When to Go
Best Time to Visit
March–May, September–November. Mild and dry. Summer is brutally hot (40°C). Winter is cool and pleasant.
Daily Spend in USD
Budget
Budget
$30/day
Mid-range
$90/day
Luxury
$300/day
Riads are excellent value; food is genuinely cheap. Hammams and Atlas day trips are the main splurges.
With Kids
Family Travel
Riads with pools, Atlas Mountains day trip, Yves Saint Laurent garden, camel ride.
Together
Couples Travel
Hammam spa together, riad rooftop dinner, Sahara overnight excursion.
On Your Own
Solo Travel
Easy for men; women travelers report hassle in souks. Group tours common.
Food
What to Eat
- Tagine. Slow-cooked stew in a clay pot — chicken-and-preserved-lemon is the classic.
- Couscous. Traditionally served on Fridays — try at a riad.
- Mint Tea. Endless small cups, the national hospitality ritual.
- Pastilla. Layered phyllo with pigeon or chicken + almonds + sugar — sweet-savory.
Transportation
Getting Around
Walking in the medina; taxis (negotiate fare in advance) for distance.
Petit taxis (small beige cabs) by meter. Pedestrians have no right of way — be alert.
Where to Base Yourself
Neighborhoods
- Medina. Walled old town, souks, the riads.
- Gueliz. Modern French quarter, cafés, shopping.
- Hivernage. Luxury hotels, residential, calm.
- Palmeraie. Oasis on the outskirts, luxury resorts, camel rides.
What to Know
Safety
Generally safe; vendors persistent in souks; pickpockets in Jemaa el-Fnaa square; respect modest dress.