landscapes.
How Much Should I Budget For A Trip To Morocco?
Morocco can be quite affordable, but it depends on your travel style. Budget travellers can get by on $30-50 per day, whilst mid-range travellers should budget around $70-120 per day. Luxury travelers may spend upwards of $150 per day. Costs vary depending on accommodation, dining, and activities.
Wrap Up
Morocco is undoubtedly a destination worth visiting, with so much to offer. Whether you’re wandering through the souks of Marrakech, getting lost in Fes, or finding peace in the Sahara Desert, Morocco has something for everyone.
From sharing mint tea with locals to navigating the vibrant streets filled with colors and aromas, every moment in Morocco feels like a journey into a different world. The country’s diverse landscapes provide endless opportunities for adventure and exploration.
Whether you’re there for the history, the cuisine, or the stunning landscapes, Morocco will leave you with memories that linger long after your trip ends.
If you’ve been on the fence about visiting, let this be the sign you’ve been waiting for – Morocco is worth every moment.
Megan Hocking is one half of The Endless Travellers. With her partner, Nat, she aims to uncover beautiful destinations around the world that you need to add to your bucketlist, whether you've heard of them before or not. By providing you with informative guides blended with personal experience and years of travel expertise, Megan hopes to inspire you to book your next trip to your dream destination. When she isn't writing blog posts about her favourite destinations, you can find her behind a camera, capturing all the most beautiful angles of all the places she visits.
