Morocco – Rough around the edges but full of charm

Morocco is, simply put, fascinating. The country can be an attack on your senses. The colours, the smells, the tastes and the heat can be overwhelming at times. But the country is an excellent destination that you will not regret visiting. You may not like it but you will not forget it. You will leave a better and wiser traveller for your experience there. A day in Morocco will leave you on top of the world, overwhelmed, angry, frustrated and in awe. But never during my time there did I wish I was someplace else. This Morocco travel guide will hopefully help you plan your trip there to be the best it can be.

Currency Converter – 10 Moroccan Dirham (MAD) = €0.90/£0.83/$1.05

Weather

Morocco is best visited in the spring and autumn months. Mid-March until May and September to October avoids the oppressive heat of the summer. July is the hottest month of the year with average temperatures of 29°C. January is the coldest when average temperatures of 13°C. Unless you are genuinely interested in seeing Ramadan take place or are a practising Muslim, then I would avoid visiting during the fasting of Ramadan. Moroccans take their religion very seriously and even though tourists are not expected to fast, food is obviously not as readily available as it is during other times of the year. I visited during this time and it was very interesting to see but from a culinary point of view, there are better times to visit.

Visa Policy

All EU citizens, along with Australians, Americans and Canadians have 90-day visa-free access to Morocco. They are just part of the 69 nations that have this right. Any passport holder that is not entitled to this 90-day visa-free access must apply and obtain a visa before entering Morocco. To learn more about the Visa Policy of Morocco, click here.

Things to See and Do in Morocco

Marrakesh – A city that has it all. The architecture can be modern or traditional, the food, a pleasure to eat and the lifestyle overwhelming. It’s the most visited city in Morocco, causing it to lose some of its edge as it thrives on the tourism that it receives. Marrakesh is still a fantastic place to visit. The central square known as Jemaa El-Fnaa comes alive at night where food vendors, storytellers and snake charmers ply their trade to the thousands of people passing by. The souks which surround the square are great to get lost in. The Jardin Majorelle is a great visit and can be a tranquil getaway for a few hours. All in all, I really like Marrakesh. It can take some getting used to, as does Morocco itself. But it is fun and an experience you won’t forget.

Fez – Further north of Morocco is the old city of Fez, Morocco’s capital up until 1912. Even more chaotic than Marrakesh, Fez has certainly more of grittiness about it compared to other cities in the country. The city is full of culture and, to some, it is still the spiritual and cultural centre of Morocco. The Medina is very fun to get lost in. Don’t worry or be afraid to let yourself get lost. Eventually, you will come out in a place you know and can get back to the start from there. In a country that is famous for its tanneries, the Chouara Tannery in Fez is possibly the most famous. It is free to have a look over the workers and see a little glimpse of what is required to make the leather. Beware of the smell though, it can be overwhelming.

Tangier – Located in the north of the country, Tangier has a history like no other city in Morocco. With its close proximity to the south of Spain, Tangier became home to many Europeans looking to settle outside of western civilization. It was also a famous destination for artists and writers. Today, the port city gets a huge amount of business from holidaymakers on a day trip from Spain. This can be a disappointment for many who travel here during their time in Morocco. Locals play up to stereotypes in a bid to get money out of the wealthy tourists that are briefly on their shores. Given time though, Tangier has the ability to grow on you. It is an interesting city that, love it or hate it, you will still be glad you visited.

Chefchaouen – Before I visited Morocco, I did not know a lot about Chefchaouen. It was only from other people mentioning it in the hostels that I felt I needed to go there. Everyone always spoke very highly of it. Once arriving, it was very easy to see why it was talked about so much. Chefchaouen is visibly stunning. The buildings, walls and streets are all painted a sky blue colour. The vision of the mountains in the background makes for a stunning view. It is a more relaxed and slower pace of life compared to other places in Morocco. Perhaps that is why everyone that visits leaves feeling happy that they made the decision to go there.

The Atlas Mountains – The Atlas Mountains stretch from the western coast of Morocco all the way to Tunisia. A total of 1,500 miles. In the High Atlas mountain range, you can visit the UNESCO Heritage Site of Ait Ben Haddou. This is an ancient fortified city that has been used in the filming of Game of Thrones and Gladiator, among others. Day trips here are very common, but a good option is to stay the night. The vast size and lack of tourists mean you almost get the place to yourself. Accommodation is easy to find in the popular mountain ranges and surrounding areas. Do not feel confined to a day trip. It would be quite easy and enjoyable to immerse yourself here for a few days or even more.

Other Places to Visit in Morocco

• Rabat
• Casablanca
• Meknes
• Essaouira

What To Eat in Morocco

Mint Tea – Mint Tea is hugely popular in Morocco. Moroccans will drink quite a few cups a day. It is also a show of good hospitality so expect your accommodation to bring you a cup on arrival and at breakfast. It is quite sweet but fresh and delicious. You will have plenty of opportunities to try it during your time in the country. Turning down an offer of tea can be seen as rude.

Tagine – Tagine is the national dish of Morocco. It is named after the pot that it is cooked in. It is a slow-cooked savoury stew. Vegetables and fruits are commonly used and then meat is added, either chicken or lamb normally. Common spices used in Tagines are cumin, turmeric, saffron, cinnamon and ginger. These spices mixed with the lamb juices give the dish a sweet and sour flavour. You simply cannot come to Morocco and not taste Tagine at least once.

Couscous – This is crushed durum wheat semolina. It is commonly served with tagines or stews as a side order. Couscous is often found across all of North Africa, not just Morocco. If eating in a large group, expect huge bowls of couscous to be brought to the table, designed to share among each other.

Grilled Meat – Grilled meats are commonly found all over the country. Lamb, chicken and even camel are popular. A few of these with some rice or even some fresh bread that is easily bought can create an excellent and cheap meal.

Makouda – These are small potato balls that are deep fried and then dipped into a harissa sauce. They are typically bought as street food and eaten as a snack.

Typical Costs in Morocco

Accommodation – Typical costs for a dorm room in a hostel is about 80MAD. Private rooms in hostels are not that common. You will pay just over 350MAD, should you find one. You will be able to get a standard hotel room for 300MAD. This will be decent facilities in a decent location. For somewhere slightly more luxurious, expect to pay an average of 450MAD per night.

Food – Eating in Morocco can be really cheap. Local meals shouldn’t cost you any more than 35MAD. Western food is slightly more expensive. If you wish to be served in a restaurant you can expect to pay closer to 100MAD and even more should you wish to eat fresh seafood.

Transport – Travelling by train is the best way to get between major cities in Morocco. You will pay an average of 200MAD for a second class seat. For first class, prices are only slightly higher. The quality and comfort of the second class is more than good enough. Tickets must be bought in cash and at the train station.

How To Save Money in Morocco

Eat Local – Whilst at times, the streets of Morocco might not look the cleanest, especially after dark, do not let that put you off from the really good and really cheap street food available here. At night, especially, the streets are filled with small locally owned eats that serve up some excellent traditional Moroccan food. All at a small percentage of what you would pay in a restaurant. Kebabs, sandwiches, camel burgers and grilled meat, along with the national dish of tagine are all commonly available.

Be Careful of Scams – Morocco is not the wealthiest country in the world and has its fair share of scams. Pickpocketing and muggings have been known to happen, but I didn’t witness any of this. What I did see was the fake tour guides in Marrakesh. Just after arriving in the city and on my way to the hostel, I was greeted by a man that, with or without my consent, was going to show me the way. I realized quite quickly that he was bringing me the wrong way, as there were signs for the hostel. I turned on my heels and made my own way there. He, of course, followed demanding payment for the ‘tour’. Needless to say, I did not pay, which he was very unimpressed with, to say the least. Don’t let this put you off though, I still found Morocco to be very safe.

No Alcohol – Morocco is a Muslim country, which means alcohol here is uncommon and very frowned upon. Certain bars in the cities still sell it, but at a high price. When visiting a country that doesn’t agree with the consumption of alcohol, respect their rules and their wishes and avoid it. It will save you money and make you a better guest. You don’t want to be that person stumbling through the streets of Morocco after dark, drunk.

Bargain Hard – Nothing in Morocco, outside of restaurants, costs as much as you are told it does. Whether you are buying food, souvenirs or clothes, prepare to get your bartering hat on. Most products don’t have price tags on them so you are unable to avoid this. Just remember to keep your composure and know how much you want to pay. The shopkeepers do this every day, so don’t fall for any tricks or sob stories. When buying food from stalls that offer menus and seating, it is very possible to get yourself free drinks and free bread in exchange for giving them your business.

Book When You Arrive – Many travellers I met during my time in Morocco had booked tours well in advance. Tours to the desert that include camel riding and trips to the Atlas Mountains are particularly common. After I spoke to them about this, I found out that they were left feeling a bit out of pocket. It is always better to wait until you are on the ground. Get recommendations from other people you talk to and proceed from there.

One way or the other Morocco will get under your skin. You might leave having loved it or feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. You need to throw yourself into the country to truly appreciate it. If you watch from the sidelines, metaphorically speaking, the country will simply pass you by. Love it or loathe it, give it the chance it needs. Morocco for me was mesmerizing. There was never a dull moment for good or for bad. I don’t know when I will return but I will and once again I will leave thankful for the experience of being there.