Navigating the Medinas

Getting lost in a Moroccan medina is part of the experience, but it helps to have a strategy. Download offline maps before you go, as GPS signals can be unreliable in narrow alleyways. When walking through the medina, keep to the wider main paths until you get your bearings. If you need directions, shopkeepers are generally helpful but may expect a small tip. Petit taxis cannot enter the medina itself, so identify the nearest gate or landmark where you can be picked up.

The Moroccan Rail Network

Morocco has Africa’s most developed rail system, headlined by the Al Boraq high-speed train between Tangier and Casablanca. For the popular Marrakech-Fes route, conventional trains take about 7 hours with a change in Casablanca. First class offers reserved seating and air conditioning for a modest premium. Where trains do not reach, Supratours buses fill the gaps with coordinated schedules, covering destinations like Essaouira, Chefchaouen, and the Sahara gateway towns.

Money and Bargaining

The Moroccan dirham is a semi-closed currency, meaning you should exchange money upon arrival rather than beforehand. ATMs are widely available in cities and accept international cards. In souks and markets, bargaining is expected and can be enjoyable. Start at about half the quoted price and work toward a fair middle ground. Fixed-price shops in the Ville Nouvelle districts of each city offer an alternative if you prefer not to negotiate.