Morocco is a large country in North Africa, which has the second-largest population on the African continent. It’s home to cities like Casablanca, Marrakesh, Fez, Rabat, and Tangier. Morocco is often seen as an exotic destination known for its beautiful beaches, ancient architecture, and rich culture.

So whether you want to live like a king on a budget or just get by during your stay, we’re here to inform you of the country’s most reasonable accommodations, restaurants all while saving money, and still enjoy Morocco.

Is Morocco expensive: Accommodation

When it comes to selecting lodging that answers the question “Is Morocco expensive?”, there is something for everyone’s budget. Morocccan riads, backpacker-style hostels to luxury hotels are available. There are also more typical hotels and camping choices, particularly in the Sahara.

Is Morocco expensive: Hotels

It is one of the most costly lodging options in Morocco, but if you are not seeking for something unique and want the greatest facilities or a familiar experience, the hotel is the way to go. Some riads, on the other hand, provide hotel-style amenities like free WiFi and breakfast.

What may make a difference is that a hotel might provide worldwide cuisine, but the food is delicious, and the experience of staying in a riad is unrivaled.

Price range: 60–70 euros

Is Morocco expensive: Hostels

You will also find Moroccan hostels everywhere, and if you want to save some money or know that you will just be staying in your hotel to sleep and simply worry about a decent bed, a hostel is a good option.

A riad, on the other hand, can be more cost effective. Some hotels provide complimentary breakfast and WiFi, but it all depends on the package you choose or the arrangement you reach.

Price range: 50-60 euros

Is Morocco expensive: Riads

A riad, which comes from the Arabic word “garden,” is a kind of housing found in Morocco that consists of a garden shared by the surrounding rooms, they are the most well-known feature of the country reflecting traditional Muslim designs with individual rooms. The client is given special attention, and there are fewer rooms than in a traditional hotel. And it’s one of the best kinds of accommodations for travelers who want to feel submerged by the culture and the authenticity of the country.

Riads are the most cost-effective and favored lodging choice for visitors to Morocco.

Price range: 40 to 50 euros

Is Morocco expensive: Tents

These tents, constructed of camel or goat hair, are stretched with ropes and hoisted on masts. It is the ideal abode for desert nomads as well as those who wish to get the complete Sahara experience.

You may conclude your day in a tent while watching the sunset in the midst of the desert if you’ve previously rode a camel, traveled across the dunes, and even driven a quad.

Price range: 20-30 euros

Is Morocco expensive: Meals

Moroccan cuisine is relatively affordable, and you can easily get by on $12-15 per day.
Most hotels in Morocco include a complimentary breakfast, which often includes fried eggs, olives, fresh bread, honey, and delectable fruits. You’re all prepared for a day of exploration if you add a few glasses of fresh mint tea to the mix.

If you’re staying someplace that doesn’t serve breakfast, there are lots of cafés and restaurants around that will serve local fare, and a simple breakfast of pastries, jam, and honey will set you back approximately $2.

Lunch is about $5 on average, and there’s a lot to choose from on the menu. A tagine may be had for as little as $3 if you travel outside of the touristy medinas, and it can go up to 8$ in more popular areas.

Is Morocco expensive: Transportation

To know the answer to “Is Morocco expensive?” You must be able to weigh all your options. Therefore, you must know that Morocco has two major bus companies: CTM and Supratours. CTM is usually the superior bus company since it offers more routes and departure times to passengers. Nonetheless, both firms run clean, contemporary buses with a solid safety record, so there’s no need to pick one over the other. Prices are very low – a three-hour bus ride from Marrakech to Essaouira costs only 80 MAD ($8.50), and you’ll seldom pay more than $15 for any excursion in the nation.

If you’d prefer a little more solitude on your trip, taxis may transport you between popular attractions for a reasonable price if you’re traveling in a group. A cab from Marrakech to Essaouira costs roughly 600 MAD ($62), which is pricey for a solitary traveler but not outrageous if you’re with a group of four pals.

Shared taxis, sometimes known as great taxis, are available in Morocco and are an ideal choice for lone travelers. You’ll be sharing with locals, which will provide a unique cultural experience, as well as saving money by splitting the cost of a cab among six people. A five-person shared grand cab from Chefchaouen and Tangier would cost 100MAD (the equivalent of 10$).

Is Morocco expensive for travelers?
Must Visit Morocco

Contrary to popular assumption, Moroccans don’t only have the world renowned Moroccan Tagines, mint-tea and the unique sweets throughout the day and for all meals. Moroccan cuisine has such a diverse set of choices and each has its appropriate time, place and setting to be had. 

The day for most Moroccans starts with the first call for prayer at dawn, and with it begins the consumption of the Moroccan cuisine; food and drinks, usually around that time it’s a cup of mint-tea will do, then a more nutritious breakfast a few hours later. Then around midday Lunch is served, during the evening it’s tea time again accompanied by some sweets and snacks, then the day ends with dinner served usually relatively later on.

 And although meals are served at a particular time, all the time is tea time in Morocco!

Moroccan cuisine: what to serve for breakfast

For Morrocans, and tourists alike, one of the most exciting parts of each morning is looking forward to seeing the breakfast served on the table after the different and delicious scent of the freshly prepared food had filled the house or cafe. 

Nothing beats the scent of freshly baked Moroccan bread, known locally as Khobz, the crown jewel of Moroccan cuisine; as no meal is complete without it, especially when it’s served with Moroccan mint-tea, and olive oil.

Eggs also have a regular appearance in Moroccan breakfast; scrambled, omelets, fried with olives or khaliae, which is a type of dried meat and serves like the Moroccan halal bacon. Often served with either tea, orange juice, or milk to wash the delicious food down.

If you have a sweeter tooth, then Moroccan cuisine won’t disappoint. Msemen or Bagherir, which is a Moroccan crepe, usually comes with sides of jam, honey, or butter, and it tastes amazing! Another option would be Sfenj, the Moroccan donut, best eaten while hot and dipped in sugar. And if you prefer fruit in the morning, then a fruit salad containing bananas, oranges, apples, and seasonal fruit, either in yogurt or freshly squeezed orange juice.

Moroccan cuisine: what to serve for lunch or dinner

Morocco‘s food suits all tastes, and there is no wider variety than the one of Moroccan lunches or dinners; it can go from traditional Moroccan tagines to Berber meals, to fast-food sandwiches. And from, meat to fish, to green salads. As long as you keep your options open, Morocco won’t disappoint. Here, we’ll be covering the meal to seek in particular regions or areas.

If you find yourself in Fez city, then trying Pastilla is a must! The dish has two mouth-watering versions; the first is the pegeon and almond one, locally called “the sweet pastilla” as it is served with poudered sugar on top. The second version, is the seafood version stuffed with vermicelli noodles shrimp, calamari, and fish, known as “salty pastilla” or “fish pastilla”.

And if you are in Marrakesh, and you end your stay without having Tanjia at least once then your trip wasn’t complete! Tanjia is a Marrakech delicacy that can be made at home (traditionally by men) or by a local butcher slow-cooked over the same coals that heat the hammams. The tanjia pot is wrapped securely with butcher’s paper before roasting for up to eight hours with beef, lamb, or chicken with a combination of spices and preserved lemons.

If you are on the coast side, we strongly advise for fresh seafood, the menu will be as wide as the ocean itself, and as diverse as Moroccan cuisine. Either fried, cooked with tomato sauce or grilled and served with lemons and with different salads as sides; you’ll be grateful for the experience!

Without forgetting of course the two most famous dishes of the bunch; Tajines, and Couscous.

The latter, couscous, is often served after the midday Friday prayers, typically in a big circular dish that gathers the entire family. It is traditionally adorned with seven vegetables on top; including eggplant, courgette, carrots, pumpkin, potatoes, onions, cabbage, chickpeas, and meat or chicken. Couscous is frequently accompanied by a glass of Leben to wash it down (fermented milk), as it’s frowned upon to have any other drink with couscous (not even water).

When it comes to Tajines, from lemon chicken tajine with green olives to kefta (meatballs) with eggs, in Moroccan cuisine there’s something for everyone. A Berber tajine cooked with in-season vegetables in the Atlas Mountains comprises peas, zucchini, tomatoes, and potatoes, as well as maybe poultry or beef buried behind the mountain of veggies. When scooped up with fresh bread, it’s sheer bliss.

Some of the meals cited above are localized, while others are completely national, and harira soup is unquestionably the common meal of all Moroccan cuisine. This Moroccan favorite, which is available all year but is especially linked with Ramadan, is a hearty chickpea, tomato, and lentil soup usually thickened with eggs or veggies. It’s one of those dishes that everyone thinks their mother cooks better than anybody else, and in their own way, they might be right.

Moroccan cuisine: tea time and pasteries

It wouldn’t be a trip to Morocco, or a normal day for the locals, without sampling some of the finest homemade patisseries paired with Moroccan mint-tea.

Since the evening meal is frequently a late event, you may wish to refuel in the middle of the afternoon. Take a break with some mint tea and pair it with one or a few of the plenty goodies and snacks available. Cookies come in many shapes and sizes, and you’ll regularly see a cookie vendor walking about the medina with his tray. The Corne de Gazelle, a crescent-shaped sweet biscuit filled with an almond paste perfumed with flower water, is the most traditional of them. A more substantial Sfenj – a Moroccan doughnut – from a passing street seller could attract you. Briouats are another delicious nibble, usually made with almond paste, dipped in raw honey, and fried.

These pastries are one of a kind, distinguishing Moroccan cuisine from any other in the world, and when accompanied by Moroccan mint-tea, then it’s a match made in heaven!

Moroccan cuisine: a culture you can taste
Must Visit Morocco

It is a medieval city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where life has mostly remained unaltered for centuries. Fez has become a melting pot of languages as a result of globalization; The majority of its youth are fluent in Arabic, French, English, and a variety of other languages. As well as a center of religions and beliefs throughout history.

So sit tight dear reader, as we unravel together the rich history, architecture, and cultural and religious diversity in Fez city.

Cultural and religious diversity in Fez: History

The oldest of the imperial cities, Fez was founded in 789 AD by Idriss I, a descendant of the Prophet. His son, Sultan Idriss II, decided in 809 to establish the headquarters of the dynasty. In 818, the sultan welcomed 8,000 families of Andalusian Muslims into his city. Seven years later, this new population was reinforced by the arrival of Jews and Kairouanese (Tunisia). Rich of these multiple architectural heritages, the cultural and religious diversity in Fez, has helped it quickly become the religious and cultural center of Morocco.

Fez holds great historical importance as it was the administrative capital of almost all dynasties that ruled the country; under the Idrisid dynasty, (from the beginning of the 9th century to the year 974). Under the Marinid dynasty (from 1244 up until the year 1465). During the 15th century Idrisid interlude (1465-1471). Under the Wattasid dynasty (1471-1554).

Then During the Saadian dynasty reign (1603-1627). During the 17th century Dila’ite interlude (1659-1663) where Marrakesh became the capital. It was only when the founder of the Alaouite dynasty, Moulay Rashid, took Fez in 1666 that the city saw a revival and became the capital again until 1672. Then for a final time, the city had served as the capital of Morocco from 1727 until 1912 when the country was colonized by the French.

Cultural and religious diversity in Fez: Monuments

The cultural and religious diversity in Fez is without a shadow of a doubt, the most unique in the world; that is also translated through the must-see sights and monuments in the old medina.

The Qarawīyīn Mosque

The Qarawiyin Mosque (El karaouiyin) is the center of the oldest university in the world that was founded in AD 859; several of its schools (madrasahs) are grouped around it. The university has been renowned since the European Middle Ages as a center of Islamic culture. When the Muslims were expelled from Spain beginning in the 13th century, many came to Fez and Qarawiyin, bringing knowledge of European and Moorish arts and sciences; furthering the cultural and intellectual power of the city.

Beb Boujloud

You can not visit Fez and not go through the breathtaking doors of Beb Boujloud, the main access to the old medina, at least once!

The blue gate was built in 1913, making it one of the most recently built architectures in the medina. It is one of the most recgonized sights in the entire city, making it a perfect

Chouara tannery (Dar dbagh).

Entering one of the huge stores of Dbagh Chouara, in the heart of the old medina, you’ll find yourself in one of the oldest tanneries in the world, a feeling of vertigo takes the visitor: thousands of bags, jackets, slippers accumulated on all sides impregnate the rooms of a very strong perfume of leather.

The fassi merchants hasten to offer the customers branches of mint that must be “put under the nose and breathed very hard like a gas mask”, before leading them to the roof.

Cultural and religious diversity in Fez: Religions

Fez had served throughout the history as the home of many jews, a minority of christians and plenty Islamic scholars. All these different religions and backgrounds living together in the alleys of the old medina in total harmony.

And to help everyone celebrate and practice their religious freedoms, the cultural and religious diversity in Fez is shown through the diverse religious attractions the city is full of; the Mausoleum of Moulay Idriss II, the Andalusian mosque, Slate al fassiyin synagogue, and the catholic church, just to name a few.

Not to forget one of the most influencial religious destination in the city, which is:

Ahmad al-Tijânî sanctuary : the piligrimage of Africans

Founded by Ahmad al-Tijani in 1781-82 as a sufi brotherhood. After the death of the founder in 1815, who was buried in his zaouia, Fez became a place of pilgrimage where followers regularly come to collect on his tomb.

the Tijaniyya established itself in a remarkable way in sub-Saharan Africa, in particular in Senegal, and contributed to the construction of transnational cultural spaces extending on both banks of the Sahara.

Ever since the dissemination of the teachings of this brotherhood in sub-Saharan countries, the pilgrimages of the spiritual masters to the city serve to strengthen and maintain the relationship between the West African Tijan communities and the Fez Zaouia.

The diversity of the religious destinations in the city, fits most of the tourists beliefs, allowing them to practice them fully and freely; hence, furthering the idea that the cultural and religious diversity in Fez, throughout the 14 centuries of its existence, has made it the capital of diversity in the kingdom.

Cultural and religious diversity in Fez: Sufism

The cultural and religious diversity in Fez makes it also the home of sufism in Morocco, ample of Zawiyas, known as the Sufi lodges or brotherhoods, fill the old medina.

Another act of showmanship of the city’s sufism and spirituality demonstrates itself in The Sufi related festivals that the city holds annually:

The Sufism Cultural Festival is an annual 8-day event held in the imperial capital in April to commemorate Sufi music and spirituality. Sufi religious leaders and artists from all over the world attend the festival. The event allows tourists to learn about Morocco’s spiritual legacy while also displaying a side of Islam that is rarely seen.

The Fes Festival of World Sacred Music is a 10-day event conducted in the middle of summer (late May or early June). Faouzi Skali, a Moroccan academic and philanthropist, organized the festival in 1994 to highlight significant musical traditions of sacred, spiritual, and global music. The festival is unique in that it is based on spiritual ideals and invites audience members to participate actively.

Cultural and religious diversity in fez
Must Visit Morocco

Morocco has ranked as the “5th destination of excellence in the world” by TripAdvisor and booking sites, and 3rd as “the most welcoming country for foreign tourists”, according to the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Report (WEF).

More and more tourists are choosing Morocco as favourite destination as crime rates keep declining by the year, and the numbers are expected to continue increasing; hence indicating a safe destination. But of course, caution and social awareness, like in any country in the world, are advised!

Covid requirements for travellers

As of this article’s publishing date, the Kingdom of Morocco has reopened its sea and air borders and travellers, under certain conditions, can access Moroccan territory; if they have a valid vaccination passport of two doses will be accepted with no more than 4 months has passed since the second dose was received, or a negative PCR taken no longer than 72hrs before boarding. (Children under 12 years old are exempt from all entry requirements.)

For the reasons mentioned above, and all the conditions Morocco has put to keep its nation and its visitors safe, the logical response to “is Morocco safe after Covid?” is YES!

Is Morocco safe in 2025?

“Is Morocco safe in 2025?” That’s correct. Of course, a little prudence and common sense can go a long way, but most travels to this bewitching country are usually a complete success.

Morocco is, in fact, North Africa’s most politically stable country; no wars or internal conflicts are expected to occur during your stay.

To entice more tourists, the government has increased its infrastructural investment. You’ll benefit from the latter while landing and taking off from the different excellent airports, thousands of miles of highways, high-speed and normal trains, and the countless other transportation means, that Morocco provides to make your trip easier.

A holiday to Morocco right now should be quite safe and well worth it, with so much culture and history to explore, an easygoing atmosphere full of hospitality, and world renowned cities to discover!

Safest cities to visit in Morocco

Chefchaouen: The blue pearl

Chefchaouen’s appearance will quickly catch your attention, whether it is your first visit to Morocco or you have been to the country before and are familiar with how the kingdom looks.

Houses are typically modest, yet they are ornamented with brilliant white walls and vivid blue doors. By any international city’s standards, the streets are spotless, and if the deep blue doors set against relaxing white houses on immaculate streets wasn’t enough, there’s the skyline.

Chefchaouen is significantly smaller than larger towns like Tangier, making it a favourite destination for off-the-beaten-path travellers, and it is also known as one of Morocco’s safest cities. This is particularly amazing given how safe the rest of the country is. While any tourist should always exercise common sense and be prepared for the “just in case,” Chefchaouen is a rare city in that it boasts safety even at night.

So “is Morocco safe? and particularly Chefchaouen town?” A definite yes!

El jadida: Mazagan

The little city of Essaouira is located on the windswept Atlantic coast, roughly two hours southwest of Marrakesh. It’s also known by its original Portuguese name, “Mazagan.” This azure beachfront town combines the best of Morocco’s offerings — wonderful beaches, delicious food, and lively culture — with a laid-back vibe not found in other areas of the nation.

If you’ve ever seen Game of Thrones, you’ll remember Essaouira as the location where Daenerys Targaryen bought her army of Unsullied Soldiers.

The city is renowned for being one of the safest in the country both during the day and at night! But it’s fair to say that vigilance from pickpockets is always required.

• Is Casablanca Safe?
• Is Fes Safe?
• Is Tangier safe?

Is Morocco safe for travel in 2026?
Must Visit Morocco

Agadir, the capital of the Souss-Massa region which occupies a strip in the middle of the kingdom from the Atlantic Ocean to the borders with Algeria in the east. It is a junction between the North and the South of the country; therefore playing a strategic role at the economic, socio-cultural and touristic levels. It is known for having the most interesting villages and beaches in the entire country.

The catch is that all these villages can be visited within a week-long trip. Let’s discover them together!

Taghazout

Taghazout is one of the most breathtaking villages near Agadir, only 19km (12 miles) away from the dazzling city. The town is one of the best renowned nationally and internationally.  

The strong and big waves of the region had made it Morocco’s surf capital, attracting world champions, seasoned pros and beginners alike. 

Not a fan of surfing? How about fishing? Or maybe friendly locals with a love for adventure, and a wide portfolio of activities is what you’re looking for. Well, fear not, as Taghazout checks all the boxes, making it a bucket list destination for all!

Mirleft

In the province of Tiznit in Morocco in the region of Souss-Massa, and only after an hour and 30 minutes drive, you’ll find yourself in one of the best cozy and laid-back coastal villages near Agadir city, Mirleft. 

Known for surf and fishing classes, you might also be interested in the culinary excellence of the region, the hospitality of the locals, and its artisanal products.

The ruined fort behind the village is an amazing scenery making its beautiful and deep beach much more attractive, making it a sight definitely worth traveling for!

Aourir

We can not talk about the best villages near Agadir, without mentioning the warm Aourir. This coastal town is located about 12 km north of Agadir. Aourir is famous for its banana trees, its surf spots, and how cheap it is in comparison to its close neighbors. 

In Aourir you can go to the historical museum to unravel the rituals of old Berbers, go on a horseback riding excursion, go for a morning hike to check the gorgeous sunrise and how it reflects on the crystal clear waters of the town or even have quality freshly fished seafood.

Therefore, it is one of our personal favorite villages near Agadir of all!

Tamraght

Tamraght is one of the Moroccan Berber villages near Agadir (15 km north), located exactly between Aourir and Taghazout, on the Atlantic coast of Morocco, known for having the best surf spots in the Agadir region.

The beaches have remained wild and very popular with tourists, the beach of Tamraght is called Imourann.

When in town, you’ll be able to benefit from surf classes with skilled trainers, camel riding cruises to watch the sunset with friends or locals, as well as an excursion to the stunning Paradise valley.

Aghroud, the rainbow village: 

Only 35Km away from Agadir, you’ll find yourself in the coastal village of Aghroud; the most colorful city in the country.

With its rainbow houses that give color to life, its picturesque beach with fine white sand, its crystal clear water, and its breathtaking landscapes, Aghroud is an ideal destination for a good vacation plan away from the hassles of everyday life.

Looking for a destination to stop time, take a breath and start off fresh? Aghroud is the perfect destination for you! And if you’re looking for discoveries of nature, a good tann, and instagram worthy sights, Aghroud is still the coastal destination for you in Morocco!

Top 5 coastal villages near Agadir you MUST visit
Must Visit Morocco