Travel Tips | Morocco
Located in Northern Africa, Morocco is a country that has a lot to offer. From camel trekking in the middle of the desert, to joining the hustle and bustle of the city, Morocco provides something for everyone. While I have only been to Casablanca, Rabat, and Marrakesh, I will share my experiences and insights on the country as a whole.
- Currency: The Dirham
- Language: French and Arabic. In my experience, it was easier to find someone who spoke English in Rabat and Marrakesh, as opposed to Casablanca. At the train station in Casablanca no one spoke English, so it was difficult to communicate.
-Food: They keep it coming and coming. The Moroccan cuisine is very fresh and unique to anything I have tasted on any of my travels. They typically start off every meal with bread and then keep the food coming after that. Dishes that I recommend trying include the "tagine", which can be served in a variety of ways. This dish is almost like a stew and usually has meat or veggies, or both, in it. The vessel it is cooked in is also called a tagine and kind of looks like a hut for your food.
Another dish I recommend is one that contains couscous, which is a rice-like pasta. For me, these dishes typically had meat over the couscous, but if you are a vegetarian or just don't like meat in general, then they have a variety of couscous dishes without meat!
Lastly, Moroccans seem to display their food in a very appealing way and incorporate foods with plenty of color. Even though I am not a huge veggie eater, the way they displayed their food had me eating veggies.
- Drink: MINT TEA. I happen to be a tea lover, but even if you don't like tea I urge you to try it. Mint tea is a classic drink to sip upon while in Morocco. I was even drinking it in 103 degree weather.
-What about water? Should you drink the water in Morocco? While I was there I was told to not drink the water and not even brush your teeth with it. I would recommend staying on the safe side and drinking from a water bottle. It is super easy and cheap to find a water bottle in the supermarket.
- Clothing: Okay, ladies, this is important. DRESS CONSERVATIVELY. Yes, if you go in the summer it is over 100 degrees, but still cover up. To cope with the summer heat and stay fashionable in the process, consider wearing a maxi skirt, maxi dress (but cover shoulders), scarf, or linen pants. Cover your shoulders, legs, and chest. The men will cat call you and shout out rude comments if you are not covered--trust me, I was completely covered and still got cat called.
-Should I wear a headscarf? No. I was told that it is disrespectful to wear a headscarf in Morocco unless you are Muslim.
-Additional Tips: If you plan to go to Jemaa el Fna in Marrakesh (AKA the market square), which you really should, be aware of people. If a snake charmer tries to put a snake on you, or if the man with monkeys tries to put a monkey on you, just walk away, unless you are willing to pay them. Even if you didn't want an animal on you, they will insist you pay them.
-Don't forget to look up, down, and everywhere. The tilework in Morocco is absolutely stunning. Don't miss it because you are just looking forward.
-Haggle. Haggle. Haggle. in the markets. It is part of their culture, so don't feel bad doing it. Also don't feel bad walking away if they can't give you a good offer. They will most likely call you back and accept your offer.
-Remember that the main religion of Morocco is Islam. So, if you are going to Morocco during Ramadan, some things might be closed that are normally open. Also, don't eat or drink anything in the streets during Ramadan. This isn't a law by any means, but it is a nice gesture, since those practicing Islam fast during Ramadan. How torturous would it be to get a whiff of someone's food or see someone eating or drinking when you can't??
-Accept the fact that you will get lost in the never ending alleys of the medinas. They start to look the same and seriously go on for what seems like miles.
xoxo,
Em