50 Fascinating Things to Know Before You Visit Morocco
Exploring the beautiful medinas of Morocco.
I went to Morocco expecting deserts and medinas, and what I found was a rich culture and history that would leave me wanting more. This North African gem completely surprised me. It was safer and easier to travel than I’d imagined, the landscapes were incredibly diverse, and the people were some of the kindest and most welcoming I’ve met.
Here are 50 quirky, curious and fascinating things I learned on my Moroccan adventure, from wine regions and mint tea rituals to why you’ll want to pack a bottle opener. Whether you’re planning a trip or just dreaming of one, this list will spark your wanderlust.
Geography & Landscape Surprises
You can ski and ride camels in the same day.
Morocco isn’t just desert, expect lush green hills, gorges, snow capped mountains, waterfalls, lakes, and beaches.
The north is surprisingly green, especially near Chefchaouen and Meknes.
You’ll drive past olive groves, date palms, and citrus trees on the daily.
Traditional mud-brick villages still thrive and blend into the landscape.
Ait Ben Haddou is a real-life movie set, and it’s UNESCO listed.
Oases are real, and they’re beautiful.
Expect sudden weather changes, from snowy mountains to sizzling sand dunes just a few hours drive apart.
Culture, Customs & Local Life
9. Morocco is a blend of Arab, Berber, French and Spanish influence.
10. French is widely spoken, even more than English in some regions.
11. Rural villages still live traditionally, herding, weaving, farming.
12. The call to prayer can be heard five times a day.
13. Local guides are full of charm, and often know each other.
14. Tipping is part of life, keep small change handy.
15. Friday is couscous day, it’s sacred, delicious, and prepared from scratch.
16. Bartering is expected in markets. It’s a game, so play with confidence.
17. “Chocolate” is code for cannabis, especially in Chefchaouen. It’s illegal in Morocco, so be cautious when offered,
18. Hospitality is everything, and always starts with mint tea.
Food & Drink Quirks
19. Meals start with bread and olives. Always.
20. Mint tea is the drink, and it’s super sweet.
21. Dinner is late, expect 9 or 10pm.
22. Sugar is everywhere, even in unexpected dishes like salads.
23. Cake for breakfast? Totally normal.
24. Fresh orange juice is the best you’ll ever taste.
25. Avoid raw salad unless you trust the kitchen. It’s not always fresh.
26. Alcohol is discreet but available in large supermarkets and restaurants.
27. Bring a bottle opener, you’ll probably need one, as wine bottles are corked.
28. Morocco has wine regions, especially around Meknes.
29. Tagines are cooked low and slow for max flavour.
30. Dates are common snacks.
31. You’ll find Sfenj (Moroccan donuts) for breakfast, try them!
Animals, Nature & Everyday Wonders
32. Stray cats are everywhere, and lovingly cared for by locals.
33. Donkeys are still used in everyday life, especially in medinas.
34. Camels are part of desert culture, not just tourist attractions.
35. You’ll become obsessed with photographing doors.
36. Mosaics are more than art, with colours from nature and symbolic meanings.
37. Mirage’s are real, and common in desert regions.
38. Palm groves line oasis towns.
39. Storks nest dramatically on ruins and rooftops.
40. You’ll see sheep in some very unexpected places.
Travel Tips & Local Know-How
41. ATMs are everywhere, but currency exchanges only accept USD, EUR or GBP.
42. Don’t drink the tap water. Stick to bottled.
43. You’ll often pay to use public toilets, even in cafés.
44. Wi-Fi is surprisingly good, even in remote towns.
45. Alcohol is consumed discreetly, especially by locals, and is not often served in restaurants.
46. Don’t tackle the Fes Medina without a guide. It’s a full-on labyrinth.
47. The Marrakech Medina stays open well after midnight.
48. Getting lost in a Medina is part of the experience, embrace it.
49. Know your lingo:
Kasbah = fortress
Riad = guesthouse
Medina = old town
Souk = market
Madrasa = Islamic school
Hammam = traditional bathhouse
50. Every guide has “a cousin” with a rug shop. You’ve been warned 😉
Morocco is full of magic. It’s vibrant, soulful, chaotic, grounding, and full of heart. From its colourful medinas to its peaceful mountains, every moment invites you to slow down, look deeper, and explore more curiously. If you’re dreaming of an adventure that’s part culture trip, part sensory overload, and full of stories you’ll never forget, this is your sign.
Heading to Morocco? Discover How to Spend 24 Magical Hours in Marrakech.
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