Morocco offers an exotic experience close to Europe with prices that won't break the bank. But navigating the medinas, negotiating prices, and avoiding tourist traps requires preparation. Here's the honest guide.
Real Daily Budget
Daily budget: $35-60 USD (comfortable) / $25-40 (tight budget)
- Riad (guesthouse): $15-30 for basic, $40-80 for nice
- Hostel dorm: $8-15
- Meals: $2-5 street food, $8-15 restaurant
- Transport: Very affordable by bus or train
Understanding Moroccan Commerce
Haggling is expected in souks (markets). Rules of engagement:
- First price is often 3-5x what they'll accept
- Start at 30-40% of asking price
- Walk away if no agreement—they'll often call you back
- Final price is usually 40-50% of initial ask
- Don't haggle unless you're genuinely interested
- Fixed-price shops exist (look for "prix fixe" signs)
The Faux Guide Phenomenon
You will be approached by "helpful" locals offering to guide you. Understanding this:
- Some are genuinely helpful; many expect payment or commission
- "It's closed, but I know another place" is often a scam
- Being led to shops means you'll pay inflated prices
- Official guides have badges; unofficial guides are illegal but common
Strategy: Politely decline with "La, shukran" (no, thank you). Be firm but not rude.
City-by-City Guide
Marrakech
Most touristed, most intense. Expect constant approaches in the medina. Jemaa el-Fnaa square is chaos but essential. Riads in the medina provide oases of calm.
Fes
Largest and most confusing medina. A guide is genuinely useful here—hire officially through your riad. More "authentic" than Marrakech but still very touristed.
Chefchaouen
The blue city. More relaxed than Marrakech or Fes. Smaller, walkable, less aggressive commerce. Good for decompressing.
Essaouira
Coastal relaxation. Beach town with a chilled vibe. Strong winds make it a kitesurfing destination. More Western-influenced.
Desert (Merzouga/Erg Chebbi)
Sahara experience. Group tours from Marrakech are affordable ($50-100 for 2 days). Independent travel is possible via bus to Merzouga.
Scams to Avoid
- "Free" henna: Artists insist it's free, then demand payment
- Monkey photo guys: Put animal on you, demand payment
- Wrong directions: Led to someone's shop instead of your destination
- Leather tannery "guides": Everyone claims to know a secret entrance
- Restaurant touts: Getting pulled into tourist-trap restaurants
Food Experiences
- Tagine: Slow-cooked stew, $4-8 in local spots
- Couscous: Traditional Friday dish
- Street food: Grilled meats, msemen (pancakes), harira soup
- Mint tea: Offered everywhere, often free as hospitality
Cultural Considerations
- Dress modestly, especially women (shoulders and knees covered)
- Friday is the Muslim holy day—some businesses close
- Ramadan affects restaurant hours and local energy
- Photography of people—ask first, many expect tips
- LGBTQ+ travelers should be discreet; homosexuality is illegal
Getting Around
- Trains: Comfortable and cheap for main routes
- CTM buses: Reliable, air-conditioned, affordable
- Grand taxis: Shared taxis between cities, cheap but cramped
- Petit taxis: Within cities, insist on meter or agree price first