Unbeatable Tips For Budget Travel in Morocco

Whether you’re a backpacker on a tight budget or a savvy traveler seeking to maximize your experiences, budget travel in Morocco is easy.

Right from the start, it’s free to experience the hospitality of the locals or to feel how alive the cities are. The country’s rich culture, intricate architecture, and centuries-old traditions are on display everywhere for you to see — also free. And sampling its world-famous food won’t break the bank either. 

Continue reading to uncover how every dirham spent opens the door to a world of unforgettable wallet-friendly adventures.

Cheap ways to get to Morocco

There are two main ways to get to Morocco: by plane or ferry from Spain.

It’s one of the most accessible countries I can think of, with eight major international airports to choose from.

Don’t just assume that the cheapest airport is in Marrakesh. It’s worth doing a bit of research!

Did you know that you can see Morocco from Spain? Hop on a ferry, and you can be in Morocco in as little as 30 minutes. The two most popular routes are Algeciras to Tangier Med and Tarifa to Tangier. Tickets start at around €36/$39 each way.

When is the best time for budget travel in Morocco?

A time-old budget travel tip is to travel in the shoulder season. During this time, you still get great weather but with fewer tourists. Unfortunately, that’s not how it works in Morocco. The shoulder seasons — April to May and September to November — are when most people visit, as the temperatures are perfect. 

To get the cheapest prices, head there between November and March. These are considered the winter months, but it’s still much warmer than most countries’ winters. 

Where to budget travel in Morocco

No matter where you find yourself in Morocco, budget travel is possible. In general, beach towns tend to be slightly more expensive than the cities, but you can save money anywhere with a pocket full of these budget tips. 

Check out some of the best places to budget travel in Morocco: 

Fes 

Fes is like a laid-back version of Marrakesh and more authentic. It is full of workshops with incredible craftsmen creating exquisite pieces of art rather than shops aimed at tourists. 

This phenomenal city is known as the cultural capital due to its maze-like medina, which hides countless mosques, madrasas, palaces, and souks inside it. It’s also said to be one of the oldest and largest medinas in North Africa. 

This is also where you’ll find the famous tannery boasting the iconic view of multi-colored pools filled with natural dyes. 

Pro tip: The most useful piece of information you will ever be given about Fes is this: Fes has around 9,600 streets, and about 40% of them are dead ends. If the street has a hexagon sign, it’s a dead end. If there’s a square street sign, it will lead to somewhere else. You’re welcome!

Marrakesh 

Some people love Marrakesh, while others find it overwhelming, noisy and chaotic. For sure, it’s all of those things — it’s one of the most vibrant and alive cities that I’ve ever visited. 

Jemaa el-Fnaa is the main square and heart of the medina. It’s spectacular, especially at night. 

Mouthwatering aromas of street food waft into the air, and performers of all types appear, forming circles of captivated audiences around them. There’s an irresistible buzz that feels magical.

Alongside the square are hundreds of stalls and shops to explore, grand palaces, flourishing gardens, intricate madrassas and fascinating museums to discover. 

Chefchaouen 

I can confirm that the iconic blue city of Morocco is as mesmerizing and picturesque as you see on social media. Every street you wander in Chefchaouen is photo-worthy. 

Situated in northwest Morocco, there are several myths about why this city boasts striking blue buildings. Some think it’s for religious reasons, and others believe it was to keep mosquitos away. This just adds to the mystical element of the city. 

Pro tip: Grab a drink at one of the restaurants at Ras El Ma Waterfall. The tables and chairs are literally in the waterfall.  

Essaouira 

While slightly more expensive than other places in Morocco, Essaouira should not be left off your itinerary. This windy beach town gives a glimpse at a completely different side of the country. 

It’s calm and peaceful — something hard to find in the cities.

It has a charm that’s hard to describe. Maybe it’s being by the powerful Atlantic Ocean or the quaint streets packed with local shops and cafes. Whatever it is, it’s the perfect place to do nothing. 

Or you can try your hand at kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, horse riding or driving an ATV along the beach. 

How to find cheap accommodation in Morocco

Fortunately, you don’t have to look too hard to find amazing budget-friendly deals in Morocco. 

Most cities have awesome hostels that are great for meeting other travelers and cost less than €10 ($10.70) per night. An added bonus — many hostels offer a complimentary hearty breakfast.

If you pick the right one, budget hotels often don’t feel that budget. For less than €25 ($27) per night, you can find yourself in a stunning riad with a rooftop to chill on and even a pool. 

The price of accommodation will vary depending on the time of year you visit Morocco. 

How to eat and drink on a budget in Morocco

Eating on a budget in Morocco is a piece of cake! There are hole-in-the-wall establishments and street carts that sell tasty and filling snacks that will barely put a dent in your budget. 

Here are some tips to find the best cheap food in Morocco: 

Avoid tourist traps 

In most Moroccan cities, you’ll find a medina. This is essentially the main square, where almost every tourist will visit. The restaurants around the medina are mainly for tourists, offering mediocre food at tourist prices! DO NOT EAT HERE! 

And trust me, they will try everything in their power to entice you. 

Stay strong and wander down the side streets. This is where you’ll find the best food at local prices. Not sure where to eat? Ask a local or your accommodation host for their favorite place to eat. 

Book a hotel or hostel with breakfast 

Moroccan breakfasts are exceptional and massive! While you’re still rubbing the sleep out of your eyes, the table before you will begin filling up with eggs, pancakes, msemmen, bread, honey, jams, olives, cheese, yogurt, orange juice, coffee, tea, and much more.

It’s common practice for hotels and hostels to offer a free breakfast. If you try everything and then grab a cheap street snack for lunch, you’ll be good to go until dinner!

Eat msemmen

I mentioned msemmen above as something that comes with breakfast, but really, it can be eaten at any time of the day. Believe me, they’re so good that you’ll want to!

The best way to describe them is as a flatbread that’s more like a pancake with many flaky layers of deliciousness. It is often served with honey, jam, amlou, butter or cheese. 

One should cost you around €0.50 ($0.50). Two msemmens could keep you full for the entire day.

Other cheap and mouth-wateringly good foods include tagines (of course), couscous, pastilla, and paninis. 

Alcohol is expensive

Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country where the consumption of alcohol is considered haram or forbidden. That being said, there’s always an Irish bar or discrete bar selling alcohol, no matter where you are. 

If you’re on a very tight budget, you might want to avoid alcohol as it’s pretty expensive. A beer will cost around €6 ($6.50). 

Don’t worry, find yourself a good gnawa bar (traditional Moroccan music), and you won’t need any alcohol to have a good time. 

Choosing transportation to budget travel in Morocco

Morocco has an excellent transport network made up of trains and buses. It’s surprisingly easy and affordable to get around the country. 

Buses in Morocco 

The two most popular bus companies are Supratours and CTM. Both have different classes of buses that increase in comfort with price. All of their buses are reasonably comfortable and offer air conditioning. 

You can book tickets online using their websites, although they’re not the easiest. Alternatively, you can use Bookaway or visit the bus station.

Trains in Morocco 

Morocco’s national rail network is operated by ONCF. It connects several major cities such as Marrakesh, Fes, Casablanca, Rabat and Meknes. 

I highly recommend taking the train at least once. It feels like an adventure and a great way to chat with locals. 

There are different classes of trains. Most foreigners opt for second or first class. The seats are more comfortable, there’s more space for your luggage, and it’s a little less hectic. 

The train is often faster, but usually a bit more expensive. You can book your tickets via the ONCF website, Bookaway or at the train station. 

Taxis in Morocco

While there is public transport within the big cities, it’s often not the easiest to use and very crowded. If you’re up for the challenge, by all means, give it a go. 

Most people simply opt for the easier option of taxis. Taxis felt like my nemesis in Morocco. I always felt like I was overpaying and couldn’t haggle to a price I wanted, especially in touristy Marrakesh. That was until I was given two vital tips: 

• Never take a taxi waiting outside when you arrive at a bus or train station. They will charge you for their waiting time and overcharge. Walk to the street and hail down a taxi. 
• Always ask them to put the meter on instead of haggling for a price. This will give you the correct cost and will be so much cheaper than if you negotiate. 

Pro tip: I recommend pre-booking airport transportation for when you arrive in Morocco. Taxi drivers don’t like to accept airport-regulated prices, so save yourself the hassle and book private transportation. Booking a minivan to take you from the Marrakesh airport to your hotel costs only about €5.60 ($6).

Weather in Morocco 

If you’re after the best weather, you will want to explore the country in its shoulder seasons — April to May and September to November. Temperatures are warm, but you won’t be swimming in your own sweat like you would in July and August. 

During summer, temperatures can soar well above 40°C (104°F). Spending time on the coast is still lovely as the ocean breeze offers much-welcomed relief. 

For those looking to go hiking in the Atlas Mountains, April to May, September and October will be your best months. 

Packing list essentials for budget travel in Morocco

Most of Morocco is hot pretty much all year round. Pack loose-fitting clothes, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen. If you’re a woman, I recommend bringing a light shirt to keep you covered from the sun and to make outfits more conservative if needed. 

Morocco uses type C plugs, so unless you’re from Europe, remember to bring a travel adaptor. 

The currency is the Moroccan dirham, which can be handy to have before you enter the country. Otherwise, Euros are accepted by some taxi drivers and hotels in the bigger cities.  

My biggest packing tip is to leave space in your luggage. This way, you’ll have enough room for any souvenirs you may want to bring back, like a beautiful Moroccan rug.

Map of Morocco 

Morocco is a diverse country boasting the vast Sahara Desert in the south and the rugged Atlas Mountains cutting through the country’s center. Scattered throughout are bustling cities and coastal towns. Check out this map.

Are you ready to budget travel in Morocco?

Morocco is a vibrant, diverse and unique country that travelers of all budgets fall in love with. If you’re counting the pennies, you can still create unforgettable memories in this culture-rich country. 

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