12 budget-friendly experiences in Morocco

Morocco provides great value for travelers of all kinds.

You can expect a warm welcome and genuine hospitality no matter your budget. Learning a few basic Moroccan Arabic phrases can help you connect with locals and appreciate the value of authentic experiences.

Here are our best tips for stretching your budget during your trip to Morocco.

A comprehensive guide to everyday expenses in Morocco

Shared hostel bed: 100–250 MAD Basic riad room for two: 300–600 MAD Self-catering one-bedroom apartment (Airbnb included): 400 MAD Public bus/tram fare: 5 MAD Coffee/mint tea: 10–30 MAD Sandwich: 30–50 MAD Dinner for two: 200–500 MAD Beer/pint at a bar: 50 MAD

Average daily expenditure: 1000 MAD for two people.

1. Research your accommodation options online ahead of time

Accommodation in Morocco is much more affordable than in Europe or North America, offering significantly better value for money. You'll find plenty of budget options, from hostels to homestays. For those willing to spend a bit more, delightful riads and luxurious palatial hotels provide memorable experiences at reasonable prices. It's advisable to book in advance during high season (November to March) and around Easter. Most places are listed on booking.com, and an increasing number of private rentals can be found on Airbnb. Some hotels even offer discounts for direct bookings.

2. Grab your breakfast elsewhere

If you're in a city, consider skipping the breakfast provided by your accommodation and heading to a local café for a more affordable option. Many cafés offer breakfast menus until midday. A typical meal, featuring fresh orange juice, a hot drink, Moroccan pastries, eggs, and homemade bread, costs around 30–50 MAD per person.

3. Immerse yourself in local life by wandering through a medina

There's no better way to appreciate the history and essence of a Moroccan city than by exploring its medina. The historic centers of Fez, Marrakesh, Rabat, Essaouira, Tangier, and Meknes are well-preserved, vibrant, and completely free to visit. Be enchanted by the pastel blue streets of Chefchaouen, nestled in the Rif Mountains. Join locals in their daily activities, get lost in the winding alleyways, and admire the shops, juice stands, homes, and artists practicing traditional crafts. Alternatively, simply enjoy the pleasure of wandering without a specific goal or plan.

4. Internal flights offer great value

Morocco is larger than many realize, and if your itinerary includes destinations in the north, south, and/or the Sahara, considering an internal flight could be beneficial. Royal Air Maroc and Air Arabia have established networks to meet rising demand. For longer trips, flying can feel akin to hopping on and off a bus, often with comparable pricing. Some routes are particularly economical. For instance, flying from Casablanca to Zagora, one of the gateways to the Sahara, takes about 2 hours and starts at 400 MAD one way, compared to a 9-hour drive covering 600 km. Similarly, the flight from Casablanca to Dakhla in the far south costs from 900 MAD for a 2-hour journey, while the 20-hour drive spans 1600 km.

5. Explore Marrakesh without breaking the bank

Marrakesh has long been a destination for travelers, evolving into a city that accommodates all budgets. There are also numerous free experiences available throughout the city.

When arranging your stay in Marrakesh, keep in mind that some hotels offer private airport transfers (150–200 MAD one way) included in their rates, saving you both money and hassle. Additionally, there's a new taxi booking system at the airport; simply purchase your ticket at the counter before leaving Arrivals. Note that prices increase after 9 PM. The most economical travel option is the Alsa bus from the airport to Djemma el Fna, costing only 30 MAD.

July and August represent the low season, with many hotels offering discounts of up to 20%. Although temperatures can reach an average of 35–40°C (95–104°F), which isn't for everyone, if a property features shaded pools, air-conditioning, gardens, and spa facilities, it could be just right for you!

The Yves Saint Laurent Museum and Jardins Marjorelle are among the more popular and pricier attractions. It's advisable to purchase a combined entry ticket online in advance, as this not only saves you time in queues but may also allow you to take advantage of their generous discounts (children under 10 are free).

More affordable places to explore include the Badia Palace, Bahia Palace, and Saadian Tombs. It's beneficial to familiarize yourself with the history beforehand if you plan to visit without a guide.

6. Explore archaeological sites for less, or even for free

Morocco is brimming with historical wonders featuring ancient ruins and long-lost civilizations, many devoid of crowds and high entry fees. Among Morocco's nine UNESCO Heritage Sites are the medinas of Marrakesh, Fes, and Essaouira, which are free to enter. Less known are the remarkable Roman ruins at Volubilis, regarded as the best-preserved archaeological site in the country, with an entry fee of 70 MAD. Ksar Ait-Ben-Haddou, an architectural gem in southern Morocco, is a village open to the public with no entrance charge.

7. Manage your payments wisely and always carry cash

The Moroccan dirham is a closed currency, meaning it cannot be exchanged or used outside of Morocco. When you withdraw dirhams from ATMs, expect a transaction fee of 25–30 MAD for international cards, regardless of the withdrawal amount. Thus, it's wise to take out as much as you're comfortable carrying and use your card for purchases when possible. Contactless payments are accepted in most larger businesses in cities and towns. Always keep small change handy: 1, 2, 5, and 10 dirham coins are great for tips, while 20, 50, and 100 dirham notes are useful for smaller transactions.

8. Indulge in delicious meals without breaking the bank

Food is a central aspect of Moroccan culture, and if you dine where the locals eat, you'll find tasty options that are affordable. Street food stalls serve a variety of delicious bites, and at a modest roadside cafe, you can enjoy a hot tagine for about 40 MAD. On the other hand, major city restaurants provide plenty of upscale dining options, where innovative chefs serve main courses at approximately 150–200 MAD—prices that would be two to three times higher in other countries.

For those self-catering or looking for snacks, don't miss the neighborhood fruit and vegetable souk—there's one in every area. Prices often drop towards the end of the day, and to get the best deal, inquire about the price per kilo and compare offerings from different vendors. When shopping for meat, head to the local butchers, easily spotted by their red-and-white decor and fresh cuts displayed out front. Request the amount of meat you need by weight, in dirhams, or based on the number of people you're cooking for.

9. Enjoy a rejuvenating hammam scrub

After a long day of exploring, nothing compares to a refreshing scrub and soothing massage. The traditional Moroccan hammam experience is available at all price points. You can find hammams everywhere, from basic public bathhouses offering a steam and scrub for about 10 MAD to luxurious spas with private hammams costing between 250–400 MAD, complete with mud masks and 60-minute massages priced at 200–350 MAD.

Budget-friendly public hammams often resemble public restrooms or swimming pools from the outside and are typically not well-marked. There will be separate entrances for men and women. Expect no private rooms or lavish treatments here; the public hammam is about communal bathing, and the low prices reflect that.

10. Tap into a local network for mobile savings

Morocco has a reliable 4G/5G network, although some remote areas may lack coverage. Roaming charges with international networks can be quite high, so it's wise to purchase a prepaid Moroccan SIM card at the airport upon arrival. During your stay, you can easily top up your balance through local network providers (Inwi, Maroc Telecom, and Orange) on their websites. Most communication in Morocco is organized via WhatsApp and WhatsApp location.

New electronic devices and imported goods tend to be pricier in Morocco compared to Europe or North America, so it's best to bring what you need and take care of them. That said, you can easily find repairs and secondhand items in many souks.

11. Public transportation is quite affordable

Northern Morocco boasts an excellent train network connecting cities, featuring reasonable prices and punctual services, including Africa's first high-speed train, Al Boraq. The two-hour journey (starting at 130 MAD one way in first class) makes day trips from Casablanca to Tangier very feasible. It's best to book in advance via the ONCF website or at train stations, with discounts available based on fare availability.

A reliable and comfortable coach network is provided across the country by Supratours and CTM, connecting most cities and towns in both northern and southern regions. Within cities, Alsa operates buses, with a single fare costing just 5 MAD. Rabat and Casablanca also feature efficient tram systems with fares similar to bus prices.

Petit taxis (color varies by city) are designated for travel within city limits. There’s no haggling involved; fares are based on the meter.

Grands taxis offer a fast way to travel between towns without relying on standard public transport. You can purchase a single seat or buy out the entire taxi for private use. Always agree on the fare with the driver before boarding.

12. Airport car rentals offer the best deals

Renting a vehicle can significantly impact your budget. The best rates (starting from 300 MAD per day) are typically available when you pick up and drop off at the same airport, where several international rental agencies operate. Note that Autoroutes are toll roads, requiring payment for use. You can save time at toll booths by purchasing a Jawaz Pass, which can be topped up online for easy passage through dedicated lanes.

Morocco is ideal for van life, offering numerous free wild camping spots and affordable campsites. You can rent campers or motorhomes from Zig Zag Campers, and find budget-friendly overnight parking through Park4night.