Marrakech : What budget to travel? Money and currency

Without being an expensive city, Marrakech is not a paradise for the broke. The government has favored tourism for the wealthy in order to bring in foreign currency, hence the many high-class hotels. Guest houses are cheaper, however. The currency is the dirham, and exchange, ATM withdrawals and credit card payments are easy in town. However, cash is preferable. In Marrakech, tipping is customary but not mandatory.

Marrakech : What budget for activities and outings?

If you want to party in Marrakech, especially in the trendy places, you'll need to budget accordingly, as the prices charged are equivalent to those in Europe.

Marrakech : What is the budget for eating?

You can have lunch for less than €10 in a small neighborhood restaurant serving a local dish of the day. Establishments offering international cuisine (Japanese, Italian, etc.) charge prices closer to the French range. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere, but always bring cash for the simpler places, such as Place Jemaâ el Fna or the small, popular restaurants.

Marrakech : What is the budget for accommodation?

Where to sleep in Marrakech is one of the major questions you ask yourself when planning your trip. There's a wide range of accommodation on offer, from small, simple hotels to large palaces (in the modern city) and the famous charming riads that guarantee a total change of scenery, not to mention all-inclusives outside the city or rustic ecolodges in the mountains. Don't forget that most riads are located in the medina. Depending on your activities, and especially if they take place at night, you'll need to walk to them. Room rates with Moroccan breakfast start at around €40, and go well over €300 for the most luxurious riads with swimming pools. Don't hesitate to compare accommodations according to your budget and location. For long-stay visitors, groups of friends or families, it's worth renting a riad in its entirety. Expect to pay around €70 per day for a small riad with 2 or 3 bedrooms. Rentals often come with a cleaning service, included or not, so don't hesitate to negotiate. As with everything else in Morocco!

Marrakech : Travel budget and cost of living

Life in Marrakech lends itself to all budgets. You can have a hearty lunch for 70 DH (a Friday couscous, for example), while a gourmet dinner in a restaurant worthy of the Thousand and One Nights can easily fetch astronomical prices. Generally speaking, the cost of living is much lower than in Europe. For example, a trip from the medina to the city center will only cost the equivalent of €1 or €2. Staple goods, food, fruit and vegetables are more than affordable. Despite this, haggling remains a national sport and part of the charm of the place. Here, haggling is a no-brainer!