Cheap Holidays to Morocco: Experience Exotic Magic on a Budget

Dreaming of Morocco but worried about the cost? Think again! You can book a Cheap Holidays to Morocco: Experience Exotic Magic on a Budget without breaking the bank. From the vibrant souks of Marrakech to the serene beaches of Essaouira, Morocco offers a treasure trove of experiences that won’t empty your wallet.

Morocco stands out as one of North Africa’s most captivating destinations, boasting a rich tapestry of culture, breathtaking landscapes, and unforgettable experiences. Many travelers assume that such exotic beauty comes with a hefty price tag, but that’s far from the truth.

This ultimate budget guide will show you how to plan an unforgettable and affordable holiday to Morocco, with insider tips, cost-saving strategies, and practical advice. We’ll also provide a sample cost breakdown for a 7-day trip, so you know exactly what to expect when planning your budget Morocco holidays.

Pre-Trip Planning & Saving Money

Flights

Finding cheap flights to Morocco is your first step toward an affordable adventure:

• Best time to book: Generally, booking 3-4 months in advance offers the best deals, with Tuesday and Wednesday being the cheapest days to fly.
• Budget airlines: Look for flights with Ryanair, EasyJet, and Air Arabia, which offer some of the most competitive rates from Europe.
• Flight comparison tips: Use platforms like Skyscanner, Google Flights, or Momondo and enable the “flexible dates” option to find the best deals. Set up price alerts for your desired route.
• Airport options: Marrakech Menara Airport and Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport typically offer the cheapest entry points. Fez and Tangier airports can also have good deals depending on your departure location.

Accommodation

Morocco offers diverse lodging options that won’t strain your budget:

• Types of accommodation:
  • Riads: Traditional Moroccan houses with interior courtyards, often converted into guesthouses
  • Dars: Similar to riads but smaller and more affordable
  • Hostels: Budget-friendly options with dormitory-style rooms
  • Guesthouses: Family-run accommodations offering authentic experiences
• Budget-friendly options: Hostels in Morocco start from as little as $8-15 per night for a dorm bed. Private rooms in budget riads or guesthouses range from $20-40 per night.
• Money-saving tips:
  • Book directly with accommodations via email or phone for better rates
  • Travel during off-season (November-February, excluding holidays)
  • Stay slightly outside the main tourist areas
  • Negotiate prices for longer stays (three nights or more)

Travel Insurance

Don’t skip this essential expense:

• Affordable providers: WorldNomads, SafetyWing, and Heymondo offer comprehensive coverage at reasonable rates.
• What to look for: Ensure your policy covers medical emergencies, trip cancellation, and theft protection. For Morocco specifically, coverage for activities like desert excursions and mountain trekking is valuable.

Visas and Paperwork

Many visitors don’t need a visa for Morocco:

• Citizens of numerous countries including the US, EU, UK, Canada, and Australia can visit visa-free for up to 90 days.
• Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date.
• Print copies of your accommodation bookings and return flight for immigration.

On-the-Ground Budget Strategies

Transportation

Getting around Morocco affordably is simple with these options:

Money-saving tips:

• Use the reliable CTM or Supratours bus companies for intercity travel
• In Marrakech, walk within the medina and use local buses (around 4 MAD per ride)
• Always agree on taxi fares before getting in
• Share grand taxis with other travelers to split costs

Accommodation Costs

Expect to pay:

• Hostel dorms: 80-150 MAD ($8-15) per night
• Budget riads/guesthouses: 200-400 MAD ($20-40) per night
• Mid-range hotels: 400-800 MAD ($40-80) per night

Recommended budget stays:

• Marrakech: Riad Rockmani, Dream Kasbah, Mosaic Hostel
• Fez: Funky Fes, Dar Hafsa
• Essaouira: Atlantic Hostel, Dar Adul
• Chefchaouen: Dar Zambra, Hostel Aline

Food and Drink

Morocco offers delicious cuisine at very reasonable prices:

• Street food: 5-30 MAD ($0.50-3) for items like msemen (pancakes) or brochettes (kebabs)
• Local restaurants: 30-70 MAD ($3-7) for a main dish
• Tourist restaurants: 70-150 MAD ($7-15) for a main dish
• Mint tea: 5-15 MAD ($0.50-1.50)

Budget eating tips:

• Eat where locals eat – follow the crowds
• Try street food from busy stalls with high turnover
• Visit local markets (souks) and buy fresh produce, bread, and olives for picnic meals
• Order the “plat du jour” (dish of the day) for the best value
• Carry a reusable water bottle and refill it at your accommodation

Activities and Attractions

Many of Morocco’s best experiences are free or low-cost:

• Free activities:
  • Exploring ancient medinas
  • Visiting local markets
  • Hiking in nearby natural areas
  • People-watching at main squares
  • Relaxing at public beaches
• Budget activities:
  • Museum entries: 10-70 MAD ($1-7)
  • Hammam (traditional bath): 50-150 MAD ($5-15) for local versions
  • Guided medina tours: 100-200 MAD ($10-20) for group tours

Money-saving tips:

• Many museums offer free entry on specific days
• Negotiate prices for guided tours, especially if in a group
• Use local guides instead of booking through international agencies
• Combine activities in the same area to save on transportation

Shopping

Shopping in Morocco can be an adventure:

• Haggling tips:
  • Start at 30-40% of the initial asking price
  • Be friendly but firm
  • Be willing to walk away
  • Know the approximate value before negotiating
• Budget souvenirs:
  • Spices: 10-50 MAD ($1-5) per bag
  • Ceramics: 50-200 MAD ($5-20) for small items
  • Leather goods: 100-500 MAD ($10-50) depending on size and quality
  • Textiles: 100-300 MAD ($10-30) for scarves or small rugs

Sample 7-Day Budget Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Marrakech & Exploring the Medina (Budget: 550 MAD / $55)

• Accommodation: Mosaic Hostel (150 MAD / $15)
• Transportation: Airport to city center via bus #19 (30 MAD / $3)
• Food: Breakfast at hostel (included), lunch at street food stall (30 MAD), dinner at Cafe Clock (90 MAD)
• Activities: Free walking tour of the medina (tip: 50 MAD), visit Koutoubia Mosque (free), explore Jemaa el-Fna Square (free)
• Extra: Mint tea at a rooftop cafe (20 MAD), bottled water and snacks (30 MAD)

Day 2: Marrakech Souks & Gardens (Budget: 400 MAD / $40)

• Accommodation: Mosaic Hostel (150 MAD / $15)
• Transportation: Walking (free)
• Food: Breakfast at hostel (included), lunch at Chez Yassine (60 MAD), dinner from street food vendors (50 MAD)
• Activities: Bahia Palace (70 MAD), Majorelle Garden (70 MAD)
• Extra: Fresh juice (10 MAD), souvenirs (40 MAD)

Day 3: Day Trip to Atlas Mountains (Budget: 650 MAD / $65)

• Accommodation: Mosaic Hostel (150 MAD / $15)
• Transportation: Shared grand taxi to Imlil (150 MAD return)
• Food: Breakfast at hostel (included), packed lunch (50 MAD), dinner in Marrakech (100 MAD)
• Activities: Hiking (free), visit Berber village (tip: 50 MAD)
• Extra: Guide for half day (150 MAD)

Day 4: Travel to Essaouira (Budget: 500 MAD / $50)

• Accommodation: Atlantic Hostel (130 MAD / $13)
• Transportation: Supratours bus to Essaouira (80 MAD)
• Food: Breakfast at Marrakech hostel (included), snack during journey (30 MAD), dinner at fish market stalls (160 MAD)
• Activities: Beach walk (free), ramparts visit (free)
• Extra: Mint tea and pastries (40 MAD), local transport (30 MAD)

Day 5: Essaouira Beach & City (Budget: 450 MAD / $45)

• Accommodation: Atlantic Hostel (130 MAD / $13)
• Transportation: Walking (free)
• Food: Breakfast at hostel (included), lunch at local bakery (40 MAD), dinner at Taros Cafe (120 MAD)
• Activities: Beach day (free), visit to fishing port (free), explore the medina (free)
• Extra: Craft shopping (100 MAD), refreshments (60 MAD)

Day 6: Travel to Casablanca (Budget: 600 MAD / $60)

• Accommodation: Hostel Nine (180 MAD / $18)
• Transportation: CTM bus to Casablanca (120 MAD)
• Food: Breakfast in Essaouira (40 MAD), lunch during journey (50 MAD), dinner in Casablanca (150 MAD)
• Activities: Visit Hassan II Mosque (entrance: 60 MAD)
• Extra: Local transportation in Casablanca (50 MAD)

Day 7: Departure (Budget: 250 MAD / $25)

• Accommodation: None
• Transportation: Train to airport (50 MAD)
• Food: Breakfast at hostel (included), lunch before departure (100 MAD)
• Extra: Last-minute souvenirs/snacks (100 MAD)

Total 7-day budget: Approximately 3,400 MAD / $340 (excluding international flights)

Budgeting Tips & Tricks for Morocco

1. Learn Basic Arabic Phrases: Simple greetings like “Salam” (hello) and “Shukran” (thank you) go a long way in building rapport before negotiating prices.
2. Travel During Shoulder Season: April-May and September-October offer pleasant weather without peak season prices. Avoid Ramadan if you’re on a tight schedule, as business hours change significantly.
3. Stay in Riads or Guesthouses: For as little as $20-30 per night, you’ll enjoy authentic architecture, home-cooked breakfast, and personalized recommendations from hosts.
4. Eat Like a Local: Follow these budget food strategies:
   • Try harira soup (5-10 MAD), sandwiches (15-25 MAD), and msemen pancakes (5 MAD)
   • Share a large tagine between two people
   • Buy bread, cheese, olives, and fruit from markets for picnic meals
5. Take Advantage of Free Activities: Morocco’s best experiences often cost nothing:
   • Wander through ancient medinas
   • Visit local markets on specific “market days”
   • Many mosques allow non-Muslim visitors in their courtyards
   • Beaches in Essaouira, Agadir, and Tangier are free
6. Haggle Respectfully: Aim for 40-60% of the initial asking price, but do so with a smile. Remember that a few dirhams may mean more to local vendors than to you.
7. Use Public Transportation: The train network connects major cities affordably, while CTM and Supratours buses reach smaller destinations with air-conditioning and reasonable prices.
8. Avoid Tourist Traps: Be wary of:
   • “Guides” who approach you unsolicited
   • Restaurants with menus in multiple languages and staff outside beckoning tourists
   • Shops that don’t display prices
9. Consider Cooking Some Meals: Many hostels and guesthouses provide kitchen access—use it to prepare breakfast or simple dinners.
10. Use a Money Belt: Protect your valuables, especially in crowded medinas and markets.
11. Travel as a Group: Share costs for guided tours, taxis, and even accommodation—many riads offer family rooms at better per-person rates than hotels.

FAQ

How much does a budget trip to Morocco cost?

A budget trip to Morocco can cost approximately 400-600 MAD ($40-60) per day, including accommodation, food, transportation, and activities. This breaks down to around 150 MAD for budget accommodation, 150-200 MAD for meals, 50-100 MAD for transportation, and 50-100 MAD for activities and extras.

When is the cheapest time to visit Morocco?

The cheapest time to visit Morocco is during the low season (November to February, excluding holiday periods), when accommodation and activity prices drop significantly. The shoulder seasons (March-April and October-November) offer a good balance between affordable prices and pleasant weather.

Is Morocco safe for budget travelers?

Yes, Morocco is generally safe for budget travelers. The usual travel precautions apply: be aware of your surroundings, keep valuables secure, avoid isolated areas at night, and be cautious of common scams. Budget travelers staying in hostels and using public transportation should exercise normal safety precautions.

Can you drink tap water in Morocco?

It’s recommended that visitors stick to bottled water in Morocco. While tap water is treated and technically safe in major cities, it may contain microorganisms that your system isn’t accustomed to. Budget travelers can save money by buying large bottles of water (5-6 liters) from supermarkets rather than small bottles from tourist areas.

Do I need a visa for Morocco?

Many nationalities (including citizens of the US, Canada, EU, UK, Australia, and New Zealand) can enter Morocco without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Always check the latest visa requirements specific to your nationality before traveling.

What’s the best way to exchange money in Morocco?

The best way to get local currency (Moroccan Dirham) is to withdraw from ATMs using a debit card with low foreign transaction fees. Exchange rates at banks are generally better than at hotels or casinos. Avoid exchanging at airports where rates are typically less favorable.

How much should I budget for food in Morocco?

On a tight budget, you can eat well in Morocco for 150-200 MAD ($15-20) per day. Street food meals cost 20-50 MAD, while local restaurants charge 50-100 MAD for a main dish. Self-catering and eating at local establishments instead of tourist restaurants can significantly reduce your food expenses.

Is haggling expected in Morocco?

Yes, haggling is a normal part of shopping in Morocco’s souks and markets. It’s not practiced in fixed-price establishments like supermarkets or modern stores. When haggling, start at 40-60% of the asking price and negotiate cheerfully. Walking away often results in getting called back with a better offer.

Conclusion

Morocco truly offers the perfect blend of exotic experiences and budget-friendly travel. From the magical medinas of Marrakech to the breezy beaches of Essaouira, you can enjoy this North African gem without draining your savings.

With careful planning, strategic choices, and the tips outlined in this guide, your cheap holiday to Morocco can be rich in experiences while light on expenses. The average daily budget of 400-600 MAD ($40-60) can cover comfortable accommodation, delicious meals, transportation, and activities.

Start planning your budget Morocco holiday today research flights, book affordable accommodation, and prepare to immerse yourself in this fascinating country where your money stretches further than you might expect.

What are your top tips for traveling to Morocco on a budget? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Have you considered other budget-friendly destinations in North Africa? Check out our guides to affordable travel in Tunisia and Egypt to extend your adventures!