Morocco Budget Travel Guide: How to Travel Morocco Cheaply

Daily Budget Breakdown

Ultra-Budget ($15-25/day | 150-250 MAD)

Accommodation: $5-10 (50-100 MAD)

• Hostel dorm bed
• Very basic guesthouse
• Camping (where permitted)

Food: $5-10 (50-100 MAD)

• Street food
• Self-catering from markets
• Cheapest local restaurants
• No cafés/restaurants

Transport: $2-5 (20-50 MAD)

• Local buses only
• Walking
• Shared grand taxis

Activities: $3-5 (30-50 MAD)

• Free attractions
• One budget museum
• Self-guided walking

Total: $15-25 per day

Realistic? Yes, but bare-bones. For backpackers, couchsurfers, determined budget travelers.

Low Budget ($25-40/day | 250-400 MAD)

Accommodation: $10-15 (100-150 MAD)

• Hostel private room (shared)
• Budget hotel
• Basic riad

Food: $10-15 (100-150 MAD)

• Street food + cheap restaurants
• Market food
• Occasional café

Transport: $3-8 (30-80 MAD)

• CTM buses
• Shared grand taxis
• Some petit taxis

Activities: $5-10 (50-100 MAD)

• Some paid attractions
• Budget activities
• Mostly free

Total: $28-48 per day

Realistic? Very. Standard backpacker budget. Comfortable but frugal.

Mid-Range Budget ($50-100/day | 500-1,000 MAD)

Accommodation: $25-50 (250-500 MAD)

• Nice riad/hotel
• En-suite bathroom
• Breakfast included

Food: $15-30 (150-300 MAD)

• Restaurants (not fancy)
• Cafés
• Some street food
• Occasional nice meal

Transport: $5-15 (50-150 MAD)

• Trains (2nd class)
• CTM buses
• Petit taxis
• Occasional private car

Activities: $10-20 (100-200 MAD)

• Entry fees
• Guided tours (some)
• Cooking class (split cost)

Total: $55-115 per day

Realistic? Very comfortable. Most travelers. Good value for money.

Comfort Budget ($100-200/day | 1,000-2,000 MAD)

Accommodation: $50-100 (500-1,000 MAD)

• Upscale riad/hotel
• Pool
• Great location
• Good amenities

Food: $30-60 (300-600 MAD)

• Nice restaurants
• Hotel meals
• Any café
• Occasional fine dining

Transport: $15-30 (150-300 MAD)

• Trains (1st class)
• Private drivers (some days)
• Taxis freely

Activities: $20-50 (200-500 MAD)

• All attractions
• Guided tours
• Special experiences

Total: $115-240 per day

Realistic? Comfortable travel. No budget stress. Splurges possible.

Budget Accommodation

Hostels

Costs:

• Dorm bed: 50-120 MAD ($5-12)
• Private room: 150-300 MAD ($15-30)

Where Found:

• Marrakech (many)
• Essaouira
• Chefchaouen
• Larger cities

Recommended Hostels:

Marrakech:

• Equity Point Marrakech - Social, pool, bar (80-100 MAD dorm)
• Waka Waka - Clean, friendly (70-90 MAD dorm)
• Hostel Routard - Central, basic (60-80 MAD dorm)

Chefchaouen:

• Aline Hostel - Terrace, social (60 MAD dorm)
• Hostel Bab Ssour - Quiet, clean (70 MAD dorm)

Essaouira:

• Essaouira Youth Hostel - Beach proximity (80 MAD dorm)

Tips:

• Book ahead (Hostelworld, Booking.com)
• Read reviews
• Check location (medina vs Ville Nouvelle)
• Ask about kitchen access (save money cooking)
• Social atmosphere (meet travel partners = split costs)

Budget Hotels and Guesthouses

Costs:

• Budget hotel: 100-200 MAD ($10-20)
• Basic riad: 150-300 MAD ($15-30)
• Simple guesthouse: 120-250 MAD ($12-25)

What to Expect:

• Private room (shared bathroom often)
• Basic but clean
• Traditional Moroccan style (riads)
• Breakfast sometimes included
• Helpful staff

Finding Budget Hotels:

• Booking.com - filter by price
• Hostelworld - private rooms
• Walk-ins - Bargain (off-season)
• Local guesthouses - Not listed online (ask locals)

Bargaining:

• Walk-ins can negotiate
• Off-season: 20-40% discount possible
• Multi-night stays: Discount
• Cash payment: Small discount

Best Budget Areas:

Marrakech:

• Medina outskirts (cheaper than Djemaa el-Fna area)
• Bab Doukkala area
• Near Bab Ayelen

Fes:

• Ville Nouvelle (cheaper than medina)
• Outskirts of medina

Other Cities:

• Ville Nouvelle generally cheaper
• Away from tourist zones

Camping

Costs:

• Official campsites: 30-60 MAD per person
• Wild camping: Free (where permitted)

Official Campsites:

• Common near beaches (Essaouira, Agadir)
• Some desert camps
• Atlas Mountains (some)

Facilities:

• Basic to moderate
• Toilets, showers (usually cold)
• Some have small shops
• Security

Wild Camping:

• Legal? Gray area. Generally OK in remote areas.
• Where: Desert (ask locals), mountains (away from villages)
• Safety: Generally safe, but ask permission if near settlements
• Leave no trace

Camping Gear:

• Bring your own or rent in Marrakech
• Warm sleeping bag essential (desert/mountain nights cold!)

Cheap Eats

Street Food (10-30 MAD)

What to Eat:

• Msemen (Moroccan pancake): 3-5 MAD
• B'ssara (fava bean soup): 5-10 MAD, usually with bread
• Sandwiches (kefta, merguez, chicken): 10-20 MAD
• Harira (soup): 5-10 MAD
• Snail soup: 5-10 MAD (Djemaa el-Fna specialty)
• Fresh orange juice: 4-6 MAD (Djemaa el-Fna)
• Dates and nuts: 10-30 MAD per bag

Where:

• Djemaa el-Fna (Marrakech) - evening food stalls (20-40 MAD full meal)
• Market stalls
• Street carts
• Snack shops (hanuts)

Safety:

• Busy stalls = fresh food
• Watch food preparation
• Bottled water only
• Trust your gut

Budget Restaurants (30-70 MAD)

Local Restaurants:

• Tagine: 40-60 MAD
• Couscous: 40-70 MAD (Friday specialty)
• Brochettes: 30-50 MAD
• Omelette: 15-25 MAD
• Salad: 15-30 MAD
• Bread: Free or 1-2 MAD

Where:

• Medina side streets (cheaper than main squares)
• Ville Nouvelle local spots
• Workers' restaurants (déjeuner ouvrier)
• Look for no-frills places full of locals

Set Menus:

• Lunch set menus (menu du jour): 50-80 MAD
• Includes: Salad, main, bread, sometimes dessert/drink
• Great value

Market Picnics (20-50 MAD)

DIY Meals:

• Fresh bread: 1-3 MAD
• Olives: 10-20 MAD per 250g
• Cheese (La Vache qui Rit, local): 15-30 MAD
• Tomatoes, cucumbers: 5-10 MAD per kg
• Oranges: 10-15 MAD per kg
• Dates: 20-40 MAD per kg
• Water: 5-8 MAD per 1.5L

Where to Shop:

• Local markets (souks)
• Small shops (hanuts)
• Supermarkets (Acima, cheaper than Carrefour)

Savings:

• Lunch picnics save 50% vs restaurants
• Great for long travel days
• Markets = authentic experience

Self-Catering

If Kitchen Access:

• Cook pasta, rice, eggs
• Vegetables cheap at markets
• Huge savings

Cooking Equipment:

• Hostels sometimes have kitchens
• Riads: Ask if you can use kitchen (some allow)
• Portable camping stove (if camping)

Cheap Cafés

Café Prices (Local Cafés, Not Tourist):

• Moroccan coffee (nous nous): 4-6 MAD
• Mint tea: 5-8 MAD
• Croissant: 3-5 MAD
• Pastries: 5-10 MAD

Breakfast at Café:

• Coffee + croissant + orange juice: 15-25 MAD

Lunch at Café:

• Sandwich: 15-25 MAD
• Omelette + bread + tea: 20-35 MAD

Cheaper Cafés:

• Ville Nouvelle (non-touristy areas)
• Local neighborhoods
• Away from main squares

Money-Saving Transport

Long-Distance

Buses (Cheapest):

• CTM: Comfortable, reliable (Casablanca-Marrakech: 80 MAD)
• Supratours: Also good (similar prices)
• Local buses: Half the price, less comfort (Casablanca-Marrakech: 40 MAD)

Train (Comfortable, Reasonable):

• 2nd class: Very affordable (Casablanca-Marrakech: 95 MAD)
• Book in advance: No price difference but ensures seat
• Overnight trains: Save accommodation cost

Grand Taxis (Shared):

• Per seat: Cheap (Marrakech-Essaouira: 70-80 MAD per person)
• Fill 6 passengers: Departs when full
• Faster than buses often
• Negotiate before entering

Budget Comparison (Marrakech to Essaouira):

• Bus (CTM): 90 MAD
• Grand taxi (per seat): 70 MAD
• Private taxi: 800+ MAD (avoid unless group)

Hitching:

• Not common in Morocco
• Possible in remote areas
• Better to pay small amount for grand taxi seat

City Transport

Walking:

• FREE!
• Best way to see medinas
• Wear comfortable shoes
• Get lost and explore

Local Buses:

• 4-7 MAD per ride
• Crowded but cheap
• Marrakech: Routes to Ville Nouvelle, gardens
• Confusing for tourists (ask locals)

Petit Taxis:

• Short rides: 20-40 MAD
• Always use meter (daytime)
• Night: +50%
• Splits with others going same direction (ask driver)

Grand Taxis (Within City):

• Shared: 7-10 MAD per seat (set routes)
• Good for specific routes (airport, train station)

Avoid:

• Unlicensed taxis
• Meter "broken" taxis
• Tourist taxis (triple the price)

Free Activities

Free Attractions

MARRAKECH:

• Djemaa el-Fna: Free to wander (tips if you photograph performers)
• Medina wandering: Free, get lost intentionally
• Tanneries: Free to visit (guide will expect tip, 20-50 MAD)
• Koutoubia Mosque: Exterior and gardens free
• City walls and gates: Free
• Menara Gardens: Free (taxi there: 20-30 MAD)
• People-watching in cafés: Order one cheap tea, sit for hours

FES:

• Medina: Massive, free to explore
• Tanneries: Free (guide tip expected)
• City gates: Impressive, free
• Souks: Browsing free (no obligation to buy)
• Bou Inania Medersa: Free on Fridays sometimes

ESSAOUIRA:

• Beach: Free
• Medina: Free to wander
• Ramparts: Free
• Port: Free (great for photography)
• Skala de la Ville: Ramparts free, museum 10 MAD

CHEFCHAOUEN:

• Blue streets: Free, photogenic
• Medina: Free to explore
• Ras El Maa waterfall: Free
• Spanish Mosque hike: Free (sunset views)

EVERYWHERE:

• Walking medinas
• Markets and souks
• Watching sunset
• Photography
• Observing street life
• Parks and gardens (most free or 5-10 MAD)

Free Museum Days

Many museums free on Fridays (verify locally):

• Some government museums
• Times vary
• Or reduced entry

Nature (Free or Cheap)

Beaches:

• All public beaches free
• Essaouira, Agadir, Oualidia, etc.

Mountains:

• Hiking trails free
• Guides recommended (but not required for easy hikes)
• Day hikes Ourika Valley, around Imlil

Waterfalls:

• Ouzoud: 10 MAD entry (parking)
• Setti Fatma: Free (small tips to cross water)

Cultural Experiences (Free)

Call to Prayer:

• Five times daily
• Experience Islamic culture

Friday Prayer:

• Outside mosques (can't enter)
• Observe from respectful distance

Local Life:

• Sitting in parks
• Watching soccer games (kids playing)
• Conversing with locals (free mint tea often!)

Festivals:

• Many free street festivals
• Check dates

Budget Activities and Tours

DIY vs Guided

Self-Guided (Cheaper):

• Medinas: Use map/GPS
• Hiking: Atlas Mountain day hikes
• Beach days
• Market exploring

When Guide Worth It:

• First medina visit (get oriented, then explore alone)
• Tanneries (tricky to find, guide explains process)
• Complex historical sites (adds context)

Guides:

• Official half-day: 150-250 MAD (split with group)
• Unofficial: 50-100 MAD (verify credentials)
• Free walking tours: Tips-based (give 50-100 MAD if good)

Budget Day Trips

Ouzoud Waterfalls from Marrakech:

• Shared tour: 150-250 MAD (includes transport, guide)
• DIY: Grand taxi + local grand taxi = 150 MAD, entry 10 MAD

Essaouira from Marrakech:

• Supratours bus: 85 MAD each way
• Day trip tour: 200-300 MAD (includes transport)
• Grand taxi: 70 MAD per seat, 800 MAD private (split with 5 others = 160 MAD each)

Imlil/Toubkal from Marrakech:

• Bus to Asni: 20 MAD
• Grand taxi Asni to Imlil: 50 MAD (shared)
• Hike: Free
• Total: 70 MAD

Ourika Valley from Marrakech:

• Bus: 15-20 MAD
• Grand taxi: 30-50 MAD (shared)
• Hike: Free

Budget Desert Tours

Standard 3-Day Marrakech-Merzouga-Marrakech:

• Budget: 600-900 MAD (basic camp, shared transport)
• Mid-range: 1,200-1,800 MAD (better camp, smaller group)

How to Find Budget Tours:

• Compare multiple agencies
• Book in Marrakech (not in advance - negotiate)
• Group tours cheaper than private
• Off-season discounts

What's Included (Budget Tours):

• Transport (shared 4x4 or minibus)
• 2 nights accommodation (1 hotel, 1 desert camp)
• Some meals
• Camel trek

What to Expect:

• Large group (15-20 people)
• Basic camp (but still magical!)
• Long drives
• Worth it despite budget nature

Bargaining to Save Money

Where to Bargain

Always Bargain:

• Souks
• Markets (produce less, but crafts yes)
• Unmetered taxis (agree price first)
• Private tours
• Some accommodations (walk-ins, off-season)

Never Bargain:

• Restaurants
• Supermarkets
• Trains/buses
• Entry fees
• Metered taxis

Bargaining Strategy

Start Low:

• Offer 40-50% of asking price
• Negotiate up

Walk Away:

• Most effective technique
• Often called back with better price

Bundle:

• Buy multiple items = better discount

Cash:

• "Cash price?" = 5-10% off

Be Friendly:

• Smile, joke, enjoy the process
• Not a battle, a game

Know Fair Price:

• Check Ensemble Artisanal first (fixed prices, good reference)
• Compare multiple shops

Final Price Expectations:

• Pay 40-60% of original asking
• If they won't budge, probably near fair price

Seasonal Savings

Off-Season Travel (Cheaper)

Winter (Dec-Feb):

• Pros: 20-50% cheaper accommodation, fewer tourists
• Cons: Cold, rain (especially coast/mountains)
• Best for: Desert, budget travel

Summer (Jul-Aug):

• Pros: Sometimes discounts (heat keeps some tourists away)
• Cons: Extreme heat (interior), peak Europe season (coast busy)
• Best for: Coast (but prices higher there)

Shoulder Season (Best Value)

Spring (Mar-May) & Fall (Sep-Nov):

• Pros: Perfect weather, moderate prices, fewer crowds than peak
• Cons: Some rain possible (spring)
• Best for: Overall travel

Ramadan

Pros:

• Hotels often cheaper
• Fewer tourists
• Unique cultural experience

Cons:

• Limited daytime dining
• Reduced services
• Requires cultural sensitivity

Worth it for: Budget travelers willing to adapt

Free Accommodation

Couchsurfing

What is it: Stay with locals for free Website: Couchsurfing.com Costs: Free (but consider small gift for host)

Pros:

• Free accommodation
• Local insider knowledge
• Cultural exchange
• Make friends

Cons:

• Less privacy
• Depends on host
• Safety considerations (read reviews)

Popular in:

• Marrakech
• Casablanca
• Rabat
• Chefchaouen

Tips:

• Build profile before trip
• Read host reviews carefully
• Communicate expectations
• Be respectful guest
• Small gift appreciated (cook meal, bring snack from home country)

Work Exchange

Workaway/Worldpackers:

• Work 4-5 hours/day in exchange for accommodation (sometimes meals)
• Common in riads, hostels, guesthouses

Types of Work:

• Reception
• Hostel maintenance
• English teaching
• Social media/marketing
• Cooking

Costs:

• Membership: ~$50/year
• Accommodation/meals: Free
• Great for long-term budget travel

Money-Saving Tips

Accommodation

• Walk-in and negotiate (off-season)
• Stay in Ville Nouvelle (cheaper than medina tourist areas)
• Dorm beds (hostels)
• Multi-night discounts
• Off-season travel
• Couchsurfing

Food

• Eat street food
• Market picnics
• Cook if possible
• Lunch menus (cheaper than dinner)
• Eat where locals eat
• Drink tap water (brush teeth) but bottled for drinking (cheaper in supermarkets than tourist shops)

Transport

• 2nd class trains (comfortable enough)
• Local buses
• Shared grand taxis
• Walk medinas

Activities

• Free attractions (medinas, beaches, parks)
• DIY hiking
• Free museum days
• Self-guided tours (maps/GPS)

Shopping

• Bargain hard
• Compare prices
• Buy from cooperatives (fair, fixed prices but quality guaranteed)
• Supermarkets for basics (not souks)

General

• Travel in low season
• Bring reusable water bottle (refill from large bottles)
• Avoid tourist traps
• Ask locals for recommendations
• Pack snacks
• Share taxis/tours (split costs)
• Free walking tours

Sample Budget Itineraries

1 WEEK Ultra-Budget (150-250 MAD/day)

• Day 1-3: Marrakech (hostel dorm, street food, free medina wandering)
• Day 4-5: Essaouira (local bus, cheap guesthouse, beach days)
• Day 6-7: Back to Marrakech (more free exploring)

Total: 1,050-1,750 MAD (~$105-175) + transport (200 MAD) = ~$125-195 for week

2 WEEKS Low Budget (250-400 MAD/day)

• Day 1-3: Marrakech
• Day 4-5: Essaouira
• Day 6-7: Agadir (bus, budget hotel)
• Day 8-10: Budget desert tour (900 MAD)
• Day 11-14: Chefchaouen + Fes

Total: 3,500-5,600 MAD (~$350-560) + desert tour (900) + transport (400) = ~$465-590 for 2 weeks

Last-Minute Deals

Where to Find

Accommodation:

• Booking.com: Mobile-only deals
• Hotel Tonight: Last-minute discounts
• Walk-ins: Negotiate (off-season)

Tours:

• Marrakech agencies: Negotiate day before departure
• Group tours: Empty seats filled cheap
• Off-season: 30-50% discounts possible

Last Updated: February 2026 Daily Budget: $25-40 (comfortable backpacking) Cheapest Month: January-February