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.
Cultural orientation
Essential context for travellers.
Moroccans are exceptionally hospitable - accepting an invitation for mint tea is a sign of respect, and refusing can cause offence
The concept of 'inshallah' (God willing) governs Moroccan attitudes to time and plans - build flexibility into your schedule
Ramadan transforms Morocco: daytime is quiet and introspective while evenings explode with festivity; tourists should eat discreetly in public during daylight hours
Friday is the Islamic day of prayer - many businesses close around noon and shops in the medina may be shuttered until mid-afternoon
Photography etiquette is important: always ask permission before photographing people, especially women; expect to pay snake charmers and performers in Jemaa el-Fnaa
Bargaining is expected in medina souks but not in fixed-price shops or supermarkets - if you're unsure, ask 'est-ce que c'est fixe?' (is this a fixed price?)
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Dress modestly in medinas, mosques, and conservative towns - cover shoulders, upper arms, and knees; women should carry a scarf
- Accept an invitation to mint tea from a shopkeeper - it's a genuine social ritual even if they hope to sell you something afterward
- Remove shoes before entering someone's home or a mosque (where non-Muslims are permitted)
- Greet people with 'As-salamu alaykum' (Peace be upon you) when entering a shop or meeting someone - locals will be delighted
- Use your right hand for eating, accepting food, and exchanging money - the left hand is considered unclean in Islamic culture
- Ask before photographing people, especially in rural areas and religious sites; offer a tip to performers and Jemaa el-Fnaa entertainers
- Learn a few words of Moroccan Darija or French - Moroccans appreciate any effort to communicate in local languages
Don't
- Don't enter a mosque if you're non-Muslim - only the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca admits non-Muslim visitors officially
- Don't publicly display affection between couples - holding hands is generally acceptable but kissing is inappropriate in public
- Don't drink alcohol in public places or on the street - alcohol is available in licensed restaurants and hotels but not in the traditional medina areas
- Don't photograph the royal palace, military installations, or police checkpoints - this can result in confrontation or detainment
- Don't follow a stranger who offers to be your 'guide' without agreeing on a price first - unofficial guides earn commissions from shops they take you to
- Don't assume everyone speaks French - in rural areas and the Rif region, Berber languages and Moroccan Arabic are predominant
- Don't eat, drink, or smoke in public during Ramadan daylight hours - it's illegal and deeply disrespectful to the fasting population
Local customs
Traditions and practices you'll encounter.
Mint Tea Ritual (Atay)
Moroccan mint tea is poured from a height to create a froth and is traditionally served three times ('the first glass is as gentle as life, the second is as strong as love, the third is as bitter as death'). Refusing tea is rude; it represents hospitality and friendship.
Couscous Friday (Tajine de Vendredi)
Couscous is traditionally made every Friday by Moroccan families, served after the Friday prayers at noon. An invitation to a Moroccan home for Friday couscous is among the highest honors a visitor can receive.
Ramadan Iftar
At sunset during Ramadan, the call to prayer signals iftar - the breaking of the fast. Moroccans traditionally break the fast with dates, harira soup, chebakia pastries, and egg dishes. The streets come alive with communal celebration after days of quiet.
Hammam Culture
The public bathhouse (hammam) is a social institution in Morocco, with separate hours or spaces for men and women. Neighborhood hammams are places of socializing as much as cleaning; bring your own kessa glove and black soap.
Henna Traditions
Henna application (naqsh) is an important part of Moroccan celebrations especially weddings and Eid festivals. Intricate geometric patterns are applied to hands and feet by specialist henna artists. Tourists are frequently offered henna in Jemaa el-Fnaa.
Etiquette by setting
How to navigate everyday situations.
- Greetings
- Men greet with handshake and often a kiss on each cheek between friends; women greet other women similarly; men and women who are not close friends shake hands but may not kiss unless very familiar; 'As-salamu alaykum' is appropriate and appreciated
- Dining
- Wait for the host to invite you to sit and begin eating; eat from the portion of the shared plate closest to you rather than reaching across; use bread to scoop food from shared tagine; always compliment the cook
- Dress
- Smart casual in cities; conservative in medinas and rural areas (cover knees and shoulders for both men and women); remove shoes when asked entering homes; swimwear only at beach/pool
- Gifts
- Pastries, fruit, or flowers are appropriate gifts when visiting a Moroccan home; alcohol is inappropriate; gifts are often not opened in front of the giver out of modesty
- Business
- Business cards are exchanged with the right hand or both hands; relationships matter more than contracts in Moroccan business culture; be prepared for meetings to begin late and run long
- Tipping
- 10-15% at restaurants is appreciated but not always expected; 10-20 MAD for petrol station attendants and parking attendants; 50-100 MAD per day for guides; small change for hammam staff
Useful phrases
A few words go a long way.
As-salamu alaykum (Formal) / Salam (Casual)
Hello / Peace be upon you
as-SAH-lah-moo ah-LAY-koom
Shukran / Merci (French also widely used)
Thank you
SHOO-kran
Afwan / La shukr ala wajib
You're welcome
AHF-wan
Afak / Min fadlik
Please
AH-fak / min FAD-lik
Bshal hada? / Combien ça coûte? (French)
How much does this cost?
b-SHAL HAH-dah
Ghali bezzaf
Too expensive
GHAH-lee be-ZAF
Fin kayn...?
Where is...?
FEEN KAYN
Iih / La
Yes / No
EEH / LAH
Mzyan / Mezyan
Good / It's good
m-ZYAHN
Ma fehemtsh
I don't understand
mah feh-HEMD-sh
Wash katkellem Fransawi/Inglizia?
Do you speak French/English?
wash kat-KEH-lem fran-SAH-wee
Bssaha (said before eating)
Enjoy your meal
b-SSAH-ha
Inshallah
God willing (used for future plans)
in-SHAH-lah
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Morocco.
Main: Islam (98% Muslim, predominantly Sunni Maliki school); Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with Islam as the state religion under King Mohammed VI who holds the title of Commander of the Faithful
Sites: Non-Muslims may not enter mosques except Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca; major Islamic sites include the Koutoubia Mosque (Marrakech), Al-Qarawiyyin (Fez), Hassan Tower (Rabat), and numerous mausoleums (zaouias)
Holy Days: Ramadan (30 days of daytime fasting, dates shift annually); Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan); Eid al-Adha (Festival of Sacrifice); Mawlid an-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday); Aissawa moussem festivals throughout the year
Conversations: Avoid discussing politics (especially the monarchy or Western Sahara), making jokes about Islam or the Prophet, and debating religious practices; expressing genuine curiosity and respect is welcome and will be warmly received