​​4 Super-Simple Ways To Save On A Budget-Friendly Holiday In Morocco

It’s an incredible, magical and enchanting destination. But with all those amazing qualities, is it possible to have a budget-friendly holiday in Morocco? If so, how do you do it without compromising on the memory-making?

Is It Possible To Have a Brilliant Budget-Friendly Holiday in Morocco
Can you go budget-friendly but brilliant in Morocco? Photo by Taryn Elliott.

Morocco is one of the most brilliant places to visit and is known by travellers worldwide for its cuisine, culture, heritage sites and stunning scenery.

Avid travellers are sure to include Morocco on their bucket lists. However, some people want to be able to travel as much as they can on as little of a budget as humanly possible. And when you only get limited annual leave, why wouldn’t you want as much bang for your book as possible? 

But is it possible to have a brilliant trip to Morocco whilst being budget-conscious? There are many budget-friendly attractions, accommodations and restaurants that you can visit in almost every Moroccan city.

If you’re thinking about taking a budget-friendly holiday in Morocco, these things definitely need to be on your list.


Bagging a Budget Break Is Even Easier With Our Price Drop


Is It Possible To Have a Brilliant Budget-Friendly Holiday in Morocco?

The answer is definitely yes. There are many ways you can keep costs low whilst experiencing every beautiful piece of culture that Morocco has to offer! Our top 4 things to try while staying budget-conscious are

  1. Medinas 
  2. UNESCO Sites
  3. Sleeping in the Sahara
  4. Chow down on street food

These experiences and attractions are once in a lifetime, and often free. Don’t worry about your wallet when visiting this beautiful country and enjoy a budget-conscious but brilliant holiday in Morocco.

A UNESCO world heritage site in Morocco overlooking the palms and the mountains
There are lots of sights and activities in Morocco that don’t cost the earth. Photo by Sergey Pesterev on Unsplash

1. Magical Medinas Of Morocco 

The word ‘medina’ means ‘city’ in Arabic, and in the cities of Morocco, the medina usually refers to the old town. Medinas have a lot of history and have often been standing for hundreds of years.

The medieval style of the medinas often makes them a stunningly beautiful place to walk around, shop and eat. There are often many vendors selling stunningly handcrafted wares and gorgeous clothing.

Performers such as snake charmers and traditional dancers fill the medina’s square in the evenings, entertaining locals and travellers alike. Hammam bathhouses and textile souks line the maze of intricate streets that make up the cobbled alleyways of the medinas, meaning you can get lost in the beautiful streets.

Some of the medinas in the cities of Morocco also have hidden gardens, courtyards and mosaics, meaning you can find art anywhere.

Man in a blue shirt looking at spices in a Moroccoan bazaar
Shop enchanting spice and materials in the medinas. Photo by Taryn Elliott.

2. UNESCO World Heritage Sites 

While we’re on the subject of these bustling bazaars, let’s take a moment to discuss heritage sites because 7 of Morocco’s medinas are included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site’s list, and, as well as being completely free to enter, they are some of the most fascinating attractions Morocco has to offer.

The medinas are a must-visit location and you don’t have to spend a lot in order to afford them either. You can spend a lovely afternoon having a mint tea in a cafe and watching the world go by. Many of the wares sold in the medina are often not too expensive, and negotiation is an integral part of the culture here.

4 medinas in Morocco are considered to be world heritage sites – Essaouira, Fez, Marrakech and Tetouan. However, there are also plenty of other UNESCO world heritage sites in Morocco which have fascinating historical significance, such as the Archaeological Site of Volubilis and the Historic City of Meknes.

If you want to experience stunning historical sites that tell the tale of time, definitely consider adding a few of these to your itinerary.

A magical medina in Marrakech
Image by Silke from Pixabay


3. Sleeping In The Sahara

One amazing thing to do when going for a budget-friendly holiday in Morocco is the experience of sleeping under the stars in the Saharan desert.

Travellers from all over the world are desperate to experience what it’s like to sleep immersed in the awesome beauty of the desert. The light pollution is so low in the middle of the desert, you’re able to see every star in the night sky.

Many travellers consider it one of the best experiences of their lives and feel spiritually enriched through connecting to the planet in this way. But, we know what you’re thinking, “isn’t going on an overnight Sahara desert excursion super expensive?” 

Woman walking across a dune in the Sahara Desert
Imagine waking up to this incredible view! Photo by Cassie Smart on Unsplash

How Much Does it Cost To Sleep In The Sahara?

‘Sleeping In The Sahara’ experiences start from as little as £135. Which, for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, isn’t too bad at all. But, If you’re considering booking this unforgettable experience, make sure you’re prepared.

Take a small backpack with sensible clothes to protect you from the climate, and pack plenty of water. You should also consider packing a power bank, so you can charge your phone in the morning ready for the trip back to your hotel.

Tents set up in the Sahara desert
The desert tents help keep the cooler desert night winds at bay. Photo by Parker Hilton on Unsplash

Where Can You Sleep In The Sahara In Morocco?

There are two separate deserts in the Moroccan Sahara, which are called Erg Chebbi and Erg Chegaga. If you want to explore a stunning landscape filled with mountains and natural sand dunes, this is one of the best natural experiences in Morocco.

Most travellers choose to visit Erg Chebbi, as it is considered to be the most picturesque. However, Erg Chegaga has its fair share of visitors, usually seasoned travellers to Morocco who have already explored Erg Chebbi.

If you’re staying in Marrakech and don’t think you’ll have time for the 8-hour drive to the infamous desert, you can always take a day trip to the Agafay desert, which is just 1 hour from the city limits. However, it’s worth knowing that this desert is a lot rockier than the Erg Chebbi and Egg Chegaga.

People sat around a campfire in the Sahara desert at night
Spending the night in the desert is cheap and once-in-a-lifetime. Photo by Tomáš Malík.

Best Things To Do On A Sahara Desert Trip

If you decide to kip down in the desert, you will usually sleep in traditional Moroccan tents designed to keep out sand and the cold air. You can also take the opportunity to try some typically Moroccan delicacies around the campfire as you enjoy the stripped-back setting.

Overnight temperatures in the desert have been known to dip below freezing. However, should you still have some wiggle in your budget, there are inns available reasonably nearby which provide wifi and showers

A settlement in the desert with cafes and restaurants
If desert nights get a little too wild, you could always find a plush inn. Image by Kon Zografos from Pixabay

4. Eating At Street Vendors

Speaking of tasty Moroccan delicacies. This country is renowned for its incredible food scene. Even if you don’t need to keep costs down, many travellers choose to eat at street vendors because of their infamously mouth-watering morsels.

The good news about these talented chefs is that 1) they can be found almost everywhere, particularly in the medinas and 2) the prices are usually super low – we’re talking like £2 per item in some areas.

Some examples of delicious traditional Moroccan food you can find on your visit to the stalls are hamas kamoun, harcha, sugar cane juice, zitoun, chfani and mille-feuilles.

Eating your way around the street vendors is definitely one of the best things about booking a budget-friendly holiday in Morocco and can allow you to experience Morocco’s amazing cuisine culture.


Final Thoughts

There are many ways you can enjoy a budget-conscious but brilliant trip to Morocco. You can enjoy the unique culture, landscape and cuisine without breaking the bank. Which makes it an incredible option for your next escape. 

Another great way to keep the cost of your Moroccan adventure down is by reducing the number of days in your stay. Treat it like a city break and visit over a long weekend. Click the button below to find out how

Prev Post

7 Best Budget-Friendly Mid-Haul Holiday Destinations For Wallet-Conscious Sun

April 28, 2023

Next Post

Cenote in Mexico

Our First Timers' Guide To Building A Boss-Level Riviera Maya Itinerary

May 5, 2023