All you need to know about alcohol in Morocco and Marrakech (2024)

FAQs

Can you drink alcohol in Marrakech? ›

Alcohol is served in licensed hotels, bars and in tourist areas. However, drinking alcohol in the street and anywhere other than a licensed restaurant or bar isn't allowed and can lead to arrest.

Beer and wine are produced domestically. They also tend to be the most popular drinks in Morocco. Various types of wine are available, including Moroccan grey wine.

Simply put, mahia is the spirit of Morocco. Traditionally distilled as an eau de vie by the Jewish population of the country (the Muslim population is not permitted to do so), mahia can be made from either figs or dates and aniseed.

In Marrakech, buying alcohol is easier than in the rest of the country. The city benefits from many expensive restaurants and licensed bars. You'll find some licensed liquor stores and two specialist wine merchants in the Newtown district. It's also pretty easy to pop to a supermarket that sells alcohol.

Marrakech should be perfectly fine for solo female travelers as long as they avoid wearing clothes that are too revealing and walking alone in the Medina at night. What is this? Even while taking these precautions though, solo female travelers will occasionally have to deal with hassle in the Medina of Marrakech.

Sexual acts between members of the same sex, or outside marriage, are illegal. Possessing p*rnographic material is also illegal. Understand and follow local laws. Morocco has strict laws around religion, the monarchy, alcohol, photography and drone use.

Morocco allows the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol must be purchased and consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. You can also buy alcohol in most major supermarkets. The alcohol section is usually in a separate room from the main supermarket.

The most popular drink in Morocco is green tea with mint. Throughout Morocco, making good tea is considered an art form and it is considered a tradition to drink tea often with family and friends.

Alcohol is served in many restaurants and bars, although the consumption of alcohol outside is strictly forbidden, including on outdoor terraces in the street. Most larger supermarkets will have a good size 'Le Cave' area selling wine, beer and spirits.

What do Moroccans drink with dinner? ›

Crushed, shaken, and poured, Moroccan mint tea is a common accompaniment to traditional Moroccan spicy foods. The best Moroccan mint tea is made fresh in front of you, but if you're in a hurry, you can find this traditional Moroccan drink served in large vats in restaurants or market squares.

Stick to bottled water

You shouldn't drink the tap water in Morocco, or even use it to brush your teeth.

Morocco Dress Code

There isn't one. Appropriate clothing for Morocco is really what you're looking for. There are no laws for the country governing what you can or can't wear.

The answer is: of course! Shorts are very common. Locals wear them all the time. As long as they are not tight, revealing, or very short in length, you can bring as many as you want in any color or material.

Whatever you wear in Marrakech, never excessively reveal the body outside of the riad or hotel where you are staying. Cover décolletage, shoulders and thighs. It's not necessary for non-Muslim women to wear a hijab (a type of scarf covering the hair).

Moroccans are very loving – in private. It's very uncommon and frowned upon to show a lot of affection in public. Holding hands in Morocco is fine.

The easy answer is no; you do not need to cover your hair. That being said, there are some religious sites that may ask you to do so. Often they will have scarves for you to borrow, but I suggest bringing your own and carrying it in your purse or backpack just in case.

The best time to visit Marrakech is in the spring and autumn when temperatures are consistently pleasant without getting unbearably hot. May and September are the most ideal months to visit as rainfall tends to be lower than the other autumn and spring months.

Avoid eating anything that is likely to have been washed in water, such as raw vegetables, salads (unless you are entirely certain the eatery uses distilled water to wash fresh produce).

Can you wear shorts in Marrakech? ›

You can let your guard down in Marrakech, a little. Shorts are ok – just ensure they're way, way beyond cheek-grazing territory. Similarly skirts – though in the heat, we'd always opt for long and flowing. Baggy t-shirts are as skimpy as you'll want to take things.

Therefore, the first rule to dressing in Morocco is to respect Islam's emphasis on modesty. Clothes and accessories are not meant to attract attention or excessively reveal the body. Women should ensure that their clothes do not expose the décolletage, shoulders, or thighs. This same principal applies to menswear.

Polygamy in Morocco is legal, but very uncommon due to restrictions that were introduced by the government in 2004 that mandated financial qualifications a husband must meet in order to marry a second wife. A husband must have written permission from his current wife before marrying a second wife.

Tipping When Eating Out in Morocco

For a quick meal, you should expect to tip around five dirhams (or more.) And in nicer restaurants, a typical tip is between 7-10 percent of the bill. NOTE: Your tip should always be paid in cash and left on the table. Don't simply add it to your bill when paying with your bank card.

Can I use my debit/credit card in Morocco? Credit and debit cards aren't widely used outside of the cities and tourist areas in Morocco. However, in more upscale establishments, you may be able to pay with your card (Visa or MasterCard).

In the major cities in Morocco, the tap water is chlorinated and will usually cause no harm, but it's still wise to either purify this water yourself or choose another water source, as your body may react to unfamiliar bacteria in the water, causing sickness or diarrhea.

The price of 1 bottle of red table wine, good quality in Casablanca is 137 Dirham. This average is based on 6 price points. At this point it is only a guess. Latest update: November 23, 2022.

How expensive is alcohol in Morocco? Due to taxes, alcohol in Morocco is very expensive compared to most places in Europe. A small 25cl domestic beer will cost between 25 – 35 MAD (€2.50 – €3.50) in a bar. A 33cl bottle of local Casablanca beer will cost 45 – 60 MAD (€4 – €6) when purchased in a bar.

You'll often find a barley soup option as well as mint tea and coffee. What do Moroccans drink for breakfast? While you will find coffee, mint tea is the preferred drink of choice at a Moroccan breakfast. In addition to mint tea, locally grown oranges are squeezed into some of the best orange juice in the world.

What are two typical drinks in Morocco? ›

Beverages -- Night and day, Moroccans are rehydrated by two popular drinks -- freshly squeezed orange juice and mint tea, the national drink. Both can be found in cafes and snak restaurants countrywide, and are an excellent pick-me-up for the overheated traveler.

As it is a Muslim country, alcohol in Morocco is not available everywhere and many restaurants serve only soft drinks with your meal. However, there are many places where you can get wine, beer and spirits, you just need to know where to go.

At many of the upmarket restaurants in the tourist areas they will add 10% to the bill, therefore check your bill. If you don't receive good service then don't tip and if you get great service give more than 10%. In taxis, just round up to the nearest 5 dirhams, e.g. if the taxi meter says 17, pay 20.

Dinner tends to be served after the sunset prayer, and is more along Mediterranean and Latin times, from 7 or 7:30pm to 10:30 or 11pm.

Marrakech is also known as the city of luxury, thanks to its famous palaces, 5-star restaurants, luxury spas and hammams and charming riads (traditional houses) in the medina. Amongst others, there is the Mamounia and its enchanting gardens, the luxurious Royal Mansour hammam and the refined cuisine of Namaskar Palace.

The cook presents the lunch and leaves. The host will announce 'Bismillah' (the name of Allah), everyone echoes his salutation. Then eating commences. If you are full, continue nibbling.

Couscous. Known as Morocco's most popular dish, the Couscous tops our list of the top ten best Moroccan food & dishes. The couscous is made from crushed steamed wheat, and it is served with a spicy stew that contains a lot of meat.

Bssaha ! Cheers! Bssaha ! Lay i âtik ssaha !

Moroccan Food Etiquette: How to Eat Without Offending Hosts

When eating with your hands, eat with your right hand only. When eating with your hands, use just your thumb and first two fingers (using your entire hand is a symbol of gluttony). Only use your left hand to pick up bread or to pass dishes to other people.

Exchanging Money -- Morocco is still very much a cash society. Throughout the country, it's very difficult to cash traveler's checks or use credit cards. Euros are by far the easiest foreign currency to exchange, and are often accepted as payment if you don't have any dirham on hand.

Why do Moroccans have good skin? ›

Moroccan women are known to respect and adhere to ancestral beauty traditions using only natural products and treatments. Throughout the ages, they have relied on natural herbs, oils and extracts known for their amazing health and beauty properties.

On the bottom, jeans, maxi-skirts, dresses and slacks are perfectly acceptable for female tourists in Morocco. As a rule of thumb, it is best to wear bottoms that are at least knee length, and preferably longer. Similarly, loose-fitting items are preferred over tightly-fitting items.

Swimwear (including bikinis) is quite acceptable and normal on the beach and around your hotel pool but you should certainly cover up a bit when away from these areas.

Cultural Guidelines: To feel the most comfortable, you will want tops with at least some sleeves. Moroccan women will usually have their sleeves cover their elbows, but as a tourist, that is not necessary. Stay away from strappy tank tops. If you are wearing pants, you will want a longer shirt.

Yes, you can use the US dollars in Morocco. Morocco is still a cash-based economy. Euros, USD, and CAD – not Australian dollars, are always accepted in Morocco and you will save time bringing cash to convert, doing away with bank lineups or non-active cash machines to acquire dirhams.

Can I wear ripped jeans in Morocco? 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.

While female travellers aren't expected to dress as conservatively as local women, it's still a good idea to pack clothing options that will allow you to cover up. In the main cities you can get away with wearing pants or a skirt that reaches below the knee, and a short-sleeved t-shirt.

Alcohol is served in many restaurants and bars, although the consumption of alcohol outside is strictly forbidden, including on outdoor terraces in the street. Most larger supermarkets will have a good size 'Le Cave' area selling wine, beer and spirits.

If you're looking for a place to get loose and dance the night away, below are the best bars in Marrakech and Marrakech clubs where your night out is bound to get crazy. If you're looking for the most luxurious, high-end and beautiful Marrakech club, look no further than Le Palace.

Alcohol and Drugs

In the big cities you will find a wide range of bars and all modern hotels sell alcohol. In the Marrakech Medina (old walled city) licensed bars are very rare.

Can unmarried couples go to Marrakech? ›

For some Europeans, the rules pertaining to unmarried couples in Morocco may seem concerning, but most tourists will find that they are completely unaffected by the laws. If you and your partner are unmarried, don't worry about it: no-one in Morocco is likely to ask you anyway.

Moroccan bars, called brasseries, are usually smoky, dingy drinking dens frequented by Moroccan men and prostitutes. Most top-end restaurants and many maisons d'hôte will also offer alcohol, as will nightclubs in the resorts of Agadir and Marrakech.

Is Morocco a dry country? Morocco allows the consumption of alcohol. Alcohol must be purchased and consumed in licensed hotels, bars, and tourist areas. You can also buy alcohol in most major supermarkets.

Whatever you wear in Marrakech, never excessively reveal the body outside of the riad or hotel where you are staying. Cover décolletage, shoulders and thighs. It's not necessary for non-Muslim women to wear a hijab (a type of scarf covering the hair).

In the major cities in Morocco, the tap water is chlorinated and will usually cause no harm, but it's still wise to either purify this water yourself or choose another water source, as your body may react to unfamiliar bacteria in the water, causing sickness or diarrhea.

If you're planning on visiting Morocco, you might be wondering if drinking alcohol is legal. After all, Morocco is a Muslim country and alcohol is prohibited in the Quran. The answer is yes, drinking alcohol in Morocco is legal, so you will be able to enjoy something stronger than mint tea.

“What should I wear?” – I often get this question from travelers coming to Morocco, particularly women, wondering what to wear in Morocco. While the country does not have a dress code, it is always a good thing to understand the culture before packing your suitcase.

Can unmarried couples sleep together in Morocco? While it is not permitted for an unmarried Moroccan couple to share a room, as non-Moroccans you won't encounter any problems (unless the establishment itself chooses not to allow it). However, public shows of affection should be kept to a minimum.