A Complete Guide to Traveling in Morocco on Any Budget

A Complete Guide to Traveling in Morocco on Any Budget – Planning to visit Morocco? Whether you’re a backpacker, a mid-range explorer, or a luxury traveler, Morocco offers a rich travel experience for every budget. From the bustling souks of Marrakech to the peaceful Sahara dunes, Morocco is affordable, authentic, and full of surprises.

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In this guide, we’ll show you how to travel Morocco on any budget—with practical tips, real price ranges, and expert recommendations.

Why Travel to Morocco?

Morocco is a destination like no other. Located at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, it offers:

Stunning nature (deserts, mountains, beaches)
Vibrant culture and cuisine
Historic cities and UNESCO sites
Friendly locals and unique shopping experiences

Whether you have $20 or $200 per day, you can enjoy an unforgettable Moroccan adventure.

How to Get to Morocco on a Budget

Flying into Morocco is easier than ever, thanks to international airports in:

Casablanca (CMN)
Marrakech (RAK)
Fes (FEZ)
Tangier (TNG)
Agadir (AGA)

Budget Tips:

Use flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights
Book 2–3 months in advance
Look for low-cost airlines from Europe (e.g., Ryanair, easyJet)
Travel in shoulder seasons (March–May or Sept–Nov) for better prices

Tip: Many travelers combine Spain and Morocco by ferry via Tangier.

Where to Stay in Morocco (Budget to Luxury)

Budget Type	Options	Average Price per Night
Backpacker	Hostels, shared riads	$7–$20
Mid-range	Boutique riads, 3-star hotels	$25–$60
Luxury	4–5 star riads, desert lodges, villas	$90–$300+

Riads (traditional Moroccan guesthouses with courtyards) are a top choice for all budgets. Even luxury riads are often cheaper than Western hotels.

🍽️ What to Eat (Delicious & Affordable!)

Moroccan food is flavorful, affordable, and widely available.

Must-Try Dishes:

Tagine (stew cooked in clay pot)
Couscous with vegetables/meat
Harira (Moroccan soup)
Pastilla (sweet and savory pie)
Fresh seafood in Essaouira or Agadir

Budget Food Tips:

Option	Avg. Cost
Street food	$1–$3
Local cafe	$2–$6
Tourist restaurant	$8–$15
Luxury dining	$25+

Tip: Visit local markets (“souks”) for fresh bread, fruits, and snacks.

How to Get Around Morocco (Cheap to Comfortable)

Budget Travel:

CTM and Supratours buses are reliable and safe for intercity travel
Local taxis (called petit taxi) are cheap for short rides in towns
Shared taxis (grand taxi) for rural areas

Trains:

ONCF trains connect cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, Tangier
Al Boraq high-speed train: Tangier to Casablanca in 2 hours!

Transport Type	Example Route	Price Range
Local bus	Marrakech → Essaouira	$5–$8
Train	Fes → Rabat	$10–$18
Taxi (city)	Within Marrakech	$1–$3
Car rental	Per day	$25–$50

Tip: Rent a car to explore the desert, mountains, or coast independently.

What to See & Do (Free, Budget, and Luxury Options)

Free or Cheap Activities

Walk through medinas (old towns)
Visit Koutoubia Mosque, Bab Boujloud, or Kasbahs
Enjoy sunsets in Chefchaouen or Taghazout
Hike the High Atlas Mountains

Mid-Range Experiences

Take a guided city tour ($10–$30)
Explore the Majorelle Garden in Marrakech ($13 entry)
Surfing lessons in Taghazout ($25–$40)
Visit the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca

Luxury Options

Hot air balloon ride over Marrakech ($200+)
Stay in a luxury desert camp in Merzouga ($150+)
Private photography tours or camel safaris

Tip: Use GetYourGuide or Viator to find deals on tours and tickets.

Shopping on Any Budget

Souk Essentials:

Handwoven rugs and carpets
Leather bags and babouche slippers
Argan oil and spices
Handmade pottery and ceramics

Bargaining is part of the culture! Expect to negotiate, and don’t be afraid to walk away.

Internet, SIM Cards, and Wi-Fi

For all budgets:

SIM cards from Orange, Inwi, or Maroc Telecom at the airport or shops
Plans start at $5 for 5GB+
Wi-Fi available in most hotels, cafes, and coworking spaces

💡 Tip: Digital nomads can find coworking spots in Marrakech, Rabat, or Taghazout.

Wellness, Hammams & Relaxation

Budget Option	Cost
Local Hammam	$2–$5
Tourist Hammam	$15–$30
Spa treatment (luxury riad)	$40–$100+

Experience a traditional Moroccan scrub (gommage) and steam bath—it’s relaxing, cultural, and budget-friendly.

Money Tips

Currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD)
1 USD ≈ 10 MAD
ATMs are widely available
Credit cards accepted in tourist areas (but not in small shops or souks)

Avoid changing money at airports; use official exchange offices or ATMs.

Safety, Customs & Local Etiquette

Morocco is safe for tourists, especially in major cities and tourist routes
Dress modestly, especially in rural or religious areas
Avoid public displays of affection
Tipping (10–15%) is appreciated in restaurants and for services

Respect local customs and always ask before taking photos of people.

Sample Budget Breakdown (Per Day)

Category	Backpacker	Mid-range	Luxury
Accommodation	$10	$40	$150
Food	$6	$15	$40
Transport	$4	$10	$30
Activities	$5	$20	$60
Total	$25	$85	$280

Can I travel Morocco on $30/day?

Yes! With hostels, local food, and buses, $25–$35/day is very doable.

Is Morocco expensive for tourists?

No. Morocco is generally affordable, especially compared to Europe or the U.S.

What’s the cheapest way to get around Morocco?

Buses and shared taxis are the cheapest options for long and short travel.

Are there budget-friendly desert tours?

Yes. Group tours start around $80–$100 for 2–3 days, including transport and meals.

Ready to Travel to Morocco?

Whether you’re saving every penny or indulging in style, Morocco welcomes all travelers. Plan your perfect trip, discover local gems, and fall in love with the culture, cuisine, and kindness of this magical country.