Morocco is actually one of the best-value destinations in the world. With a bit of planning and local knowledge, you can enjoy an incredible Moroccan adventure without spending a fortune. Here's how.
Accommodation: Where to Save
Riads vs. Hotels
Stay in riads (traditional Moroccan guesthouses) instead of international hotel chains. A beautiful riad with a courtyard, rooftop terrace, and homemade breakfast costs 200-400 MAD per night for a double room in most cities.
Budget tip: Book directly with the riad (via WhatsApp or their website) rather than through booking platforms. Many offer a 10-15% discount for direct bookings.
Hostels
Morocco has an excellent hostel scene, especially in Marrakech, Essaouira, Taghazout, and Chefchaouen. Dorm beds cost 80-150 MAD per night and often include breakfast.
Best areas for budget stays:
- Marrakech: Medina (near Ben Youssef)
- Essaouira: Medina (near the harbor)
- Chefchaouen: Upper medina
- Taghazout: Surf hostel area
Food: Eat Well for Less
Street Food
Morocco's street food is incredible and incredibly cheap:
- Bread: 1-2 MAD per round from local bakeries
- Bissara (fava bean soup): 5-10 MAD per bowl
- Fresh orange juice: 5-10 MAD in Jemaa el-Fnaa
- Msemen (Moroccan pancakes): 3-5 MAD from street vendors
- Sardine sandwiches: 15-20 MAD at Essaouira harbor
Local Restaurants
Avoid tourist-oriented restaurants and eat where locals eat:
- Tagine: 30-50 MAD at local restaurants
- Couscous: 30-50 MAD (especially cheap on Fridays)
- Harira soup: 10-20 MAD
- Full meal at a local eatery: 40-70 MAD
Self-Catering
Many riads and apartments have kitchen access. Visit the local markets for:
- Fresh vegetables: 5-15 MAD per kg
- Fruits: 5-20 MAD per kg (cheaper in season)
- Bread: 1-2 MAD
- Olives: 10-20 MAD per kg
Transport: Getting Around Cheaply
Within Cities
Petit taxis are cheap for getting around cities:
- Marrakech: 10-30 MAD for most medina-to-Gueliz trips
- Casablanca: 15-40 MAD
- Agadir: 15-30 MAD
- Fez: 10-25 MAD
Always ask for the meter (compteur) to be switched on. If they refuse, negotiate the price before getting in.
Between Cities
Bus (cheapest): CTM and Supratours buses connect major cities at 80-200 MAD per journey.
Train (good value): ONCF trains between major cities, 140-300 MAD depending on class and distance. 1st class is worth the extra cost.
Shared grand taxi (moderate): 100-300 MAD per person for intercity journeys when you share the vehicle with other passengers.
Private transfer (best value for groups): When traveling as 3+ people, a private transfer often works out cheaper per person than individual bus tickets, with door-to-door convenience.
Airport Transfers
The cheapest airport transfer option:
- Marrakech RAK: Bus 19 to Jemaa el-Fnaa (30 MAD)
- Casablanca CMN: Al Bidaoui train to Casa Voyageurs (55 MAD)
- Agadir AGA: Bus to city center (~30 MAD)
For groups of 3+, a private transfer works out similar per-person cost with far more comfort.
Activities: Free and Cheap Experiences
Free Things to Do
- Explore the medinas: Getting lost in Marrakech, Fez, or Essaouira medinas is free and endlessly fascinating
- Jemaa el-Fnaa square: The evening spectacle costs nothing to watch
- Menara Gardens, Marrakech: Free entry
- Essaouira beach and Skala ramparts: Free
- Haggling in the souks: An experience in itself
Cheap Things to Do
- Bahia Palace, Marrakech: 70 MAD
- Saadian Tombs, Marrakech: 70 MAD
- Ben Youssef Madrasa, Marrakech: 50 MAD
- Ait Ben Haddou: Free entry
- Ouzoud Waterfalls: Free (boat ride extra)
- Hammam (public bathhouse): 30-70 MAD for a traditional Moroccan bath
Shopping: How to Bargain
Bargaining is expected in souks. Here's how to get the best prices:
1. Start at about 40-50% of the asking price
2. Be willing to walk away: The seller will often call you back with a lower price
3. Be friendly: Bargaining is a social interaction, not a confrontation
4. Know when to stop: If you've reached a fair price, pay it
5. Compare prices: Check multiple stalls before buying
Typical fair prices:
- Small leather bag: 80-150 MAD
- Argan oil (100ml): 60-100 MAD
- Spices (100g): 10-30 MAD
- Ceramic tagine pot: 60-120 MAD
- Rug (small): 300-800 MAD
Money-Saving Tips
Currency
- Moroccan Dirham (MAD) is a closed currency - you can't get it outside Morocco
- Bring Euros, USD, or GBP and exchange at bureaux de change or ATMs
- ATMs are widely available in cities and give competitive exchange rates
- Avoid exchanging money at airports (poor rates)
Tipping
- Restaurants: 10% if service not included, or round up the bill
- Cafes: 5-10 MAD
- Tour guides: 50-100 MAD per day
- Drivers: 20-50 MAD per day
- Hammam attendant: 20-30 MAD
Water
- Tap water is generally safe in cities but many visitors prefer bottled water
- Bottled water (1.5L): 6-10 MAD from supermarkets
- Refill bottles at your riad (many provide filtered water)
SIM Cards
- Buy a local SIM card for cheap data
- Maroc Telecom, Orange, or Inwi: Available at airports and phone shops
- 10GB data plan: ~100 MAD
- Much cheaper than international roaming
Sample Daily Budget (Per Person)
Backpacker Budget: 250-350 MAD/day
- Hostel dorm: 80-120 MAD
- Street food meals: 50-80 MAD
- Local transport: 20-40 MAD
- Activities: 50-70 MAD
- Misc: 50 MAD
Mid-Range Budget: 500-800 MAD/day
- Private riad room: 200-400 MAD (shared between 2)
- Restaurant meals: 100-150 MAD
- Private transfers (shared): 100-150 MAD
- Activities: 100-150 MAD
- Misc: 50 MAD
Where NOT to Save Money
Some things are worth splurging on:
1. Private transfers for long distances: The comfort and convenience is worth it, especially when shared
2. A good riad: The experience is part of the Morocco adventure
3. A desert camp night: Splurge on at least one night in a comfortable desert camp
4. A cooking class: 300-500 MAD for a half-day class is great value
5. Travel insurance: Don't skip this, medical costs add up fast
Budget travel in Morocco is entirely possible, and the country rewards those who venture beyond tourist-priced establishments with incredible value and authentic experiences.
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