Visit Magnificent Morocco

“We call it Moroccan whiskey,” Mohammed told us as he poured steaming amber liquid sweetened with honey and fragrant with fresh mint. “When it’s hot, we drink tea. When it’s hot, and you drink hot things, you feel cooler.”

The counterintuitive advice proved true throughout our stay. Mohammed’s generosity went beyond the tea; it was in the genuine warmth he shared. Earl and Mohammed exchanged WhatsApp numbers, turning a tourist interaction into an ongoing friendship.

Why it matters: Travel’s greatest gifts come from slowing down enough to accept unexpected invitations.

4. Try On Traditional Clothing

Despite being restrained travelers, Morocco broke down our spending defenses.

Earl developed a strategy: Skip the loud salespeople who pitched us their wares as we walked by, and only buy from “calm” vendors who engaged us as people, not just tourists.

I bought beautifully embroidered shirts and an elegant kaftan. Earl went all in with a traditional djellaba plus multiple shirts and pants.

Bargaining is expected and part of the cultural experience. Start at about half the asking price and meet somewhere in the middle. It’s not about being cheap. It’s about participating in a tradition that’s been part of Moroccan commerce for centuries.

Why it matters: The right purchase becomes a wearable memory.

5. Take a Tuk-Tuk Through Hidden Passages

The main square is impressive, but real magic happens in the almost impossibly narrow inner passageways most tourists never explore. A nighttime tuk-tuk ride becomes your ticket to discovery.

When our driver suddenly veered off the beaten path, we were initially nervous. But he was giving us an insider’s view: residential areas with children in doorways, ornate balconies, tiny workshops operating for generations.

The darkness added mystery, with lights glowing from windows and sounds of family life drifting into the night air.

Why it matters: This is how you see the real Medina: as a living neighborhood where families have resided for centuries.

Embrace the Experience

The Medina can feel overwhelming at first: crowds, vendors, constant sensory stimulation. But lean into that feeling. Say yes to tea invitations. Haggle with a smile. Get lost in the souks. Stay in a riad where you can retreat to a peaceful courtyard for a break.

This isn’t a place to rush through checking boxes. The Medina rewards those who slow down and remain open to unexpected connections—whether during Ramadan’s spiritual evenings or the vibrant energy of spring and fall.

Essential Tips for Women Travelers

Mosque Etiquette

Most mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims, including the stunning Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakesh. However, you can admire the architecture from outside and visit the beautiful courtyards of some historical sites. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is one notable exception that offers guided tours for visitors of all faiths.

During Ramadan, be particularly respectful near mosques during prayer times. Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees), speak quietly, and avoid eating or drinking in public during daylight fasting hours out of respect for those observing the holy month.

Traveling Solo or in Small Female Groups

Morocco is generally safe for women travelers, and I felt comfortable throughout our trip. That said, a few practical tips:

Dress conservatively. Loose-fitting pants or long skirts, and tops that cover your shoulders will help you blend in and avoid unwanted attention. I packed lightweight linen pants and cotton shirts that kept me cool in the heat while respecting local norms.

Stay aware in crowds. The Medina’s narrow passages can get packed. Keep valuables secured in a cross-body bag, and trust your instincts if a situation feels uncomfortable.

Book accommodations carefully. Choose riads or hotels in well-traveled areas with good reviews from other women travelers. Staff at quality riads can arrange trusted drivers and provide guidance on safe routes through the Medina.

Use official transportation. Stick with licensed taxis (petit taxis for city travel) or arrange transportation through your riad. Your accommodation can also recommend reputable tour guides.

Getting There: Flight Options

Although flights are long, getting to Marrakesh from the U.S. is easier than you might think, with both direct and one-stop options:

Direct flights to Marrakesh: United Airlines offers direct service from Newark, NJ (EWR) to Marrakesh (RAK) in about 7.5 hours. It’s the easiest option if you’re on the East Coast. Delta also flies direct from Atlanta (ATL) three times weekly.

One-stop connections: If direct flights don’t work with your schedule or location, European hubs like Paris, Madrid, and Lisbon offer frequent connections to Marrakesh. TAP Air Portugal, Air France, and Iberia all have good options.

My recommendation: Take a direct flight if you can and choose the main Marrakech Menara Airport (RAK) airport as opposed to the airport in Casablanca, as some opt to do. After a long international journey, you probably won’t want to deal with added connections or a nearly three-hour train ride from Casablanca! Since we’d been traveling in Europe, we flew through Spain on our trip to Morocco. But for future visits, the Newark direct flight would be my first choice.

Armed with these practical tips, you’re ready to navigate Marrakesh like a seasoned traveler—and discover why this ancient city keeps calling visitors back.