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Travelling in Morocco
Practical guides, tips and local advice for Marrakech, Essaouira and the rest of the country.
MarrakechThings to do in Marrakech: 15 must-see highlights
For a first visit, focus on the medina, the souks, the Majorelle Garden, the Bahia Palace and a hammam. A luggage storage lets you explore hands-free.
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EssaouiraThings to do in Essaouira: the complete guide
Essaouira can be seen in one day for the essentials: ramparts, the UNESCO-listed medina and the fishing port. Two days leave time for the beach and the wind.
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Day tripsMarrakech to Essaouira: how to get there
The easiest way from Marrakech to Essaouira is the CTM bus or a private transfer, about 2.5 to 3 hours by road. Book ahead in high season.
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Day tripsThe best day trips from Marrakech
For a day trip, the best options from Marrakech are the Ourika valley, the Agafay desert, the Ouzoud waterfalls and Essaouira, all within about 4 hours by road.
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TipsScams to avoid in Marrakech (stress-free tips)
The most common scams in Marrakech are fake guides, fake closures, taxis without meters and forced henna. Stay calm, ask the price first, and store your bags.
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TipsTravelling to Morocco: 12 tips before you leave
To travel to Morocco with confidence: carry some cash in dirhams, get a local SIM or eSIM, drink bottled water, take travel insurance, and book your accommodation and luggage storage in advance.
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TipsMoroccan customs: what to know before you travel
In Morocco the codes are simple: cover shoulders and knees in the medina, ask before photographing people, respect Ramadan and leave a tip for good service.
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TravelWhen to visit Morocco? Weather and seasons
The best time to visit Morocco is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). Summer is very hot in Marrakech, but Essaouira stays cool thanks to the wind.
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MarrakechGetting around Marrakech: taxis, walking, transfers
In Marrakech, the medina is best explored on foot, a petit taxi links the districts if you insist on the meter, and a private transfer is the easiest option with luggage.
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FoodWhat to eat in Morocco: 12 dishes to try
Moroccan dishes to try: tagine, couscous, pastilla, harira, msemen, grilled fish in Essaouira and mint tea. Tanjia is the speciality of Marrakech.
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TipsMorocco: the dos and don’ts
In Morocco: bargain with a smile, ask the price before accepting an offer, photograph people with their consent, and don’t carry your suitcase through the medina.
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MarrakechHow to bargain in the Marrakech souks
To bargain well in the Marrakech souks, compare prices, start at about a third of the asking price, stay smiling and be ready to walk away. Only accept what you really want.
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MarrakechMoroccan hammam: a practical guide
A Moroccan hammam combines steam, black soap, a kessa glove scrub and sometimes a massage. The local hammam is cheap, the spa hammam more comfortable.
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PracticalMarrakech-Menara airport: arriving and leaving stress-free
Marrakech-Menara airport is a few kilometres from the centre. Allow time for border checks, agree the taxi fare in advance, and leave your bags at 212 Locker if you have a free slot.
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PracticalLuggage storage in Marrakech: where, how much and how to book
212 Locker offers secure luggage storage in central Guéliz, Marrakech, open 24/7: 10 MAD per bag per hour, 60 MAD per bag per day or 300 MAD per bag per week. Book online at 212lockers.com.
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EssaouiraLuggage storage in Essaouira: the practical guide
In Essaouira, 212 Locker stores your luggage near the port and the medina. The service is automated and open 24/7. Check current prices on 212lockers.com before you go.
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PracticalEssaouira-Mogador airport: getting into town with your luggage
From Essaouira-Mogador airport, a taxi or a pre-booked transfer is the simplest way into town with luggage. If you arrive early or leave late, store your bags at 212 Locker.
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PracticalMarrakech airport transfer: prices, options and booking
212 Locker offers a transfer from Marrakech-Menara airport: 200 MAD for 1 to 4 people and 300 MAD for 5 to 7 people. Book in advance on 212lockers.com.
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MarrakechMarrakech without your luggage: a free day on foot
Leave your suitcase at 212 Locker in Guéliz and spend a day in Marrakech with a small bag. A walking route takes you from Jemaa el-Fna through the souks to the Bahia Palace.
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MarrakechMajorelle Garden: visit guide
Majorelle Garden is one of Marrakech’s most visited sites. Book your ticket online in advance, go early to avoid crowds, and combine it with the Yves Saint Laurent Museum next door.
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MarrakechBahia Palace and El Badi Palace: what to see
The Bahia Palace is a 19th-century palace with painted ceilings and gardens. El Badi is a 16th-century ruin where storks nest. Visit both in one morning or afternoon.
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MarrakechMarrakech medina: how to find your way without getting lost
To avoid getting lost in the Marrakech medina, use big landmarks such as the Koutoubia and Jemaa el-Fna, save offline maps, and leave your suitcase at 212 Locker in Guéliz.
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MarrakechGuéliz: Marrakech’s modern district
Guéliz is Marrakech’s modern district, with cafés, galleries, shops and restaurants. It is an easy base, and 212 Locker is right in the centre.
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MarrakechJemaa el-Fna at night: a guide to the square
In the evening, Jemaa el-Fna becomes an open-air food market with grilled meat, salads, musicians and storytellers. Choose a stall with displayed prices, and watch the square from a rooftop terrace.
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Day tripsOuzoud waterfalls: complete visit guide
The Ouzoud waterfalls are about 2.5 to 3 hours from Marrakech. Go with a private driver or organised tour, walk down to the basin, and watch for macaques along the paths.
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Day tripsOurika valley: Berber villages and waterfalls
The Ourika valley is about one hour from Marrakech. Visit Berber villages, walk along the river and see the Setti Fatma waterfalls on a day trip.
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Day tripsAgafay desert: what to plan for a day trip
The Agafay desert is about 45 minutes from Marrakech. Bring water, sunscreen and a warm layer for the evening, and choose a camp that includes sunset and dinner.
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Day tripsAït Ben Haddou: the UNESCO-listed ksar
Aït Ben Haddou is a fortified earthen village listed by UNESCO, a popular stop on the road over the Tizi n’Tichka pass. Allow a few hours, and go early or late to avoid the heat and crowds.
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Day tripsImlil and Toubkal: a one-day mountain walk
Imlil is a village in the High Atlas, about 1 hour 30 minutes from Marrakech, and the starting point for walks towards Mount Toubkal. A day walk suits most visitors, with a local guide recommended.
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EssaouiraEssaouira beach: kitesurfing, walks and relaxation
Essaouira’s main beach is known for kitesurfing and windsurfing thanks to the trade winds. Walk the long promenade, watch the riders, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
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EssaouiraEssaouira port: grilled fish and blue boats
The Essaouira fishing port is the place for fresh fish, grilled seafood and the blue fishing boats. Go in the late morning or afternoon, when the catch comes in.
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TipsBuying a Berber rug: how to recognise a good purchase
A good Berber rug is hand-knotted and made from natural wool. Check the back of the rug, ask about the origin, and bargain calmly before you agree a price.
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FoodCooking classes in Marrakech: learn to make tagine
A cooking class in Marrakech teaches you to make tagine, couscous and pastries, often with a market visit. Choose a class with small groups and read recent reviews.
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FoodMoroccan pastries: the essentials to try
Moroccan pastries are built on almonds, honey, orange blossom and sesame. Try the classics: cornes de gazelle, briouats and chebakia, and enjoy them with mint tea.
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TravelTravelling in Morocco with children
Morocco is great for families: markets, camels, beaches and cooking classes. Plan shorter days, keep bags light, and book transfers in advance.
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TipsMorocco travel budget: what to plan for
Morocco can be a budget-friendly destination. Plan for accommodation, local food, petit taxis and a few excursions, and add the cost of luggage storage at 212 Locker to your budget.
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TipsTravelling alone as a woman in Morocco: practical advice
Many women travel alone in Morocco safely. Dress comfortably and respectfully, choose well-reviewed accommodation, and use licensed taxis. Store your luggage at 212 Locker so you can walk freely.
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MarrakechMarrakech in 3 days: a suggested itinerary
Three days in Marrakech let you see the medina, Majorelle Garden, the palaces, the souks and one day trip to the Atlas or the desert. Store your bags at 212 Locker while you explore.
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PracticalMoroccan SIM or eSIM: which should you choose?
A local SIM or an eSIM gives you cheaper data than roaming. Check that your phone supports eSIM, and choose a plan with enough data for maps and messages.
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TravelTravelling in Morocco during Ramadan
Travelling during Ramadan is possible in Morocco. Many restaurants open later, the rhythm of the day changes, and eating or drinking in public should be avoided during fasting hours.
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