Morocco on a Budget: How to Travel Cheaply

Morocco offers incredible value for budget travelers, with stunning landscapes, rich culture, and affordable prices that make it perfect for backpackers. Here’s your complete guide to exploring Morocco without breaking the bank.

Daily Budget Breakdown

Ultra-Budget (Backpacker): $15-25/day

Accommodation: $3-8 (hostels, shared rooms)
Food: $5-10 (street food, local eateries)
Transport: $3-5 (local buses, shared taxis)
Activities: $2-5 (free attractions, small entrance fees)

Mid-Range Budget: $25-40/day

Accommodation: $8-15 (budget hotels, private hostel rooms)
Food: $8-15 (mix of street food and restaurants)
Transport: $5-10 (comfortable buses, occasional taxis)
Activities: $5-10 (guided tours, attractions)

Morocco on a Budget: How to Travel Cheaply

Accommodation: Sleep Cheap

Hostels & Budget Options

Hostels: Major cities like Marrakech, Fez, and Casablanca have excellent hostels ($5-12/night)
Riads: Traditional guesthouses often offer budget rooms ($8-20/night)
Camping: Legal wild camping in rural areas, plus organized campsites in the Sahara
Couchsurfing: Active community, especially in larger cities

Money-Saving Tips

Book directly with accommodation to avoid booking fees
Stay slightly outside city centers for better prices
Negotiate longer-stay discounts (3+ nights)
Share rooms with fellow travelers you meet

Food: Eat Like a Local

Street Food Champions ($1-3 per meal)

Tagines: Full meals for $2-4 at local restaurants
Couscous: Friday special at most places ($2-3)
Harira soup: Perfect starter or light meal ($0.50-1)
Fresh bread: From local bakeries ($0.20-0.50)
Mint tea: Morocco’s social drink ($0.50-1)

Markets & Self-Catering

Shop at local souks for fresh produce
Many accommodations have kitchen access
Buy spices, nuts, and dried fruits in bulk
Avoid tourist restaurant areas (often 3x more expensive)

Budget Food Strategy

Eat your main meal at lunch when prices are lower
Follow locals to find the best cheap eats
Learn basic Arabic/French food terms
Always ask the price before ordering

Transportation: Get Around Smart

Intercity Travel

CTM & Supratours buses: Reliable, air-conditioned ($5-15 for long distances)
Local buses: Cheapest option but less comfortable ($2-8)
Grand taxis: Shared taxis between cities, negotiate prices
Train: Comfortable for major routes (Casablanca-Marrakech: $10-15)

City Transportation

Walking: Most medinas are walkable
Local buses: $0.30-0.50 per ride
Petit taxis: Short distances, always use the meter
Bicycle rental: Some cities offer bike-sharing ($3-5/day)

Long-Distance Hacks

Travel overnight to save on accommodation
Book bus tickets in advance for better seats
Consider hitchhiking in rural areas (common and safe)
Use Blablacar for ride-sharing between major cities

Free & Cheap Activities

Must-Do Free Experiences

Explore the medinas of Fez, Marrakech, and Meknes
Watch sunset from Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa square
Hike in the Atlas Mountains (many trails are free)
Visit Hassan II Mosque exterior in Casablanca
Browse colorful souks and practice haggling
Relax in public gardens and parks

Budget-Friendly Adventures

Sahara Desert camping: $25-40 including transport from Merzouga
Atlas Mountains day hikes: $10-20 with local guides
Cooking classes: Learn to make tagines ($15-25)
Hammam (public baths): Traditional spa experience ($3-8)
Museum visits: Most charge $1-3 entrance fees

Money-Saving Strategies

Before You Go

Visit during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November)
Learn basic haggling techniques
Download offline maps and translation apps
Get a travel insurance policy that covers adventure activities

While You’re There

Always negotiate prices (except in fixed-price shops)
Use ATMs sparingly due to fees; withdraw larger amounts
Carry small bills for street vendors and tips
Join group tours to split costs
Stay flexible with your itinerary to take advantage of deals

Haggling Tips

Start at 30-40% of the asking price
Be prepared to walk away
Show respect and keep it friendly
Learn numbers in Arabic or French
Practice on small items first

Sample 10-Day Budget Itinerary

Days 1-3: Marrakech ($20-25/day)

Stay in Medina hostel
Explore Jemaa el-Fnaa and souks
Day trip to Atlas Mountains

Days 4-5: Sahara Desert ($30-35/day)

Budget desert tour from Marrakech
Camel trekking and camping under stars

Days 6-8: Fez ($18-22/day)

Explore the world’s largest medina
Visit tanneries and madrasas
Cooking class experience

Days 9-10: Chefchaouen ($15-20/day)

Morocco’s blue city
Mountain hiking
Relaxed atmosphere

Total Budget: $200-250 for 10 days

Essential Budget Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry clothing for hand washing
Reusable water bottle with filter
Universal adapter and power bank
First aid kit and basic medications
Headlamp for medina navigation

Cultural Considerations

Dress modestly to respect local customs
Learn basic greetings in Arabic
Understand that Friday is the holy day
Respect Ramadan if traveling during this period
Always ask permission before photographing people

Safety & Health

Travel insurance is essential
Drink bottled or filtered water
Be cautious with street food initially
Keep copies of important documents
Trust your instincts in unfamiliar situations

Final Budget Hacks

Timing: Visit Tuesday-Thursday for better accommodation rates
Group up: Team up with other travelers for tours and taxis
Learn local phrases: Basic Arabic/French goes a long way
Avoid tourist traps: If it’s in a guidebook, it’s probably overpriced
Embrace slow travel: Staying longer in fewer places saves money

Morocco rewards budget travelers who embrace its pace, culture, and local way of life. With careful planning and an adventurous spirit, you can experience this magical country for a fraction of what you might expect to spend elsewhere.

Remember: The best experiences in Morocco often cost nothing at all – a conversation with locals over mint tea, watching the sunset over the Atlas Mountains, or getting lost in the maze-like medinas where every corner reveals something new.