First Trip to Morocco: 25 Tips I Wish Every Traveller Knew
For a first trip to Morocco: carry dirhams in small notes, dress modestly, agree prices before services, say a polite "la, shukran" to touts, use licensed guides in the medinas, drink bottled water, plan around the midday heat, and book desert tours and day trips with operators who include pickup and let you pay on the day.
Money
- The dirham is a closed currency: get it from ATMs or exchange offices in Morocco.
- Keep small notes and coins for taxis, tips and entrance fees.
- Cards work in hotels and bigger shops, but cash rules elsewhere. More in money tips.
- Budget realistically with how much a trip to Morocco costs.
Culture and etiquette
- Cover shoulders and knees in towns; see what to wear.
- Ask before photographing people.
- Use your right hand to eat from shared dishes and to give or receive.
- Accept mint tea when offered; it is a gesture of welcome.
- Non-Muslims cannot enter most mosques (Hassan II in Casablanca is the exception).
- Learn a few words of Darija: useful phrases.
In the medina
- Expect to get lost; download offline maps.
- Ignore people who say a road is closed or offer to show you the way.
- Bargain with a smile only if you intend to buy: bargaining guide.
- Book a licensed guide for your first half day: Marrakech medina walking tour.
- Step aside for mopeds and carts: "balak!" means "watch out".
Food and health
- Drink bottled or filtered water.
- Eat at busy places where food is cooked to order.
- Try tagine, couscous, harira, msemen and fresh orange juice.
- Pack basic medication for stomach upsets.
Transport and tours
- Use petit taxis in cities; insist on the meter or agree the fare.
- Trains link the big cities: train guide.
- The Sahara needs at least 2–3 days from Marrakech: Marrakech to Merzouga.
- Choose tours with written itineraries, clear inclusions and free cancellation.
- Avoid booking tours from street touts.
- Do not overplan: leave time for mint tea, sunsets and conversations.
Where to start
Most first-timers combine Marrakech with the Sahara: see our 7-day itinerary and the 3-day Sahara tour. Check official travel advice before departure, for example the US State Department Morocco page.
Book it with a local operator
- Marrakech: Medina Guided Walking Tour with Bahia Palace & Souks — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: 3-Day Sahara Desert Tour to Merzouga with Camel Trek — from €145 per person, pay on the day.
- From Marrakech: Agafay Desert Sunset Camel Ride, Dinner & Show at Camp — from €25 per person, pay on the day.
Related guides
- Solo Female Travel in Morocco: Honest Advice, Safety Tips and Best Places
- What Is a Riad? Staying in a Traditional Moroccan House
- Is Marrakech Worth Visiting? An Honest Look at the Pros and Cons
Frequently asked questions
What should I know before going to Morocco?
Carry cash in dirhams, dress modestly, expect to bargain, use licensed guides, drink bottled water and plan around the midday heat.
Is Morocco good for first-time travellers?
Yes. It is close to Europe, well organised for tourism and full of variety. A guided tour for part of the trip makes the first visit easier.
How many days should my first Morocco trip be?
Seven to ten days is ideal to see Marrakech, the Sahara and one more region such as Fes or the Atlas.
What is the best first city to visit in Morocco?
Marrakech, thanks to its many direct flights, its sights and its proximity to the Atlas and the desert.
Main photo: Forbes Johnston from Winchester, UK, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.
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