Located in northern Africa, Morocco is one of Spain‘s closest neighbors. I first traveled there on a road trip with my Dad back in 2014 and I´ll be visiting the country again this 2025 with a friend.
All in all, these are the cities in Morocco I´ve been to: Agadir (coming up soon), Casablanca, Essaouira (coming up soon), Fez, Marrakech and Rabat.
Although the country was a bit of a cultural shock when I first got there, I can’t wait to go back and explore this fascinating destination once more.
Although some dishes of Moroccan cuisine have their origins in the Berber indigenous people, such as couscous, Moroccan food in general owes much to the influence of neighboring territories.
Traditional Moroccan cuisine is based on fresh produce, ranging from fruits and vegetables, to fish and meat. Sweets also feature widely. A traditional meal would start with a salad or vegetables. It would then be followed by the first course, often couscous or tagine. For dessert, you may have fruit and or pastries. The meal is usually accompanied by green tea.
In terms of meat, the most popular one is lamb, closely followed by beef, rabbit, chicken, turkey, and pigeon.
Fish and seafood are also abundant in Morocco thanks to its extensive coastline. Sea bream, sea bass, prawns, cuttlefish, oysters and mussels, you name it!
You will find many vegetables in Moroccan cuisine as well, served fresh in salads, grilled or stewed. Eggplant is omnipresent, as are tomatoes, peppers, onions, olive oil and olives. And don´t forget the delicious preserved lemons!
Spices are very popular in traditional Moroccan cuisine too. The most commonly used are anise, black pepper, cayenne pepper, cardamom, cinnamon, clove, coriander, cumin, ginger, paprika, parsley, saffron and turmeric. Besides, there are three essential seasonings: ´chermoula´ for marinades, ´harissa´, a spicy chilli-based condiment, and ´ras el hanout´, a mixture of over twenty spices typically used in tagines.
To finish on a sweet note, Moroccan desserts are delicious, as is usually the case throughout the Middle East. Some typical Moroccan pastries include briouat, chebakia, ghoriba, kaab el ghazal, m´hanncha, jawhara (milk pastilla) or sfenj.
Note that green tea is the national drink in Morocco. It is served several times a day, be it at home, in the office, in shops and in the cafés. The tea ceremony is almost always performed in front of the guests and follows unaltered rules. Moroccans are also great consumers of coffee (qahwa), which is usually served with milk but is often seasoned with cinnamon, orange blossom water or a few grains of pepper. Fresh orange juice is delicious, as are other fruit juices. The country also produces good wines even though the Koran prohibits alcohol consumption.
Tipping is customary in Morocco. Note that your tip should range between 5% and 10% of the total bill, always in cash, and should be left on the table.
As for alcoholic beverages, although Morocco is a Muslim country with very strict regulations on the sale of alcohol, the majority of mid-high category restaurants or with mainly foreign clientele are licensed to serve it.
Also take into account that, during the Ramadan fast, many restaurants close at midday.
💬 Arabic glossary: the following words might come in handy while you’re exploring the country. Feel free to write them down!
🕌 Cultural norms: bear in mind that Morocco is a Muslim country. Hence, respecting the cultural and religious etiquette is essential for a positive and immersive experience. Modest clothing is recommended, especially in traditional areas like the medina, where covering shoulders and knees show respect for local customs. Note that most religious buildings such as mosques or Koranic schools (madrasa) are accessible to Muslims only. In the rare cases in which non-Muslims are allowed inside, women are expected to cover their hair (which is why packing a shawl is always a good idea). Also, remember that Muslims pray five times a day, including before dawn and at nighttime, meaning that you are likely to be waken up by the call to prayer during your sleep.
💰 Haggling: as you will soon discover when wandering the Moroccan streets, prices are not usually marked. Even though I´m not a big fan of it, always negotiate in the souks, as it is both culturally expected and part of the experience. Never lose your smile in the slow process of haggling, as it is considered a game. Instead, dive in it with confidence while you enjoy the friendly back and forth with the vendors. If you show interest in a particular item, the shopkeeper will give you an initial price that is well above the real price, but which tests your interest. In order to bargain effectively, know the value of what you want to buy or have in mind the maximum amount you plan to pay. If, on the other hand, you refuse to raise the offer enough for the seller to make a profit, chances are he will not continue with the transaction.
📸 Photography: be careful when capturing official buildings such as palaces. When we visited Fez, I took a few pictures of the imposing Royal Palace, and we were quickly approached by a security guard who prevented us of doing so. Luckily, I was able to delete the photos just in time!
🛟 Safety: in my opinion, traveling in Morocco as a woman is generally safe, but it’s important to take precautions to ensure a comfortable experience. Dressing modestly can help you avoid unwanted attention, especially in traditional areas like the bustling medinas. Always be mindful of your belongings and stick to busy, well-lit streets when exploring at night. Be confident but polite when declining persistent vendors or unsolicited advances. Traveling with a companion or group is ideal, but solo travel is also manageable with preparation and awareness. Trust your instincts, respect local customs, and enjoy the warm hospitality Morocco is known for.
Get inspired by my trips around the country and read these travel-related blog posts!
And even better, listen to my Middle Eastern vibes playlist on Spotify while you do so to feel like you´re literally there. 
July 12, 2021
