Avoid Tourist Traps & Travel Morocco Like a Pro ✈️

Hey there,

You’re already set on visiting Morocco, but how do you make the most of your trip without falling into the usual tourist pitfalls? This issue goes beyond the basics, offering expert tips on where to stay, what to skip, and how to truly experience Morocco like an insider

Hidden Morocco
🏡Where to Stay; Riads vs. Hotels vs. Guesthouses

Morocco offers a variety of accommodations, each with a different experience. Here’s what you need to know before booking:

• 🏰Riads (Best for Authenticity & Atmosphere)
  

  • Traditional Moroccan homes with central courtyards, often located in medinas.
    

  • ☕Best in cities like Marrakech and Fez, opt for ones with rooftop terraces for morning tea with a view.
    

  • ⚠️Downside: Some have no vehicle access due to medina locations, so be prepared to walk with luggage.
    

• 🏨Hotels & Resorts (Best for Comfort & Convenience)
  

  • 🌊International chains and luxury resorts offer familiar amenities and pools, great for families or a relaxed stay
    

  • Best found in Casablanca, Agadir, and Marrakech’s modern districts.
    

  • ⚠️Downside: Less personal and detached from local culture.
    

• 🏡Guesthouses (Best for Immersive Experiences)
  

  • 🌿Run by locals, often in villages or rural areas, ideal for learning about Berber culture or Moroccan farming traditions.
    

  • Found in the Atlas Mountains, the Draa Valley, and coastal areas like Sidi Kaouki.
    

  • ⚠️Downside: Some may lack modern conveniences, but the experience makes up for it.

✨Pro Tip: If staying in a medina riad, ask if they offer airport transfers or luggage assistance, navigating the alleys with suitcases isn’t fun.

Taste of Morocco
🍽️What’s Worth Trying & What to Skip

Moroccan food is a highlight, but not every dish is a must-try, and not every spot serves the best version. Here’s what’s worth your time:

• ✅Must-Try Dishes:
  

  • 🍲Tanjia: A slow-cooked Marrakech specialty, different from tagine, prepared in clay pots buried in coals overnight.
    

  • 🥣Bissara: A rich fava bean soup, best enjoyed in small eateries in northern Morocco.
    

  • 🥞Msemen & Harsha: Moroccan breakfast essentials, perfect with honey or soft cheese.
    

• ❌Overrated Dishes:
  

  • 🚫Street-Side Tagine: Some touristy spots pre-make tagines, leaving them dry and overcooked, ask for freshly prepared ones.
    

  • ⏳Couscous Anytime: In Morocco, couscous is traditionally served on Fridays. If a restaurant pushes it every day, it’s likely a tourist gimmick.
    

• 🍴Where to Eat for the Best Experience:

  • For street food: Go where locals line up, it’s the best quality control.
    

  • 📅For fine dining: Book in advance, highly-rated places like Nomad (Marrakech) and Dar Roumana (Fez) fill up quickly.
    

  • 🏡For home-cooked meals: Consider a cooking class or a meal experience in a riad.

✨Pro Tip: Restaurants in medinas often charge extra for seating with a view. Always check the menu for hidden service fees before ordering.

Adventure Awaits
🚕Transportation Hacks, Getting Around Without the Hassle

Navigating Morocco efficiently saves time, money, and frustration. Here’s how to move around like a pro:

• 🚆Trains & Buses:
  

  • 🎟️ONCF Trains: Best for traveling between major cities (Casablanca, Marrakech, Fez, Tangier). Book first class for assigned seating.
    

  • 🚌CTM & Supratours Buses: Comfortable and reliable for long-distance routes, with air conditioning and baggage services.
    

• 🚖Taxis & Ride-Sharing:
  

  • Petit Taxis: Used within cities, always insist on the meter. Each city has a different taxi color (e.g., blue in Rabat, red in Marrakech).
    

  • Grand Taxis: Shared taxis for intercity travel, cheap but crowded. If you prefer comfort, you can pay for extra seats.
    

  • 📱Careem & InDriver: Available in major cities, often cheaper and easier than negotiating fares with taxis.
    

• 🚗Car Rentals: Worth It?
  

  • Great for exploring remote areas like the Sahara or coastal towns, but driving in medinas and big cities is chaotic.
    

  • If renting, opt for a 4x4 for desert routes and check for included insurance.

✨Pro Tip: Avoid fake “train station assistants” offering to help with tickets, they’ll just charge extra for something you can do yourself.

Your Morocco trip should be effortless, immersive, and unforgettable. By choosing the right stay, eating wisely, and navigating smartly.

If you want to travel like an insider, not just a tourist, check out our guide on local guide to Moroccan hidden gems

Safe travels and happy planning! ✨

Best regards,
The Magic Morocco Team