Marrakech

Morocco

Marrakech is a vibrant city brimming with souks, palaces, and gardens, offering a sensory overload of sights, sounds, and smells. It's a captivating blend of ancient traditions and modern life, perfect for immersive cultural experiences and exploring historical sites.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay3 days
Budget$30/day
Mid-range$70/day
Luxury$600/day

Known For

MoroccoAfricaDjemaa el-FnaMedinaAtlas Mountains

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฆ Country Information: Morocco

CapitalRabat
CurrencyMoroccan dirham (DH)
Language Arabic , Berber, French, Spanish, English
Phone Code+212
Electricity127/220V (Type C, E)
Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

  • Tipping is customary in Morocco
  • Restaurants: 10
  • 15% of the bill
  • Cafes: Small change for a drink (1
  • 2 dirhams)
  • Taxis: Round up the fare or 5
  • 10 dirhams for longer rides
  • Hotel porters/bellhops: 5
  • 10 dirhams per bag
  • Tour guides: 50
  • 100 dirhams per day, depending on the service

Money & Payments

  • ATMs are widely available, especially in cities
  • Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, larger restaurants, and shops, but less so in smaller businesses and souks
  • It is advisable to bring some cash for smaller purchases and markets
  • There is no black market for cash

Cultural Norms

  • Dress modestly, especially for women (shoulders and knees covered)
  • Avoid public displays of affection, even for heterosexual couples
  • Always use your right hand when eating or giving/receiving things, as the left hand is considered unclean
  • Remove your shoes before entering mosques and private homes
  • Bargaining is common in souks and markets; it's part of the cultural experience

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. Homosexuality is illegal in Morocco and same-sex acts are punishable by law. Public displays of affection between same-sex couples are not advised.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

  • The legal drinking age is 18
  • Alcohol is generally available in licensed restaurants, bars, and hotels, but public consumption is prohibited
  • Drug laws are very strict, including for cannabis, and penalties can be severe

Special Laws

  • It is respectful to dress modestly, especially for women, covering shoulders and knees
  • When visiting religious sites, women should cover their heads
  • Always ask for permission before taking photos of people
  • Avoid public displays of affection

Common Phrases

NoLa (LA) ู„ุง
YesNa'am (NAH-am) ู†ุนู…
HelloSalam Alaikum (sah-LAHM ah-LAY-koom) ุงู„ุณู„ุงู… ุนู„ูŠูƒู…
PleaseMin fadlik (min FAHD-lik) ู…ู† ูุถู„ูƒ
Excuse meSmahli (SMAH-lee) ุณู…ุญู„ูŠ
Thank youShukran (SHOO-kran) ุดูƒุฑุง

Climate

Climate Zone: Semi Arid Steppe Hot

Best Time to Visit

Getting There

Getting Around

Health & Vaccinations

Staying Connected

Local Cuisine

Tanjia regional_speciality

A traditional dish of Marrakech, typically made with lamb or veal, slow-cooked for long hours in a terracotta jar. This tender and flavorful meat stew

Moroccan Mint Tea non_alcoholic_beverage

More than just a beverage, this green mint tea is a ceremonial drink deep-rooted in Moroccan tradition. It is refreshing and often served in small, co

Couscous must_try

A staple dish of Morocco stemming from Amazigh tradition, traditionally eaten on Fridays. Made from semolina grains, it is served with a variety of in

Chebakia dessert

A popular cake, traditionally prepared during the sacred month of Ramadan. It is a flower-shaped, deep-fried pastry dipped in honey and sprinkled with

Msemen breakfast

Often referred to as the Moroccan pancake, it is a square-shaped piece of dough. Msemen can be enjoyed simply with butter or filled with ingredients l

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

๐Ÿ”ด Must Book in Advance

High-Demand Riads and Boutique Hotels Accommodation
Book 2โ€“6 months in advance

The best and most popular riads often have very limited rooms, which sell out, especially during high season and major festivals.

3-Day Sahara Desert Tour (e.g., to Merzouga or Zagora) tour_or_activity
Book 1โ€“3 months in advance

The most reputable and highly-rated tour operators and desert camps (especially luxury camps) have limited availability and fill up quickly.

Fun Facts

Ready to explore Marrakech?

Create a personalized day-by-day itinerary with AI

Start Planning Your Trip