Do and Don’ts in Morocco?
Do and Don’ts in Morocco? Essential Travel Etiquette for Families & Travelers
Traveling to Morocco is an enriching experience filled with color, history, and warmth. From the maze-like medinas and golden desert dunes to the Atlas Mountains and Atlantic coast, the country offers unforgettable moments for couples, solo travelers, and especially families. However, understanding the Do and Don’ts in Morocco? is essential to ensure your journey is smooth, respectful, and enjoyable.
Morocco is welcoming, but it is also culturally conservative in many areas. Customs are shaped by Islam, centuries-old traditions, and strong family values. What feels normal in Europe or North America may feel inappropriate in certain Moroccan contexts. This guide will help you avoid common mistakes while traveling with children, build positive interactions with locals, and experience Morocco in a way that feels authentic and respectful.
In this article, you will learn cultural etiquette, dress codes, dining manners, safety tips, photography rules, religious considerations, and family-friendly advice all designed to help you travel confidently. Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, these Do and Don’ts in Morocco? will help you make the most of your adventure.
- Explore Morocco with your kids stress-free! Private transport, kid-friendly hotels, and safe meals included. Plan Your Family Tour
- Experience the Atlas Mountains and Sahara Desert with hands-on fun for kids and comfort for parents. Customize Your Adventure
- Enjoy Morocco’s coasts and cities at a calm pace. Perfect for families with young children. Book Your Relaxed Tour
Do and Don’ts in Morocco?
Do in Morocco
Dress modestly, especially in small towns, villages, and religious sites (cover shoulders and knees).
Respect local customs and religion, particularly during Ramadan.
Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in rural areas.
Greet politely using basic phrases like Salam Alaikum (peace be upon you).
Carry cash (Moroccan Dirham) for small shops, markets, and rural areas.
Bargain politely in souks—it’s part of the culture.
Use licensed guides in medinas and desert areas for safety and local insight.
Don’ts in Morocco
Don’t show public displays of affection, especially outside tourist areas.
Don’t drink alcohol in public places—consume it only in licensed venues.
Don’t photograph military, police, or government buildings.
Don’t refuse hospitality rudely—tea invitations are a sign of respect.
Don’t assume prices are fixed in markets; politely negotiate instead.
Don’t enter mosques unless they are open to non-Muslims.
Don’t discuss sensitive topics like politics or religion aggressively.
Bottom line: Morocco is a safe, welcoming country when visitors respect local traditions, dress appropriately, and behave politely.
Can I kiss in public in Morocco?
Public kissing is discouraged in Morocco and is generally considered inappropriate. Morocco is a Muslim-majority country with conservative social norms, especially outside major tourist areas. While holding hands is usually tolerated, kissing, hugging, or intimate gestures in public can attract unwanted attention or cause discomfort to locals. In some cases, public affection may even lead to warnings from authorities. To avoid problems, couples should keep affection private and respectful.
Understanding Morocco’s Cultural Context
To truly understand the Do and Don’ts in Morocco?, you must first understand the cultural foundations of the country.
Moroccan society is built on three core pillars:
Islamic values
Strong family structures
Community respect and hospitality
Islam influences daily life in visible and subtle ways. Prayer times structure the day, religious holidays shape business schedules, and moral values guide public behavior. However, Morocco practices a moderate and tolerant form of Islam, which allows travelers to feel comfortable while still respecting traditions.
Family is sacred in Morocco. Children are cherished, elders are honored, and decisions are often made collectively. This is why families traveling with children are often treated with special warmth. Locals may greet your children, offer sweets, or engage them in conversation gestures that reflect cultural kindness, not intrusion.
Clothing & Appearance: What to Wear and What to Avoid
One of the most important Do and Don’ts in Morocco? revolves around clothing. Dress is closely linked to respect.
Do: Dress Modestly in Public
Modest clothing is one of the most important Do and Don’ts in Morocco? Especially outside tourist resorts, modest dress shows respect.
Women: Loose pants, skirts below the knee, tops covering shoulders and chest
Men: Avoid sleeveless shirts in cities and villages
Children: Casual clothing is fine, but avoid very revealing outfits
Don’t: Assume Resorts Reflect the Whole Country
Beach resorts and riads are more relaxed, but once outside, conservative norms apply again.
Family Tip
Lightweight layers work best. They protect from sun, heat, and unwanted attention.
Can unmarried couples stay together in Morocco?
Foreign unmarried couples can legally stay together in Morocco without any issues. Hotels, riads, and resorts allow international couples to share a room. Moroccan laws concerning unmarried relationships mainly apply to Moroccan citizens, not tourists. Carrying passports during hotel check-in is usually sufficient.
Greetings, Politeness, and Social Interaction
Do: Greet Politely
A simple “Salam Alaikum” (peace be upon you) is appreciated. Handshakes are common between men; between genders, wait for the other person to initiate.
Don’t: Be Overly Familiar
Avoid hugging or touching people you just met, especially across genders.
Children & Families
Moroccans love children. Locals may greet or joke with them warmly. Parents should guide interactions and politely intervene if needed.
Moroccan Hospitality & Dining Etiquette
Hospitality is not optional in Morocco it is a cultural obligation. Understanding this is central to the Do and Don’ts in Morocco?
Do: Accept Tea and Food When Offered
Mint tea symbolizes hospitality. Accepting it is considered polite, even if you only sip.
Do: Eat with the Right Hand
Traditionally, Moroccans eat with the right hand. Using utensils is fine, but follow local cues.
Don’t: Rush Meals
Meals are social moments. Enjoy the pace.
Tipping
Restaurants: 5–10%
Guides & drivers: appreciated, not mandatory
Porters: small change is expected
Bargaining in Souks and Markets
Do: Bargain Respectfully
Haggling is expected in souks. Smile, stay polite, and enjoy the process.
Don’t: Bargain Aggressively
Walking away is fine; insulting prices is not.
With Children
Keep kids close in busy markets and explain bargaining as part of the culture.
Is it okay to take photos in Morocco?
Yes, it is generally okay to take photos in Morocco, and photography is widely accepted in tourist areas, markets, landscapes, and historic sites. Visitors are free to photograph streets, architecture, food, and scenery, but should always ask permission before taking close-up photos of people, especially women, children, and individuals in rural areas. Photographing police, military personnel, government buildings, or security checkpoints is not allowed and can lead to problems. Some vendors or performers in busy souks may request a small tip for photos, and rules inside museums or religious sites should always be respected. Drones are strictly regulated and usually prohibited without official authorization. Overall, respectful and culturally aware photography is welcome and helps ensure a positive experience in Morocco.
Photography Guidelines and Respectful Images
Do: Ask Permission
Always ask before photographing people, especially women and children.
Don’t: Photograph Sensitive Areas
Avoid police, military buildings, and some religious sites.
Family Tip
Photography in tourist areas is fine, but respectful behavior sets a good example for kids.
What is considered disrespectful in Morocco?
Disrespectful behavior includes wearing revealing clothing in conservative areas, refusing hospitality rudely, criticizing religion or the King, entering homes or shops without greeting, and speaking loudly or aggressively in public.
Public Behaviour & Respect
Do: Keep Public Behaviour Modest
Public affection should be minimal.
Don’t: Be Loud or Disruptive
Respect shared spaces, especially in traditional neighborhoods.
Family Insight
Calm, respectful behavior from children is highly appreciated and often praised.
Ready to Start Your Morocco Journey?
Let us help you design a smooth, affordable, and memorable journey crafted by local travel experts who know Morocco best.
Which mosques can tourists visit in Morocco?
Most mosques in Morocco are closed to non-Muslims. The Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca is the main mosque open to tourists through guided tours. Some mosques allow access to courtyards only.
Can you visit a mosque as a tourist in Morocco?
Tourists can only visit mosques that officially allow non-Muslims, usually with guided tours. Most mosques remain restricted to Muslims only.
Religious Respect & Ramadan Guidelines
Do: Respect Ramadan Practices
During Ramadan, avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
Do: Dress More Conservatively
This applies even more during holy periods.
Visiting Mosques
Most mosques are closed to non-Muslims except specific historic ones.
What are the rules for visiting mosques in Morocco?
Visitors must enter only permitted mosques, dress modestly with covered shoulders and legs, remain quiet, follow instructions, and respect prayer times.
Safety Awareness for Families
Morocco is generally safe, but awareness is part of the Do and Don’ts in Morocco?
Do: Stay Together in Crowds
Medinas can be busy; hold hands with younger children.
Don’t: Follow Unofficial Guides
Politely decline unsolicited help.
Transport Safety
Private drivers or licensed taxis are best for families.
Family-Friendly Experiences Rooted in Culture
Do: Choose Cultural Activities
Desert camps
Camel rides
Cooking classes
Pottery workshops
Traditional music
Do: Engage Locally
Cultural immersion creates deeper memories for children than sightseeing alone.
Important “Don’ts” Many Tourists Overlook
Don’t drink alcohol in public
Don’t criticize religion or monarchy
Don’t use offensive hand gestures
Don’t ignore local advice
These are crucial Do and Don’ts in Morocco that protect your experience.
Respecting Laws & Regulations
Carry passport copies
Respect photography restrictions
Follow road rules
Avoid illegal substances
Managing Specific Allergies
Pushy vendors: Firm but polite “No, thank you”
Crowds: Visit early or late
Night safety: Stick to lively areas
Family Travel Essentials Checklist
Modest clothing
Comfortable shoes
Sunscreen & hats
Child snacks
Phrasebook or translation app
Quick Takeaways
Modesty equals respect
Hospitality is cultural, not commercial
Ask before photographing
Bargaining is expected, not rude
Children are deeply valued
Awareness ensures safety
Need Help with Transportation in Morocco?
Book a reliable private driver for your Morocco family adventure today – personalized routes designed just for you, and get 30% off as a first-time visitor!
Conclusion
Morocco rewards respectful travelers with warmth, generosity, and unforgettable experiences. Learning the Do and Don’ts in Morocco allows families and travelers to move confidently through the country, avoiding misunderstandings while building genuine connections.
For children, Morocco becomes more than a destination it becomes a classroom of empathy, patience, and cultural respect. For parents, it offers a rare opportunity to travel deeply rather than superficially.
When you travel with curiosity instead of judgment and respect instead of assumption, Morocco opens its doors completely. From shared mint tea to desert sunsets, the memories created through cultural understanding last far beyond the journey itself.
─── Your questions, our answers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our dedicated team is here to answer your Morocco Travel questions and ensure a smooth, memorable journey through Morocco.
Is Morocco suitable for family travel?
Yes. Morocco is one of the most family-friendly destinations in North Africa.
What clothing is best for children?
Comfortable, modest clothing suitable for warm weather.
Can kids interact with locals?
Yes, Moroccans are very welcoming to children.
Kate Carter
Family Travel Blogger
Kate Carter is a mom and travel blogger who fell in love with Morocco’s culture and warmth. Through Morocco Family Vacation, she shares tips and stories to help travelers enjoy authentic, stress-free experiences. Join us along the way.
Table of Contents
Our Services
At Morocco Family Vacation, we create custom Morocco tour packages designed around your interests and travel style. As a dedicated and independent travel agency, we specialize in private Morocco tours offering memorable desert adventures, cultural experiences, and family friendly itineraries while delivering attentive, personalized service from start to finish.
