So, you want to explore Morocco without draining your bank account? Good call. Morocco is one of those countries where you can live like royalty—or like a broke backpacker—depending on how you play your cards. And let’s be real: saving money while still soaking up the magic of this place makes the whole trip even sweeter.
I’ve traveled Morocco on a budget more than once (because, you know, I like my wallet not crying). And trust me, with a few smart moves, you’ll discover that traveling here doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Ready to dive into the nitty-gritty of budget travel in Morocco? Let’s go.
Why Morocco is a Budget Traveler’s Dream
First things first: Morocco is affordable compared to most destinations. You can grab a filling meal for a few dollars, hop on a bus across the country for less than the price of a fast-food burger back home, and still have cash left over for souvenirs.
But here’s the catch: if you don’t know where to spend and where to save, you’ll blow your budget faster than you can say “mint tea.” So, the secret is knowing the budget hacks that locals and seasoned travelers use.
Stay in Budget-Friendly Riads and Hostels
Accommodation can eat up your budget if you’re not careful. But Morocco has your back with affordable places that still give you those Instagram-worthy vibes.
Riads on a Budget
Riads are traditional Moroccan houses with courtyards, often turned into guesthouses. Some are super fancy, but others are surprisingly affordable. I once stayed in a riad in Marrakesh for under $25 a night, and it came with free breakfast and enough mint tea to keep me buzzing until midnight.
Hostels for Backpackers
If you’re traveling solo or just want to meet other adventurers, hostels are the way to go. Many hostels in Morocco cost less than $10 a night. Bonus: they often organize tours, cooking classes, and day trips for cheap.
Pro Tip: Always check if breakfast is included. That’s one less meal you’ll have to budget for.
Eat Like a Local (Not Like a Tourist)
You know those fancy restaurants with rooftop views? They’re nice… but they’ll destroy your budget in two meals flat.
Street Food is King
Street food in Morocco is ridiculously cheap and insanely delicious. For just a few dollars, you can load up on:
- Tagine (slow-cooked stew with meat and veggies)
- Couscous Fridays (yes, it’s a thing)
- Maakouda (Moroccan potato cakes—basically heaven fried)
Markets and Local Cafés
Skip the tourist traps and eat where locals eat. Small cafés and market stalls serve filling meals for $2–$4. Ever had fresh Moroccan bread stuffed with grilled meat and veggies for less than the price of a latte? Yeah, it’s that good.
Master the Art of Bargaining
Shopping in Morocco without bargaining? That’s like going to Italy and skipping pizza. Prices in souks (markets) are almost never fixed, and haggling is part of the culture.
Here’s the trick: always offer about half the asking price and work your way up from there. Do it with a smile, keep it playful, and don’t take it too seriously. If you walk away, chances are they’ll call you back with a better deal.
I once bargained for a leather bag in Fez, starting at $120. I walked away with it for $35. Bargaining isn’t just about saving money—it’s a sport. And honestly, it’s kind of fun.
Get Around Like a Local
Transportation in Morocco can be dirt cheap—if you know what to take.
Buses and Shared Taxis
CTM and Supratours buses are reliable and affordable for long-distance trips. Shared taxis (called grand taxis) are another cheap way to get around, especially between smaller towns. Just don’t expect personal space—you’ll be squeezed in with strangers.
Trains
Morocco’s trains are modern, comfy, and budget-friendly. You can ride from Casablanca to Marrakesh for about $15 in second class. Not bad for a 3-hour journey.
Pro Tip: Avoid private tourist transfers unless you want to pay triple.
Explore Free (and Cheap) Attractions
Here’s the best part: Morocco has plenty of free or super cheap things to do. You don’t need to spend big bucks to have an amazing time.
- Wander through the souks of Marrakesh (free, unless you can’t resist shopping).
- Explore Chefchaouen, the “Blue Pearl,” where the streets themselves are the main attraction.
- Chill on the beach in Essaouira—it’s totally free to watch kite surfers do their thing.
- Visit mosques, palaces, and gardens that often charge just a couple of dollars.
And let’s be honest, sometimes the best memories come from just getting lost in the medina with no plan at all.
Travel in the Off-Season
Want to save on flights, hotels, and tours? Visit Morocco in the shoulder seasons—spring (March–May) and fall (September–November). The weather is still great, but the crowds (and prices) drop.
I once booked a riad in Marrakesh for $18 a night in October. The same place cost $60 in peak summer. That’s a no-brainer, right?
Keep an Eye on Your Cash
Budget travel isn’t just about finding cheap stuff—it’s also about not losing your money in the first place.
- Use ATMs in banks, not random ones on the street.
- Carry small bills because shopkeepers “magically” never have change.
- Keep cash in more than one place (your backpack, your pocket, maybe even a sock).
FYI: Morocco runs heavily on cash, so don’t expect to swipe your card everywhere.
Join Group Tours for Day Trips
Tours can get pricey if you book private ones, but group tours are often budget-friendly. Whether you want to ride camels in the Sahara or hike in the Atlas Mountains, group tours split the cost and give you the same experience.
And don’t worry, you won’t be herded around like cattle. Many tours keep groups small, so you still get that authentic vibe.
Learn a Few Words of Arabic (or French)
You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing a few words helps. Locals appreciate the effort, and sometimes it even earns you discounts.
- “Shukran” = Thank you
- “Bssaha” = Cheers / Enjoy your meal
- “La shukran” = No, thank you (useful for persistent vendors)
Even a little French goes a long way in Morocco since it’s widely spoken. Trust me, you’ll look less like a lost tourist, and more like someone who knows what they’re doing (even if you don’t). ;)
Don’t Fall for Tourist Traps
This one’s big. Morocco is amazing, but like any tourist hotspot, there are scams and overpriced gimmicks.
- Avoid “guides” who approach you on the street—they’ll lead you in circles and demand tips.
- Don’t accept “free” henna unless you want to pay later.
- Check restaurant menus before sitting down to avoid surprise prices.
IMO, staying alert saves you more money than any coupon ever could.
Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Costs
Why pay for stuff you can bring from home? Pack light but don’t forget essentials like sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and a scarf (handy for the sun, sand, or covering up).
Oh, and bring a power adapter. Morocco uses European plugs, and trust me, you don’t want to pay tourist prices for a cheap adapter in the medina.
Final Thoughts: Morocco on a Budget is Totally Doable
So, can you travel Morocco on a budget? Absolutely. You just need to be smart about where you spend and where you save. Stay in budget-friendly riads or hostels, eat street food like a champ, haggle in the markets, and explore all the free beauty Morocco has to offer.
At the end of the day, traveling cheap doesn’t mean missing out. In fact, IMO, budget travel in Morocco often feels more authentic—you’ll eat with locals, ride the same buses, and maybe even get lost in the medina at least once (which is basically a rite of passage).
So pack your bags, bring your bargaining skills, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. Your wallet will thank you later. :)
