How to Travel Morocco on a Budget
Travel Tips

How to Travel Morocco on a Budget

Yassine El Amrani
February 4, 2025
9 min read
9,200 views
Back to Blog

How to Travel Morocco on a Budget

Morocco is one of the most affordable destinations in North Africa, making it a dream for budget travelers. From cheap street food to affordable guesthouses, you can experience the richness of Moroccan culture without breaking the bank.

This guide covers **where to save, where to splurge, and insider hacks** for traveling Morocco on a budget.

---

1. Budget Accommodation

Hostels & Guesthouses

  • Dorm beds: €6–12 per night.
  • Private rooms: €15–25.
  • Many include breakfast (bread, jam, mint tea).

    • Budget Riads

  • Beautiful, traditional houses turned into guest stays.
  • Mid-range: €20–40 per night.
  • Best value in Marrakech, Fes, and Chefchaouen.

    • **Tip:** Book through Booking.com or Hostelworld for deals, but compare with local listings — sometimes direct bookings are cheaper.

    ---

    2. Affordable Food & Drink

    Street Food

  • **Msemen (flatbread)**: €0.30–0.50.
  • **Harira soup**: €0.80–1.50.
  • **Brochettes (meat skewers)**: €1–2.
  • **Fresh orange juice**: €0.40–0.70.

    • Local Restaurants

  • Full tagine or couscous: €3–6.
  • Tea: €0.50–1.
  • Avoid “tourist menus” in main squares — prices can triple.

    • Supermarkets & Bakeries

  • Great for snacks, fruit, bottled water, and sandwiches.
  • A budget traveler can eat for **€5–10 per day** comfortably.

    • ---

    3. Transportation on a Budget

    Trains (ONCF)

  • Comfortable, punctual, and affordable.
  • Marrakech → Fes (2nd class): ~€15.

    • Buses (CTM, Supratours)

  • Cover towns not served by trains.
  • Chefchaouen → Fes: ~€7.

    • Shared Taxis (*Grand Taxis*)

  • Faster than buses, fixed routes.
  • Shared cost between passengers.
  • Example: Tangier → Chefchaouen ~€5–7 per seat.

    • City Transport

  • **Petit taxis** are cheap (€1–3 per ride), but insist on using the meter.
  • Walking is free — and often the best way to explore medinas.

    • ---

    4. Free & Low-Cost Activities

  • Wander Marrakech’s Jemaa el-Fnaa (entertainment is free to watch).
  • Explore Fes Medina — like a living museum.
  • Visit Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca (€12 entry, free outside).
  • Enjoy Chefchaouen’s alleys — no ticket required.
  • Hike in the Atlas Mountains (hire local guides for €10–15 per day).
  • Stroll Essaouira’s beaches and medina (no entry fee).

    • ---

    5. Budget Tours & Experiences

  • Sahara Desert tours:
  • **Standard** 3-day Marrakech → Merzouga → Marrakech = €90–150.
  • Includes transport, camel ride, and camp stay.
  • Cooking classes in Marrakech/Fes: €25–40.
  • Hammams:
  • Public hammam: €1–3.
  • Tourist hammam: €15–30.

    • ---

    6. Money-Saving Hacks

  • **ATM fees**: Withdraw larger amounts to reduce charges.
  • **Cash is king**: Cards aren’t widely accepted in markets.
  • **Bargain**: Polite haggling is expected in souks.
  • **Avoid alcohol**: Expensive compared to local food/drink.
  • **Travel off-season**: Winter (Dec–Feb) or summer (Jun–Aug) → lower hotel prices.

    • ---

    7. Daily Budget Breakdown

  • **Shoestring**: €20–25/day (hostel, street food, walking).
  • **Comfortable budget**: €30–40/day (riad, local restaurants, some tours).
  • **Mid-range**: €50–70/day (nicer riads, private tours, desert trip).

    • ---

    8. Safety & traps for Budget Travelers

  • Don’t accept unsolicited “guides” in medinas — they’ll demand money.
  • Always check menus before eating.
  • Confirm taxi fares before entering.
  • Say **“La shukran” (No thank you)** firmly to avoid harassment.

    • ---

    9. Best Budget-Friendly Cities

  • **Chefchaouen** → Cheap food and hostels.
  • **Fes** → Affordable crafts and guesthouses.
  • **Marrakech** → More touristy but lots of hostel competition.
  • **Essaouira** → Relaxed vibe, cheap seafood.
  • **Agadir** → Affordable coastal escape.

    • ---

    10. Final Thoughts

    Traveling Morocco on a budget doesn’t mean missing out. With €30–40 a day, you can eat like a local, stay in atmospheric riads, and explore ancient medinas. The country rewards those who wander slowly and embrace its authenticity.

    ---

    Related Posts

  • [10 Common traps in Morocco — And How to Avoid Them](/morocco-scams-avoid)
  • [The Perfect 10-Day Morocco Itinerary](/morocco-itinerary-10-days)
  • [Family Travel in Morocco — Tips for Kids and Parents](/family-travel-morocco)

    • ---

    Tags

    BudgetBackpackingTravel TipsMorocco

    About the Author

    YEA

    Yassine El Amrani

    Travel writer and Morocco expert with over 10 years of experience exploring North Africa.

    Quick Stats

    Reading Time:9 min read
    Views:9,200
    Published:February 4, 2025
    Category:Travel Tips

    Related Articles

    10 Common trap in Morocco — And How to Avoid Them
    Travel Safety

    10 Common trap in Morocco — And How to Avoid Them

    From fake guides to rigged taxi meters, we break down real stories and how to stay protected.

    Read More →
    What to Pack for Morocco (And What to Leave Behind)
    Travel Tips

    What to Pack for Morocco (And What to Leave Behind)

    Layer like a pro, stay cool in the desert, and avoid cultural faux-pas with our minimalist packing guide.

    Read More →
    How to Travel Morocco on a Budget
    Travel Tips

    How to Travel Morocco on a Budget

    Affordable riads, cheap eats, and cost-saving tips to stretch your dirhams further.

    Read More →