Do's and Don'ts of Visiting Morocco
By: Nouha Elyazidi / Arab America Contributing Writer
Morocco is a common tourist destination on the bucket list of many. Morocco has stunning sights and a captivating culture unlike any other. Before embarking on travel, many want to educate themselves on what they should and should not do when visiting a new country to abide by the cultural, societal, and religious norms. This guide focuses on the cultural dos and don’ts of visiting Morocco to optimize your trip and enjoy everything the stunning country has to offer.
Do bargain in the souks
A trip to Morocco would be incomplete without visiting a Moroccan bazaar or souk. Oftentimes shop owners will be flexible with their prices, so it would be helpful to learn a word or two in Arabic and try to see if you can get a better deal on the goods you want. However, it is necessary to remember to be reasonable because this is the vendor’s livelihood, so it is important to remain considerate of their time and labor. This is also a great way to engage in conversation with locals and learn more about the country and its people!
Do not visit souks, espically in smaller cities, durng prayer times
In Morocco, more so in smaller cities, souks will close during prayer times. Most vendors will set up shop relatively early in the morning, and then close shop a few times during the day to pray. Many vendors will close their stands/shops during prayer times for about half an hour. The best time to go to souks is in between prayer times to get the most shopping time. An easy way to avoid this is to ask locals or check online. This will not be an issue everywhere you go, but it is a good thing to keep in mind depending on where you are traveling
Do try lots of attractions/activities
The beautiful part of Morocco is all the activities it has to offer, you can ride ATVs, ride jet skis, visit souks, go for camel rides, etc. All of these activities are so fun and there is always an adventure to be had so be sure to explore your options and find some fun activities during your time in Morocco.
Do not refuse tea
Obviously, take this with a grain of salt, you do not have to drink tea if you do not want to, but culturally, it is considered rude if you refuse tea. Moroccan tea has cultural significance and is symbolic of hospitality and welcoming. Hosts will serve tea to their guests as a way of extending a welcome, so if you are offered tea when visiting, the polite thing to do would be to enjoy it!
Do try to learn more about culture and food given these first hand experiences
The delicious taste of the national dish of Morocco couscous is something that is not done justice by a simple explanation or photograph. Try to taste as many of the local and traditional dishes as you can because this is where you are going to get the best and most authentic Moroccan dishes! In addition to the food, also try to learn more about the culture through observing locals and asking people such as tour guides any questions you may have. Learn about the county’s everyday culture, traditions, customs, etc. Travel is a great way to broaden your horizons, so make sure to use this opportunity to do so.
Do not ignore the rest of the Morocco
Cities that are major tourist attractions like Casablanca and Marrakech offer so much to offer and are stunning places to visit, but Morocco has some incredibly underrated cities that are also worth visiting. Check out Saidia, Tanger, Fez, Agadir, Taroudant, El Jadida, and countless more. If you are given the opportunity, exploring more parts of Morocco will be an eye-opening and beautiful experience.
Do enjoy your time and make the most of your experience
Traveling to such a beautiful and culturally right country like Morocco is often a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many people, so remember to enjoy your time, relish in the moment, and create life-lasting memories.
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