Is Morocco worth visiting? That’s the big question I kept asking myself before my first trip. My family and I sat around our kitchen table, staring at pictures of golden sand dunes and colorful markets, wondering if this faraway country would be fun—or just way too different. If you’re asking the same thing, here’s the honest answer I wish someone had given me: yes, Morocco is absolutely worth visiting, especially if you like adventure, new foods, and places that feel like storybooks come to life. But—and this is important—you need to know what you’re walking into.
Before we get to the fun stuff about camel rides and amazing candy-like pastries, let’s make sure all your safety concerns addressed so you can explore with confidence. Think of it like learning the rules of a new board game before you play. Once you know how it works, it’s way more fun. Most safety concerns addressed with smart planning—just like wearing a helmet when you ride a bike!
Is Morocco Worth Visiting for Families and Young Travelers?
Kids and parents always ask me this first. They worry Morocco is just for grown-ups who want to do serious stuff like museum hopping all day. Not true! My 10-year-old cousin said it was like being inside a video game where every level looks different. One day you’re in a city that looks like a sandcastle, the next you’re in mountains that remind you of snow cones (minus the snow).
Morocco is actually perfect for young travelers because your senses get a workout. The smells of cinnamon and oranges in the air, the sounds of musicians playing drums in the square, the feeling of soft rugs under your feet in shops. It’s not boring at all. But here’s the real talk: you have to be okay with things being different from home. The toilets are different, the language is different, and people might try to sell you things more aggressively than at your local mall.
Parents like that it’s not super expensive. A fancy dinner costs what a fast-food meal costs back in the US. Kids like that they can ride actual ATVs on the beach and sleep in tents that look like genie lamps. Everyone wins—if you pack patience along with your sunscreen.
What Makes Morocco Special? (Hint: It’s Not Just the Camels)
Sure, the camels are cool. They look grumpy in a funny way, like your teacher before coffee. But Morocco is special because it’s mixed up—in the best way. It’s part African, and part European, like a smoothie of cultures. You’ll hear the call to prayer singing from mosques five times a day, which might sound spooky at first, but becomes as normal as hearing your school bell ring.
The buildings are the color of a peach milkshake. Cities like Marrakech have walls that are all pinky-red, like someone painted them with strawberry syrup. And the doors! They’re huge and green or blue with metal studs, like something from a medieval castle in a movie about wizards.
But the real magic? The people. A shopkeeper might invite you for mint tea even if you don’t buy his rugs. Kids in the mountains will wave at your car like you’re a celebrity. It feels welcoming, not scary—once you know how to say hello properly (which we’ll get to).
The Real Morocco: What You’ll Actually See
Let’s break down what shows up in your camera roll, because pictures tell the story better than fancy words.
Crazy-Busy Markets (Called Souks) Imagine your town’s biggest flea market, but everyone’s selling rainbow pyramids of spices, lamps that look like Aladdin’s, and live chickens. It’s loud. It’s crowded. It smells like a mix of perfume and donkeys. You’ll get lost—that’s a guarantee. But getting lost is part of the game. My friend’s 8-year-old called it a “maze with treasures,” which is pretty accurate.
Mountains That Look Like God’s Sand Art The Atlas Mountains aren’t green like the Rockies. They’re striped—brown, red, gray—like a layered cake. If you go in winter, they have snow on top, which is wild because you were just sweating in the desert two hours ago. Kids who like geography (or just like saying big names) will love pointing out Mount Toubkal, which is super tall.
The Sahara Desert: Nature’s Sandbox Okay, it’s not exactly like your backyard sandbox unless your sandbox has dunes taller than your house and goes on forever. Riding a camel here feels like being a character in Star Wars. At night, the stars are so close you feel like you could jump up and grab one. My nephew tried. He’s 7. He failed, but he loved trying.
Beach Towns with Surfboards and Seagulls Not everyone knows Morocco has beaches. Essaouira looks like a painting of a pirate town, with blue boats and walls that are, well, also blue. The wind is so strong it’ll blow your hat off, which is fun unless it’s your favorite hat. Pro tip: hold onto your hat.
Morocco’s Crazy-Cool Cities: Which One Should You Pick?
Choosing where to go is like picking your favorite ice cream flavor—they’re all good, but different.
Marrakech: The Loud One This is the city you see in movies. It’s busy, bright, and the main square (Jemaa el-Fnaa) turns into a carnival at night with snake charmers and food stalls. It’s exciting but can feel like too much if you’re tired or hungry. Save Marrakech for when you have energy. Kids who love action movies will think it’s the best.
Fez: The Old One Fez has the world’s oldest university and streets so narrow a car can’t fit. You have to walk or ride a donkey. It’s like stepping into a history book, but one that smells like leather because of the tanneries. The smell is… strong. Like gym socks mixed with oranges. But seeing how they make leather is pretty cool.
Chefchaouen: The Blue One Every wall is blue. Every. Single. Wall. It’s like Smurf Village became a real place. It’s calmer than other cities, great for taking photos. My cousin said it’s where you go to “chill out and feel like you’re in a dream.” She’s 12 and pretty wise.
Casablanca: The Modern One Skip it unless you really love the movie. It’s just a big city with traffic. Not super special for kids.
Safety Stuff: What Parents and Kids Need to Know
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room—or should I say, the camel in the room. Most safety concerns addressed pretty easily if you use your normal street smarts. You wouldn’t walk around a strange city at home with your money hanging out of your pocket, right? Same rules apply here.
Morocco is rated Level 2 by the US government, which means “be careful, but go ahead.” That’s the same rating as France or Italy. So it’s not super dangerous, but it’s not Disneyland either (though Disneyland is probably more dangerous for your wallet).
What You Actually Need to Worry About:
- Pickpockets: Especially in busy markets. It’s not violent—just sneaky. Think of them as magicians who make your phone disappear. Wear a money belt under your shirt like a secret agent.
- Scams: Someone offers to “help” you find your hotel, then wants money. Politely say “no thank you” 15 times if you have to. It’s like saying no to a pushy friend who wants the last cookie.
- Traffic: Cars and motorbikes don’t stop. Ever. They just honk. Crossing the street is like playing Frogger, the old video game. Hold hands, look both ways, then walk fast and steady.
What You Don’t Need to Worry About:
- Terrorism: It’s super rare. You’re more likely to get hit by a coconut at home.
- Kidnapping: Also super rare. Moroccans love kids and will often give them free candy.
The key is staying aware without being scared. My mom kept saying, “Eyes up, not on your phone,” which is good advice anywhere.
The Truth About Morocco’s Safety for Americans
Will people be mean because you’re from the USA? Nope. Most Moroccans separate politics from people. They’ll ask if you like Obama or Trump just out of curiosity, like asking your favorite color. They’re not trying to start a fight.
Morocco is actually one of the most pro-American countries in that part of the world. You’ll see American flags on some shops. They like our movies and music. One kid in a village asked my brother if he knew LeBron James. He doesn’t, but the kid was thrilled just to talk about basketball.
Police are everywhere in tourist areas, and they’re helpful if you get lost. Just show them your hotel card. They might not speak perfect English, but they understand “help” and “lost.”
Food Adventures: Yummy or Yucky?
Food is where Morocco gets real interesting. Some of it looks weird but tastes amazing.
Tagine: It’s a stew cooked in a pointy clay pot. Chicken with lemon, beef with prunes, veggies with chickpeas. It tastes like a hug from the inside. My picky eater niece liked the chicken one because it was just “saucy chicken.”
Couscous: Tiny pasta balls with veggies and meat on top. It’s fluffy and filling. Think of it as Moroccan rice, but better.
Pastilla: A sweet and savory pie with pigeon meat, almonds, and powdered sugar. I know—pigeon sounds gross. But it tastes like a fancy dessert and dinner had a baby. Most kids won’t try it, and that’s okay. More for the grown-ups.
Harira Soup: Tomatoey soup with lentils. Perfect for when you’re tired and want something familiar-ish.
Mint Tea: They pour it from high up to make bubbles. It’s super sweet, like liquid candy canes. Kids love it. Grown-ups get buzzed from the sugar high.
What About the Stomach Bug?
This is the #1 worry. Here’s the real deal: don’t drink tap water. Ever. Not even to brush your teeth. Bottled water is cheaper than soda, so just buy it. Ice is usually fine in tourist restaurants.
Eat where it’s busy. If locals are lining up, the food is fresh. Peel your fruit like a banana. Avoid salad unless you’re in a fancy place. My family’s rule: if it’s cooked and hot, you’re good. If it’s raw and washed, maybe skip it.
We brought probiotics and pepto-bismol just in case. No one got sick. My dad says his stomach is “made of steel,” but I think he just got lucky.
What Should You Pack for Morocco?
Packing for Morocco is like packing for a school field trip that goes to three different planets. You need layers.
For Kids:
- Clothes that cover knees and shoulders: Not because it’s dangerous to show skin, but because you’ll get fewer stares. Think capris and t-shirts, not tank tops.
- A hat that ties on: That wind is no joke.
- Broken-in sneakers: You’ll walk a million steps.
- A small backpack: For water, snacks, and treasures you buy.
- Sunscreen: The sun is angrier there.
- Earplugs: Cities are loud at night.
For Parents:
- Money belt: The nerdy but necessary item.
- Hand sanitizer: Bathrooms might not have soap.
- Portable phone charger: You’ll take 500 photos a day.
- Imodium: Just in case.
- A scarf: For visiting mosques (women) or for sandstorms (everyone).
Money Matters: Is Morocco Expensive?
Good news for your allowance: Morocco is cheap compared to Europe or even California. A nice hotel room costs $60-80. A huge dinner for four is $30. Taxis are $2-5 for most rides.
But here’s the trick: you’ll want to buy everything. Rugs, lamps, spices, leather bags. Shopkeepers are smooth talkers. They’ll offer you “cheap price, my friend” which is still probably double what locals pay. Haggling is expected. It’s like a friendly debate, not a fight. Start at half their price and meet in the middle.
My mom’s rule: If you really love it and can afford it, buy it. If you’re just being polite, walk away. They might chase you down the street with a better price. That’s normal, not scary.
When Should You Visit Morocco?
Morocco has two seasons: “really hot” and “pretty nice.”
October to November: Perfect. Warm days, cool nights. Not too crowded.
March to April: Also perfect. Flowers bloom in the mountains. My favorite time.
June to August: HOT. Like, fry-an-egg-on-the-sidewalk hot. Especially in the desert. Avoid unless you love sweating.
December to February: Cold in the mountains, mild in cities. You can ski in the Atlas Mountains, which is weird to think about but true.
Ramadan (the month when Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset) is interesting to see, but some restaurants are closed during the day. Nights are festive, though, like one big party.
Top 10 Morocco Moments That Make It Worth It
- Your First Sunrise Over the Dunes: The sand turns every color of orange juice, from light pulp to heavy pulp. You’ll wake up at 5 AM for it, but it’s worth it.
- Feeding Monkeys in the Cedar Forest: In the Middle Atlas, wild monkeys (Barbary macaques) eat peanuts from your hand. They’re gentle but sneaky. One stole my sister’s granola bar.
- The Call to Prayer at Dusk: Even if you’re not religious, hearing the singing echo across the city feels magical, like the world is taking a deep breath.
- Shopping for a Magic Carpet: You won’t find Aladdin’s carpet, but you’ll find ones so soft you want to sleep on them. The shopkeepers will unroll 50 rugs just for you.
- Swimming in a Riad Pool: Riads are old houses turned into hotels with courtyards and pools. Jumping in after a hot day feels like winning the lottery.
- Eating Pastries for Breakfast: Moroccan breakfast is cake-like breads, honey, and weird but good cheese. It’s like having dessert first, which every kid approves of.
- Crossing the Street Successfully: It’s a small victory, but you’ll feel like you earned a medal.
- Making Friends with a Cat: Cats are everywhere in Morocco, and they’re friendly. You’ll adopt a street cat for the day.
- Holding a Baby Lamb in the Countryside: Farmers let you pet them. They’re soft and make the best photos.
- The Moment You Realize You’re Brave: Navigating a new country where you don’t speak the language makes you feel grown-up in a good way. You’ll stand taller on the flight home.
Questions Kids Ask About Morocco (Parents, Read This)
Kids ask weird questions. Here are real ones I got, with honest answers.
Q: Will I have to eat bugs?
A: Nope. No bugs. Unless you count the occasional fly in the market, which you’ll find anywhere.
Q: Is there Wi-Fi?
A: Yes, in most hotels and cafes. It’s not as fast as home, but good enough for TikTok.
Q: Can I bring my Nintendo Switch?
A: Yes, but you’ll be too busy to play it. Save it for the plane ride.
Q: Do I have to speak Arabic?
A: No. French works in most tourist places. English works in big cities. Smiling works everywhere.
Q: Will I see terrorists?
A: No. That’s like asking if you’ll see a unicorn. It’s not something that happens in everyday life.
Q: Can I wear shorts?
A: In beaches and pools, yes. In cities, wear longer shorts or pants. It’s about respect, not rules.
So, Is Morocco Worth Visiting for My Family?
This is the bottom line, right? After all this talk of food and camels and scary traffic, should you actually go?
If your family likes routine, quiet vacations where everything is predictable—maybe not. Morocco is messy. Plans change. Your train might be late. The hotel might have a weird smell. You might get lost. That’s not everyone’s idea of fun.
But if you want your kids to see that the world is bigger than their school and their phone screens—absolutely yes. My little brother (age 9) said Morocco taught him that “different isn’t weird, it’s just different.” That’s a pretty deep thought for a kid who still sleeps with a nightlight.
Morocco makes you tougher and more flexible. You learn to negotiate, to navigate, to try foods that look funny. You learn that silence doesn’t mean awkwardness, that not every moment needs to be filled with talking. You learn to sit on a rooftop and just watch the world go by, which is a skill most adults have forgotten.
The memories you make are the kind you talk about for years. “Remember that time Dad almost got run over by a donkey?” “Remember when Mom drank six glasses of mint tea because she was too polite to say no?” Those stories stick.
Final Score: 9 out of 10
I’m knocking off one point because the bathrooms can be gross and the heat is no joke. But everything else? Worth it. Totally worth it.
If you’re still wondering, is Morocco worth visiting for first-timers who are nervous? Yes, because being nervous means you care. And caring means you’ll pay attention and have a better trip than someone who just shows up expecting everything to be like home.
Book the ticket. Buy the travel insurance. Pack your sense of humor. Morocco is waiting, and it’s way cooler than staying home and watching travel shows on TV.
Quick Checklist Before You Go
- [ ] Passport valid for 6 months
- [ ] Travel insurance (get the kind that covers evacuation, just in case)
- [ ] Print out hotel addresses in Arabic and French
- [ ] Download offline Google Maps
- [ ] Tell your bank you’re traveling
- [ ] Buy a water bottle with a built-in filter
- [ ] Research “Is Morocco safe to travel right now” for latest updates
- [ ] Practice saying “La, shukran” (No, thank you)
