Morocco travel guide by a local
Morocco, planned by someone who lives here.
Honest itineraries, real prices in dirhams and the tourist traps to avoid. Everything you need before you book.
Morocco at a glance
Check your own passport rules with the nearest Moroccan consulate before you travel.
Currency
Moroccan dirham (MAD). Cash rules in medinas and taxis.
Visa
Visa-free up to 90 days for many passports, including EU, UK, US and Canada.
Language
Darija Arabic and Amazigh. French is widely spoken.
Time zone
GMT (UTC+0) all year since 20 September 2026.
Power
Type C and E sockets, 220 V.
Emergency
Police 19, ambulance 15.
Where to go
Six places most first trips are built around. See all destinations
Ready-made itineraries
Routes paced for real travel times, not just a map. Compare routes
When to go
Spring and autumn suit most trips. Month-by-month guide
JanCool
FebCool
MarBest
AprBest
MayBest
JunHot
JulHot
AugHot
SepBest
OctBest
NovBest
DecCool
Best: mild across the country. Hot: inland cities and the desert pass 40°C, the coast stays pleasant. Cool: sunny days, cold desert and mountain nights.
Everything you need to plan your trip
Know before you go
Four habits that make a first trip far smoother.
Carry some cash
Medinas, small cafes and petit taxis run on dirhams. ATMs are easy to find in every city. Read more
Agree the price first
Settle taxi fares (or ask for the meter) and guide fees before you set off. Read more
Dress for the medina
Covering shoulders and knees is respectful, especially in rural areas and near mosques. Read more
Say no politely
Unofficial guides are common. A smile, a firm “la, shukran” and walking on usually works. Read more
Who writes this guide
Written by Abdelilah, from Marrakech
A Marrakech-based travel guide and videographer who has spent years taking travellers across Morocco. The guides here are based on routes he knows first-hand.
Before you book
Our practical guides to the bookings every trip needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Citizens of the EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many other countries can visit without a visa for up to 90 days. Your passport should be valid for the length of your stay. Rules differ by nationality, so confirm with a Moroccan consulate before you book.
Is Morocco safe for tourists?
Morocco is a popular, generally safe destination. The most common problems are petty theft in crowds, overcharging and persistent unofficial guides rather than serious crime. Usual city precautions go a long way.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are mild almost everywhere. Summer is very hot inland but pleasant on the Atlantic coast, and winter brings cold nights in the desert and the mountains.
Should I pay in cash or by card?
Bring both. Hotels, larger restaurants and shops accept cards, but medina stalls, small cafes and taxis expect dirhams. ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.
What should I wear in Morocco?
Light, loose clothes that cover the shoulders and knees are comfortable and respectful, especially outside big cities. Bring a warm layer for desert and mountain evenings.
How many days do I need?
Seven to ten days covers Marrakech, the Sahara and Fes without rushing. With five days, focus on Marrakech plus the desert or the Atlas.
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Ask Abdo before you book
Questions about routes, riads or Sahara tours? A Marrakech local answers honestly.