Reference photo coming soon
Souks, desert and colourful cities. A sensory trip, very close to Europe, with charming riad stays.
If you like this destination, also see Thailand or Japan.
History and customs of Morocco
Founded in 1070, Marrakech was the capital of Berber empires. Its medina, like Fez’s, keeps an almost intact medieval layout.
Morocco was a French and Spanish protectorate from 1912 and became independent in 1956. It is now a monarchy where Berber, Arab and Andalusian heritage coexist, visible in its architecture and music.
In 2011 Morocco approved a constitutional reform after the Arab Spring protests. In 2022 its team reached the World Cup semi-finals, and in 2030 it will co-host the tournament with Spain and Portugal.
Dress modestly and ask before photographing people. Haggling in the souks is part of the game, and during Ramadan many places change their opening hours.
Typical food in Morocco
The tagine takes its name from the conical clay pot in which it is slow-cooked. Couscous is a Friday family meal, and mint tea is a symbol of hospitality.
- Lamb tagine
- Friday couscous
- Mint tea
What to eat in each city of Morocco
- Marrakech – tangia, the city’s slow-cooked stew
- Fez – pastilla with pigeon or chicken
- Casablanca – grilled fish
Regional dishes in Morocco
- Fez – pastilla and harira
- Marrakech – tangia and lamb head
- Coast – grilled fish and sardines
- South and desert – medfouna, Berber stuffed bread
Iconic places in Morocco
In Marrakech, Jemaa el-Fna square and the Koutoubia Mosque; in Fez, one of the world’s largest car-free medinas. Aït Benhaddou, built of mud brick, features in many films.
Near Marrakech are the Ouzoud waterfalls and the Atlas Mountains. Essaouira, on the Atlantic coast, is a walled city with a fishing port, and Rabat and Casablanca, with the great Hassan II Mosque, round out the trip.
1. Marrakech – souks and Jemaa el-Fna square
2. Chefchaouen – the blue city
3. Merzouga – a night in the dunes
4. Fez – Al Quaraouiyine, one of the world’s oldest universities
5. Dadès Valley – gorges and mud-brick kasbahs
Seasons: when to go and when to avoid Morocco
✅ Best time. Mar–May and Sep–Nov: mild temperatures, ideal for cities and desert.
⚠️ Worst time. Jul–Aug: over 40 °C in Marrakech and the desert; winter nights are cold and the Atlas gets snow.
How much does it cost to travel to Morocco
| Item | Average price |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Return flight | |
| Hotel per night · Budget | $28 |
| Hotel per night · Mid-range | $77 |
| Hotel per night · High-end | $220 |
| Restaurant meal (per person) | $6–$17 |
| Street food (per person) | $1–$4 |
Approximate, indicative prices (estimate, Oct 2026). They change with dates and availability: always check before booking. Hotel: own estimate, to be verified. Flights: estimates for Europe-based trips; for other cities use the link.
You may also like: Germany, United Kingdom, Japan, Thailand.