Planning to visit Morocco for the first time? Here are some helpful Morocco travel tips that our customers have found helpful when planning a private Morocco tour with us.
Most Mosques are Off-Limits to non-Muslims
Nearly 99% of the population is Muslim. While very few Moroccan mosques are open to non-Muslims, one exception is the towering Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. This is the largest mosque in Morocco, and the 7th largest mosque in the world.
Hassan II Mosque in CasablancaIf you can’t make it to Casablanca, then you can consider visiting the 16th-century Ali ben Youssef madrassa-turned-museum in Marrakech. This site is open to all visitors and also features striking Islamic design.
Multilingual Moroccans
Moroccans switch languages mid-sentence, reflecting the cultures — Berber, Arab, French and Spanish — that have crisscrossed the country. Arabic is the official language. French continues to be widely spoken in cities; foreigners are often addressed in this first. Spanish is still spoken in Tangier, which is located in northwestern Morocco, on the coasts of the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. There are also three main dialects spoken by the country’s Berber majority: Tashelhit, Tamazight and Tarifit. You’ll be able to get by with English in the main tourist hubs.
Tangier City – there is only a 8 miles distance between Point Marroqui (in Spain) and Point Cires (in Morocco)Trains are Cheap, Comfortable and Reliable
Train company ONCF operates one of the best train networks in Africa, making it the easiest way to travel between cities. It’s worth paying extra for first class, which comes with a reserved seat and A/C.
Although traveling in Morocco by train is a good option, the most convenient travel option is always a private tour with your own private vehicle and driver. You can maximize your holiday time with sightseeing and fun activities without wasting time with ticket reservations, waiting for the next train to arrive, and potential delays. Your driver will pick you up from your location and take you directly to your next destination (not just the train station).
Couscous is served on Fridays
Eating the traditional Moroccan couscous while in Morocco is a must for all travellers! You’ll see it on every restaurant menu, but traditionally couscous is served on Fridays when families gather after prayers. You might also be interested in learning how to cook traditional Moroccan cuisine in a pre-booked private cooking class in Marrakech or in Fes.
Moroccan CouscousNeed More Morocco Travel Tips?
We have only mentioned a few of our popular Morocco travel tips above. You can read some of our popular Morocco travel articles:
- Tourist Visa Requirements for Morocco
- Travel Insurance for Travel in North Africa
- Street Food in Morocco
- Tips for Vegetarian Travellers to Morocco
If you have any questions about traveling to Morocco or need more Morocco travel tips, reach out to one of our Morocco Travel Experts using the form below.
