Morocco captivates visitors with its vibrant medinas, stunning Atlas Mountains, and golden Sahara dunes. From the blue-washed streets of Chefchaouen to the bustling souks of Marrakech, this North African gem offers an intoxicating blend of Arab, Berber, and French influences. Experience world-class cuisine, ancient imperial cities, and warm hospitality in one of Africa's most enchanting destinations.
Local currency: Moroccan Dirham (MAD, also written DH); 1 USD ≈ 10 MAD; 1 EUR ≈ 10.8 MAD; 1 GBP ≈ 12.8 MAD (approximate).
Daily budget by traveller style
Typical per-person daily spend in Morocco.
Cost breakdown
Typical price ranges across major spending categories.
Accommodation
- Hostel
- $12-20 (dorm in Marrakech/Fez medina)
- Budget
- $30-60 (budget riad private room)
- Midrange
- $80-150 (mid-range riad or 3-4 star hotel)
- Luxury
- $300-2000+ (luxury riad or 5-star hotel)
Food
- Street
- $1-3 (harira soup, sfenj, orange juice at street stalls)
- Local
- $5-10 (full meal at a Moroccan restaurant)
- Midrange
- $15-30 (sit-down restaurant with starter and main)
- Fine
- $60-200+ (palace dining or fine restaurant with wine)
Transport
- Bus
- $0.40-1 (city bus fare)
- Taxi
- $2-8 (petit taxi city fare with meter)
- Airport
- $5-35 (depending on city and mode)
- Daytrip
- $15-50 (grand taxi or CTM bus day trip)
Activities
- Museum
- $4-8 (most medina museums)
- Sites
- $7-15 (major monuments like Bahia Palace, Saadian Tombs)
- Tour
- $40-80 (half-day guided tour)
- Excursion
- $80-200 (full-day with transport e.g. Sahara day trip)
Trip budgets by length
What a typical trip to Morocco costs end-to-end.
Budget traveller
$250-350/week (hostel/cheap riad, street food, bus transport, free activities)
Midrange traveller
$700-1000/week (mid-range riad, mix of restaurants, taxis and trains, paid attractions)
Luxury traveller
$3000+/week (luxury riad or hotel, fine dining, private drivers, exclusive experiences)
Money-saving tips
Practical ways to stretch your budget further.
Travel by CTM or Supratours bus between cities rather than domestic flights - Marrakech to Fez by bus costs $20 vs $80+ by air
Stay in budget riads rather than hostels for better value - private rooms in small medina riads often include breakfast and cost the same as hostel private rooms
Eat where Moroccans eat: street stalls, basic restaurants with plastic chairs, and the morning market for fresh produce
Use petit taxis with the meter on in cities - always insist on 'compteur' to avoid inflated tourist prices
Buy argan oil, spices, and crafts directly from cooperatives (fixed fair prices) rather than medina souk shops where bargaining is the norm
Visit Volubilis, the Saadian Tombs, and other sites on weekdays to avoid queues and potential crowding surcharges during peak season
Free things to do
Memorable experiences that cost nothing.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Square (Marrakech)
The iconic square of Marrakech is completely free to wander, day and night. Daytime market, entertainers at dusk, and the magical transformation into a food theatre after sunset - all free to observe (tip the performers if you watch).
Chefchaouen Blue City Exploration
Simply wandering the blue-washed streets and alleyways of Chefchaouen is free. The medina's photogenic corners, the Ras El Maa waterfall, and the blue medina streets require no entrance fee.
Hassan Tower and Royal Mausoleum (Rabat)
The atmospheric field of 200 broken Roman columns surrounding the unfinished Hassan Tower is freely accessible. The adjacent Mausoleum of Mohammed V is also free to enter.
Kasbah of the Oudayas (Rabat)
The Almohad kasbah with blue-and-white painted streets and Atlantic views is free to enter and wander. The Andalusian garden inside has a small entry fee (10-15 MAD) but the kasbah streets are free.
Essaouira Medina and Ramparts
The UNESCO-listed medina and historic sea ramparts of Essaouira are free to explore. Walk the walls overlooking the Atlantic, browse the craft shops without obligation, and enjoy the laid-back Gnaoua music atmosphere.
Volubilis (with ISIC or age discount)
Roman ruins are the jewel of Morocco's archaeological heritage; free for under-6s; significant discounts for international student cards. The site itself is a rewarding 2-3 hour self-guided walk.
Fez Medina Street Life
The world's largest car-free medieval city is a sensory adventure without spending a dirham. The tanneries can be viewed for free from leather shop terraces (with light pressure to buy); the main souks are free to explore.
Agadir Beach
Morocco's finest resort beach is completely free to access and use. 9km of sand on a gently curving bay; the promenade behind is also a pleasant free evening stroll.