We arrived in Morocco on a warm summer evening with backpacks full of snacks and heads full of dreams. Our family of four had a modest goal: explore this enchanting country on $50 per day per person, all while keeping the kids happy and the budget intact.
Little did we know we were in for the adventure of a lifetime! Over two weeks, we journeyed from the bustling bazaars of Marrakech to the golden dunes of the Sahara, then north through the medieval maze of Fes and into the tranquil blue lanes of Chefchaouen.
Along the way we learned to haggle like locals, found secret cheap eats, and dodged a scam or two. Join us on this guide as we share how we made every dirham count and how you can too.
Marrakech
Our journey began in Marrakech, a city that assaults the senses in the best way. Stepping into the famed Jemaa el-Fna square our first night, we were mesmerized by drummers, dancers, and food stalls grilling meats over open flames.
The best part? It’s all free to experience – though if you snap a photo of a costumed performer or the kids pet a snake charmer’s cobra, be ready to tip a few dirhams.
We quickly learned to keep small change handy and a smile on our faces as we said “no, merci” to overly persistent vendors. Most locals are friendly (especially to children), but around tourist hotspots like Jemaa el-Fna you’ll meet a few “helpful” strangers angling to become your guide or lead you to a cousin’s shop. A polite refusal and walking on is usually enough to shake them off.
One trick we used was dining on rooftop terraces overlooking the square – savoring the spectacle from above, away from the fray. Sipping sweet mint tea up there as the call to prayer echoed over the rooftops, we felt both removed and totally immersed in Marrakech’s magic.
Sleeping in a Riad
Rather than a pricey resort, we chose to stay in a traditional riad (a guesthouse with an interior courtyard) nestled in the old medina. The riad we booked turned out to be an entire four-bedroom home – plenty of space for the kids to play – and astonishingly cost only about $40 USD per night.
Moroccan cities are full of these affordable rental riads and apartments, which can be booked via Airbnb or local sites. Many come with perks like plunge pools or rooftop lounges, and ours even included a simple breakfast.
The value was incredible: Marrakech ranks as one of the least expensive cities in the region for travelers. We definitely recommend a riad stay for families – the enclosed courtyard gave our kids a safe place to romp, and we had a kitchen to prepare snacks (handy for picky eaters).
Plus, the friendly host arranged for a local cook to prepare a home-cooked tagine dinner for us one night – an aromatic feast of chicken, lemons and olives – for far less than a restaurant meal. It was a delicious introduction to Moroccan hospitality, all within our budget.
Cheap and Cheerful Eats
Marrakech is a food-lover’s paradise, even on a dime. We found that if we ate like locals, we could feed our family for just a few dollars each. Each morning, we’d wander the nearby alleys to pick up fresh msemen (flaky Moroccan pancakes) hot off the griddle for 2–3 MAD apiece, and oranges to hand-squeeze into juice.
Lunch might be hearty bowls of harira soup (a spiced lentil and tomato soup) from a street vendor for around 10 MAD ($1). For dinner, we often gravitated to the food stalls at Jemaa el-Fna, where stall owners beckon with menus in hand.
We indulged in classic beef kofta kebabs and chicken tagine plates for about 40 MAD each (~$4) – and that was at a sit-down café just off the main square. In the warren of smaller streets, we discovered family-run eateries (“cafés”) serving full Moroccan meals for as little as 30–40 MAD (under $5) per person.
Our favorite became a tiny spot called Roti D’or, where locals and savvy backpackers lined up for enormous chicken shawarma wraps with fries for ~35 MAD – a steal given the fresh ingredients and kid-approved taste.
By sticking to street food and local cafes, we easily stayed under our food budget (and truth be told, ate better than at any expensive tourist restaurant!).
Insider tip: Save the Western-style restaurants for a splurge – those can cost 100–200 MAD per meal – and instead join the locals at the market stalls where the food is authentic, delicious, and pennies on the dollar.
We even let our kids try the famous fresh-squeezed orange juice in the square (just 4 MAD a glass) – cautiously at first – and it became an nightly tradition.
Getting Around
Marrakech is a city best explored on foot – which fortunately is free! We spent our days wandering the medina’s maze-like souks, letting the kids marvel at storytellers and acrobats performing by day in Jemaa el-Fna, and popping into centuries-old palaces and gardens.
Many attractions here cost only a small fee; for example, the stunning Bahia Palace was about 70 MAD entry, though children under 12 were free. When our feet needed a break, we rode Marrakech’s affordable city buses.
Locals told us buses would be too crowded, but we usually found a seat – and at 4 MAD (≈$0.40) per ride it was an unbelievable bargain. Bus #19 from the airport saved us a fortune: 30 MAD fare each versus the 150+ MAD some taxis quote tourists. Speaking of taxis, they are abundant but require savvy negotiation.
Petit taxis (small beige cabs) are supposed to run on the meter, which would make most rides only 10–20 MAD in town – but every driver we met preferred to set a (high) flat price. We learned to haggle hard or walk away. One evening we needed a cab back to our riad, so we walked a couple blocks away from the tourist hub before flagging one down.
Sure enough, the driver agreed to use the meter – a 10-minute ride came to just 15 MAD, far less than the 50 MAD another driver demanded near the square. When in doubt, ask your hotel staff what a ride should cost and have exact change ready.
On longer hops across town (like to the bus station or garden district), we sometimes used the Uber-like app inDrive, where you pre-agree on a fare – a great trick we picked up from locals to avoid the “broken meter” scam.
But honestly, within Marrakech’s ancient walls we mostly walked everywhere, hand-in-hand with our kids, soaking up the vibrant street life for free.
Adventures and Avoiding Surprises
Marrakesh provided some of our favorite budget-friendly experiences. We spent virtually nothing to explore the sprawling Medina – essentially a living museum of crafts, spices, and architecture – other than the souvenirs we chose to buy.
Haggling in the souk became a family sport – our kids proudly bargained a vendor down to half price on a pair of colorful babouche slippers, giggling the whole time.
We did spring for a few inexpensive cultural treats: one afternoon we visited a public hammam (bathhouse) where locals go. At about 10 MAD per person for admission, it was a bargain way to relax and do as Moroccans do (we kept it modest, skipping the pricier tourist spas).
We also treated the kids to a horse-drawn calèche ride around the city walls at sunset – negotiating the price down to 120 MAD for all four of us. It was a dreamy way to cap a day of walking and cost far less than a theme park back home. Still, Marrakech kept us on our toes.
We quickly learned a few scam-avoiding tricks that saved our budget: ignore anyone who tells you an attraction is “closed” and offers to guide you elsewhere (almost always false); be cautious if a friendly stranger insists on showing you around the souks (they’ll likely demand a hefty tip at the end – we dodged this by firmly declining upfront); and settle on prices before accepting any service, whether it’s a henna tattoo for your daughter or a spontaneous “tour” by a local.
By knowing these common ploys, we avoided any major rip-offs and found most Moroccans to be genuinely kind and welcoming to our family. In fact, our kids were often showered with warmth – shopkeepers gifting them a date or a trinket – reminding us that hospitality is at the heart of Moroccan culture.
After three exhilarating days, we left Marrakech having spent far less than we budgeted, yet feeling richer in experiences. With cheap eats, a cozy $40/night riad, and the free spectacles of the medina, Marrakech proved that even a world-famous city can be delightfully affordable.
As we packed up for the next leg, even the kids couldn’t wait – we were heading into the Sahara Desert, ready for camel adventures beneath starry skies.
Into the Sahara
Trading city bustle for endless dunes, we set out for the Sahara Desert – a must-do for our family. We had read that reaching the towering Erg Chebbi dunes (near the village of Merzouga) isn’t a quick jaunt; it takes a full day’s journey over the Atlas Mountains.
To make the most of it, we booked a 3-day, 2-night group tour that would take us from Marrakech all the way to Fes via the desert. This way we avoided expensive private drivers and bundled our transport, guides, and lodging together.
After some diligent shopping around (and haggling with tour operators in Marrakech), we secured a tour for about $120 per adult, with a 50% discount for our two kids – children’s rates are often negotiable if you ask.
This price included transportation in a minibus, two nights’ accommodation (one in a simple hotel en route and one in a desert camp), camel rides, and most meals.
At roughly $150–$180 total per person, it was the priciest chunk of our trip, but absolutely worth it for the memories made. (Note: Independent travelers can do it even cheaper by taking the public Supratours bus to Merzouga and arranging a camel trek locally, but with kids in tow we appreciated the ease of an all-in-one tour.)
The journey itself became part of the adventure. We traversed the dramatic Atlas Mountains, winding through switchbacks with jaw-dropping views (and a few nervous gasps from the backseat – do pack motion sickness tablets!).
Along the way, the tour stopped at Aït Benhaddou, a fortified mud-brick village famous from movies, where our children played make-believe among ancient alleys. Visiting the kasbah was essentially free exploration; a small tip to a local guide unlocked colorful stories of camel caravans and Hollywood film sets.
By evening, we reached a guesthouse in the Dadès Gorge. Our room was basic but clean, and a warm tagine dinner was included – keeping our wallets closed for the day apart from snacks and cold drinks.
Sunset Camel Caravan: The real highlight came on day two as we approached Merzouga and caught our first glimpse of the Sahara’s golden sand sea. We transferred into a lumbering line of camels – the kids absolutely beside themselves to each have a camel to ride (held on lead ropes by our Berber guides).
As the sun began to dip, we trekked up and over towering dunes glowing orange in the late light. I will never forget the look on our 6-year-old’s face – pure wonder – as she shouted, “This is the world’s biggest sandbox!” Indeed, it felt like stepping into a dream.
This surreal overnight excursion was the one part of Morocco we budgeted extra for, knowing it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Standard camel treks with an overnight at a desert camp range $100–$200 per person (shop around – quality varies).
Our mid-range camp was no luxury glamp-ground, but it had comfy cots in traditional tents, flush toilets, and an included dinner of fragrant stew under the stars. We even lucked out with a sky full of shooting stars, free of charge.
Sitting by the campfire, our guide played Berber drums and taught the kids desert constellations. For those magical hours, price became meaningless – and yet, I reflected, how accessible this experience actually was on a modest budget with a bit of planning.
Waking up in the chilly pre-dawn, we hiked up a dune (huffing and puffing) to watch the sunrise over the Sahara – a family memory we’ll treasure forever. We had a simple breakfast at camp (coffee, bread, and jam never tasted so good) before mounting our camels for the return ride.
Budget tip: We learned to clarify what’s included in desert tours – ours included dinner and breakfast, but we paid out-of-pocket for lunches on driving days and any drinks.
Also, bring small change to tip your camel handler or any local musicians; these tips aren’t mandatory, but a small 20 MAD gesture is appreciated for their hard work.
By late morning, our tour van rolled onward. Instead of looping back to Marrakech, we’d opted for a route that continued to Fes (many companies offer this at no extra cost). This saved us time and money, as we didn’t have to retrace our steps or buy separate transport from the desert to Fes.
Avoiding Desert Drainers: We did encounter a few potential budget “surprises” in the desert portion. At a rest stop, an enterprising vendor tried to sell us scarves for the kids at triple the normal price, claiming they “must have them for the desert.”
A quick laugh and “no thanks” and we used the cotton scarves we already had. In some tour groups, we heard of optional ATV or sand-boarding activities being offered on arrival in Merzouga – fun, but often marked up.
We chose to stick with the included activities (walking and sandcastle-building kept our little ones perfectly content).
Another tip: carry some snacks and water from town; highway rest stops can be expensive for basics. We’d stocked up on a pack of bottled water in Marrakech (a 6-pack 1.5L cost ~24 MAD at a supermarket) and fruit, which held us over and saved us from paying tourist prices en route.
Overall, the Sahara excursion was an area we were willing to spend a bit more on, but prudent choices still kept it reasonable. By the time we rolled into Fes, dusty and delighted, we knew every extra penny spent was well worth the glow on our kids’ faces as they regaled us with camel jokes.
Lost in the Ancient Medina
If Marrakech was stimulating, Fes was downright transporting – as if we wandered into the Middle Ages. We arrived in Fes in the evening (courtesy of our desert tour drop-off) and immediately sensed a different vibe.
Fes’s old city, Fes el-Bali, is a UNESCO-protected warren of narrow alleys and hundreds of mosques, known as the largest pedestrian medina in the world. Fes is less overtly touristy than Marrakech; touts are fewer, though the city can be a bit overwhelming in its intensity and labyrinthine layout.
We checked into a small family-run riad in Fes’s medina, which we’d booked online for about $50/night for a family room including breakfast – slightly more than Marrakech, but the riad’s ornate tile work and rooftop terrace views made it feel like a steal.
The next morning, fortified with mint tea and msemen pancakes provided by our riad, we set out to explore. Fes’s medina is famously confusing – even our GPS struggled – so we budgeted a modest sum for an official guide to show us around for half a day.
We hired a licensed guide through our riad for 150 MAD (around $15), and it was money very well spent. Not only did he expertly lead us through the maze of souks, he also helped us avoid “faux guides” – random unlicensed guys who offer to navigate you then demand payment (a common scam here).
With our real guide, we enjoyed getting pleasantly lost in the souks of Fes: the kids gasped at shop after shop of sparkling lamps, copper teapots, and pyramids of spices.
We visited a centuries-old Quranic school (medersa), climbing its narrow stairs for just a 20 MAD entry fee. Our guide also took us to a bakery tucked in a back alley, where an old man was pulling rounds of khobz bread from a wood-fired oven – he handed us a loaf to taste, refusing our attempt to pay. These authentic experiences were essentially free and so enriching.
A highlight was the famous Chouara Tanneries, where leather is still dyed in giant open-air vats as it has been for a millennium. Our guide led us to a terrace of a leather shop overlooking the polka-dot pattern of dye pits in shades of ochre, red, and blue.
The smell of curing leather was, shall we say, memorable – they gave us fresh mint leaves to sniff as a trick to handle the pungency. Watching men knee-deep in dye turning hides under the blazing sun, my son whispered, “I’m glad my job is just school!”
The tanneries cost nothing to view; we tipped the shop attendant 10 MAD for the experience (and perhaps for those mint sprigs!). Of course, we felt some pressure to buy a bag in the showroom below – we politely browsed and moved on.
If you’re on a tight budget, feel free to enjoy the tannery view and skip the expensive leather goods; a courteous thank-you and exit is fine. We later learned many shops pay a small commission to guides for bringing visitors, but since we didn’t buy anything this time, no harm done.
Come lunchtime, we were eager to try Fes’s specialties. We wandered to the area near Bab Bou Jeloud (the Blue Gate), a popular entry to the medina with many eateries. The restaurants right by the gate were catering to tourists and charging 80–100 MAD for couscous – our frugal alarm bells rang.
Instead, we ducked into a side street and found a tiny tiled eatery filled with locals. Here, we enjoyed scrumptious bissara (a thick fava bean soup) drizzled with olive oil for 10 MAD a bowl, and shared plates of kefta meatballs in tomato sauce for 30 MAD each.
Our entire family feasted for under 120 MAD total (~$12), including fresh bread and sweet mint tea. This became our strategy: go where the locals go, even if the menu isn’t in English. We often just asked for the daily special (“plat du jour”) – always tasty and affordable.
For a fun treat, one evening we visited the famed Café Clock in Fes. It’s a bit of a backpacker haunt, but we couldn’t resist trying their legendary camel burger (yes, really camel meat!). At 90 MAD it was a splurge by our standards, but the burger was huge enough to split, and the café offers free storytelling and music performances some nights.
The kids loved sitting on floor cushions, listening to a storyteller animate Moroccan folktales (in English) – a cultural experience with our meal. If you go, check their schedule; often there’s a nominal fee or just the expectation you order something.
For daytime munchies, Fes street food is fantastic: we bought flaky pastilla (meat pies dusted with sugar and cinnamon) from a stall for 5 MAD each and snacked as we strolled. We also spent a mere 30 MAD on seasonal fruit from the market to keep in our room – juicy prickly pears and figs became our go-to dessert.
Transport and Tips in Fes: Within the medina, transport is on your own two feet (or perhaps a donkey cart!). Fes’s old city is hilly and not stroller-friendly, so be prepared with a baby carrier or hold little hands tightly – especially when the occasional motorbike zips past.
When we ventured to the newer part of Fes (Ville Nouvelle) one afternoon for a park visit, we used a petit taxi, which in Fes are mint-green compact cars. Here, unlike Marrakech, the drivers surprised us by using the meter without protest – a short ride was around 12 MAD. It may have helped that I cheerfully said “kayn counter?” (Moroccan Arabic for “is the meter on?”), showing we knew the drill.
If you need to travel between the train station or bus station and the medina, petit taxis are very cheap (typically 15–25 MAD, plus a small luggage fee). As for onward travel, we planned to go to Chefchaouen next. We bought tickets on a CTM bus (a reputable bus line) for about 75 MAD per adult; kids under 4 ride free and our older child was half-price – a family discount that was a pleasant surprise.
Indeed, Morocco often gave breaks to families: many museums and sites did not charge for kids under 6, and some were free under 12, so it never hurts to ask.
Fes tested our budgeting skills a bit – the maze-like souk had so many temptations (lamps! rugs! antiques!). We stayed strong, picking one special souvenir (a leather backpack for about $25 after hard bargaining) and avoiding overspending. We also stayed safe by sticking to busy streets in the medina, especially after dark.
We had heard Fes can have pickpockets in the crowded lanes, so we kept valuables hidden under clothes and didn’t roam lonely alleyways at night. For all its intensity, Fes was truly rewarding and authentically welcoming – locals often greeted our children with a warm “bonjour!” and a high-five.
By the time we boarded our northbound bus, we felt a sense of accomplishment: we had navigated one of the world’s most ancient cities, amazed our senses, and did it without breaking the bank.
The Blue Pearl
They call Chefchaouen the Blue Pearl of Morocco, and as our bus wound up into the Rif Mountains, we quickly understood why. Almost every building in this charming town is painted in ethereal shades of blue – as if plucked from a fairytale.
Arriving in Chefchaouen was literally a breath of fresh mountain air after the bustle of Fes. The town is smaller, safer, and wonderfully laid-back – ideal for families ready to slow down a bit. Best of all, many of its delights are completely free.
The Blue City
We checked into Hotel Molino Garden, a budget-friendly guesthouse frequently praised by travelers. True to its reputation, it had an enchanting little garden courtyard and simple rooms from $25 a night.
Since we had a bit of extra room in our budget at this point, we splurged on a larger room with a private bathroom for $35 – still a bargain, and the spaciousness was welcome by our kids after tighter quarters in Fes.
Many lodgings in Chefchaouen are similarly affordable; another we considered was Dar Zman, known for its big rooms, friendly staff, and a delicious included breakfast – always a plus when traveling with hungry little ones.
If you prefer an Airbnb, those exist here too, but we loved the social vibe of the guesthouse, where we met other families to swap tips with. One tip from a fellow traveler: book a place with a rooftop terrace.
We did, and every evening we would sit up there admiring the panoramic view of blue houses cascading down the hill, while our kids sketched in their travel journals. It was a million-dollar view for well under $50 a night.
Blue Alley Adventures
Chefchaouen is essentially one giant playground of alleys and stairs, all painted varying hues of blue. Our children felt like they were in a storybook, eagerly turning each corner to see what shade of blue awaited.
We spent hours just wandering the photogenic streets – which cost nothing and gave us endless joy. Unlike the bigger cities, Chefchaouen’s medina is quiet and safe; there are no hustling motorbikes in the pedestrian lanes, and locals go about their day at a relaxed pace.
We could give the kids a bit more freedom here – they led the way down narrow passages (always ending up back in the main plaza somehow). Every now and then a friendly cat would appear (Chefchaouen has many) and our kids would stop to pet it while we chatted with a shopkeeper.
The vibe was incredibly family-friendly. When the midday heat climbed, we did as locals do and took a siesta back at the hotel, then resumed exploring in late afternoon.
One afternoon, we hiked up a short trail to the Spanish Mosque overlooking the town. It’s about a 20-30 minute walk uphill from the medina, but even our 6-year-old managed it with minimal whining (a miracle!).
The trail and mosque are free to visit, and by going just before sunset we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of Chefchaouen glowing in golden light against the mountain backdrop.
We sat among a small crowd of travelers and local families up there, enjoying the breeze as the sky turned pink. Definitely one of the best free activities in town! On the way back down, we treated ourselves to a fresh fruit smoothie from a café by the river for 15 MAD – a sweet end to a sweet day.
Eating Well for Less
Despite being a smaller town, Chefchaouen has plenty of affordable eateries. We often ate at local restaurants where we saw Moroccan families dining – a sure sign of both good prices and good food.
Bab Ssour was one such spot, tucked in an upstairs nook; we loved their hearty tagines for around 40 MAD. Another day, we tried Morisco on the main square (Place El Haouta), climbing up to their terrace. The portions were huge and the bill tiny – two entrees easily fed all four of us.
For something different, we visited Cafe Clock here as well (they have an outpost in Chefchaouen) to indulge our kids with banana pancakes one morning. It was the only place in town serving Western-style pancakes, and while slower service and a higher price tag came with the territory, the mountain view from their rooftop at breakfast was worth the leisurely wait.
Our best food find, however, was just outside the tourist center: a row of simple grill shops known collectively as Cafe Al Baraka. At the far end of this strip (away from the main road) we found a real hole-in-the-wall joint absolutely packed with locals – usually the ultimate endorsement.
Here, we ordered their specialty: half a rotisserie chicken with rice, fries, gravy and bread for 50 MAD (about $5). When the platter arrived, we honestly thought the price was a mistake – it was so much food!
We devoured it, every succulent bite, and even had leftovers to take home. Eating like this – where the locals eat – ensured we never spent more than $10-15 total on a meal for our family. And yes, the kids declared that $5 chicken “the best dinner in Morocco.”
Slowing Down and Saving
Chefchaouen invited us to slow our pace and relax – which incidentally is great for the budget since we weren’t cramming in pricey attractions. Many activities here are free or very low-cost.
We paid a small 60 MAD family ticket to enter the Kasbah Museum in the main square – a fortress with lovely gardens and a tower viewpoint. The historical exhibits were mildly interesting, but the kids mostly loved feeding the pigeons in the courtyard and dressing up in the traditional costumes available for photos (no extra charge).
We also spent an afternoon at the Ras El Maa waterfall, a modest cascade on the edge of town where local women still do laundry in the spring water. The kids splashed their feet while we chatted with a couple from Spain; it was a peaceful, no-cost outing. If you have more time and a bit of budget, consider a day trip to Akchour (about 45 minutes away by taxi, costing 200 MAD round-trip if you share with others).
There you can hike to gorgeous waterfalls and natural rock bridges. We ultimately skipped this due to the summer heat and our kids’ ages, but fellow travelers raved about it as a worthwhile budget excursion (the hike is free, you’d just pay for transport and maybe a guide if desired).
One thing we didn’t have to worry about in Chefchaouen was scams or hassles. Perhaps it’s the small-town feel, but we never felt like walking wallets here. Shopkeepers were generally laid-back; if we said we were just looking, they said “bienvenue” and let us browse in peace.
A couple of enterprising young guys did offer us “kif” (the local hemp) as we walked by – we just laughed and declined; they shrugged and moved on. This town felt exceedingly safe – people know each other, and as visitors we were treated kindly.
Our only challenge was convincing our kids that no, we could not paint our house back home blue like Chefchaouen! They had clearly fallen under the blue city’s spell, as had we.
After a blissful few days, we prepared to journey home. Chefchaouen was the perfect finale – a place where our family could reflect on all we’d seen and learned without rushing. In the cool of our last evening, we sat on our riad terrace, watching the lights twinkle on across the blue walls.
We tallied up some rough numbers and realized we had indeed managed to stick to about $50 each per day on average – sometimes less – and nothing felt lacking. In fact, it felt like an incredibly rich experience for such a humble budget.
Final Reflections
Our Moroccan summer adventure showed us that a bit of savvy planning and open-mindedness can unlock phenomenal travel experiences for very little cost.
As we headed home, our hearts (and camera SD cards) were full. We had bartered in ancient markets, ridden camels in the Sahara, wandered blue streets, and bonded as a family in ways no money can measure.
And we did it all without financial strain, proving that even with $50 a day each, you can explore Morocco’s richest offerings. The key was prioritizing experiences and human connections over luxury.
We left Morocco with stories to last a lifetime – stories of generosity, adventure, and the simple pleasures that come when you travel authentically.