Step into a new world of alluring aromas, lively cities, and charismatic locals. If that doesn’t have you sold think about desert trekking, surfing villages, and stunning mountain ranges. Here are 10 reasons you should visit Morocco.
Morocco is a hodgepodge of culture.
If you thought Morocco was simply an Arab country, you’d be surprised to know that it has a lot of influence from European countries like France and Spain along with Berber and Jewish communities.
The late King Hassan II once said that Morocco is “a tree whose roots lie in Africa but whose leaves breathe in Europe.”
When you visit Morocco, it’s hard not to notice that. The mesh of cultures results in a variety of neighborhoods, especially in Marrakech, that each has their own cultural flair.
Most Moroccans speak both French and Darija, which is the Moroccan Arabic dialect. Something very interesting about Darija is that it’s difficult to speak and understand Darija if you speak Modern Standard Arabic. This is thanks to the French Conquest of Morocco in the early 1900s.
Fun fact for any language nerds: Darija is quite different from Standard Arabic because of its French & Spanish influence. In Darija there are words like these:
ستيلو (stilo) – pen ; comes from the French word stylo
فروماج (formaj) – cheese ; comes from the French word formaje
كشينة (kuzina) – kitchen ; comes from the Spanish word cocina
It still feels vastly different from the Western world.
If you’re looking for a different kind of travel experience, Morocco is the place to go. Even if you just have to hop on a 2 or 3 hour flight to arrive in Morocco, it will feel like you’ve traveled far longer.
Streets and sidewalks are one and the same, haggling the price is the norm, it’s chaotic and thought-provoking, and most signs are in Arabic, which is certainly different from the western world.
Morocco is full of delicious cuisine.
Moroccan food is absolutely delicious and extremely affordable! Expect to get large portions for only a couple of euros (converted from Moroccan dirhams, the local currency).
Most accommodation that you book will provide a full Moroccan breakfast every morning included in your stay. Typically this will consist of bread, yogurt, a boiled egg, Moroccan-style pancakes, butter and jams, fruit, as well as mint tea or coffee.
Typical Moroccan lunch and dinner dishes are things like tajine, which is a Berber dish cooked in a clay pot with vegetables, spices, and an option to add meat.
You’ll also find plenty of couscous dishes, a variety of fruits and vegetables, soups, and other fresh foods.
Oh, let’s not forget to mention desserts! When you visit Morocco, you must try briouat! These traditional Moroccan pastries are filled with almond paste and coated with honey, and they will ROCK YOUR WORLD.
The architecture is stunning.
Photographers and Instagrammers adore Morocco for its distinct architecture and color scheme. Neutral tones fill the streets of Marrakech’s clay buildings with poppy tones thanks to rug vendors and ceramics. In places like Chefchaouen expect to find a city painted in vibrant blue hues — gorgeous.
Beyond just the colors, the intricate details of Morocco’s dome-shaped doors, vibrant tiling, and traditional riads are exceptionally inviting as well.
The locals are very charismatic.
When you’re in Morocco, you’ll quickly find that locals are very chatty and love to get to know the people visiting their country (especially if you’re inside their shop). Plus, it’s customary for shopkeepers to offer you tea when you’re shopping, where you’ll take some time to get to know one another. In Morocco, there’s no rush. They have beautifully found a way to take their time.
Note: Do keep in mind some extra tips when conversing with locals if you’re a female traveler in Morocco and be sure not to follow locals who are trying to show you “secret spots” or great shopping areas.
Here are some important things to know before visiting Morocco as a female.
The natural scenery in Morocco is gorgeous.
The landscapes are easily one of the best reasons why you must visit Morocco. Places like the stunning Atlas Mountains outside of Marrakech, access to the Sahara Desert, along with a lovely coastline and waterfall-filled valleys, Morocco is a fantastic destination for natural scenery.
Shopping in the souks of Marrakech is a must.
When you visit Morocco, you must visit Marrakech. It’s surprisingly not the capital, but it’s the country’s most popular city. Experience the lively madness of Jeema El-fna, the city’s main square, which branches off into the souks (or markets) of Marrakech.
Here you can find Moroccan argan oil, beautiful Arabian lamps, and teapots, natural beauty products, ceramics, clothing, spices — the list goes on.
The palaces of Morocco are stunning.
Another reason you must visit Morocco is to see some of its palaces. The Bahia Palace in Marrakech costs only a few euros to visit, and it’s well worth it. Meaning Brilliance in Arabic, the Bahia Palace is that and so much more. With 150 rooms, the place is mostly naked in terms of decor and furniture. Its tiles and mosaics speak for the palace. There are colorful details, abstract tiles, and a massive courtyard with a petite fountain in the middle ate what complete the charm of this Moroccan palace.
Here’s my complete guide to Marrakech packed full of things to do.
It’s a perfect place for cat lovers.
What is it with warm countries and cats!? Expect to see plenty of friendly cats eager for your attention when you visit Morocco. The locals seem to care for a lot of them, but they could still use some extra love, so feel free to spend some time walking around feeding cats (if you’re cat crazy like me.)
Morocco is a popular surf destination.
If you like to be seaside, there’s plenty of that in Morocco. Head to surf towns like Essaouria and Agadir for more laid-back vibes, seafood, and great surf beaches. It’s easily one of the best reasons to visit Morocco if you love the sea.
Looking for more reasons to visit Morocco? Check out more Morocco travel content.
Shop some of my favorite Moroccan goodies on Etsy.
