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Morocco is a year-round destination for tourists, boasting beautiful beaches, iconic medinas, and stunning landscapes. However, visiting Morocco during Ramadan offers a unique cultural experience. The holy month brings changes in habits, altered schedules, and a distinct atmosphere, making it a fascinating time to visit.
Yabiladi has put together some tips for non-Muslim tourists visiting Morocco during Ramadan, offering guidance on what to expect, what to avoid, and where to go to make the most of your trip.
Ramadan Dynamics: Quieter days
Like Muslims around the world, Moroccans observe Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, fasting from dawn to sunset. In Morocco, Ramadan is both a religious obligation and a cultural practice that influences daily life throughout the country.
If you're visiting Morocco for the first time during Ramadan, you’ll notice a shift in the dynamics: busy streets in the evening after Iftar (the meal that breaks the fast) and a quieter atmosphere in the morning. Because of the fasting during the day and eating after sunset, people tend to be more energetic at night. Additionally, night prayers like Taraweeh, observed after Isha (the evening prayer), and the Suhour meal, the last meal before dawn, contribute to a lively nightlife. This results in quieter mornings, as many people stay up late.
For tourists, this is not necessarily a disadvantage. You can take advantage of the calm mornings to explore without the usual crowds, enjoy free-flowing traffic, and visit monuments and museums.
Altered Schedules
When planning your sightseeing, be mindful that opening hours during Ramadan are adjusted. Museums, palaces, tombs, and gardens typically open between 10 AM and 4 PM to accommodate the fasting schedule.
Similarly, banks, government institutions, and businesses also adjust their working hours during Ramadan.
Shops and souks in the old medinas may open later in the morning or during the afternoon. However, in major cities like Marrakech, vendors expect early visitors, so you may find shops open earlier in popular tourist areas.
The Iftar Experience
Ramadan is not only about fasting but also about food. If you're in Morocco during this period, you’ll be immersed in the country’s rich culinary traditions. Markets and souks across Morocco are bustling with food shortly before Iftar.
You can shop for ready-made chebakia, msemen, and baghrir, or book an Iftar at a restaurant or hotel. Many offer special Ramadan menus, providing a great opportunity to explore authentic Moroccan cuisine. For a deeper experience, consider getting invited to a Moroccan family’s home and participate in the preparations for Iftar.
While fasting is reserved for Muslims, non-Muslims can enjoy breakfast or lunch during the day. Many restaurants and hotels catering to tourists remain open. If you're craving a snack or fast food, major chains are open, but keep in mind that you might find yourself eating with children, as they’re often the ones eating during the day.
While it’s not forbidden for non-Muslim tourists to eat or drink in public during daylight hours, being discreet is a thoughtful way to respect those who are fasting. Similarly, dressing modestly—covering shoulders and knees, especially in traditional areas—aligns with the spirit of the holy month and is warmly appreciated by locals.
Bustling Nights
During Iftar, the streets of Morocco will be quiet as everyone enjoys their meal with family. But shortly after, the streets come alive as people head to the mosque for night prayers. Mosques become crowded during Ramadan, with some people even praying outside larger mosques like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca. This is a beautiful monument worth visiting during Ramadan.
As the night continues, streets, cafes, and restaurants become more crowded, with people meeting friends, playing cards, and socializing. Moroccans tend to be night owls during Ramadan, so expect busier streets later in the evening. Ancient medinas and souks are especially vibrant at night, so if you enjoy the bustle, consider visiting these areas after sunset. Retail shops and malls also remain open late into the night.
If you're staying in a coastal city, consider visiting the beach in the evening or planning an Iftar by the sea while enjoying the sunset.
Nightclubs and bars are generally closed during Ramadan, as alcohol consumption is prohibited. However, tourists can still find alcohol served in larger hotels that cater to non-Muslims.
