Morocco — what sights, sounds, and smells are evoked when you think of this far-off place?
If painted tiles, chaotic markets, sweet tea, food bursting with flavor, and desert adventures come to mind you are on the right track!
Morocco is a country filled with cities with unique personalities, incredible coastlines, adventures for even the most seasoned traveler, and more!
Whether you are a local planning your staycation, or someone looking for travel inspiration once quarantine rules are lifted, there is sure to be something in this Moroccan travel guide to inspire you to explore!
7 Things You Must Eat in Morocco
A delicious Tajine at a rooftop restaurant in Marrakesh
Moroccan cuisine is full of rich flavors, exotic spices, and fresh ingredients — it's a mouth-watering combination! Here are the 7 things you’ve got to try:
Tajine
Couscous
Moroccan bread
Beghrir
Moroccan salad
Melon
Fresh orange juice and mint tea
Read more about each dish here!
5 Things to See In The Marrakesh Medina
One of the many elaborate doorways in the Bahia Place
Are you looking for things to do in Marrakesh? You've come to the right place!
In between getting lost in the maze of narrow streets bordered by red walls draped in vibrant, hand-dyed carpets, there are some incredible places to see and experience in Marrakesh!
Click here to read about my top five spots to see in the Medina.
10 Tips For Women Traveling To Morocco
A maze of winding alleyways, intricately carved wooden doors, brightly woven textiles, the smell of wood-burning stoves in the air, and the hauntingly beautiful call to prayer all awaits you in this mesmerizing country. The architecture, the desert dunes, the Atlas Mountains, the long stretches of sandy beach — there are so many reasons to visit Morocco.
Is it safe to travel in Morocco as a solo female? Of course!
But, like with any new country or culture that you are visiting, it is important to be aware and respectful of any etiquette and traditions that are different than your own. Whether you are traveling solo or with a group, here are some things to keep in mind when setting out on your Moroccan adventure.
Exploring The Ancient City of Ait Benhaddou
The ancient city of Air Benhaddou in Morocco
A city that looks like it is straight out of a Hollywood set crawls up a hill that rises up for the side of a dry riverbed.
Called Ait Benhaddou, the fortified city sits along the former caravan route between the Sahara and Marrakesh. There are still four families that live in the city, maintaining some of the buildings and selling their wares to tourists, while the rest of the citizens of the area now live in more modern buildings (though not that much more modern) in the village on the other side of the dry riverbed.
Learn more about visiting this incredible city here.
Hostel, Riad, Tent, or Hotel? Your Guide to Choosing a Place to Stay
View from my room in the Hotel du Tresor Riad in Marrakesh
Where do you stay when you're traveling?
It's a question I am asked all the time and one that doesn't always have a simple answer. Some want to know if I have a secret spot somewhere that they can try out. Some ask because they want a deal and are hoping that I know of one, and some have never really traveled before, and can't fathom not staying in a name-brand hotel, so are just curious.
But, there is no one answer to that question, as where I stay changes every trip I take. It is based on how long I am traveling for, where I am going, how much money I have to spend, whether I am alone or with friends, and many, many more factors.
For example, on a recent adventure, I stayed in a hostel, a hotel, a riad, a tent, and a guest house — all over only 10 days!
Read more about the different places to stay on your next trip.
Camel Trekking In The Sahara Desert
We had been traveling for what felt like hours on a winding road cut into the Atlas Mountains.
The stop at the ancient city of Ait Benhaddou had been incredible, but the heat seemed to have followed us into the over-sized minivan that we were crammed into, and I could feel the gritty red sand we had trekked over mixing with the sweat in my sandals.
I didn't think I would ever stop sweating.
The only thing keeping me going was picturing what would be waiting for me when we finally reached our destination — camels.
Learn more about camel trekking in the Sahara here.
How to Shop For Unique Travel Souvenirs
It is inevitable (unless you have A LOT of willpower) that you are going to bring back souvenirs from your travels. But, you have to be careful not to let yourself get swindled or carried away.
Here are a few tips on how to find unique trip mementos and locally made gifts that will remind you of adventure every time you see them, rather than gather dust in the back of your closet.
Read all of the tips here.
Learn How to Haggle, Barter, and Bargain Like a Pro
In many countries, items sold by street vendors, in markets, or in small shops do not have set prices and customers are expected to bargain for their purchases.
Aggressive bartering can seem intimidating or even pointless to travelers, especially when what you are negotiating is often the equivalent of pennies in your native currency. Regardless, this cultural interaction is one that is unavoidable, and if you do it right, can be a lot of fun and will earn you respect from the locals.
Photos That Will Make You Want to Visit The Djemaa el-Fna
Djemaa el-Fna at sunset
I had heard that Djemaa el-Fna, the gigantic main square in Marrakesh, was an open-air theatre full of action, entertainment, and general hoopla, but words can not describe what was waiting for me when I wandered there one night as the sun was setting.
The chaos has been non-stop since the square was the site of public executions in AD 1050 (the name means "assembly of the dead"). It is such an incredible collision of Moroccan culture that Unesco declared it a "Masterpiece of World Heritage" in 2001.
Camera at the ready and all senses on alert, I walked past snake charmers right out of an Indiana Jones flick blasting oboes to calm hissing cobras, fully veiled female henna tattoo artists would suddenly appear beside pulling me towards their stools and monkeys on leashes that sat obediently next to the feet of their owners.
Check out the photos here.
What is Ramadan? The History of This Religious Celebration
Ramadan is a month-long Islamic holiday that involves fasting, and abstaining from other indulgent activities. The month it is celebrated changes every year based on the lunar calendar, but it falls in the Northern Hemisphere's summer.
Learn more about the history of this celebration, which is a part of the culture of Morocco.
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Meet The Author
Lindsay Shapka is an avid traveler and the creator of The Anthrotorian — a website dedicated to sharing travel tips, stories about adventures, culture quirks, artists you should know, fascinating bits of history, and more!
She is also an artist, marketing specialist, editor, and freelance writer who has work featured on websites, blogs, and in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
