Marrakech

To enter Morocco, you need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining at the time of arrival.

Once you’re in, you can stay for up to 90 days — way more than enough for a city trip. And the good news: no visa required.

As a tourist, you can bring in or take out a maximum of 2,000 MAD (around 200 euros).

A few things are strictly prohibited to bring in: drones, plants, and seeds.

Marrakech is a city where modernity and tradition live side by side — but traditional values and Islamic customs still shape daily life in a big way. A few things worth knowing before you go:

Photography

Marrakech is endlessly photogenic — gorgeous riads, colorful souks, incredible street life. But not everyone wants to be in your shot.

Some locals are happy to pose for a small tip; others would rather not be photographed at all. Just ask first and you’ll avoid any awkward moments.

One hard rule: never photograph the military. That includes uniformed officers and also things like the city walls.

Bargaining and Haggling

In the souks, haggling isn’t optional — it’s expected. Vendors in tourist areas set wildly inflated starting prices, and you can often negotiate up to 50% off.

A good rule of thumb: open at about 75% below the asking price, then work toward the middle. It helps not to look like a first-timer in Morocco — if you casually mention you’ve been traveling around the country for a few weeks, vendors tend to start with more reasonable prices.

One etiquette rule to always follow: don’t haggle for something you’re not actually going to buy. Starting a negotiation and then walking away is considered rude.

Dealing with Beggars

Giving alms is an Islamic duty, and giving a few dirhams to someone in need is a genuine act of kindness.

That said, around Djemaa el-Fna and other busy spots, plenty of people will try to earn money from tourists in exchange for small services.

As for giving candy or pens to children — it’s well-meaning, but it actually does more harm than good. When kids beg on the streets instead of going to school, it doesn’t help their future at all.

A lot of Marrakech is best explored on foot. It’s simply more enjoyable that way — you’ll actually experience the city rather than just pass through it. And in the narrow lanes of the Medina and the souks, walking is often your only option anyway.

For longer distances, taxis and buses are your main options.

By Taxi

Marrakech has two kinds of taxis: small (petit) and large (grand). For rides within the city, you want a small taxi — recognizable by their beige color — which fits up to three passengers.

In theory, small taxis have a meter. In practice, drivers almost always claim it’s broken. If that happens, agree on a price before you get in — non-negotiable.

A fair fare for a ride within the city is around 30 Dh (under 3 euros). If a driver insists on much more, just start walking away — they’ll often come down immediately.

The large taxis (usually older Mercedes sedans) are a bit pricier and mainly used for destinations outside the city. You’ll find them in the southern part of the Medina and at the main bus station. They typically run shared, with up to six passengers — but you can also negotiate a private rate of around 1,000 Dh (about 90 euros) per day.

By City Bus

The public city bus is seriously cheap — under 0.50 euros per ride — and connects spots like the Jardin Majorelle, the train station, and the Menara Gardens.

The catch? Route maps and timetables are basically nonexistent, and stop signs are often missing too. It takes a bit of patience to figure out.

If you’re departing from Djemaa el-Fna Square, you’re in luck — there’s usually a helpful employee in a blue uniform stationed there. For other stops, ask your riad in advance about the connection you need.

By Horse-Drawn Carriage

Traveling by horse-drawn carriage through the Medina is both romantic and a genuine local tradition. You’ll find the carriages between Djemaa el-Fna and the Koutoubia Mosque.

Negotiate the price before you set off. A short ride of 30 to 45 minutes costs around 80 Dh (about 7.50 euros) — per carriage, not per person. Since up to five people can share one carriage, it works out to very little per person.

The sweet spot for a Marrakech city trip is spring and fall. Temperatures sit around 75°F (25°C) — warm and sunny, but not overwhelming.

That said, these are also the peak seasons (March to May and September to November). The Medina gets busy, and hotel prices climb. Book early if you’re going during these months.

Summers are seriously hot — in July and August, it regularly hits 104°F (40°C) or more. In the shade it’s manageable, but plan to spend the midday hours by the pool in a cool riad.

Winter is quieter and still mild at around 68°F (20°C) during the day — but nights can drop below 50°F (10°C), so make sure your riad or hotel has heating before you book.

Traveling During Ramadan

You can absolutely visit Marrakech during Ramadan — just go in knowing that daytime life moves at a slower, quieter pace. Some attractions shorten their hours, and public offices may not open until the afternoon.

Small local restaurants won’t serve food during the day, but there are plenty of alternatives. The restaurants around Djemaa el-Fna, for example, serve food on their upper floors throughout the day.

The evenings during Ramadan, though? They’re something special — really lively and worth experiencing.

Like any major city, Marrakech has its share of pickpockets and petty crime — and it’s particularly known for scammers and small-time hustlers. That said, the police presence is strong and most visitors feel pretty safe overall.

For the latest safety information, check the website of the German Federal Foreign Office.

Don’t drink tap water in Marrakech, and skip the ice cubes too — both can cause stomach issues. Street food can also be a culprit, though that’s definitely not a reason to avoid it.

Street food at Djemaa el-Fna is an absolute must. The good news: hygiene standards at those stalls are regularly inspected, so you can dig in with more confidence.

Marrakech can be as budget-friendly or as indulgent as you want — it really depends on your comfort level and what you want to do.

Hotel prices vary quite a bit depending on the season. A centrally located riad starts at around 60 euros per night, but prices can climb into the hundreds during peak season.

Food, on the other hand, is very affordable. With around 20 euros, you can enjoy a full dinner at a proper restaurant — and street food is even cheaper.