Morocco Travel Guide: How to Plan Your Trip
Morocco is one of the easiest and most rewarding countries to visit in Africa: close to Europe, rich in history and varied in landscapes. This guide brings together everything you need to plan a trip, with links to our detailed pages on every topic.
At a glance
- Best seasons
- Spring and autumn
- Typical trip
- 7 to 14 days
- Entry
- Check visa rules for your nationality
- Currency
- Moroccan dirham (MAD)
In this guide
Step 1: Decide when to go
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best seasons for most travellers. Summers are very hot inland, winters are cold in the mountains and the desert at night. Our best time to visit Morocco guide explains the month-by-month details, including Ramadan.
Step 2: Choose where to go
- First-time visitors: Marrakech, Fes and a night in the Sahara.
- Culture and history: the imperial cities of Marrakech, Fes, Meknes and Rabat.
- Mountains and blue streets: Chefchaouen and the Rif.
- Coast and relaxing: Essaouira, Agadir, Asilah and Dakhla.
- Landscapes: Ouarzazate, Tinghir and Zagora.
Our ready-made 7-day itinerary shows how to link the highlights.
Step 3: Decide how long to stay
A week gives you the imperial cities and a taste of the desert. Ten to fourteen days allows a more relaxed route that includes the north or the coast. Morocco is bigger than it looks, and distances between regions can be long, so avoid trying to see everything.
Step 4: Plan transport
Trains, buses and shared taxis connect most cities. Read getting around Morocco to compare options, and consider a private driver for the desert.
Step 5: Prepare for the practicalities
Visa rules, money, safety, scams, dress and etiquette are covered in our Morocco travel tips. For deeper background, read about history, culture and religion.
Step 6: Add experiences
- Visit a traditional hammam.
- Learn how to shop in the souks.
- Time your trip to a festival; see our festival calendar.
- Try Moroccan food in markets, riads and cooking classes.
Budget basics
Morocco suits many budgets, from hostels and shared taxis to luxury riads. Prices vary by season and city, so check current rates. The biggest costs are usually accommodation, desert tours and private transport. Cash is useful for small purchases, and cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Morocco?
A week is enough for Marrakech, the desert and Fes. Ten to fourteen days gives you a more relaxed pace and lets you add the north or the coast.
Is Morocco easy to travel independently?
Yes. Trains, buses and shared taxis connect the main cities, and tourist infrastructure is well developed. A private driver helps in the desert and the Atlas.
Do I need a visa for Morocco?
Many nationalities can visit visa-free for a limited stay, but rules change. Check the official sources for your passport before you book.