Morocco and Ramadan: what does this change for tourism?
You are flying soon to Morocco and you just realized that your holidays will be during Ramadan? No worries, we can fully enjoy your stay during the holy month!
What is Ramadan?
Before starting this article about what to do during Ramadan, it is first necessary to remind us of what is it exactly: every year for a month, Muslims do not eat and drink during the day to put themselves in the place of poor people. Alcohol is totally forbidden (day and night) for 30 days, and you can not smoke during the day.
At sunset, everyone is meeting for the Ftour (breakfast) to break the daily fast and share a friendly moment. We discuss and play cards. It’s a very spiritual month, based on sharing.
As you can see, Ramadan is a rather calm month. Most shops and restaurants close during the day. And Moroccans are rare in the streets until the night has fallen. However, you just have to adapt a little bit your planning to spend an unforgettable stay.
Am I going to starve during my trip?
Of course not! Marrakech is a touristic city, so most of the restaurants and hotels still serve meals during Ramadan. As a tourist, you will be served without problem. Just be careful not to eat and drink on the street during the day, as a sign of respect. In the evening, you can enjoy one of the incredible Ftours served by most establishments.
We recommend the one of La Table du Marché, in the Hivernage neibourhood:
La Table du Marché, Avenue Echouhada, Hivernage, Marrakech.
International Ftour Buffet at 320 DHS
Okay but everything is closed, right?
One again, not at all! While schedules change, most museums and shops remain open. Find out beforehand on the schedules on the Internet (Facebook or websites), generally the establishments close earlier in the afternoon, but in the morning everything is open!
The best thing about traveling during Ramadan is to avoid tourists!
There are many fewer tourists during the holy month, so you will live a much more authentic experience! And you will avoid long queues, this is an opportunity to discover the Majorelle Gardens and the new Yves Saint Laurent Museum, without waiting for hours to enter 😉
What about the activities ?
Want to go off the beaten track and discover Marrakech differently? Book one of our activities: camel ride, quad or buggy ride, mountain biking, mountain hiking…
Until May 31st, your schedules don’t change.
Starting June 1st, activities that take place over a whole day are not impacted. Please note that half-day activities will only take place in the morning (no afternoon session).
Conclusion
Traveling to Morocco during Ramadan is a good plan! You will discover a more authentic Marrakech, emptied of its tourists, and will take part in the most important month in the muslim culture. Attending the call to prayer when breaking the fast at the foot of the Koutoubia Mosque is a very emotional moment that you will remember your entire life!
