17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Morocco
Morocco is a dream destination for the budget-conscious traveler. With its vibrant street food scene, affordable rail network, and a wealth of free historic sites, you can traverse the entire country for as little as $13 a day if you're savvy. This itinerary focuses on the 'real' Morocco—navigating ancient medinas, sleeping in shared riads, and taking local buses across the High Atlas.
By sticking to local harira soup, using ONCF trains, and walking the winding alleyways of imperial cities, you'll experience more culture than any luxury tour could provide. Get ready for an epic journey through the heart of the Maghreb.
Day 1: Casablanca, Morocco - Arrival & Ocean Breezes
Arrival at Mohammed V International Airport
Clear customs and head to the airport train station located in Level -1 of Terminal 1. Buy a ticket to Casa Voyageurs station.
Hassan II Mosque Exterior
Marvel at the world's tallest minaret and the stunning architecture from the plaza. Entry is pricey, but the exterior views and the surrounding promenade are completely free.
Walk the Corniche
Join local families for a stroll along the Atlantic coast. It is the best place to people-watch and enjoy the ocean breeze without spending a dirham.
Cheap Eats at Marché Central
Avoid the tourist cafes and head to the local stalls near the market for grilled sardines or a fresh bowl of harira soup for less than $1.50.
Day 2: Rabat, Morocco - The Imperial Capital
Train to Rabat
Catch the frequent ONCF train from Casa Voyageurs to Rabat Ville. The journey is under an hour and very affordable.
Kasbah des Oudayas
Wander through the blue-and-white walled fortress overlooking the Bou Regreg river. The views from the Andalusian Gardens are spectacular and free.
Hassan Tower & Mausoleum
Visit the iconic unfinished minaret and the nearby Mausoleum of Mohammed V, showcasing incredible Moroccan craftsmanship.
Rabat Medina Exploration
Unlike the tourist-heavy souks elsewhere, Rabat's medina is authentic and cheap. Grab some 'Maakouda' (potato fritter) sandwiches for a few dirhams.
Day 3: Chefchaouen, Morocco - The Blue Journey
CTM Bus to Chefchaouen
Take the morning CTM bus north. It's a long but scenic 5-hour ride into the Rif Mountains.
Hostel Check-in
Drop your bags at a budget-friendly hostel like Pension Mauritania. These spots are great for meeting other backpackers.
Spanish Mosque Sunset
Hike up the hill to the abandoned Spanish Mosque for the most famous view of the blue city as the sun goes down.
Plaza Uta el-Hammam
Eat in the side streets off the main square to avoid 'tourist prices.' A tajine here can be found for very little if you look away from the main square.
Day 4: Chefchaouen, Morocco - Mountain Trails
Ras El Maa Waterfall
Visit the fresh mountain springs where local women still wash laundry. It's a peaceful spot to start your morning.
Labyrinth of Blue
Spend your day getting lost in the blue-painted alleyways. This is a photographer's paradise and costs absolutely nothing.
Rif Mountain Hike
Follow the trails heading further up into the mountains for a few hours of trekking with panoramic views of the valley.
Local Hammam Experience
Visit a local neighborhood public bath (hammam) for a few dollars. It's an authentic cultural experience and a great way to stay clean on a budget.
Day 5: Fes, Morocco - Entering the Labyrinth
Bus to Fes
Board the morning CTM or local bus to Fes. This 4.5-hour journey takes you through the rolling hills of the north.
Bab Boujloud (Blue Gate)
Enter the world's largest car-free urban area through the iconic Blue Gate. Keep your map handy, or better yet, just embrace getting lost.
Bou Inania Madrasa
For a small fee, enter this 14th-century religious school to see some of the finest zellige tilework in Morocco.
Street Food Tour
Find stalls selling bissara (fava bean soup) or fresh camel burgers in the heart of the souk for an ultra-cheap dinner.
Day 6: Fes, Morocco - Ancient Crafts
Chouara Tannery
Watch the leather-dying process from the balconies of surrounding shops. Note: Shops will pressure you to buy, but you can just tip a few dirhams for the view.
Kairouine Mosque & University
While non-Muslims can't enter, you can peek through the doors at the courtyard of the world's oldest continuously operating university.
Mellah (Jewish Quarter)
Explore the distinct architecture of the Jewish quarter, which features balconies facing the street, unlike the inward-facing Islamic houses.
Marinid Tombs Sunset
Walk up to the ruins of the Marinid Tombs on the hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Fes el-Bali medina.
Day 7: Fes, Morocco - Cultural Immersion
Jnan Sbil Gardens
Take a break from the chaotic medina in these lush, free public gardens. It's the perfect spot for a budget picnic of bread and olives.
Henna Souk
Visit one of the oldest squares in the medina, shaded by massive plane trees, where traditional ceramics and dyes are sold.
Dar Batha Museum
Housed in a former royal palace, this museum offers a deep dive into Moroccan arts for a very low entrance price.
Hostel Social Night
Many hostels in Fes offer cheap communal dinners. It's the best way to fill up and share tips with fellow travelers.
Day 8: Sahara Bound, Morocco - The Long Haul
Night Bus to Merzouga
Most budget travelers take the overnight Supratours bus from Fes to Merzouga. It saves you the cost of one night's accommodation.
Stargazing through the Window
As the bus leaves the cities, the Saharan sky begins to reveal its true brilliance.
Brief Rest Stop
Quick stop in Midelt for tea and a stretch before the final leg into the desert.
Arrival in Merzouga
The bus arrives just as the sky starts to lighten over the massive Erg Chebbi dunes.
Day 9: Merzouga, Morocco - The Erg Chebbi Dunes
Sunrise over the Dunes
Walk directly from the village of Merzouga onto the dunes for a free, spectacular sunrise. No expensive tour required for this view!
Village Walk
Explore the small village of Merzouga. Visit the local shops and see how life functions on the edge of the Sahara.
Budget Desert Trek
Instead of a luxury glamping tent, find a local guide for a simple overnight camel trek or just walk out into the dunes yourself for a few hours.
Berber Drumming
Many guesthouses host free drumming sessions around a campfire at night. Join in for a truly local experience.
Day 10: Tinghir, Morocco - The Great Canyon
Grand Taxi to Tinghir
Share a 'Grand Taxi' with other travelers or locals to reach Tinghir. It's faster and more flexible than the bus.
Todra Gorge Hike
Walk through the massive limestone river canyon. The walls are 300 meters high and offer amazing shade and free hiking paths.
Palmeraie Walk
Stroll through the lush oasis of Tinghir, where locals grow dates and vegetables under the shade of thousands of palm trees.
Roof Terrace Tajine
Enjoy a slow-cooked tajine on a terrace overlooking the mountains. In Tinghir, prices are significantly lower than in Marrakech.
Day 11: Ouarzazate, Morocco - Gateway to the Sahara
Local Bus to Ouarzazate
Catch a local bus heading west through the 'Road of a Thousand Kasbahs.'
Ait Ben Haddou
Take a short local shuttle to this UNESCO World Heritage site. This ancient fortified village has been the set for Game of Thrones and Gladiator.
Taourirt Kasbah
Explore this historic residence in the heart of Ouarzazate. The maze-like rooms and intricate carvings are well worth the small entry fee.
Dinner at the Central Plaza
The main square comes alive at night. Look for the stalls with the most locals for the freshest and cheapest food.
Day 12: Marrakech, Morocco - The Atlas Crossing
Bus over Tizi n'Tichka
The bus ride from Ouarzazate to Marrakech is one of the most beautiful in the world, crossing the High Atlas Mountains at high altitudes.
Arrival in Marrakech
The bus drops you near the medina. Walk to your hostel to avoid the overpriced taxis waiting at the station.
Koutoubia Mosque Gardens
The gardens surrounding the largest mosque in Marrakech are free and offer great views of the famous minaret.
Jemaa el-Fnaa Spectacle
As night falls, the square transforms. Don't eat at the stalls right in the middle (tourist trap); instead, look for the 'Harira' stands on the edge where locals eat.
Day 13: Marrakech, Morocco - Souks and Stories
Souk Exploration
Navigate the maze of souks. It’s free to browse! Check out the Rahba Kedima square (Spice Market) for the best photos.
Lunch in the Mellah
The old Jewish Quarter offers some of the cheapest and most authentic food in Marrakech away from the main square.
Bahia Palace
Visit this 19th-century palace to see stunning Moroccan architecture. It is one of the more affordable 'paid' attractions in the city.
Photography Walk
Marrakech is all about the 'Golden Hour.' The clay-red walls of the city glow beautifully at sunset.
Day 14: Marrakech, Morocco - Hidden Gems
Le Jardin Secret
A beautifully restored garden in the heart of the medina. It's a peaceful alternative to the more expensive Majorelle Garden.
Photography Museum
The Maison de la Photographie houses a stunning collection of old Moroccan photos. The rooftop cafe has one of the best views in the city.
Saadian Tombs
Discover the final resting place of the Saadian dynasty, hidden for centuries and rediscovered in 1917.
Listen to Storytellers
In Jemaa el-Fnaa, look for the circles of people listening to traditional storytellers. Even if you don't understand the language, the atmosphere is electric.
Day 15: Essaouira, Morocco - Coastal Escape
Supratours Bus to Essaouira
Take the 3-hour bus to the coast. It’s a comfortable ride and the air gets noticeably cooler and fresher.
Essaouira Port
Watch the iconic blue boats come in with the day's catch. You can buy fresh fish directly and have a nearby stall grill it for you for a small fee.
Skala de la Ville
Walk the sea-facing ramparts where canons still point out to the Atlantic. It's a great free walk with amazing views.
Sunset at the Beach
Essaouira has some of the best sunsets in Morocco. Sit on the sand and enjoy the view as the kitesurfers finish their day.
Day 16: Essaouira, Morocco - Wind and Walls
Medina Shopping
The medina here is much more relaxed than Marrakech. It's a great place to buy Thuya wood carvings or Argan oil at lower prices.
Art Galleries
Essaouira is known for its art. Many small galleries in the medina are free to enter and showcase unique local styles.
Beach Football
Join a local game of football on the wide beach. It’s a great way to interact with locals and get some exercise for free.
Gnaoua Music
Essaouira is the home of Gnaoua music. Look for small cafes or street performers playing this soulful, rhythmic music.
Day 17: Marrakech, Morocco - Final Farewell
Return Bus to Marrakech
Catch your final bus back to Marrakech. Reflect on your 17-day journey across this incredible kingdom.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Head to the Ensemble Artisanal for fixed-price goods if you don't want to haggle one last time.
Coffee at Cafe France
Buy one cheap coffee and sit on the terrace for hours watching the madness of Jemaa el-Fnaa for the last time.
Transfer to Airport
Take the L19 Airport Bus from near the square. It's the cheapest way to reach Marrakech Menara Airport.
Best Time to Visit Morocco
The best time to visit Morocco on a budget is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (April to May) and Autumn (September to October). The weather is pleasant enough for trekking and city walks without the scorching heat of summer or the surprising chill of desert winter nights. Traveling during Ramadan can also be an interesting cultural experience, though some shops and cafes may have limited daytime hours.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Moroccan Dirham (MAD). While high-end hotels and restaurants in major cities take cards, Morocco is still very much a cash-driven society, especially for budget travelers eating at stalls or staying in hostels. Always carry small denominations for tipping and markets. ATMs are widely available, but be aware of foreign transaction fees; using a travel-friendly card like Revolut can save you a significant amount.
Getting Around Morocco
For budget travelers, the train (ONCF) is the best way to travel between Casablanca, Rabat, Fes, and Marrakech. For routes not covered by rail, such as Chefchaouen or the Sahara, use CTM or Supratours buses—they are reliable, air-conditioned, and affordable. For shorter distances or more remote areas, 'Grand Taxis' (shared taxis) are a staple of Moroccan travel; they only depart when full, so be prepared for a bit of a wait, but they are incredibly cheap.
