When dressing for Marrakech, prioritize loose, lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton and linen to stay cool, covering shoulders and knees to respect local culture, especially in the Medina and religious sites, while packing layers (scarves, light jackets) for temperature shifts and comfortable, supportive shoes for uneven streets; swimwear is fine for pools/beach clubs but cover up when moving around.
Respectful Clothing: Morocco is a predominantly Muslim country with conservative dress codes, especially in rural areas and religious sites. While there's no strict dress code for tourists, it's a respectful way to embrace the culture by dressing modestly, covering shoulders, cleavage, and knees.
Cultural Guidelines: Pants are definitely acceptable for women in Moroccan culture. You'll notice the younger generation even wearing skinny jeans! We would advise staying away from shorts. We would aim for the shortest pants to be mid-calf or capri length.
While some of the bigger Moroccan cities like Marrakesh and Fez are a little more liberal (short-sleeve t-shirts and below the knee skirts or shorts are generally accepted) when it comes to fashion, covered up is always better, and visibly showing you're making an effort to adhere to local customs is always appreciated ...
Article 490: Every sexual relation between a man and a woman not bound by wedlock is a crime of corruption punished by imprisonment from a month up to a year.
What to Wear in Marrakech: Packing Essentials (Morocco Travel Guide 2025)
What not to wear in Marrakech?
Revealing clothing – you should avoid clothing that is too revealing and not modest enough. Items such as short shorts, low-cut tops, mini skirts, strappy tops, tank tops and crop tops. It's important to cover your shoulders, chest, and knees, especially when visiting religious sites.
The importation of the following goods is prohibited : - arms and ammunition, - narcotic drugs, - writings, printed documents, recorded cassettes and video-cassettes and all items contrary to morality and public order. E. Exchange controls : 1) Moroccan currency may be imported in amounts not exceeding 1,000 dirhams.
Yes, you can use tap water in Morocco to brush your teeth without worry. Bacteria and contaminants in the water may not have much of an impact when used for brushing, not drinking.
Pay extra attention to your personal hygiene! Do not swim and surf on the beach right in front of Taghazout, but rather swerve a few hundred meters. Keep your distance from others if someone else has the stomach flu. Avoid eating meat (chicken!) and drinking tap water where possible.
You can also wear sleeveless tops, round or v-necks won't matter as long as they're not too plunging or revealing. If possible, avoid spaghetti straps (unless you're going out in the evening) even if most people won't mind it. Sleeveless can be fine if you keep a scarf around (see my note on scarves below).
Markets, medinas, and tourist sites can be hotspots for pickpocketing—keep valuables secure. Use crossbody bags with zippers and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Be cautious of distractions, as they may be tactics for theft.
In Morocco, the left hand is reserved for bathroom hygiene and dirty chores. So it is considered incredibly rude to eat, shake hands, give a gift, or leave a tip with your left hand.
Public displays of affection are frowned upon, especially outside tourist areas. Holding hands is usually acceptable for married couples, but kissing and hugging in public can attract unwanted attention.
Yes, you can wear leggings. However, and especially in rural areas, pair leggings with a longer tunic length top that covers your butt. Yes, you also can wear ripped jeans. If you have jeans that are ripped in more non-discreet places they might not be the best choice.
While most toilets will be western-style, there may be some restrooms where squat toilets are found. It's a good idea to bring your own toilet paper or tissues with you as restrooms often run out.
Yes, 100 dirhams (MAD) can be a very good tip in Morocco, especially for excellent service, but the appropriate amount depends heavily on the service: it's generous for a restaurant server (where 10-15% or 20-50 MAD might suffice) but appropriate for a full-day private driver or guide, while for small services like porters, 20-50 MAD is standard. Carry small bills (10, 20, 50 MAD) for everyday tipping.
Unspoken rules in Morocco emphasize modesty, respect, and hospitality, requiring you to dress conservatively (shoulders/knees covered), use your right hand for eating/giving, ask before taking photos, show affection discreetly, always accept mint tea, and treat bread with reverence, never wasting it. Showing patience, avoiding public displays of affection (kissing), removing shoes indoors, and being mindful during Ramadan are also key cultural expectations.
