Budget Travel Guide

Backpacking Morocco

Explore the Kingdom on a shoestring. From $25 a day you can experience ancient medinas, Sahara dunes, blue cities, and legendary hospitality.

Why Morocco Is a Top Backpacking Destination

Morocco sits at the crossroads of Africa, Europe, and the Arab world, offering a cultural richness that few countries can match. For backpackers, it delivers an extraordinary bang for your buck: ancient medinas to explore for free, delicious street food for a few dirhams, and comfortable hostel beds for under $15 a night.

The country is compact enough to see the highlights in two weeks but diverse enough to keep you fascinated for months. In a single trip, you can surf Atlantic waves, trek the High Atlas, camp in the Sahara, wander the world's largest car-free urban area, and photograph the most photogenic blue city on Earth — all for less than a week in most European capitals.

Morocco's backpacker infrastructure has matured significantly. A growing network of social hostels, reliable bus connections, and a well-worn traveler trail means you will always find fellow backpackers and helpful locals along the way. The country is also just a ferry ride from Spain, making it a natural extension of any European backpacking trip.

Daily Budget Breakdown

All prices in Moroccan Dirhams (MAD). 1 USD = approximately 10 MAD.

Accommodation

80 - 200 MAD($8 - $20)

Hostel dorm beds range from 80-150 MAD. Basic private rooms in guesthouses start at 150-200 MAD. Hostels often include breakfast.

Food

30 - 100 MAD/meal($3 - $10)

Street food meals cost 15-30 MAD. Local sit-down restaurants serve tagine with bread for 40-70 MAD. Splurge restaurants run 80-150 MAD.

Transport (City)

5 - 30 MAD($0.50 - $3)

Local buses cost 5-7 MAD. Petit taxis within cities cost 10-30 MAD. Walking is free and often the best way to explore.

Transport (Inter-city)

50 - 200 MAD($5 - $20)

CTM/Supratours buses range 50-200 MAD. Trains are 80-200 MAD (2nd class). Shared grands taxis are cheapest at 30-80 MAD.

Activities

0 - 200 MAD($0 - $20)

Many attractions are free or under 70 MAD. Museum entries range 10-70 MAD. Organized tours start at 150-300 MAD.

Daily Total

250 - 500 MAD($25 - $50)

A comfortable backpacker budget is 300-400 MAD per day ($30-40). Ultra-budget travelers can manage on 200-250 MAD ($20-25).

Weekly Budget Examples

Ultra Budget

$140-175/week

200-250 MAD ($20-25)/day

Dorm beds, street food only, walking everywhere, free activities, cooking at hostels. Possible but tight.

Comfortable Backpacker

$210-280/week

300-400 MAD ($30-40)/day

Dorm or shared private rooms, mix of street food and restaurants, occasional bus rides, some paid activities.

Flashpacker

$350-490/week

500-700 MAD ($50-70)/day

Private rooms in guesthouses, restaurants for most meals, taxis when needed, all the activities you want.

Budget Food Guide

Moroccan food is delicious and cheap. Here is what to eat, what to pay, and where to find it. You can eat well on 50-80 MAD ($5-8) per day.

Street Food Staples

Msemen (Moroccan flatbread)

2-5 MAD

Street stalls everywhere, especially mornings

Harira (tomato-lentil soup)

5-10 MAD

Street stalls and small restaurants, especially during Ramadan

Bocadillo (baguette sandwich)

10-20 MAD

Sandwich shops near bus stations and medina entrances

Brochettes (grilled meat skewers)

10-20 MAD

Jemaa el-Fnaa stalls, market areas in every city

Sfenj (Moroccan donuts)

1-2 MAD each

Morning street stalls and bakeries

Snail soup (babouche)

5-10 MAD

Jemaa el-Fnaa and Fes street stalls

Cheap Restaurant Meals

Tagine (chicken or vegetable)

30-50 MAD

Local restaurants away from tourist centers

Couscous Friday special

25-40 MAD

Local restaurants on Fridays (traditional couscous day)

Kefta (meatball) tagine with egg

25-45 MAD

Small restaurants throughout medinas

Tanjia (slow-cooked meat)

40-60 MAD

Marrakech specialty -- ask at local eateries

Fried fish platter

25-40 MAD

Essaouira harbor, Casablanca port area

Tajine de sardines

20-35 MAD

Coastal cities -- Essaouira, Tangier, Safi

Money-Saving Food Tips

Eat where locals eat

Save 30-50%

Walk 2-3 streets away from tourist areas for the same food at half the price

Buy from souks

5-20 MAD

Fresh fruit, bread, olives, and cheese from market stalls make great picnic lunches

Cook at hostels

Save 50%+

Many hostels have communal kitchens. Buy ingredients at local markets.

Drink mint tea, not coffee

5-10 MAD vs 15-30 MAD

Mint tea (atay) is the cheapest hot drink and offered free in many shops

Fill water bottles

Free

Many riads and hostels offer filtered water refills. Carry a reusable bottle.

Ask for the local menu

Save 20-40%

Tourist-facing restaurants often have a cheaper Arabic/French menu

Best Hostels by City

Tried-and-tested hostels with good reviews, social vibes, and fair prices. Dorm bed prices listed per night.

Marrakech

Waka Waka Hostel

100-150 MAD

Legendary social hostel in the medina. Rooftop terrace, free breakfast, nightly dinners. The place to meet other backpackers.

Hostel Kif Kif

90-130 MAD

Colorful riad-style hostel with courtyard pool. Walking distance to Jemaa el-Fnaa. Excellent staff.

Equity Point Hostel

120-170 MAD

Beautiful riad conversion with pool. More upscale hostel experience with a vibrant social scene.

Riad Layla Rouge

80-120 MAD

Budget-friendly riad with dorm beds. Traditional architecture, quiet courtyard, and helpful owner who arranges tours.

Fes

Funky Fes Hostel

80-120 MAD

Inside the medina walls. Excellent rooftop views of the medina and surrounding hills. Offers Fassi cooking classes.

Dar Seffarine

90-140 MAD

Traditional riad hostel near the famous Seffarine square. Quiet and authentic Fes experience.

Medina Social Club

100-140 MAD

Social hostel with organized medina tours and group dinners. Helpful for navigating the famously confusing Fes medina.

Chefchaouen

Hostel Flores

80-110 MAD

Best budget option in the blue city. Terrace with mountain views. Blue-painted throughout, naturally.

Casa Perleta

90-130 MAD

Friendly family-run hostel with home-cooked dinners available. Central location near the main square.

Asmaa Hostel

70-100 MAD

One of the cheapest options in town. Basic but clean, with a nice terrace and kitchen access.

Essaouira

The Salty Pelican

90-120 MAD

Surfer-friendly hostel near the beach. Board storage and surf lessons arranged. Great rooftop vibes.

Hostel Essaouira

80-110 MAD

Central medina location. Simple but clean with a great communal kitchen. Walking distance to everything.

Soul Kitchen Hostel

100-140 MAD

Newer hostel with modern facilities. Excellent communal kitchen, fast WiFi, and organized group activities.

Tangier

The Melting Pot

90-130 MAD

Modern hostel in the new city. Co-working space, organized day trips, and a good bar scene.

Dar Nour (budget rooms)

120-160 MAD

Guesthouse with some budget-friendly rooms in the kasbah. Incredible Strait of Gibraltar views.

Rabat

Hostel Rabat

80-120 MAD

Close to the medina and Kasbah of the Udayas. Clean, basic, and well-located for exploring the capital.

Riad Dar Al Batoul

100-150 MAD

Budget riad in the medina with traditional Moroccan breakfast included. Quiet alternative to Marrakech.

Merzouga (Sahara)

Hostel Merzouga

70-100 MAD

Budget base for Sahara trips. Arranges shared desert tours at backpacker prices (250-400 MAD for overnight).

Riad Mamouche (dorms)

100-130 MAD

Established Merzouga guesthouse with dormitory option. Pool, good restaurant, and reliable desert excursions.

Public Transport Guide

How to get around Morocco cheaply and comfortably.

CTM & Supratours Buses

50 - 200 MAD per trip

The most reliable intercity buses. CTM and Supratours (run by ONCF railway) have fixed schedules, air conditioning, and assigned seats. Book online or at stations.

Book 1-2 days ahead for popular routes
Supratours connects to train stations
Luggage stored below at no extra charge
CTM website: ctm.ma -- booking in advance is recommended

Trains (ONCF)

80 - 200 MAD (2nd class)

Morocco has a decent rail network connecting Tangier, Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, Fes, and Meknes. Second class is comfortable and budget-friendly. First class costs only 20-40% more.

Buy tickets at the station or oncf.ma
2nd class is perfectly fine and quite comfortable
Al Boraq high-speed train: Tangier-Casablanca in 2h10 (vs 4h45)
Marrakech-Fes: 7 hours by train, good overnight option

Grands Taxis (Shared)

30 - 80 MAD per seat

Shared Mercedes sedans that run fixed routes between cities. They depart when full (6 passengers). Cheapest intercity option but can be cramped. An authentic Moroccan experience.

Pay for 2 seats if you want the front seat to yourself
Depart from designated stations (ask locals)
No fixed schedule - they leave when full
Negotiate the price before getting in

Petit Taxis

10 - 30 MAD per ride

Small metered taxis for getting around within cities. Each city has a different color (red in Marrakech, blue in Rabat, beige in Fes). Insist the meter is running.

Always insist on the meter (compteur)
Can share with other passengers heading the same direction
Have small bills ready - drivers rarely have change
Nighttime rates are 50% higher (normal and legal)

Local City Buses

4 - 7 MAD per ride

Every major city has local bus networks. They are extremely cheap but can be crowded and confusing for tourists. Marrakech and Casablanca have newer bus fleets. Casablanca also has a tram.

Pay the fare to the conductor on the bus
Ask locals which bus number goes to your destination
Hold onto your belongings in crowded buses
Casablanca tram: 6 MAD per ride, covers main tourist areas

Transport Savings Tips

Book CTM/Supratours buses online 2+ days ahead for guaranteed seats and avoid price hikes
Use grands taxis for short intercity trips (under 2 hours) -- they are faster and cheaper than buses for these routes
Marrakech to Essaouira: Supratours bus is 80 MAD and takes 3 hours. Much cheaper than a private taxi ($50+)
Walk everywhere within medinas. They are car-free and compact. Taxis are unnecessary inside the old city walls
Take the train between major cities instead of flying. Casablanca to Marrakech is only 100-140 MAD (2nd class, 3 hours)
Negotiate taxi fares in advance for airport transfers. Marrakech airport to medina should be 70-100 MAD, not 200+
The Al Boraq high-speed train from Tangier to Casablanca costs 150-200 MAD in 2nd class and takes just 2 hours
Group up with other backpackers for desert tours. Shared 2-night Sahara trips cost 400-700 MAD per person from Marrakech

Free & Cheap Things to Do

You do not need to spend much to have incredible experiences in Morocco. Most of the best experiences cost nothing at all.

Marrakech

Wander the Jemaa el-Fnaa square and watch street performers (free)
Explore the colorful souks and practice haggling (free)
Visit the Koutoubia Mosque exterior and gardens (free)
Walk through the Mellah (Jewish quarter) and spice market (free)
Bahia Palace (70 MAD) and Saadian Tombs (70 MAD)
Majorelle Garden (70 MAD) -- worth the splurge
Sunset from a rooftop cafe -- just buy a mint tea (10-15 MAD)

Fes

Get lost in the world's largest car-free medina (free)
Watch leather being dyed at Chouara Tannery from a shop rooftop (free with tea purchase)
Visit the blue gate Bab Bou Jeloud (free)
Explore the pottery cooperative in Fes el-Bali (free)
Bou Inania Madrasa (20 MAD) -- stunning Islamic architecture
Walk to the Merenid Tombs for panoramic views at sunset (free)

Chefchaouen

Photograph the blue-washed streets endlessly (free)
Hike to the Spanish Mosque viewpoint for sunset (free)
Swim in the Ras el-Maa waterfall pools (free)
Visit the kasbah and ethnographic museum (60 MAD)
Hike the Rif Mountains trails from town (free)
Day trip to Akchour waterfalls (transport 30-50 MAD, entry free)

Essaouira

Walk the ramparts and watch the sunset (free)
Explore the fishing harbor at catch time (free)
Beach walk along the endless Atlantic coast (free)
Browse art galleries in the medina (free)
Visit the Skala de la Ville (free)
Try surfing at Sidi Kaouki beach (board rental 100-150 MAD)

Rabat

Explore the UNESCO Kasbah of the Udayas (free)
Walk the Bouregreg river promenade (free)
Hassan Tower and Mohammed V Mausoleum (free)
Chellah ruins and gardens (70 MAD)
Rabat Archaeological Museum (20 MAD)
Beach at Plage des Nations (free, accessible by local bus)

Casablanca

Hassan II Mosque exterior and seafront promenade (free)
Hassan II Mosque interior tour (130 MAD -- worth it, one of the world's largest mosques)
Explore the Art Deco architecture in the city center (free)
Habous Quarter "new medina" (free to explore)
La Corniche seaside boardwalk (free)

Safety Tips

General Safety

Morocco is generally safe for backpackers. Use common sense as in any country.
Keep valuables in your hostel locker. Carry only what you need for the day.
Avoid walking alone in medinas late at night, especially in unfamiliar areas.
Trust your instincts. If a situation feels wrong, politely leave.
Register your trip with your embassy's travel registration program.
Save your accommodation's phone number and address in Arabic on your phone.

Solo & Female Travelers

Female travelers may receive more attention. Dress modestly (shoulders/knees covered) to minimize this.
Wearing a wedding ring, even if unmarried, can reduce unwanted attention.
Stick to well-traveled areas and use reputable accommodation.
Join group tours or hostel excursions for desert trips and trekking.
Have your accommodation's phone number saved for emergencies or if lost in a medina.
Morocco's medinas are safe during the day. Stick to main routes after dark.

14-Day Classic Backpacker Route

The classic Morocco loop hitting all the highlights. Adjust based on your interests and pace.

Estimated total: $350 - $600 for 14 days (excluding international flights)

Day 1-2

Casablanca

~500-700 MAD/day

Arrive, visit Hassan II Mosque (130 MAD, interior tour), explore Habous Quarter and corniche. Take the train to Marrakech (100-140 MAD, 3 hours).

Day 3-5

Marrakech

~350-500 MAD/day

Explore the medina, souks, and palaces. Join a hostel group for a day trip to Ouzoud Falls (200-300 MAD) or Atlas Mountains. Cook at the hostel one evening to save money.

Day 6-7

Essaouira

~300-450 MAD/day

Supratours bus from Marrakech (80 MAD, 3 hours). Beach days, rampart walks, fresh seafood at the harbor (25-40 MAD for fried fish). Try surfing at Sidi Kaouki.

Day 8

Travel to Fes

~400-500 MAD (travel day)

Bus or train from Essaouira via Marrakech to Fes (200-300 MAD total). Long travel day. Evening arrival and first medina exploration.

Day 9-10

Fes

~300-450 MAD/day

Get lost in the world's largest medina. Visit tanneries, madrasas, and the blue gate. Take a cooking class (150-250 MAD) at your hostel. Eat at local restaurants in the medina.

Day 11-12

Chefchaouen

~250-400 MAD/day

CTM bus from Fes (75 MAD, 4 hours). Photography walks through the blue streets, hike to Spanish Mosque for sunset. Day trip to Akchour waterfalls (shared taxi 30-50 MAD).

Day 13

Tangier

~300-450 MAD/day

CTM bus from Chefchaouen (60-80 MAD, 3 hours). Explore the Kasbah, medina, and Cafe Hafa where the Rolling Stones once hung out. Walk the Corniche at sunset.

Day 14

Departure

~300-500 MAD

Last morning in Tangier or travel to your next destination. Ferries to Spain depart from Tanger Med port (200-350 MAD). Or fly from Tangier airport.

Alternative Backpacker Routes

Not everyone has two weeks. Here are routes optimized for different interests and time frames.

The Desert Loop (7-10 days)

For those who want to include the Sahara. Marrakech > Ait Benhaddou > Dades Gorge > Merzouga (Sahara) > Fes. The 3-day shared desert tour from Marrakech costs 400-700 MAD per person and includes transport, accommodation, meals, and a night in a desert camp.

Marrakech (2 days)Ait Benhaddou (pass through)Dades Gorge (1 night)Merzouga/Sahara (1-2 nights)Fes (2-3 days)

The Northern Circuit (7-10 days)

Focus on the north for easy access from Spain. Tangier > Chefchaouen > Fes > Meknes > Rabat. Perfect if entering from Europe via ferry. Meknes and Rabat are often overlooked but both have UNESCO sites and far fewer tourists.

Tangier (1-2 days)Chefchaouen (2 days)Fes (2-3 days)Meknes & Volubilis (1 day)Rabat (1-2 days)

The Surf & Coast (5-7 days)

Atlantic coast route for surfers and beach lovers. Essaouira > Taghazout > Agadir > Mirleft > Legzira. Morocco's Atlantic coast has world-class surf breaks and some of the cheapest beach living in the Mediterranean region.

Essaouira (2 days)Taghazout (2-3 days, surf village)Agadir (1 day)Mirleft & Legzira Beach (1-2 days)

The Grand Tour (3-4 weeks)

See it all. Tangier > Chefchaouen > Fes > Merzouga > Ouarzazate > Marrakech > Essaouira > Rabat. Requires 3-4 weeks but covers every highlight. Budget about $700-$1,200 total for the full loop.

Tangier (2 days)Chefchaouen (2 days)Fes (3 days)Merzouga/Sahara (2 days)Ouarzazate (1 day)Marrakech (3 days)Essaouira (2 days)Rabat (2 days)

Backpacker Packing List

Pack light, travel far. Everything you need and nothing you don't.

40-50L backpack (not a suitcase - medina streets are narrow and uneven)

Padlock for hostel lockers

Quick-dry towel (hostels may not provide them)

Modest, lightweight clothing (cotton/linen is best)

Comfortable walking shoes and flip-flops for hostels

Headlamp or small flashlight (medina streets can be dark at night)

Reusable water bottle with filter

Earplugs and sleep mask (for hostel dorms and the call to prayer)

Basic first-aid kit and any prescription medications

Copies of passport and insurance documents

Small daypack for daily excursions

Power adapter (Morocco uses Type C/E European plugs)

Sunscreen, sunhat, and sunglasses

Scarf or shawl (for mosque areas, cold nights, or sun protection)

WiFi & Connectivity

Stay connected on a budget. Morocco has surprisingly good mobile data coverage.

Buy a Moroccan SIM card at the airport (Maroc Telecom, Inwi, or Orange). A prepaid SIM with 20GB data costs about 100 MAD ($10).

Most hostels and cafes have free WiFi, though speeds vary. Marrakech and Casablanca have the best connectivity.

Maroc Telecom has the best coverage in rural areas and the desert. Essential for navigation in remote regions.

WhatsApp is the main communication app in Morocco. Locals, hostels, and tour operators all use it.

Download offline Google Maps for Morocco before you arrive. GPS works without data, but map tiles need to be preloaded.

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

Morocco is safe, but a few common tourist scams are worth knowing about. Being aware makes them easy to avoid.

The Friendly Guide

Someone offers to "help" you find your riad or a specific shop, then demands payment. They may also lead you to shops where they earn commission.

Politely decline and use Google Maps or ask your riad for directions via phone. Say "la shukran" (no thank you) firmly.

Overpriced Taxis

Taxi drivers refuse to use the meter or claim it is broken, then charge 3-5x the normal rate.

Always insist on the meter before getting in. If they refuse, find another taxi. Ask your hostel what the fare should be.

Henna Ladies

Women in Jemaa el-Fnaa grab your hand and apply henna before you can refuse, then demand 200+ MAD.

Keep your hands in your pockets when walking through the square. A firm "no" and walking away works.

Carpet Shop Pressure

You are invited for "mint tea" which turns into a high-pressure carpet sales pitch.

It is fine to look and drink tea, but never feel obligated to buy. Walk away if pressured. Bargaining starts at 50% of asking price.

The "Closed" Mosque/Attraction

Someone tells you an attraction is closed today and offers to take you somewhere else (usually a shop).

Verify directly by going to the attraction yourself. Opening hours are on Google Maps.

Fake Leather/Spices

Sellers claim items are genuine leather or pure saffron when they are synthetic or mixed with other spices.

For leather, burn a small fiber (real leather smells different). For saffron, buy from reputable spice shops, not street vendors. Real saffron costs 30-50 MAD per gram.

Restaurant Menu Switch

You order from a menu with one price, then receive a bill with higher prices. Or no menu at all, and the price is inflated.

Always ask for a menu with prices before ordering. Take a photo of the menu if prices seem reasonable. Avoid restaurants with no visible menu.

Meeting Other Travelers

Morocco's backpacker community is friendly and social. Here is how to connect.

Hostels

Moroccan hostels are social hubs. Rooftop dinners, group excursions, and communal kitchens naturally bring travelers together. Waka Waka in Marrakech is legendary for its social scene.

Organized Tours

Join group desert tours, cooking classes, or day trips through your hostel. These 1-3 day shared experiences create instant friendships. Desert tours especially bond groups quickly.

Cafes & Terraces

Cafe culture is huge in Morocco. Rooftop cafes in medinas are natural meeting spots. Sit, order mint tea, and conversations happen organically.

Language Exchange

Many Moroccan students attend language cafes to practice English or French. These are great for meeting locals and fellow travelers simultaneously.

Digital Communities

Join Facebook groups like "Backpacking Morocco" and "Travel Morocco" or use apps like Couchsurfing hangouts and Hostelworld's social features to connect before you arrive.

Ready to Backpack Morocco?

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