13-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Morocco
Morocco is a backpacker's dream, offering a sensory overload of colors, smells, and sounds that don't have to break the bank. By utilizing the extensive network of ONCF trains and CTM buses, and sticking to the legendary street food scene, you can navigate this North African gem for as little as $13 a day.
This itinerary takes you through the 'Classic Route' with a focus on local experiences over tourist traps. You'll sleep in social hostels, eat where the locals eat, and discover that the most beautiful parts of Morocco—the medinas, the mountains, and the Atlantic coast—are often completely free to explore.
Day 1: Marrakech - Arrival & The Jemaa el-Fnaa Spectacle
Arrive at Marrakech Menara
Take the L19 Express Bus to the city center for a fraction of the cost of a taxi. Settle into a hostel in the Medina area.
Koutoubia Mosque Gardens
Walk through the lush, free-to-enter gardens surrounding the city's largest mosque and admire its iconic 12th-century minaret.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Night Market
Witness the world's most vibrant square come to life with storytellers and musicians. Eat at the open-air food stalls—look for the ones packed with locals.
Street Food Dinner
Grab a bowl of Harira soup and a portion of fried snails for under $2.00 at the edge of the square.
Day 2: Marrakech - Hidden Alleys and Souks
Bab Agnaou Exploration
Walk through one of the most beautiful gates of the city walls, located near the Kasbah district.
Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
Wander through the historic Jewish district. The spice markets here are often cheaper and less aggressive than the main souks.
Souk Semmarine
Lose yourself in the labyrinthine market. Window shopping is free, and the craftsmanship on display is a world-class attraction in itself.
Rooftop Sunset
Find a budget café with a roof terrace near the Spice Square and enjoy a $1 mint tea while the call to prayer echoes over the city.
Day 3: Essaouira - The Atlantic Breeze
Marrakech to Essaouira
Board a Supratours or CTM bus for a 3-hour journey to the coast. It's the most reliable and cheapest way to travel this route.
Check into a Coastal Hostel
Find a bed in a surf-style hostel. The vibe here is significantly more relaxed than in the imperial cities.
Essaouira Beach
Walk the long sandy beach, watch the kite surfers, or join a local football match for free.
Port of Essaouira
Watch the blue fishing boats come in and see the day's catch being unloaded at the historic port gates.
Day 4: Essaouira - Skalas and Seafood
Skala du Port
Walk the sea-facing ramparts (for a tiny fee) and see the cannons that once defended this pirate stronghold.
Fresh Fish Grill
Select your fish directly from the stalls near the port and have it grilled on the spot for a cheap, authentic lunch.
Artisan Workshops
Explore the wood-carving workshops in the city walls, famous for their Thuya wood craftsmanship.
Gnawa Music Session
Listen to traditional Gnawa music often played for free in small cafes or on the streets within the medina.
Day 5: Casablanca - The White City
Bus to Casablanca
Take a CTM bus for the 5-hour journey north. Enjoy the changing landscape of the Moroccan countryside.
Hassan II Mosque Exterior
Visit the exterior of this massive mosque built over the ocean. The intricate mosaics and massive minaret are free to admire from the courtyard.
The Corniche
Walk along the oceanfront promenade of Ain Diab, a popular spot for locals to congregate and exercise.
Rick's Café (Exterior)
See the recreation of the famous cafe from the movie 'Casablanca'—it's a great photo op without the high price of a meal inside.
Day 6: Rabat - The Coastal Capital
Train to Rabat
Hop on a regional ONCF train. It’s a short, 1-hour trip and very affordable for budget travelers.
Kasbah of the Udayas
Explore this stunning, blue-and-white walled fortress. The entrance and the Andalusian Gardens inside are free.
Hassan Tower
Visit the unfinished minaret and the Mausoleum of Mohammed V. Both are free and offer a glimpse into royal history.
Rabat Medina
Shop at the more orderly and less crowded medina for cheap street food like 'Maakouda' (potato cakes).
Day 7: Chefchaouen - Journey to the Rif
Bus to Chefchaouen
Take a CTM bus from Rabat. This is a 5-hour winding journey through the Rif Mountains.
Check-in & Orientation
Find your hostel in the blue-washed medina. Most budget options are located near the Outa el-Hammam square.
Outa el-Hammam Square
Relax in the main square and watch the world go by with a cheap mint tea.
Spanish Mosque Hike
Walk 20 minutes uphill to the Spanish Mosque for the most famous (and free) sunset view over the blue city.
Day 8: Chefchaouen - The Blue Pearl
Photography Walk
Get up early to photograph the blue alleys before the crowds arrive. This is the city's main (free) attraction.
Ras El Maa Waterfall
Visit the spring where locals gather to wash clothes. It's a peaceful spot just outside the medina walls.
Kasbah Museum Exterior
While the inside has a small fee, the exterior gardens and the square are perfect for relaxing.
Goat Cheese Tasting
Chefchaouen is famous for its fresh goat cheese. Buy some from a local market stall for a cheap dinner with bread.
Day 9: Fes - The Cultural Heart
Bus to Fes
Travel from the mountains to the oldest of Morocco's imperial cities via CTM bus (approx. 4 hours).
Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
Enter the Fes El Bali medina through its most famous gate. It's the perfect starting point for exploration.
Bou Inania Madrasa
View the stunning architecture of this 14th-century religious school. The entrance fee is very low.
Street Food Tour
Dine on 'B’ssara' (fava bean soup) for less than $1.00 at a hole-in-the-wall spot in the medina.
Day 10: Fes - The Medieval Maze
Chouara Tannery
Watch the leather-making process from the balconies of the surrounding leather shops. Entrance is usually free, but tips are expected.
Al-Qarawiyyin University
Visit the exterior of the world's oldest continuously operating university. Non-muslims cannot enter, but the gates offer a peek inside.
Nejjarine Square
Admire the beautiful fountain and the Museum of Wooden Arts (exterior) in one of the medina's most scenic squares.
Borj Nord Sunset
Walk up to the Merenid Tombs or Borj Nord for a panoramic view of the massive Fes medina at sunset.
Day 11: Fes - Exploring Fes el-Jdid
Royal Palace (Dar al-Makhzen)
See the magnificent golden doors of the Royal Palace. It's one of the most photographed spots in Fes and free to visit.
Jardin Jnan Sbil
Take a break from the medina chaos in these beautiful, free public gardens between the old and new city.
Mellah of Fes
Explore the Jewish quarter of Fes, which has a distinct architectural style compared to the rest of the city.
Camel Burger Dinner
Treat yourself to a camel burger at a local medina cafe—a unique Moroccan experience that remains affordable.
Day 12: Tangier - The Gateway to Africa
High-Speed Train to Tangier
Experience Africa's first high-speed train, the Al Boraq. It's fast, efficient, and affordable if booked in advance.
Grand Socco
Explore the large square where the old medina meets the new city. It's a bustling hub of activity.
Caves of Hercules
Take a local shared taxi (grand taxi) to these legendary caves where the Atlantic meets the Mediterranean.
Cafe Hafa
Have a mint tea at this legendary cliffside cafe where the Rolling Stones used to hang out. The view is priceless.
Day 13: Tangier - Departure
The Kasbah Museum
Visit the Kasbah district at the highest point of the city for sweeping views across the Strait of Gibraltar to Spain.
Petit Socco
Have a final Moroccan breakfast of 'Msemen' (pancakes) and coffee in this historic square.
Ferry or Airport Transfer
Head to the Port of Tangier for a ferry to Spain or take the bus to the airport for your flight home.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Pick up some local spices or argan oil with your remaining Dirhams before departing.
Best Time to Visit Morocco
The best time to visit Morocco for budget travelers is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant enough for walking through medinas and hiking, and hostel prices remain stable. Summer can be brutally hot, especially in Marrakech and Fes, while Winter can be surprisingly cold and rainy in the north and the mountains.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). At the time of writing, 1 USD is approximately 10 MAD. Cash is king in Morocco, especially in souks and for street food. While larger hotels and some restaurants in the 'Ville Nouvelle' accept cards, you should always carry Dirhams. Tipping is common but modest—round up the bill at cafes or leave 5-10 MAD at local restaurants.
Getting Around Morocco
Morocco has an excellent public transport system. For travel between major cities like Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Tangier, the ONCF train network is the best option—it's reliable, cheap, and comfortable. For routes not covered by rail (like Marrakech to Essaouira or Fes to Chefchaouen), the CTM and Supratours bus companies are the gold standard for safety and punctuality. Within cities, 'Petite Taxis' (metered) and 'Grand Taxis' (shared) are the most economical way to get around if the destination is too far to walk.
